Warning - use the Post Office at your own risk - even with insurance and tracking numbers.
Packages may or may not be delivered and may or may not be reimbursed if insured. The process for insurance claims is almost as bad as health insurance! The form is lengthy and confusing. One is required to provide proof of the value of the item either in the form of a purchase receipt or an appraisal! That's fine if the item has just been newly purchased, and the shipper still has the receipt. If the item was purchased at a sale price, that's what you'll get back - IF you get anything. If the item is no longer available and is not easily appraised (i.e., the teapot my sister sent me), then TOUGH! No proof of value - no $.
Sour grapes, you say? Well, let's see. Not really. I have been able to document no fewer than four packages with tracking numbers that were SCANNED AT THE LOCAL POST OFFICE FOR DELIVERY that never arrived. They are still showing as "ready for pick-up." Numerous calls to the PO branch, Customer Service (that's a joke), and even complaints filed with the Postal Inspectors (whose job it is to inspect the e-mail and then assign it a case number and forget about it) have yielded the same response - "We can't find it." Try searching the pockets and back-packs of a few of your employees.
When our local mail carriers are on vacation, good luck! The routes are covered by anyone who has finished his/her route for the day and wants to pick up some overtime. Mail is often delivered to the wrong address (it is hard to match house numbers with the address on the envelope!) or simply taken back to the Post Office for someone else to deliver another day! Our regular mail carrier knows the route (he lives in the neighborhood), knows us all by name, and knows how to get mail to us. Our mail is in our hands by 10:00 AM!!!
The solution: USE UPS OR FED-EX!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Saturday, April 04, 2009
RASPBERRY TO COMCAST.....
.....along with a carefully flipped BIRD.
Last week, we Comcast customers in Philadelphia were notified that there would be an e-mail/Internet outage of "about 90 minutes) some time between 12:30 AM and 6:30 AM, and we were given less than one day's notice. Okay - I'd be asleep.
Today, which is not last week, I tried to check my e-mail (I don't use Comcast Stupid - uh, SmatZone because it's too slow, too awkward, and took away too many features; so I use Outlook). Could not get my new e-mails to appear. Okay...... I went in through Comcast, only to see another error message. I called 1-800-COMCAST and pressed 1 for English, only to hear that there is an e-mail outage and that..."our engineers are busy at work correcting the problem."
I doubt that anyone from Comcast will even notice this blog, but at least I vented my spleen and then them a cyber finger!
Last week, we Comcast customers in Philadelphia were notified that there would be an e-mail/Internet outage of "about 90 minutes) some time between 12:30 AM and 6:30 AM, and we were given less than one day's notice. Okay - I'd be asleep.
Today, which is not last week, I tried to check my e-mail (I don't use Comcast Stupid - uh, SmatZone because it's too slow, too awkward, and took away too many features; so I use Outlook). Could not get my new e-mails to appear. Okay...... I went in through Comcast, only to see another error message. I called 1-800-COMCAST and pressed 1 for English, only to hear that there is an e-mail outage and that..."our engineers are busy at work correcting the problem."
I doubt that anyone from Comcast will even notice this blog, but at least I vented my spleen and then them a cyber finger!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
PHILADELPHIA, CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE? NOT!!!!!!!!
In 6 months, the “City” of Philadelphia has lost FIVE (5) police officers – EXECUTED in the line of duty by repeat offender thugs, whose records are on the average of 10 or more prior crimes with the use of a violent weapon! So, how are these monsters allowed to roam the streets and carry firearms?
THE PAROLE BOARD’S WARPED SENSE THAT THESE HOODS HAVE BEEN REHABILITATED!
Come on, folks, get a taste of reality. It stands to reason that anyone committing a crime and firing a gun once is more than likely going to do it again. IF he gets caught, he gets thrown into jail for a short stay of free room and board, gets paroled to a half-way house (with half-assed security), and then walks away – grabs another gun and starts his happy free reign of terror all over again.
Governor Rendell came under attack a few months ago when he had suspended parole hearings for 120 days. Oh, how could he do such a thing and violate the rights of gun-carrying thugs? Allegedly, the Parole Board tightened its standards – and yet, we’re still finding that the murdering thugs have long records and are repeat-repeat offenders. One judge even had the nerve to say that SHE would have made the same decision all over again.
On the news the other night, Mayor Nutter (himself the subject of another “Why Philadelphia Sucks blog) said that he was, “…angry.” Okay, Mr. I’m-going-to-fix-it Mayor, DO SOMETHING! You had no problems unilaterally issuing a decree to close 11 libraries, shut down all but 10 of the City’s swimming pools, and – get this – SHUT DOWN SEVERAL ENGINE AND LADDER COMPANIES! If you can make such vast decisions without City Council approval and, more importantly, without considering that these changes will affect those who were dumb enough to fall for your rhetoric and vote you in (I DIDN’T), then you can certainly “SAY NO TO PAROLE!”
