Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in haijikai's LiveJournal:

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Tuesday, November 24th, 2009
10:04 pm	Gods have mercy on Americans... you know, how on earth Americans can tolerate the "nigh on criminal" behaviour and antics of their insurance companies is beyond me. Now; granted; there have sure been some fast ones pulled on them before. And I allow and grant they are entitled; nay expected to; use due diligence in making sure everything is indeed above board. I guess the problem ends up being that Insurance has two perspectives. Perspectives One: They are to be the fall-back when things do go wrong, thus being a cushion or safety net for individuals and the like. Perspective Two: They are a business who's goal is to make money for it's owners. The problem is the two do appear to conflict a lot. Let us take an example of the situation we ran into this summer that got our car damaged. Simple description, car in the "trust" of the valet service of the hotel got damaged. It would appear as "common sense" to the average person that, since they were in charge and responsible for the care and safety of the vehicle, they would then be liable for damages done to it. Well from the hotel's and valet's view yes it is, and thus it should be a simple procedure to get the car covered by their own insurance and fixed right? Ah...but then you see, that little perspective problem comes in. So first attempt the Insurance company tries is to "underpay" the amount of course. Ah...no, you're "people" were "fully responsible, thus you are fully responsible for the expense". The next volley from the Insurance firm is "Oh, you created additional damage, thus we are only liable for part of the damage." Reply: "No, we even documented what happened. We have the testimony of the police involved, and of not just the mechanic on this end, but a 2nd and impartial mechanic that came to the same conclusion as to the damage and what is needed to repair it." A long pause from the Insurance Company. You see on the Canadian side of the border this would be viewed as "Acting in Bad Faith" by the Insurance Company. Illegal over here, and as I understand it a sadly "standard practice" south of our border. We ended up dragging the hotel and valet service in, explained in detail the situation, and then explained how the actions of the Insurance company contradicted the laws and regulations of our country, and just how far did we have to take this? They went after them for us, noting it being a public relations disaster, and realizing that if this did become a law suit, or even charges pressed, well now they WERE liable...or at least looking that way. Grudgingly, the Insurance Company is "now authorized" to pay the amount in full. You would think it was that easy eh? Ah...no, we're into their "latest" tactic of their Perspective on the matter...to make money. So, what they have offered is the amount in American Dollars. Last I checked the Dominion of Canada was still a separate country. So here's the thing, after a quick consult with the lawyers up here, the "waver agreement" is "corrected" to indicate the correct amount, in Canadian, to be settled on. (Plenty of documentation to support it.) Of course the Insurance Company "blanches" at this, and goes so far as to ask "Where did we get our Exchange rate?" Umm...any Bank in the world hooked into the international money markets? Since the car and repairs are done in Canada, the amounts are...funny this....in Canadian Dollars. Offering us in American is useless, adjust to the correct Canadian amount please and thank you. Their own bank should be able to "figure that one out" simple enough how to issue a cheque or money order in the correct funds...banks do that all the time. The simple conclusion; using Occam's Razor is pretty obvious. They want to make a "profit" where they can in the exchange rate. They were likely "surprised" that the signed waver came back to them with a "correction". (Guess it hadn't occurred to them that it IS within your rights in any contract or agreement to "alter it" on the spot...you don't have to sign on the doted line "verbatim" so to speak. Business classes remember?) So another "formal complaint" at the "bad faith" showed by the insurance company in their dealings with the client...again. In the end we will win. (Well duh...) But how on earth does the average American even slightly tolerate this? You want the funny part? If the Insurance Company had acted in "Good Faith" at the beginning, this would cost them a lot less...as the exchange rate was a lot more in their favour then. Current Mood: amused Current Music: "Doom theme music" (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Monday, November 23rd, 2009
4:44 pm	Did the world just fall over unto its bum? Hmm... Okay, it is a very good day, and it is leaving me very confused. 1) Was that a "blink" So today was a "doomsday" for one of the Service Providers we are at war with, so went in to see what could be done to "defuse" any potential coercion going on. Suddenly the "huge demands for bags of cash" have vanished. I suddenly have a very small reasonable demand...oh still no admission of anything "officially"...but it is odd. My paranoia is screaming in Admiral Ackbar "It's a TRAP!"... Hmm...have relayed this development to the relevant agencies, more to come. 2) One ringie dingie Just got offered to be a field technician for IBM...woot! As they themselves say from my background, I am HUGE overkill, but they need someone with those "uber" level of skills. Edmonton Area...and I note the definition of "Edmonton" is subject to translation. lol But the pay and compensation is good for that. 3) Two ringie dingie HOWEVER...also got approached by a firm in Calgary that wants me. Higher pay, better hours and benefits, and there's a lot of work up in the North associated with it. (B.C., Sask too.) Hmm...I like this a lot, it just means I don't see the Overunit much as she's also working and going to school here in Edmonton. I will cross that bridge when I get to it. >knock knock< We just need to ace an interview first for it. 4) Peace in our time Document everything. Starting to more and more ram home to everyone else the need to keep a papertrail, and copies, of just about darn near everything. As it makes me realize that having that is the ultimate weapon when dealing with potential "asshattery" so to speak. lol Okay, only a quick note, have to go retrieve the Overunit and discuss options with her. Current Mood: busy Current Music: "Badger badger badger...." (Comment on this)
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
5:14 pm	The Bovines marching off to war... Okay, newer updates. And proof that the good guys CAN win...if stubborn enough. 1) Our first "Service Provider" issue just "buckled". Realizing that there is a Human Rights violation in the enforcement of said contractual agreement; (Which; by conducting an illegal action to enforce the contract invalidates said contract it not redressed.) and that we are NOT bluffing in how far and high we are taking this, came up with an interesting offer. They will "Nullify and Delete the contract for the time period in question." They are more than willing to wave everything, and start anew from THIS time period, with no penalties, and their full apologies and understanding. Hmm...sounds reasonable enough...accepts responsibility, waves the contract meaning there is no illegal enforcement of which creates an ongoing breach, and respects the dignity of the person involved. In short; for you "Trekkers" out there the argument is like Picard in that episode where they awaken from passing out for a few moments and find out latter that Data is lying...under his own orders, to cover something up. Picard argues "Trial Run" and "Human Error" in order to learn and correct those mistakes to get it right the 2nd time, which indeed they do. I have to express that that solution if put before a judge, does indeed sound reasonable. It is indeed quite the clever solution. "Done!" is our feeling. It even establishes a "reasonable precedent" in how this conduct can be address when ahem "Human Error" creeps into how a business treats a client with a disability. So one for us. 2) A Spotlight in the Darkness As for our other Services providers and THEIR misconduct...well it is nice to have that precedent now in hand. That gives us another "reasonable alternative" that can be proposed; and if/when rejected just show further contempt for the law and human dignity. Furthermore, as of today this just got into the hands of our Provincial Members of Parliament. (Like grabbing a Senator for my American Readers) They have declared they are going to make this VERY public on how these businesses are acting and doing business through Illegal means in their province. In short NOT to be tolerated....evah! This ought to make the buggers squirm just a bit more...I view it as now getting the school principal to go after the schoolyard bully...while we take kung-fu lessons, sharpen a sword, and organize the rest of the school yard to rise up in revolution at the same time. (Just in case you understand...) 3) These Romans continue to be crazy! There is a flip side to government, as I once again have run into "conflicting orders" within government agencies. lol Sigh... all I want is something in me ears that acts like a babel fish so to speak! Oh well, that process is now in the works being addressed...one fight at time. 4) Up up and away! I have come to the conclusion that my life and challenges before me are the simple fact of having almost double the capacity of birds to carry, and thus having to keep at least half of them airborne at once while I invent anti-gravity units for them.... While we are getting there, the reason i have so much gray and silver hair is becoming more and more obvious! 5) A cunning idea When shopping for baby stuff I keep running into the "odd roadblock" of still no clue of just what gender...or genders (Still hopeful) that I am dealing with. I think for colours I will stick with lite ones...and green. As pastels just don't work for me....until I think about the volume of laundry upcoming lol All right, more during the week as the "Righteous gloves" go on and we start swinging away. And yes, the Provincial Reps agreed with one of the earlier points here...the "Fight" is not mine, it is theirs, yours, and simply everyone's. If company A is getting away with it, then so is likely B to Z...and such an injustice to all of us shall NOT be tolerated as long as what that Flag and what it represents to us; the people; still means something. I just wonder if this means we have to put on face-paint or something and raise or kilts at them? Current Mood: jubilant Current Music: "Braveheart music" (Comment on this)
