Thanks to *All* the Santas!

This Christmas, so far, has been more about family and friends, and love, than any in recent memory. The time spent is the greatest gift, and the laughter heard -- and the laughter shared -- is a beautiful soundtrack. Thank you, family! Thanks, too, for the one truly extravagant gift this year from Mom (and it's one that had dropped off my list of the past several years). She found rosewater soap, so beautifully packaged I'm almost afraid to use it. Key word? Almost! Thank you, all, for the many practical gifts (a shoutout to Beth for closing out the saga of the black pants) and a big thanks to Pete for driving over and attending church with me, then sharing a diner/family Christmas. Jackie, Richard and son Jeff outdid themselves with a warm, welcoming home and a feast for the ages, too, and I was so glad to be healthy enough to be there!! It was great to see so very much family (was happily surprised to see Gay, Rickie & Shelly), and amazing to get a chance to hoist up Chris & Jill's sweet toddler. "My girls" (godbabies) had fun with their little gift, and were gracious, gracious, gracious -- and my not-so-little nephew stayed up playing backgammon with me (and watching football with Mom). I cannot, and will not, ask for more!

Santa's Last-Minute Thoughts

I've just got one gift yet to pick up myself: the most fun one. (For a kiddo!!!!)

But, yes, there are a few items I simply forgot to put on my list. Too bad for me! One involved a promise I made to a high school friend (Angel -- yes her real name, a pediatric dentist) who thinks I should start using a WaterPik. If I am blessed with such an apparatus one I'll endeavor to try to use it, I promise, but I simply have no place to put it right now, and I have to pare down my routine to even get out the door.

I love my SpinBrush & use it almost half the time I brush -- the rest of the time I don't want to feel lazy or, frankly, lose the skill set! In terms of other personal care items, the only one I can't justify buying for myself is the Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Night rinse (the clear one!) It really seems to help!!

I was sorry to have missed Kurt Elling at school a couple of weeks back. Check out Karen Brundage-Johnson's Jazz Times review: Sounds like a warm, gorgeous night.

A Challenge on Gaudete Sunday

Please take a moment, if you choose, to read Cardinal Chaput's recent pastoral letter, to which I've linked. The words that follow are mine, not the church establishment's, although I welcome both on- and offline comment on either the pastoral letter or my own comments below.

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This Sunday in Advent we as Christians are called upon to rejoice. Some years that is more of a struggle than others. Catholics and non-Catholics, Christians and non-Christians alike are invited -- by me -- to read for themselves a pastoral letter which was read aloud in Catholic churches all over the archdiocese today. The letter was released by Philadelphia's recently installed cardinal archbishop on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (December 8). In it, Cardinal Chaput sets a tone for the coming year in which, while supporting the dedication and fidelity of the priests in the archdiocese, does call for "careful scrutiny" in finances as well as in pastoral life.

I, for one, welcome all comment. I have certainly expressed in this blog my pain and disappointment over the erosion of trust and over the pain that has been caused to all concerned. Today I choose to not put blinders on, but to pray for the fidelity and the strength of all our clergy and to thank God for the priests and religious who have been there for me when times were tough. Now more than ever in a confused world we need not only strong hearts and willing souls to lead by setting a good example, but also critical but caring minds in all those who have the temerity to continue to practice their faith. We all need Wisdom. I hope the enormous good will to which Cardinal Chaput refers in his letter is a source of strength for those who will particularly endure the "burning out" of "complacency and pride" the bishop points to in the coming year.

A Friend, Photog and Freelancer

This is to those who know Darrell Oake and those who just have big hearts:

A hard-working and incredibly memorable former colleague of mine, now a freelancer, has three children and a wife whose married career has been raising them and being a wife to Darrell. Now the wage earner in that family has been knocked out by Guillain-Barre syndrome. I was terribly concerned to hear he was in the ICU. We understand his condition has improved, but it's expected to be a long road back.

A trusted friend of his, Frank Zinck, is collecting both money (via PayPal) and gifts to get Darrell's family through the holidays with less fear and discomfort. He guarantees 100% of the funds and items collected will go directly to the family, and I am very satisfied that it will. If you can find it in your heart to help I would personally appreciate whatever large or small thing you can do. The link will also give you a bit of information on the syndrome (which looks like a very nasty piece of work indeed!). Much love to both Darrell and his family and to those who help them through this tough time.

