Monday, November 3, 2008

falling in line


Kansas City in the fall.

48 comments:

Nancy P said...

Arrgh. One Time-Warner visit and five service calls (in one week) later. . .they think it's the router. With luck, by tomorrow, I'll be back on line in an easier way.

Meanwhile, have I mentioned how much I hate it when I call a company and a computer voice wants to "guide me" through instructions on how to fix something? I'm learning to love "her," though, cause I can yell at her and be as nasty as I would never in a million years be to a real human. "Just answer yes or no," she says so sweetly. "YES," I yell into the phone, "YES YES YES YES YES." To which she says, "I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. Let's try again. . ."

Larry Kollar said...

That's pretty mild compared to what I tell those things. ;-)

Anonymous said...

It never occurred to me to be pissy with the computer voice. But you're right - I could cuss and scream and no one would know. I guess I always figured there was someone listening, and I'd get a black mark for not being nice.

Hopefully it's fixed soon, NP. Frustrating when a piece of equipment can get in the way of your everyday life.

I just wish there was a button you could push for a live, native English-speaking person...

'Night all - and good morning, those who follow.

Oh, and gorgeous pic!

Family Man said...

Good morning Nancy, FAR and Beth.

That's a beautiful picture and colors.

I think I get more frustrated just because there is a computer trying to guide me through the procedures. Plus I really hate it when you have a lot of choices and you pick the wrong one, and that leads you off into no where. Then you've got to start all over again. Arrrrrggggg!

I hope everything gets fixed for you today, and that your day turns out to be nice and slackerly.

AndiF said...

Lovely picture, Nancy. Not so lovely computer problems.

I don't know, Beth, that I think a live person is really any better -- they've all got the standard scripts they go through even when you patiently explain the exact problem and the standard script has nothing to do with it. I know it's what they've trained to do but I find it really hard to be nice to someone who isn't listening to what I say.

Is today over yet? I want it to be over soooo much. Maybe that's the problem with doing early voting ... it gives you even longer to be anxious.

Morning all.

Anonymous said...

I'm thinking SNL skit. In order to win computer freedom Nancy, you have to joust with a computer generated guidance system.
Halene vs Nancy.
Computer freedom only comes through defeating the computer.Hmm.

Personally, I love when you can't hang up on those computer generated systems. The phone rings after you hang up to let you know they still have control of the line. Grrrr.

Nancy, Beautiful picture.

Beth, can I stand by you? I've got so many black marks by my name, I could use some nice by association.

Waves to Farf and Familyman.

On election day--Today brings us a new vision for tomorrow. That vision may vary from person to person but what I hear is hope. Even if our man or woman wins a particular race, we are not assured our desires will be carried out. That is the nature of politics. Still, we go to the polls and pull the lever, push the button, or slip our paper ballot into the box. All acts of passion for country, community and our future.

Morning Andi. I'm with you, a conclusion please.

Terrific Tuesday to All.

Maria Lima said...

Morning, all! Nancy, I'm with you on computer!Voice. I hates them, I do.

Andi, it's nervewracking, the wait. I already voted, too and in my mind, it's over, but it's only just begun.

This morning, instead of standing in line at the polls, I'll be at the doc's office for my annual exam. Whee? Then off to the salt mines.

Hope everyone's poll experiences go well!

dina said...

Hi, everyone. I voted and am now in a holding pattern. I asked how the turnout was and the woman said it was her first year so she couldn't tell but it was steady. Seems to me that there was more traffic than usual (my polling place is right across the street from me) but I used to be at work this time of day so who knows?
Wishing it were all over.

Nicola Slade said...

Do you guys get inundated with calls from double-glazing salesmen? I now, if they're very pushy and I'm feeling nasty, tell them sweetly that I live in an eco-friendly underground house that has no windows. That stops 'em in their tracks and they go away! (What really bugs me is when the company that fitted our double glazing calls and offers more; grrrrrrrr!)

Kelly McCullough said...

Morning all, back from voting. Very heavy turnout at the opening bell, about four times what it was in 2004, 90 percent students. I'm just going to sit in the corner with my chocolate croissants and twitch until it's all over, okay?

