889. What! Suddenlink again! UPDATES

July 28, 2019 Update: Suddenlink received notice from the FCC complaint I had and called to review the $60 charge again. Although they never called again about status, my statement DID reflect a $60 credit, plus some more. What these were for is a mystery because there is no way to tell from a statement, nor online display of current due. They send out an email prior to posting the eBill statement and it said Current Due=$14.47 Total Due ($78.61)! How can current due be positive 14.47 (I owe them) when credit of (78.61) is last statement amount and normal bill is around $52? Go figure. They still owe me about $200 for slamming two additional plans on me in October 2018 which I never signed up for and have been paying! I'll write that off for my lack of vigilance if the cheap company doesn't own up to that! I refuse to call them again over the past issues unless next statement is positive instead of credit. What a poor company.
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July 4, 2019 Update: It has now been 8 days since sending an email to customer.service@suddenlink.net to report the issue below and to allow them to respond to the last Suddenlink screwing. Still no word from them (as expected)! Below is the last issue. Next action will be consumeraffairs.com and BBB. The charge is trivial, but the poor response and backstabbing continuous -- Suddenlink, just keep the charge, but please acknowledge the error and for once correct the problems you cause.
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So, I have now been unable to resolve via phone an incorrect report made by a Suddenlink technician that resulted in me being billed for a service call. Instead of reporting that (1) he was unable to fix frequency interruption on my Suddenlink line despite replacing all cable up to the Suddenlink area distribution equipment, and (2) the Suddenlink modem (phone/Internet) was replaced because it was dropping signal (because of the  interruption) and  taking down both phone and the Internet about 2-4 times per week for about 1.75 months, he reported neither. Instead of replacing the phone modem Internet (Arris TG2492A phone with Internet) which he did not have despite my previous call when Suddenlink misinformed me told me to go to the local store to swap it for another (you can't do that for a phone modem! you must make a service call), the technician could only offer a new Arris modem with both Internet AND ROUTER. I considered and agreed that I needed a new phone modem since the old Suddenlink modem was dropping Internet, or just the SSID name from the network, or disabling my PC Ethernet wired connection. After almost 2 months of these headaches, swapping the Suddenlink modem was the likely resolution. It was was done and issues almost entirely were resolved except for one 5-second drop of Internet and a 4-hour interval of 0.3 mbs upload speed which corrected itself. But, with the new ARRIS modem, no phone outages since replacement.

Now for the rub! Instead of reporting all this, the technician noted that my router was the sole issue and ignored reporting anything else! Now, how can a phone go down intermittently BECAUSE of the router malfunctioning? The phone does NOT get its signal from the router! The router can be nonexistent and the phone will operate because it gets its signal from the Suddenlink MODEM! It was the replacement of the MODEM that resolved the phone dropping problem, AND the Internet problems. Because the technician failed to report, or fraudulently reported since this is the only way to make extra money, I was charged for the service call. Suddenlink's hopeless phone customer service was useless. The first caller couldn't even comprehend that the phone service was NOT dependent on the router! The second caller understood everyhitng but could not change any charges because the technician reported a USER PROBLEM, not a SUDDENLINK PROBLEM! Swapping out a Suddenlink modem to correct a problem isn't a Suddenlink problem? As I stated, the technician failed to mention the interruptions and Modem swap and ONLY reported that a router swap was done!

I have already reported so many Suddenlink issues on this Blog -- I don't know why I even waste my time other than to notify others of the behind-the-back Suddenlink practices.

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888. "What the Wind Brings" by Matthew Hughes – 2 Stars

What the Wind Brings by Matthew Hughes – 2 Stars

Publisher: BrPulp Literature Press

ISBN: 9781988865171

If you want some Afro-Equatorial native history beginning around a Spanish slave ship that was stranded off the shore of Equator in 1533, this book brings it home by accounting for it in a story of Anton (the real African leader of the slaves aboard that ship), Alonzo (real Hispanic-Afro) who had the responsibility delivering the slaves to Lima, Peru, and a Shaman representing the original natives at the shipwrecked location. The history presented is real and meaningful depicting the Spanish discrimination in those times and the hardships facing the slaves as slaves and then as liberated founders of their future. Their strategies to form a mixed race embellished a strong loyalty and following to neutralize continuous Spanish invasions and dominance. The history was the Pro in this book.