More from Montgomery County (Pa.) Community College

The information information is reprinted from www.mc3.edu:

"Fall Performing Arts Showcase Wed, Dec 07, 2011 starting at 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Thu, Dec 08, 2011 starting at 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Two Evenings (Plus an Extra Hour -ed.) of Music & Dance

Each evening features a different lineup of the best talent and work by students in the Music and Dance departments. Enjoy the performances by the College Choir, Dance Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Chamber Choir and others.

The public is invited to these free performances on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. at the Science Center Theater, Central Campus, Blue Bell."

---

In addition, the school is offering a lunchtime "sampler show" at 12:30 on Monday, Dec. 5. The matinee is expected to include both choral and instrumental works, as well as dance. All Performing Arts Showcases are offered at no cost to the public. Students from the Montgomery County Community College's associates-level degree program have gone on to study music at four-year institutions and garnered recording contracts. Many within the department aspire to be music educators and to work in the helping professions.

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In other news, also from the school's web site:

MCCC Hosts Ceremony for GED Graduates

RSS

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Montgomery County Community College held its Fall GED Graduation ceremony on Oct. 19 for 63 students who earned their General Education Diplomas at West Campus, 101 College Drive, Pottstown.

The College’s Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Education Suzanne Holloman congratulated the students on their GED achievement and encouraged them to continue their educational endeavors.

Holloman said since the program started in 2006, more than 600 students graduated, and the students’ pass rate on the first attempt is more than 85 percent. The Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board funds the program, which is free to applicants and is held at the College’s West Campus.

The College’s Vice President for Student Affairs and keynote speaker, Dr. Steady Moono, told the graduates that hard work and discipline will pay off in the long run, as it did in his life.

“Remember these rules of the road,” he said. “Always work hard, guard your integrity, be humble, take advantage of opportunities and stay focused on your goals.”

The GED graduate speaker Monica Olszyk, Phoenixville, spoke about her next goal of becoming a medical secretary now that she has her GED.

“My return to school at age 50 was precipitated by unemployment after working for 34 years,” she said. “I want to thank the Workforce Investment Board for offering the program at no cost. I would not have received my GED otherwise.”

WIB Chairman Harvey Portner, who has attended every GED ceremony since the program started, told the graduates, “Make sure you continue. Without continuing your education, you can’t go forward.”

GED Program Coordinator and Instructor Raymond Ricketts emphasized Portner’s advice.

“There are no more barriers for you,” he said. “Go to college. Don’t sit on your diploma.”

Several of the graduates are already working on the next step in their educational journeys. Kimberly Weigner, Norristown, recently enrolled at the College to earn her degree in restaurant management. Kheira Bouzid, Pottstown, is ready to start her first semester and hopes to enter the nursing program.

Ibsen at MontCo

from Montgomery County Community College's Drama Club
(via facebook)

Montgomery County Community College Theater Arts Program and Drama Club present

Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House

A scandal puts a marriage to the test -- and a wife and mother must make a decision to see her life as it truly is in this stage classic.

Thursday, Friday & Saturday
November 10th, 11th, 12th at 8:00 PM
Sunday Matinée
November 13th at 2:00 PM

$10 general admission, $5 students & seniors
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE or call (215) 641-6518

The Most Wonderful Times of the Year?

In the name of brevity, I'm combining two of the posts I traditionally put up this time of year.

In date order:

First, the general election is this week, Tuesday, November 8. Polls in my home county, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, are open from seven a.m. to eight p.m. In a monumental oopsie (I assume) the county Republican committee for my poll sent out a "green ballot" or slate card from this past May's primary election in the U.S. Mail this week to voters throughout West Norriton Township. While the date is wrong and the "ballot" does not serve to offer, of course, any updated endorsements, it does serve as a reminder of what offices are on the ballot this time. The ballot is heavy with judgeships and row officer positions. There is a question of state and county judge retention, too. The meat-and-potatoes positions locally are seats on the school board and and township commissioners slots. A heated county commissioner's race has also been hot in the media, and its results will greatly affect the governance of this county.

As always, vote early, vote once and vote well.

If you don't feel educated about this, very competitive set of races now's the time to bone up on media coverage or start asking those you respect their opinions. Maybe both. Let's not neglect our precious franchise.

