Why does my BlackBerry Storm keep shutting off?

The most likely answer if you are in the USA is that you have your network setting set to "Global". Set it to "1XEV" -- pretty much most metro areas in the USA can default to that setting without the same struggle. To do this, follow these steps:

Go to options (wrench icon)
Go to Mobile Network
There are 3 settings; mobile network, network selection mode and network technology. If the button for Network Technology says Global or GSM/UMTS -- select 1XEV.
Recycle the device.

This should clear up the maddening recycling issue!

How can I stop calls going into "Mute" or "Speaker" mode when I'm on a BlackBerry Storm?

If you are an animated person when speaking on the phone, you've no doubt inadvertantly tapped the touch pad with your cheek or chin. There is a SUPER 3rd party utility called: TalkLock from Cellavant. I installed this on my device and have been grateful ever since!

http://www.cellavant.com/TalkLock