Monday, November 16th, 2009
5:53 pm	We has seens the enemy and dey ain'ts us. I know twisting the quote a bit, I'm claiming artistic license for the day or so. Okay, batter up then as we soldier forward. 1) Is it homework times now? We now have the Overunit actively pursuing her new education at MacEwan. the upshot is this will in time give her a LOT more earning power and a far better future and job. With kids on the way this really can't hurt! Had to fax in a LOT of documentation, as the "simple" paperwork we did for them earlier evidently caused some confusion. Ass to that how things have changed a bit for the better, and well yeah it's all about being on the "up and up" in order to "get it right". Its a fair cop. 2) A compliment? Are you mad?!? This is the Complaints department! Okay, not quite that bad, but then again it is amazing how in some ways this world is so designed for complaints that it forgets how to take a compliment at all! Take the Better Business Bureau for example. The system is SO engineered to take the complaints that I had to get creative in order to file the appropriate compliments with some of the agencies and businesses I am dealing with! But the effort is worth it, and the smiles on their faces when they had me coming in to make sure the correct paperwork is signed and all (Crossing out the word "complaint", putting in "compliment". That sort of thing. Amused them to no end that.) Nice to spread some positive vibes out for a change you know? 3) Thy Ignorance brings forth thine wraith So today the "official" first broadside by the Human Rights Commission got fired off at one of the Service Providers..who from all last postings, are being complete and utter ninnies when it comes to following something as simple as Human Rights, Dignity and just outright Common Sense. I also now have the books in hand going over precedents in the Human Rights Charter that have been used to cite contract and service violations...I figure bury the bastards in paperwork. Tomorrow...officially my MLA (read MPP in some provinces.) and then my Federal MP are stepping in as well. Later in the week, further follow up with both the Better Business Bureau and of course the national Media. I want them to squirm...a lot. As evidently I may be one of the first real challenges to a big company over how it treats its customers with disabilities...with documentation to back it. And after their last contemptuous letter. (They apologize that I had "perceived and imagined" the whole thing...excuse me? How on earth does one "perceive and imagine" a documented human rights violation? Oh yeah, really NOT the smartest thing for them to put in writing and send me eh?) I will be sure to keep people in the loop best I can within guidelines. (The logic is not to "taint" a potential jury pool. I ask how one taints something that already is "perceived" as evil as the night is long on a cold Edmonton night? Goes back to one of my favourite NCO's saying "What makes for a successful business makes for a horrible human being.") 4) It is a...a...darn it the thing is sneaky! Kid is coming along nicely, still no clue what gender it is though. We now have the short list of names down. "Batman" as we understand is taken. As is Obi-wan. Though we hear Tremorr jr. is a good choice...sigh. Sometimes we wonder what we may be getting ourselves into in that name choosing part! Meh...the Overunit has indicated what the Middle Name is going to be. If Male, it is William. If Female, we go with Margaret. I strangely hear laughter at that...good kind though. 5) Testing testing one two... So, we now have a brand new audiology doctor poking and testing in there, trying to figure out just what really in sam hill went wrong with my ears. Jury is still somewhat out on the cause, though Meniere's is a heavy favourite still. Now short answer. My hearing is continuing to decay further, my right ear is clearly dying, and the left is a matter of time. At this rate, I should be completely deaf in a matter of a few years. Grim eh? Flip side though. Is it treatable? The "new and improved" answer is "Hells yes!" Using modified devices to increase the volume coming in we may indeed be able to slow or even stop the decay. In time, this may actually promote and encourage my ears along with my brain to better translate what it hears. Now to file all the paperwork that is going to take. lol At least it is a better answer than what I had before. All for now, time to study more of the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, study layman Canadian law, and finally get the dishes all done as the resident butler. lol Cheers all! Current Mood: accomplished Current Music: "Slurping Slurpie!" (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
10:53 pm	The Romans continue to be crazy Okay let me lay all this out to see if I really am the only Sane person in the asylum. I will omit the names involved as officially this just became a "Human Rights Violation"...though if you hear about it in the news, then I reckon everyone is smart enough to figure out where to swap the names. We will call this "Company A: The Company that would not play by the Rules". Company A sells it's products through Dealer One. Product is bought through a proper contract from Dealer One, with payment being made from Financial Institution Alpha to Company A. Everything at this time is fine. Now, here is where it gets all fun. Financial Institution Alpha makes an error...creating for the first time an interruption. It is understandable that Company A tries to get in contact to rectify this. Now, this would normally take a simple phone call, and is then quickly rectified with the cooperation of Dealer One. Now; and this isn't "for sake of argument"; imagine there is a barrier in communication. The client is "deaf" by all medical and legal definitions. But never fear, thus under laws in place just in case, both parties are allowed to continue doing business as long as A) They are aware of the problem B) Take steps to communicate in a manner understandable by both parties. This in fact is not only "common sense", but it happens to be enshrined in both Federal and Provincial laws. At this point the "tragic comedy" does begin. Dealer One; somehow failing to note this about the client; has made no instructions regarding this. Company A thus blissful attempts to rectify the problem with the client and Financial Institution Alpha by regular means. Regular means CAN'T work in this case, but they plow on regardless, as nothing is in the system to indicate otherwise. Client is angered by the sudden flood of untraceable and utter gibberish. Finally Company A sends out a letter, and for the first time the client is aware of what has happened between Financial Institution Alpha and Company A. With the cooperation of Dealer One the matter is immediately rectified, with reassurances by Dealer One that things will now return to normal. To prevent such a miscommunication from ever happening again, the client makes very sure that Dealer One is clearly instructed on PROPER means of communication that are required, which they immediately relay to Company A. "Huzzah!" goes the people. "An easily rectified problem, open communication and understanding triumphs once more!" ...at least, that is what SHOULD have happened. Company A...now blissfully IGNORING Dealer One, continues using the wrong form of communication and continues to harass the client. Client once more is left bewildered as again it is untraceable, and complete gibberish. Financial Institution Alpha patiently awaits contact from Company A to resume transactions. They only get silence while the client gets gibberish. Finally Company A; again; sends out a letter, which now generates confusion. It states that of all things that Financial Institution Alpha has not given them anything. A quick meeting with the client and Financial Institution Alpha shows they were NEVER asked at all, so it all goes back to the point of contact, Dealer One. Dealer One does not understand why Financial Institution Alpha was not contacted, once again assures