Thursday, September 2. 2010
World's Biggest Crock of Bullshit Discovered
Disassociated Press, 2 September 2010
For immediate release
The world's biggest crock of bullshit has been discovered deep in the Andes mountains by an amateur mountaineer named Pat Grumkin.
"It was HUGE", emphasized Grumkin, her eyes all but beaming with pride at her discovery. "I mean, it was the biggest crock of bullshit I've ever seen!"
Local authorities are not sure what to do with the world's largest crock of bullshit in their own back yards. "It's quite a crock," admits Pete Haggersbard, the local constable, "but I guess we'll deal with it one way or another."
The White House has denied rumours that Obama made a bid to purchase the crock from Grumkin, in order to put it on display on the White House lawn. In a perhaps unfortunate quip, the White House press secretary said "The President does not believe in public displays of crock, and only wishes to extend a warm congratulations to Ms. Grumkin for her crock discovery."
For immediate release
The world's biggest crock of bullshit has been discovered deep in the Andes mountains by an amateur mountaineer named Pat Grumkin.
"It was HUGE", emphasized Grumkin, her eyes all but beaming with pride at her discovery. "I mean, it was the biggest crock of bullshit I've ever seen!"
Local authorities are not sure what to do with the world's largest crock of bullshit in their own back yards. "It's quite a crock," admits Pete Haggersbard, the local constable, "but I guess we'll deal with it one way or another."
The White House has denied rumours that Obama made a bid to purchase the crock from Grumkin, in order to put it on display on the White House lawn. In a perhaps unfortunate quip, the White House press secretary said "The President does not believe in public displays of crock, and only wishes to extend a warm congratulations to Ms. Grumkin for her crock discovery."
Friday, August 6. 2010
I'm deaf. You're dumb.
Let me tell you something about being deaf.
Yesterday, I drove to the nearest subway station to pick up J on her way back from a day in DC. It happened to be rush hour. Inching along, and finally having to stop for several minutes in the kiss and ride area, I was playing it cool. These things do not bother me. Suddenly, I look over to my left, out the driver's side window, and there's this very redneck-looking hick gesturing angrily in the direction traffic was supposed to flow and yelling. I know it was about moving my car forward. Exactly where he thought I could go I have no idea. It all depended on the car in front of me, not to mention the cab that finally pulled into an empty metered parking space but didn't pull all the way in, thereby preventing me from moving forward. Things moved forward after a minute and when the hick's red pickup went by, his wife had that frowny-you're-disgusting look these people like to wear. I signed at her, no lip-movement, FUCK YOU. Maybe a light came on in her head and they understood they just yelled at a deaf guy. Probably not. Such people are beyond intelligence or redemption.
Fortunately, that's all that happened, but it rattled me. Not being able to tell the difference between angry words and death threats (and in this crazy society, that's not an unreasonable expectation), I dialed 911 on my cell (used only for texting - the rest of the phone is useless to me) and repeated several times that I'm deaf, my location, what happened, and send police (I didn't ID myself). I also just happened to have a hunting knife in the car, in the glove box, which I put there during our recent road trip to use for veggies (we bring our food as it's hard to find vegan food away from home). No, I didn't get out and go looking for blood, but I felt a need to have a weapon handy in case someone else went ape-shit on me. I know - it's worse for the victim to have a weapon. But I wanted one anyway, having the EXTREME disadvantage of being unable to hear.
So yes, exclude deaf people from all taxes. Give deaf people SSDI - even if they're working. Given the way deaf people are treated in and excluded from society, I think we're owed this token of respect.
Either that, or grow up. You heard me. GROW THE FUCK UP, PEOPLE!
Yesterday, I drove to the nearest subway station to pick up J on her way back from a day in DC. It happened to be rush hour. Inching along, and finally having to stop for several minutes in the kiss and ride area, I was playing it cool. These things do not bother me. Suddenly, I look over to my left, out the driver's side window, and there's this very redneck-looking hick gesturing angrily in the direction traffic was supposed to flow and yelling. I know it was about moving my car forward. Exactly where he thought I could go I have no idea. It all depended on the car in front of me, not to mention the cab that finally pulled into an empty metered parking space but didn't pull all the way in, thereby preventing me from moving forward. Things moved forward after a minute and when the hick's red pickup went by, his wife had that frowny-you're-disgusting look these people like to wear. I signed at her, no lip-movement, FUCK YOU. Maybe a light came on in her head and they understood they just yelled at a deaf guy. Probably not. Such people are beyond intelligence or redemption.
Fortunately, that's all that happened, but it rattled me. Not being able to tell the difference between angry words and death threats (and in this crazy society, that's not an unreasonable expectation), I dialed 911 on my cell (used only for texting - the rest of the phone is useless to me) and repeated several times that I'm deaf, my location, what happened, and send police (I didn't ID myself). I also just happened to have a hunting knife in the car, in the glove box, which I put there during our recent road trip to use for veggies (we bring our food as it's hard to find vegan food away from home). No, I didn't get out and go looking for blood, but I felt a need to have a weapon handy in case someone else went ape-shit on me. I know - it's worse for the victim to have a weapon. But I wanted one anyway, having the EXTREME disadvantage of being unable to hear.
So yes, exclude deaf people from all taxes. Give deaf people SSDI - even if they're working. Given the way deaf people are treated in and excluded from society, I think we're owed this token of respect.
Either that, or grow up. You heard me. GROW THE FUCK UP, PEOPLE!
Thursday, July 1. 2010
Area woman says people on Facebook acting like assholes
An area woman was reported today as claiming that people on Facebook have been acting like assholes.
This appears to be a growing trend. Several people in an "on the street" format said similar things.
"It seems like it's the thing to do these days" said Armin Haatz.
"There should be a contest for Facebook's Biggest Asshole" quipped Pauline Jonowski.
Another humourous individual was quoted as saying that the term "Facehole" should be coined to mean people who use Facebook to show how much of an asshole they can be.
