AIR

Today we got a new air conditioner. Our old one had served us well. It was in place before we bought the house and 15 yrs later it was still keeping us cool, although we were not sure for how much longer. About 6 years ago it started making some noises that sounded more like a trash compacter than an air conditioner. We called in a specialist. He said some internal parts of the compressor were coming apart and there wasn't anything we could do about it. It might last another week, month or even a year. That was 6 years ago.

Like it's predecessor, the new model stands proudly on the side of our house, it's broad shoulders proclaiming to everyone this is no ordinary cooler. Men look at it with envy. I can not overstate how important an air conditioner is in Houston. It is on the same level as a fireplace in Manitoba or a well in the Sahara. At certain times of the year without air conditioning your life expectancy would be that of an astronaut in space without a space suit. This is serious stuff.

If you wish to see this marvel of modern technology merely say so in a comment and I will post a pic.

%#@!@&*$@!!#

You know what I mean. The cable company has a reputation of the worst customer service of all time. It's not easy to beat out cell phone carriers, state and federal bureaucracies or used car dealerships but they manage to do it year after year. Our scourge is Time Warner. It's not our TV that is the problem it's our internet service (or lack there of). My problem is in it's 14th week and going strong. Characterizing them as spineless-lying-double lobotomy rejects does not begin to do them justice.

But wait, I don't give them enough credit. I don't think it's possible to have a service department that sinks as low as TW without a systematic process. Without one, they would run the risk of someone helping you by accident. Plus, getting the same lies and ridiculous run around each time you call requires relentless dedication to misery. Have a nice day.