How the history was presented was, in my opinion, a bit too elementary. I found it hard to come up with an adjective other than “elementary” and will stick to it to document the somewhat naïve and totally backward nature of the natives who were already advanced enough that some understood rudimentary Spanish, knew about the Spanish soldiers and their weapons, and already endured many encounters with the Spanish and forced to do slave work for them. Yet, they were so simple they knew no number system and could only converse about Spanish weapons via “simple-talk” words. I was not impressed with the story that wasn’t written to more adult-fiction standards. For me, the story was an enormously difficult read and dissatisfying.

So, I have two parts to consider to rate this book. If I couldn’t acquire the knowledge of Esmeraldas, Ecuador via the internet so completely including the history of the shipwreck in 1533, along with Anton and Alonso, I’d shout Bravo. But, what I read on the Internet in less than 10 minutes gave me more than I could retrieve from this book. As a matter of fact, I had to go to the Internet to determine real history versus fictional story. Thus, a good try in reporting history part of the book which deserves a 3 if you want history. However, I was immediately turned off by the Shaman hermaphrodite and his major role as a reliable “physician” and his mind trips with the spirits. This part of the book did not meet my expectations as an Adult fiction class novel. Since the events were logically contiguous and complete, I’ll push it’s rating to 2.

Would I recommend this? No. I’ll rate this as a 2 overall.

 

Reviewer: Rich

887. "Thin Air" by Lisa Gray -- 5 Stars

Thin Air by Lisa Gray --   5 Stars

Publisher: Thomas and Mercer

ISBN: 9781542093644

Thin Air had all the elements needed to make it a truly outstanding novel. The action begins with the first page and never lets up throughout. The characters are interesting and believable. They take turns telling the story and the exchange between them flows seamlessly. The idea of a young woman who searches for missing persons finding herself a missing person is unique.

I did not see the connection between two gruesome murders that were committed twenty five years apart or figure out who the killer was until the amazing surprise ending.

Although this is the first book in a series, it wasn’t a cliff hanger to force you to the next book. Thus, it was a very enjoyable, independent novel, baiting you to pursue additional ventures by its characters.

I absolutely enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more of the series.

Review: Nancy

886. America's Immigration Part II

How do you wrap your hands around an octopus without it wrapping its 8 tentacles around your neck? Do we stand any hope in getting Congress to even begin reform of immigration laws, law enforcement, and cleanup?

Here’s an idea for how to proceed:

1. Welfare is broken as we know. But it goes far beyond immigration issues. It cannot be ignored and committee discussions should begin now to address overall reform to garner in the total abuse of the system. Let’s make this discussion quasi-independent of immigration, meaning let a different committee tackle its connection to immigration while this committee addresses overall reforms. What to address by this committee? How about the rampart cheating of the system by those too lazy to work and to increase America’s productivity and prosperity? I know I get tired of watching the court TV shows and continuously seeing the so-called disabled fight over the other side collecting Welfare checks when they shouldn’t or living in high rentals supported by rent subsidies. These are my main beefs, but food stamps to everyone to buy crap food or barter with for other purposes, e.g., drugs and cigarettes are also on top of list. I want to discuss these, but not right now. Check in later for future posts under “Welfare System.”
2. So, first thing out of the box re immigration must be things to eliminate the incorrect incentives luring the abundance of mass attempts to get over our border. I believe that if we can eliminate those incentives, less people will even try to come across. I can accept they all want freedom and liberty, but those should come with a price like we American citizens all pay – taxes, work (see 1 for overall Welfare reform too), service (military, civic responsibilities). Strict welfare handouts need to be employed and any births to illegals cannot be recognized and awarded with automatic citizenship! See “Step 1” below *.
3. At the same time, STOP the nonsense related to asylum claims. Go with Senator Lindsay’s proposal and make it a requirement that ALL amnesty requests be forwarded from an American Embassy in the country or region for the country of the individual seeking asylum. Should we not already know which countries and which areas of countries qualify? Can we not get details far in advance of individuals seeking asylum via Embassy request to allow us to investigate the individual(s)? That is, can we not make the process ORDERLY instead of a cattle jam at our border that contains all kinds of border seekers? See “Step 2” below *.
4. What about those who sneak across the border? That’s where the “wall”, not specifically a physical term, but a term that refers to any technique or method to stop the traffic of illegals AND contraband (drugs, counterfeit products, terrorism, etc.). Let’s call number 3 above the Legal Immigration Process and this one the Illegal Immigration Process. This process is obvious already started and going on for decades, but is NOT effective, nor efficient! A physical wall as President Trump barks out is only one remedy to stop Illegal Immigration in areas that are remote. This minimize reduce resources needed for those stretches of the southern border. Walls already exist and have already reduced attempts, so, why not complete the job for all remote areas? Other surveillance methods such as drones, sensors, etc. are already in use, not only for southern border, but all borders. I am sure these need to be enhanced and would focus on the areas most attacked by the traffickers of people and contraband. Detecting is one part, controlling is another that requires manpower or another means. See “Step 3” below *.
5. The above steps are direct controls of immigration. Now, who would we allow to cross our borders to seek residence, or simply to work? I see value of both the very skilled individual who immediately contributes highly to the growth of America, and then the less skilled individual who is hard working; both committed to America’s laws and doctrines. What is the correct proportion? The Labor Department should be able to tell us this. But, of course, who has the correct number for the masses of Illegals already employed illegally today? This must be resolved. Maybe the proposed Census question re citizenship was an attempt to learn this, but I say that won’t. More raids on companies? More detective work on social security numbers of dead people being reused? More pressure in the agricultural and construction businesses that hire these illegals? ALL required. I can’t believe our government can’t keep track of our deceased social security numbers and put a stop to this. Maybe its time to redo the identification of individuals completely with the creation and assignment of new identification numbers. Maybe even with fingerprint or DNA signatures. See “Step 4” below for discussion *.

