About 15 or so years ago I was invited to a very special dinner in New York City honoring Julia Child at March Restaurant. It was a private affair... Julia had offered a dinner for 50 people and herself at this restaurant, a benefit for the James Beard House.
The couple who invited me asked if I would like to sit at the head table, with Julia Child, the Bratterbury's (sp?) of Food Arts Magazine fame, the hosts and their closest friends. Being the down to earth foodie and wine geek that I was, I of course said yes. Honestly though... I could talk to a wall and have a good time, so talking with Julia Child should be a breeze, the true reason I was asked to be at the table.
The night finally arrived, I was dressed in my 'business best suit', ready to eat, drink, converse about food and wine on an educated level.. praying I don't act like a geek from hell, a name dropping snob, or say something so incredibly stupid I would pray for the floor to open so I could drop into the pits of hell never to be seen in public again.
I don't remember a lot about that night except for a couple of poignant, life enhancing, memorable moments.. Julia (as she insisted on being called) walked into the room where we were sitting at the tables, and a hush, literally a hush fell upon all of us, one of such awe that this 6 foot plus larger than life woman, hunched over, wheezing and laughing, could possess such an aura... such a charisma... so much so that this group of overly sophisticated people were stunned into silence, until... she picked up a glass of Champagne, looked at each and every one of us and she said in her own lilting way, 'Thank you all for coming this evening...Bon Appetit!'
As the evening wore on, course after course after course of wonderful food... tons of question rolling around my brain, I realized one simple fact. I am in such awe of this woman, this woman who literally changed the way Americans looked at food and I cannot talk. I cannot utter one simple word. I am beyond tongue tied...I am a mute. My whole purpose of sitting at the table is for naught. Everyone else picked up the conversation and the evening rolled along.
At one point, just before desert, I asked my friends if Julia would sign my cookbook. They asked her and she said of course, she would love to. Many of the other guests came with their own books for her to sign, new, brand new, so spanking new the binding had not even been cracked. She signed and they were happy. I was a bit embarrassed at this point..almost wondering if the hole from hell was nearby... my book for her to sign was nothing like that.
It was from The Restaurant School in Philadelphia, where I had been a student and this was my textbook and now cooking bible... the base where all my dishes emanated. The binding was cracked beyond repair, the cover ripped and held together by tape and rubber bands. Sections of the book were always falling out...
It was my turn for her autograph, her stamp of approval to me. I opened my bag, and took out this book... the look on her face is one that has never left me... it was the look of someone who KNEW their work was valued, of someone who KNEW all the time and effort put into each and every recipe was embraced... she looked at me and just said "Oh, how lovely. What is your favorite recipe..." And as I pulled out a bunch of dirty food stained pages from the book I realized that was all the validation I needed.
From there, the rest of the evening was a blur, but I remember conversing with EVERYONE and walking out at the end of the night on a cloud.
This is for you Amy... Congratulations on your first day at the Culinary Institute of America.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Republicans... ya gotta love them...
Just for their comedic homespun family values.
If Dick Cheyney isn't shooting his friend in the face...
We've got Sarah Palin, who'se newest gaffe-du-jour is talking about a homey Thanksgiving with the family, while a farmer is killin those poor birds in the background....
*warning, this video is pretty gruesome:
If Dick Cheyney isn't shooting his friend in the face...
We've got Sarah Palin, who'se newest gaffe-du-jour is talking about a homey Thanksgiving with the family, while a farmer is killin those poor birds in the background....
*warning, this video is pretty gruesome:
Friday, November 7, 2008
Some New Friends
On weekends I work at a local garden center helping to do a bit of everything, mostly though I work the register. Overall, everyone is fun, we have a good time, and the customers add to the experience of the job. More on that in future postings.
The people I work with are a diverse lot... coming from all places, economic backgrounds, and cultures. Following are some of my favorites, the ones who make me laugh day in and day out:
Alberta Spruce- she is sharp as a tack, will only work outside, and so short as to almost be called a Dwarf, yet she claims many of her family are extremely tall.
Al Fresco- This guy loves to be outside... and is always telling me about the great meals and conversations he's had over the many years of his life.
Pete Moss-He's is a weird dude to say the least. He is loved by many, but has this funky outdoorsy, earthy kinda smell. He is so skinny, I feel like one day the wind is going to blow him out of the center.
Hy Drangea-Hy is an older guy, loves being inside the store or outside and always has colorful comments.
More later...
The people I work with are a diverse lot... coming from all places, economic backgrounds, and cultures. Following are some of my favorites, the ones who make me laugh day in and day out:
Alberta Spruce- she is sharp as a tack, will only work outside, and so short as to almost be called a Dwarf, yet she claims many of her family are extremely tall.
Al Fresco- This guy loves to be outside... and is always telling me about the great meals and conversations he's had over the many years of his life.
Pete Moss-He's is a weird dude to say the least. He is loved by many, but has this funky outdoorsy, earthy kinda smell. He is so skinny, I feel like one day the wind is going to blow him out of the center.
Hy Drangea-Hy is an older guy, loves being inside the store or outside and always has colorful comments.
More later...
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Have We Learned Nothing?
Did we forget the physical damage of World War l?
Did we forget the hatred of World War ll?
Did we forget the lessons of The Vietnam War?
When do we stop the hatred? anger? lies? greed?
thank you Sally Anthony..
Did we forget the hatred of World War ll?
Did we forget the lessons of The Vietnam War?
When do we stop the hatred? anger? lies? greed?
thank you Sally Anthony..
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Driving Jersey Style
Blinkers are a waste of energy, therefore we do not use them.
A circle (roundabout) is one big game of chicken.
A jughandle is a way to get out of stopping at a red light... just use it and continue on your way.
A red light is a suggestion... a yellow light a waste of a bulb... a green light is expected
A pedestrian does not belong on the road, any part of it, roads were made for driving, not walking.
A pedestrian does not belong on the road... part 2... because I have a hot cup of coffee in my lap between my legs, with a water bottle in the center console as I check my email on my iPhone... and you honestly think I have time to stop for your lazy butt to cross the street.. or even think of stopping and messing up the interior of my car or burning my lap???
Speed limits exist purely as a money making opportunity for the local/county/state police. They are to be ignored, unless you see a cop.
Driving while drinking, eating, talking on the phone, putting on make-up/shaving, reading the paper is an inherent right.
People from NY and PA who drive in NJ are the worst...
Its FUN going 60mph on a crowded 2 lane highway with every major box store known to man on both sides of the road. Its even more fun going from one store to another store on the other side of the highway without looking.
If there is a space no larger than a postage stamp between cars, I have the right to change lanes and cut you off.
The tires on the back of some SUV's are an additional bumper.
If we can build a highway..we do, and always find a way to mess up on and off ramps.
Whats wrong with stopping short if you are 2 inches from my rear bumper while going 80mph? Back off Jack!
An SUV gives you the right to drive anyway you want in any weather condition. If I want to go 75mph in 4 inches of snow and ice on a one lane pedestrian road, whats the problem?
A circle (roundabout) is one big game of chicken.
A jughandle is a way to get out of stopping at a red light... just use it and continue on your way.
A red light is a suggestion... a yellow light a waste of a bulb... a green light is expected
A pedestrian does not belong on the road, any part of it, roads were made for driving, not walking.
A pedestrian does not belong on the road... part 2... because I have a hot cup of coffee in my lap between my legs, with a water bottle in the center console as I check my email on my iPhone... and you honestly think I have time to stop for your lazy butt to cross the street.. or even think of stopping and messing up the interior of my car or burning my lap???
Speed limits exist purely as a money making opportunity for the local/county/state police. They are to be ignored, unless you see a cop.
Driving while drinking, eating, talking on the phone, putting on make-up/shaving, reading the paper is an inherent right.
People from NY and PA who drive in NJ are the worst...
Its FUN going 60mph on a crowded 2 lane highway with every major box store known to man on both sides of the road. Its even more fun going from one store to another store on the other side of the highway without looking.
If there is a space no larger than a postage stamp between cars, I have the right to change lanes and cut you off.
The tires on the back of some SUV's are an additional bumper.
If we can build a highway..we do, and always find a way to mess up on and off ramps.
Whats wrong with stopping short if you are 2 inches from my rear bumper while going 80mph? Back off Jack!
An SUV gives you the right to drive anyway you want in any weather condition. If I want to go 75mph in 4 inches of snow and ice on a one lane pedestrian road, whats the problem?
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
My Buddy Peri
We were together for almost 15 years, side by side every day, thick and thin... he knew me and my secrets, never stopped barking, whining and was a shining light in my life. This morning, that light moved to another plane. He simply had enough, enough pain, enough problems breathing, enough of his life.
I promised him a home when he comes back... and I am sure he will.
I got him at 5 weeks old, he was housebroken by 7 weeks, and known as the liquor store dog that always rolled over for anyone to rub his belly. He was also a Pet Therapy Dog, with an instinctive knowledge of how to approach each and every person he came into contact with.