the client it will be fixed, and once again instructs Company A to "Please follows the rules of the country, thank you." Company A; again; is now clearly CHOOSING to ignore all this and relentlessly insists on its senseless course of gibberish to the client. Financial Institution Alpha; who is REQUIRED to follow "The rules of the country" is now starting to get annoyed at how their client is being treated. If THEY have to follow the "rules", then by golly so does Company A. Client once more approaches Dealer One to try and resolve this. Dealer One offers and is indeed a "translator" in an attempt to communicate to Company A that the client DOES require them to follow the "rules" in order to know what is wrong so that it can be fixed. Otherwise nothing can be done as there is no "clearly understood two way communication". Dealer One affirms once more that indeed the "rules must be followed" to reassure the client. Company A; once more; continues to ignore this. In fact, agents and representatives for Company A begin to become "unprofessional" in their conduct to the client. "How DARE he insist we play by the rules of the country, we're Company A!" The poor client continues to be baffled by the gibberish. Others though listen for him, and are rightfully offended. Financial Institution Alpha is informed, and is justly angered at the treatment of their client. Company A does not care, they just want money. Financial Institution Alpha points out that Company A MUST play "by the rules", in fact, if they are to continue business for the client, it HAS to be by the rules. Acknowledge you made a mistake, and we can all play again. "Huzzah!" goes the people. "Common sense wins! And look how forgiving they can be and understanding, now we can all play together again!" Company A's answer...is to ignore now Dealer One, Financial Institution Alpha and the client. Oh and even more fanatical gibberish. They suggest to the Dealer One that perhaps we should now play with Financial Institution Beta. "They might too want to ignore the rules." Financial Institutions Alpha and Beta are BOTH offended at this suggestion from Company A. "You WILL play by the rules!" They insist. "Furthermore, you will apologize to our client. We will not break the rules JUST for you." Company A; once more; ignores this. Dealer One; seeing how upset the client is; once more steps in to try to stress that Company A MUST play by the rules. Company A at this time "grudgingly" admits they may have made a mistake, and promise they will do something right away in order for everyone to be able to play again. They even promise to stop directing gibberish to the client. "Huzzah!" goes the people. "Finally Company A will play by the rules, it shows they can learn. Soon we can all play again!" And the gibberish, at least, finally ends. Company A now wants its money. "We have stopped the gibberish, now we can all be friends and play again!" "Hold on." Say Financial Institutions Alpha to Omega, the client and Dealer One. "Where is the being sorry for not playing by the rules in the first place? You need to show you have indeed learned from your mistake so it does not happen again." Company A remains silent. Company A; instead; insists on money. Though now they communicate in the way they SHOULD have in the beginning if they were playing by the rules. "Look, we're playing by the rules NOW, so we should be rewarded for this!" "No." goes everyone else. Company A thinks "you are being unreasonable" "We're unreasonable?" goes everyone else. "Unreasonable is not playing by the rules in the first place, and ignoring them when reminded of them. Say you are sorry and then we can be friends again, that is not much; if anything; to ask!" Company A goes back to being silent. "Hmmm" goes the people. "Does this mean we might eventually be friends again?" Finally, Company A decides to apologize...for the client "perceiving" and "imagining" that Company A had broken the rules, when all along they had followed the rules. "You now have to play with us." says Company A. The Client is angry. Company A says he is imagining things. Financial Institutions Alpha to Omega are angry. Company A has now called them liars, and that they too must be imagining things. Dealer One is upset. They have been told by Company A that their client is unimportant and is imagining things. They have been made to look like fools for Company A, and told NOT to play by the rules of the country. The curtains now close on this little sketch, as the ending has not been written yet. But an important question remains, and it is a very simple one indeed. Does one fight? Current Mood: calm Current Music: "Cross the Rhine" (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Friday, October 30th, 2009
1:18 pm	Soon the hordes will demand candy! Another week, and yet more adventures. 1) TimBAR! Whoops, Overunit at her new job did a faceplant and had to be rushed to the Doctor. I get to now "Watch like Nagging Cat" to make sure she is taking all the vitamins and eats a lot more. Scare is over on that one for now. 2) Is this a raid? Legal follow up on Human Rights Violations continue...we had to laugh as one department walked right into the crossfire by...yep "emailing" a request out. It shows that "despite the difficulty and unreasonable request" it really wasn't all that hard to carry out in the first place. Chalk up more evidence of "contempt for both the law and the client". Idiots... Guess Money motivates more than Human Dignity eh? 3) C is for Cookie Samhaim cookies are all ready and in need of eating! We require volunteers! 4) Bad Films, Good Friends Well we could have it the other way but we tend to prefer that one. Due to the face-plant our initial plans are on hold somewhat...for 80's and costumes for Friday and possible halloween singing on Saturday. We may still do that, but we have dusted off the other old tradition just in case. Not like we don't have HORDES of horror and zombie movies over here in the every expanding collection! All for now, now some light entertainment. Current Mood: hungry Current Music: 'Halloween Theme Song" (Comment on this)
Friday, October 23rd, 2009
5:37 pm	The Power of the Written Word And time to go back to the highlight reels for this week. 1) Another round of battle Looks like I get to meet directly with the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) in regards to just how much of mess I'm in fighting to be...well heard. As it were. I have begun to suspect I'm going to end up becoming quite the "advocate", thus it makes sense to "gather allies" and not stomp on toes in the process. Hmm...starting to see why they are thinking I should go take PR courses... 2) And new Champion! Remember what happened back in August when are car got damaged in the valet parking at the Marriott? (Just remember, wasn't the Valet's fault, they were nothing but superstars in this mess.) Well we've had a "bit" of a battle with the Insurance company for them. Skip to the end: The Insurance company just wasn't going to pay up the amount in full at all, and was going to find any excuse to get out of it. Enter the power of the typed word. I decided to do my homework and wrote instead directly to the Senior Manager there at the Downtown Marriott Indianapolis. Summarized the whole incident, what happened, and what was going on with the insurance company. I further stress going to now a 2nd mechanic to back up the 1st one's assessment, with the promise that this would be supplied to either legal council and/or authorities to be pursued as needed. I also added the "save face" that I didn't find fault with Marriott or the Valet's themselves, and in fact commended how well they had treated the issue involved. This was now getting them aware of it, and asking their "little nudge". I sent that to them yesterday. Today the "wasn't going to budge" insurance company ("This is absolutely our final and only offer...etc.) got in touch. They are now suddenly authorized for the FULL amount, rush as of to be done Monday. (As the business day is nearly up today.) Heh. I AM good. I now see again why they want me to go back to school for PR and Communications/Business degree, as when was the last time someone with just a well written letter got an AMERICAN Insurance company to blink? Thank you...thank you, I'll be hear all week, try the buffet.... 