My Friday Five

Five Things I did this Week

1. I began reading "Jingo" by Terry Pratchett. I love Terry Pratchett's Discworld books. My favorite character is Death. Death speaks in capital letters and has a granddaughter. There is also a Death of Rats which Death allowed to continue on in spite of no need for same. The funniest book that Death was in was "Hogsfather." I am also a fan of the Unseen University, Carrot, and Granny Weatherwax.

2. I took the doggie visiting and we spent four hours in the woods. Human friend and I snowshoed, made a fire, and drank coffee. Doggie played with a doggie friend. She handled herself well. Although the doggie is mid-size, she prefers smaller playmates. This particular doggie friend is larger than she is. At one point, she was humping him. "You got it wrong!" I yelled at her.

3. I took a friend to drug court. She has to go two times a month. It was my first time in the smaller courtroom. I've gone several times to drug court held for the once-a-monthers and the two-weekers held in the larger courtroom. I support drug courts because I have seen the success stories. I also learn some things from listening to the judge interact with the folks who go there. The first thing I learned was "You gotta have a Plan B." This week I learned, "The brain has to be in the game or the journey will be harder." And, "Now is the time to be UN-confused."

4. I applied for part-time work and I have decided that I will aim for one company a day face-to-face until I find one. The stupid VESID morons have done zilch and I have decided that they are a waste. I am going to call the job handler on Monday and make an appointment. During the appointment, I will have her read to me exactly how many hours I am currently limited to working by the medical professionals (15), explain once again that my plan is to ease back into working via part-time work, and remind her that I was accepted into the 55b program and that I am waiting for a state job.

5. I made a bunch of new icons. I like doing computer art. I've got Paint Shop Pro 9 and 10, The GIMP, and Jasc Animation Shoppe.

spike

Dial-A-HUman

Sharing what was shared with me:

1-800-FLOWERS.COM	800-716-4851		Direct to human.
AAA	800-222-4357		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
AARP	888-687-2277		Press 0.
AARP Healthcare	800-523-5800		Press 1; at prompt press 4.
AARP MedicareRxPlan	888-867-5575		Press 1; hold through message.
AARP Pharmacy Services	800-289-8849		Press 1; hold through message.
ABN AMRO Mortgage	800-783-8900		Press #; at prompt press #; at prompt press 0.
Ace Hardware	866-290-5334		Press 0.
Adelphia	888-683-1000		Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Adobe Systems	800-833-6687		At prompt, press 1.
Advance Auto Parts	800-314-4243		Press 0.
Aetna	800-738-7674		Say "member"; press *0.
Aetna Rx Home Delivery	800-227-5720		Press 0.
AFLAC	800-992-3522		Press #; at prompt press #; at prompt press #; at prompt press 3.
AIG	877-638-4244		Direct to human.
Air Canada	888-247-2262		Press 1; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 0.
AirTran Airlines	800-204-5695		Press 0.
Alamo	800-462-5266		Direct to human.
Alaska Air	800-252-7522		Press #.
Alitalia	800-223-5730		Press *.
Allmerica Financial	800-533-7881		Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Allstate	800-255-7828		Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Allstate Motor Club	800-869-7997		Direct to human.
Alltel Wireless	800-255-8351		Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Amazon Visa	888-247-4080		Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Amazon.com	800-201-7575		Don't press or say anything.
America Online	800-827-6364		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
American Airlines	800-433-7300		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
American Airlines Baggage	800-535-5225		Press 7.
American Express	800-528-4800		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Ameriquest Mortage	888-436-7571		Don't press or say anything.
Amtrak	877-444-4773		Direct to human.
Apple	800-275-2273		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
AT&T	800-288-2747		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
AT&T Business	800-750-2355		Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
AT&T Universal Card	800-423-4343		Don't press or say anything.
AT&T Worldnet	800-400-1447		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Auto Zone	800-288-6966		Press 1; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 0.
Avis	800-230-4898		Press 2.
Baby Bjorn	866-424-0200		Press 2.
Bank Card Svcs.	800-655-1491		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Bank of America	877-231-9372		Direct to human.
Bank of America Credit	800-732-9194		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Bank of New York	800-225-5269		Press ###.
Barclays	877-523-0478		Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Barnes & Noble	800-422-7717		Direct to human.
Barnes & Noble.com	800-843-2665		Press 16.
Bear Stearns	888-807-6898		Direct to human.
Bed, Bath & Beyond	800-462-3966		Press 4; hold.
Belkin Tech Support	800-223-5546		At prompt press 2263; press 1 at each prompt thereafter.
BellSouth	888-757-6500		Press *0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Bellsouth FastAccess DSL	888-321-2375		Press 1; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 2, ignoring messages.
Best Buy	888-237-8289		Press 2.
Best Buy Card	800-365-0292		Press 6 at each prompt, ingnoring recording.
Best Western	800-780-7234		Direct to human.
BJ's Wholesale Club	800-257-2582		Press 0#.
Black & Decker	800-544-6986		Direct to human.
Blockbuster	214-854-3000		Press 22.
Blockbuster Online	866-692-2789		Press 11.
Bloomingdales Credit	800-295-4057		Direct to human.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield	877-526-3425		Say "get associate" at prompt.
BMG Music	317-692-9200		Press #.
BMW	800-831-1117		Say "customer relations" and then press 1 for "vehicle" or 2 for "motorcycle."
Boost Mobile	888-266-7848		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Borders	888-812-6657		Press 0.
Bosch Power Tools	877-267-2499		Press 100.
Bose	800-444-2673		Direct to human.
Briggs & Stratton	414-259-5262		Press 0 at prompt.
British Airways	800-247-9297		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Brother International	800-284-4329		Press 7.
Budget Rent a Car	800-527-0700		Press 0.
Buick	800-521-7300		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Buy.com	800-800-0800		Don't press or say anything.
Cabela's	800-237-4444		Direct to human.
Cablevision	800-868-9840		Press 1. Then press 0 at each subsequent prompt.
Cadillac	800-333-4223		Press 0.
Canon USA	800-828-4040		At prompt press *; at prompt press 0.
Capital One	800-548-4593		Press 0.
Card Services	888-363-8001		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Caremark	800-262-7890		Press 0.
Carnival Cruise	800-929-6400		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Casio	800-706-2534		Press 3.
Celebrity Cruises	800-647-2251		Press 0.
Cellular One	888-910-9191		Press 4.
Centers for Disease Control	800-232-4636		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid	800-999-1118		Press 1000.
Ceridian Benefit Svcs.	800-877-7994		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Charles Schwab	800-435-9050		Press 3, followed by eight digit account number
