FUCK!! DAMN !!

So if I pay a chunk of my salary to get health insurance so I don't have to worry about if get sick or need a procedure, why am I getting bills in the mail that my insurance companies are not paying? Oh wait, I SEE.. the insurance company thinks a procedure should only cost THIS much but my Dr. in their pre-approved network of Dr.'s charges THAT much, and I get the bill, and not allowed to know the cost before hand to anticipate the cost coming up? AND does it realy cost $500 to suck the snot out of a kids nose? cause that what the guy that did that in the delivery room charged us.. really I was there thats ALL he did... I'm sorry was that out loud?

Blog Fodder?

I love my internet customer service chats... they make great blog fodder... heres what happens when you try to get a deal with Charter communications... Please wait for a site operator to respond. You are now chatting with 'Larry' Larry: Hello. Larry: Welcome. How can I help you today? you: actually we have an account and ned to change it you: possibly* Larry: I will be happy to assist you. you: see the bundles for internet and tv.. whats the price AFTER 6 months Larry: What services do you currently have? you: cable Larry: How many digital boxes do you currently have? you: one, maybe 2 you: just one Larry: May i have your home address please? you: sorry its my grandothers house, a bit cluttered, Larry: No problem. What is the address? you: one sec you: 123main st anywhere, bla bla Larry: And the zip code please? you: 00001 (<-- like a binary solo) Larry: Well, we wouldn't be able to get you the 74.98 offer, but we do have a promotion on hi speed internet for you. Larry: Charter High-Speed Internet $24.99 per month for 6 months Larry: An additional $10 monthly charge will apply for customers who only subscribe to Charter High-Speed® Internet service. Larry: Larry: High-Speed Internet Larry: Included Features and Promotions: Larry: $100 Cash Back Larry: Get a FREE Motorola® Cable Modem Larry: No Contract Required! Larry: Larry: Would you like to take advantage? I just need your name, phone #, and email address if you would like to get started. you: no it doesnt make sense unless its bundled you: how come it cant be bundled you: and ho much after 6 months you: casue we are paing a riduclus amount now, that seems very unfair Larry: 44.95 for the internet after the 6 months - Larry: Are you looking for an option to reduce your cable pricing? Or are you looking to upgrade with internet. you: so with an already 80 dollar cable bill that would be outragous pricing you: BOTH Larry: Bundled offers are only for new customers. We would have to leave your cable t.v. alone. you: it seems if i sign up now ill be rewarded, but for being a loyal customer i get nothing Larry: You are saving a lot of money with the 24.99 offer. Are you sure you don't want to take advantage? you: in fact it seems im on an ld pricing tier that had een forgotten to be updaed as we have no majot channles but get charged almost 2X the amount of satelite.. you: and you are aware FIOS is coming to the nieghborhodd soon? withmuch better offers and 2 year price guarantees Larry: Well, i should inform you that we offer a service that is more beneficial than satellite, with more capabilities. Larry: Please contact customer service directly at 888 438 2427 for options to reduce your cable billing. Larry: Also, Fios service experiences a lot of problems. you: what problesm are fios havng? Larry: First off, Fios Does not have as extensive variety of On Demand services. Larry: Also, you need a box on each TV to get anything above the most basic of local channels. you: just like didigital cable Larry: 1 year contract minimum with Fios. This is not good. Larry: No, With Charter, we do not require a digital box for each t.v. you: to get digital channels you do, so the comparassion is apples and oranges Larry: Also, with installation of Fios phone service, customers are unable to revert back to traditional phone major installation issues. Sometimes it is impossible. you: i dont use traditional phone services Larry: I assure you, our service will work better than satellite dish and Fios. Larry: Please contact customer service directly at 888 438 2427 for options to reduce your cable billing. Larry: If you want the 24.99 internet promotion, you can visit back at this website. Larry: Is there anything else I can help you with today? you: ok i will jump thru the hoops to try and discount my price

OHHHHHH, DISH How I once loved thee....

So here is an example of exactly why I recently left Dish Network. I had been with them for the past 7 years and up until late 2008, was EXTREMELY happy with them. But it seemed as the economy turned rules that has apparently always been there and never enforced became a huge focus and red tape and the most ridiculous catch-22s became what a loyal Dish customer had to deal with.

After giving Dish almost every chance to make up for their short comings and match the price i was getting from the competitor. they fell short as anything they offered meant a 2year commitment with only a 1 year price guarantee or discount. So that combined with the above mentioned grumblings of their customer service, it was time to leave. Like many TV service providers, you lease the equipment and when your done they want it back. So here come the boxes and return labels...

BUT I have 3 set top boxes yet only received 2 return labels and packing materials... oh what to do... so I call, and frustration ensues...



Please wait while we find a representative to assist you...
You have been connected to (23-12-3) Joanne C..

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: Thank you for being a valued DISH Network customer, I will be happy to assist you today. Please give me 2-3 minutes to access your account and review the information you have already provided.