3) The never ending black-hole With week 22 in the "Good Lords I'm a Dad?!?" watch it is clear that now the appetite of the Overunit is starting to ramp up more. We chuckle as the kid is clearly healthy, yet overall she's losing weight. Then again she's eating a lot healthier too... And just think of all the weight she'll loss in the next year! lol 4) Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely I may have to have a talk with my "young Padawan" of a DM out here on how he is dealing with some things in his campaign. In short, he got what HE wanted which was player kills. Adds a little zest to the campaign and does go towards the view of the almost HACKMASTER view of DM vs. players. The difficulty, is having two players being able to see over the DM shield and have challenged the accuracy of the dice-rolling. This is where I have to consult the theory of how I view a DM needs to be on "Let the Dice fall where they may." Now...I grant, the DM holds a lot of power and trust from the players, and the players by extension are giving that power and trust "almost" blind. While they get to roll in front of everyone, the DM is allowed to use the screen to make his rolls there. Thus a lot of trust is placed there. Does a DM absolutely follow every dice roll? I think the honest answer in the end is the best DM's DON'T use every roll. The will "fudge"...and here's where I think is why. Now some of the most Epic moments I have had in my campaign stem from Epic rolls of natural 20's at absolute "Oh gods we are so FRAKKED!" moments by the players. Some of that drama also comes from sometimes "Natural 1's...oh noes" that have happened to the players. It has even led to deaths, wipes, and sometimes the need for that Natural 20 to get out of the mess. The pros and cons of letting the dice fall where they may is that it can lead to some of the most memorable adventures and encounters for the players and DM alike. Ah...but the DM's dice are behind the screen. So where does THEIR die rolls fall into the balance of things? I think the DM in the end ends up wearing many hats, and to this end it also means they get to control how the dice are falling on their side. If the party is getting their "swagger" up...nothing quite wrong with increasing the encounter. (Note this is the encounter, not tinkering with the dice...something many a gamer holds "sacred".) But what if the party/players are bing brilliant, but lady luck hates their guts? The DM now gets the choice of "Let the Dice fall where they may" .. or in some cases...fudging a bit. The party can't hit? Suddenly the opponents fumble as the Gods smile and give them a quick break. The best DM's "cloak" that. As much as they are "the enemy", they have to play being the "secret benefactor" at key times. Once again it is that "trust" thing. That's my view on the whole balance of it. A) He's going to need a better screen to hide things B) He may have to work to get that level of "trust" back. Because without that, suddenly the DM can't even fudge in the favour of the players quietly when they need the help. And that is the most important factor of the trust. Okay, Hallow's Eve/Samhaim coming up, time to make some plans and start patting down the kids for hidden candy! Current Mood: accomplished Current Music: nom nom nom (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Wednesday, October 21st, 2009
10:59 am	Back and Forth Busy morning already. 1) Follow up with Xerox people, don't know the word yet. >knock on wood< 2) Follow up with Insurance. They won't budge, and neither will I. Will follow up with both the mechanic and another mechanic to verify the opinion. If it is correct, then will confront insurance on the matter. 3) Follow up with Canadian Hard of Hearing Association. (CHHA) Figure need to spread some positive karma about to formally thank the industries/services that have been excellent in dealing with us deaf people better. 4) Shaw is The Evil. Once again the "deaf" card is played internally in order for them to duck hiring me in a position I am more than qualified for. Nice that we have friends there who keep an ear out for the real logic going on behind the scene. Only question is, how does this get rectified? Or addressed? 5) Telus, not quite The Evil, just ignorant. I get to formally deal with a customer service person higher in management today with them to start addressing all the issues I have had dealing with them due to their "lack of alternatives to phone conversations." I am starting to wonder if my future role in the Universe is for disabled rights and the applications of "Caring and Common Sense" in dealing with it? hmm....that has a good ring to it... Current Mood: awake Current Music: "typing keyboard" (Comment on this)
Tuesday, October 20th, 2009
3:36 pm	Eight rounds rapid, FIRE! This is continuing to be a Crusade of a week. Let us go to the highlights reel! 1) It's a...well it's human anyway So the 1st big news is right now the latest addition to the clan is nice and healthy and has all of their parts. Looks to be around 21 weeks or so, thus May is the suspect region...and we have still no clue as to the gender. Dancing nicely in there though, we have begun the planning for names. Though Batman is right out...sorry... 2) These Romans are Crazy! You would think this being a) Canada b) 21st century that Human Rights would practically be a given right? (Yes yes I know except in the military, "We protect them, we sure don't practice them!" Thank you MCpl...) Well today the opening of the guns against my former employer of Dell went off...which will likely nail the Insurance company. This was followed by the volley at Marriott Hotels...this is two prong as it hits the hotel chain on one end for the frustration, and their Insurance provider for "Bad Faith" and "Fraud". And then the last one against Ford Motor Company of Canada for "Contemptious Discrimination against a Disabled Minority" along with "Human Rights Violations". I tell ya, every one of these cases could by a dialogue, and VERY specifically a dialogue that allowed for "other than a telephone" which is REQUIRED by both Provincial and Federal laws...which all these parties in their arrogance ignored. I "bless" my parents and NCO's for SO ramming into me. "If something is wrong, and you are in the Right, YOU DARN WELL FIGHT!" They all have until the end of this week to respond. 3) Tally-Ho! Xerox is actually looking into grabbing me as an Imaging Professional, seeing how much garbage is crammed into this head...hehe, I'll know more this week. 4) So How Much for just the planet? Finally the "Speed of Federal Government" moved...my win with the Board of Referees finally took effect. Now to get all the rest of it moving along. Say the long term pension, other benefits overdue, and the like. Meh...it is progress. And what only took a little over 2 years? I must be ahead of the curve... 5) Mr. Carter! Mr. Carter! I get to go to the Open house here at MacEwan University in November as well, as the push is to get me back to school anyway for both Public Relations. (Dad's gift of gab) And a serious look at a Communications and Business Degree. The thought is it may be a way to get around continuous "bias" in my I.T. field against deaf people, and make use of other skills. Who knew one could get a degree in "B.S., kicking arse and taking names..." That's the highlights of today for now. I'll post more likely when I have some new answers in my mailbox so to speak. Current Mood: busy Current Music: "Veni, veni emannuel" - Nox Arcana (5 Comments |Comment on this)
Friday, October 16th, 2009
12:13 pm	Hurry up and Wait After all the excitement of finally things moving forward a lot faster, we find ourselves at the end of a week where nothing is really happening once again. Pretty annoying in the context of it. 1) The Overunit once again is applied to a program to improve her work/job situation...and once again they like her up to a point, and then for an unexplained reason reject her. Once again leaving her the impression that "These agencies have agendas/lie" and once more makes it all that harder for her to have hope. And then they wonder why she gets so lazy/depressed all the time? Ass-hats... 2) Speed of Federal Government It has not ceased to amaze me just how LONG it takes them to move forward on something despite the fact that they have had repeatedly urged the "urgency" of the situation. Despite the fact I actually WON before the Board of Referees...guess that really doesn't happen often lol...the system continues to move at a speed of molasses at actually executing the decision and the results after. Either the system is really gummed up, or flooded, or just both. Or they just hate Albertans sometimes...well we did give them Harper...>shudder< 3) A return to University As the "deaf" issue continues to be a barrier...more and more agencies are starting to advocate this course of action. Go to MacEwan University and either take Public Relations. (That gift of gab...) and/or a Communications/Business degree. It is indeed a thought, seeing how much actual Grant money I qualify for. And the Overunit would like a fellow student... ...and I must admit, I do tend to "blend" with the younger crowd there well...up until I open my mouth and both Wisdom and Intelligence comes spewing out...I suspect my age will be a laugh in some of the classes when it dawns on them my age. Okay, I promise to go to the Open House in November and ask good straight questions. It can't hurt, and maybe I do need to put other skills to use while the bigots die off in my career... 4) Marching right along We get to find out next week just how many "Spawn of the Ether" we have in there...I'm not sure I want to know gender...but I'd like to know if there's more than one. If it's more than triplets...I guarantee a face plant right there... 5) 800's numbers and their Ilk I have to laugh at the futility of them. Ringing a "deaf" person who has a filter against electronic calls from his service provider? If it really is important, Identify yourself! Otherwise the "auto-filter" part assumes telemarketer or Robo-dialer...which on neither I can use my variable frequency phones on...and blocks or disconnects the call. It is nice when your Phone company believes in ENFORCING the human rights charter... lol 6) Winter It was here...thanks to a certain someone wishing all the heat away...but now it is gone again. We've all voted to send the snow off to Ontario. ;-) More news for next week. And I promise part of it will be the humourous talk we've had on "kid names". Current Mood: curious Current Music: Typing of a keyboard (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Saturday, October 3rd, 2009