He was a funny little puppy. Part beagle, basset and corgi, his legs always to short for his tubby body. His funny walk and mannerisms earned him the nickname Chooch, like a clown.
I'll miss that Chooch.
Name Change
I have been teased over the years about my use of the English language that I tend to twist and contort to make a point. My friend Linda, who calls me Sumi, calls that unique phenomena, a Sumi'ism.
Since I started this blog, with its old name of The Complaint Dept. I have felt a bit constrained, as if the post HAD to have a negative bent to it. Not a cool thing if you are a positive, forward looking metaphysical person. Its kinda like 2 trains of opposing thoughts on one track heading toward each other. One has got to give, and honestly, after a while, no one wants to hear you bitch and moan 24/7, including myself. So after 180 seconds of deliberation and deep thought I am going with the new and soon to be abused Sumi'isms name. I guess you could call this a Blogger Menopause, a blog life change.
Don't get me wrong, I still plan on publishing all those letters of complaint, kudos and what where you thinking. However, you will be seeing more funny touching and absurdly weird stories only I can create.
Since I started this blog, with its old name of The Complaint Dept. I have felt a bit constrained, as if the post HAD to have a negative bent to it. Not a cool thing if you are a positive, forward looking metaphysical person. Its kinda like 2 trains of opposing thoughts on one track heading toward each other. One has got to give, and honestly, after a while, no one wants to hear you bitch and moan 24/7, including myself. So after 180 seconds of deliberation and deep thought I am going with the new and soon to be abused Sumi'isms name. I guess you could call this a Blogger Menopause, a blog life change.
Don't get me wrong, I still plan on publishing all those letters of complaint, kudos and what where you thinking. However, you will be seeing more funny touching and absurdly weird stories only I can create.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Stella Silvansky sings at Monica Renneville's Outdoor Event Area in SL
As I have said before, Monica Renneville and I own the island ETU Abbracciare in Second Life(SL). A parcel on the island is dedicated to outdoor concerts and other events. We were lucky enough to have Stella Silvansky perform there on June 6... it was a great fun concert. Thank you Robert for this video!
By the way, I am in the front of the dance floor in a white suit, and Monica is wearing a Linda Lauren's Energy Art™ vest! and jeans!!
In case you are wondering...as all my real life friends and family know I have NO rhythm, and could not dance even if Ginger Rogers invaded my body and took over, Everyone in SL has rhythm!
This stage and entire outdoor event area was a collaboration between Monica and a little bit of me. It was entirely built by us...and has such a great look and feel to it, many parts of it have been copied by other venues. A huge compliment. In the background of the stage, you will notice Linda Lauren's Energy Art™ which is being shown as a sideshow, as well as an over sized picture of Stella. The Blue Angel you see 'floating' is the Logo we use in SL and RL (Real Life as we say in SL). It also does double duty of being a tip jar. The dance animations are all available for free from the big round balls that float over the center of the dance floor. If you have any more questions about SL..just ask!
Enjoy!
Friday, June 6, 2008
I Would Like To Thank...
The Media for deciding whom we should like in a Presidential Nomination process, and whom we should not. For hating Hillary Clinton to such an extent as to completely derail her campaign as well as all the hard work and accomplishments of her lifetime.
Chris Matthews-for being the most blatant Misogynist on TV... from asking women to get closer to the camera for a better 'shot' to his obvious hatred of Hillary Clinton.
The Media..again..for Creating news not reporting on it.
Fox News..one huge oxymoron.
Pundits... for speaking and shouting over the thoughts and intelligent comments by so many of their guests.
The Democratic Party, whose short memory of NOT COUNTING VOTES lost them the past 2 Presidential elections. You, the DNC, have learned nothing. You have forgotten that the Democratic party is one of INCLUSION not EXCLUSION. This election is supposed to be about the PEOPLE of the United States, not some stupid set of rules designed to purposely confuse, confound, and piss off the very heart of the party, those that vote in every election. Way to go guys, its not easy to take an election that was all but sown up... and now have a real shot of losing the whole enchilada.
And the media wonders why newspaper readership is down, people are burnt out by the time a primary or election actually takes place, and why, too many people in this country could not find Greece on a map if it had a pin stuck in it.
I am tired, of the rhetoric, the garbage speak, and the 4th Estates supposed sense of entitlement to make up my mind for me.
Chris Matthews-for being the most blatant Misogynist on TV... from asking women to get closer to the camera for a better 'shot' to his obvious hatred of Hillary Clinton.
The Media..again..for Creating news not reporting on it.
Fox News..one huge oxymoron.
Pundits... for speaking and shouting over the thoughts and intelligent comments by so many of their guests.
The Democratic Party, whose short memory of NOT COUNTING VOTES lost them the past 2 Presidential elections. You, the DNC, have learned nothing. You have forgotten that the Democratic party is one of INCLUSION not EXCLUSION. This election is supposed to be about the PEOPLE of the United States, not some stupid set of rules designed to purposely confuse, confound, and piss off the very heart of the party, those that vote in every election. Way to go guys, its not easy to take an election that was all but sown up... and now have a real shot of losing the whole enchilada.
And the media wonders why newspaper readership is down, people are burnt out by the time a primary or election actually takes place, and why, too many people in this country could not find Greece on a map if it had a pin stuck in it.
I am tired, of the rhetoric, the garbage speak, and the 4th Estates supposed sense of entitlement to make up my mind for me.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
One Way Phone Calls...
"Full name please... address... Social... Phone number where you can be reached... the next appointment is Tuesday at 3:00pm ... please hold..."
Great... I got an appointment within a week..hot diggity.
So why am I pissed...
On Monday I get a call confirming I will be at the appointment on time and in the right office. I asked to be called if the Dr. was running late, 'No Problem' I was told. It is now 3:30, I live 3 minutes from the Dr's office, and there are 2 people in front of me... waiting...
The Doctor is running late... again.
So I go up to the glass, blocking those in the steerage compartment from the 'crackerjack' staff in the office.
"Excuse me, do you know how much longer the Dr is going to be? I have to get back to work."
"She is running late, about another 30 minutes or so..." Crap.
"How come you did not call me and let me know?"
"I did not know the Dr was running late then."
'HUH? I don't get it, you make me give you a number to be reached at, you called yesterday to confirm, you told me you would call if she was running late and over scheduled, and you couldn't call me? Then why take my cell phone number??"
"Even if I called you, you would still have to sign in, and wait behind everyone else... and we do not call to let you know the Dr is late. You should have called first."
"Why? My appointment is for 3:00, I made this appointment last week, and told you that I am on a break and could not wait, you said no problem.... and now... I am waiting, and YOUR the ones running late, not me... why leave a number if you won't help to cause LESS STRESS for your patients."
"Please come with me... a room just opened..."
"How long am I going to have to wait in the room?" I ask.
"About 30 minutes."
I turn around, and right in front of me is a very pretty beige wall, covered by a lovely textured wallpaper that probably costs more money than the clean up budget from Hurricane Katrina... I look at this wall and do the only thing I can... I start banging my head against it... till I REALLY get a headache and then walk out.
Great... I got an appointment within a week..hot diggity.
So why am I pissed...
On Monday I get a call confirming I will be at the appointment on time and in the right office. I asked to be called if the Dr. was running late, 'No Problem' I was told. It is now 3:30, I live 3 minutes from the Dr's office, and there are 2 people in front of me... waiting...
The Doctor is running late... again.
So I go up to the glass, blocking those in the steerage compartment from the 'crackerjack' staff in the office.
"Excuse me, do you know how much longer the Dr is going to be? I have to get back to work."
"She is running late, about another 30 minutes or so..." Crap.
"How come you did not call me and let me know?"
"I did not know the Dr was running late then."
'HUH? I don't get it, you make me give you a number to be reached at, you called yesterday to confirm, you told me you would call if she was running late and over scheduled, and you couldn't call me? Then why take my cell phone number??"
"Even if I called you, you would still have to sign in, and wait behind everyone else... and we do not call to let you know the Dr is late. You should have called first."
"Why? My appointment is for 3:00, I made this appointment last week, and told you that I am on a break and could not wait, you said no problem.... and now... I am waiting, and YOUR the ones running late, not me... why leave a number if you won't help to cause LESS STRESS for your patients."
"Please come with me... a room just opened..."
"How long am I going to have to wait in the room?" I ask.
"About 30 minutes."
I turn around, and right in front of me is a very pretty beige wall, covered by a lovely textured wallpaper that probably costs more money than the clean up budget from Hurricane Katrina... I look at this wall and do the only thing I can... I start banging my head against it... till I REALLY get a headache and then walk out.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
My Vote
This is on my SL Profile and as I read it now it is just as important today as it was when I wrote it January 2008.
"This is an election for the future of the United States... We need a candidate of substance, one who understands and can work with the politics and the climate of Washington DC, a person with a strong connection to the Leaders of so many foreign countries who want to change the direction of the world to one of peace, someone who has made a difference in so many lives and can continue to make that difference, a person who has proven their abilities are beyond the stylistic prose spoken by so many...she is a Woman of Substance with more experience than anyone else.
