because the telephone was and always will be brilliant

Times used to be that one could find a reasonably priced public telephone on street corners every so many blocks, in the entrance of our favourite greasy spoons or the danker parts of the local drinking establishment. It was a given that in most situations one could scrounge up a quarter and call home for a lift, make an excuse about being late or dodge an awkward appointment without being tracked, traced or found. The tel-com companies thought that it was a wise idea to provide a dependable service that was available to everyone – not so much today. What is not brilliant is that payphones are getting increasingly harder to find and asking to use a telephone in a public establishment gets one looks once reserved for lepers. Those without mobile phones are considered pariahs, luddites, not cool or even worse, old-fashioned….

Not being one to jump on the technology bandwagon as quickly and vehemently as other members in our household, the whole cell phone kafuffle always seemed a bit of an over-rated non-issue and not very high on our list of priorities. The old one always worked well after repeated dropping, appropriation by the dog or frigid overnights in the cupholder of the car and when we were finally upgraded we somewhat unwillingly bequeathed it to the Ghost and gave in.  We now understand why some think these new fantabulous “phones” are as integral to their existence as underwear (or shoes) and the greatest thing since sliced bread. Our favourite toy and a funky tool, although admittedly we use it the least to actually talk to people, it exemplifies this fortnight’s Two Cents Tuesday Challenge theme – Brilliant. Last week, Across the Bored asked “What is brilliant to you?” –  The gloss on a Cadillac or chrome of a luggage rack, Benny Hill on a roll or a crystal bowl, an amazing shade of blue, slick patent-leather shoe, Mozart or Beaux Art … We would love to see your vision.

For all those who are new readers to Across the Bored, some great entries and the guidelines for this fortnight’s challenge can be found here. Need more info or want to browse past themes? Have a look at HOW DOES THIS WORK.