George W. Bush -- Murderer
posted by Sam at 9:33 AM
0 comments
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
JW Horne -- Do-Over
The J W Horne Blog post mentioned in the previous post was deleted (along with it's 100+ fantastic comments) and was replaced with this "softer" one.
But... heh, heh, heh, here's the original post he deleted:
For those of you out there in never never land or la la land or maybe underground and under the radar who are so called non believers, I am the man who wrote and recorded the Kieffe and sons spot. In fact I write and produce all of the Kieffe and Sons ford spots. I have had the pleasure of serving the advertising for the dealership for many years. I am a believer and I am pretty sure that most everyone at Kieffe and Sons ford are also believers. I wrote and produced the spot that so many of you "unbelievers" find offensive. Frankly I don't give a flip whether you are an athiest or just plain doubter. I wrote and recorded the truth. There is a great silent majority of Americans that are believers. The difference between them and you is this. Believers do not have to justify their existence. The only ones in this country that respond to an honest ad are the ones who seem to despise honesty. The truth is this. This country was founded on the belief in God. All you have to do is read the constitution and see for yourself. Now does that mean that everyone here must believe? NO absolutely not. The great thing about the constitution is that it allows for each American citizen to believe as the wish and speak and do what they want so long as it is within the law. I support that. I support everyones right to think and do and live as they wish. I do not condem any American that disagrees with me. You all can stand up and shout, burn flags, gather on a corner and cuss the government, males can marry males, females can marry females you can all buy one of those imports and send the money to Japan if you want, but you do not have the right to force your philosophy on to others. I think that it is time for you to understand this very simple little fact. You are in the minority and as loud as you yell and protest, you will always be in the minority. If you don't like the radio spot then don't listen to it, but if you were careful enough to listen to the entire spot you would have heard me say that to the good people at Kieffe and Sons ford "everyone one is welcome at the dealership whether you are a believer or not, you are still welcome. You would also have heard me say that you may get God taken out of the class room and the pledge and even off our money, but you will not get God out of this dealership. We do business according to the rules of the good book.. if you are offended by that, then you are offended by the truth. So each of you who find some offense to the radio ad and you want to be up in arms over it, you have the right to think what you wish but you do not have the right to take my copyrighted material and destort it for your personal gain. If you are offended, well like I said in the commercial.. thats tough.
But... heh, heh, heh, here's the original post he deleted:
For those of you out there in never never land or la la land or maybe underground and under the radar who are so called non believers, I am the man who wrote and recorded the Kieffe and sons spot. In fact I write and produce all of the Kieffe and Sons ford spots. I have had the pleasure of serving the advertising for the dealership for many years. I am a believer and I am pretty sure that most everyone at Kieffe and Sons ford are also believers. I wrote and produced the spot that so many of you "unbelievers" find offensive. Frankly I don't give a flip whether you are an athiest or just plain doubter. I wrote and recorded the truth. There is a great silent majority of Americans that are believers. The difference between them and you is this. Believers do not have to justify their existence. The only ones in this country that respond to an honest ad are the ones who seem to despise honesty. The truth is this. This country was founded on the belief in God. All you have to do is read the constitution and see for yourself. Now does that mean that everyone here must believe? NO absolutely not. The great thing about the constitution is that it allows for each American citizen to believe as the wish and speak and do what they want so long as it is within the law. I support that. I support everyones right to think and do and live as they wish. I do not condem any American that disagrees with me. You all can stand up and shout, burn flags, gather on a corner and cuss the government, males can marry males, females can marry females you can all buy one of those imports and send the money to Japan if you want, but you do not have the right to force your philosophy on to others. I think that it is time for you to understand this very simple little fact. You are in the minority and as loud as you yell and protest, you will always be in the minority. If you don't like the radio spot then don't listen to it, but if you were careful enough to listen to the entire spot you would have heard me say that to the good people at Kieffe and Sons ford "everyone one is welcome at the dealership whether you are a believer or not, you are still welcome. You would also have heard me say that you may get God taken out of the class room and the pledge and even off our money, but you will not get God out of this dealership. We do business according to the rules of the good book.. if you are offended by that, then you are offended by the truth. So each of you who find some offense to the radio ad and you want to be up in arms over it, you have the right to think what you wish but you do not have the right to take my copyrighted material and destort it for your personal gain. If you are offended, well like I said in the commercial.. thats tough.
posted by Sam at 12:06 AM
1 comments
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Christian Intollerance used to Peddle Cars
The Ad
The Audio
The Transcript:
"Did you know that there are people in this country who want prayer out of schools, "Under God" out of the Pledge, and "In God We Trust" to be taken off our money?"
