Randy Sarafan from Instructables has created an interesting device that rungs a telephone number when a hidden button is pressed. Originally this may have had a use as a "panic button" however it's also an ideal way to call the telephone on your desk at the press of a button. Why would you want to call yourself? Some days it might be the best conversation you have, but seriously it's a way to look busy and encourage visitors to leave you alone when you have better things to do.
The device is simply an Arduino with a GSM shield - when a button is pressed the Arduino commands the GSM module to dial a particular phone number. It's simple but it works, and is also something that could be modified to call a number upon any event - e.g. a flooding basement, freezer failure or a break-in. Either way, visit the Instructable to see how it's done. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.
If you're new to Arduino and want to join the fun, the first step is a solid board for your projects - our Freetronics Eleven - the Arduino-Uno compatible with low-profile USB socket, onboard prototyping space and easy to view LEDs: 