* Steps 1-4 will be in separate posts later

885. CRUSH CandyCrushSaga Soda

I stumbled on to an application that apparently was installed on my system by one of Microsoft's Windows installations. Actually, I noticed a huge number of files with this name in it. So, I researched how to remove this silly game that I NEVER played once. Two alternatives were given, neither worked: (1) RC the app on start menu (NONE) and (2) use POWERSHELL (Again, not installed). So, apparently, some MSFT upgrade had already deleted the app, yet some of the files had dates as recent as yesterday! Go figure!

In Program Files is a HIDDEN folder Windows Apps which has an entry for a number of Candy Crush installations that when you try to delete them you get stopped by Security Access getting access to Windows Apps. Simply reply to the stoppage message that you want access and you get a dialog to allow you to CHANGE access (General Tab). I clicked on my PC Name/account name and then also checked the box at top to replace objects. When I executed this it reassigned access to me rather than trusted installer. Who knows what problems I caused down the line, but I was then allowed to delete the folders for Candy Crush and its thousands of objects successfully. I suppose I could go back to the Windows Apps and change the security back to trusted installer as the owner, but not now! Things worked and I'll face any trouble later.

884. Suddenlink Internet/support Pitiful!

Here we go again with Suddenlink. On 5/30/2019 they came out and replaced all cables, even under ground to distribution box, only to discover they couldn't resolve a frequency interruption that occurs from the distribution box or above. The work they did knocked out my router of course, but even worse, it disabled by ethernet. So, when they finished rewiring and now ethernet wired connection wouldn't work, they claimed BAD ROUTER! Well, not so! I was already over 2 hours boiling with the nonsense they were doing when all they had to do was test at the distribution box FIRST! Instead, they spent hours to rewire the lines on my property only to conclude the issue was apparent in their system. So, this was problem #1 which I was opted to go with their modem/router to replace my router!

Now today, after an earlier drop and recovery a few days ago on this new modem, my response was sluggish. The download time flew like it should at 108 Mbps. But the upload couldn't even get to 0.3 Mbps! So I wasted over 4 hours diagnosing and trying to recover. I called Suddenlink and need about 4 phone calls to finally get to a technician! Until them I was only presented with an automated system that kept walking me through modem reboot! After 3 modem reboots and no success, the phone call, since it had to be the 4th or fifth, finally went to a technician who proceeded with the "is it plugged in", "let's reboot", etc. sequence on her instructions pages.Of course a first line is ever going to resolve your issue and she wouldn't connect me higher (oh, their busy). So, I got on their call queue -- right! It's been another 4 hours since I was supposed to be on queue! And, guess what? The upload time, after being less than 0.3 mbps for 5 hours was at 17.5 mps with no changes by me. So, where was the problem? And why couldn't Suddenlink technicians see it? Were others affect? We know these answers -- Suddenlink is useless in resolving technical issues over the phone. I dread even having to call them!