No one seems quite sure where this trend to abandon civility, courtesy and good taste in favour of crassness and rudeness comes from, but capitalism, right-wing religious fanatics, mass media, bad food, and chemicals in drinking water are common suspects.
This appears to be a growing trend. Several people in an "on the street" format said similar things.
"It seems like it's the thing to do these days" said Armin Haatz.
"There should be a contest for Facebook's Biggest Asshole" quipped Pauline Jonowski.
Another humourous individual was quoted as saying that the term "Facehole" should be coined to mean people who use Facebook to show how much of an asshole they can be.
No one seems quite sure where this trend to abandon civility, courtesy and good taste in favour of crassness and rudeness comes from, but capitalism, right-wing religious fanatics, mass media, bad food, and chemicals in drinking water are common suspects.
Saturday, June 12. 2010
EM Summer Solstice Radio Concert
I'll be participating in electro-music.com's Summer Solstice 2010 radio concert. The schedule is about half-way down this page. There will be about 22 artists from several countries.
My set list is posted on audiodef.com's home page. I start at 1630 GMT - please convert to your local time. Stay after my set - everyone here is a wonderful musician in his own right.
Please also tell anyone you think would be interested to tune in. I'll be online on Facebook during the show.
My set list is posted on audiodef.com's home page. I start at 1630 GMT - please convert to your local time. Stay after my set - everyone here is a wonderful musician in his own right.
Please also tell anyone you think would be interested to tune in. I'll be online on Facebook during the show.
Saturday, May 22. 2010
Natives vs. Immigrants
Native Americans hunted only as many buffalo as served the needs of the community. This usually meant just a few. Every last sinew of every beast they hunted was used. The buffalo was an honoured spirit. White immigrant settlers slaughtered buffalo by the thousands, taking only the fur and leaving the carcasses to rot where they lay.
Natives 1, white settlers 0.
Native Americans formed relationships with horses and took care of them in exchange for their providing a means of transportation. White settlers abuse horses, imposing grievous suffering upon them. In addition, white settlers slaughter horses for commercial purposes, and even meat.
Natives, 2, white settlers, 0.
Natives did not develop harmful and destructive technologies. Instead, they lived in harmony with the natural environment. When they moved, they literally left no sign of their presence behind. They were the true no-impact men. Not even today's so-called no-impact men can touch this. White settlers are continuing to develop and use technologies that have been the end of many species and may even be the end of humanity itself.
Natives, 3, white settlers, 0.
Natives developed and embraced many forms of philosophical and spiritual thinking. New ideas were considered and accepted without losing their own ideals and sense of self. White settlers continuously narrow their thinking and do not accept new ideas. In fact, they get quite belligerent when new ideas are proposed, even going so far as to kill those who challenge their narrow modes of thinking.
Natives, 4, white settlers, 0.
Natives were willing and glad to help the new immigrants learn how to survive by growing certain native crops. In exchange, the white settlers killed the natives.
Natives, 5, white settlers, 0.
Natives were initially happy to co-exist with the settlers. This was not reciprocated. Natives were already here. Settlers were moving in and seizing territory in primitive, power-hungry acquisitions.
Natives, 6, white settlers, 0.
While there was a bit a tribal warfare, Natives did not generally want to control everything and everyone around them to the psychotic degree that the white settlers do.
Natives, 7, white settlers, 0.
White settlers, still losing after 400 years.
Natives 1, white settlers 0.
Native Americans formed relationships with horses and took care of them in exchange for their providing a means of transportation. White settlers abuse horses, imposing grievous suffering upon them. In addition, white settlers slaughter horses for commercial purposes, and even meat.
Natives, 2, white settlers, 0.
Natives did not develop harmful and destructive technologies. Instead, they lived in harmony with the natural environment. When they moved, they literally left no sign of their presence behind. They were the true no-impact men. Not even today's so-called no-impact men can touch this. White settlers are continuing to develop and use technologies that have been the end of many species and may even be the end of humanity itself.
Natives, 3, white settlers, 0.
Natives developed and embraced many forms of philosophical and spiritual thinking. New ideas were considered and accepted without losing their own ideals and sense of self. White settlers continuously narrow their thinking and do not accept new ideas. In fact, they get quite belligerent when new ideas are proposed, even going so far as to kill those who challenge their narrow modes of thinking.
Natives, 4, white settlers, 0.
Natives were willing and glad to help the new immigrants learn how to survive by growing certain native crops. In exchange, the white settlers killed the natives.
Natives, 5, white settlers, 0.
Natives were initially happy to co-exist with the settlers. This was not reciprocated. Natives were already here. Settlers were moving in and seizing territory in primitive, power-hungry acquisitions.
Natives, 6, white settlers, 0.
While there was a bit a tribal warfare, Natives did not generally want to control everything and everyone around them to the psychotic degree that the white settlers do.
Natives, 7, white settlers, 0.
White settlers, still losing after 400 years.
Friday, May 21. 2010
Bills or Rights?
The title is not a typo. Think about it.
Isn't it more important in the Big Picture to act on what's right? Aren't all the problems in this country ultimately caused by the millions of us who shrug wearily and say "watcha gonna do?" The power-hungry use this to their advantage. If we all stood up for what's right and refused to back down, we wouldn't have these problems. We've become a nation of convenience, and convenience to the extreme. We'd rather get by right now rather than take on the hardship of protecting our own liberties. For if you indeed want those liberties, each and every one of us must fight to protect them at every moment. You cannot have liberties and rights AND convenience.
So you have a choice. You can pay your bills - bills to complete strangers who really don't give two shits about you and don't care how much you suffer as long as they get their precious money, or you can stand up. Which lesson do you really want to teach your friends, family, and children? Who are your children going to learn from?
Hm.