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Second, and more personal is the issue of Christmas. I don't need anything other than a few household staples like oatmeal, rice and water. I don't expect to be extravagant in gift-giving, and I don't think gifts need to be extravagant. This year in particular, I am thankful for my remarkable family, my sweetheart and the friends that have stuck by me, cheered me and pushed me forward. All I want is more time with them -- and maybe somebody to help me haul out my winter clothes. Brrrrrr.

First, I miss Agnes. There is nothing else I can say about the loss of yet another family friend right now, and there's nothing else that needs to be said publicly. I miss her, and I always will.

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Second, it is rare that my heart is so artfully assaulted as it was tonight at Montgomery County Community College. As part of the school's Africa: The Call and Response series, formidably startling young percussionist, vocalist, writer and dancer Dobet Gnahoré performed in her Philadelphia-area debut. Personal, political & activist, her music features harmonies and melodic aspects reminiscent of artists made popular in America like Ladysmith Black Mambazo -- but her storyline of both love and great suffering brings to audiences the violence of existence and the beauty of simply drawing breath and movement.

Dobet's art is deeply unsettling in its message and its force. It is not for everyone -- but perhaps it should be seen by those who find it most uncomfortable. Undeniably musically accessible, undeniably entertainment, it is also a challenge and a journey. These peeks, courtesy of YouTube, do not begin to show the anger, catharsis or pathos in her work, but they do show a glimpse of the beauty and joy she also, undeniably, exudes.

The Africa: Call and Response series began in October with Baaba Maal's "Tales From the Sahel." It continues next semester with a February 4 performance by Randy Weston Quintet and concludes with Angelique Kidjo's March 23 concert at the school. The project has been funded by the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage through the Philadelphia Music Project. More information on the project, the performances and other public offerings at the Montgomery County Community College are available at the school's department of cultural affairs at (215) 641-6439.

Two Farewells

Before I go and get on about one of my other pet topics, I want to take a moment to say goodbye to an a family friend and to a kind acquantance who was very involved in his home town, in reverse order.

Paul Boyd, a local historian, seemed to be everywhere in my significant other's town of Atlantic Highlands. He volunteered, it seems, everywhere. Sometimes it felt like you couldn't go out the door without catching sight of him! I was saddened to hear of his death. There was, apparently, a tree planted in his memory today in that town, and I hope it is a good and strong one that lasts and grows deep in the soil of that lovely place. From what I knew of Paul he was not only commited to his town, but also friendly, smart and eloquently loquatious. I was glad to have met him.

The Rev. Jim Adams' passing does not have a practical impact of my day-to-day life, but I will miss him so much more, I know. I was deeply unhappy that I was unable to drive two hours to pay respects today. He and his define for me what "a family friend" ought to be. His twin sister "Momma J" was welcoming not only to me, but also it seemed to every child lucky enough to be befriended by her daughter Donna (Schulz) Garcia and Donna's sibs Rachael and Adam. Her favorite knickname, it seems, when they were growing up was Mom-bo, and not just for own little ones. "Uncle Jim" was -- like much of the family -- witty, generous and great fun. He had an elegant accent that bespoke his fine education, while his lively, kind and informed words spoke intelligence. I never, ever saw him talk down to a single soul: Indeed, he respected children deeply and both listened and spoke with them with an ease I'd rarely seen. He and his wife, "Aunt Ruff" whom I now know as Ruth Adam made their home welcoming, warm and lovely -- and opened their doors with ease. Uncle Jim never made a big deal about being a minister, but the esteem and love he attracted from his family, from me and so many others are no accident. He did the concept and practice of his faith proud: He was a good man. I miss you, Uncle Jim; and, I pray I'll always remember you.

Thanks for the Kindness and Good Work, Rowie

Many thanks to Rowie at Verizon who yesterday handled a telephone help desk call from me to Verizon fairly expeditiously (a half an hour) and very politely. She did get the Internet going as quickly as it had ever been to our location. As I was leaving the house, however, the Internet indicator light started blinking in an unfortunate way: I'm hoping I don't have to make another help desk call when I get back home.

It was also very reasonable of Verizon to offer to credit my account the equivalent of half a month for the time I was without Internet service and for the difficulties. Crossing my fingers that the service only gets better from here! Many thanks again to a tech who had the presence of mind to be both kind and quick in dealing with my complaint. I appreciate it, Rowie.