**This is my personal opinion, I will not discuss it, nor will I debate it...**"
"This is an election for the future of the United States... We need a candidate of substance, one who understands and can work with the politics and the climate of Washington DC, a person with a strong connection to the Leaders of so many foreign countries who want to change the direction of the world to one of peace, someone who has made a difference in so many lives and can continue to make that difference, a person who has proven their abilities are beyond the stylistic prose spoken by so many...she is a Woman of Substance with more experience than anyone else.
**This is my personal opinion, I will not discuss it, nor will I debate it...**"
Friday, May 9, 2008
Lame-o in the Kitchen
So last night I go into the kitchen to make dinner. Simple right?
Reheat leftover Pork Tenderloin, Rice and Broccoli. Easy..just throw it in the microwave and nuke away... a 10 minute dinner, no problem, 1.... 2.... 3.....
Except, the microwave was not working. Dead as a doornail, dead as a 15 year old car battery, dead as your iPod after 400 hours straight of music, movies and videos. Not working, in any way, shape or form. Not happening. Nothing. The display was darker than a New York City blackout.
Circuit breaker? It's normal. So I unplug the sucker for about 5 minutes, plug it back in, nada... Crap
Figuring, I know absolutely nothing about microwaves, and have no real desire to be nuked in my sleep by this appliance, I leave it unplugged and call the repair man, wondering if its even worth repairing. It's 2 years old, but these things are soooo cheap nowadays, I just add this to my what else can I stress about list.
So I start to think, OK... put the tenderloin in the toaster over... but... TAKE IT OUT OF THE PLASTIC CONTAINER MORON! Dang crap to wash.
The rice... forgetaboutit, believe it or not, the only way to heat this rice up is in a microwave, go to carb standby #2, pasta... now I gotta look in the fridge to see what kinda of veggies I can throw in.. mushrooms, onion and garlic... parsley, thyme and oregano from the garden...cool.
Now about the broccoli..how do I cook that again? Oh yeah, on the stove with... ANOTHER FREAKIN POT I GOTTA CLEAN!
By now I have 3 burners going and ...how do I feed the dogs? Their veggies are steamed, the frozen raw beef needs to defrost..grrrrrrr...... eff the beef they are getting eggs, dammit...more to wash. Start steaming the veggies on the stove, save steamer for broccoli later.
By now, my 10 minute dinner has turned into a 30 minute pain in the ass of stress and remembering how to cook pre-microwave..how did we do it?
Bing Bing Bing... wtf now?
The display on the microwave woke up... PF, Power Failure. I plug it in and it works... OMG! Yippee!
Then I smack it, yep, smack the sucker and yell...
TOOK YA LONG ENOUGH!
And I still have a tons to wash....
Reheat leftover Pork Tenderloin, Rice and Broccoli. Easy..just throw it in the microwave and nuke away... a 10 minute dinner, no problem, 1.... 2.... 3.....
Except, the microwave was not working. Dead as a doornail, dead as a 15 year old car battery, dead as your iPod after 400 hours straight of music, movies and videos. Not working, in any way, shape or form. Not happening. Nothing. The display was darker than a New York City blackout.
Circuit breaker? It's normal. So I unplug the sucker for about 5 minutes, plug it back in, nada... Crap
Figuring, I know absolutely nothing about microwaves, and have no real desire to be nuked in my sleep by this appliance, I leave it unplugged and call the repair man, wondering if its even worth repairing. It's 2 years old, but these things are soooo cheap nowadays, I just add this to my what else can I stress about list.
So I start to think, OK... put the tenderloin in the toaster over... but... TAKE IT OUT OF THE PLASTIC CONTAINER MORON! Dang crap to wash.
The rice... forgetaboutit, believe it or not, the only way to heat this rice up is in a microwave, go to carb standby #2, pasta... now I gotta look in the fridge to see what kinda of veggies I can throw in.. mushrooms, onion and garlic... parsley, thyme and oregano from the garden...cool.
Now about the broccoli..how do I cook that again? Oh yeah, on the stove with... ANOTHER FREAKIN POT I GOTTA CLEAN!
By now I have 3 burners going and ...how do I feed the dogs? Their veggies are steamed, the frozen raw beef needs to defrost..grrrrrrr...... eff the beef they are getting eggs, dammit...more to wash. Start steaming the veggies on the stove, save steamer for broccoli later.
By now, my 10 minute dinner has turned into a 30 minute pain in the ass of stress and remembering how to cook pre-microwave..how did we do it?
Bing Bing Bing... wtf now?
The display on the microwave woke up... PF, Power Failure. I plug it in and it works... OMG! Yippee!
Then I smack it, yep, smack the sucker and yell...
TOOK YA LONG ENOUGH!
And I still have a tons to wash....
Friday, April 25, 2008
Whose the Chump?
Me
For just going along with the raise in prices and not doing anything except conserving where I can.
For not writing congress and bitching them out
For being dependent on this fuel source
For knowing the gas companies put out the word to the major news and gov't. agencies that prices are going up, and like blind effing sheep, we accept it and watch the $$$ meter on the pump spin faster than an Atlantic City Slot machine.
For just going along with the raise in prices and not doing anything except conserving where I can.
For not writing congress and bitching them out
For being dependent on this fuel source
For knowing the gas companies put out the word to the major news and gov't. agencies that prices are going up, and like blind effing sheep, we accept it and watch the $$$ meter on the pump spin faster than an Atlantic City Slot machine.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Real Mission of a Corporation
Most Corporations in todays world have forgotten one simple fact, they are in the customer service business.
Comcast and Verizon happen to use skinny metal wires or fiber optic cable surrounded by a thin covering of plastic, a couple of metal connectors and a computer that records the stuff the tv stations show. That in a nutshell (IMHO), is how their business is conducted.
EVERY single corporation, business or self employed individual all share the same basic fact - your true mission statement starts with:
I am going to service my customers by... being on time, accurate and providing the best (fill in the blank).
Call me Sumi naive, but that is what I truly believe.
WRONG! Take the cable/internet industry. The consumer in their eyes has unlimited time to wait around for appointments, wade through voice mail hell, be put on hold for hours at a time to try to talk to completely overworked, manipulated uncaring or poorly trained 'customer service agents'.
The consumer is usually considered to be ill-informed, angry, and completely out of step with the reality of the situation.
Almost all of the companies I deal with need more customer service reps with better training. The only exception I can add to this mix is Apple, their customer service is a model to behold, no wait times, available supervisors, and a real caring about you and their products. Oh yeah, and Nordstrom's.
So this got me to thinking. Look at this:
Edward Whitacre Jr, CEO AT&T, salary with compensation, 2006, $60.7 million
Gary Forsee, Ceo, Sprint & Nextel, salary with compensation, 2006, $21.3 million
Ivan Seidenberg, CEO Verizon, salary with compensation, 2006, $21.3 million
Now, if each of these guys, contributed back to their company lets say 50% of thier salary earmarked for customer service training and new hires, I have a feeling things would be much different on my side of the phone line.
Oh crap, I forgot, it's the paycheck they receive, not the customer service thats important to them. After all, so many of these CEO's are not in it for the long haul... nope, silly me... they are here just long enough to get their name out there (power! celebrity! ego!), long enough to get on some Boards (fun! easy money! free vacations and private planes!), long enough to fatten their bank accounts (retirement was never so good!), and just long enough they can get away with robbing the company of its core values, and dumping the mess on someone else's shoulders.
And that in a nutshell is my problem with todays Corporate America.
Comcast and Verizon happen to use skinny metal wires or fiber optic cable surrounded by a thin covering of plastic, a couple of metal connectors and a computer that records the stuff the tv stations show. That in a nutshell (IMHO), is how their business is conducted.
EVERY single corporation, business or self employed individual all share the same basic fact - your true mission statement starts with:
I am going to service my customers by... being on time, accurate and providing the best (fill in the blank).
Call me Sumi naive, but that is what I truly believe.
WRONG! Take the cable/internet industry. The consumer in their eyes has unlimited time to wait around for appointments, wade through voice mail hell, be put on hold for hours at a time to try to talk to completely overworked, manipulated uncaring or poorly trained 'customer service agents'.
The consumer is usually considered to be ill-informed, angry, and completely out of step with the reality of the situation.
Almost all of the companies I deal with need more customer service reps with better training. The only exception I can add to this mix is Apple, their customer service is a model to behold, no wait times, available supervisors, and a real caring about you and their products. Oh yeah, and Nordstrom's.
So this got me to thinking. Look at this:
Edward Whitacre Jr, CEO AT&T, salary with compensation, 2006, $60.7 million
Gary Forsee, Ceo, Sprint & Nextel, salary with compensation, 2006, $21.3 million
Ivan Seidenberg, CEO Verizon, salary with compensation, 2006, $21.3 million
Now, if each of these guys, contributed back to their company lets say 50% of thier salary earmarked for customer service training and new hires, I have a feeling things would be much different on my side of the phone line.