Charter Communications	866-472-2200		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Chase Credit Cards	800-432-3117		Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Chase Home Finance	800-848-9136		Press #0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
CheapTickets	800-755-4333		Don't press or say anything; when offered customer service say "Yes."
CheapTrips	800-211-5119		Direct to human.
Chevrolet	800-222-1020		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
ChevronTexaco Credit	800-243-8766		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Chrysler Financial	800-700-0738		Say "agent" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Chrysler Group	800-992-1997		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
CIGNA	800-849-9000		Press ## at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Cingular Wireless (AT&T)	800-331-0500		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Cingular Wireless Warranty Dept.	800-801-1101		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Circuit City	800-843-2489		Press 0.
Citi Cards	800-633-7367		Don't press or say anything, ignoring messages.
Citi Simplicity	866-696-5673		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Citibank	800-756-7047		Press 0# at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Citizens Bank	800-922-9999		Press 000.
Columbia House DVD	888-467-7404		Press 1 for English; then don't press or say anything, ignoring messages.
Columbia Mutual Funds	800-345-6611		Say "representative."
Comcast	800-266-2278		Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Comcast	800-266-2278		Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Comfort Inn	877-424-6423		Direct to human.
Commerce Bank	888-751-9000		Direct to human.
Commonwealth Edison	800-334-7661		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Compaq	800-652-6672		Say "operator" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Compass Bank	800-239-5175		Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
CompUSA	800-266-7872		Press 33.
CompUSA erebates	888-716-8555		Press **.
CompuServe	800-848-8990		Press 1211.
Computer Associates	877-694-8509		Press 2.
Consolidated Edison	800-752-6633		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Consumers' Energy Company	800-477-5050		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Continental Airlines	800-784-4444		Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Costco	800-220-6000		Press 55.
Costco.com	800-955-2292		Press 55.
Countrywide Loans	800-669-5864		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
CVS.com	888-607-4287		Press 0.
Days Inn	800-329-7466		Direct to human.
Dell Financial Services	800-283-2210		Press 0; at prompt press 0; at prompt press #; at prompt press #.
Dell Sales	800-624-9897		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Dell Tech Support	800-624-9896		Press 3; say "agent" at each additional prompt, ignoring messages.
Delta Airlines	800-221-1212		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Delta Dental	888-335-8227		After language option, press 2 for existing or 3 for new account.
Detroit Edison (DTE)	800-477-4747		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
DHL Express	800-225-5345		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Dillard's	800-345-5273		Direct to human.
Diner's Club	800-729-5309		Press 2.
DirecTV	800-824-9081		Don't press or say anything.
Dirt Devil	800-321-1134		Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Discover	800-347-2683		Please enter your 16 digital account number
DISH network	800-333-3474		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Disney Cruise Line	800-951-3532		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Disney Shopping	800-328-0368		Press 0.
Disneyland Resort	714-781-4000		Direct to human.
Dodge	800-992-1997		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Dodge and Cox	800-621-3979		Press 0.
Dollar Rent-A-Car	800-800-4000		Press 0.
Drugstore.com	800-378-4786		Press 2; at prompt press 5.
Earthlink	888-327-8454		Press 1; press 0 at each prompt thereafter, ignoring messages.
eBay	800-322-9266		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Eddie Bauer	800-426-8020		Press 1.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	800-261-7331		Press 3 at prompt.
Entertainment Weekly	866-228-1183		Say "agent." Say "yes."
Epson	800-533-3731		Direct to human.
Equifax	866-640-2273		Press 30 at each prompt, ignoring message.
e*Trade	800-786-2575		Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Eureka Vacuum	800-438-7352		Press 17.
Evenflo	800-233-5921		Press 4.
Expedia	800-397-3342		Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Experian	800-493-1058		Say "yes"; enter report #; enter social security #; say "yes"; say "agent" then "yes" to confirm at prompts thereafter.
Express Scripts	800-206-4005		Press 0.
Exxon Mobil Card	800-344-4355		Press 000, ignoring message.
Farmer's Insurance	800-435-7764		Do not press or say anything, ignoring messages.
FedEx	800-463-3339		Say "representative" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Fidelity	800-544-6666		Ignore prompt for social security number; press ###.
First Nat'l Bank of Omaha	888-530-3626		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Fisher-Price	800-432-5437		Do not press or say anything, ignoring messages.
Florida Power & Light	800-226-3545		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Ford	800-392-3673		Press 0; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 0.
