.com-ing!

Sometimes I read news stories and laugh. Other times I skim because I’m bored or uninterested. Every now and then though, I read the whole thing. Really? Nah. Usually I get through the whole piece. Blah, blah, blah. Sometimes there is news that’s fantastic to keep in mind. Today there was one such story.

Jocks are often associated with stupidity. One thing they usually are not is depressed. Sure life throws you a rotten bone now and then but on the whole they’re pretty energetic and ready to do things. LiveScience reports today that exercising helps to prevent depression or counter it. “In the depressed rats, running had an antidepressant-like effect after running for 30 days,” Bjornebekk told LiveScience.

So… Feeling down? Get out there and ex-er-the-size!

I’m not a writer and I do not pretend to be one. Not on T.V., not on stage - well, maybe on stage, but for certain, in my day-to-day, I am not a writer. At least, that’s what I tell myself. Am I? I lean toward — nay. Do I like words? (sing it) “Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes they both…” Yes. I enjoy words. Spoken, written, hidden. They’re fun, curious, and unique. Dadada Skipping ahead…

Last week a group of friends got together to… Well, create. An artistic gathering. Our numbers were low but we made due. One thing we did was not my normal cup of tea cocoa. Using 350 words (I hit 360) write a short story beginning with the phrase: “Before all else, let me make my confession…”

I don’t know why I wrote what I did, but it felt like someone needed to be reprimanded. Sure. Why not. Love it? Hate it? Apathetic about it? I enjoyed writing. It was fun. My opinion of the piece, it doesn’t really matter. It as a fun exercise. And so, about 30 minutes and 360 words later I had this. (Poof)

START

Before all else, let me make my confession to every single one of you self righteous dingle berries. From the beginning each of you tried to befriend me. You attempted in every way possible to slip through the crowd in the blink of an eye into my life.

Something I could have told each of you, and planned to might I add, if an ounce of selflessness was revealed in, oh, say, at least one breath of your mundane, convoluted lives, was that I planned to take each of you with me.

Oh, you’re surprised? Really. Let me explain then.

When I started this gig I was advised by the ‘board’ to watch my back and to cover my tracks. Some might be dumbstruck by such a warning on their first day. Me? No. This didn’t shock me. To be honest it made my day better.

I watched as each of you tried desperately to win my love. Enough already. You failed. I’m sorry I should be more sensitive. You not only failed at winning my love you cast aside the future. Didn’t you see what was happening?

Every opportunity to advance you dropped the ball. Did you all truly believe that I wanted to see you lose faith over the menial troubles I put on the table? People. Let’s look at this with open eyes please.

Let’s review the calendar shall we? I brought in some experts to cultivate creativity. Sure their ideas were a bit destructive but what doesn’t kill mankind makes it stronger. A few people may disappear or die but the race will thrive.

The plagues (HIV. Cancer.), the quote, un-quote flood(s), and all every other catastrophe were meant to help humankind. Instead of worshiping me, try this, look at the problem and figure out how to address it. There may not be an answer, but you’ll learn something in the mean time and that may prove to be more important than the end result.

Oh, one last thing. Please, don’t call, write, or anything else. I have so many of your hopes and dreams in my trash that I could wallpaper the rest of history.

END

“Hi. I wonder if you know if the meat you serve is cage free?”

I’ve asked that question to a large number of people over the past 6 months, or has it been a year. I don’t think it really matters. What does matter is the response.

At a local restaurant Scarborough Fair I asked the waitress if she knew or could find out. The chef scoffed at the question and basically said ‘Such a stupid question! Of COURSE it is cage free! You imbecile! What else would I cook with.. Hmm!? OK, sure, that wasn’t exactly what he said but the sentiment and the general intention match his reply.

I ordered the meal. The chicken was amazing!

Why wasn’t it noted on the menu? That. I don’t know or understand.

I asked someone in California Pizza Kitchen… ENNNNHN! Nope. No luck there.

Recently I asked the gentlemen behind the counter of Koffee Too in New Haven and was told “No. We can’t guarantee that the chicken blah blah blah” replied the more senior employee. Next followed the strange question. “Are you a vegetarian?”

Have had the same experience in Hamden at Eli’s the day before I reeled for a brief moment then promptly said “No. I just prefer to eat free range.” My mood was panicked because I needed food in a desperate way. The employees shot options my way, I looked back and forth ready to say ‘Just give me a muffin.’ but saw just in time… Grilled Cheese. Phew.

But the strange experience of having two people ask me if I am a vegetarian really threw me. I have asked if the meat is free ranged with the intent of ordering food that would fit said category. But for some unknown reason I’m being asked if I don’t eat meat.

