Friday, August 31, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
Three Aviators Just Died.....In a Just World this Wouldn't Have Happened....
The paper has just identified the three aviators who perished in a crash during a carrier landing exercise off the coast of Virginia. As I stared at their photos, I thought of their loved ones, of their friends, and of their fellow airmen. What they must be going through....
Hmmm. I guess, in some way, it might effect me a little more as my dad died in the crash of a navy plane in 1947. A long time ago...but the memories are still dredged up when other aviation tragedies happen.
I know that my mom, who was 25 at the time, was devastated...and until her death a few years ago, at 84, truly never got over it. My dad was the one. The only one.
No, I don't believe in the when it's your time it's your time or in fate. No, these young men died because of a mechanical failure, an errant gust of wind, or some other anomaly.
Yes, I know dead is dead....however; I think when it's an aviator, soldier, airman, marine, coast guardsman, paramedic, fireman, police officer, there's a little something more there. Not that their death is, in and of itself, worse than some decent person who is killed in an auto accident...it's just different.
I guess the other part of me is saying, with scum like Michael Vick running around on the loose, why wasn't it him? Why wasn't it him or some other dreadful people....
Why these young men, who I feel were most likely at a minimum, dedicated professionals, and pretty decent folks? Young men who were contributing to society, paying their dues so to speak, who were productive, who made a difference, and who most likely lived by ideals of right and wrong and were most likely guided by trying to do the right thing.
Micheal Vick and others of his ilk are lucky that I'm not wielding the sword of justice. If I were these young men would be with their family and friends....and, Michael Vick...well....he had his chance.
Hmmm. I guess, in some way, it might effect me a little more as my dad died in the crash of a navy plane in 1947. A long time ago...but the memories are still dredged up when other aviation tragedies happen.
I know that my mom, who was 25 at the time, was devastated...and until her death a few years ago, at 84, truly never got over it. My dad was the one. The only one.
No, I don't believe in the when it's your time it's your time or in fate. No, these young men died because of a mechanical failure, an errant gust of wind, or some other anomaly.
Yes, I know dead is dead....however; I think when it's an aviator, soldier, airman, marine, coast guardsman, paramedic, fireman, police officer, there's a little something more there. Not that their death is, in and of itself, worse than some decent person who is killed in an auto accident...it's just different.
I guess the other part of me is saying, with scum like Michael Vick running around on the loose, why wasn't it him? Why wasn't it him or some other dreadful people....
Why these young men, who I feel were most likely at a minimum, dedicated professionals, and pretty decent folks? Young men who were contributing to society, paying their dues so to speak, who were productive, who made a difference, and who most likely lived by ideals of right and wrong and were most likely guided by trying to do the right thing.
Micheal Vick and others of his ilk are lucky that I'm not wielding the sword of justice. If I were these young men would be with their family and friends....and, Michael Vick...well....he had his chance.
Verizon...I Think all Cable Companies Hate Me!!!!
Well, with the problems with Cox Cable it seems to be starting over again....
Yes, still want DSL. Sooooo, as I have phone service with Verizon and as they have an offer for $12.95 a month (with a Target gift card) I tried to sign up with them. The $12.95 is Internet only and expires tomorrow, August 18th. Yes, yesterday tried a couple of times to sign up....a message said they were unable to complete the process and to call the office.
Hi, I'm trying to sign up for the $12.95 DSL service. I'm getting a message that says to call your office.
Oh. Well, I can't sign you up. The computer won't let me. (Don't you just love that, The computer won't let me.) I can sign you up for $24.95 (some amount that I can't remember).
No, I want the $12.95 that's advertised on your web site.
Uh, you sure that you can get that in your area?
Yes, in fact, when I opened my account it has a link that says, "You qualify for the Internet special."
Oh. Well, the computer won't let me do that. You know, that expires tomorrow.
Hmmmm. Mam, yes, I know It expires tomorrow, that's why I tried to sign on a couple of times yesterday and once today. I want the $12.95 as it's advertised.
I don't know what I can do.
