ECVZZ

So last night is the first night in several weeks I've been home from work at a decent hour. Been doing 11-12 hour days for the last few weeks. Lay down on the couch about 6:30ish to take a short nap, and had been sleeping about an hour when the cell rang. In my dazed state, it had rolled to voicemail by the time I figured out where it was. Checked the message, and it was an automated call from AT&T wireless (my provider...Damn, doesn't that sound like someone who you depend on just to exist? Funny how subtle terms like that can be). The recording left an 888 number that I should call "as soon as possible"...Turned out to be accounts receivable. "DAMN' I think. My bill is current, and I know my $200 dollar payment on the 23rd of May cleared, cause I just checked my bank account a few days ago. WTF now??? After 45 minutes on the phone reviewing my account with the At&T rep, he had no answer. So off he goes to consult a supervisor. When he came back, his response was: "Sometimes our automated system sends out these messages as a reminder that you need to get back on track with your payments". Excuse me????? Am I past due with a payment? "Well no, but we'd like you to make your payments sooner." he says. Have I ever been late with a payment, I ask? "Well, no." was the reply. At this point I'm getting pissed, and ask to speak to his supervisor. It was all I could do not to come un-fucking-hinged on this guy. "We don't have supervisors available sir, I can transfer you to a problem resolution specialist, if you'd like." Well, why don't you do that then junior. Miss snitty answers the phone with an "AHA! Another late payment!" sort of attitude, and while chewing my tongue off to keep from telling her (as my very southern Dad says) all about my ass, I calmly explain the situation, and ask her, "is my payment past due?" Well...no. It's due the 21st she answers. Then why have you just wasted 45 minutes of my time? Time which I should have no recollection of, because I was sleeping! "Is there anything else I can assist you with sir".... That was her reply. Now, if the movie "Scanners" wasn't science fiction, her head would've exploded as if on cue. Me, on the other hand...I looked like one of the "Scanners". Arteries popping out on my temples, my eyes turning white, everything short of a nosebleed (but...not by much!). I'd like to speak to your supervisor I say (my voice cracking like a pubescent teen, from the anger). I have a supervisor on the floor sir, but she is availible only to employees...not for customers. Okay. fine, I reply. Not a problem. I'll call Nextel. I'll bet they have someone who'll talk to me. The last thing the bitch heard was the receiver slamming down in her ear. I've spent over $2,000 with AT&T wireless since Dec. of 02. That's right...Over 2k. Why the fuck would they harass me over a $173 payment that's not even past due? Because they can, that's why, and there's no one I can even voice my objection to! Well, know what? FEDEX has a nice new Nextel in route to me as I type this, and AT&T can just bite my ass!!! What ever happened to customer service? When a company gets so big that they can afford to say "fuck you!" to the average joe, then they obviously don't need my business anymore! The days of individual customer service and satisfaction are gone and nobody gives a rat's ass. When I leave, there'll be another customer to replace me...maybe from verizon, maybe from Nextel. Nobody cares though, because all these corporate assholes are the same. A tent on the dz is looking better and better. No bills, and no B/S. If you want to reach me, call the payphone outside manifest.... G. Jones "I've never been quarantined. But the more I look around, the more I think it might not be a bad idea."

I have no intention of entering the fray regarding cost vs sell price here, as I happen to think that the Cypres (original version) is priced appropriately. My question here is for Ryan. You said: This is an honest question, btw. By the above statement, do you mean Profit margin, or Markup? Greg

NO SHIT!! But if you did, I hope you have a FAN-DAMN-TASTIC summer!!!

And here I thought you were so innocent... G. Jones "I've never been quarantined. But the more I look around, the more I think it might not be a bad idea."

No no no, not you Arthur! That's a running joke between Laurie and I. Remember Bruce Willis, in Die Hard?

Mother f#@$er!

You callin me old??? Oh well, can't argue with the truth...

COWBOY UP!

Energy??? Is that the catchword for it these days? Then you should be ready for round two in, oh...say a week or two!

If "it's" done properly you won't have the energy for a drunken fight!

Arthur my boy, she'd hurt you.

Let's talk about it at the all night bar!

How 'bout crumpets??? G. Jones "I've never been quarantined. But the more I look around, the more I think it might not be a bad idea."

I'd be willing to sign a lease!

Define "it".

We'll never go home drunk and fight!

Move to Nevada. The bars here never close...problem solved! G. Jones "I've never been quarantined. But the more I look around, the more I think it might not be a bad idea."

Not yet. It's up to you to change my mind!

Possibly even an extension ladder... Yes, but do you know where?

Are you sure???

Well, it worked didn't it!? He's so afraid of you now he won't even post! Psst, hey arthur, she's ticklish too! G.

Always here to help!

Okay Arthur, don't get her mad...my shins still hurt! G.

Aren't those made with animal fat? Greg

Then go have yourself some of them frenchfried taters, ummhmm. G. Jones "I've never been quarantined. But the more I look around, the more I think it might not be a bad idea."