"But did you know that 86% of Americans say they believe in God? Since we all know that 86 out of every 100 of us are Christians, who believe in God, we at Kieffe & Sons Ford wonder why we don't tell the other 14% to sit down and shut up. I guess I just offended 14% of the people who are listening to this message. Well, if that is the case then I say that's tough, this is America folks, it's called free speech. None of us at Kieffe & Sons Ford is afraid to speak out. Kieffe & Sons Ford on Sierra Highway in Mojave and Rosamond, if we don't see you today, by the grace of God, we'll be here tomorrow."
From the Ad Writer
A Blog Post from The Guy who wrote the ad (be sure to read the comments)
The Apology
"I don't even go to church!"
My take on it
(bigotry + hate + anger + religious intolerance + ignorance) = asshole
(bigotry + hate + anger + religious intolerance + ignorance + JESUS) = upstanding patriotic Christian American
The Audio
The Transcript:
"Did you know that there are people in this country who want prayer out of schools, "Under God" out of the Pledge, and "In God We Trust" to be taken off our money?"
"But did you know that 86% of Americans say they believe in God? Since we all know that 86 out of every 100 of us are Christians, who believe in God, we at Kieffe & Sons Ford wonder why we don't tell the other 14% to sit down and shut up. I guess I just offended 14% of the people who are listening to this message. Well, if that is the case then I say that's tough, this is America folks, it's called free speech. None of us at Kieffe & Sons Ford is afraid to speak out. Kieffe & Sons Ford on Sierra Highway in Mojave and Rosamond, if we don't see you today, by the grace of God, we'll be here tomorrow."
From the Ad Writer
A Blog Post from The Guy who wrote the ad (be sure to read the comments)
The Apology
"I don't even go to church!"
My take on it
(bigotry + hate + anger + religious intolerance + ignorance) = asshole
(bigotry + hate + anger + religious intolerance + ignorance + JESUS) = upstanding patriotic Christian American
posted by Sam at 9:01 AM
0 comments
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Earthlink -- Apologizing for being Confused.
This is a peek into the joys of dealing with Earthlink.
About three weeks ago tried to upgrade my DSL speed from 1.5 Mbps to 3.0 and they disconnected my service. This was a disaster, as you can imagine. Finally, after hours of arguing with a whole group of people in India, finally the service was restored.
Now that my temper has calmed, I decided to try again. After all, shouldn't Earthlink be eager to get more money from me?
I tried their online chat first. This is how it went. Make sure to check the end of of this post to see how things turned out in the end.
I SPENT ABOUT 20 MINUTES CHATTING WITH VARIOUS AGENTS UNTIL THEY FINALLY HOOKED ME UP WITH THE "CORRECT" AGENT. I'M NOT GOING TO BORE YOU WITH THAT TEXT.
Please wait while I transfer the chat to the appropriate agent.
'Nikolas M' says: Thank you for contacting EarthLink LiveChat, how may I help you today?
Nikolas M: Hello, I see you've already been chatting. Please give me a moment so I can read the previous chat and pick up where you left off.
sam: Good morning Nikolas
sam: I will wait
Nikolas M: To check the higher speed availability, let me know complete address and phone number.
NEVER MIND THAT I'VE ALREADY GIVEN THIS INFORMATION THREE TIMES. I'VE RESIGNED MYSELF TO THIS TYPICAL HORROR OF CUSTOMER SUPPORT.
sam: ### STREET, CITY, STATE, ZIP
sam: (###) ###-####
Nikolas M: Give me a moment.
sam: I am thankful for your time and help. I will wait.
Nikolas M: Okay.
Nikolas M: The speed currently you have is the maximum speed available in your area.