Status now? Last speed test was back down to 9.8 mbps, and just now 12.78.  The consistency is terrible! During all this crap I not only rebooted modem, but reset factory defaults too and had to redefine my network. That wsa a joy when I started connecting my wireless devices with new password. Printer and old Kindle wanted 2.4g connection connection and PC, Fire Kindle, and FireTV were happy with 5G connection. However, unlike the printer, the old Kindle would NOT CONNECT despite the SSID visible and right PW no matter what I did to Kindle. Can you believe I had to reboot the Suddenlink modem yet again?

So, now I have a working network again at acceptable speed. Tomorrow, who knows? Did the technicians ever get to the distribution box to determine the frequency interruptions from 5/30? Dream on! NO STATUS. AT&T coming through with Fiber Link. Time to look into that.

883. America's Immigration Part 1

America’s Immigration Part 1:

Let’s begin with a planning session to outline the broken immigration system and controls. I will proceed with a group of one (me) and look at how I perceive the planning for changes to immigration should be defined and handled. Future post will be needed to complete my documentation.

All planning begins with a mission statement to clearly inform everybody of the ideal systems required. Then, goals are defined to support the mission and provide targets for which to aim. Issues will first have to be detailed before one – two year objectives can be defined. Then it will be Congress’ job to assign completion dates and assign a leader (ONE) to champion each objective. It should be Congress’ responsibility to generate the detailed tasks and priorities to accomplish each objective. This will never happen, so I’ll do this the best I can to provide a blueprint and roadmap to follow. Why I am wasting my time is because I CARE! If I could lead the planning session for Congress I can assure you, that with the proper support of Congressional leaders an entire 5-10 year plan could be laid out with 1-2 short-term action plans. Comments always appreciated. This is YOUR country too!

Mission: America will provide an immigration policy that is unequaled in the world. It will continuously offer its resources and liberties to anybody accepting its laws and principles as defined in the U.S. Constitution. The policy needs to be open-ended and flexible; yet restrictive to the amount of resources it takes to effectively and efficiently manage the program so that it is not over-burdened to the degree of lowering effectiveness or causing disruption to other American policies. The immigrants must show loyalty and stride towards citizenship and commit to America’s laws and principles.

Goals: Goals are merely targets that may or may not ever be met entirely, only something to aim at. The goals should be:

(1)   America desires the best in professional professions who will continue to apply their expertise using America’s resources and liberties to improve mankind. These are the individuals who contribute the most to America itself; their achievements may directly grow America’s economy and/or attract other specialists to come to our shores.

(2)   America should also allow dedicated, loyal individuals who believe in American democracy, doctrines, and law regardless of profession. We are always in need of workers across the labor forces that are willing to work hard and loyal.

(3)   America should be visual of hardships and dangers in other countries from which its citizens take flight to survive in peace and liberty. It is our duty to reach out to the ones in most dire situations, but without overburdening our resources. This becomes an impossible task since America cannot resolve all worldwide issues for everybody.

Objectives: Objectives with specific measureable progress points and completion dates. These are continuously created and maintained to move us toward out goals and dependent on present and future conditions and expectations. Issues are a main driver of objectives and must continuously be defined and examined. 

2019 Issues:

(1)   Decades of government’s ineffectiveness in exercising America’s laws allowed millions of immigrants that do not meet the requirements of loyalty and abeyance of laws. Thus, millions of immigrants are deemed Illegals because they live here without declaring their loyalty to America and have hidden from officials and taken new identities in order to take advantage of the richness of America’s generous programs of welfare or other, thus ignoring laws. In my opinion, government created this mess and gathering them up now because of the government’s negligence is not entirely correct. Another solution needs to be defined.

(2)   Millions more try to come into America despite the lack of resources to process them or support them. The use of the term amnesty is being used fraudully in so many cases it invalidates and injures those who are really in danger. Should not the country from which they emigrate be better to assess amnesty requirements? I know Senator Lindsay has some proposal to stop all amnesty at the border and make it mandatory for an immigrant to go to it’s home co9untry’s consulate to request amnesty in America.