Isn't it more important in the Big Picture to act on what's right? Aren't all the problems in this country ultimately caused by the millions of us who shrug wearily and say "watcha gonna do?" The power-hungry use this to their advantage. If we all stood up for what's right and refused to back down, we wouldn't have these problems. We've become a nation of convenience, and convenience to the extreme. We'd rather get by right now rather than take on the hardship of protecting our own liberties. For if you indeed want those liberties, each and every one of us must fight to protect them at every moment. You cannot have liberties and rights AND convenience.
So you have a choice. You can pay your bills - bills to complete strangers who really don't give two shits about you and don't care how much you suffer as long as they get their precious money, or you can stand up. Which lesson do you really want to teach your friends, family, and children? Who are your children going to learn from?
Hm.
Thursday, May 13. 2010
Informed Verizon of intent to prosecute
Sent message to Verizon via their home page: You people screwed up scheduling on requested FIOS installation, and when you called us to inform us it was canceled, we decided not to pursue FIOS. You sent techs ON A DAY THAT WAS NEVER SCHEDULED AND WHEN SERVICE WAS NO LONGER REQUESTED, who BROKE INTO OUT FENCED AND LOCKED YARD and proceeded to DESTROY OUR GARDEN. I will be pressing any applicable criminal charges, including unlawful trespass and destruction of property.
YOU FUCKED UP.
YOU FUCKED UP.
Complaint against Verizon
Filed complaint with BBB against Goodbyezon as described below:
1. Contacted Verizon to order FIOS.
2. Installation date conveyed via email.
3. Called Verizon to reschedule installation date.
4. Installation date rescheduled.
5. New installation date confirmed via email.
6. Installation date re-set to original installation date without warning or consent.
7. While on phone to inquire about item 6, was called on another line by Verizon to be informed that installation was canceled and that we would have to begin again.
8. Decided not to pursue FIOS installation. Left installation request as "canceled", as was informed by Verizon.
9. Techs arrived one day prior to original scheduled installation date and entered fenced/locked yard to dig and lay cable without permission.
10. Told techs that installation was canceled and to leave. They did.
The point of this complaint is item 9: ENTERED PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT CONSENT AND PROCEEDED TO PERFORM UNSCHEDULED, UNAPPROVED INSTALLATION OF SERVICE THAT WAS NO LONGER REQUESTED.
No action on the part of Verizon is required. I wish to lodge this complaint against them for the record.
1. Contacted Verizon to order FIOS.
2. Installation date conveyed via email.
3. Called Verizon to reschedule installation date.
4. Installation date rescheduled.
5. New installation date confirmed via email.
6. Installation date re-set to original installation date without warning or consent.
7. While on phone to inquire about item 6, was called on another line by Verizon to be informed that installation was canceled and that we would have to begin again.
8. Decided not to pursue FIOS installation. Left installation request as "canceled", as was informed by Verizon.
9. Techs arrived one day prior to original scheduled installation date and entered fenced/locked yard to dig and lay cable without permission.
10. Told techs that installation was canceled and to leave. They did.
The point of this complaint is item 9: ENTERED PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT CONSENT AND PROCEEDED TO PERFORM UNSCHEDULED, UNAPPROVED INSTALLATION OF SERVICE THAT WAS NO LONGER REQUESTED.
No action on the part of Verizon is required. I wish to lodge this complaint against them for the record.
In fact, I AM anti-social
When I was a kid, I was called anti-social by someone in my life (who I will not name because he's a good guy. I'm not mad at him for this).
He's more right than he knew.
I suspect that at an early age, I instinctively knew I would not like most people if I met them. As an aging adult, this suspicion is increasingly confirmed, despite the fact that I'm not looking for confirmation. In fact, I'm always hoping to be proven wrong. But the fact is, most people make me want to run as far away from them as I possibly can, because most people fall into one or more of these abhorrent categories:
I'm sure I can go on and on, but you get my point. I can basically only tolerate the presence of people who, at minimum, respect other people's decisions to be whatever they want to be and to live their lives as they see fit. I can get along quite well with a conservative Christian Republican as long as that person will defend my right to be a raving atheist anarchist as much as I will defend his right to worship his god in peace.
Otherwise, fuck off.
He's more right than he knew.
I suspect that at an early age, I instinctively knew I would not like most people if I met them. As an aging adult, this suspicion is increasingly confirmed, despite the fact that I'm not looking for confirmation. In fact, I'm always hoping to be proven wrong. But the fact is, most people make me want to run as far away from them as I possibly can, because most people fall into one or more of these abhorrent categories:
- Bigot
- Racist
- Interfering busybody
- Fascist, or fascist supporter, active or passive
- Political wing-nut
- Religious wing-nut
- Stupid
- Soulless, lacking morals, ethics, etc.
I'm sure I can go on and on, but you get my point. I can basically only tolerate the presence of people who, at minimum, respect other people's decisions to be whatever they want to be and to live their lives as they see fit. I can get along quite well with a conservative Christian Republican as long as that person will defend my right to be a raving atheist anarchist as much as I will defend his right to worship his god in peace.
Otherwise, fuck off.
Your money tells you who to worship
The first amendment of the US constitution states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." It is therefore incumbent upon the US government to forgo religious references in all of its affairs, leaving religious matters strictly to the individual in his private life. The US government therefore should not be allowed to print "In God We Trust" on any legal tender, since this is a public affair, not a private, individual affair. I then therefore encourage anyone who cares to uphold such things as civic duty and patriotism to black out the phrase "In God We Trust" on the legal tender bills in their possession.
Wednesday, May 12. 2010
Fuck Jan Brewer!
Arizona governor goes apeshit on Latinos' asses
"State schools chief Tom Horne, who has pushed the bill for years, said he believes the Tucson school district's Mexican-American studies program teaches Latino students that they are oppressed by white people."
Because they are.
""It's just like the old South, and it's long past time that we prohibited it," Horne said."
No, you're trying to recreate the old south. You are transparent to us.