Why am I asking about the meat in a specific way with interest if I don’t eat it? I do believe I’m in a new grey area which will be frustrating and tiresome but ultimately healthy so I’m certain to stick to my guns.

Nope. I’m not all about the Atkins style. I don’t like my steak. And burgers are a once a quarter or bi-annual meal. I enjoy a good burger. But sure as rain I prefer beef that does not have antibiotics, growth hormones, tumors, or any other foreign substance in it. Call me crazy. The same thing goes for chicken.

Is this really a far reaching idea? Hell, just last month Wolfgang Puck said he is only going to use free range meat in his meals now because he feels responsible as a chef. He said recently “It’s not just about reducing obesity and diabetes, though that’s obviously a priority. It’s about getting every one of us to eat the right foods”

On the topic of chicken he said “…all of the chicken I buy, even for my Wolfgang Puck frozen pizzas, will have been raised cage-free.” Now that’s wonderful but how can someone guarantee that it is actually cage-gree Wolfgang? “To make certain things stay above-board, I’ve hired someone who will police my purveyors. I want to ensure that everything labeled organic really is, and that no veal calf that finds its way into my kitchen lived its life chained inside a box.”

He’s not going soft “or, heaven forbid, vegan” he is simply paying attention to the food served to his customers. I applauded him in May and I continue to do so now. Side note - read his entire article below or here.

The strangest responses I’ve witnessed have been from older generations that don”t know what is happening in the market place. They don’t know that the food they’re buying is not the same food they bought a decade, or two, ago. The eggs are flimsy and break from the slightly fall. The milk has been processed and includes more chemicals than they thought could be allowed into the drink.

I’m in a unique position where I will be considered difficult… And I eat meat! Now THAT is entertaining stuff.

If I was a vegetarian I could simply ask for the meat to be kept off my meal. Sure I’d be charged the same price as if the meat was included - Bah! - but I’d be happy with my meal. If I didn’t care where the meat came from or what was in it I’d order away and fill up on meat and other stuff.

But me. Well, I’d like to know what I’m putting in my body but I’m not going the selective route of cutting out meat. I enjoy it on occasion. It isn’t a staple part of my life nor do I want it to be.

But I am not a vegetarian and I am not going to promote the Atkin’s Diet. Serve me up a plate of locally grown vegetables and fruits along with free range chicken or beef if you wouldn’t mind.

Or, if none of that is available, the panini grilled cheese with a tomato. Right. Thanks.

This morning I finally ‘carpet bombed’ the Verizon Executive Team. Thanks to emma for her assistance in editing the content and grammar. Thanks to Meghann at the consumerist for her help and recommendations. I will post updates and forward all updates to the consumerist team.

UPDATE: July 13th 3:00 PM — I upgraded the phone for my line, LG 8550 - aka the new LG Chocolate, and my mom’s line. While doing so, we were advised that emma’s line would not be eligible for the new every two even though she her account becomes eligible in October. I will need to follow up with Scott on this. I wasn’t advised of this particular detail.

The sales rep was pretty amazed when he saw the account and even called a co-worker over to loo at the account info. It was the first account they’d seen with two numbers from different markets on one account. = ) Mission, accomplished.

UPDATE: Las week of June — I called to make the change to add emma’s line to my  account and was told by a rep that someone would call be back the next day at 7pm because the ‘account change group’ reps were overwhelmed. I said OK and awaited the call.

The next night I watched as the time slipped by 7, then 8, then 9. Soon enough I was asleep. Guess they were really, really busy with call backs?

Friday afternoon rolled around. I was home, so it was after 1 - summer hours = score!, and my cell rang, la la la, it was a Verizon rep. One of the first things she did was apologize for the delayed call back. Not bad.

After a 15-20 minute conversation the lines were merged and everything was happy in the universe. We were both able to keep any features we had on our account (we have old text messaging plans that are no longer available, and move all three lines into one. Success!

The next thing I need to do now is upgrade my phone and get me mudda a new phone.

UPDATE: June 8th 6:28 PM — A 30 minute phone call with Scott and he confirmed that a name change is needed to compelete the change. That will take place on Monday or Tuesday. The savings will be between 30 and 40 dollars per month. That’s 360-480 dollars a year. All because we’ll be officially Family Planned by Verizon Wireless.

At one time Verizon Wirelees’s billing systems topped 8. It then dropped to 4 and eventually to 2. I’m not sure if they’re in between 2 and 1 presently but what matters is different market phone lines CAN be on the same Family Plan now! That’s what matters.

I had to ask about the topic of unlocking cell phones. He said it’s a business decision to leave everything as is within Verizon Wireless and said that it hasn’t been a hot topic of late. I wonder why that is.