Oh crap, I forgot, it's the paycheck they receive, not the customer service thats important to them. After all, so many of these CEO's are not in it for the long haul... nope, silly me... they are here just long enough to get their name out there (power! celebrity! ego!), long enough to get on some Boards (fun! easy money! free vacations and private planes!), long enough to fatten their bank accounts (retirement was never so good!), and just long enough they can get away with robbing the company of its core values, and dumping the mess on someone else's shoulders.
And that in a nutshell is my problem with todays Corporate America.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
gut instinct ...
When I started using my Dog Trainer...wait let me rephrase that...
When I started using a people trainer for my dog, we discussed nutrition and how important it is for our pets. I truly did not understand the power of a well balanced diet and what a difference it can make. Even my Vet's kinda poo-poo'd the Holistic diet I fed them 2 times per day... raw beef or a protein, steamed veggies, supplement and kibble. The dogs and my cats loved it.
As I went for the yearly exams my vets would simply smile as I reexplained their meals, giving me the 'isn't that nice' smile. Their eyes said 'I can't believe you actually think spending all that time and money feeding your pets that stuff could be anywhere near as healthy, as the over priced processed bagged and canned kibble I am trying to get you to buy because the feed companies tell me its good stuff and I can make a lot of money off you on a monthly basis keeping you coming back for more' look.
In the years that have followed, a wonderful little girl who chose Linda as her best friend named Gigdet became part of the group. At 18 months of age, she already had 3 nasty urinary tract infections, and her most recent Urinalysis showed high levels of crystals, tri-phosphates and all sorts of bad news that could be life threatening if not taken seriously. The vet said she had to eat a special diet (that only the vet sold) with a base protein of chicken, which we knew her to be very sensitive to.
'What about her scratching?'
'Use Benadryl'
'But I don't want her to be a Benedryl baby!'
'We can find other anti histamines then.'
'What about her supplements? Vitamin C?'
'Do not use them any more'
'She loves broccoli and carrots and veggies... what about them?'
'No'
HUH?
Wait, your telling me this bag of stuff and these cans are the only thing she can eat for the rest of her life, even though I know she craves veggies... raw beef... cooked shin bones??? Yep.
Linda and I looked at each other and said nothing.
I knew, Linda knew... no way, there is something seriously wrong with this limited thinking. As we switched her diet over to the Vet formula, Gidget itched, scratched, bit, chewed her paws, had problems sleeping and was 'stealing' veggies and proteins from the other dogs bowls. We bought stock in Benadryl.
We talked, then called Dr Kennith Fischer of the Hillsdale Animal Hospital.
I also got to thinking, if an animal in the wild needs a certain type of protein or veggie that is what they eat. If something causes an unpleasant reaction in their body, they learn not to eat that food source. So why then, would Gidget be eating a food source Linda knew was bound to cause a long term harmful reaction??? And, what she was craving, telling us she needed, was not 'allowed' to eat? It made no sense.
Off we went to Dr Fisher. After an hour interview he changed her diet from the bag o' itch to her old diet with some refinements... back to the meat protein, back to the veggies, supplements and now whole grains.
After 2 months we noticed Gidget had NO TEAR STAINS! NONE! She used to have stains that came down her face and practically dripped off her whiskers. Her eyes were bright and shining, her coat started to get sparkles, become softer, she lost less fur. Her scratching and itching lessened, she was... happy eating her beef, bones, spinach, vitamin c., broccoli and carrots.
Then the big one, the biggest test of all.... her next urinalysis... After 3 months of this diet, with virtually no itching, absolutely no poultry products, and all those ingredients the old vet said she could not have... the results were in.
She had no tri phosphates, and her crystals were in the low to normal range.
If Gidget hadn't been stealing the food she needed, if the proof was not in front of my very eyes, I would not have believed how important this part of dog care is. Just think, all those suffering pets on heavy duty anti-biotics, anti-histamines, anti-whatever pills, limited boring, inadequate diets could simply be cured by us listening to their gut.... those pets know it, why don't we?
When I started using a people trainer for my dog, we discussed nutrition and how important it is for our pets. I truly did not understand the power of a well balanced diet and what a difference it can make. Even my Vet's kinda poo-poo'd the Holistic diet I fed them 2 times per day... raw beef or a protein, steamed veggies, supplement and kibble. The dogs and my cats loved it.
As I went for the yearly exams my vets would simply smile as I reexplained their meals, giving me the 'isn't that nice' smile. Their eyes said 'I can't believe you actually think spending all that time and money feeding your pets that stuff could be anywhere near as healthy, as the over priced processed bagged and canned kibble I am trying to get you to buy because the feed companies tell me its good stuff and I can make a lot of money off you on a monthly basis keeping you coming back for more' look.
In the years that have followed, a wonderful little girl who chose Linda as her best friend named Gigdet became part of the group. At 18 months of age, she already had 3 nasty urinary tract infections, and her most recent Urinalysis showed high levels of crystals, tri-phosphates and all sorts of bad news that could be life threatening if not taken seriously. The vet said she had to eat a special diet (that only the vet sold) with a base protein of chicken, which we knew her to be very sensitive to.
'What about her scratching?'
'Use Benadryl'
'But I don't want her to be a Benedryl baby!'
'We can find other anti histamines then.'
'What about her supplements? Vitamin C?'
'Do not use them any more'
'She loves broccoli and carrots and veggies... what about them?'
'No'
HUH?
Wait, your telling me this bag of stuff and these cans are the only thing she can eat for the rest of her life, even though I know she craves veggies... raw beef... cooked shin bones??? Yep.
Linda and I looked at each other and said nothing.
I knew, Linda knew... no way, there is something seriously wrong with this limited thinking. As we switched her diet over to the Vet formula, Gidget itched, scratched, bit, chewed her paws, had problems sleeping and was 'stealing' veggies and proteins from the other dogs bowls. We bought stock in Benadryl.
We talked, then called Dr Kennith Fischer of the Hillsdale Animal Hospital.
I also got to thinking, if an animal in the wild needs a certain type of protein or veggie that is what they eat. If something causes an unpleasant reaction in their body, they learn not to eat that food source. So why then, would Gidget be eating a food source Linda knew was bound to cause a long term harmful reaction??? And, what she was craving, telling us she needed, was not 'allowed' to eat? It made no sense.
Off we went to Dr Fisher. After an hour interview he changed her diet from the bag o' itch to her old diet with some refinements... back to the meat protein, back to the veggies, supplements and now whole grains.
After 2 months we noticed Gidget had NO TEAR STAINS! NONE! She used to have stains that came down her face and practically dripped off her whiskers. Her eyes were bright and shining, her coat started to get sparkles, become softer, she lost less fur. Her scratching and itching lessened, she was... happy eating her beef, bones, spinach, vitamin c., broccoli and carrots.
Then the big one, the biggest test of all.... her next urinalysis... After 3 months of this diet, with virtually no itching, absolutely no poultry products, and all those ingredients the old vet said she could not have... the results were in.
She had no tri phosphates, and her crystals were in the low to normal range.
If Gidget hadn't been stealing the food she needed, if the proof was not in front of my very eyes, I would not have believed how important this part of dog care is. Just think, all those suffering pets on heavy duty anti-biotics, anti-histamines, anti-whatever pills, limited boring, inadequate diets could simply be cured by us listening to their gut.... those pets know it, why don't we?
Monday, April 7, 2008
How to Handle a Problem-Republic of China Style
1. Do not admit there is a problem.
2. Blame the West and subversives, enemy of the state, or anyone else, and still do not admit there is a problem.
3. Say 'We are looking into these baseless allegations'.
4. Arrest people.
5. Execute someone... 'See there is no problem'
2. Blame the West and subversives, enemy of the state, or anyone else, and still do not admit there is a problem.
3. Say 'We are looking into these baseless allegations'.
4. Arrest people.
5. Execute someone... 'See there is no problem'
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Adios Fios
This is it, for the last time I am no longer putting up with these piece of shit Motorola DVR boxes that are not working, shows not being taped, power buttons not turning on or off. How many boxes in 3 months am I supposed to be hassled about to find ONE that works? How many times do I have to be on the phone? How many missed appointments do I have to deal with? How many more lost internet connections due to wireless routers that are marginal at best causing me to lose valuable business and pleasure time can I accept?
NONE...NO MORE...FINITO..HAD IT...YOUR OUTTA HERE!
I called, of course got put on hold, of course there was no supervisor to talk to on the first call, of course was told when I finally got through to a wonderful customer service supervisor, that she would write in my file to waive the early cancellation fee, but there were no guarantees that it would be waived.
I called Comcast, yes its a bit more money, but this time, the phone was answered promptly, and really nice intelligent person helped me ...
This Monday, as of 2pm, Freedom from Fios!
Thank You Mrs. ____ From Verizon, I do not want to leave you name because you were honest with me about the dumb as a brick management who may not waive the termination fee. I told you about the blog, and this is a huge thanks, for helping as much as you can. This is alos a huge thanks to all those reps at Verizon who put up with the crap.
