I've returned to Calgary, following a rather dismal end to an extraordinary relationship and far too much mundane baggage. And, having found a place, am now in desperate need of an ISP. . .who shall I call? Well, again, with the monopoly, it's Shaw. And somehow I am persuaded, bamboozled, not only into accepting their internet service, but their new digital phone service as well.

I should know better. I do know better, what was I thinking?

So it's August 1st when I call, a long weekend, they'll be able to come on August the 5th to get me set up. All set up; with their digital phone as well, special introductory price, a terrific new phone number, how does life get better? It doesn't. I'm booked into a 4 hour slot - 8:00 - 12:00, on Tuesday morning. How lucky is that?

By 12:30 on Tuesday I realize how lucky I am. The installer hasn't showed - possibly one of the commonest of Shaw stories, and I set off to find a phone to call them. . . .

The Customer Service Rep, after the mandatory 15 minute wait, advises me that I'm correct, the installer hasn't showed up, but she'll have him there in 10 minutes.

"Is there a number we can call you at?"

This is a bit of irony, apparently to get anything done you need a phone. Even to get a phone. I explain that I don't have a phone yet; there is no number they can call me at; I am no longer at home, can she please have the installer return this evening. . .

She will call me back.

After an hour waiting I call back, they've booked a technician to return in a week. I explain that this is not appropriate, am put on hold, eventually negotiating a return between 5:00 and 9:00 PM.

By the time I return home there is one of the SHAW 'sorry we missed you' signs hanging from the door.

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Category: Who's Your ISP?

 Not to spoil the surprise, but having perused the preview of the book, treat yourself to the reviews, (Over 100 at last count!) or maybe even write one yourself. More collaborative genius here than can be found in any government. . . Link: www.amazon.com

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Category: Link of the day

Now I like Edmonton, I lived there a few years, vibrant arts & cultural scene, good university, I have friends and family there. But on a recent trip I was rather confused by some traffic lights.

 

Image: Edmonton City Planning

 

Hmmm. Can't see what's wrong with this picture? Try this one:

 

Image: Edmonton City Planning

It's the Peek-A-Boo Traffic light? Can you see it now? Apparently in the rush for progress they forgot that people may want to see the traffic lights and signage. It's not so bad now as it's nighttime, but imagine in the day, merely an empty pole, hidden lights and turning sign. All thats missing is the police car waiting to issue you a ticket around the corner.

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Category: Miscellany

Image: Anti-Semetic Dog Trainer

Now I figured that my father's baldness was something that was happening with age, and keeping the shaved head was just his way of making the best of a bad situation. Not even a bad situation, really, a bad situation is going bald and wanting desperately to have your hair back and smearing all sorts of quack compounds on your head in the belief that your virility has been undermined. But I sort of took it without question is the point (how easily I get off track), and then I discover this in his house. What is it, you ask? Well, it's a dog chew. Fluffy dog toy the kind they place in buckets in pet stores for dogs to fetch while their owners look proudly on. But, more than that, notice the logo - it's an ANTI-SEMETIC Dog trainer. I'm amazed they haven't been busted for this. My father pleaded ignorance and reassures me that his balding is natural, not part of his joining some neo-nazi cult. I kinda have to believe him. But I wonder if they have these toys in other flavours, sort of like Jesus Squeakers, or the Latter Day Saints chews . . .

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Category: Miscellany
  1. Newspapers
  2. A Luddite by nature
  3. Who's your ISP?
  4. Calgary