Ford Interest Advantage	800-462-2614		Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Ford Motor Credit	800-727-7000		Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Four Points by Sheraton	888-625-5144		Press 17.
FreeCreditReport.com	877-481-6825		Press 51 at prompt.
Frigidaire Parts	800-599-7569		Press 3.
FTD	800-736-3383		Press 2.
Fujitsu PC Support	800-385-4878		Press 00.
Gap Credit Card	800-887-1198		Press 000 at each prompt; ignore request for account number.
Gateway Computers	800-846-2000		Press 4; say "no" at each additional prompt.
GE Appliances	800-626-2005		Press 000.
GE Finance CareCredit	866-893-7864		Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GE MONEY BANK	877-317-5544		Press 1, then don't press or say anything.
Geek Squad	800-433-5778		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GEICO	800-841-3000		At prompt press 6; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 5; at prompt press #.
Georgia Power	888-660-5890		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GM MasterCard	800-947-1000		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GMAC	800-200-4622		Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GMC	800-462-8782		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GoDaddy.com	480-505-8899		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Goldman Sachs Mutual Funds	800-762-5035		Direct to human.
Goodyear Tire	800-321-2136		Press 1; at prompt press 5.
Google	650-623-4000		Press 0.
Google AdWords	866-246-6453		Press 22.
Graco	800-345-4109		Press 0.
Great West Health	800-663-8081		Press 1; at prompt press 1; press 4 at each prompt thereafter, ignoring messages.
Greyhound	800-231-2222		Press 26.
Hampton Inn	800-426-7866		Direct to human.
Harley-Davidson	414-343-4056		Press 0.
Hertz	800-654-3131		Direct to human.
Hewlett-Packard	800-474-6836		Say "agent" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Hilton HHonors	800-548-8690		Press 5 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Hitachi	800-448-2244		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Holiday Inn	800-465-4329		Press 0; at prompt press 0.
Holmes	800-284-3267		Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Home Depot	800-793-3768		Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Home Depot Credit	800-677-0232		Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Home Shopping Net	800-284-3100		Press 0.
Honda	800-999-1009		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Honda Financial Svcs.	800-445-1358		Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Honeywell	800-468-1502		Press 11900.
Hoover	800-944-9202		Press 52.
Hotels.com	800-346-8357		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring prompts.
Hotwire	866-468-9473		Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Household Bank Credit	800-771-7339		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
H&R Block Advisors	866-295-7912		Press 3; at prompt press 2.
HSBC	800-477-6000		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Hughesnet	866-347-3292		Press 2.
Humana	800-448-6262		At prompts say "member," "pharmacy," "prescription benefits"; give invalid ID.
Humana Medicare Claims	800-457-4708		Press *; at prompt press *; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 0; at prompt press *.
Hyatt Corporation	888-591-1234		Direct to human.
IBM	800-426-4968		Direct to human.
Ikea	800-434-4532		Press 0 quickly and repeatedly.
ING Direct	800-464-3473		Direct to human.
Intuit	800-811-8766		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
JC Penney Catalog	800-222-6161		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
JC Penny Credit	800-542-0800		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Jeep	800-992-1997		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
JetBlue Airways	800-538-2583		Press 0.
John Deere	800-537-8233		Press 1; at prompt press 4.
John Hancock	800-732-5543		Press 2; at prompt press 0.
Johnson & Johnson	800-526-3967		Press 0.
JP Morgan Chase	800-392-5749		Press 131.
Juno	888-839-5866		Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
JVC America	800-252-5722		Press 3.
Kensington Tech Support	800-535-4242		Press 11.
KitchenAid	800-422-1230		Press 3420.
Kmart	866-562-7848		Press 12.
Kodak	800-235-6325		Press #.
Kodak Gallery (Ofoto)	800-360-9098		Say "agent."
Kohls Credit	800-564-5740		Press # at each prompt, ignorning messages.
Kolcraft	800-453-7673		Direct to human.
Lands End	800-743-9706		Direct to human.
Le Meridien	888-625-5144		Press 13.
Lexmark	800-539-6275		Press 1.
Liberty Mutual (Claims)	800-225-2467		Press 10.
Lincoln Mercury	800-521-4140		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Linksys	800-326-7114		Press 1; at prompt press ###.
Little Tikes	800-321-0183		Press 11.
LL Bean	800-441-5713		Direct to human.
Logitech	702-269-3457		Press 2000.
Lord & Taylor Credit	800-223-7440		Press 2002.
Lowe's	800-445-6937		Press 0.
Lowes Visa	800-508-2520		Press 0# at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Lufthansa	800-399-5838		Direct to human.
Luxury Collection Hotels	888-625-5144		Press 15.
Macy's	800-289-6229		Press 4; press *# at each prompt thereafter.
Macy's Credit	800-280-4356		Press 9; press 0 at each prompt thereafter, ignoring messages.