Bad News, Good News, So-So News

Hey. Yeah, annoying but not entirely unexpected news today. Verizon Internet was nonfunctional when I returned home yesterday, but came back up -- sorta. This morning it seems conclusively knocked out, and me with a paper due and songs to practice for a concert tomorrow! The good news? I have good Internet 20 minutes away, at school -- and I downloaded the midi files I need for vocal practice last night around midnight. Phew. Don't have time to deal with Verizon's awkward customer service access right now, so it's off for a quick swim and a day at school. The so-so news? Mad scratchy throat, but it ain't no thing. Life is good.

Whaddya Do?

Hey there. Quick update.

Dean, the Verizon tech, got here around lunchtime and spent about a half hour on the issue. He checked things outside, said there was a "bad phone." He checked things inside and quickly identified which extension was causing the problem.

He was the one who made it to the basement phone, and he said it was off the hook. Shocking.

Now we know to actually check all the extension phones first. I can't say when I was even able to make it over to that corner of the basement, so I cannot comment on how it might have gotten off the hook.

Things are rarely boring around here!

Thanks, Dean, and thank you, Verizon, for dispatching a tech so quickly after Mom made a call about the trouble.

The Good and the Bad of It, So Far

Ok, so the Verizon tech did show up last Monday, did spend two hours here and did leave the household with working Internet service (if not Internet service that's fast enough to do my schoolwork, which requires watching music videos and listening to music clips on the Web). It has stayed up since.

One tiny issue, though. The very next day, the dial tone service, local calling and voicemail -- also provided by Verizon -- experienced a complete service interruption, and Mom (the account holder) refused to call to report it. She had to go to Beth's, and said she didn't care if it was out, although I expect from her grumpiness on the issue that she cared very much and was rather upset by the whole thing.

Long story slightly shorter: She said Sunday night when we were both back home again that she planned to call Monday (today, the 20th). This morning she asked me to sit and talk to her about it. It was not the most pleasant or the easiest conversation I've ever had, but it was not the worst. I sat with her while she dialed. She asked if I could be here Tuesday the 21st to meet the Verizon tech. I said I could.

Today I'll wait again, and we'll see what they can do.

Oh, and they're still trying to sell her on Fios. Brilliant.

You've Got To Be Kidding Me!

Mom comes home to find the dial tone (provided by Verizon) is nonexistent. She, bitterly, blames this on me, but is making a salad to go with dinner.

A Promising & Not-Unpleasant Call

Verizon rep was very polite on phone yesterday. I was ill, but nevertheless mentally budgeted an hour and a half and forced myself to be patient and polite as possible. We ended our call after approximately one hour with a promise that a tech would be at the house Monday sometime between eight a.m. and noon. Updates to follow.

Total Service Interruption + Red Tape

Told to wait by the mobile phone and computer all day Wednesday. Was ready to deal with problem all day and got no call.

Upon calling back the next day (today) during daytime hours, a day when I had schoolwork, major housework and doctor's appointment that included two-hour round trip drive, was told I could not even transfer to a number where anyone could help me; would & could not get a refund until problem was fixed; that there was no estimated date for restoration of high-speed Internet service, and that no one could or would schedule a callback. My choices were to escalate to a supervisor or talk to tech support, with whom I've spoken repeatedly, to no satisfaction -- with time I simply did not have. All this after giving them more than eight hours of my time the day before.

Whatever happened to customer service? I know people who'd want to invoice that company if it stole that much of their time. Isn't Verizon regulated at some level as a public utility? All this comes after Verizon hooked me up and used me as the thin edge if the wedge to market their higher end services in what used to be a Comcast-only condo community. Their extraordinarily aggressive marketing techniques -- including harassing an 80+-year-old woman after both she and I both asked them politely, then told them sternly, not to knock on the door -- were just beyond the pale.

I used to be excited about Verizon, now I am angry, very tired and, frankly, disgusted by the whole situation.

What's to be done? Does one have to be clever enough to write something like "United Breaks Guitars" to get this company to behave responsibly?

End-User vs. ISP + Help Desk Caught in Middle?

Late-night hassle with telecom customer service. Who's the biggest jerk? Here's hoping it's not me. The complete and unedited text-based "chat" help-desk session of over and hour and half follows a few paragraphs down. Sorry in advance that the tone is a bit negative here. That's something I've really gotta work on, I know. Constructive comments highly welcomed.