Just one more question, Mr. Mayor: How many of the libraries and engine/ladder companies that you closed SERVE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD??????
THE PAROLE BOARD’S WARPED SENSE THAT THESE HOODS HAVE BEEN REHABILITATED!
Come on, folks, get a taste of reality. It stands to reason that anyone committing a crime and firing a gun once is more than likely going to do it again. IF he gets caught, he gets thrown into jail for a short stay of free room and board, gets paroled to a half-way house (with half-assed security), and then walks away – grabs another gun and starts his happy free reign of terror all over again.
Governor Rendell came under attack a few months ago when he had suspended parole hearings for 120 days. Oh, how could he do such a thing and violate the rights of gun-carrying thugs? Allegedly, the Parole Board tightened its standards – and yet, we’re still finding that the murdering thugs have long records and are repeat-repeat offenders. One judge even had the nerve to say that SHE would have made the same decision all over again.
On the news the other night, Mayor Nutter (himself the subject of another “Why Philadelphia Sucks blog) said that he was, “…angry.” Okay, Mr. I’m-going-to-fix-it Mayor, DO SOMETHING! You had no problems unilaterally issuing a decree to close 11 libraries, shut down all but 10 of the City’s swimming pools, and – get this – SHUT DOWN SEVERAL ENGINE AND LADDER COMPANIES! If you can make such vast decisions without City Council approval and, more importantly, without considering that these changes will affect those who were dumb enough to fall for your rhetoric and vote you in (I DIDN’T), then you can certainly “SAY NO TO PAROLE!”
Just one more question, Mr. Mayor: How many of the libraries and engine/ladder companies that you closed SERVE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD??????
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Amtrak rides again - and other vacation trivia
Finally! A vacation! A visit with relatives and friends in Virginia!!!! And the planning - arrange to board my dog (pack her bag and send instructions, etc.), decide what I'm wearing, do laundry, clean out the fridge of any biology experiments gone bad, etc......
It all started with Amtrak. I made my reservations nearly 2 months ago and paid for them. It seems that they're doing the airline routine now about the same seats going for different prices, depending upon when they're booked. I got a really good rate for both ways and paid. Now all I have to do is visit the ticket machine before my trip, swipe my card, and tickets will appear. NOT SO FAST!!!! I was checking my bank statement and found a REFUND from Amtrak. ??????? When I called (waiting forever for a live person to answer), I was informed that I had canceled my reservations at an "e-ticket machine." Sorry....no.....haven't been near once since last year. The agent proceeds to tell me that I had. Okay, time for a supervisor. After being on hold again - this time with no music - I was told that "several calls had to be made," but I had my precious tickets at the same price and same reservation number returned.
When I asked how it happened and where were the safeguards, I was informed that anyone could have punched in an incorrect reservation number and hit "cancel" without bothering to read the instructions. Again - where is the safeguard? Had I not checked my account, I never would have known and would have ended up fighting with a ticket agent - probably missing my train because of the long lines in the station - and there would have gone my vacation. You see, Amtrak and the airlines operate by one policy: THE PASSENGER IS ALWAYS WRONG!
Fortunately, my kennel operates differently, and Gwyn has been pre-registered, with all instructions duly noted in her record - including meal servings, walks, play-time, etc. Sounds more like summer camp, huh?
My to-do list is such that I'll need a vacation from the vacation! UGH!!!!
At any rate, once I'm on the train, I plan to lean back with a cup of coffee and a good book (or my CD player) and watch the scenery as we head further south. When I get off the train, it will be in Manassas, VA at the old station which one of my uncles and my great-grandfather had restored - back in the 30s or 40s. Some of the original wood carvings are still there. On Sunday morning, I'm guest soloist at the church where members of my family have gone for years! And there I'll be - a Wiccan singing in church, but surrounded by cousins and close friends. Okay - one day is a working vacation, but in spite of all the preparations and extra to-do chores, when all is said and done, I will return home 5 days later feeling refreshed and ready to get back to my usual life.
Y'all have a nice weekend.
It all started with Amtrak. I made my reservations nearly 2 months ago and paid for them. It seems that they're doing the airline routine now about the same seats going for different prices, depending upon when they're booked. I got a really good rate for both ways and paid. Now all I have to do is visit the ticket machine before my trip, swipe my card, and tickets will appear. NOT SO FAST!!!! I was checking my bank statement and found a REFUND from Amtrak. ??????? When I called (waiting forever for a live person to answer), I was informed that I had canceled my reservations at an "e-ticket machine." Sorry....no.....haven't been near once since last year. The agent proceeds to tell me that I had. Okay, time for a supervisor. After being on hold again - this time with no music - I was told that "several calls had to be made," but I had my precious tickets at the same price and same reservation number returned.