"The measure signed Tuesday prohibits classes that advocate ethnic solidarity." And this is wrong because? You just want to keep the brown people down. Fucking honky.
"The Tucson Unified School District program offers specialized courses in African-American, Mexican-American and Native-American studies that focus on history and literature and include information about the influence of a particular ethnic group."
Guess what's getting cut next?
"Horne, a Republican running for attorney general, said the program promotes "ethnic chauvinism" and racial resentment toward whites while segregating students by race."
Translation: "Horne, a Retard running for attorney geebus, said he was absolutely scared shitless of the brown people and that the program promotes 'pissing in my Levis' and racial resentment toward Latinos because us crackers watch far too much stereotyped Fox television programming."
"Hispanic civil rights activist Dolores Huerta told students in 2006 that "Republicans hate Latinos."
She is not wrong.
"District officials said the program doesn't promote resentment, and they believe it would comply with the new law."
The law has nothing to do with morality. This just makes it obvious.
"The district is 56 percent Hispanic, with nearly 31,000 Latino students."
As usual, it's the small number of white people that fuck things up for everyone else.
"Arce could not immediately be reached after Brewer signed the bill late Tuesday."
That's right. Run and hide, peckerwood!
"State schools chief Tom Horne, who has pushed the bill for years, said he believes the Tucson school district's Mexican-American studies program teaches Latino students that they are oppressed by white people."
Because they are.
""It's just like the old South, and it's long past time that we prohibited it," Horne said."
No, you're trying to recreate the old south. You are transparent to us.
"The measure signed Tuesday prohibits classes that advocate ethnic solidarity." And this is wrong because? You just want to keep the brown people down. Fucking honky.
"The Tucson Unified School District program offers specialized courses in African-American, Mexican-American and Native-American studies that focus on history and literature and include information about the influence of a particular ethnic group."
Guess what's getting cut next?
"Horne, a Republican running for attorney general, said the program promotes "ethnic chauvinism" and racial resentment toward whites while segregating students by race."
Translation: "Horne, a Retard running for attorney geebus, said he was absolutely scared shitless of the brown people and that the program promotes 'pissing in my Levis' and racial resentment toward Latinos because us crackers watch far too much stereotyped Fox television programming."
"Hispanic civil rights activist Dolores Huerta told students in 2006 that "Republicans hate Latinos."
She is not wrong.
"District officials said the program doesn't promote resentment, and they believe it would comply with the new law."
The law has nothing to do with morality. This just makes it obvious.
"The district is 56 percent Hispanic, with nearly 31,000 Latino students."
As usual, it's the small number of white people that fuck things up for everyone else.
"Arce could not immediately be reached after Brewer signed the bill late Tuesday."
That's right. Run and hide, peckerwood!
Tuesday, May 11. 2010
Open letter to Verizon regarding your incompetence
Dear Verizon,
On the fourth of May, 2010, I placed an order for FIOS. Here is the confirmation:
This appointment was not convenient for us, so I called them to reschedule. The call went just fine. In fact, since I used an internet relay service to place the call, I am including the transcript of that call here:
Following that call, I get this verification email:
Today, J pings me with information that Verizon has rescheduled the appointment back to 13 May, and forwarded the email to me:
J called Verizon to try to set them straight. While she was on the phone, and getting transferred for no logical reason and without warning that she would be transferred, another Verizon office calls her to inform us that our order had been canceled because it was placed incorrectly, which obviously has nothing to do with us - the customer. She hung up on them. I would, too.
We are now NOT going to get FIOS, and I will be sending them this post in its entirety, with the message that if they want our business, they will have to own up to their incompetence and comp our original order. Otherwise, no deal.
On the fourth of May, 2010, I placed an order for FIOS. Here is the confirmation:
Dear (name),
Thank you for your recent order. Your home is about to be revolutionized by the amazing power of Verizon FiOS service at a terrific monthly retail rate.
Order Summary
Master Order Number: MD00058800075
Order Date: May 04, 2010
Internet Speed: FTTP_15M_5M_TRUE
Installation Date: May 13, 2010 (installation may take 4 - 6 hours)
Technician Arrival Window: 8:00AM-5:00PM(Hrs)EST
If your service includes high speed internet service, learn more about Verizon's Wi-Fi @ verizon.com/wifi.
What's Next?
Visit What's Next to verify your order details.
Refer Friends, Earn Rewards
Enroll in the Share the Network program today, and you and every person you refer to Verizon can get up to $50 apiece - so everyone wins. Earn up to $600 a year! Start sharing and earning today. www.sharethenetwork.com.
Cancellation Policy
By placing your FiOS Cons 15M/5M SFU/VDSL2 1 Yr order, you agreed to maintain your service for a minimum of 12 months and that a prorated early termination fee of up to $165 will apply if you cancel your service early. The prorated early termination fee of $165 will be reduced by $15 for each full month toward your minimum term that you complete. There are other terms and conditions that are a necessary part of your agreement which you should review. Those terms are available at verizon.com/terms and are also provided on or before the installation of your FiOS service. If you are a new customer and you don't agree to those additional terms, you can cancel your order before your service is installed without an early termination Fee.
Please don't hesitate to call our customer service support center at 1-888-553-1555 should you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your order!
Verizon
This message was sent from a notification only email address that cannot accept incoming email messages. Please do not reply to this email. Copyright 2010 Verizon.
Mail Tracking Id : 1762949
This appointment was not convenient for us, so I called them to reschedule. The call went just fine. In fact, since I used an internet relay service to place the call, I am including the transcript of that call here:
Conversation with siprelay
(12:59:25) me: 888-553-1555
(12:59:26) SIPRelay: Welcome to SIPRelay. A Communications Assistant will be with you shortly.
(12:59:27) SIPRelay: This call is not encrypted.
(12:59:27) SIPRelay: SIPRelay does not accept international calls.