A Question For Readers Here: When will be get good, reliable, safe and reasonably priced ISP/phone companies in the Northwestern suburbs of Philadelphia?? Are there some that most consumers just don't know about? We're talking about something those on fixed incomes can afford, and I'll be shocked if there are any that don't require a package deal.

Bigger Questions: What kind of conditions does this help-desk guy work under? Where is he? Is Verizon or whoever his direct employer is providing him with a decent job? Is he *doing* a decent job? Why can Verizon get away with gouging and harassing their low-end customers? How many other people are experiencing the same or very similar issues here at a time when internet connectivity seems close to necessary to successfully go to school many places or work in many jobs, let alone to "just" stay in touch with family and friends? Why does it take literally hours of employee and customer time to even pretend to get things solved these days?

OK, now I'm laying my one a.m. utter ridiculousness, awkwardness and frustration bare in the hope that it might not just solve problems for me or provide amusement. This is one of countless attempts to get quick, efficient customer service and good, stable, secure internet from this company -- the first time I've tried it by typing rather than talking. I was exhausted before I began the encounter, and am praying I can wind down quickly to get some good sleep before my doctor's appointment Monday mid-morning. FYI: The URL where this exchange took place is noted on the address bar as being https://collaborateext.verizon.com/ I will do my level best to report back here on the status of the trouble call, and to give Verizon accolades if they resolve the issue in any lasting and helpful way. No doubt some of the problem *is* due to my ignorance and stupidity (both technical and interpersonal), as referenced below:

Chat Subject: Unknown
Your Question: Still can't browse Web or access Web-based email. Hardware you sent didn't solve problem, nor, as yet, has telephone customer support. Also, I do not know the number for the DSL (secondary) line you hooked up; forced to give primary telephone number for house number. Very dissatisfied. Please assist
A Verizon Service Representative will be with you shortly. Thank you. (00:49:35)
Agent Gurmeet has joined. (00:50:54)
Gurmeet : Chat ID for this session is 06061162667. (00:50:54)
Gurmeet(00:51:09): Thank you for contacting Verizon DSL Technical Support. My name is Gurmeet and I am the technical support analyst assigned to help you. Please stay online for a few moments while I review the information generated by your trouble ticket.
Gurmeet(00:51:39): Thank you so much for staying online. I appreciate your patience.
Gurmeet(00:51:44): For verification, please provide the following information before we start:
- Your first and last name and relationship with the account holder.
-The Operating System (Window XP, Windows Vista, Windows 2000 or Macintosh) that you are using.
Barbra Bateman(00:54:09): My name is Barbra Bateman, and I opened the DSL account. Would you like the account number? Right now, I am attempting to run Windows XP. What other information can I give you to try to help you get this up, running and secure for me? If there is any, please let me know. In the meantime, I'll try to be patient.
Gurmeet(00:54:39): Thank you for the information, Mr. Bateman.
Gurmeet(00:55:05): While I am checking your account details, may I have your preferred email address? Could you also confirm if your DSL number accepts incoming calls from 800 or toll free numbers?
Barbra Bateman(00:55:08): You do not need to use an honorific.
Barbra Bateman(00:55:16): Excuse me?
Gurmeet(00:55:36): Before I proceed for the troubleshooting steps may I ask you few questions, which will help us to resolve the issue?
Barbra Bateman(00:56:57): Of course you may, but I need to understand why you are asking them. I have not even been provided with the number here. This is a residence. There is no question but that toll-free call acceptance is not authorized on this account.
Gurmeet(00:57:27): It is okay.
Gurmeet(00:57:27): Since when are you facing this issue?
Gurmeet(00:59:19): Please respond on this chat window otherwise this chat window would get inactive.
Barbra Bateman(00:59:36): No, not having the telephone/DSL number for which I am paying $250-plus a year is emphatically not okay, but I have not yet found the person who is alble to resolve this issue for me. I have had issues with connectivity, also, for some time, likely at least a year and a half.
Barbra Bateman(00:59:50): Can you assist?
Gurmeet(01:00:11): Yes, I am here to assist you.
Gurmeet(01:00:51): Please confirm Model number of the Modem you are using to connect to the Internet. Is it Westell 6100, 2200, 6110, Versalink 327, or Actiontec? (Model # is located at the bottom of the Modem)
Barbra Bateman(01:01:48): Just a moment, please.
Barbra Bateman(01:03:15): It is a Westell, but I cannot tell if it is a 6100, 2200 or a 6110.
Barbra Bateman(01:03:28): Oh -- it's a 7500.
Gurmeet(01:03:39): Thank you.
Barbra Bateman(01:04:03): Welcome. Thank you.
Gurmeet(01:04:44): I am running a line test to check your internet connection status.
Gurmeet(01:04:54): So please be online.
Gurmeet(01:05:19): May I know if you are getting any error message while sending/receiving emails?
Barbra Bateman(01:06:39): I have not been able to send or receive emails. My gmail says "working."
Gurmeet(01:06:54): Okay.
Gurmeet(01:07:31): Yes, I have checked you account status through line test, there is problem with your internet.
Gurmeet(01:07:47): I apologize for the inconvenience caused to you.
Gurmeet(01:08:09): So I would request you to contact our Voice Technical support at 1-800-VERIZON or 1-800-837-4966 and Voice Prompt - "DSL Technical Support. They are available 24x7 (Monday through Sunday).
Gurmeet(01:09:23): They will perform some more advance troubleshooting steps to resolve your issue.
Barbra Bateman(01:09:38): Or rather "still working." That is not an answer that works for me. I have not gotten any satisfaction or lasting help over the telephone, and I feel I'm being taken advantage of as a customer.
Gurmeet(01:10:28): Yes, I can understand but I hope you understand my limitations in this regard.
Barbra Bateman(01:11:04): I understand you are at a remote location and are limited in what you can accomplish, but there must be a way to solve this without the customer having to spend hours upon hours to resolve the promblem. It feels quite punitive, almost as if you were demarketing the very account that got you into this community.
Gurmeet(01:11:15): I have done everything to resolve your issue from my side but after running line test it is showing the problem is still there.
Barbra Bateman(01:11:15): *problem
Gurmeet(01:11:51): I can very well understand your situation and apologize on the behalf of entire Verizon team for the trouble which you have been faced due this issue.
Gurmeet(01:12:39): I mean there is some issue with your internet connection. That is why you are not able to use this facility properly.
Gurmeet(01:13:37): Please do not worry, they will definitely take care of your issue and make sure to fix it for you.
Gurmeet(01:14:08): They will perform some advance troubleshooting to resolve your issue.
Barbra Bateman(01:14:11): I can attest to the fact that there is a problem, and I well believe it is on this side (although there may be issues all over the place, who knows). I need to have a service call on this, and must be at the doctors' and at school throughout this week. I cannot afford to pay for a service I cannot use, and I need assistance in resolving the issue. There must be some way to get this solved without me hanging on the line for hours. It is exhausting, rather than assiting, me.
Gurmeet(01:14:52): Okay.
Gurmeet(01:15:18): If you allow me, then I can arrange a call back for you for tomorrow.