When I asked how it happened and where were the safeguards, I was informed that anyone could have punched in an incorrect reservation number and hit "cancel" without bothering to read the instructions. Again - where is the safeguard? Had I not checked my account, I never would have known and would have ended up fighting with a ticket agent - probably missing my train because of the long lines in the station - and there would have gone my vacation. You see, Amtrak and the airlines operate by one policy: THE PASSENGER IS ALWAYS WRONG!
Fortunately, my kennel operates differently, and Gwyn has been pre-registered, with all instructions duly noted in her record - including meal servings, walks, play-time, etc. Sounds more like summer camp, huh?
My to-do list is such that I'll need a vacation from the vacation! UGH!!!!
At any rate, once I'm on the train, I plan to lean back with a cup of coffee and a good book (or my CD player) and watch the scenery as we head further south. When I get off the train, it will be in Manassas, VA at the old station which one of my uncles and my great-grandfather had restored - back in the 30s or 40s. Some of the original wood carvings are still there. On Sunday morning, I'm guest soloist at the church where members of my family have gone for years! And there I'll be - a Wiccan singing in church, but surrounded by cousins and close friends. Okay - one day is a working vacation, but in spite of all the preparations and extra to-do chores, when all is said and done, I will return home 5 days later feeling refreshed and ready to get back to my usual life.
Y'all have a nice weekend.
Friday, May 23, 2008
It all comes down to the salsa!
Let me start this off by giving credit where credit is due: My life-long friend, Leslie Bahler, accomplished violist and soprano, living in the Buffalo, NY area. She is an active instrumental and vocal performer, as well as a teacher, wife, and mother – and married to my other life-long friend, Peter Bahler, also an accomplished double bassist and singer, teacher, husband, and father. (Oops – they’re both also grandparents!)
Leslie was recently invited to perform as the soprano soloist on a concert series. The series does not pay, but it is well worth participating in because of the publicity and the possibility of there being future performance opportunities. This is just too good to pass up. Leslie worked incredibly hard, preparing arias by Mozart and Handel (perfectly suited to her lovely voice, by the way). She spent hours rehearsing with the chamber orchestra and hours of vocal coaching with her teacher.
The performance was a rousing success. Leslie was truly “on her game.”
There was a reception for performers and audience following the concert – and the performers actually had to provide the food! (See? Told you the pay was nothing.) Leslie brought a mango salsa and the chips. Part way through the reception and mingling, a lovely lady approached Leslie, program and pen in hand. You all know where this is going – the autograph! Here’s what the lady asked for:
“Where did you get the salsa?”
So, perform your hearts out, do your very best work – and
DON’T FORGET THE SALSA!
Leslie was recently invited to perform as the soprano soloist on a concert series. The series does not pay, but it is well worth participating in because of the publicity and the possibility of there being future performance opportunities. This is just too good to pass up. Leslie worked incredibly hard, preparing arias by Mozart and Handel (perfectly suited to her lovely voice, by the way). She spent hours rehearsing with the chamber orchestra and hours of vocal coaching with her teacher.
The performance was a rousing success. Leslie was truly “on her game.”
There was a reception for performers and audience following the concert – and the performers actually had to provide the food! (See? Told you the pay was nothing.) Leslie brought a mango salsa and the chips. Part way through the reception and mingling, a lovely lady approached Leslie, program and pen in hand. You all know where this is going – the autograph! Here’s what the lady asked for:
“Where did you get the salsa?”
So, perform your hearts out, do your very best work – and
DON’T FORGET THE SALSA!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Graduation
It's that time of year - proms, graduations, etc. So let me tell you a graduation story.
A friend is getting her Master's degree after MANY years of part-time classes and too much reading and too many papers, etc. She turned to her best friend often to find books on-line or to talk her out of screw-ups on her computer and finally to be interviewed as a "subject" for a very personal and difficult topic (for the "subject" more so than the writer).
Comes time to invite people to graduation. The "subject" hears about the date just two days ago and finds out she's not invited because she "wouldn't be interested." Ouch. Graduation morning: The "subject" receives an invitation to dinner the same evening - no notice. The "subject," you see, has no life. "No thank you." A semi-argument ensues in which the subject points out the interest shown over the past few years, etc... and that it would be nice to see the finished product. Response from the graduate? "I didn't even invite my brother and felt guilty inviting you."
This is, by the way, from a PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR!
The "subject" told her to enjoy her day and the fancy dinner tomorrow night (given by her rich friends), that she had earned it through hard work and should be proud of her accomplishment, but the "subject" has made plans for today to work and then relax this evening.