Anonymous said...

I've already voted.

I "vote" many, many times during each year. Sometimes several times a month. :)

I vote by writing and calling my politicians insisting they stay on task.

I vote by visiting or infiltrating Federal Buildings demanding my politicians are fulfilling my vote and not lobbyist's threat.

I vote by demanding accountability and holding them responsible.

I vote with my brain and my feet. My heart and yes sometimes with my body before a dozen armored policemen with bullhorns and batons.

I'm not a "citizen" just every four years.

I saw a wonderful thing this morning. Dozens of students at my daughter's high school were lining up with white t-shirt with a big, bring "O" on them.

I'm feeling something I haven't in decades. Hope.

Peace and Strength for all today.

Larry Kollar said...

I woke up this morning remembering fragments of an interesting dream. We were "somewhere else," on vacation, and I was thinking about a story idea, an alternate-universe thing where the American natives were winged humans. I got interrupted by the kids wanting me to run back home and pick up some game discs. "You're kidding, right? There's a ton of stuff you could be doing out here, and you want to play video games?"

But when I woke up, the primary thought was of one of these winged natives, who lived on a nearby mountaintop, flying down to swim in someone's pond at night & getting caught. I thought it would make an interesting piece of flash fiction, then as I thought about it, it kept getting bigger. Maybe I'll have a novel after I finish FAR Future.

Janet, I appreciate you putting yourself on the line for our country like you do. I hope that if it's ever time to man the barricades, I'll have the guts to join you there. (BTW, I early-voted like 2 weeks ago, and I've been nervous since Sunday night.)

Anonymous said...

I voted! Tho in my Republican state, my vote pretty much disappears. But I did my part.

I stood in line with 4 other people. The benefits of living in a small town - precincts are held to 1500 voters. We have 34K in Coeur d'Alene, according to the signs, but I think it's a lot closer to 50K. 131K in the county in 2006, probably a bunch more now. Anyway, I feel bad for the folks who have to stand in line for hours - it's pouring here, and it would have been a wet wait.

Wish I had your strength, Janet.

Jen said...

I now, if they're very pushy and I'm feeling nasty, tell them sweetly that I live in an eco-friendly underground house that has no windows.

Nicola = brilliant.

Larry Kollar said...

Oh, Nicola, we have "do not call" lists here. The solicitors can't call numbers on that list. It doesn't stop of the deluge of credit card mail, but visiting a different web site took care of that. Now to get rid of the slimy car dealers sending their come-ons in what looks like a government envelope.

Nicola Slade said...

We have those 'do not call' facilities too, Far, but I can't be bothered to get organised. Besides, sometimes it's satisfying to snarl at a live one, unless it's obviously some kid doing his or her best. I'm only sarcastic to the pushy ones!

Glad we don't have to vote today: as someone with no rights and no axe to grind I'd love to have seen a Condi Rice - Hillary Clinton duel!

boran2 said...

Obama way out front! Woohoo!

Anonymous said...

I'm even watching the returns - aren't you guys proud of me? I have no clue how this is going to end up - I'm hopeful, but the country has disappointed me before.

Fingers crossed!

Larry Kollar said...

I'm sort of watching. Looks like Planet Georgia will remain Planet Georgia. No naked happy dance tonight, fortunately.

Nancy P said...

Planet Kansas remains alien to the likes of me. I love it anyway.

Anonymous said...

Ditto Idaho, although our polls don't close for another hour or two.

Fingers still crossed...which is making it hard to type.

Sorry about KS and PG...

Larry Kollar said...

I think Obama has it in the bag. He already has 200 EVs projected; when you add the west coast states it comes to 272. Now it's time to run up the score. :-D

Anonymous said...

I'm still waiting for the fat lady...

Nancy P said...

Can it be true??
He has 200 and Ca. has 55. . .

I want Florida. I want Florida sooo bad.

Anonymous said...

Me too, but for a different reason, lol. It almost snowed here today.

How appropo would THAT be??

Maria Lima said...