2:57 pm	One battle at a time There's progress after a fashion, but I can see where the burden of bureaucracy is getting to the Womanfolk in me life. 1) So Laurie didn't get into her Course at MacEwan due to overflow. However! She is able to get into classes starting January which will count towards her total and the course, starting next year. End result it will count towards lowering her case load. This is the good part! The trade off to that is the bureaucracy has to clear the original request (That was approved) for grant money for her in order to put the new one through. And it's speed of government once again. Sigh...You would think it would auto clear when she didn't claim it due to the overflow. 2) The Legal Battle over Dell's treatment is moving along, and it looks like the ultimate target is going to be the insurance company. The more one reads the labour laws while common sense argues that Dell committed quite a breach...the laws of the land make them able to get away with a bit. The end result is I can understand where the lawyer feels the best target is the Insurance company involved...and we see where that goes. Bright side is the Insurance company is cooperating a lot providing information. This might actually work out and not have to go to any court. One could hope. 3) Gather people for get togethers. This is one thing that HAS annoyed the woman folk a lot of late, as no one can coordinate at all. So either they at the last minute want to drag her to something...which until her new grants are approved non-includes her due to money. Or we DO organize something that is within her budget...only for people not be available or dropping out at the last minute. It's making the pregnant woman feel really dropped out. And left out. Doesn't seem to be dawning on anyone else though that this pattern is making her feel...well, pretty rejected. 4) The other battles. One little victory at a time. I've actually got a new agency jumping in to be my "Champion" dealing with some of the strange barriers I've run into regarding the "misconceptions" of deaf people. They've even endorsed I could get funding for more "school" as well, and I have to admit being a fellow student with the wife is amusing. Maybe they are right, I need to take a new perspective even further. hmm... October might just be a good month after all...dark side unite! Current Mood: contemplative Current Music: "Cooking noises" (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
4:18 pm	Dear God What on earth is WRONG with you?!? Okay this is about to enter into Rantville, so be forewarned. 1) You would think the discrimination against us deaf people would adjust...this being the 21st century and all. Nope. I now am having to use legal method to pursue a lot of different people and agencies for overall just how lousy they have treated me...which in the last while I have had my eyes opened to just how grossly that is in breach of the law. 2) You would think employers would stop using the "deaf" stereotypes in their decisions on if they are going to hire me or not. Nope...there is the "odd" honest admission, but hell even the Nerds crew couldn't get their heads around "hearing limitations" and that involves not subjecting the person to certain environments. What they take for granted, I don't. 3) Government agencies moving at the speed of government. Okay I grant they are swamped, and the people in the agencies out here REALLY are trying to help and care. So it is not them I am mad at, it is the situation and the seemingly lack of urgency attached to it. 4) Come to think of it, the whole "situation" ends up at the feet of the original employers; Dell; violating several laws in trying to "ditch the responsibility" they were under contract to deal with. At least there we have now actual Legal Council pursuing the matter. It is likely we will have to consult furthermore with other legal reps in order to have a solid case to win. That will address the long term. It sure does nothing for the short term. 5) Trollgirl is incredibly frustrated with the fact that the course she was supposed to be in overflowed...and thus she is stuck waiting for NEXT year. Meanwhile no money or income, so now what? No one is hiring a pregnant woman. How am I upset in all this? Agencies that take no accountability, and worse still (As this makes me feel so guilty for being angry about it.) Trollgirl just didn't put any effort or fight into this whole process until MONTHS had gone by. She needed to be fighting a LOT earlier and in their faces. Now...sigh, it's like too little too late. So what are solutions? 1) Retained legal council. That is done. We might just grab more. (check out www.wrongful-dismissal.com) Man is not only Canadian but really knows his stuff. That whole sleigh ride I have been through needs to be finally addressed and hard. 2) Make allies in the Agencies. It is going to come down to getting the "human factor" to step in and stop the "bureaucracy" from winning. I have the last ream of paperwork for them and tomorrow morning I am back pounding pavement to get immediate action. Must also remind myself that the "people" aren't the enemy in all this. 3) Play "The Card" against the employers. This is the part I am having difficulty wrapping my own head around, but I am slowly acquiring enough evidence that the reason I am not getting certain positions or jobs is that literally "horrible stereotype" of what a "deaf person" really is. My interview or qualifications have nothing to do with it...it is the discrimination plain and simple. That shocks me. I don't want to accept it or believe it. But when the HR department has to pass me the bad news that I didn't get the position due to their manager not wanting someone "Deaf and Dumb", well you start to wonder more how often that is happening and you are NOT getting told anything. Paranoid? I thought so too, which is why I didn't believe it. Then a few more brave souls stepped forward and let me know what the decision was based on in the closed room, and laughed over. Now I am fairly mad. Not as a deaf person, I am mad as a Canadian. Because that *shitte* isn't supposed to happen here. I tell ya, the Human Rights Commission here in Edmonton has gotten to know me on a first name basis the last six months...now granted that agency has done some boneheaded things, but that doesn't completely eliminate them as an unfortunate needed thing in this age and country. Sigh. I am still thankful that the wife and kids inside are healthy and doing everything to keep spirits up, that means there might still be hope. But God, you are on notice, as your fifteen minutes are up. As Conan said to Crom. "If you won't aid, then to hell with you, I'll just do it myself with or without." Sorry Mom and Dad, but I have to get myself in mind to get a "Good Mad-on, and Fight-on". Current Mood: angry Current Music: "Computers Humming" (4 Comments |Comment on this)
Thursday, September 10th, 2009
1:54 pm	The Doctor is In So today is yet another day of banging the head into the wall waiting on something to give somewhere. At least the Doctor's reports are all in from the barrage of testing he had both me and the Overunit go through. So in my case, that darn cholesterol thingie is a bit high, and could stand to go down a bit. also it looks like I have a predisposition to of all things, gout. Huh, so a few minor corrections to the diet, more going for walks when I can between railing at the Government agencies and all, and we'll see in six months. The Overunit got a bit of a lecture. Her cholesterol is WAY higher than it should be. (It's those cream cheese cravings and other things.) And she's to change those pre-natal vitamins she's having as she gets sick every time. However now she has the Ultrasound scheduled, and we have the other Doctor needed being lined up. So at least that is moving forward after a fashion. Meanwhile we get to laugh at an unusual situation. The Overunit is in charge of the phone/internet bill. I got to find out the unusual way she hasn't paid it....then again after fighting almost four months for her benefits, somehow NOT surprised. Of course the funny part is we still can do things via both, as the phone clearly still works. And as for the internet, heh, there's always someone who has no clue how routers work in the area. lol See, this is why you hire me to make sure people can't do what I am doing.... ;-) ("thanks for the free ride lady!") Oh well, work proceeds on the other project, but dang it that needs things to move forward in other area, not be stuck in endless stasis. Though on that thought, I did get my FULL brief for my case with Service Canada that is coming up on the 17th. Good Lords....it is well over 200 + pages to go through! The average file someone has is MAYBE 15 to 25 pages...and that is in maybe a lifetime...might get up to 50 if you are on a pension and whatnot. This is ALL since my little "hearing" problem came up. Hearing problem, going to a hearing...it's almost poetic in a sense. What is so glaring in the whole thing is it stresses what EVERYONE involved seems to have lost sight of, which is holding Dell Computers of Canada liable for the whole mess. This seems to have gotten left in the corner hiding somewhere, and thus I am starting to see that part of the panel meeting is going to be soliciting "Champion" by the Crown to enable us to turn things right around and take them to task for the whole mess. At least, so is the theory at the moment. Otherwise it is a continued "batter away" that is going to proceed on and one...makes me feel for them, as it really isn't THEIR fault the whole mess. But they are the ones getting stuck holding the bag after a fashion. Meh...I can imagine a lot of ways this whole week could be worse, and a lot of ways it should be better mind you. Current Mood: busy Current Music: "Howls of Wind outside" (Comment on this)