Needless to say, the graduate was not pleased, but the "subject" is feeling pretty good for standing her ground and refusing to be last-minute or second-best. As a country song says, "Second fiddle is one instrument I never learned to play."
A friend is getting her Master's degree after MANY years of part-time classes and too much reading and too many papers, etc. She turned to her best friend often to find books on-line or to talk her out of screw-ups on her computer and finally to be interviewed as a "subject" for a very personal and difficult topic (for the "subject" more so than the writer).
Comes time to invite people to graduation. The "subject" hears about the date just two days ago and finds out she's not invited because she "wouldn't be interested." Ouch. Graduation morning: The "subject" receives an invitation to dinner the same evening - no notice. The "subject," you see, has no life. "No thank you." A semi-argument ensues in which the subject points out the interest shown over the past few years, etc... and that it would be nice to see the finished product. Response from the graduate? "I didn't even invite my brother and felt guilty inviting you."
This is, by the way, from a PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR!
The "subject" told her to enjoy her day and the fancy dinner tomorrow night (given by her rich friends), that she had earned it through hard work and should be proud of her accomplishment, but the "subject" has made plans for today to work and then relax this evening.
Needless to say, the graduate was not pleased, but the "subject" is feeling pretty good for standing her ground and refusing to be last-minute or second-best. As a country song says, "Second fiddle is one instrument I never learned to play."
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Big Girls Do Dance!
Here's a frivolous post for a change - I'll save my "pissed-off post" for later.
Dancing with the Stars. This is fun to watch! Granted, the format is exactly the same week after week after week, but that handsome Tom Bergeron, coupled with Len Goodman's ballroom knowledge and British wit, well..... we can excuse the sameness.
There's a cyclone celebrity contestant - Marissa Janet Winokur - who played Tracey Turnblad in the Broadway production of "Hairspray." Marissa is a plus-sized petite dynamo with a smile that lights up the stage. You also need to know that she survived cancer 7 years ago and that she and her hubby are expecting their first child - via a surrogate. Nothing stops this lady!
She's not the best dancer on the show, but each week her hunky pro partner (Tony Davolano) puts her through choreography that would have most of us in traction or hitting the barf bag. She spins, flips, gets lifted (yup - LIFTED), girates, and keeps going. Last night, she did a beautiful rhumba and proved that big girls do dance and dip and girate and look fabulous doing it. This was preceded by a quick-step, one of the most difficult dances in ballroom - and except for missing one jump, she completely nailed the routine and looked lovely doing it! About two weeks ago, she did a Vienese waltz - again very difficult because of its shading (see - I'm learning the lingo). At the end, one of the judges called her a princess. A teary-eyed but smiling Marissa thanked the judge and said that she'd always wanted to be a princess. Moments like that just can't be bought. Every so-called "pudgy" little girl needed to be watching that show to find out that there's a princess hiding inside, and no one can change that fact.
While she may not make it to the finals next week, she is a winner already: cancer survivor, mom-to-be, and a role model for a girl of any age - be yourself! Wear a bright smile and carry yourself with pride - and dance from the heart.
And Marissa - please write a book!
Dancing with the Stars. This is fun to watch! Granted, the format is exactly the same week after week after week, but that handsome Tom Bergeron, coupled with Len Goodman's ballroom knowledge and British wit, well..... we can excuse the sameness.
There's a cyclone celebrity contestant - Marissa Janet Winokur - who played Tracey Turnblad in the Broadway production of "Hairspray." Marissa is a plus-sized petite dynamo with a smile that lights up the stage. You also need to know that she survived cancer 7 years ago and that she and her hubby are expecting their first child - via a surrogate. Nothing stops this lady!
She's not the best dancer on the show, but each week her hunky pro partner (Tony Davolano) puts her through choreography that would have most of us in traction or hitting the barf bag. She spins, flips, gets lifted (yup - LIFTED), girates, and keeps going. Last night, she did a beautiful rhumba and proved that big girls do dance and dip and girate and look fabulous doing it. This was preceded by a quick-step, one of the most difficult dances in ballroom - and except for missing one jump, she completely nailed the routine and looked lovely doing it! About two weeks ago, she did a Vienese waltz - again very difficult because of its shading (see - I'm learning the lingo). At the end, one of the judges called her a princess. A teary-eyed but smiling Marissa thanked the judge and said that she'd always wanted to be a princess. Moments like that just can't be bought. Every so-called "pudgy" little girl needed to be watching that show to find out that there's a princess hiding inside, and no one can change that fact.
While she may not make it to the finals next week, she is a winner already: cancer survivor, mom-to-be, and a role model for a girl of any age - be yourself! Wear a bright smile and carry yourself with pride - and dance from the heart.
And Marissa - please write a book!
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