Magnavox	800-705-2000		Select language. Say "agent."
Mariott Rewards	800-321-7396		Press 0.
Marriot International	800-228-9290		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring prompts.
MasterCard	800-622-7747		Press 000 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Mattel	800-524-8697		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Maytag	800-462-9824		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Mazda	800-222-5500		Press 0.
MBNA	800-421-2110		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
McAfee	888-847-8766		Press #40.
MCI	888-624-5622		Press 2 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Medco Insurance	800-251-7690		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Medco Pharmacy	800-987-5269		Say "representative" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Medicare	800-633-4227		Say "agent."
Mellon Investor	800-522-6645		Press #.
Memorex Electronics	800-919-3647		Press 333.
Merrill Lynch	800-637-7455		Say "Advisor".
MetLife	800-560-5001		Press ####.
MetLife Bank	866-226-5638		Press 000 rapidly and repeatedly, ignoring messages.
Metro PCS	888-863-8768		Don't press or say anything, ignoring messages.
Microsoft Tech Support	800-642-7676		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Midwest Airlines	800-452-2022		Press **.
Money Magazine	800-633-9970		Don't press or say anything.
Moneygram	800-926-9400		Press 0.
Morgan Stanley	800-869-3326		Press 00.
Motel 6	800-466-8356		Direct to human.
Motorola	800-331-6456		Press 00.
MSN	800-386-5550		Say "agent" at each prompt, until offered a representative; say "yes."
Napster	800-839-4210		Press 33; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 2.
National Car Rental	800-227-7368		Direct to human.
Nationwide Insurance Claims	800-421-3535		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Nautilus (Bowflex)	800-628-8458		Press 3; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 4.
NetFlix	888-638-3549		Press 0 at each prompt.
Netgear	888-638-4327		At prompt press 41.
Netscape	866-541-8233		Press 000.
NetZero	866-841-1442		Press #### at each prompt, ignoring messages.
New York Times	800-698-4637		Press 500.
Newsweek	800-631-1040		Press 0.
Nikon Service	800-645-6687		Press 4 at prompt.
Nintendo	800-255-3700		Press 0.
Nissan Credit (NMAC)	800-888-2799		Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Nissan USA	800-647-7261		Press #.
Nokia	888-665-4228		At prompt press 1; at prompt press 3; at prompt press 1.
Nordstrom	888-282-6060		Direct to human.
Northwest Airlines	800-692-6980		Direct to human.
Northwest Airlines WorldPerks	800-447-3757		At prompts say "WorldPerks," "agent," "yes," "agent," "yes."
Northwestern Mutual	800-388-8123		Press 0; press 1 to participate or 2 to decline survey.
Norwegian Cruise Line	866-234-0292		Don't press or say anything.
NY Life Benefit Services	800-294-3575		Press 0.
NY Life Retirement Svcs.	800-586-1413		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Office Depot	888-463-3768		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
OfficeMax	800-283-7674		Press 2.
OfficeMax Rebates	866-765-5702		Press 2; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 2; enter fake phone #; press 1 to confirm; press 1 to confirm.
Olympus - Digital	888-553-4448		Press 5; at prompt press 0.
Omron Healthcare	877-216-1333		Don't press or say anything.
Orbitz	888-656-4546		Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Overstock.com	800-843-2446		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Pacific Gas & Electric	800-743-5000		At prompt say "Operator"; at prompt say "Yes"; at prompt say "Operator"; at prompt say "Yes."
Palm	800-881-7256		Press 1; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 2.
Panasonic	800-211-7262		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
PayPal	888-221-1161		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
PayPal Buyer Credit	866-571-3012		Say "agent" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
PC World	800-234-3498		Press *; at prompt press 2.
People Magazine	866-365-1620		Press 0.
People PC	800-736-7537		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Pep Boys	800-737-2697		Press 33; at prompt press 1; hold through prompts for representative.
PepsiCo	800-433-2652		Press 0.
PETCO	888-824-7257		Don't press or say anything.
Philips Electronics	888-744-5477		Say "agent."
Pitney Bowes Equipment	800-522-0020		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
PNC Bank	888-762-2265		Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Poland Spring	800-950-9396		Say "representative" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Polaroid	800-343-5000		Press 0.
Pontiac	800-762-2737		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Pottery Barn	888-779-5176		Don't press or say anything.
Priceline	800-774-2354		At prompt press 1; at prompt press 1; at prompt enter phone number #; at prompt enter phone number #; at prompt enter phone number #.
Primerica	800-544-5445		Press 0.
Princess Cruise Line	800-774-6237		Press 0.
Principal Financial	800-547-7754		Enter social security #, then press 0.
Principal Life	800-247-4695		Press 1; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 0.
Procter & Gamble	800-331-3774		Press 1.
Progressive Insurance	800-776-4737		Press 000.