(About now I thinking, Hey why are they trying to make this my problem?)
Well, talk to a supervisor or something.
Finally.
I'll transfer you to the DSL section.
Thank you.
*************
When the DSL folks answered I told them the situation.
Hmmm. Let me see what I can do.
Well, I don't see how I can get that for you. You know that was a special that expires tomorrow.
Yes, I know that.
He then quoted me a few prices........
Sir, this isn't directed at you; however, your company advertised the price of $12.95. Yes, I know it said it had to be done online. I tried to do it online and each time a message popped up telling me to call your office, which is what I have done. I want the $12.95 service. Surely, there's someone somewhere in your company who can arrange for this.
**************
He said he was going to check with someone or something and I was put on hold.
**************
When he came back he said they were having some difficulties or something.
Yes, I can appreciate that; however, I want the $12.95 Internet service as you advertised. I can understand that it may take some time for you guys to figure it all out. You have my phone number and here is my e-mail address.
**************
Sooooo, now hanging around to see how this plays out.
Yes, still want DSL. Sooooo, as I have phone service with Verizon and as they have an offer for $12.95 a month (with a Target gift card) I tried to sign up with them. The $12.95 is Internet only and expires tomorrow, August 18th. Yes, yesterday tried a couple of times to sign up....a message said they were unable to complete the process and to call the office.
Hi, I'm trying to sign up for the $12.95 DSL service. I'm getting a message that says to call your office.
Oh. Well, I can't sign you up. The computer won't let me. (Don't you just love that, The computer won't let me.) I can sign you up for $24.95 (some amount that I can't remember).
No, I want the $12.95 that's advertised on your web site.
Uh, you sure that you can get that in your area?
Yes, in fact, when I opened my account it has a link that says, "You qualify for the Internet special."
Oh. Well, the computer won't let me do that. You know, that expires tomorrow.
Hmmmm. Mam, yes, I know It expires tomorrow, that's why I tried to sign on a couple of times yesterday and once today. I want the $12.95 as it's advertised.
I don't know what I can do.
(About now I thinking, Hey why are they trying to make this my problem?)
Well, talk to a supervisor or something.
Finally.
I'll transfer you to the DSL section.
Thank you.
*************
When the DSL folks answered I told them the situation.
Hmmm. Let me see what I can do.
Well, I don't see how I can get that for you. You know that was a special that expires tomorrow.
Yes, I know that.
He then quoted me a few prices........
Sir, this isn't directed at you; however, your company advertised the price of $12.95. Yes, I know it said it had to be done online. I tried to do it online and each time a message popped up telling me to call your office, which is what I have done. I want the $12.95 service. Surely, there's someone somewhere in your company who can arrange for this.
**************
He said he was going to check with someone or something and I was put on hold.
**************
When he came back he said they were having some difficulties or something.
Yes, I can appreciate that; however, I want the $12.95 Internet service as you advertised. I can understand that it may take some time for you guys to figure it all out. You have my phone number and here is my e-mail address.
**************
Sooooo, now hanging around to see how this plays out.
Cox Cable...Ain't no Friend of Mine in the Digital Age......
This actually started a few months ago. I've had Cox Cable for the TV part for many years. Actually, the account is in my mom's name and sadly my mom died over four years ago.
Anyway, have been wanting to get DSL for quite a while. Finally, decided I would stay with Cox, add DSL and phone services. Sooooooo, over a period of a few months I had several conversations with them. Let's see how it started....
My first call ended when they told me I'd have to come to their office with my mother's death certificate. Nice, huh. Anyway, told them the obvious. That's insulting and I won't do it.
Several more conversations, and one time I was told that they wouldn't allow an account in a dead person's name, they claimed they couldn't collect the bill.....however, they didn't close the account.
I then decided that I'd start dragging my feet on paying the bill, which I did.
Anyway, after receiving an automated we're going to cut off your service message, I received a message from the fellow who was actually going to pull the switch. He said if I wanted to continue the service all I had to do is have a check for him or arrange payment.....
