I spent another hour (more, actually) on the phone with Time Warner and Vonage today. The result is that we are going to have to get a new home phone number despite our best and timely efforts to maintain the number we currently have. I admit to making a small mistake of informing both companies of what we wanted to do too early. The systematic incompetence and heartlessness of the companies entailed that what should have been an easy number transfer became a frustrating, enervating, soul-crushing experience. If I decide that writing up the details will help, I might update this post so that I can document the facts. But, I’m going to have another drink and try to forget it. Friends: we’ll have a new home number soon.