(12:59:27) SIPRelay:
(12:59:28) SIPRelay: Your SIPRelay Number is 12406540110
(12:59:29) SIPRelay: Call start time 11:59:17 AM Mountain Daylight Time calling: +1 (888) 553-1555 welcome to SIPRelay.
(12:59:30) SIPRelay: I am CA91a(F). Please hold while I connect your call...
(12:59:37) SIPRelay: [Dialing...]
(12:59:45) SIPRelay: [Ringing...1...]
(12:59:48) SIPRelay: [Automated Menu]
(12:59:49) SIPRelay: [Automated female voice]
(12:59:49) SIPRelay: (Collecting information... please hold)
(12:59:59) SIPRelay: Thanks for calling Verizon.
(13:00:14) SIPRelay: Also on the web at Verizon. com
(13:00:44) SIPRelay: To ensure quality service this call maybe monitored or recorded.
(13:00:56) SIPRelay: Starting with area code, they say or enter the 10 digit phone number you are calling about?
(13:01:17) me: (area code)
(13:01:57) me: (exchange)
(13:02:01) me: (number)
(13:02:11) SIPRelay: (Entering number...)
(13:02:12) SIPRelay: (Collecting information... please hold)
(13:02:50) SIPRelay: [Automated female voice]
(13:02:54) SIPRelay: All right, one moment please.
(13:03:00) SIPRelay: I've got your records.
(13:03:08) SIPRelay: In order to protect your account I will need to get the first 12 digits of your Verizon account number?
(13:03:14) SIPRelay: This can be found at the top right hand corner of your Verizon bill.
(13:03:22) SIPRelay: Please say or enter it now?
(13:04:43) me: (account number)
(13:04:58) SIPRelay: (Entering number...)
(13:04:59) SIPRelay: (Collecting information... please hold)
(13:05:03) SIPRelay: [Automated female voice]
(13:05:13) SIPRelay: One moment and I will transfer you.
(13:05:14) SIPRelay: [The call has been placed on hold.]
(13:06:12) SIPRelay: [Female voice]
(13:06:12) SIPRelay: [Explaining Relay...]
(13:06:22) SIPRelay: Thank you for calling Verizon.
(13:06:28) SIPRelay: My name is Candice.
(13:06:29) SIPRelay: (Sounds nice.)
(13:06:32) SIPRelay: How can I help you?
(13:06:50) me: Hi, I have a FIOS installation scheduled for 13 May. If I could, I'd like to move it to the next available Saturday or Sunday date.
(13:07:21) SIPRelay: Before we start that I will need to verify some information on your account.
(13:07:38) me: OK.
(13:08:08) SIPRelay: Can I verify your name?
(13:08:28) me: (name)
(13:08:42) SIPRelay: The name on the account and the address on the account?
(13:09:06) me: Same name, address (address)
(13:10:14) SIPRelay: Just one moment.
(13:12:02) SIPRelay: (Typing in background)
(13:12:09) me: I'm sorry, I mistyped my address to the relay. The house number is (correct number), not (incorrect number).
(13:12:35) SIPRelay: Thank you.
(13:13:17) SIPRelay: I'm sorry I have (town) and you said (incorporated area)?
(13:13:34) me: (town) is also correct. It's some weird postal thing.
(13:13:54) SIPRelay: Do you have an order number?
(13:14:15) me: Yes, MD 000 588 000 75
(13:14:42) SIPRelay: Thank you.
(13:14:46) SIPRelay: That should help.
(13:15:36) SIPRelay: May I put you on hold for one moment?
(13:15:45) me: Sure.
(13:15:52) SIPRelay: Thank you.
(13:15:54) SIPRelay: One moment.
(13:16:08) SIPRelay: I can return the call at (phone number we used to have but is no longer connected) if I need to?
(13:16:49) me: If you need to, you can return the call at (an actual working number)
(13:17:11) SIPRelay: Okay, thank you.
(13:17:18) SIPRelay: Give me one moment.
(13:18:38) SIPRelay: (Typing in background)
(13:19:44) SIPRelay: I am getting this information to the other people that can help me change the appointment time.
(13:19:46) SIPRelay: One moment.
(13:20:34) SIPRelay: You want the fist Saturday after May 13th?
(13:20:53) me: Yes, if that's available.
(13:21:02) SIPRelay: Okay.
(13:21:05) SIPRelay: One moment.
(13:22:00) SIPRelay: (Typing in background)
(13:23:22) SIPRelay: (Typing in background)
(13:23:45) SIPRelay: I am still waiting for a response for the appointment.
(13:23:47) SIPRelay: One moment.
(13:25:11) SIPRelay: (Typing in background)
(13:26:27) SIPRelay: (Typing in background)
(13:26:51) SIPRelay: I am just waiting to see if they can get the appointment changed
(13:26:55) me: OK.
(13:28:34) SIPRelay: (Typing in background)
(13:29:08) SIPRelay: (Noise in background)
(13:29:54) SIPRelay: (Typing in background)
(13:29:57) SIPRelay: He is checking now.
(13:29:59) SIPRelay: One moment.
(13:30:08) me: OK.
(13:30:53) SIPRelay: They are still checking.
(13:32:21) SIPRelay: What I have available a Saturday June 5th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.?
(13:32:59) me: June 5th 1 to 5 will be fine.
(13:33:10) SIPRelay: Okay.
(13:33:14) SIPRelay: Let me make sure that it is set up.
(13:33:18) SIPRelay: One moment.
(13:35:18) SIPRelay: (Typing in background)
(13:36:35) SIPRelay: (Noise in background)
(13:37:04) SIPRelay: (Typing in background)
(13:38:33) SIPRelay: (same out of service number) is the number you can be reached?
(13:39:05) me: (actual in-service number)
(13:39:35) SIPRelay: Can they also reach you at (once again the out-of-service number)?
(13:39:43) me: Yes (I'm frustrated with Candice's idiocy at this point).