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
12:01 pm	And so it will begin A lot of mixed advise there on what to do with the situation with Annastasia, we got some good legal advise too. We're now starting the careful process to make it a "Lock and Loaded" decision. 1) Document EVERYTHING Funny enough Anna herself is helping with that...worst part is it is pretty heartbreaking. Worst part is I feel completely idiotic as this was going on literally next door and here I was in ignorance of the scale of it. We'll likely be asking a few others too, like what happened when Dan was living there as it establishes the beginning of a pattern at least, and how it escalated over time. 2) Stable environment to come to Right now immediately we can't take her, physically no room and the place can't deal with it. However...the Universe I think knew what we needed, so we're SEVERAL months ahead of the original planned schedule. No matter, we've begun the process of trying to grab a place that DOES have the room and resources we need for all the kids. 3) Custody Good thing it is Joint to start, that helps. For now, we're keeping Children Aid Services the HELL out of this...they have to be treated as a VERY gingerly used sledge hammer. So instead we are working with the other Government agencies to start the "nudging" to change the custody from "Joint" to "Soul" based on the documented process that he has grossly violated his duties as custodian. ...and we watch like a hawk. 4) Take the 20 I cleverly had it described in D&D terms that we also, with the aid of the Family mediator, want to be a little diplomatic on this. Yeah I know, the attitude I am sensing from everyone is RIP TEAR MAIM.... Why we've already starting making sure we'll retain one heck of a family lawyer and carefully examine what needs to be done. He just might "blink", but we have to set it up that if he's stupid and selfishly fights, then he has a heck of a lot more to loss. If there's a glimmer of decency in the man, he'll do what's best for the kid, and not just view her as his convenient little "Tax credit and deduction". (Yep, his words.) So it's not only getting all those ducks in a row, it's arming them as a firing squad so if he even twitches wrong he's going down in a volley of feathers... I'll do my best to keep everyone updated on this. But the insights both posted and emailed were much appreciated. The "Council of War" we had with the "Family and Crew" out here made use of all of it. Current Mood: calm Current Music: "Colonel Boogie's March" (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009
6:40 pm	New levels of douche baggery.... Sometimes it amazes me how some people can live with themselves due to how harmful their actions are to others. The "latest" so far on the "abandoning ones responsibilities" front. As has been discussed before, the "ex" of Trollgirl has full custody of one wonderful eight year old. And as noted before his relationship with his ex has been, well pretty damn bad. Especially how he finds many ways to "inflict harm" by never playing by the rules when it comes to claiming things, or the tax receipts...pretty much mercenary. Come to think of there are layers of money things he likes to manipulate. So now his latest actions to keep her "off balance". As I've had the insight explained to me its how he keep exerting his control. Step One. Once again, he's completely abandoning the eight year old again...repeatedly to an empty home, and this for more than just "a few minutes", it can be hours, even whole days. Can we say "abandonment"? Geez lousie, at least she's smart enough to flee over here. Having an eight year old tell you "My dad loves me, he just loves money more." Like....uggs.... But I've been over this road before....course now he's escalating it. That's Step Two. By not stocking anything remotely like food...yeah in essence we're now where she comes if she even wants a healthy meal. He seems to view "Yogurt" as the only thing kids eat. When does this cross into "abuse?" I mean...I'm disgusted to be in the same room with him more than ever...and what's the recourse? And what's a recourse that stops Annastasia going into a Foster home? hmm... He adds to the fuel. It's Step Three of his douching people. Since Laurie is fighting hard for her overdue benefits since getting applied and accepted into MacEwan for classes, well her bills are behind and she's crunched for money. One thing overdue is the Tae Kwon bills...which I went and made arrangements to go settle separately. Only to have Boris instead of paying the money that he owes Laurie to her...go ahead and pay ALL the bills there. Cute...means I have to go yell and find out what happened to the OTHER deal, and it leaves her out sorely needed bill money...while he can calmly state that technically he has settled his debt, just in the way most useless to her. It is all about exerting control, and laughing at the fact he can't be "brought to task". I think the unfortunate part is I have to go to war on the whole matter and "risk" the foster home part in order to find a way to stop him doing this, otherwise he'll just keep getting away with his abuse of both the women I care about out here. Goddess in heaven what a choice. Current Mood: infuriated Current Music: "...red five standing by..." (8 Comments |Comment on this)
Friday, August 28th, 2009
1:04 pm	It's a Madhouse! So today is the scheduled day they are replacing the windows in our section of the building, originally they were scheduled to hit us by late in the Afternoon. Much to the pregnant woman's horror, these lads are VERY efficient at getting things done, which meant they got to us by the morning. Oops. Wife Aggro! Hear her RAGE!!! Sigh...I negotiated, and the lads "suddenly were on lunch" lol, while I slipped the woman out to the spa for a bit. (Helped I'd found some handy certificates around then.) So right now she's out...still very annoyed and distressed. And I get to have the amusing dialogue as the gentlemen are realizing that "Yes there are an AWFUL lot of weapons in here." and "Oh my, they aren't replicas are they?" and "Why did you think I sent the wife away?" ...I figure it would have been hard to hid THAT many bodies...mind you, they are could have gone in the large trailer they have parked out back... ;-) I just think the police would find it hard to believe that ALL five mysteriously had accidents doing just this apartment. Of course then again, with a pregnant woman, they just might have! Meanwhile... Services Canada has me finally going before a tribunal to get the last benefits overdue from 2007....which is required for 2008 to kick in of course...sigh, seeing as we're in 2009 this is progress after a fashion. And we haven't even discussed another set they "lost". Sigh... Goign to be a fun panel meeting. I wonder if I should bring the aggro pregnant woman along? Or is that liek bringing a Maul to squish a fly? So as some heard our trip to Gencon was of two mixed answers. The Convention itself was fantastic, and they were wonderful hosts all around. Our hotel, not so much, as the valet got our car damaged. Now let me be clear...it wasn't the valet DIRECTLY. The staff were completely upfront, honest, and damn it a credit to the hotel itself. They should get a commendation for all this, as it was clearly damage done by ANOTHER idiot who had parked next to us, done the deed, then fled. And likely this bastard did the same thing the next night to ANOTHER car. End result, it's under $1000.00 US in damage which the hotel insurance is paying in full. Got the estimate yesterday. They still want us to "assess" for tinkering after the fact...simply put, there's enough evidence to suggest the valet manager let air out of the tires in spite. (He unfortunately was the only exception to the rest of the staff.) Latest addition, we just got free nights in the luxury suites there for next time. Nice deal! At least the hotel manager himself didn't think it was "just a mirror", and he did laugh at the "son and boy" comments from the valet manager. At least in the correct spots he did, at our age we can joke about things like that. lol So all that is said and done, now I have to refocus on getting stuff done, winning appeals, fighting institutions, and generally being a pest of myself at the system. Hey, it's what I do best! Current Mood: determined Current Music: "Chorus of hammers and nails" (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