One thing I have discovered when calling Verizon is, you can have frustration in your voice. The reps are well aware of what is going on, commiserate with them, explain you understand how Verizon is not serving their employees and creating difficulties in dealing with their clients because of the management, short staffing, phone prompts from hell designed to keep you on longer , and incomplete information. Tell them you understand how difficult their job is, they will treat you all the better for that little bit of understanding. Once the rep realizes that you understand how completely out of touch with reality Verizon's management towards its employees and customers are, problems have a chance at getting solved.
And that my friends, if you really think about it, sums up every problem with Verizon.
NONE...NO MORE...FINITO..HAD IT...YOUR OUTTA HERE!
I called, of course got put on hold, of course there was no supervisor to talk to on the first call, of course was told when I finally got through to a wonderful customer service supervisor, that she would write in my file to waive the early cancellation fee, but there were no guarantees that it would be waived.
I called Comcast, yes its a bit more money, but this time, the phone was answered promptly, and really nice intelligent person helped me ...
This Monday, as of 2pm, Freedom from Fios!
Thank You Mrs. ____ From Verizon, I do not want to leave you name because you were honest with me about the dumb as a brick management who may not waive the termination fee. I told you about the blog, and this is a huge thanks, for helping as much as you can. This is alos a huge thanks to all those reps at Verizon who put up with the crap.
One thing I have discovered when calling Verizon is, you can have frustration in your voice. The reps are well aware of what is going on, commiserate with them, explain you understand how Verizon is not serving their employees and creating difficulties in dealing with their clients because of the management, short staffing, phone prompts from hell designed to keep you on longer , and incomplete information. Tell them you understand how difficult their job is, they will treat you all the better for that little bit of understanding. Once the rep realizes that you understand how completely out of touch with reality Verizon's management towards its employees and customers are, problems have a chance at getting solved.
And that my friends, if you really think about it, sums up every problem with Verizon.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Losing 15% of your market before the item leaves your warehouse...
We recently purchased a JVC Everio camcorder. We researched it, talked to other people about it, did all the things necessary to make an informed decision, or so we thought. We forgot to ask the BIG question...
Is this Mac compatible? Aren't the days of asking that question over?
When I think back on the decision making process I really wonder why we even HAVE to ask that question considering the following:
According to macobserver.com, Apple computers now make up 14% of the computer market share.
According to Macworld.com by 2011, Apple will double its market share.
MOST graphic designers, music industry people, and artists use Apple computers (according to alot of different sources).
What this means is simply, right now, today, at this very purchasing moment AT LEAST 15% of the market who would even consider buying this camera, will not. Those 15+ out of every 100 users are being told by JVC your not worth our time.
I am not sure why JVC is so (fill in the blank) to create an easy program to interface with the incredibly easy and intuitive Mac features of plug it in, download it, open the file in iMovie or QuickTime and have fun. I guess it is easier to create a program in that wonderful, easy to use uncomplicated piece of trash called Vista (Of which 75% of users recently said in a poll..they hate or sucks, take your pick).
Let me think about this... if I went to my boss and told him/her that "we developed this great camera, in cool colors..its gonna be huge! It's small, compact, easy to use, records to a hard drive so no extra discs or cards are needed, all the cables are included...and its boxed and ready to go. Oh yeah, it's not Mac compatible, no big deal though, that's only 15% of the market, so don't worry..we will still move tons of units..."
My boss would look at me and say 'You're fired' for gross incompetence, another term for being a major stupid short sighted brain dead idiot.
*******
By the way..this is a wonderful video by Brain McGonagill helps with this problem, and gives some really great tips on working with iMovie.
http://www.simplesurvivalmoves.com/JVCEverioInstructions.mp4
check out some of his other great Mac tips as well.
and this free plug in works too:
www.squared5.com
high quality converter for MPEG files, quicktime and transport systems
Oh yeah, you also need to buy a $20.00 plug in from Apple...
Way to go JVC.
Is this Mac compatible? Aren't the days of asking that question over?
When I think back on the decision making process I really wonder why we even HAVE to ask that question considering the following:
According to macobserver.com, Apple computers now make up 14% of the computer market share.
According to Macworld.com by 2011, Apple will double its market share.
MOST graphic designers, music industry people, and artists use Apple computers (according to alot of different sources).
What this means is simply, right now, today, at this very purchasing moment AT LEAST 15% of the market who would even consider buying this camera, will not. Those 15+ out of every 100 users are being told by JVC your not worth our time.
I am not sure why JVC is so (fill in the blank) to create an easy program to interface with the incredibly easy and intuitive Mac features of plug it in, download it, open the file in iMovie or QuickTime and have fun. I guess it is easier to create a program in that wonderful, easy to use uncomplicated piece of trash called Vista (Of which 75% of users recently said in a poll..they hate or sucks, take your pick).
Let me think about this... if I went to my boss and told him/her that "we developed this great camera, in cool colors..its gonna be huge! It's small, compact, easy to use, records to a hard drive so no extra discs or cards are needed, all the cables are included...and its boxed and ready to go. Oh yeah, it's not Mac compatible, no big deal though, that's only 15% of the market, so don't worry..we will still move tons of units..."
My boss would look at me and say 'You're fired' for gross incompetence, another term for being a major stupid short sighted brain dead idiot.
*******
By the way..this is a wonderful video by Brain McGonagill helps with this problem, and gives some really great tips on working with iMovie.
http://www.simplesurvivalmoves.com/JVCEverioInstructions.mp4
check out some of his other great Mac tips as well.
and this free plug in works too:
www.squared5.com
high quality converter for MPEG files, quicktime and transport systems
Oh yeah, you also need to buy a $20.00 plug in from Apple...
Way to go JVC.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Another Reason why Verizon is........
After reading through these posts, you may have the impression I hate Verizon. Your right.
Add another reason to the list:
Even the employees are angry
One thing is to continually piss off your customer base, pissing off your own customer support people is never a good idea.
Add another reason to the list:
Even the employees are angry
One thing is to continually piss off your customer base, pissing off your own customer support people is never a good idea.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Fairleigh Ridiculous
It seems to me when people graduate from a university, they still need more education. How to write English not text, what is the proper business attire for their new work environment, how to deal with piercings, tattoos and other forms of body art, etc. Knowing I was sounding like an ole fogey, I would shake my head and think about 'these kids' and how oblivious they are to the reality of a business environment and how they did not have a clue as to what they had been taught about that environment..
Once again, I am wrong.
Once again I hear Linda in my head saying... 'Your wrong because you ASSUMED!'
Dammit she's right!
I assumed the college or university would teach 'Business English'. I assumed college would discuss proper business attire. I assumed the college or university would actually help PREPARE the student for the next step. Dear Lord, I am naive.
This valuable lesson was just pounded into my head. College students today are following the lead of their respective schools..God Help Them.
As part of my work with Linda, I reach out to different schools, groups, clubs and organizations who want to hear her speak on various topics. Since the move 'The Secret' based on the Law of Attraction (LOA) has come out, Linda has been asked about this topic by almost every person she meets, many of which are college students. She has taught the LOA to some of the top Media, Accounting and Financial companies in New Jersey.
I recently approached the Rothman Center of Fairleigh Dickinson University to have Linda speak or do a workshop on their campus. I called, had a very nice conversation with an Administrative Assistant, and then sent my follow up email as requested. The email was clear and concise, a slight recap of our conversation, and a thank your for the time.
This is the reply I received:
"We are not interested.
Thank you,"
No opening salutation, no form of any type, no modicum of business etiquette... just this thoughtless toss away of an email. And this is what got me to thinking... that if the Administrative Assistant sees this as a perfectly acceptable form of communication, then the University Administration should be ashamed of themselves for not only letting down their students, but decreasing their OWN standards to such an inappropriate business level, as to make me question their ability to effectively teach the future business leaders one of the most basic needs-communication.
Oh by the way, this is the response I wish to send, however, I know it will fall on deaf ears and blind eyes, so I will just invoke my right...and post it here... to The Complaint Dept.
"Dear Ms (name withdrawn)
I find it quite ironic to have received this email from you just as Linda Lauren was starting a Team Building Workshop on this very topic with one of the largest accounting firms in NJ.
I was told by you during our conversation on the phone today, that you would pass my information onto a group or society for them to consider for a lecture or program. Obviously, that was not done. I am also quite surprised that you alone make the program decisions for all clubs, groups, fraternities, sororities, faculty and staff gatherings. It is unfortunate that you have chosen not to pass opportunity on as it would be a great help to your University.
After re-viewing the Fairleigh Dickinson Website, and seeing an announcement for a lecture by a Tattoo Artist, I can now say, I am officially embarrassed to have been part of the Fairleigh Dickinson School Of Business.
God Bless
Susan Dolinko
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison
Class of 1979
Once again, I am wrong.
Once again I hear Linda in my head saying... 'Your wrong because you ASSUMED!'
Dammit she's right!
I assumed the college or university would teach 'Business English'. I assumed college would discuss proper business attire. I assumed the college or university would actually help PREPARE the student for the next step. Dear Lord, I am naive.