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: I understand you are returning equipment and want to know if some of the equipment is purchased by you?

Joe Blow: well I have 3 boxes to return, I only received 2 shipping boxes from your support center

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: For account security, would you please verify your zip code for me?

Joe Blow: EDIT

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: Thank you. I show that the two 522 DuoDvr receivers are leased and need to be returned.

Joe Blow: are there serial numbers so I return the correct one, I have 3 receivers it appears I own that one...

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: The are standard definition and both go to two TV’s. So you would have 4 remotes that also need to be returned.

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: Sorry. They are standard definition and both go to two TV’s. So you would have 4 remotes that also need to be returned.

Joe Blow: so the HD receiver does not need to be returned?

Joe Blow: that doesn’t sound right

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: Please give me 2-3 minutes to research this.

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: I show that you upgraded to the HD receiver that needs to be returned also.

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: So all three need to be returned.

Joe Blow: ok no problem. Is there a center I can just drop them off instead?

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: Unfortunately, we don't have any centers in your area.

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: You can use a bigger box if you have one available to send them back.

Joe Blow: ok then I will need an additional shipping box sent to me for the 3rd receiver

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: I can request one to be sent. It can take up to 7-14 business days.

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: If you have a box that will fit two of the receivers you can use that.

Joe Blow: well can you note the account so I do not get charged for this

Joe Blow: I will look for a box but not sure I can get one

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: I can note the account, unfortunately that won't stop any charges.

Joe Blow: so... i am honest enough to bring this up, Dish Networks mistake, but I will still be charged, and you can’t provide a drop off option... I can’t see how that’s fair...

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: You can drop them off at any UPS drop off station.

Joe Blow: but it appears your asking me to buy a box for them

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: You can use any box that will fit both receivers.

Joe Blow: this type of service (which is 180 degrees from what it was before) is why I left Dish Network

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: I apologize for any inconvenience.

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: I have requested a box to be sent.

Joe Blow: ok well ill do what I have to, to get the receivers back to you. And your absolutely sure that I owe 2 522 DuoDVRs and one VIP722?

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: Correct.

Joe Blow: ok

(23-12-3) Joanne C.: Is there anything else that I can assist you with?

Joe Blow: I will send them out... no that’s all I needed to hear.

Are you picking up what I'm putting down , Internets? FRUSTRATING...

Gay Home PRide Bread

me: hi

http://www.speedtest.net/result/476493487.png

Sent at 1:45 PM on Monday

Scott: that your connection

me:

Scott: damn youporn here i....

ill leave it there

Sent at 1:50 PM on Monday

Scott: well with that bandwith you could get the radio show up again with a webcam

me: easily

problem is everyone wants to do it from thier house..

which im cool with except the bandwidth now is defintely here

Scott: well if you have the connection i think that its your call

me: same probs as before... oh and now erin is pregnant

Sent at 1:55 PM on Monday

Scott: you breaders

me: that makes you sound gay

Scott: i stoped caring

me: or a webers white bread fan.. not sure which

Scott: typo

me: maybe wonderbread?

Scott: mmmm wonder bread in a ball

me: ..thinkgs you can do to a split topo home pride loaf

Scott: take like 5 slices pull the crust off put a glob of peanutbutter in the middle fold slice around

then layer more peanutbutter and attach slices to the side squeezing all the time

Sent at 2:00 PM on Monday

Scott: you wind up with a ball of layered goodness that is like a pellet

me: and then do it with medicated PB...

and get some strawberry jam dipping sauce

Scott: it manages my stree

stress

me: yeh im copying and pasting this convo

posting it in the web some place

Scott: blackberry jam in between the layers of butter and peanutbutter

great I am a non reproducing bread lover that can be interpreted in so many different ways.

Verizon Sucks...

Verizon... I will never, ever support Verizon in any way for as long as I live.

Now you may think with a statement I am coming from a political stance. Like they support some stupid bill or prop that may offend me, but no. Plain and simple, Verizon has the worst most convoluted, broken customer service setup EVER. I have to believe something so complex and so hard to navigate is by design

I am not exaggerating, that I have spent about 8 hours on the phone with them (2 of those sessions 2 hours long each) all over a bill mistake. As I write this, I am on hold with Verizon to cancel, not going to complain, or even go into what the problems are, just going to cancel with them... So here's the story...

In June of 2007 I decided the best bet for me was to consolidate my internet connect, telephone service and eventually TV service to one company. Saving a few bucks now and even more later when FIOS came online in my area. So as stated FIOS was not yet available so I went with middle of the road DSL and Verizon was ever so eager to save me and extra $15 by upping my current phone service to add things like VoiceMail, Caller ID, etc ,etc. As I normally only have bottom of the barrel phone service "just in case' all my cell service, and everyone's' around me goes bad, an upgrade in phone service was like a bonus for me. I thought maybe I can get a nice fancy phone and save some battery juice on my cell phone when I'm at home.. hmm well whatever. BONUS. COOL.