Prudential Annuity	888-778-2888		Press ** at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Prudential Financial	800-778-3932		Direct to human.
Public Service Electric & Gas	800-436-7734		Press 0.
Qantas	800-227-4500		Press 3; at prompt press 2; hold through message.
QuickBooks	888-729-1996		Press 0.
QVC	800-367-9444		Press 0.
Qwest	800-244-1111		Press 1; say "operator" at all subsequent prompts.
Radio Shack	800-843-7422		Press 0; at prompt press 0.
Radisson	888-201-1718		Direct to human.
Ramada	800-828-6644		Direct to human.
RBS Credit Card	800-747-8155		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
RCA / Thompson Electronics	877-794-7977		Press 2.
RCN	800-746-4726		Press 1; at prompt press 3; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 4.
Reader's Digest	800-304-2807		Press 0.
Reliant Energy	866-222-7100		Don't press or say anything.
Rent-A-Center	800-422-8186		Press 1.
Rite Aid	800-748-3243		Don't press or say anything.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines	866-562-7625		Press 0.
Ryder Customer Service	305-500-3726		Direct to human.
Ryder Rentals	800-297-9337		Don't press or say anything.
Sallie Mae	888-272-5543		Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Sam's Club	800-964-1917		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Sam's Club Credit	800-203-5764		Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Samsung	800-726-7864		Press 2; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 3; at prompt press 3.
Saturn	800 553-6000		Press 3.
SBC DSL support	877-722-3755		Say "sales".
Sears	800-469-4663		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Sears Credit Card	800-917-7700		Press 0000000; press 0 at subsequent prompts.
Sears Delivery	800-732-7747		Press 95111.
Secure Horizons	800-228-2144		Say "prospective member".
Sharp	800-237-4277		Press 1132.
Shell Gasoline Card	800-490-9119		Press 0 when prompted for an account number.
Sheraton Hotels	888-625-5144		Press 12.
Simple Freedom	800-335-6401		Press #0#0.
Sirius	888 539-7474		Press 1; at prompt press 0.
Smith Barney Benefitaccess	888-822-6067		Press 0.
Sony / Playstation	800-222-7669		Say "agent"; at prompt say "agent"; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 1.
Sony Ericsson Mobile	866-766-9374		Select language.
Southern CA Edison	800-655-4555		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Southwest	800-435-9792		Direct to human.
Sovereign Bank	877-768-2265		Don't press or say anything.
Spirit Air	800-772-7117		Press 00.
Sports Illustrated	800-284-8800		Press ###, ignoring messages.
Sprint - Nextel	800-639-6111		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Sprint Broadband Direct	888-996-0001		Press 00.
Sprint Long Distance	800-877-4646		Press 000 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Sprint Mobile	877-349-4413		Direct to human.
St. Regis Hotels	888-625-5144		Press 0.
Staples	800-333-3330		Don't press or say anything.
Staples Easy Rebates	877-266-6483		Wait for "main menu" then press 0 * *.
Starbucks Coffee	800-782-7282		Press 0.
State Farm Auto Insurance	877-734-2265		At prompt, say "insurance."
State Farm Bank	877-734-2265		Say "operator" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Student Loan Corp.	800-967-2400		Press 5.
Student Loan People	888-250-6401		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
SunCom	800-786-7378		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
SUNOCO	800-278-6626		Press 00000; mumble when prompted for an account number.
SunTrust	800-786-8787		Press # rapidly and repeatedly.
Super 8	800-800-8000		Direct to human.
Symantec	800-441-7234		Don't press or say anything, ignoring prompts.
T. Rowe Price	800-922-9945		Say "operator" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
T-Mobile	877-537-7389		Direct to human.
Talk America	800-291-9699		Say "Agent"; confirm phone number; say "agent" at each prompt thereafter.
Target	800 591-3869		Press 2; don't press or say anything, ignoring messages.
Target Online	800 591-3869		Press 1; don't press or say anything, ignoring messages.
TD Ameritrade	800-669-3900		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Tech SupportT-Mobile	877-369-4588		Direct to human.
Telecheck	800-710-9898		Press 1, 3, * at prompts.
Teleflora	800-835-3356		Press 2.
Texas Instruments	800-842-2737		Press 0 # and hold.
Textron Financial	800-388-1826		Direct to human.
The Company Store	800-285-3696		Press 0.
Thrifty Car Rental	800-847-4389		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
TIAA-CREF	800-842-2733		Don't press or say anything.
Ticketmaster	Local		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Timberland	888-802-9947		Press 0.
Time Magazine	800-843-8463		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Time Warner Cable	Local		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Time Warner Road Runner	877-318-8333		Direct to human.
TiVo	877-367-8486		Say "Agent" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
TJ Maxx	800-926-6299		Don't press or say anything.
TomTom	866-486-6866		Press 1.
Toshiba	800-457-7777		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Toyota	800-331-4331		Press 6.
Toyota Financial Svcs.	800-874-8822		Select Language option; press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Toys ''R'' Us	800-869-7787		Press 1; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 7; at prompt press 2; hold through requests.