THE FIRST LIE
sam: What you are saying contradicts what other agents have told me. I was offered 3Mbps and 6mbps both by a telephone agent and on the website. Kindly explain this inconsistency.
Nikolas M: 3 Mbps is available, if your phone provider is Covad.
TEN SECONDS AGO YOU TOLD ME THAT MY CURRENT SPEED -- 1.5 MBPS IS THE MAXIMUM SPEED!
sam: My phone provider is ATT. Why does the website offer 3Mbps and 6Mbps? Why did Earthlink offer 6Mbps specifically for me approximately 1 month ago?
Nikolas M: You will have to change the phone provider first, if you wish to go for 6 Mbps service.
sam: Which phone provider will allow me the highest speed?
Nikolas M: You need to have phone service through Covad.
sam: If I switch to Covad, is it guaranteed that I will be able to get 6Mbps?
Nikolas M: Yes, 6 Mbps is available if your phone provide
Nikolas M: Provider is covad*
sam: What would the price be of the 6Mbps DSL service?
Nikolas M: It will be $39.95 or 44.95 per month.
GREAT! I HAVE A SOLID PRICE NOW. WELL, TWO SOLID PRICES ANYWAY.
Nikolas M: We cannot provide the exact price now.
OH... I GUESS NOT.
sam: If I switch to Covad, will I be required to re-contact Earthlink?
Nikolas M: Yes, you need to contact, I suggest you to contact our installation department before switching the phone.
WHY? DON'T YOU WORK FOR EARTHLINK? ISN'T CONFIRMING STUFF YOU TELL MY YOUR JOB?
sam: Would be kind enough to transfer me and help me understand what I need to ask them?
Nikolas M: They can be reached at 888-847-4708 Mon - Fri 7:00 AM - Midnight EST Sat-Sun 8:00 AM - 10 PM EST.
Nikolas M: You can just inform them that you need DSL 6 Mbps service.
sam: very good. Many thanks.
Nikolas M: Which security service are you using?
OH NO! NOT AN UPSELL. GOD HELP ME!
sam: why do you ask?
Nikolas M: EarthLink is now providing Norton 360 service to its customers.
Nikolas M: Norton 360 provides all-in-one protection that keeps you, your family, your PC and your information secure. This comprehensive solution combines Symantec’s proven, industry-leading computer security and PC tune-up technologies with new automated backup and antiphising features, providing a full circle of protection all at just $6.95 per month.
sam: Got it already, thanks.
I ALREADY HAVE IT.
Nikolas M: I see that you do not have it through earthLink.
THAT'S TRUE, BUT I ALREADY HAVE IT.
Nikolas M: EarthLink is providing 30 days free trial and a CD to install.
WHY DO I NEED A 30 DAY FREE TRIAL OF SOMETHING I ALREADY HAVE?
sam: received a long-term virus scan as a gift
sam: 3 years
ARE YOU LISTENING? I ALREADY HAVE IT.
Nikolas M: Norton 360 is the updated version which takes care of your computer with latest threats.
Nikolas M: PC Security
Nikolas M: Transaction Security
Nikolas M: Backup and Restore
Nikolas M: PC Tuneup
Nikolas M: LiveUpdate
Nikolas M: Embedded Support
Nikolas M: Advanced Phishing and Spyware Protection
Nikolas M: Blocks Hackers and Unknown Threats
sam: Got it. A 3 year contract.
YOU CAN STOP SENDING ME INFO ABOUT WHAT I ALREADY HAVE... PLEASE.
Nikolas M: It has all above features in a single software.
A SINGLE SOFTWARE? DO YOU MEAN A SINGLE SOFTWARE PACKAGE?
Nikolas M: Okay
FINALLY!
Nikolas M: Is there anything else I can help you with?
sam: What life insurance company are you currently with?
WELL... SINCE HE TRIED TO SELL ME SOMETHING THAT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PURPOSE OF MY CALL, IT ONLY SEEMED FAIR THAT I COULD DO THE SAME TO HIM, RIGHT?
Nikolas M: I do not have any insurance policy.
sam: Don't you think it would be prudent to provide your family with protection should you meet with an unexpected disease or you find yourself unable to work?