3:27 pm	Reboot ver. 2.1 The Universe appears to be trying to balance the karma of the last part of the month about. 1) Car goes in Tomorrow for its repairs; covered by Marriott's insurance...and it's "Inspection" by the crew there to see if there's any of the suspected "Tinkering after the fact" to the vehicle...as they all agreed, there's enough "fishy evidence" to warranty a further lookie-lou in order to see if we need to be talking with the EPS and thus Indianapolis' finest. As they say, trust the instincts. 2) I've suddenly ended up in the running for not just one but TWO senior level I.T. positions...and I like the sounds of both of them, and they both think I make a "Goldmine" of a fit for a long term commitment. Doesn't mean I want to abandon my own business ideas, just means I'm going to restructure them on the fly as we go...the plan DOES allow that flexibility. Besides, with kids on the way, that extra "stability" is huge. 3) Trollgirl is now officially accepted as a "Student" at MacEwan! Woo! We just now have to "hurry up and wait" on paperwork to go through faster. As she's got three months worth of overdue benefits thanks to the original "faulty advise" she got from the people involved. The staff at the University itself have been delightful in addressing that fact. 4) Early morning construction. It finally dawned on the owners commission of the complex we live in that last winter it got REALLY cold and due to the windows being REALLY old and poor...well that has to be changed. So over the next two weeks it is a complete overhaul of all the windows here. And gotta love their work ethic as they are cracking away just after 0800! This of course has the trade off that no one is able to sleep in much now. lol 5) Services Canada and Benefits Its funny, but we're STILL sorting things out, one baby step at a time. We're down to the last benefits overdue that are overdue to us, and then they may even get caught up with the next year's worth! lol We haven't even begun on the hearing ones long term yet as they LOST the first set of paperwork, and thus we are waiting on our new Family Doctor's consult after testing for the new set to be done. Gotta love paperwork. Well the hoops to work, it's just annoying having to "Go to the Reply" time and again to prove that "Yes we went through that hoop" Gah! Bless Everyone! And cheers! I'll raise a pint to you all, as right now I'm the only one who can drink in this place! Twin...I keep thinking it's gonna be twins...heh, you know, even if we do find out the gender, I'm really thinking I'd like it to be a secret until the big day. Current Mood: busy Current Music: "Sounds of Window destruction and Construction (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
2:10 pm	Part II of the Saga back Home Hmm... The Good and Best news is...so far, we are all home safely. Mind you having a large truck next to us run over something...which exploded two of its tires, which THEN hit us in the side....I tell ya that had us wondering about what karma we'd peeved. Blessed be...not only do we have ONLY a minor scratch on the side of the car, the truckers were more than willing to cooperate so we did photograph and document everything before continuing on our way. Customs. Thanks to the earlier call to the Canadian Consulate was ready for us...and it was back to "Same old...same old". No problems crossing over at all. Heck they decided they didn't need a copy of the paperwork for the Marriott Hotel inflicted damages. ...and as for them...hmm. You ever have those times when you did something on instinct, then thought about it and did something else, and then as it turns out your instinct was right the first time? My instinct is bugging the hell out of me, and I'm remembering what that RCMP constable "advised" us over the phone. We're making sure that the vehicle is getting a FULL snap shot looking over, and then compared with what it was like before we departed. (Habit of mine before ANY long trip, full look over before departing. A blown tire one year really rammed that home.) Call it crazy...and boy I hope I am. But if this instinct is born out we may be talking with Edmonton Police Services who'll be talking with Indianapolis' finest regarding someone tampering with our vehicle...but remember I'm following some advise here, and gut instinct as well. And hoping I really am wrong and that this is really just one hell of a coincidence. It's like how we noted Trollgirl was pregnant, clues were there. Well we've got clues again...and not regarding someone being pregnant. I know my car pretty damn well. How it behaved on the way back, this is something more than "Just a Mirror", and looking at my tires. Hmm...like I said I have a "snap-shot" taken of everything before I depart. I really do hope it's just being paranoid thanks to having a kid on the way. I'll know and update more the next couple of days. Current Mood: curious Current Music: "Freshly cooking eggs" (Comment on this)
Monday, August 17th, 2009
9:48 am	It was somewhat of a vacation, and somewhat of a trial by fire So that is another Gencon and reunion done and gone. Didn't get to catch up with everyone that I hoped, but a lot more than I thought possible considering the trials and tribulations of the weekend. As some have already heard, it was fun, but it's also been a vacation nightmare. Let's go to the highlight reels shall we? The Good - Got there on the Wednesday as planned and even at an earlier time, meaning it was fairly easy to get into the pre-lineup to grab everything NOW...thus saving the horrors of the Thursday lineups. The Bad - Due to the hearing problem I had booked with Marriott through email and electronic communication...which meat when we said we wanted to stay again at that place we were at last year, the first "oops" came up. Last year they got our arrival times wrong, and so didn't have our rooms ready, instead they plunked us into their other hotel across the parking lot. THIS year, they plunked us straight in there as that was the 1st thing that showed...again rather than where we wanted to be. Fortunately they got to work on it right away and had us in there the next day for the rest of the convention. High marks to them for dealing with it nicely. The Ugly - Mind you, behind the scenes they attempted to charge me for ALL the nights anyway WITHOUT my authorization...and have taken forever refunding it. I prepayed one ight in advance, but had never given permission for the other nights. (As we were going to keep options open for "last minute cancellations.") I should know more tomorrow if the money has indeed been refunded. (3 Business day crap for an electronic transaction.) This once again only goes to show my Canadian Bank more reasons to hate Marriott hotels. Another example of Our Laws/Their Laws. Guess they still think of us as a 51st state at times. We then get our fifth guest and new member of the crew joining us from New York, which worked out despite the late flight and minor problem with rooms. Now it was time for the convention full blast! The Good - We even managed to get into True Dungeon this year! Sure it was the True Grind part, but we could live with that first try, and did enjoy ourselves. Lost to the last Boss, but being a party of four newbies...it impressed the GM we got THAT far! Nascrag again was a blast, though having a physics puzzle that just mind blanked me hurt our score and we failed to advance. My surprisingly good Shatnerism for my character didn't advance me either much to many players and GM's surprise. And we even got time to grind away in a complete NERO adventure during the weekend. Earning permanent swag to use if some of us decide to locate our nearest NERO chapters in the region. The Bad - With a schedule like this, and working around a pregnant woman...it meant doing anything at 0800 was a write-off. No matter though, so no Blood Bowl for a first time. It was a pretty busy weekend to say the least! The Silly - WE did however get in a few of the panels and other events front row centre! Managed to get into the actors forums, especially those of the anime and voice actors. Dubbing panels and readings. We even got to join in AND participate in the Knights of the Dinner Table live readings with the Kenzer crew. (I got "Bob" for his 4th ed, rant.) And there was the Hentai dubbing which this year got an even bigger room to fit the standing room only 650 people. Our crew once more became active participation, with both our Cabin Lad and Pirate Baronness joining into the improv fun in front of the crowd. No clucking like a chicken was done this time, but red lobster and butter are the new additions to the "Look at Funny" list. Of course Dealers rooms are always a must to swagger in and take a look. The Good - Some of the best from years before continue to be there, and they are aggressive in supporting their remembered customers with better pricing and deals for them. Also great to see that Pathfinder is REALLY throwing the gauntlet down in challenging 4th ed for what the true inheritor of Dungeons and Dragons is. And they made it happen with a lot of sales all weekend. The Bad - Once again onsite food vendors are evil and overpriced, but that's easy to evade. Also some vendors didn't appear at all as they had last year, Blizzard being one of them. The Ugly - Newer vendors may have been stung by the far tighter gamer dollar. Most gamers were going to spend their money on known qualities, or horde until the last days. The newer vendors likely had to fight hard for any dollars at all from a tough market. Gencon Organization was once again like the many faces of Janus. The Good - VERY knowledgable staff, patient, listening and overall professional to such the degree they could do their best to help or aid with any issue. In the end it comes down to the people and at this they are doing well. The Bad - Okay this is what continues to be an issue...but it's