So, another year has come and gone. What better way to celebrate this transition into the New Year than with an Ode. Unfortunately, my subject isn’t that earth shatteringly funny by any means. But those that know me AND my struggles with technological advances, will find humor in it. I hope.
white pages acronyms
In a recent conversation, the topic of the landline phone was discussed. Moreover, how people used acronyms to remember phone numbers. I grew up in Chicago. Consequently, each suburb had their own designated prefix assigned to a phone number. You knew who was from what side of which tracks just by looking at landline digits.
The most-populous cities, such as New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and Chicago initially implemented dial service with telephone numbers consisting of three letters and four digits (3L-4N) according to a system developed by W. G. Blauvelt of AT&T in 1917. This system mapped the letter of the telephone number to the digits on the telephone dial. Translation: it made it easier to remember phone numbers.
- ENglewood 3-1234 is an example of the 2L-5N format, gradually implemented continent-wide starting in the 1940s,
- MARket-7362
- GArden5-3120 – blast from MY personal past
- BALdwin 6828
- MUrray Hill 5-9975 – another example of the 2L-5N format, one of the Ricardos’ numbers on I Love Lucy.
Today, no one remembers a phone number to save their life. Oh, and don’t even think to ask anyone for their own number – “I never call myself” is the popular, yet irritating response. Dumbass. People are so obsessed with their fictitiously busy lives that it’s too bothersome to remember something so trivial. Once again, Dumbass.
Panic at the … Disconnected
I pride myself in my memory – especially when it comes to landline phone numbers of friends and family from my childhood. Sadly, things have changed. Fortunately, my memory is still sharp. But, there’s no longer reason to remember such information. I found this out the hard way. Recently, I called an old friend to catch up only to find yet another number to be disconnected. I panicked. In a fit of despair, I reached for my phone book. Yes, I still have one of those, okay. Ugh! I did’t have a cell number.
It was all good – aside from my over-dramatized panic. New contact information was established. Still, it made me sad. I understand the decision – landlines are quite frankly an unnecessary expense, but, … .
Can you hear me now?
Good news for folks like me. The landline is making a comeback. It will never be the ‘new vinyl’, but according to the article included below, re-establishing the home phone is on the rise. Since cellular service is so stellar, especially in rural areas, people are getting grounded – literally.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-the-landline-phone-will-never-go-away-1530812621
I’m not thinking the whole acronym system will be resurrected as well. Though, there’s probably a fucking app that can be downloaded to aid in this daunting task. (sarcasm intended). Still, the whole concept makes me Love Lucy even more – ring, ring MUrray Hill5- 9975.
Ode lang syne, baby!
Happy 2019
