The Philippine Art of Bill Presentment (Lifestyle)

A year ago last December 1 we rented a 2 br apartment in a large complex on V. Rama Ave, Guadalupe, Cebu. We had PLDT set us up with a landline and broadband DSL. We have not received a bill by the end of January, so I called PLDT. By way of an answer, I received the motto of the Philippines: "Wait for awhile". I repeated the same experience at the end of February and at the end of March, with the same results.

In early April, our phone and internet service was summarily disconnected. I called PLDT again and they read me the riot act about not paying my bill. I asked when were the bills delivered. "Ahem, hmm, they were not. But you are still responsible for paying." It turns out that the PLDT installer has recorded the wrong address. I nearly lost my composure. I told the agent that in the civilized world if this happened, the company would make an attempt to contact me via email or phone or both and correct my address of record.

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Bread and Circuses (Politics)

The title phrase, originally panem et circenses in Latin, was first coined by the Roman poet Juvenal around 100 AD. He used the metaphor to depict the Roman populace's only remaining concerns amidst its widespread apathy and ignorance of the once great nation's birthright and politics.

As I reflected on the 2012 Presidential race after watching the last Iowa GOP debate, it came to mind that the bread has been scarce but circuses abundant.

Political rhetorics aside, it is quite amusing to watch the GOP contenders compete with one another on who is most consistent conservative. If that was the sole criterion, Ron Paul would have already won. No one can compete with Dr. Paul on consistency.

As for the Democrats, is there not a single person in the entire Democratic Party who thinks that they might be able to do a better job than President Obama? You could randomly pick a senior from any high school in the land I am sure they would be no worse as president.

I came across this short video about Dr. Paul's foreign policy of non-intervention. I think it is well worth watching.

A Special Circle of Hell (Opinion)

Dante Alighieri could not label Circles 8 and 9 of Inferno (Hell) properly because cell phones did not yet exist in the year 1300 when the Divine Comedy begins. Circles 8 and 9 are reserved for souls guilty of sins of malice (fraud and treachery) and should more properly be labeled "Verizon".

I have been through nine circles of Hell with Verizon Wireless. My two-year contract is up with them today, Wednesday, December 7, 2011, which is a red-lettered day on my calendar for this very reason.

About a week ago I sent customer "service" a nice email requesting to cancel my service upon contract expiration. I have included all my relevant information, even my SSN. I cannot cancel via their web site; they require me to call them so they may verify my true identity. Read more »

More Americans Go Abroad for Economic Opportunities (Econ.)

So little is worth listening to (or reading) on CNBC that I was shocked to find this article of some relevance.

CNBC is one of the pillars of "MSM", or the main-stream media, owned by General Electric. Thus (and this should not come as a big shock), its talking heads and writers serve the interests of whose logo is on their paychecks, the corporatocratic oligopoly effectionately referred to as MSM.

This veritable but rarely verisimilar arm of the once-relevant fourth estate has published the following story on their website: More Americans Go Abroad for Economic Opportunities and it is worth reading!

Sorry about the short post, I am busy working on a new project.

Letter to Husband (Humor: Joke)

My Dear Husband,

Before you return from your business trip, I wanted to write to let you know about a tiny little accident I had with the pick-up as I was trying to park it in the garage.

Luckily nothing serious happened, I was not injured, please do not worry about me.

I was just returning from grocery shopping. As I turned into our driveway, instead of the brake, I stepped on the gas.

The garage door got slightly dinged but fortunately the pick-up stopped immediately after jumping up on your Vette.

I am very sorry about that, but I am sure you will find it in your kind heart to forgive me. You know how much I love you, baby!

I am attaching a photo about the minor scratch on your car.

I can hardly wait until I can hold you in my arms!

Your loving wife,

Hugs & Kisses

P.S.: Your girlfriend called.