Nikolas M: Yes, you are right.
WHAT? HE'S BUYING MY BOGUS SALES PITCH?!
Nikolas M: I will discuss it with my family and take a decision.
Nikolas M: Which insurance company do you prefer?
sam: Tell me about your family situation -- do you have a spouse and/or children? I might be able to offer you a very good bargain.
Nikolas M: We can discuss about it later, as I am at work place now, can I have your phone number?
sam: Sure. Please call me at (###) ###-#### (my work number). I will happily offer you a deep discount since you've been so very helpful to me.
I QUICKLY GOOGLED A LIFE INSURANCE AGENT NEAR ME AND SEND HER PHONE NUMBER TO HIM
Nikolas M: Thank you.
Nikolas M: Have a great time.
A "GREAT TIME?" WTF?
Nikolas M: Thank you for using EarthLink LiveChat. If you would like a copy of this chat emailed to you, you may choose that option upon closing this window. In the survey that appears, the second to last question will ask if you would like this emailed...choose Yes. In the last box, enter your email address...the entire chat session will be automatically sent to you. Should you need any further assistance, please feel free to return to EarthLink LiveChat.
Chat InformationChat session has been ended by the agent.
So, as per Nikolas' instructions, I called the number. The first agent I spoke to apologized for Nickolas being confused -- it turns out that I CAN have 3 and 6 Mbps service without having to change phone companies. Yay!
After being put on hold for no reason that I could understand, I finally decided to strike while the iron was hot. I asked her to upgrade me now, before they changed their minds... again.
On hold again. Then a completely new voice comes on the line.
I explained to him that I had been transferred without any warning. Sure enough, no notes in my file. I had to explain the whole thing over again.
Guess what? He says I DO have to change phones to Covad. I asked him why the differing messages from different agents. He again apologized and said that the previous agent was "confused."
How much do you want to bet if I do go through all of the trouble of changing my phone service to Covad, Earthlink will again "apologize" for being "confused" and I'll still end up with 1.5 Mbps?
Argh!
To me "Apologizing for being confused" is just another way of saying "incompetent".
UPDATE:
Covad doesn't even offer land-lines.
About three weeks ago tried to upgrade my DSL speed from 1.5 Mbps to 3.0 and they disconnected my service. This was a disaster, as you can imagine. Finally, after hours of arguing with a whole group of people in India, finally the service was restored.
Now that my temper has calmed, I decided to try again. After all, shouldn't Earthlink be eager to get more money from me?
I tried their online chat first. This is how it went. Make sure to check the end of of this post to see how things turned out in the end.
I SPENT ABOUT 20 MINUTES CHATTING WITH VARIOUS AGENTS UNTIL THEY FINALLY HOOKED ME UP WITH THE "CORRECT" AGENT. I'M NOT GOING TO BORE YOU WITH THAT TEXT.
Please wait while I transfer the chat to the appropriate agent.
'Nikolas M' says: Thank you for contacting EarthLink LiveChat, how may I help you today?
Nikolas M: Hello, I see you've already been chatting. Please give me a moment so I can read the previous chat and pick up where you left off.
sam: Good morning Nikolas
sam: I will wait
Nikolas M: To check the higher speed availability, let me know complete address and phone number.
NEVER MIND THAT I'VE ALREADY GIVEN THIS INFORMATION THREE TIMES. I'VE RESIGNED MYSELF TO THIS TYPICAL HORROR OF CUSTOMER SUPPORT.
sam: ### STREET, CITY, STATE, ZIP
sam: (###) ###-####
Nikolas M: Give me a moment.
sam: I am thankful for your time and help. I will wait.
Nikolas M: Okay.
Nikolas M: The speed currently you have is the maximum speed available in your area.
THE FIRST LIE
sam: What you are saying contradicts what other agents have told me. I was offered 3Mbps and 6mbps both by a telephone agent and on the website. Kindly explain this inconsistency.
Nikolas M: 3 Mbps is available, if your phone provider is Covad.