(13:40:00) SIPRelay: Okay, thank you.
(13:41:08) SIPRelay: One moment.
(13:42:12) SIPRelay: I want to make sure it is scheduled.
(13:42:21) SIPRelay: I don't know how long it will take for it to post.
(13:42:23) SIPRelay: One moment.
(13:42:24) me: OK.
(13:43:39) SIPRelay: (Typing in background)
(13:43:54) SIPRelay: Okay, the new date is showing up.
(13:44:06) me: OK.
(13:44:11) SIPRelay: So it is set for June 5 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m..
(13:44:19) SIPRelay: Is there anything else I can help you with?
(13:44:31) me: No, I'm all set. Thank you - I appreciate it!
(13:44:56) SIPRelay: Okay.
(13:45:07) SIPRelay: Have a good day.
(13:45:12) me: You too! Bye now.
(13:45:21) SIPRelay: Bye bye.
(13:45:22) SIPRelay: [Hearing user hung up.]
(13:45:22) SIPRelay: [Your call has been disconnected.]
(13:45:23) SIPRelay: [Thank you for choosing SIPRelay. Would you like to place another call?]
(13:45:28) me: No, thank you very much.
(13:45:51) SIPRelay: (You're welcome. Thank you for choosing SIPRelay.)
(13:45:52) SIPRelay: [Your session has been completed.]
Following that call, I get this verification email:
Dear (name):
We can't wait to bring you blazing-fast FiOS Internet and an overall experience that will blow you away! This e-mail confirms your revised installation appointment for Verizon FiOS Internet Service.
Scheduled Installation Date - 06-05-2010
Scheduled Appointment Time - 1:00PM-5:00PM(Hrs)EST
Product Package - Verizon FiOS Internet Service
Verizon FiOS Internet Service Order Number - MD00058800075
Don't forget to visit What's Next to learn everything you need to know to have a successful FiOS installation! We look forward to revolutionizing your home with Verizon FiOS.
Please don't hesitate to call our customer service support center at 1-888-553-1555 should you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your order.
Verizon
This message was sent from a notification-only e-mail address that cannot accept incoming messages. Please do not reply to this message.
Mail Tracking Id : 2150700765
Today, J pings me with information that Verizon has rescheduled the appointment back to 13 May, and forwarded the email to me:
---------- Forwarded Message ----------
From: volconsumer@verizon.com
To: vzex1gp2@verizon.net
Subject: FiOS Revised Installation Appointment
Date: Tue, 11 May 2010 08:14:05 -0700 (PDT)
Dear (name):
We can't wait to bring you blazing-fast FiOS Internet and an overall experience that will blow you away! This e-mail confirms your revised installation appointment for Verizon FiOS Internet Service.
Scheduled Installation Date - 05-13-2010
Scheduled Appointment Time - 8:00AM-5:00PM(Hrs)EST
Product Package - Verizon FiOS Internet Service
Verizon FiOS Internet Service Order Number - MD00058800075
Don't forget to visit What's Next to learn everything you need to know to have a successful FiOS installation! We look forward to revolutionizing your home with Verizon FiOS.
Please don't hesitate to call our customer service support center at 1-888-553-1555 should you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your order.
Verizon
This message was sent from a notification-only e-mail address that cannot accept incoming messages. Please do not reply to this message.
Mail Tracking Id : 2161365654
J called Verizon to try to set them straight. While she was on the phone, and getting transferred for no logical reason and without warning that she would be transferred, another Verizon office calls her to inform us that our order had been canceled because it was placed incorrectly, which obviously has nothing to do with us - the customer. She hung up on them. I would, too.
We are now NOT going to get FIOS, and I will be sending them this post in its entirety, with the message that if they want our business, they will have to own up to their incompetence and comp our original order. Otherwise, no deal.
US passes death sentence to Ugandian AIDS patients
Read this: No more funds to Uganda for AIDS patients
This is happening because:
1. The US gov't/military/corporate regime keeps sucking all the resources unto itself. Screw everyone else.
2. Obomba went along with and endorsed bailing out entities that should have been allowed to die. This bailout money could be used for REAL action such as helping people.
3. Humanity continues to be obsessed with money, which is meaningless drivel. This is evidenced by "a growing sense that more lives would be saved by fighting other, cheaper diseases". "Cheaper diseases"?!? Just fucking do the right thing and damn the fucking money! Fucking morons!
4. As I just implied, most people are just PLAIN STUPID!!! "Circumcising every man in the third world" will not cure AIDS or anything else. It is genital mutilation - nothing more. FUCKING HELL! GROW A BRAIN, FUCKTARDS! Also, what's wrong with this picture when the cost of drugs dropped to a tiny fraction and there still isn't enough money? Hello? Wake the fuck up!
5. Dear Ugandians: abstain, be faithful, use condoms. Smart people the world over do this if they don't want to die horribly. Take SOME of the responsibility yourselves WHILE we're trying to help you. GEEZ!
6. Whitey is a flaming racist bigot. "If all 33 million were Americans, most clinicians would treat them at once." Indeed. FUCK YOU, WHITEY!
"You care if I live or die." Yes, I do. It's too bad the gov't of this retarded country doesn't. Most people have their priorities completely buggered.
This is happening because:
1. The US gov't/military/corporate regime keeps sucking all the resources unto itself. Screw everyone else.
2. Obomba went along with and endorsed bailing out entities that should have been allowed to die. This bailout money could be used for REAL action such as helping people.
3. Humanity continues to be obsessed with money, which is meaningless drivel. This is evidenced by "a growing sense that more lives would be saved by fighting other, cheaper diseases". "Cheaper diseases"?!? Just fucking do the right thing and damn the fucking money! Fucking morons!
