Ramblin' On: Have Cell Phone, Don't Travel; The Good Doctor

While perusing through some of the news sites today, I spotted one of those 'slap you upside the head' kind of headlines on msnbc.com -- "Why cell phone service here sucks," by Gary Krakow. Rather than regurgitate everything that Mr. Krakow wrote, I'll let you check it out for yourself. Instead I'll share with you my own little experience on why cell phone service in America is just not...shall we say, up to par?

Just a few months ago, while en route to visit my brother-in-law in West Virginia *, we got lost. The directions he gave us for the "uber cool secret shortcut to save us plenty of time" weren't panning out. "No problem," said my lovely wife, whipping out the little wonder of modern technology with the intent to call her brother and get some directional assistance. But -- shock of shocks, the cell phone didn't work -- there was no reception to be had. "That happens," I said, figuring we were in a 'dry patch' of cellular reception, "We'll drive a few more minutes and we should get some bars soon." Well a few minutes became almost 45 minutes. And it was getting dark. And we were in the middle of the Appalachians. And my twin toddler sons were getting restless. And did I mention my mother-in-law was traveling with us?

I know. I was scared too.

Fortunately, we found a gas station with two very sweet young ladies who helped us on our way, despite the fact that "we talked funny." Once we got to my brother-in-laws, and gave him hell for his insane directions that sent us up into the mountains on winding roads that had no barriers and very steep drops (I digress), we called Cingular to find out what the deal was.

"Oh, we're sorry. We don't carry service in that area." Was the half-apologetic reply. "But, you're Cingular. Your ads are like...everywhere." I replied with dejection in my voice. To add more salt and lemon juice to my wireless wounds, just as the conversation with the rep ended, I turned my eyes to the TV set on in my brother-in-law's room. Whose commercial was on at that moment? Cingular Wirless.

So what's the deal, Wireless Moguls of America? Why do some of us get cruddy reception in our own living rooms while visiting friends get calls without problems? Why are you pitching your amazing service in areas that don't even get it? Why can Mister Krakow drive down a rural European Road with nary a farm in sight and still get a call from his friends saying "Stop and get some scones before you come over for the Eastenders Marathon?"

Speaking of British Telly...

While most of my friends are gushing about the new Battlestar Galactica, and I have to sit back and wait for September for my "Lost" fix, I've been enjoying the rebirth of a favorite show of mine from when I was a kid -- Doctor Who. The new series stars Christopher Eccleston as the time-traveling Time Lord, with UK pop star turned-actress Billie Piper as his companion. Because the stupid Sci-Fi channel won't air the show, I had to rely on a friend who procured the eps from someone in the UK -- I'm watching them on my PC as .avi files. Not ideal, but still great to see the Doctor in action once more. Check out eBay, as you'll probably find them there. It's worth the effort.

Alright, enough ramblin.

* for the record, Mapquest says the trip from New York to Elkins West Virginia takes approximately 8 hours. They really should include a button to push that says "Click here if you have children to increase trip time by four hours."**

** Note to self: Don't drive to Elkins West Virginia ever again.***

*** Note to self again: No really. I mean it. It can only end in tears -- mostly my own.