TEN SECONDS AGO YOU TOLD ME THAT MY CURRENT SPEED -- 1.5 MBPS IS THE MAXIMUM SPEED!
sam: My phone provider is ATT. Why does the website offer 3Mbps and 6Mbps? Why did Earthlink offer 6Mbps specifically for me approximately 1 month ago?
Nikolas M: You will have to change the phone provider first, if you wish to go for 6 Mbps service.
sam: Which phone provider will allow me the highest speed?
Nikolas M: You need to have phone service through Covad.
sam: If I switch to Covad, is it guaranteed that I will be able to get 6Mbps?
Nikolas M: Yes, 6 Mbps is available if your phone provide
Nikolas M: Provider is covad*
sam: What would the price be of the 6Mbps DSL service?
Nikolas M: It will be $39.95 or 44.95 per month.
GREAT! I HAVE A SOLID PRICE NOW. WELL, TWO SOLID PRICES ANYWAY.
Nikolas M: We cannot provide the exact price now.
OH... I GUESS NOT.
sam: If I switch to Covad, will I be required to re-contact Earthlink?
Nikolas M: Yes, you need to contact, I suggest you to contact our installation department before switching the phone.
WHY? DON'T YOU WORK FOR EARTHLINK? ISN'T CONFIRMING STUFF YOU TELL MY YOUR JOB?
sam: Would be kind enough to transfer me and help me understand what I need to ask them?
Nikolas M: They can be reached at 888-847-4708 Mon - Fri 7:00 AM - Midnight EST Sat-Sun 8:00 AM - 10 PM EST.
Nikolas M: You can just inform them that you need DSL 6 Mbps service.
sam: very good. Many thanks.
Nikolas M: Which security service are you using?
OH NO! NOT AN UPSELL. GOD HELP ME!
sam: why do you ask?
Nikolas M: EarthLink is now providing Norton 360 service to its customers.
Nikolas M: Norton 360 provides all-in-one protection that keeps you, your family, your PC and your information secure. This comprehensive solution combines Symantec’s proven, industry-leading computer security and PC tune-up technologies with new automated backup and antiphising features, providing a full circle of protection all at just $6.95 per month.
sam: Got it already, thanks.
I ALREADY HAVE IT.
Nikolas M: I see that you do not have it through earthLink.
THAT'S TRUE, BUT I ALREADY HAVE IT.
Nikolas M: EarthLink is providing 30 days free trial and a CD to install.
WHY DO I NEED A 30 DAY FREE TRIAL OF SOMETHING I ALREADY HAVE?
sam: received a long-term virus scan as a gift
sam: 3 years
ARE YOU LISTENING? I ALREADY HAVE IT.
Nikolas M: Norton 360 is the updated version which takes care of your computer with latest threats.
Nikolas M: PC Security
Nikolas M: Transaction Security
Nikolas M: Backup and Restore
Nikolas M: PC Tuneup
Nikolas M: LiveUpdate
Nikolas M: Embedded Support
Nikolas M: Advanced Phishing and Spyware Protection
Nikolas M: Blocks Hackers and Unknown Threats
sam: Got it. A 3 year contract.
YOU CAN STOP SENDING ME INFO ABOUT WHAT I ALREADY HAVE... PLEASE.
Nikolas M: It has all above features in a single software.
A SINGLE SOFTWARE? DO YOU MEAN A SINGLE SOFTWARE PACKAGE?
Nikolas M: Okay
FINALLY!
Nikolas M: Is there anything else I can help you with?
sam: What life insurance company are you currently with?
WELL... SINCE HE TRIED TO SELL ME SOMETHING THAT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PURPOSE OF MY CALL, IT ONLY SEEMED FAIR THAT I COULD DO THE SAME TO HIM, RIGHT?
Nikolas M: I do not have any insurance policy.
sam: Don't you think it would be prudent to provide your family with protection should you meet with an unexpected disease or you find yourself unable to work?
Nikolas M: Yes, you are right.
WHAT? HE'S BUYING MY BOGUS SALES PITCH?!
Nikolas M: I will discuss it with my family and take a decision.
Nikolas M: Which insurance company do you prefer?
sam: Tell me about your family situation -- do you have a spouse and/or children? I might be able to offer you a very good bargain.
