Grumpy Old Mobile

How did we all survive before the mobile phone was invented?

I ask because everywhere one looks nowadays there are people going around with mobile phones either clamped to their ears or in their hands being used for text messaging.

Even more worrying is the number of drivers who, despite current legislation, still drive whilst using the phone. Frighteningly this also includes drivers of HGV’s and delivery vans who seem to ignore the restrictions with impunity.

With the billions of pounds being spent on pointless wars, surely it cannot be beyond the wit of man to produce a device which will disable mobile phones in a vehicle whilst the engine is running?

I admit I do have a mobile phone, I don’t like having one but it is a necessity, especially when a large proportion of my working life is spent on the racecourse. However I do turn my phone off when I am driving and I also turn it off as soon as I am home – and what a stir that causes.

I have lost count of the number of messages left on my phone complaining that people have tried to contact me but my phone has been turned off. Invariably these have been left when I have been at home. My response is invariably the same, the clue is in the title - “mobile” phone – I use it when I am mobile. When I am at home I can be contacted on my home phone it is that simple. Of course I only give my home phone number to those who I really want to contact me in my own time.

The trouble with mobile phones is people now expect you to be available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Have you also noticed the number of web sites that now insist on you entering a telephone number if you want to purchase anything from the site. I have a simple answer to that one, I just make a number up.
So if you get a call for someone you have never heard of asking, about an order about which you know nothing, then I apologise it could have been me who gave your number. Just don’t take the call when you are driving!!!