This valuable lesson was just pounded into my head. College students today are following the lead of their respective schools..God Help Them.
As part of my work with Linda, I reach out to different schools, groups, clubs and organizations who want to hear her speak on various topics. Since the move 'The Secret' based on the Law of Attraction (LOA) has come out, Linda has been asked about this topic by almost every person she meets, many of which are college students. She has taught the LOA to some of the top Media, Accounting and Financial companies in New Jersey.
I recently approached the Rothman Center of Fairleigh Dickinson University to have Linda speak or do a workshop on their campus. I called, had a very nice conversation with an Administrative Assistant, and then sent my follow up email as requested. The email was clear and concise, a slight recap of our conversation, and a thank your for the time.
This is the reply I received:
"We are not interested.
Thank you,"
No opening salutation, no form of any type, no modicum of business etiquette... just this thoughtless toss away of an email. And this is what got me to thinking... that if the Administrative Assistant sees this as a perfectly acceptable form of communication, then the University Administration should be ashamed of themselves for not only letting down their students, but decreasing their OWN standards to such an inappropriate business level, as to make me question their ability to effectively teach the future business leaders one of the most basic needs-communication.
Oh by the way, this is the response I wish to send, however, I know it will fall on deaf ears and blind eyes, so I will just invoke my right...and post it here... to The Complaint Dept.
"Dear Ms (name withdrawn)
I find it quite ironic to have received this email from you just as Linda Lauren was starting a Team Building Workshop on this very topic with one of the largest accounting firms in NJ.
I was told by you during our conversation on the phone today, that you would pass my information onto a group or society for them to consider for a lecture or program. Obviously, that was not done. I am also quite surprised that you alone make the program decisions for all clubs, groups, fraternities, sororities, faculty and staff gatherings. It is unfortunate that you have chosen not to pass opportunity on as it would be a great help to your University.
After re-viewing the Fairleigh Dickinson Website, and seeing an announcement for a lecture by a Tattoo Artist, I can now say, I am officially embarrassed to have been part of the Fairleigh Dickinson School Of Business.
God Bless
Susan Dolinko
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison
Class of 1979
Friday, March 21, 2008
Huh? Part 2
If we are country that wants to embrace 'Family Values', why are so many national chain stores open on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Once Again
Dear Verizon,
Once again I called for a tech support issue for your lousy DVR box. And Once Again, trying to resolve this issue is as easy as plugging all the security breaches in Windows Vista.
Once again I was put on hold for the lifetime of a ladybug. Once Again I finally arranged an appointment for 3-5pm in the afternoon. And once again, you did not show.
So at 5:30 pm, I called and ONCE AGAIN, I was on hold...
I finally got through to someone and was told I had a choice, wait for a service person who probably won't show up or reschedule my appointment..gee thanks guys! So I reschedule.
Now, get this. I have repeatedly told Verzion to stop calling all the effing time, EXCEPT if they are going to be late or not be able to make an appointment... HA!!!.
I have gotten more lame ass phone calls from them than I can even begin to comprehend. Today was another fine example, and poor Raul got my wrath...
He called to find out about the service appt. yesterday, I explain it had to be rescheduled, (don't these people have computers or even read the effing file???). He said he 'now' sees that. He then asked what the nature of the problem with the DVR box was? I flat out asked him if he read the file (see previous comments in parenthesis).
This is when I had enough. I apologized for being rude to him, but after TONS of calls from Verizon, that have gotten me nowhere, done no good and have disturbed me night and day, I do not need someone asking me ONCE AGAIN what the effing issue is that is ON THE EFFING COMPUTER SCREEN.
I know I was not the pleasant Sumi, but the SheRa Pissed Off Consumer Who Has Had Enough of the Bullshit Sumi...
So Raul and Verizon here is a hint:
Read the file, then call... at your own risk, especially if you have no solution to the problem, or are going to ask a lame ass question. Do not wax me, do not lie to me, do not bullshit me, I will know it, do not do anything to bring out Sumi El Diablo, Damien Sumi, Sumi the Bitch Queen From Hell, because I tell you this, she ain't pretty, and you do not want to be on the other side of the phone when she rears her menopausal head.
Once again I called for a tech support issue for your lousy DVR box. And Once Again, trying to resolve this issue is as easy as plugging all the security breaches in Windows Vista.
Once again I was put on hold for the lifetime of a ladybug. Once Again I finally arranged an appointment for 3-5pm in the afternoon. And once again, you did not show.
So at 5:30 pm, I called and ONCE AGAIN, I was on hold...
I finally got through to someone and was told I had a choice, wait for a service person who probably won't show up or reschedule my appointment..gee thanks guys! So I reschedule.
Now, get this. I have repeatedly told Verzion to stop calling all the effing time, EXCEPT if they are going to be late or not be able to make an appointment... HA!!!.
I have gotten more lame ass phone calls from them than I can even begin to comprehend. Today was another fine example, and poor Raul got my wrath...
He called to find out about the service appt. yesterday, I explain it had to be rescheduled, (don't these people have computers or even read the effing file???). He said he 'now' sees that. He then asked what the nature of the problem with the DVR box was? I flat out asked him if he read the file (see previous comments in parenthesis).
This is when I had enough. I apologized for being rude to him, but after TONS of calls from Verizon, that have gotten me nowhere, done no good and have disturbed me night and day, I do not need someone asking me ONCE AGAIN what the effing issue is that is ON THE EFFING COMPUTER SCREEN.
I know I was not the pleasant Sumi, but the SheRa Pissed Off Consumer Who Has Had Enough of the Bullshit Sumi...
So Raul and Verizon here is a hint:
Read the file, then call... at your own risk, especially if you have no solution to the problem, or are going to ask a lame ass question. Do not wax me, do not lie to me, do not bullshit me, I will know it, do not do anything to bring out Sumi El Diablo, Damien Sumi, Sumi the Bitch Queen From Hell, because I tell you this, she ain't pretty, and you do not want to be on the other side of the phone when she rears her menopausal head.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Nickeled and Dimed to Death....
"Steve Jobs please'.
'Please hold'.
'Hello, this is Steve....'
'Hey Steve, how ya doing?'
'Good Sumi, whats up?'
'Look Steve, you know I love your computers... but I got a problem with your company'
'What kinda problem?'
'Well, its not really a problem with your computers... it's a problem with all the other stuff I need for the computers and the after purchase stuff.
'For example, I buy an iMac, right?'
'OK'
'So, when I bring the computer home, I unpack it... and? I can't do squat... I can't write anything because there is no Word or program like that, forgetabout Text Edit.. OK? So I gotta buy word, $150.00 or so... and if I want to edit a picture, there is no one complete photo editing program..so I buy Photoshop Elements..more $$.
'Now, I am not going to complain about tech support Steve, it's worth the money. But..this is where I start to get a bit peeved, Steve, .mac, for synching, email, calenders and all..$99.00 per year. ProCare and Concierge service $99.00 per year, EACH ..for classes, making appointments at the genius bar, and getting quicker computer fixes and stuff.'
'Our tech support is the best, we have to charge for that...'
'Steve, Steve, Steve...you are missing the point. If I am paying close to $2000.00 for a great computer, I should not have to pay MORE just to get it to work the way the you designed it! So, instead of charging me $2000.00 for a computer, charge me $2500.00, give me MS Word, Photoshop Elements, and 3 years of .mac. That way, I still pay for Tech Support-which I need, ProCare and Concierge-which I kinda sorta don't need, but may want to buy 'cause I am a Mac-a-holic, and then, when I get home I gotta computer I can use outta the box! See?'
'Yes I see... but my glasses are dirty'
'Funny dude, but what you're not getting is this... I am beginning to get sick and tired of being nickeled and dimed to death, first tech support, then word, the photshop, then .mac, then procare then concierge.. Steve are you getting the picture?''
'Sure am Sumi, by the way, did you leave your Visa # with my Secretary for this call?'
'Please hold'.
'Hello, this is Steve....'
'Hey Steve, how ya doing?'
'Good Sumi, whats up?'
'Look Steve, you know I love your computers... but I got a problem with your company'
'What kinda problem?'
'Well, its not really a problem with your computers... it's a problem with all the other stuff I need for the computers and the after purchase stuff.
'For example, I buy an iMac, right?'
'OK'
'So, when I bring the computer home, I unpack it... and? I can't do squat... I can't write anything because there is no Word or program like that, forgetabout Text Edit.. OK? So I gotta buy word, $150.00 or so... and if I want to edit a picture, there is no one complete photo editing program..so I buy Photoshop Elements..more $$.
'Now, I am not going to complain about tech support Steve, it's worth the money. But..this is where I start to get a bit peeved, Steve, .mac, for synching, email, calenders and all..$99.00 per year. ProCare and Concierge service $99.00 per year, EACH ..for classes, making appointments at the genius bar, and getting quicker computer fixes and stuff.'
'Our tech support is the best, we have to charge for that...'