Everything sounded so good, I was all setup to go. They got the DSL modem self install kit to my house relatively fast, about a week. I went to install it and since I'm an all MAC house as expected there were a few issues. No biggie, I'm a IT Manager (helpdesk at that) for a living so I was expecting and prepared to be on the phone for a bit with support while they perform their 'MAC users' workaround for the IE required setup that this type of DSL required. Well that turned out to be 4 hour phone call(s), and to no avail. They scheduled a tech to come out and troubleshoot the line, etc. They came out twice, no go. Thankfully, I did not cancel my cable internet yet! But wait, cause that's not the problem I have with Verizon, that's just the back-story.

(BTW 16 minutes on hold with Verizon now, still no service)

So after 2 weeks of techs coming out to no avail, and considering the pain of all this I called and canceled all extra service, returned the modem in the mailer they provided, and was convinced by a very nice Retention Specialist named Donna to keep the super basic phone service, "Just in Case". I obliged asked if all credits are applied to my account and she confirmed with a cancellation order number, and all was well in my world.

Then comes October, and my less than 25 monthly bill from Verizon jumps to 170. I immediately call and ask what's going on. They profusely apologize and say it was an error and the bill returns to its normal nominal amount. Guess what I get in the mail around Dec. 15th? A Collections notice (from Verizon's own internal (but separate, more on that later) collection company) for 133. My wife opened this bill so she calls and was not only put through the automated phone system ringer was then YELLED at and hung up on, left with no explanation. The next day I call, I tried same day but Verizon is very keen at closing shop at exactly 6p, and without exaggeration I was transferred to 12 people over a 2 hour phone call I took while I was driving to work. This was a classic finger pointing as every one I was transferred said they couldn't access the account because it was in the others department. This happened again when I came back from lunch that day and still have not received a call. Almost like a system... and again was promised a call back, that never happened.

(25 minutes in someone finally answers!)

Overall I talked to over 20 people and was promised a call back 3 times, never received one. So I have made it this point to inform everyone I know the best know way I know how to please reconsider using Verizon, as it seems obvious that there system is designed to annoy you to just pay. I have wasted much more of my time to try and save 130 rather than just pay it and move on Verizon Free for the rest of my life... In fact I am glad to learn this lesson as I was really considering moving all my services to get this wonderful FIOS TV everyone is talking about. After learning how amazingly hard it is to deal with ANY type of bill discrepancy.. I couldn't imagine any TV service being worth it, and trust me I watch allot of TV...

So 40 Minutes into this phone call with apparently the 'right person' and I'M ON HOLD AGAIN. I really just want to cancel and move on, and IF they ever pick up the phone again... I'm going to just do that.. and then I'll pay their collection agency as slow as I can so I don't pay a cent more than I need to.

At 47 Minutes I have finally closed the account and to make this conclusion. The woman Anna on the phone was not shocked at what just went down, oh she tried to save the account and even help me with the wayward charges but she couldn't get anyone on the phone with her that would help her.

Hows that for customer service?

Starting this off again...

I been emailing alot my freinds links here and there so instead of that i'm just gonna post them here!!

Ladies.. just for you













Truth in advertising for all the college goers out there..... is goers a word?




And of course, the Guido mating dance

Had to link couldnt get the embed code to work.

Also a huge new source of work relief of mine is the ridculus and mostly form Jersey DOUCEHBAGS!! (with hot chicks)

well its been a while.... LOST season finale spoiled..

I cant tell you who this I'm having the IM with is.. but i guarantee this is 100% the finale for LOST..


[14:28] nononono: so lost
[14:28] nononono: here is how it ends
[14:28] funkly mang: this season right?
[14:28] nononono: Jack has been trying to reach somebody all through his flashback
[14:28] nononono: yeah this season
[14:28] nononono: he's depressed
[14:28] nononono: suicidal
[14:28] nononono: steals drugs
[14:28] nononono: sees his exwife pregnant
[14:28] nononono: goes to a funeral
[14:28] nononono: just dark stuff
[14:29] nononono: all the while trying to call somebody
[14:29] nononono: at the end of the episode he finally reaches this person and arranges to meet them
[14:29] nononono: It turns out to be...
[14:29] nononono: (drumroll please)
[14:29] nononono: Kate!
[14:29] nononono: The flashback is not a flash back
[14:29] nononono: it's actually present
[14:29] nononono: and they are off the island
[14:30] nononono: Jack pleads with her to go back
[14:30] nononono: to the island
[14:30] nononono: she refuses and drives off and he is just standing there screaming "We have to go back!"
[14:31] nononono: So nobody is sure if the next season takes place after they get off the island and just tells how in flash back and then they go back later on or what.
[14:34] nononono: Holy shit

....