I recently wrote about my some time frustrations with trying to get service in my obscure little beach town. After I recently tried to subscribe to the Sunday NY Times, I was told by email that they don't deliver in my location. So, imagine my surprise when I discovered a subscription charge for the Times on my credit card bill.

I called the Times and learned, of course, that they DO deliver to my address. So while they felt free to go ahead and bill me, they hadn't actually notified the delivery guy to start service at my address. Lo, and behold, the next day a paper was at my doorstep - except it was a Wednesday, and I only want Sunday delivery . . .

Last night I picked up my new 42 inch Panasonic HDTV from Sears. (You may recall that I posted about buying one in November, but I never actually received the TV, but that's another long story . . .). I called Time Warner to arrange for HD cable service. Of course, when you call, you have to enter your phone number on the key pad, which is a complete waste of time because the operator then immediately asks for the same information. Except my operator was certain that I have no Time Warner account. I gave her my phone number 4 times, gave her my name, and yet she could find no record of any account for me . . .

After hanging up and calling again, and crossing my fingers that I would get a different operator, I'm now able to go pick up my new fancy-schmancy cable box!

Yet another step by me into the 21st century . . .