Tracfone	800-323-2366		Direct to human.
TransUnion	800-916-8800		Press 2 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Travelers Insurance	800-252-4633		Don't press or say anything.
Travelocity	888-872-8356		Press ### at prompt.
TrueValue	773-695-5000		Press 0 and ask for customer service.
TV Guide	800-866-1400		Say "customer service" twice.
TXU Energy	800-218-7130		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Ubid.com	800-317-7995		Hold for representative.
UHAUL	800-789-3638		Direct to human.
Union Pacific	800-877-5123		Press #.
United	800-864-8331		Press 0; say "agent," say "yes"; say "domestic" or "international" as appropriate.
UnitedHealth	800-585-6586		Select type. Say "Representative" three times.
Universal Studios Hollywood	800-864-8377		Press 4.
Upromise	888-434-9111		Press 0.
UPS	800-742-5877		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
UPS (International)	800-782-7892		Say "Agent" at prompt.
US Airways	800-428-4322		Press 41.
US Bank	800-872-2657		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
US Bank Visa	800-285-8585		Say "operator" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
U.S. Cellular	888-944-9400		Press 0.
US Citizenship & Immigration	800-375-5283		Select language; press 2; press 4; at prompt press 0.
US Dept. of Edu - Financial Aid	800-433-3243		Select language then press *0.
US Dept. of Edu - Loans	800-848-0979		Don't press or say anything.
US Dept. of State - Passports	877-487-2778		Select language and then press 10.
US Dept. of Transportation	800-832-5660		Press 000.
US Dept. of Veterans Affairs	800-827-1000		Press 10.
US FBI	202-324-3000		Direct to human.
US Federal Trade Commission	877-382-4357		Press 450 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
US Fish & Wildlife	800-344-9453		Press 0.
US Food & Drug Admin	301-827-4573		Press 1.
US Homeland Security - FEMA	800-621-3362		At first prompt, select language; press 00.
US IRS	800-829-1040		Don't press or say anything.
US Mint	800-872-6468		Press 0.
US Postal Service	800-275-8777		Press 5 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
US Social Security Admin	800-772-1213		Press 1; press 0 at each prompt, until SS# is requested; enter SS#.
USA Today	800-872-0001		Press 0.
USAA	800-531-6095		Press 000#; at prompt press #.
USAA Investment Mgmt	800-531-8448		Press 0# at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Vanguard Funds	800-662-2739		Press 0.
Verizon Billing	888-780-3964		When prompted for phone number, say "Operator." Repeat if necessary.
Verizon Business	888-649-9500		Say "representative" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Verizon DSL	800-567-6789		Say "agent" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Verizon FiOS	888-553-1555		Say "operator" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Verizon Fraud	888-483-7200		Direct to human.
Verizon (land line)	800-483-3000		Don't press or say anything.
Verizon Repair	800-275-2355		Direct to human at times, otherwise press 00.
Verizon Wireless	800-922-0204		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Victoria's Secret	800-411-5116		Press 0 at each prompt.
Virgin Atlantic	800-821-5438		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Virgin Mobile	888 292 8223		At prompt say, "English"; at prompt say, "something else"; at each additional prompt say, "live advisor" until mobile number is requested; enter mobile number.
Virginia Electric & Power	888-667-3000		Don't press or say anything.
Visa	800-847-2911		Press 0 at each prompt; ignoring messages.
Volkswagen	800-822-8987		At prompt, press 32; if offered, press 1 to take survey or 2 to decline.
Volvo	800-458-1552		Press 0, ignoring messages.
Vonage	866-243-4357		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
W Hotels	888-625-5144		Press 16.
Wachovia	800-922-4684		Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Wal-Mart	800-925-6278		Press 1433.
Wal-Mart Credit Card	866-888-3868		Don't press or say anything.
Wal-Mart.com	800-966-6546		Press * at each prompt, ignoring messges.
Walgreens	877-250-5823		Direct to human.
Wall Street Journal	800-568-7625		Press 0 at prompt; press # at prompt; press # at prompt.
Walt Disney World	407-824-2222		Direct to human.
Washington Mutual	800-356-0011		Don't press or say anything.
Washington Mutual	800-788-7000		At first prompt press 1. Then press # at each additional prompt, ignoring messages.
Washington Post	800-627-1150		Don't press or say anything.
Wells Fargo	800-869-3557		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Wells Fargo Credit	800-642-4720		Press 0# at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Western Union	800-634-1311		Press *##.
Westin Hotels	888-625-5144		Press 11.
Whirlpool	800-253-1301		Press 421; at prompt press #.
White House	202-456-1414		Direct to human.
Williams-Sonoma	877-812-6235		Don't press or say anything.
Wirefly	888-843-2485		Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Wisconsin Electric	800-242-9137		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Xbox	800-469-9269		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Xerox	800-822-2979		Press 0.
XM Radio	800-967-2346		Press 0 and then say "customer service."
Yahoo	866-562-7219		Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.