Barbra Bateman(01:15:59): I cannot help but worry: I am paying for something I am not receiving. And I am being turned in circles when I try to get the issue resolved. Thank you for the apologetic words, but I do not need reassurance: I need someone to cur the red tape & take care of this without further exhausting or frustrating me -- and without using my own resources to get the problem solved.
Gurmeet(01:16:58): I totally agree with you. As a consumer myself I would be just as frustrated if placed in this position.
Gurmeet(01:17:17): If you allow me, then I can arrange a call back for you for tomorrow.
Barbra Bateman(01:17:28): I will be at the doctor's or at class, but it is possible I may be reached in between at my AT&T mobile number. The problem is, I do not answer that phone unless I recognize the number. I cannot. Is there someplace I can go in person nearby to arrance a service call?
Gurmeet(01:18:08): No, there is no other way.
Barbra Bateman(01:18:11): Thank you for your acknowlegement of the situation Verizon has created here. I am sorry if my ignorance or stupidity has added to it in any way. Gurmeet(01:18:31): In that case, you have to call our voice technical support.
Gurmeet(01:19:12): I really apologies for the inconvience caused to you.
Barbra Bateman(01:19:15): I will accept a call from, what?, a toll-free number tomorrow unless I am in the doctor's office (not allowed) or in a place in school in which phones are blocked. At what time do you expect someone would call me?
Gurmeet(01:19:41): You can give me the call back time.
Barbra Bateman(01:19:56): Apologies, however sincere, do not remedy the situation, but thank you. I really miss having a reliable ISP.
Gurmeet(01:20:17): Your welcome.
Barbra Bateman(01:20:27): Must I be by the computer? Really, this is kind of ridiculous, you must admit.
Gurmeet(01:21:33): Please give me the call back time so that I can arrange a call back for you.
Barbra Bateman(01:23:45): Is it possible to effectively troubleshoot it or arrange a service call when I am not at the desk where the computer is? That is a crucial piece of information for me to have in order to schedule a block of time to devote to this nettlesome and annoying problem. I apologize again for my harsh tone, but you really have to admit this is just beyond the pale.
Gurmeet(01:24:43): They will help you to resolve your issue.
Barbra Bateman(01:25:46): Must I be at the computer? I just do not have the pateience or time (or voice and hand strength) to continue to make these calls. I am sorry to be skeptical. I think I need a service call.
Barbra Bateman(01:26:19): Please answer the question to the best of your ability. Thanks.
Barbra Bateman(01:26:52): *patience
Gurmeet(01:28:53): I will arrange a call back and they will contact with you and after that they will do some more advace troubleshooting, if they could not resolve you issue then they will arrange a techincian to fix your issue.
Barbra Bateman(01:29:57): Will they be able to do their troubleshooting without me by the computer? Do I have to leave the computer on for the day?
Barbra Bateman(01:30:06): Is that even a good thing to do?
Gurmeet(01:30:41): No, you will have to be there with your computer.
Gurmeet(01:33:17): Please respond on this chat window otherwise the chat window would get inactive.
Barbra Bateman(01:33:35): Then it will have to be on Wednesday during the day. How long should I block out for it? How many calls more do you think it will take before they send a tech to physically tackle the job?
Gurmeet(01:34:51): If you want to arrange a direct technician at your to fix the issue. Then I would request you to contact our Voice Technical support at 1-800-VERIZON or 1-800-837-4966 and Voice Prompt - "DSL Technical Support. They are available 24x7 (Monday through Sunday).
Barbra Bateman(01:35:30): You offered to schedule a callback. I am requesting that you follow through on that.
Gurmeet(01:36:17): Okay.
Gurmeet(01:36:40): You will get a call on Wednesday during the day.
Barbra Bateman(01:36:41): I have indicated to you that I have tried repeatedly to get my problem addressed that way. Please do what you said you would. Thanks.
Gurmeet(01:36:56): Okay.
Gurmeet(01:37:17): Please do no worry.
Gurmeet(01:37:32): Is there anything else I may assist you today?
Barbra Bateman(01:37:42): At what number? I am yelled out if I take calls, especially long ones on the number you have. Shall I give you my mobile phone number??
Gurmeet(01:38:03): Yes, please.
Barbra Bateman(01:38:20): Yes, please ensure that I do not receive tech calls on the house line. I cannot take much more stress from this issue.
Gurmeet(01:38:36): Okay.
Barbra Bateman(01:39:26): My mobile telephone number is 610 209-2840. I will look for a call on Wednesday. If it can be fairly early in the day East Coast time in the United States, that would be very helpful. How much time should I set aside to assist in the troubleshooting?
Gurmeet(01:39:57): Okay.
Gurmeet(01:40:03): Thank you.
Gurmeet(01:40:08): Is there anything else I may assist you today?
Barbra Bateman(01:41:41): Thank you, but please answer that question. Also, is it possible to have someone call me back in the a.m.? If you can accurately answer both those questions, I will be appreciative. If this problem can be resolved, I will be both flabbergasted and extremely grateful. Please finish assisting me with this, and thank you for your time.
Barbra Bateman(01:42:13): Wednesday a.m., that is.
Gurmeet(01:42:18): Your welcome.
Gurmeet(01:42:29): Okay.
Barbra Bateman(01:42:50): Please finish with this okay. Also, will I get a record of this help-desk chat?
Gurmeet(01:43:06): Okay
Gurmeet(01:43:11): Have a nice day!
Gurmeet(01:43:12): Bye!
Gurmeet(01:43:32): You can finish this chat from your side. Your session is now closed.
Thank you, have a nice day

HEY. YEP, IT'S VOTING TIME, Y'ALL!

Yes, I'm a Republican. You knew that. The GOP in SE PA has a fine slate up and down this year. But in particular, I'd like to bring your attention to our school board and sheriff's races, where Fran CUBBERLEY and her Norristown Action Team and Eileen BEHR are standouts. Please exercise your precious franchise. Polls open at 7! Call if you have questions or difficulties.