Friday, June 26, 2009
The Dreaded Extended Warranty
I
don't like extended warranties and never purchase them. I was looking to by a headset for my cell-phone. Verizon doesn't
sell the type that rests on your ear. I don't like to stick a plug in my ear canel. My only option was to go to Radio
Shack.
That's the last thing I wanted to do. I bought two headsets there in the past and they both stopped
working. Both times, I rejected the extended warranty. Today, I got smarter. I paid $29 for the headset and $11 for the 2
year extended warranty.
I have no doubt that I will use it, as Radio Shack makes a real junky headset. Why do they
irritate you further by collecting all sorts of demographic information about their customers?
6:47 pm edt
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Farrah & Michael
It's amazing
that Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson died today. I was having lunch at home when I heard about Farrah. When I heard about
Michael, I was in the clubhouse having an ice tea after playing 9 holes in my golf league.
Michael's death could
have also been predicted, given his many physical issues. It's still a surprise when you hear it. He was only 50.
Farrah fought a valiant battle that she documented in her recent NBC special. I saw it that night. It was very powerful.
Her "diary" of her struggle showed a courageous person facing a battle against all odds.
I as write
this, I have the tv on in the background with Access Hollywood. It's all Farrah, with a "Breaking News"
story on Jackson.
There will be a two hour special on Dateline NBC at 9pm. Kind of a twofer. The media always puts
together some amazing specials. They certainly have two interesting lives to deal with.
7:40 pm edt
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
It's Only a Test..........ya right
After three weeks, I can finally discuss
my recent colonoscopy. If anyone ever says it's a routine test, tell them you know a guy with a story. It was anxiety that
delayed me for five years. Stupid, but true.
It's a test everyone should have. Sure, the prepping is the worst
part, I guess. The procedure lasted less then one hour and I was totally out. The doctor removed three polyps, which turned
out to be the harmless type. Having to wait a week to get the results, wasn't the best thing to do. You realize that you are
not the only patient.
When I was in recovery, the doctor said I tolerated the procedure very well. He mentioned the
three polyps. He also discussed how he had to "stretch" me because of my "small opening". I never realized
what this would entail. I also had a small internal hemorrhoid.
It's taken me three weeks to get back to normal.
No running in that time. Just some walks to the store. Sitting has been a challenge at times. I had to miss my annual run
up Mt Washington because of my discomfort.
I guess there are a few lessons to be learned here. Medical tests are
important and should not be neglected. Everyone has their own set of circumstances. I'm glad I did it, but I never thought
I would have to go to hell and back in the process. In my opinion, tests are not always routine.
If anyone has
any questions about this procedure, please let me know. Hopefully, I'm all set for the next ten years!
3:46 pm edt
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Business is Booming Here
I was at the mall late this afternoon. The crowds were quite thin and stores had few
customers. There was one exception: Verizon Wireless. There was no economic crisis there! The store was packed. I had to get
into a queue just to ask a question about an accessory. If every store was like this, we would reverse our economic problems.
I don't think you see this type of floor traffic at GM or Chrysler showrooms. They must wish this in their dreams.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
They Never Let Up
No matter what I do, I still get calls
from tele-marketers. Recently, I've been getting them from companies doing surveys. I always hang up on them. In my mail today
was a letter from one of the survey companies. They said they were sorry for bothering me and enclosed a one dollar bill.
They invited me to contact the company and learn about their surveys. I'm one of the 200,000 selected households in America.
I am so fortunate that they want my opinions. I'll give them a call right away.....yeah right......I'll keep their dollar.
4:40 pm edt
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
What a Drain
It's always a bad feeling when
you let the water drain from your bathroom sink and it causes a back-up into the bathtub. Such was the case last night. This
looks like an opportunity for Liquid Plumber. The plunger didn't work. There is still water in the tub. I better get two jugs
of the stuff because it never works like it does on tv. One time it took three. Why don't they show that in the commercial?
7:49 am edt
Saturday, June 13, 2009
What a Jump
Former President George H.W. Bush made
the news Friday when he completed a tandem parachute jump on his 85th birthday. He made similar jumps on his 75th and
80th birthdays. He started his jumps in 1997 to fulfill a lifelong vow that he would jump out of an airplane under better
circumstances than his first time.
In 1944, Bush's plane was shot down over the Pacific Ocean while on a bombing
run during World War II. He survived a 1,500 foot jump. His two crew-mates perished. Bush vowed to make another jump under
happier circumstances.
After his jump, Bush noted that he did it to motivate older people. Perhaps his best line
was: "Just because you are old, you don't have to sit in the corner drooling."
Those are words
certainly worth remembering!
11:57 am edt
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Voice
Some people have a very distinctive
voice. Such is the case with Rachael Ray. I actually enjoy watching her shows on occasion. There is something about her voice.
I read that she is a pretty heavy smoker. Last fall, she had some treatments for polyps on her throat.
Her voice
seems to be a perfect match for her ever-present smile. I don't imagine that she is always that perky. The tabloids have reported
that she and her husband have had some loud arguments in public. She always seems so upbeat on her shows.
I bet
she wouldn't be if she had to clean up after one of her cooking demonstrations. She always has all the ingredients ready and
makes it look so easy. She probably doesn't even load the dishwasher.
10:36 am edt
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Two Strikes
I have always watched the Tonight
Show and was sad to see Jay Leno leave. At least he will be back in September on his new show at 10pm. I have no problem
switching to David Letterman, but I always preferred Leno over him, given the choice.
Now comes the hard part.
Do I stay with Conan O'Brien? I watched his show the last two nights. It got great ratings around the country, but I think
it was due to the curiosity factor. I can't say I'm thrilled with it. It's a step down from Leno. Do I switch to Letterman?
How many more times do I watch Conan? If I was that thrilled with his show, I wouldn't be having these thoughts.
3:35 pm edt
Monday, June 1, 2009
Something to Develop
I get a lot of my ideas for my
comedy material from things in the news and everyday events. I write a lot of ideas in a journal. Often, they never get
developed for a variety of reasons. Some of them are used in my act and they have different degrees of success.
I
saw something today that I must develop. I was finishing a run on a beautiful spring day. I was doing a cool-down walk up
the hilly street I live on. My place is two doors away from a funeral home. It's a large and elegant Victorian mansion that
I always admire. Over the years, I have become acquainted with some of the workers.
As I walked by the home, one
of them was standing in a doorway having a cigarette. I guess even funeral workers must seek a smoking area these days. It
just looked odd. Here I was, feeling the exhilaration of a morning run and here was a guy smoking a cigarette who also happens
to work in the funeral business.
I think there is something here. I just have to figure out a punch-line. Hopefully,
it will be funny if I ever use it.
11:41 pm edt
