I recently saw an internet article re. a Texas waitress who discovered putting her phone in a drinking glass improved reception, and laughed at such an obvious urban myth.

In my solid granite flat in Aberdeen, I could not get any mobile reception (intermittent one bar at best), so I use the internet for making calls.

Only problem was if somebody rang my mobile, they would jump straight to voicemail, and I would miss the call until I saw a message had turned up.

So, being very sceptical, I got a glass and put my mobile in it. Well to quote an old commedian, "my flabber was never so gasted". Lo and behold 1-2 bars.

Not really enough to hold a good call (aside from practical difficulties of the mobile being in a glass (bluetooth solution?). However, the phone rings now, and I can see who's calling, and ring back via internet.

The really strange thing is I told this to a young girl at work and she looked at me as if I was stupid, and said all her friends do that in nightclubs! !

PS for avoidance of doubt, the drinking glass must be empty of liquids or solids (air only). I accept no responsibility for damage cuased tryingthis!

Compared to what? Lying horizontal on a table isn't ideal, sitting in your pocket in close proximity to what is effectively a big bag of salty water isn't ideal. Propped upright and away from obstructions is obviously going to be better than that.