4. As I just implied, most people are just PLAIN STUPID!!! "Circumcising every man in the third world" will not cure AIDS or anything else. It is genital mutilation - nothing more. FUCKING HELL! GROW A BRAIN, FUCKTARDS! Also, what's wrong with this picture when the cost of drugs dropped to a tiny fraction and there still isn't enough money? Hello? Wake the fuck up!
5. Dear Ugandians: abstain, be faithful, use condoms. Smart people the world over do this if they don't want to die horribly. Take SOME of the responsibility yourselves WHILE we're trying to help you. GEEZ!
6. Whitey is a flaming racist bigot. "If all 33 million were Americans, most clinicians would treat them at once." Indeed. FUCK YOU, WHITEY!
"You care if I live or die." Yes, I do. It's too bad the gov't of this retarded country doesn't. Most people have their priorities completely buggered.
Friday, May 7. 2010
Open Letter to Matthew Israel, the Butcher of the Disabled
http://motherjones.com/politics/2007/10/school-shock-rotenberg-center-director-matthew-israel-responds
Dear Fr. Israel,
Fr. is an abbreviation for "fucker". You are not a doctor of any kind. You're a fucking Third Reich scientist and should be brought to justice for crimes against humanity.
"These persons view the treatment in question as Wrong with a capital "W," regardless of the potential benefits the treatment might produce."
That's because some things ARE Wrong, with a capital "W", shitcake. Killing is Wrong. Greed is Wrong. And torture is Wrong. You torture people, you fucking doughnut hole. Never mind what those nutty christian scientists and scientologists say. They're irrelevant to this whole discussion. Torturing people in the name of medicine or science makes you CRAZIER than them.
"Opponents of behavior modification treatment that involves aversives (sometimes referred to as "aversive therapy") are similarly unwilling to weigh the discomfort, risks or costs associated with aversives against the potential benefits—even when those benefits could be lifesaving, life-improving or life-extending."
Oh, so the end DOES justify the means? Oh, goody! Let me go and kill all of the bad politicians out there and bomb the shit out of the US, because the end result is that there won't be any more politicians fucking everything up and no US to fuck over the rest of the world. No, wait, I don't actually believe the end justifies the means. So you're still a fucking Nazi scientist. DIE!
"... the only special needs school in the country that offers this form of therapy..."
Hey, turd-brain, maybe it's the only so-called "school" of this type in the country because the rest of us fucking know right from wrong.
"The treatment is overwhelmingly based on an innovative, unique and comprehensive system of rewards and behaviorally-designed educational procedures that feature self-instructional software that each student accesses through his or her own computer."
So you're saying that students elect to shock themselves into a conniption? Then you're a monster for giving them such pain-inducing devices when you should be caring for them and eliminating the pain they're already experiencing in life. Fight fire with fire much, genius?
"The treatment eliminates or minimizes the use of psychotropic drugs—a form of treatment that is far more dangerous and intrusive than anything done at JRC."
Oh, yeah, let's replace toxic chemicals with painful current. It's pain, however you paint it. Both are wrong. No, wait, I'm sorry, that should be Wrong, with a capital FUCK YOU!
"The procedure feels like a hard pinch..."
Show us a video of YOU using it at the levels and frequency inflicted on your "worst" student, and I'll cut you some slack.
"... has no negative side effects."
Like the nightmares former "students" talk about?
"In addition, the use of aversives has to be pre-approved, on an individual basis, by the child's school system (through the IEP process), the parent, a physician, a psychiatrist, a human rights committee, a peer review committee and a Massachusetts Probate Court judge."
This just proves that all of the above-mentioned people are FUCKING SICKOS!
"Currently, only a minority of JRC's school-age students receive skin shock as an aversive and even in these cases its use is very infrequent, less than once per week in the average case. "
That's not what former "students" say. I believe them, not you. They have no incentive to lie. You do. Take your lies, write them down, cut a hole in a pineapple, put the paper in the pineapple, and SHOVE THE PINEAPPLE UP YOUR ASS, HITLER!
"In many cases the student progresses so well with this treatment that the aversives can eventually be removed entirely and the student can be returned to his/her local school system."
Yeah, because you've scared the fucking shit out of them. That doesn't mean you've actually treated or cured them - just cowed them. Way to go, Mr. Humani-fucking-tarian.
"No comparable space is given to the hundreds of students whose parents are thrilled with the changes in their children that JRC was able to accomplish and that no previous program was able to achieve. "
Provide written testimonies from those parents AND the former "students". Where are those testimonies? I'm waiting!
"Ms. Gonnerman reports on the views of a few psychologists who are opposed to JRC's treatment."
While modern medicine has a long way to go to be considered humane, I think almost all psychologists who don't work for you are opposed to your so-called "treatment".
You disgust me, you bipedal piece of garbage.
Dear Fr. Israel,
Fr. is an abbreviation for "fucker". You are not a doctor of any kind. You're a fucking Third Reich scientist and should be brought to justice for crimes against humanity.
"These persons view the treatment in question as Wrong with a capital "W," regardless of the potential benefits the treatment might produce."
That's because some things ARE Wrong, with a capital "W", shitcake. Killing is Wrong. Greed is Wrong. And torture is Wrong. You torture people, you fucking doughnut hole. Never mind what those nutty christian scientists and scientologists say. They're irrelevant to this whole discussion. Torturing people in the name of medicine or science makes you CRAZIER than them.
"Opponents of behavior modification treatment that involves aversives (sometimes referred to as "aversive therapy") are similarly unwilling to weigh the discomfort, risks or costs associated with aversives against the potential benefits—even when those benefits could be lifesaving, life-improving or life-extending."
Oh, so the end DOES justify the means? Oh, goody! Let me go and kill all of the bad politicians out there and bomb the shit out of the US, because the end result is that there won't be any more politicians fucking everything up and no US to fuck over the rest of the world. No, wait, I don't actually believe the end justifies the means. So you're still a fucking Nazi scientist. DIE!
"... the only special needs school in the country that offers this form of therapy..."