Nikolas M: We can discuss about it later, as I am at work place now, can I have your phone number?
sam: Sure. Please call me at (###) ###-#### (my work number). I will happily offer you a deep discount since you've been so very helpful to me.
I QUICKLY GOOGLED A LIFE INSURANCE AGENT NEAR ME AND SEND HER PHONE NUMBER TO HIM
Nikolas M: Thank you.
Nikolas M: Have a great time.
A "GREAT TIME?" WTF?
Nikolas M: Thank you for using EarthLink LiveChat. If you would like a copy of this chat emailed to you, you may choose that option upon closing this window. In the survey that appears, the second to last question will ask if you would like this emailed...choose Yes. In the last box, enter your email address...the entire chat session will be automatically sent to you. Should you need any further assistance, please feel free to return to EarthLink LiveChat.
Chat InformationChat session has been ended by the agent.
So, as per Nikolas' instructions, I called the number. The first agent I spoke to apologized for Nickolas being confused -- it turns out that I CAN have 3 and 6 Mbps service without having to change phone companies. Yay!
After being put on hold for no reason that I could understand, I finally decided to strike while the iron was hot. I asked her to upgrade me now, before they changed their minds... again.
On hold again. Then a completely new voice comes on the line.
I explained to him that I had been transferred without any warning. Sure enough, no notes in my file. I had to explain the whole thing over again.
Guess what? He says I DO have to change phones to Covad. I asked him why the differing messages from different agents. He again apologized and said that the previous agent was "confused."
How much do you want to bet if I do go through all of the trouble of changing my phone service to Covad, Earthlink will again "apologize" for being "confused" and I'll still end up with 1.5 Mbps?
Argh!
To me "Apologizing for being confused" is just another way of saying "incompetent".
UPDATE:
Covad doesn't even offer land-lines.
posted by Sam at 11:48 AM
0 comments
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Sam Challenges the Creationists
I am leveling a challenge to all Young Earth Creationists.
1. Read this article about vestigial human organs and reflexes.
2. Explain how, since the human body has clear remnants of it's evolutionary past, that you continue to believe that Man was created about six-thousand years ago by a supernatural being.
1. Read this article about vestigial human organs and reflexes.
2. Explain how, since the human body has clear remnants of it's evolutionary past, that you continue to believe that Man was created about six-thousand years ago by a supernatural being.
posted by Sam at 9:03 AM
0 comments
Monday, May 19, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
The Bill O'Reilly Video INCLUDING THE PRODUCER
ZOMG!!!
I can barely see the screen through my tears of laughter.
BOY DID I NEED THIS LAUGH!
This is the funniest video EVAR!!
That Bill, what a tool.
I can barely see the screen through my tears of laughter.
BOY DID I NEED THIS LAUGH!
This is the funniest video EVAR!!
That Bill, what a tool.
posted by Sam at 10:21 AM
0 comments
Monday, May 05, 2008
Science Kills
"…Love of God and compassion and empathy leads you to a very glorious place, and science leads you to killing people."
- Ben Stein
Hmmm.... These scientific death machines come to mind:
Ben Stein is a huge disappointment to me. I wonder if, now that he's getting older and will need medical assistance, if he'll shun all of the science-based devices that doctors will attempt to use to save his life. Maybe he'll just refuse them, and pray to god, and die instead.
- CT Scans
- Respirators
- X-Ray Machines
- MRI machines
- Airbags
- Anti-lock brakes
- Pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics
- Pace Makers
- Defibrillators
- Air Traffic Control Radar
- Bullet Proof Vests
- Machine Guns
- Atomic Weapons
- Chemical and Biological Weapons
- Attack Aircraft
- Tanks
- Cruise Missiles
Ben Stein is a huge disappointment to me. I wonder if, now that he's getting older and will need medical assistance, if he'll shun all of the science-based devices that doctors will attempt to use to save his life. Maybe he'll just refuse them, and pray to god, and die instead.
posted by Sam at 8:09 AM
0 comments
Sunday, May 04, 2008
God -- Protect me from your followers
"Oh, I don't reject your Christ. I love your Christ. It's just that so many of you Christians are so unlike your Christ."
- Ghandi
posted by Sam at 12:55 PM
0 comments
