1) We need a new way of answering the telephone. Even though we have caller ID, and most of our calls are from people already programmed into our phones, we still answer with, "Hello?" with that little uptick of a question on the end. What are we asking? We know who it is.

2) On the other hand, when you get a call from an unrecognized number we either A) Don't answer or B) say, "Hello?" with a slightly suspicious tone that implies the caller has no business calling.

3) The little pre-programmed sells at McDonald's drive thru (Welcome to McDonalds, would you like to try an apple pie today?") don't actually work, because the real person taking your order has either started blocking it out, or there's a dead space immediately following the programmed offer in which they can't hear the customer. Trust me. I ordered 20 apple pies the other day to see what happened. Nada apple pie. Got a chicken sandwich though!