Hey, turd-brain, maybe it's the only so-called "school" of this type in the country because the rest of us fucking know right from wrong.
"The treatment is overwhelmingly based on an innovative, unique and comprehensive system of rewards and behaviorally-designed educational procedures that feature self-instructional software that each student accesses through his or her own computer."
So you're saying that students elect to shock themselves into a conniption? Then you're a monster for giving them such pain-inducing devices when you should be caring for them and eliminating the pain they're already experiencing in life. Fight fire with fire much, genius?
"The treatment eliminates or minimizes the use of psychotropic drugs—a form of treatment that is far more dangerous and intrusive than anything done at JRC."
Oh, yeah, let's replace toxic chemicals with painful current. It's pain, however you paint it. Both are wrong. No, wait, I'm sorry, that should be Wrong, with a capital FUCK YOU!
"The procedure feels like a hard pinch..."
Show us a video of YOU using it at the levels and frequency inflicted on your "worst" student, and I'll cut you some slack.
"... has no negative side effects."
Like the nightmares former "students" talk about?
"In addition, the use of aversives has to be pre-approved, on an individual basis, by the child's school system (through the IEP process), the parent, a physician, a psychiatrist, a human rights committee, a peer review committee and a Massachusetts Probate Court judge."
This just proves that all of the above-mentioned people are FUCKING SICKOS!
"Currently, only a minority of JRC's school-age students receive skin shock as an aversive and even in these cases its use is very infrequent, less than once per week in the average case. "
That's not what former "students" say. I believe them, not you. They have no incentive to lie. You do. Take your lies, write them down, cut a hole in a pineapple, put the paper in the pineapple, and SHOVE THE PINEAPPLE UP YOUR ASS, HITLER!
"In many cases the student progresses so well with this treatment that the aversives can eventually be removed entirely and the student can be returned to his/her local school system."
Yeah, because you've scared the fucking shit out of them. That doesn't mean you've actually treated or cured them - just cowed them. Way to go, Mr. Humani-fucking-tarian.
"No comparable space is given to the hundreds of students whose parents are thrilled with the changes in their children that JRC was able to accomplish and that no previous program was able to achieve. "
Provide written testimonies from those parents AND the former "students". Where are those testimonies? I'm waiting!
"Ms. Gonnerman reports on the views of a few psychologists who are opposed to JRC's treatment."
While modern medicine has a long way to go to be considered humane, I think almost all psychologists who don't work for you are opposed to your so-called "treatment".
You disgust me, you bipedal piece of garbage.
Wednesday, May 5. 2010
Well, that was fruitful
I learned two things while running errands today: that bankers are unreasonable and illogical and that you will not find something in a store when you need it, at least not at the price you expect it to be at.
I walked down the street to the bank to make a cash withdrawal, and over to the dollar store to get a large aluminum baking pan. At the bank, the outside ATM went down while I was using it. No sweat. Walk inside. Explain what happened. I don't have my bank account number memorised (don't pick on me. I don't give a shit about memorising society's stupid numbers. I have it where I need it and have no need to waste extra brain cells on it unless it sticks on its own with repeated use). I have my bank card and I know my PIN. Nope. Need a driver's license. Thankyoufornothingbye.
Walk over to dollar store, where I had previously gotten a pan of the type I sought today. Did not have it. Not going to go somewhere else to spend more than a dollar on it. Walk home annoyed.
I emailed the bank with this:
--------------------------------------------------
I walked down the street from my home to the bank location near me today, to make a cash withdrawal. I expected to be able to use the outside ATM. Since I dislike being bogged down with stuff in my pockets, I took only my keys and my bank card with me - nothing else. The ATM ended up not working, which happens now and then. That's not a big deal. I went inside expecting to be able to still make a withdrawal using my card. I've done that before.
The fellow who was behind the window insisted that a driver's license was necessary in lieu of my bank account number (which I have not memorised). This is not logical. If I require ONLY my bank card and my PIN at the outside ATM, I expect to be able to perform the same transaction inside should the ATM be down.
You may or may not have specific rules about this, but you and I both know I'm logically and reasonably correct in my expectation. It was annoying to not be able to perform the transaction I expected to be able to perform when I had the appropriate credentials.
Thank you.
I walked down the street to the bank to make a cash withdrawal, and over to the dollar store to get a large aluminum baking pan. At the bank, the outside ATM went down while I was using it. No sweat. Walk inside. Explain what happened. I don't have my bank account number memorised (don't pick on me. I don't give a shit about memorising society's stupid numbers. I have it where I need it and have no need to waste extra brain cells on it unless it sticks on its own with repeated use). I have my bank card and I know my PIN. Nope. Need a driver's license. Thankyoufornothingbye.
Walk over to dollar store, where I had previously gotten a pan of the type I sought today. Did not have it. Not going to go somewhere else to spend more than a dollar on it. Walk home annoyed.
I emailed the bank with this:
--------------------------------------------------
I walked down the street from my home to the bank location near me today, to make a cash withdrawal. I expected to be able to use the outside ATM. Since I dislike being bogged down with stuff in my pockets, I took only my keys and my bank card with me - nothing else. The ATM ended up not working, which happens now and then. That's not a big deal. I went inside expecting to be able to still make a withdrawal using my card. I've done that before.
The fellow who was behind the window insisted that a driver's license was necessary in lieu of my bank account number (which I have not memorised). This is not logical. If I require ONLY my bank card and my PIN at the outside ATM, I expect to be able to perform the same transaction inside should the ATM be down.
You may or may not have specific rules about this, but you and I both know I'm logically and reasonably correct in my expectation. It was annoying to not be able to perform the transaction I expected to be able to perform when I had the appropriate credentials.
Thank you.
(Page 1 of 6, totaling 86 entries)
» next page
Calendar
|
September '10 |
|
||||
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |||
Quicksearch
Archives
Categories
Syndicate This Blog
Blog Administration
Powered by