We both agreed that the consumer should have the ability to use all the features the phone has but I recognize that there is likely no change in the foreseeable future. This disappoints me now that it is legal to unlock my phone. Meh.

If you’re reading this Scott thank you so uber much for your time and phone calls. It’s likely I’ll call again to let you know how the billing is working our and to see what else is going on with unlocking phones and/or other interesting topics that come about.

I can’t consider this issue closed yet. Let’s see how the customer service rep treats me when I call to make the change.

UPDATE: June 8th 12:30ish PM — Scott called me while I was in a meeting with some colleagues at Quinnipiac University.

UPDATE: June 7th 6:28 PM — OK I’m home and can now elaborate more on Scott’s phone call. Scott advised me that the option to have emma’s phone number (914 based) and my numbers (203 based) on to the same account has ben available for the past two months. I was taken aback. Two months?! He said that the billing systems we had discussed during our last conversation had finally been updated to allow for it to take place. Holy cool! Save. Ings! are on the way.

emma’s number needs to be moved off of her pop’s account but once that is complete the savings. OH! The savings.

I asked if Verizon planned on marketing this option and he said that it would be but not before some final quirks were worked out. This makes me very, very, very happy. I have no additional details except that CT and NY phone numbers can be on the same account. I have to say though, that is a massive piece of information for me so I’m all about the smiles.

Scott is going to call me back tomorrow to assist me with the rest of the process. I told him that I didn’t mind if he called tomorrow or next week. I’ve been calling Verizon Wireless for nearly two years… Seven more days won’t hurt.

UPDATE: June 7th 4:00 PM — Scott Armstrong just called and apologized for the missed voice mails. He was genuine in his apology of which I am/was most appreciative. The quick brief — Our phones will soon be on the same bill! I’ll add more soon. HOOOOO-RAAAAH! Thank you Scott!

UPDATE: June 6th 9:30 AM — Nelson Cohen called me to state that I “made a great point” and that I would hear back from someone within the next 24-48 hours.

TO: Tony Simpson (his email bounced), Tom Tauke, Bob Ingalls, Suleiman Hessami
CC: tips@consumerist.com, Bob Barish, William Barr, Bruce Beausejour, Maura Breen, Mike Hassett, Holyce Hess Groos, John Hoey, Jerry Holland, Virginia Ruesterholz, Joseph Russo, Doreen Toben
Subject: Library of Congress Law and Family Plans
Date: Jun 6, 2007 6:59 AM

Good morning. I am extremely happy to say I have been a Verizon Wireless customer since 1998. In fact I worked for Verizon Wireless when it was Bell Atlantic Mobile as a technical support representative in Wallingford, CT. To this day I promote Verizon’s network reliability whenever I discuss wireless providers with friends, family, and/or strangers. To that and many other points I am a constant advocate for Verizon Wireless.

Recently I have come upon two stumbling blocks that baffle me due to Verizon’s constant leadership in the wireless industry - the recent law change by the Library of Congress (LOC) and Family Plans.

As you are likely aware in November of 2006 the LOC stated it is legal for consumers to unlock their phone. On December 18, 2006 I posted to planetfeedback - http://www.planetfeedback.com/index.php?level2=blog_viewpost&topic_id=294259 - a question to Verizon Wireless about the new LOC copyright changes. Within one (1) month I received a phone call from Scott Armstrong. He asked me about the new law and what I knew about it. I advised him what I knew per arstechnica’s post - http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20061124-8280.html - and discussed another topic near and dear to my heart, family plans for Verizon customers with phone numbers in different states. He gave me his phone number and said to call him if I had any other questions.

Knowing nothing would change overnight I waited some time before calling to ask for an update. Months later, I called Mr. Armstrong on March 13, 2007. Knowing he was likely to be very busy I determined two (2) weeks would be sufficient time for him to return my call. He did not. I called again during the week of March 25-31. With no return call I waited another two (2) weeks and tried again during the week of April 8-14. One (1) week later, the week of April 15-21, I called again. My last attempt was 3 days later, the week of April 22-28. During my last call I hung up, for the first time, before going to voice mail.

Each time I called I left a calm, professional voice mail reminding him of our conversation in December of 2006, being sure to mention both topics - the LOC changes and family plan billing, my name and cell phone number, and that I looked forward to hearing back from him at his convenience.

With no success I reached out to a consumer advocate site: The Consumerist (consumerist.com). They posted an article identifying a number of Verizon executive phone numbers. The list is fantastic but I was not sure who best to contact and so I have contact each of you.