(3)   America can not absorb an overburdening number of individuals seeking America’s shores. People resources are not available to process or support them. Finances are not available when we can’t even manage the poverty and citizens we have.

(4)   Global terror continues to reside in the world and America is a target. Thus, America must be visual and smart about who it allows to cross its borders, as well as, all shipments and products entering America. The escalating costs of controlling our borders are out-of-hand, both financially and managerially.

(5)   The proportions of individuals seeking America have become highly skewed toward the unskilled immigrant versus the skilled professionals we need. Plus, the issue is becoming worse. America needs to refocus on its goals to control these delicate proportions.

(6)   America’s Welfare systems are broken. Not only for supporting the Illegals and seeking immigrants, but in general America’s own citizens too. No country can provide ample resources for an infinite number of beggars, unwilling to work for their country and even the betterment of their own families. Unless America can squash their own beggars, no hope is available for any immigrants, particularly more beggars.

America’s Immigration Part 2 (future post) will address the proposed objectives for 1-2 year ending July 2021. Unfortunately, I expect little because Congress is totally ineffective and cannot possibly get it’s hands around all the issues and programs broken that need to be fixed or to see the forest from the tree blocking their sight.

882. Woodbridge Home Exteriors - Beware, then enjoy

Woodbridge Home Exteriors replaced some of my double pane windows with triple pane windows several years back. Although I had a difficult time with them, particularly getting in contact with of somebody, they finally provided me a contact. However, it took several times for them to get the double hung windows right (latches and locks) and 5 times to get the fixed window correct, replacing it 4 times because it was manufacturer incorrectly. But, they resolved thir issues and produced some fine windows at the end.

But, the story doesn't end there. Because they lived up to their installation and ensured it was right I went with them again to install vinyl over all my soffits and fascia. The first installer screwed up several things by NOT repairing damaged (rotten) wood before covering it with vinyl as per my contract. Then he quit because he didn't want to do the required repairs identified in the contract after doing about 30' of the house! He left after cracking a window, leaving a short in my light circuit, and crapping installation. Woodbridge claimed that they would get another installer to pick up where the first left off using the same materials and installation techniques. WRONG! The second installer would not form the fascia as the first did because his method was better, particularly the corners, He was right! Mike Motley in Amarillo is an installer to seek if you want vinyl soffits and fascia!

Now the BEWARE: Woodbridge has loose lipped sales people -- and that includes all departments. They do NOT do the work themselves -- everything is subcontracted -- and do not provide their personal warranty they preach. The warrant is 3rd party and ONLY covers manufacturer's defects. I was promised that any hail damage to my new vinyl would be replaced at no charge for lifetime. Well, that isn't in writing! I am still negotiating for written warranty stating that since the manufacturer's defect warranty, called a Preservation Warranty by Woodbridge, does not cover any "Act of God" and specifically states that only it applies and no other warranties. I believe this is called "selling you down the river" and a bait and switch tactic. Their prices are higher than other installers, but a warranty re hail damage would be worth a premium -- should I get it!
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6/9/2019 Woodbridge came through with everything promised. The final installation was beautiful, the cracked window matched and repaired the first time, and a letter from the president warranted repair due to hail. The journies to get to the finish line was similar to the 2013 installation of windows, but the end result is pleasing. If you can take the bumps, and ALL contractors cause bumps, you should be pleased too with the workmanship. Get details of importance in your contract, spend some time to manage the project, and enjoy the finally.

881. "The Body on the Roof" by Kevin Creager -- 4 Stars

The Body on the Roof by Kevin Creager -- 4 Stars

Black Rose Writing

9781684332717

The body on the Roof is a gentle cozy mystery set in a small town with a cast of interesting residents some of whom are not as they appear to their neighbors. There are multiple crimes and multiple villains with some misdirection to keep the plot interesting throughout.

The cast of characters at the beginning was helpful. Small town mysteries usually include a host of residents with names to remember. Being able to check back to the list at the beginning of the book to reference their roles was appreciated.

This book is entertaining and enjoyable. Reading it is a pleasant way to spent a few hours.

Reviewer: Nancy