been like that for years. Line-ups! LOTS of line-ups...unless you get in early on the Wednesday to get all your events and tickets then and there, or better still pre-reg...it's murder on people the Thursday. Look like there has yet to be the perfect solution as to how to streamline this better other than stressing "Pre-reg" and "Arrive Wednesday". The Ugly - This is where my Techie hat comes on. This year they set up a whole new system of tech support and service. Failed horribly! Crashes...printer failures...and when that server of theirs crashed it took out EVERYTHING anywhere. (see, one clever idea they had this year was at the "Area tables" they did allow the buying and printing of Generics...not a bad idea...until the Print server fails. Then it's a glorified paper dispensor, as no one though to save the print drivers on all these laptops locally as a "precaution".) In short, pretty clear who they have right now has no idea how to deal with something of this scale, this volume, and has no plans for redundancy or stress testing. I'm starting to think I should write up a proposal on the matter myself... So doesn't seem QUITE that bad yet eh? Another Gencon with some of the expected bumps. Well let's throw in the wildcard that blows. The Frakked - Okay, this year as we were once again with the Marriott out at the airport we were under arrangements to park with the Marriott downtown next to the convention centre. Whole thing is Valet so that means it's a restricted area it's parked in. (Though as we found out, clearly not security camera'd and recorded...this comes back to bite everyone.) So last year...flawless and stress free! This year, well first two times on the Wednesday and Thursday flow without a hitch. Good repoire, once again they know us and we get the full VIP service and everything. Friday...oh noes. The Valet comes up with a shocked look on his face and we end up having one interesting talk. You see, my car has been hit. And whoever did it is long gone and fled. And they've taken out my driver-side mirror, and then carefully placed it back to hide the impact. The Valet found this out when he closed the door and the mirror "just popped off", We examine the area and there is signs of a hit...though the rest of the car in that quarter "appears" fine. We get out the night manager and have a full report written out, with a lot of assurances that this will be taken care of. We even supply the Ford Dealer's contacts so this could be done quickly. Trade off we have that night is instead of the planned getting into bed before Midnight...well it's way past 2 am before we're even back! Have I mentioned the pregnant wife yet? Yeah not good. Humourous aside...she WAS dressed quite nicely; make up and all, as a Geisha. THAT got a lot of ooh and aahs...from the Marriott staff. If we weren't the talk before, we were NOW. Come late Saturday. (Early saturday oh yeah, morning staff that had REALLY gotten to know us...and now in awe of the Geisha tale, were shocked at the damage. But they knew things were rolling to take care of it.) Well we get out Saturday...and find nothing is done at all. Mind you the staff themselves are FUMING at that state of affairs. So much they refuse to let me sign anything, or pay for that matter. I guess the strange part is we have some real allies there in this mess. Their advice...go up higher. Tomorrow. Sunday - Well the stress and delays created by the damaged car has meant a LARGE lack of sleep. Have we mentioned the pregnant woman? FULL aggro and fighting mode. Lucky for us; and understanding; Marriott near the airport COMPLETELY understands the issues and waves the checkout time. That helps a little, I get everyone back to the downtown, and send them off while I begin my assault. Now note to people. It's still convention going on, and I like to use Sunday as a relaxed day to do any final shopping and hunt people I've missed. And my usual outfit for this is black kilt, full belt, white dress shoes with hose, and strong leather dragon vest with a Pirate scarf tying the hair down. In short, I look a hell of a lot younger than I really am, I'd pass for early twenties easy in that get up. (Pay attention, this comes up latter.) So...I've already been on the phone with the Canadian Consulate on the matter. Even talked with the RCMP officer on duty there, so that was handy. They made it pretty clear to get the full claims report, do it through THEIR Insurance. Have copies of the report for both State Troopers and the border. And yes remove and document the mirror so we don't have a "Flying at 70mph" object flying off". (Yes note, though the mirror was off, the electronic wire was still connected. Marriott in order to get us somewhat mobile had crazy-glued and ducted taped. Good for local driving...absolutely not up to code for highway. Hell our provincial laws are pretty clear on that one in the Highway Traffic Act.) Okay, forearmed. They now have me deal with the Manager of the Valet service. Seems like a nice guy, but over time his attitude starts to get the burrs up. (You ever have that happen to you? Start out good, and then you can't explain it...but your "Rip out throat" sense starts a tingling.) Not only is he viewing it as "Just a Mirror" but isn't going to do anything about the stress and aggravation this has been. In fact continues to ignore the fact that nothing has been done about it in 48 hours, and that it would require 24-HUNDRED MILES of driving to get back with a damaged vehicle. The concept that other countries would have Different Laws is just not clicking at all. What does it though...when he starts referring to me as "Son" and "Boy". (Aside, yep talked with the other Valet lads...once again the Geisha legend has worked wonders...I'm "Their God amongst men"...I out age this manager by near on a decade.) So no, we again don't sign anything. A quick consult with the Gencon staff. (Once again CANNOT stress just how good their advise on it all. Medal to the staff there. They even supplied phone numbers and who to use to leverage on the matter. And best was...leap up the chain of command and go right to the Hotel Manager directly. THE BIG KAHONNA.) Right. I march back in...brush off the Valet Manager who's eager to get this "kid out of his hair" over "just a mirror". Uh huh...his own staff is starting to not like him on this. That's pretty evident from them. Once inside I take off the scarf so ALL those silver and grays are showing and right to the Big Guy. We have a wonderful conversation on the matter. We even share a laugh over the whole "At our ages, being called "son and boy" is a sorta compliment back-handed in a way. But he does note that culturally, yeah that's an insult and pretty damn lousy. He's also married himself and has kids, so the whole pregnant issue is treated well. And saying "It's Just a Mirror" when its done a number to the vacation plus a lot of hassle and pain getting BACK to Canada...oh yeah. It was fun to sit back as he went out there and laid into our Valet manager for us. End result. No charge for the parking, we have a potentially wider claim if they find anything else wrong. Documented them removing the mirror...if that comes up hey photo shows it's clearly a Marriott staff removing it. Oh and we're getting compensation for the whole issue BEYOND that...as it's Not Just a Mirror....junior. (Didn't do it to his face...but I tell yah, valet staff came up and a lot of high fives and shaking of hands...the Valet manager...well he REALLY had to swallow a lot of pride when continuing to deal with me professionally. I'm still told I should have zinged him a parting shot as we left of "Be careful just who you call "son", junior.) What an adventure eh? Okay, we're going to focus on getting home in one piece. Letters of thank you to the good people involved. And we'll talk to you all next on the other side of the border! Current Mood: determined Current Music: zzzzz's of the backseat (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009
10:15 pm	I should be asleep but... Sometimes I think I am losing my mind... Maybe I volunteer to be TOO helpful? Okay more off my mind then. Marriott. I've become of two minds about this company. Directly here in Indy they have been BEYOND fantastic in making sure we have the rooms, space and any other troubles smoothed out. Either at serious discount, or even free. Makes me wish I could transpose them into the head office and Vegas crew? lol Not sure how to answer that one. Then there's the other fun with our guest Number 5. lol We volunteered to help out a good friend of ours in Alberta with his nephew...who we've met before, as his friends ditched on him at the last minute leaving him pretty High and Dry for accommadations at the last minute...this after he's paid for the flight and everything else to take part in the Big 10th Anniversary celebrations for Magic the Gathering. (Guess it strikes home seeing as I'm one of the old Grand Champions and World contenders from the past.) Well looks like his flight might be seriously late...or delayed, or maybe even both. ROFL. Guess I keep the text on the cell phone active, and keep a "feel" out for when he gets here. (Means I park my phone on my chest while I sleep and wait for the vibrate to go off.) And the convention hasn't even started! lol, We have friends to track down, a campaign to kill, etc. Hope I remember to have fun in between all this. Current Mood: busy Current Music: zzzzzzz (Comment on this)