'Steve, Steve, Steve...you are missing the point. If I am paying close to $2000.00 for a great computer, I should not have to pay MORE just to get it to work the way the you designed it! So, instead of charging me $2000.00 for a computer, charge me $2500.00, give me MS Word, Photoshop Elements, and 3 years of .mac. That way, I still pay for Tech Support-which I need, ProCare and Concierge-which I kinda sorta don't need, but may want to buy 'cause I am a Mac-a-holic, and then, when I get home I gotta computer I can use outta the box! See?'
'Yes I see... but my glasses are dirty'
'Funny dude, but what you're not getting is this... I am beginning to get sick and tired of being nickeled and dimed to death, first tech support, then word, the photshop, then .mac, then procare then concierge.. Steve are you getting the picture?''
'Sure am Sumi, by the way, did you leave your Visa # with my Secretary for this call?'
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Another How To....
Once again, I am on hold…this time its about 45 minutes worth, with the same lame, mind numbing tune playing, the kind of tune you will remember for hours-in your sleep, at a red light, watching tv, hanging in the back of your ear canal just making you crazy. Every once in a while a recording will come on ‘thank you for holding, a representative will be with you shortly… please continue to hold’. 1 hour now.
‘Hello, my name is…’ CLICK! Silence. Beep Beep Beep.
As I redial, yell at the prompts who refuse to understand basic English or allow me to punch in answers I read the paper and see yet another article on ‘How to Get Some Satisfaction Customer complaints can pay off with several basic steps’ by Greg Saitz.
“Be nice but firm”...yada, yada, yada. Guess Greg has not spoken to ‘Peter’ from Punjab, probably a nice guy, but he has no idea how we talk, try to resolve issues, understand the basic functions or operating systems of the computer/phone/tv, and for the life of me I cannot understand what he is saying. Or Mrs Martin, who is only putting her time in trying to figure out how to stonewall you at every juncture in the conversation.
“Ask for a supervisor”…uhh Greg, what planet are you on? Every company is hip to that. Supervisors do not take calls, return calls, or, if you are blessed to be passed to one, do not answer the phone.
“Keep cool”..do not yell”, Ok I’ll give him this one, even though I was on hold for an hour, disconnected, and have been on hold for yet another 45 minutes, and this is the 3rd time I calling about the same effing issue.
“Get copies of everything… go in person, call the CEO’s office”… man oh man.. How much work does a person have to do to get something corrected? OK…so I call Ivan Seidenberg’s office. (CEO Verizon Communications, (212)-395-1000). A very nice lady answers the phone, I explain my issue, she apologizes, her voice one of sweet honey with tons of understanding and empathy. She tells me she will handle the issue right away, sorry for the inconvenience. I am put on hold.
Finally, the problem will be corrected! Nirvana has been reached! Thank you Angels and Guides! Yippee! I am jumping for joy in my chair. After 3 long weeks of holds, hang-ups, rudeness, and no reply’s, I AM GOING TO GET THE HELP I NEED!
The same lame tune in my ear changes, and the extension of glory starts to ring…. And ring… and ring. ‘Thank you for calling, the mailbox is currently full, please try again.’
‘Hello, my name is…’ CLICK! Silence. Beep Beep Beep.
As I redial, yell at the prompts who refuse to understand basic English or allow me to punch in answers I read the paper and see yet another article on ‘How to Get Some Satisfaction Customer complaints can pay off with several basic steps’ by Greg Saitz.
“Be nice but firm”...yada, yada, yada. Guess Greg has not spoken to ‘Peter’ from Punjab, probably a nice guy, but he has no idea how we talk, try to resolve issues, understand the basic functions or operating systems of the computer/phone/tv, and for the life of me I cannot understand what he is saying. Or Mrs Martin, who is only putting her time in trying to figure out how to stonewall you at every juncture in the conversation.
“Ask for a supervisor”…uhh Greg, what planet are you on? Every company is hip to that. Supervisors do not take calls, return calls, or, if you are blessed to be passed to one, do not answer the phone.
“Keep cool”..do not yell”, Ok I’ll give him this one, even though I was on hold for an hour, disconnected, and have been on hold for yet another 45 minutes, and this is the 3rd time I calling about the same effing issue.
“Get copies of everything… go in person, call the CEO’s office”… man oh man.. How much work does a person have to do to get something corrected? OK…so I call Ivan Seidenberg’s office. (CEO Verizon Communications, (212)-395-1000). A very nice lady answers the phone, I explain my issue, she apologizes, her voice one of sweet honey with tons of understanding and empathy. She tells me she will handle the issue right away, sorry for the inconvenience. I am put on hold.
Finally, the problem will be corrected! Nirvana has been reached! Thank you Angels and Guides! Yippee! I am jumping for joy in my chair. After 3 long weeks of holds, hang-ups, rudeness, and no reply’s, I AM GOING TO GET THE HELP I NEED!
The same lame tune in my ear changes, and the extension of glory starts to ring…. And ring… and ring. ‘Thank you for calling, the mailbox is currently full, please try again.’
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
One Day Your Going To Need To Know This....
‘One day…hisssss…you are going to need to know thisssss, mark my wordssss…” the voice sounded as if it was coming form a Gila monster, but it wasn’t. It was Mrs. L., my 7th grade geometry teacher, getting ready to throw someone else out of her room.
“One of these days, you are going to look back on this and KNOW I was right.!’ she continued, and then Robert was a goner, again.
For me today is that day. 37 years later, and it sucks, cause I do not even remember the tiniest morsel of it, not the most infinitesimal iota, and dammit, I need to.
I am trying to line up some pictures in my house, I want them perfect, all the same height, all the same angles, all the same distance apart, and it ain’t happening.
I am at my other home, the one in Second Life (SL), the Polynesian Longhouse with open sides for the lush tropical foliage to be seen, to hear the ocean sounds, to see the crashing waves that change daily, and believe I am somewhere else, not sitting at a desk in New Jersey, where it's 32 degrees and raining/snowing/sleeting all at the same time, absolutely dreading the thought of trying to clean the sidewalks.
Crap! The middle one is off… again… it is tilted in a weird way…think! Think you moron, you did this in 7th grade, how difficult could it be????
... maybe I won’t fix it, no one will notice… Not likely. A lot of my SL friends are accomplished builders, they CHECK out your stuff, not just the style, but also the textures, does it LOOK or FEEL real, is it lined up, is it pleasing to the eye, or are you a hack, just throwing the stuff on the walls and the floors hoping there is not much empty space?? They will notice, big time, and let you know...
Wait, now I remember, somewhere in the recesses of my brain, deeply hidden for years and years, hidden from the alcohol, the smoke and smog, the basic over indulgences of life, its there… ‘Check out the angles… 45/90/180/270 degrees’… yee haa got it!
“One of these days, you are going to look back on this and KNOW I was right.!’ she continued, and then Robert was a goner, again.
For me today is that day. 37 years later, and it sucks, cause I do not even remember the tiniest morsel of it, not the most infinitesimal iota, and dammit, I need to.
I am trying to line up some pictures in my house, I want them perfect, all the same height, all the same angles, all the same distance apart, and it ain’t happening.
I am at my other home, the one in Second Life (SL), the Polynesian Longhouse with open sides for the lush tropical foliage to be seen, to hear the ocean sounds, to see the crashing waves that change daily, and believe I am somewhere else, not sitting at a desk in New Jersey, where it's 32 degrees and raining/snowing/sleeting all at the same time, absolutely dreading the thought of trying to clean the sidewalks.
Crap! The middle one is off… again… it is tilted in a weird way…think! Think you moron, you did this in 7th grade, how difficult could it be????
... maybe I won’t fix it, no one will notice… Not likely. A lot of my SL friends are accomplished builders, they CHECK out your stuff, not just the style, but also the textures, does it LOOK or FEEL real, is it lined up, is it pleasing to the eye, or are you a hack, just throwing the stuff on the walls and the floors hoping there is not much empty space?? They will notice, big time, and let you know...
Wait, now I remember, somewhere in the recesses of my brain, deeply hidden for years and years, hidden from the alcohol, the smoke and smog, the basic over indulgences of life, its there… ‘Check out the angles… 45/90/180/270 degrees’… yee haa got it!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Why are you here? Part 1
It started one Sunday Morning buying bagels. I make my way to the counter and look at the choices.
'Hoany?' I think he says
'What?'
'Hoany?' in such a soft tone I can barely hear him
'Sorry, I have a bit of a hearing problem, what did you say?'
'HOW MANY?!'
'Oh...4 please'
He was maybe 19, tall, lanky, wrinkled shirts and jeans, and his face said it all... why are you here bothering me... why are you in the way of my life on a Sunday morning when I could be sleeping, hanging, or whatever? Why am I even here when I do not give a shit about you, this place or the idiots I have to work for.
One of the old timers behind the counter finished getting my order together, cream cheese, chive cheese, muntser, lox and nova. He brought it over to the counter, told him it was for me, and the total. He was ignored as well, ignored with such a practiced ease to make me wonder..Why the f*@k is this kid still working here?
