Rant - Cell Phone Providers

AT&T Wireless sux. I have been a loyal AT&T Wireless customer for 11 years. Yes! ELEVEN YEARS. Just yesterday I discovered I've been being charged incorrectly for my rate plan. Since 2003 I should have received a $16 per month credit, but I've been only receiving an $8.80 credit each month. When I called to complain the first person I talked to was incapable of doing the math and kept insisting I was being charged correctly. (Tanja, like that's her real name.) She did say she credited me for a bogus $19.99 subscription that I did not authorize when I complained about it. She promised to transfer me to another department to discuss my issues and wah lah, I was disconnected. I called back and spoke with Jessica, who apparently did quite well in math in school. She got it that I was not being charged correctly. She set up a research ticket and promised the problem would be resolved by December 2nd. I asked about a credit since I've been on this particular plan, which I started on July 13, 2004. She said she only thought they could go back 1 year, but would put in the notes that I was requesting a credit for amounts overcharged since the beginning of my plan. This is no small change. A credit going back to July 13, 2004 amounts to $547.20. Going back only 1 year would mean a credit of $86.40. That's a HUGE difference.

If I don't receive full credit I will be leaving AT&T Wireless. I don't see how they could possibly justify not crediting me the full amount. I don't care what they claim their policy is, because they overcharged me in the first place. I've been toying with the idea of switching to Sprint or Verizon and getting an Android phone. Yes, AT&T Wireless has Android phones, but really, if they aren't going to treat their customers properly, then this will be the final straw and I WILL be switching wireless providers. I can't tell you how many times I've seen bogus charges on my bill.

I will be looking for a Family Plan with about 1400 minutes and unlimited Data and Messaging.

So my question to my readers is, what do you think of Sprint or Verizon as far as customer service, phone service and coverage? And, if you have an Android phone, which one do you have and how do you like it?

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010

Holiday Time = Travel Time...

With the holidays approaching, for some of us that also means travel, whether back home to visit family or a much needed holiday vacation.

I haven't bought luggage since before my kids were born. That's a long time. Most of my pieces were stored in the basement and didn't survive a basement flood. As I look to the holidays and find myself childless for the better part of Winter Break, a friend of mine has decided it is the opportune time for a little getaway. Dare I say that my current luggage is embarrassing? It consists of a duffle bag. Yup, that's it! It's served me well for overnights and weekend camping, but a week away...it just won't cut it. It's definitely time to check out luggage sets.
So where are we going? I have no idea! But where ever it is, it will be fun, because any place out of town has got to be fun!

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010

Random Tuesday Thoughts

Girl's Bowling Team season starts officially today with the first match. My daughter is able to play because her weekly Tuesday appointment was canceled due to the holiday. Shes very excited.

The Chicago Mayor's race - could it get more bizarre? Carole Mosley Braun running for Mayor? Seriously?

TSA Scanners - I have to say, they aren't even on my radar. I've flown only once, and really, considering my finances, I don't see myself flying anytime soon. I think I'd rather go through the scanner than get molested by TSA staff. And really, I don't care who sees my "junk", if it's necessary to fly safely, I don't see what the uproar is. Have you heard about the TSA-proof Underwear? Leave it to entrepreneurs to figure out a way to cash in.

Turkey Day update - still no turkey and nothing going on.

Christmas Lists - My daughter has her sights on a Kindle. I told her she can keep dreaming. She's got piles of books that she hasn't even cracked open. The last thing I need to do is spend money I don't have on an expensive electronic device that will sit and gather dust along with those books. I don't know if Christmas has hit my son's radar, he hasn't mentioned anything about what he wants. Yesterday afternoon a friend of mine asked me what I wanted and I was caught speechless. It's not on my radar either. I haven't even thought about it. During the rough years in the past my only concern has been that my kids have a decent Christmas. Nothing spectacular, just a few things. It's times like this that it doesn't even occur to me to think about what I'd want, because my kids come first, and any discussion with a friend about gifts just makes me more anxious about the holiday because of course there is the need to reciprocate. Ok, maybe not need, but I'd want to reciprocate.

Black Friday - I love Black Friday! If I could, I'd marry it. I love scouring the ginormous Thursday paper for bargains, making my list and plotting my strategy. For me...a well planned Black Friday can mean I could get my Christmas shopping done in one fell swoop. But alas, the bank account is near zero. I don't even think I want to pick up the Thursday paper and see what I'm missing. I know many people hate Black Friday and avoid it like the plague, but to me it's an annual ritual. In year's past when I've missed it, it didn't really feel like the holidays. It's really the only time I will wait in line for anything and sometimes that wait is quite fascinating. (Check out my post from 2008 Black Friday, Black Friday Or How I Know I've Become My Mother....) Perhaps someone would like to hire me as their personal shopper and have me do their Black Friday shopping? I would do it in a heartbeat.

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010

Monday Mayhem - Silly ponderisms Part 2

Today we are going to play part 2 of the Silly Ponderisms meme.
Have fun!

PONDERISMS- Last week we filled in the blanks. This week we’re answering the questions.

10· In the 60′s, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal. So, what is normal? Perhaps if you're questioning it...you're not "normal".

11· How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire? Ahh, personally I go with a Bic firestarter, but unfortunately, I've come to learn that they work too well for starting the carpeting on fire.

12· Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, ‘I think I’ll squeeze these dangly things and drink whatever comes out’? You know what? I'm willing to bet it was a man. Nuff said...

13· If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a song about him? Obviously it's because back in the 1840's there was no satellite television, video games or computers. They had to amuse themselves somehow!

14· Why does an OB-GYN leave the room when women get undressed if they are going to look up there anyway? Obviously it's because in medical school they developed a fetish for those flimsy hospital gowns.

15· If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests? Is this a test?

16· If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, then what is baby oil made from? Oh, don't even start!

17· Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet Soup? I bet illiterate and Dyslexic people don't even eat Alphabet Soup. Too frustrating!

18· Does pushing the elevator button more than once make it arrive faster? Yes! That's why if you've been standing then for awhile and the button is already lit, everyone else who steps up presses it for you to speed it up!

19· Why doesn’t glue stick to the inside of the bottle? Probably...baby oil.

20· Do you ever wonder why you gave someone your email address? All the freakin' time! When will I learn not to give it out to some of these psycho women on the dating sites?

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010

Bookazine Review - Easy & Delish - Comfort Foods

I recently received a copy of Easy & Delish: Comfort Foods, a special “bookazine” based on its successful food Web site Delish.com, which launched in September 2008 in partnership with MSN and quickly became a top 10 food destination online, according to ComScore. If you missed my previous review of Delish.com's Light & Delish: 400 Calories or Less, you can check it out here.
I have to say, I love these bookazine's that Hearst Magazines are putting out. It's like a magazine, but on heavier stock paper and the color photographs are mouth-watering.

Here are the sections in this issue:

Super Slow Cooking, page 18
Speedy Skillets, page 30
Casserole Classics, page 50
Roasting Favorites, page 70
Delightful Desserts, page 84
Brunch Time, page 104
see page 117 for an Index of Recipes including Calorie Counts, Nutritional Information and cooking times for each recipe featured.

Easy & Delish: Comfort Food bookazine released on October 12th, and will be available on newstands through Jan. 10th. Want a preview of what Delish.com considers comfort food? Check out these 48 Comfort Food Recipes. This is another great go-to collection of recipes perfect. It would make a great stocking stuffer for anyone interested in comfort foods that are lower in fat and calories than the versions you may be used to.

Lola's Diner Disclaimer: I was given this "bookazine" to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010

Review - CSN Online Stores

Last month I placed an order from CSN Stores.com for a new vacuum cleaner. I ordered the Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum.
Shortly after placing my order I was notified that my shipping was upgraded at no extra charge. I literally got my vacuum in 3 days! Awesome customer service! The item arrived in perfect condition.

I've been needing a vacuum for the upstairs because I can't lug the upright vacuum to the 2nd floor. This is a great lightweight vacuum. Still 12 amps of power, even though it's so small and lightweight. Perfect to use on the stairs or for general use.

Lola's Diner Disclaimer: I was given a gift certificate to use toward the purchase of any product. I used the gift certificate to put towards the purchase of the Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010

Book Review - Ripley's Believe It Or Not - Enter If You Dare

Awhile ago I received a copy of Ripley's Believe It Or Not - Enter If You Dare. My son loves all of the Ripley's books and I think it's safe to say I can credit these books with his love of reading. If you've got a child who isn't to keen on reading for fun, one of the Ripley's books would be perfect to spark their interest.

Each fantastic annual in the Ripley's Believe it or Not! range contains completely new material. Every book is full of bizarre facts, incredible photographs, crazy stories, revealing interviews, and fun features - every one guaranteed to amaze. Enter If You Dare also features a life-size fold-out of 23" tall Jyoti Amge of India and a study of vampire hunting kits.

Synopsis from Barnes & Noble.com:

For the legions of dedicated Ripley’s fans, and anyone else on the planet who loves unbelievable facts and jaw-dropping images, the latest annual in our bestselling series is a feast of delights. Be amazed at a pink dolphin, the student no bigger than her school bag, an island of lost dolls, and sword swallowing feats past and present.

A compendium of incredible and bizarre facts, stories, interviews and features, presented in a stunning new design, this book also offers access to our fully-integrated website featuring astounding video clips. Icons throughout the book direct the reader to the clips on the website, where they can see some of our subjects in action.

There are intriguing interviews with some of the astounding individuals who are featured in the book spotlight their achievements and reveal more about what motivates them.

A dramatic eight-page gatefold section presents some extraordinary true tales about vampires, and how these fiends have been dispensed with in the past. Two additional 4-page pullouts feature life-size images that will astound you.

Informative “Ripley’s Research” boxes give the scientific explanation behind some of the most incredible tales in the book, such as the girl who is a fraction of the size of her school friends.

“Ripley’s Reveal” spreads give an insight into the world of some of the Ripley performers—past and present—that feature in the book.

Gallery spreads contain multiple images focusing on particular subjects such as Ripley’s waxwork heads, Mona Lisa replicas made from replica materials.

Additional black and white Ripley archive photographs feature throughout the book, and miscellaneous lists are also scattered throughout.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not - Enter If You Dare is available at Amazon.com, Borders.com, Barnes & Noble.com and your local bookseller.

Lola's Diner Disclaimer: I was given this book to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010