The Stoopid 1/14/08

The ill-tempered man was walking his two little dogs around the abandoned school. I am supposed to believe that they were both on lead at the time of this incident. To me from the distance, one looked like it was on lead. The other I couldn't tell except to say that if it was on a lead, it must have been one of those horrible retractable things.

(F.Y.I. This particular abandoned school borders on some woods. Many people run their dogs there. This is common and acceptable behavior among the townsfolk. The cops don't care. Actually, the cops here don't care about much but that is another story in and of itself, having had several examples of their laissez-faire in my own life.)

My dog and her doggie friend the daemon dawg (mother-in-law's little terrier terror who genuinely loves me cuz I take her running several times a week) tore off to meet the cute little dogs. The foul, petty, little man was afraid of my dog (mid-size) and the daemon dawg (small).

He was yelling at me as I and my cane came up the side of the school building. Normally when meeting other dogs at the abandoned school, there is a quick "Is your dog friendly?" followed by a bit of pointing and the words, "Very friendly. Fixed." My dog is so friendly that dogs that usually fight other dogs don't fight with her. (The last dog did not care for his butt getting sniffed and that led to some rather uncomfortable and intricate situations).

man: "There is a dog law around these parts."
me: "The dogs are under my voice control."
man: (Trying to hit the smaller dog with his plastic shovel and not succeeding) "Some control."
me: (My dog went and sat on the curb. The daemon dawg who was the object of the attempted murder sensibly backed away from the dickless man and sat next to my dog.) "Mister, I am not in the mood to argue with you."
man: (the daemon dawg now a safe distance away from the man barked at him exactly three times) "Some control..blah blah blah..."

The dogs both ran back to me then and so we continued in a direction away from the disturbed man who should be locked up in the state mental place. In my unasked for opinion, he was afraid of all dogs except for his. I did not indicate anything further to the man who appeared to be looking for an argument for whatever reason which I could not ascertain.

The dogs were under my voice control. Just that my voice didn't tell them to do anything. They both handled themselves very well. and I was proud of the daemon dawg in particular who in times past would not have handled herself so well. Seriously though, I have been able to call my dogs (the one I own now and several others) off of a deer in the woods. That is pretty good voice control.

I do understand that technically my dog and the daemon dawg should not have run off to meet two potential doggie friends. Technically, he was correct. I know this. I can even accept this although I don't like it. I also understand that swinging at a small dog with a plastic shovel makes one look idiotic. I cannot say that a defense of "It's against the dog laws to attempt to hit a dog" would hold any weight since the jerky man could claim he was afraid of nine whole pounds of dog flesh. But I digress. And any reasons behind his bad behavior is not my business. And his bad behavior does not excuse my bad behavior. I chose not to argue with him because he was a troll of the f2f variety.

So I have plans. I am going to locate the whistle I have somewheres around here-- it is very shrill being one of them rescue-me type whistles for when one is lost in the woods-- and do a bit of training with both dogs in the fenced-in area there which used to be a ball field. I am going to teach them to come back at the sound of the whistle. Yup, sounds like a great plan. The dogs love training and I love doing it. Using the whistle will save on my voice which is rather soft even when projected. And that could also be useful in the woods as well.

spike

If I Were Meme

snitched from xo_tara_xo_

1. If you were a shoe, what would you look like?
Canvas Hi-tops

2. If you were a t-shirt, what would you say?
Civil rights for all civils.

3. If your house caught on fire and was burning to the ground...what is the one thing you'd save and why?
I've been in a house fire. Basically, there is no real time to collect stuff or to go back in. Best thing to do is just to "Get Out." The stuff one loses can never really be replaced. Still, it is better than dieing.

4. If you were a book...would you read yourself?
I don't know what that means. I would have to be a talking book, right? If I were an actual regular book though, I would be any one of the Discworlds by Terry Pratchett. If I had to be a character in a book, I would be Death from the same series so I could SPEAK IN ALL CAPS just like that.

5. If you could do anything at all (without consequences), what would you do?
I would go back to smoking pot daily and add also hash and opium. Unfortunately, I cannot use drugs safely. (Sigh).

spike

Monday MemeDay of Spice

snagged from Live Journal buddy idiotgrrl

Your Score: Juniper Berries

You scored 75% intoxication, 50% hotness, 100% complexity, and 75% craziness!

You are Juniper Berries!

You're a drunk. No, really. Cool it with the hooch. I used to be fermented but then I got tired of throwing up! -spike

Just kidding. You're really good at adding flavor to boring old life. You can be astringent at times, but once the harshness passes, you're quite relaxing. And you smell good, too. Okay, I like this one. -spike

Link: The Which Spice Are You Test written by jodiesattva on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test