Since my initial contact with Mr. Armstrong a staff writer at CNET , Maggie Reardon (maggie.reardon@cnet.com), wrote a story titled “Will ‘unlocked’ cell phones free consumers?” (http://news.com.com/2100-1039_3-6152735.html) Two lawyers wrote a piece titled “Copyright Law Gives Mobile Users New Freedom With Legally Unlocked Cell Phones” (http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1170410587623) about the LOC updates, and now, with months of phone calls behind me, I’m writing to all of you.

On the topic of Family Plans: I have spoken with representatives at Cingular, T-Mobile, and Sprint about family plans only to learn that they are unable or unwilling to put different market phones onto one family share plan due to billing complications or company policy. To the best of my knowledge, based on many, many phone calls to Verizon Wireless customer support, the only thing holding this option back was/is a difference in billing systems for the markets I have called about (CT and NY). If you review my account you will see that I have been calling about this topic for over one and a half years. In fact, it has likely been longer than one and a half years.

This is the first time I’ve written to anyone at Verizon Wireless for any reason. I understand and fully respect the chain of command; unfortunately I have been left with no further recourse.

I enjoy Verizon Wireless’ coverage but I would like more control of my phone, especially now that it is legal, and I would like to be able to save on monthly access fees by combining my (CT based) and my wife’s (NY based) account into one. Over six (6) months after the LOC change consumers have had no additional support from the wireless industry and family members that have stayed with providers for years who do not want to change their number are forced to pay high monthly fees with no alternatives in sight. What options are there for couples/families that have phone numbers based in two (2) or more markets?

Thank you for your time and understanding in these matters. Have a splendid day.

Gary Ploski
(phone number removed)

The written word has failed me of late. Has it bothered me? In a word - nonotreallyno. I am proud of one thing that fell off my finger tips recently. In an email to a friend from/in Japan I wrote: I’m only just waking up but your kind words brought a smile to my tired face.

Yea, it’s not the most amazing piece of text ever written but it was fun to write and when I looked back at what I had written I realized I in fact had a smile on my tired face. I felt happy.

Happy has been on hiatus of late. Why oh why. It’s really no mystery. With the conclusion of the semester now a few weeks behind me (us) ‘normal’ life has been settling in (at its own rate). Personal projects, work, and needed re-connecting time for emma and me. When and how to fit all this into the few hours available in the evening and the weekend have seemed impossible.

This past weekend it all changed. The kitchen is officially in process. Some guy name Cezer was here to measure and briefly discuss options with us. Conversations of substantial content landed on topics of significant merit. Time was spent reaching small and large goals - including 4 loads of laundry. <sarcasm>Oh the glee that was felt.</sarcasm> Tags for anyone that didn’t catch the inherent ridiculousness of that statement.

Simply put minds have settled down a bit which have opened up the conversation channels. Hoo-the-rah!

Shifting gears like a drift racer… Kazi was here for a few days recently. HOLY GOSH I FORGOT MY BAT-ARANG BATMAN! He lost 44 pounds’s! Oh, and he eats really well, has water with him nearly all the time and, I’m not fibbing, he has been free of the smoke since November. It shows. He looks happy and light and calm and relaxed and like Kaz again. He’s not back to 100% Kazi yet but he’s on his way. With a few more days (cough - read a week to a month) I think he would have kicked the Sigma Koki habit. )insert dreams can come true wish here(

Kazi was here, of course, to celebrate Monka’s wedding. Congrats to you and Jason Mon. Here’s to hoping that your honeymoon went amazingly well and you both laughed, smiled, and enjoyed the Bat-uber’ness of each other’s company. I’d go on more and such but <strike>I’m starting to feel a touch tired and</strike> I need to write about one last thing. Omedeto!

After months, and months, and months of searching (at random times of course) I found someone to contact about “Symphony Pastorale” written by Bob Barnett. Earlier in the year I spoke with Ed (Wierzbicki) about the information and discussed how best to approach the option. Finally, after nealy six (6) months I wrote to the Associate Artistic Director of the Victory Gardens Theater.

I have been saddened by the minimal results in Google (<10) when searching for the terms: “symphony pastorale” “bob barnett” The search yields four (4) results now. In November it yielded two (2). Someone has uploaded a snippet from ‘playsondvd.com’ which has irked me because the performance is not very strong and the audio is awful. This isn’t good when the play has actors sitting on stools the entire time. The audio better be top notch so everyone can hear every word and/or sound. Cricket cricket.

If there was ever something I’d pray for this would be it. I have been unable to find anyone that knew how to get a copy of this play. I think this might be my last resort. If this fails that absolute last option will sit in Bob Barnett’s lap — Ed’s contact information. If he re-connects with Ed… Well, who knows what could happen. Here we go aces!

Must needs something something. RAAAAAAAAH! Heat lightening is cooooool! Flash, flash! I do miss the boom boom that normally accompanies flash flash. Meh… (you guessed it) Meh.