Sooooo, I left him a length message again stating all I wanted was to have the account with the DSL and so on.......would be glad to pay the bill. Well, no answer.
And, yes, good to his word.....he turned off my cable.
Of course, there are at least two other companies that provide the same services for less money; however, after thinking about it for a while I decided I could live without TV. In fact, decided that there were only three programs I'd miss: Countdown, Rescue Me, and racing.
Thankfully, a friend said she'd tape the Rescue Me series and Keith is available on the Internet with actual transcripts of his programs. The last would be a little more difficult.
Racing. What to do? While I watch NASCAR I truly enjoy all forms of racing; however, I decided that I'd just have to give it up and listen to NASCAR on the radio. Yes, folks, radio is alive and well.
It's now been over two months since I've gone TV-less and it hasn't been painful at all. In fact, I suggest that you try it.
Thanks Cox Cable, you have made my life better.
PS. Maybe you are my friend in the digital age.
Anyway, have been wanting to get DSL for quite a while. Finally, decided I would stay with Cox, add DSL and phone services. Sooooooo, over a period of a few months I had several conversations with them. Let's see how it started....
My first call ended when they told me I'd have to come to their office with my mother's death certificate. Nice, huh. Anyway, told them the obvious. That's insulting and I won't do it.
Several more conversations, and one time I was told that they wouldn't allow an account in a dead person's name, they claimed they couldn't collect the bill.....however, they didn't close the account.
I then decided that I'd start dragging my feet on paying the bill, which I did.
Anyway, after receiving an automated we're going to cut off your service message, I received a message from the fellow who was actually going to pull the switch. He said if I wanted to continue the service all I had to do is have a check for him or arrange payment.....
Sooooo, I left him a length message again stating all I wanted was to have the account with the DSL and so on.......would be glad to pay the bill. Well, no answer.
And, yes, good to his word.....he turned off my cable.
Of course, there are at least two other companies that provide the same services for less money; however, after thinking about it for a while I decided I could live without TV. In fact, decided that there were only three programs I'd miss: Countdown, Rescue Me, and racing.
Thankfully, a friend said she'd tape the Rescue Me series and Keith is available on the Internet with actual transcripts of his programs. The last would be a little more difficult.
Racing. What to do? While I watch NASCAR I truly enjoy all forms of racing; however, I decided that I'd just have to give it up and listen to NASCAR on the radio. Yes, folks, radio is alive and well.
It's now been over two months since I've gone TV-less and it hasn't been painful at all. In fact, I suggest that you try it.
Thanks Cox Cable, you have made my life better.
PS. Maybe you are my friend in the digital age.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Dang, Why Didn't I Think of That!!!!!
What a sad night. Yes, as usual, on the way home tonight I listened to Coast 2 Coast AM with George Noory. I normally make fun of them, in fact, I normally call them Whack Job Central.
However, tonight I was humbled. You see, I'm going through a divorce, and sadly it will be final soon. Yes, it will.
Anyway, tonight George had on a Professional Astrologer. Hey, no laughing. Hmmm. Yes, I know some of you out there don't believe in astrology and, I also had been sceptical, but folks, this was a Professional Astrologer, this wasn't just some regular person who had an astrology book. No, it wasn't. I listened intently as he discussed everything from 9/11, the war in Irag, what the next few years held for us...and, well....just on and on. Seriously, this gentleman could talk about any subject that the callers asked about.
Then, I couldn't believe it, he started talking about soul mates. Yes, soul mates.
I immediately swerved off the road, turned off the engine, and turned up the radio. It seems one of his services is a sort of dual reading or charting. Of course it was pretty complicated and I could just barely keep up with him (well, truth be told, he was way over my head).