Ohio AND Iowa! And from the last count in VA, it's flipping blueish.

OMG!

Anonymous said...

Fat lady, fat lady, fat lady.

I refuse to get my hopes up, even with 207/135. I really couldn't take the disappointment right now.

But boy, could I use some good news.

I wonder where KB is. I was sure she'd be here watching with us. Maybe she's actually WATCHING, instead of playing with her 'puter...

Nancy P said...

lol, Beth. May Florida be in your future. Your near future.

A friend e'ed me that O has won Florida, but I can't find that on any channel yet.

Just this one night, we're a political blog, lol.

Nancy P said...

kb probably doesn't expect to come here and find politcal chat. Oh, what a thrilling night for elderly A-A folks.

Anonymous said...

I'm watching abc, and they're still not predicting Florida.

And yes, I'll be there in January. I should have been there last week, for the Parrothead convention. I could sure have used Key West's peculiar brand of insanity.

Boy will KB be sorry she missed us!

Aren't you proud of me, Nancy, becoming a political person for a whole night?? (Good thing there's no games on....tee hee)

Anonymous said...

Ah, the AP says Democrats capture Florida seats in House. Maybe that's what your friend saw.

Nancy P said...

You could sure use some Parrot Pals in the Sunshine.

We've been a bad influence on you, Beth, lol.
"Two senior McCain aids see 'no path to victory' given the results so far," according to CNN.

Can it possibly happen that my favs on American Idol and the Presidcency BOTH win? lol.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I sure could. Although today is a much better day. Did I write to you about it? I can't remember. I blogged about it.

I never watch the news, so have no idea which channel I should be following. But if the McCain folks are even starting to admit defeat....maybe....maybe.....

Yep, a bad influence, NP. LOL. Next thing you know, I'll be knee deep in political discussions with you guys!

Well, okay, maybe not :-)

Things happen in threes...maybe you should buy a lottery ticket.

Anonymous said...

Whooo Hooooooo! Oregon Rocks! American is going to be on the mend soon.

Good riddance to a bunch of scum who have tarnished this country and it's citizens! Who let people drown and while they ate cake. May they rot in their own special hell.

We've got a ton of hard work ahead of us to clean up their 8 year mess.

But we can do it! Yes, we can!

I have been hugged so much at work that my back hurts LOL. I had a very special peace shirt on and people and customers just gravitated towards it I guess.

((((nancy, thank you for allowing me to be me these past few weeks))) It's been a long, hard 8 years.

Anonymous said...

HOLY...COW

CNN just projected Obama as President!!!

Is that a fat lady I hear singing???

OMG.

Nancy P said...

CBS projects President Barack Obama!!! Wow!!! I think I'm going to cry.

(((Janet.))) I love you just the way you are, so of course you can be that person here. :)

And the same to all the rest of you, of whatever political bent.

Larry Kollar said...

ABC, too…

Anonymous said...

I've got chills. I just don't believe it. I haven't been this happy since Clinton was elected...

Wow.

Maybe there's hope for us yet.

Maria Lima said...

::SINGS LOUDLY:: w00t!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Florida, Nancy.

Larry Kollar said...

Local news just said that early voting numbers have NOT been included in the published totals tonight. Hm. Maybe some surprises on Planet Georgia?

Nancy P said...

lol, Florida!

Hi-Fives to all celebrants! Pats on back for everybody else.

Hmm, Far. Could it be. . .?

Anonymous said...

One can only hope.

Kelly McCullough said...

Hooray! I've got a half bottle of champagne in me and I'm feeling grand.

Anonymous said...

Limoncello here, Kelly. Only because I can't drink a whole bottle of champagne alone.

Yippee!

Nancy P said...

I thought McCain gave a nice speech and struck the right note. I'm glad of that. I hope it helps.

Anonymous said...

Definitely. Very gracious, and hopefully his supporters heard him. Hard to believe they'd boo - that was pretty sad. But McCain handled it very well.

Waiting for Obama's speech now - sorry you guys are having to stay up so late - there are a few benefits to living out west!

Nancy P said...

New post up!