'$ dollars'
'I'm sorry, I cannot hear you, how much?' I am really sick of this kid and his BS.
Then I get the look, one of such anger, contempt, hatred, and intrusion into his life, that I am supposed to shrivel up, lean over and fall into the pits of hell through the hole in the floor he has just created for me, the biggest pain in the ass his life has seen and will ever be subjected to.
'$23.58'
I give him $40.00.
He puts the change in my hand and just stares at me, daring me in his own way I guess, or just so uncaring, that my reactions truly mean nothing. Crap, he's geting my goat and knows it.
'Thanks, have a great day Mr Happy!' I say it just to piss him off, knowing he could care less.
Meanwhile the counter guy was watching this exchange with me and another customer, treated just as nastily and rudely with even more condescension.
The counterman speaks... 'Hey Mr Happy...with me..NOW'
'Hoany?' I think he says
'What?'
'Hoany?' in such a soft tone I can barely hear him
'Sorry, I have a bit of a hearing problem, what did you say?'
'HOW MANY?!'
'Oh...4 please'
He was maybe 19, tall, lanky, wrinkled shirts and jeans, and his face said it all... why are you here bothering me... why are you in the way of my life on a Sunday morning when I could be sleeping, hanging, or whatever? Why am I even here when I do not give a shit about you, this place or the idiots I have to work for.
One of the old timers behind the counter finished getting my order together, cream cheese, chive cheese, muntser, lox and nova. He brought it over to the counter, told him it was for me, and the total. He was ignored as well, ignored with such a practiced ease to make me wonder..Why the f*@k is this kid still working here?
'$ dollars'
'I'm sorry, I cannot hear you, how much?' I am really sick of this kid and his BS.
Then I get the look, one of such anger, contempt, hatred, and intrusion into his life, that I am supposed to shrivel up, lean over and fall into the pits of hell through the hole in the floor he has just created for me, the biggest pain in the ass his life has seen and will ever be subjected to.
'$23.58'
I give him $40.00.
He puts the change in my hand and just stares at me, daring me in his own way I guess, or just so uncaring, that my reactions truly mean nothing. Crap, he's geting my goat and knows it.
'Thanks, have a great day Mr Happy!' I say it just to piss him off, knowing he could care less.
Meanwhile the counter guy was watching this exchange with me and another customer, treated just as nastily and rudely with even more condescension.
The counterman speaks... 'Hey Mr Happy...with me..NOW'
Monday, February 18, 2008
Excluded By Oprah
For a long time Oprah has been a Big Sister/Best Friend of mine. She included me in her discussions, ups and downs of dieting, told me about new books, introduced me to celebrity’s and gossip. We saw great music, heard heart wrenching stories, been through lawsuits, bad hair days and good, Jeans, 1 hour shoes and ear piercing, spiritual growth...we've been through it all together.
Even though she included me in her life, she didn't always listen as I responded to her through the TV. Sometimes I agreed with her, sometimes not. But that’s OK, it was a part of the relationship I accepted. An hour a day with a great friend, perfect.
Then came the change, subtle at first, more pronounced later. Her magazine came out, and as I started to read the many issues, I started to feel a gap with my friend, a slowly widening rift. Her Picks became more and more outrageous, too expensive, too… much. Her magazine no longer interested me, it was…. uninteresting, dedicated to an ideal I no longer shared with Oprah.
It took a while to notice, but there it was, all of the sudden…My Oprah Aha Moment! And it was not pretty. I realized our friendship was not going to last.
Next came the loss of a bigger part of me, a part of our friendship we struggled through. She always was able to help me get through those tough times with the most wonderful words of encouragement, we struggled with the ‘authentic me’, that spiritual person hiding inside who needed to come out. Her decision to end ‘Remember your Spirit’, an amazing little segment that was all of 60 seconds a day, was a blow. I LOVED those last 60 seconds of the show, it helped keep me on a daily track of Spirit, and now it was gone.
Finally the last blow, one that may never be reconciled, Oprah excluded me. She closed the door on me. Oprah, my TV Sister, who pushed so hard for women’s rights, so hard to be equal in a world of inequality, gave it all up in an instant when she decided to back a MALE Presidential Candidate instead of a Female Presidential Candidate. What happened?? Oprah, What Were You Thinking? A woman who is supremely qualified for the Office of The President of the United States has the best chance ever of winning the election, and you say NO to her? You throw away all you’ve said, worked for? All those barriers you’ve busted through? For What Oprah… For What?
You see my Friend Oprah…Politics is a very Exclusionary Club, you either believe in the candidate or the party, or you don’t, there is no middle ground. And there is no middle ground in this part of our friendship. All that we’ve shared in the past, all that you’ve included me in makes me wonder.
Has Oprah taken her life of Inclusion and turned it into one of Exclusion?
Even though she included me in her life, she didn't always listen as I responded to her through the TV. Sometimes I agreed with her, sometimes not. But that’s OK, it was a part of the relationship I accepted. An hour a day with a great friend, perfect.
Then came the change, subtle at first, more pronounced later. Her magazine came out, and as I started to read the many issues, I started to feel a gap with my friend, a slowly widening rift. Her Picks became more and more outrageous, too expensive, too… much. Her magazine no longer interested me, it was…. uninteresting, dedicated to an ideal I no longer shared with Oprah.
It took a while to notice, but there it was, all of the sudden…My Oprah Aha Moment! And it was not pretty. I realized our friendship was not going to last.
Next came the loss of a bigger part of me, a part of our friendship we struggled through. She always was able to help me get through those tough times with the most wonderful words of encouragement, we struggled with the ‘authentic me’, that spiritual person hiding inside who needed to come out. Her decision to end ‘Remember your Spirit’, an amazing little segment that was all of 60 seconds a day, was a blow. I LOVED those last 60 seconds of the show, it helped keep me on a daily track of Spirit, and now it was gone.
Finally the last blow, one that may never be reconciled, Oprah excluded me. She closed the door on me. Oprah, my TV Sister, who pushed so hard for women’s rights, so hard to be equal in a world of inequality, gave it all up in an instant when she decided to back a MALE Presidential Candidate instead of a Female Presidential Candidate. What happened?? Oprah, What Were You Thinking? A woman who is supremely qualified for the Office of The President of the United States has the best chance ever of winning the election, and you say NO to her? You throw away all you’ve said, worked for? All those barriers you’ve busted through? For What Oprah… For What?
You see my Friend Oprah…Politics is a very Exclusionary Club, you either believe in the candidate or the party, or you don’t, there is no middle ground. And there is no middle ground in this part of our friendship. All that we’ve shared in the past, all that you’ve included me in makes me wonder.
Has Oprah taken her life of Inclusion and turned it into one of Exclusion?
Friday, February 15, 2008
A Shock To My System
Imagine this.. you are getting your first cup of coffee on a Sunday morning, December 30, 2007, as it happens. The paper is still cold from the outside, you are excited to read in leisure, no rushing through to barely grasp the basics of the news, columns and fun stuff. You open the paper , start sorting the sections, and all of the sudden, you see the Parade Magazine, with George Bush Jr. on the cover. My day is almost destroyed, until I remember, I am the Complaint Dept and I have a job to do.
Dear Editor,
TO say when I opened my paper and saw you gave the cover to George Bush Jr. was a shock to my system, is an understatement. How could you???
He is a man that stole a Presidential election, steered the world to the brink of another world war simply for some misguided personal gain, took the Constitution of the United States and virtually shredded all our freedoms, destroyed the middle class in the USA, increased the wealth of the top 1% of this country while creating more poverty of such desperate levels as has not been seen in decades, and is so out of touch with the reality of Global Warming as to make me wonder...What were you thinking??
Be very happy yours is not a subscription magazine, as I would cancel it instantly and I will NOT be supporting ANY of your advertisers.
sent 12/30/07 to Parade...
Now I can sit back, get a new cup of coffee and enjoy the day.
Dear Editor,
TO say when I opened my paper and saw you gave the cover to George Bush Jr. was a shock to my system, is an understatement. How could you???
He is a man that stole a Presidential election, steered the world to the brink of another world war simply for some misguided personal gain, took the Constitution of the United States and virtually shredded all our freedoms, destroyed the middle class in the USA, increased the wealth of the top 1% of this country while creating more poverty of such desperate levels as has not been seen in decades, and is so out of touch with the reality of Global Warming as to make me wonder...What were you thinking??
Be very happy yours is not a subscription magazine, as I would cancel it instantly and I will NOT be supporting ANY of your advertisers.
sent 12/30/07 to Parade...
Now I can sit back, get a new cup of coffee and enjoy the day.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Hillary Clinton IS our Future
This is an election for the future of the United States...
We need a candidate of substance, one who understands and can work with the politics and the climate of Washington DC, a person with a strong connection to the Leaders of so many foreign countries who want to change the direction of the world to one of peace, someone who has made a difference in so many lives and can continue to make that difference, a person who has proven their abilities are beyond the stylistic prose spoken by so many...she is a Woman of Substance with more experience than anyone else.
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