But he is able to do readings on two people and see what the future holds for them. But, here's what really got me....and too some extent made me pretty sad, he said he could tell if people had the potential to be soul mates. That just about did it for me. If only I had known about him a couple of years ago...gosh, I'm sure he could have made everything OK in our marriage. Soooo, sad. People, listen up out there...please...as soon as you get up tomorrow...please make an appointment with an astrologer...they can save your marriage....oh, don't forget...please make sure the astrologer is a trained professional. Remember, any professional will surely show you their certificates. Frankly, the gentleman on the radio said to be sure they were members of The National and International League, Alliance, Federation, Coalition, Society, and Association of Authentic, Bona Fide, Legitimate, Genuine, Certified, Real Astrologers. If they have that certificate, you know you are in good hands.
Sorry, dear. You were right. This could of saved our marriage.
However, tonight I was humbled. You see, I'm going through a divorce, and sadly it will be final soon. Yes, it will.
Anyway, tonight George had on a Professional Astrologer. Hey, no laughing. Hmmm. Yes, I know some of you out there don't believe in astrology and, I also had been sceptical, but folks, this was a Professional Astrologer, this wasn't just some regular person who had an astrology book. No, it wasn't. I listened intently as he discussed everything from 9/11, the war in Irag, what the next few years held for us...and, well....just on and on. Seriously, this gentleman could talk about any subject that the callers asked about.
Then, I couldn't believe it, he started talking about soul mates. Yes, soul mates.
I immediately swerved off the road, turned off the engine, and turned up the radio. It seems one of his services is a sort of dual reading or charting. Of course it was pretty complicated and I could just barely keep up with him (well, truth be told, he was way over my head).
But he is able to do readings on two people and see what the future holds for them. But, here's what really got me....and too some extent made me pretty sad, he said he could tell if people had the potential to be soul mates. That just about did it for me. If only I had known about him a couple of years ago...gosh, I'm sure he could have made everything OK in our marriage. Soooo, sad. People, listen up out there...please...as soon as you get up tomorrow...please make an appointment with an astrologer...they can save your marriage....oh, don't forget...please make sure the astrologer is a trained professional. Remember, any professional will surely show you their certificates. Frankly, the gentleman on the radio said to be sure they were members of The National and International League, Alliance, Federation, Coalition, Society, and Association of Authentic, Bona Fide, Legitimate, Genuine, Certified, Real Astrologers. If they have that certificate, you know you are in good hands.
Sorry, dear. You were right. This could of saved our marriage.
What Goes Around Comes Around.......
I'm sure you've heard this before. Or, is it, What comes around goes around? Anyway, folks usually spout this when something bad has happened to someone...or others, normally perpetrated by one person or a small group. The implication is that the person(s) will have the same thing happen to them....or something similar.
I'm not sure where this came from, this saying. I guess to some extent it offers a little solace when we are harmed or done wrong; however, obviously, there's no basis to think it's true. I guess you would have to believe in some kind of mystical powers or what-have-you, that are looking down on the world and punishing all bad deeds. Hmmm. If that were the case, why did the mystical power or whatever allow the bad deed to happen in the first place?
In order to think like this you would have to feel that there is some kind of overall score keeper, who makes sure that wrongs are righted.
Hey, the only way wrongs are righted is through action....not through some mystical believe that there is someone or some power who is looking out for us.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news folks...but, it just ain't true. No one is looking out for us and there is no overall balancing and adjusting. What happens happens and, that's about it. The scales of justice are only level and balanced as they are passing though the arc from one extreme to the other.
I'm not sure where this came from, this saying. I guess to some extent it offers a little solace when we are harmed or done wrong; however, obviously, there's no basis to think it's true. I guess you would have to believe in some kind of mystical powers or what-have-you, that are looking down on the world and punishing all bad deeds. Hmmm. If that were the case, why did the mystical power or whatever allow the bad deed to happen in the first place?
In order to think like this you would have to feel that there is some kind of overall score keeper, who makes sure that wrongs are righted.
Hey, the only way wrongs are righted is through action....not through some mystical believe that there is someone or some power who is looking out for us.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news folks...but, it just ain't true. No one is looking out for us and there is no overall balancing and adjusting. What happens happens and, that's about it. The scales of justice are only level and balanced as they are passing though the arc from one extreme to the other.
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