I converse frequently with several people in South Africa. My being in the United States, it can be a bit costly. However last year I discovered a seemingly great site - www.SpeakPrePaid.com. I had bought a card roughly every week from them and was loyal to their site despite there being several other calling card sites that I could have purchased cards from.
A few months ago I purchased a card and to my dismay the pin was expired. I wrote to them and they promptly wrote back giving me a new pin. Days later it happened again with two cards I purchased. I then wrote to them and received no response back. As someone who needs to call out with these cards, every day that passed without a response back was NOT good. These calls were important and I felt that the money I had spent shouldn’t go to waste so I waited patiently again. One day out of desperation I bought one more card and there was an error on the page — this time the order went through only I received no card number! I wrote AGAIN - No answer. I wrote back roughly three times before I finally got a response. It wasn’t until I wrote that I may file something with the Better Business Bureau that someone responded.
They claimed that their customer service had been down (or something of the sort) for the past few weeks and that they would promptly issue a refund. I thanked them and looked at my Bank Account for the $30 that was owed to me. I waited, and waited and nothing. I wrote to them two times after and still no response. On another note - from a business standpoint…what is a business like this doing without a customer service number? Granted if you are too small and cannot afford a 24 hour service line, that is fine but at least have some sort of toll free number that is open a few hours a day. To have to contact this company via email and only email is utterly ridiculous.
I am disgusted that as a loyal customer to this company that they are this disorganized and careless in their response. I know it’s “just $30″ but c’mon now. It’s more the principal than anything else. With a recession teetering, customer satisfaction is more important than ever. If you can go the extra mile to please your customers, they will be more apt to spread the word about your services (which I have about this site in the past) and use you more frequently. People are reluctant to spend their money these days so keeping your recurring customers is VITAL to the success of your business. Needless to say - I will be writing the report and never using them again.
BUYER BEWARE - www.SpeakPrepaid.com - you may not get your calling card OR your money back.
It’s been nearly a year since I’ve posted on this completely erratic and not so cleverly written blog.
I’ve never made it about myself…in fact I’ve written randomly about thoughts and bullshit that popped into my head from time to time. I never knew much about blogging, RSS feeds or anything of that nature and never marketed my blog in any way, shape or form but still had a decent turn out for someone who just simply slapped up a blog with little knowledge. I have so much updating to do on this piece o’ crap blog that after a long day…I have no desire to do any of it right now.
In the last year, much has changed and I want to write this blog from a different perspective - I just need to figure out which perspective.
I’ve lived and volunteered in Africa within the past year, am expecting a little angel in two months and now work in the internet marketing field - which I’m still learning much about on a day to day basis. Some of me wishes I was instantly one of those “gurus” that knew a lot about the subject so I could write plenty and be well respected….however, that will certainly NOT occur for quite sometime so I will just continue to share a bit of my zany personality through this blog. Again, I must find a focus. Any ideas? You let me know…. should it be a personal blog (my life is one hell of a story)? Industry blog? General blog? What? My thoughts and rants are too random these days…
Until then…here’s a website with some rather brilliant/offensive/awkward/sarcastic e-cards. - SomeECards.com
And here are a few of the million ecards that I enjoy:
It seems these days that every celeb from A-list to D-list (maybe even K-list if it goes down that far) is getting pulled over for their erratic driving behind the wheel. As someone who has lived in LA myself, I know that to get anywhere - you must own a vehicle. There has been so many celebrities who have gotten charged with those oh-so-wonderful three letters, that they could start an semi-exclusive club. I’ve noticed that 95% of these DUI’s have been received in Los Angeles. I’ve got a logical solution for them. Move to Manhattan!
As someone who has lived in New York City for the past three years…I will say that I have never had a problem when it came to going out late, possibly getting a little out of hand and getting myself home in one peice. Why? I just stick my drunk ass in a cab! It’s as easy as that. A cab (or subway if you’re feeling a little frugal) can usually get you to where you want to go in 20 minutes or less in Manhattan. With all the money that these celebs have — who needs a cab even! Hire a private car! I mean I’m sure if you are a fan of the recreational drug use — a little extra tip will allow you to do as you please and you don’t have to try to snort a line and drive at the same time!
So c’mon celubutards — pack up your stuff, ditch California and head to Manhattan. Drop the roadways, the sickening traffic on the 405 and stick to the city of lights. The only driving you’ll need to do is to the Hamptons in the summer time and you can hire a private car for those events.
Yes…you may miss the palm trees, the beaches and all that fun stuff but the same opportunities exist in NYC as far as entertainment and there certainly is a better nightlife scene since that seems to be you’re primary focus anyways.
Those yellow cabs are eagerly awaiting you . . . you drunk messes.
I will be traveling to South Africa from July to about December or so — living with my significant other who is from there.
Tonight I was informed of a very real threat in South Africa. It is said that there is a planned mass genocide on the white people of South Africa after Nelson Mandela dies. Nelson Mandela supports peace between all Africans….however, after his passes — thousands upon thousands are expected to flood into the city and blockade the streets of Johannesburg to slaughter the whites. A couple years back, it was said that they did a practice run as it was written on the taxis that came into the city “UHURU” which translates into “Night of the Long Knives” according to them. (also known as Operation Vula/Operation White Clean-up/Operation Iron Eagle/Red October campaign).
They have openly said — “WAIT UNTIL MANDELA DIES”.
The UK supposedly has jet planes ready on stand by for when Mandela dies to pick up many of their residents that live within the country.
BASICALLY - I’m rather terrified. He mentioned this before but it wasn’t until now that I’ve done some research and the threat is more than real…… Mandela is old as dirt now… and will go any day. I arrive there in July and will be there for quite a few months….. once that day comes they will be blockading all petrol stations, airports and all of that. Ugh.
——
Heres a video:
Here is an article I found below:
White slaughter
in South Africa?
Plans made to conduct campaign
*Note: It was written in 2004
Editor’s note: Joseph Farah’s G2 Bulletin is an online, subscription intelligence news service from the creator of WorldNetDaily.com – a journalist who has been developing sources around the world for the last 25 years.
While former South African President Nelson Mandela, 85, scoffs at rumors of ill health, plans are being made by the nation’s Communist Party to slaughter all whites in the country upon his death, G2B sources say.
One of the operations planned entails 70,000 armed black men “being transported to the Johannesburg city center within an hour” in taxicabs to attack whites.
The plans are variously dubbed “Operation Vula,” “Night of the Long Knives,” “Operation White Clean-up,” “Operation Iron Eagle” and “Red October campaign.”
Operation “Our Rainy Day” was to be carried out after the death of Nelson Mandela and would have entailed blacks being transported to the largest cities in taxis.
The assailants were expected to “take over” fuel points and massacre whites. The attacks would lead to a coup.
Sources say most blacks in the country are aware of the plans. When racial disputes occur, blacks often tell whites, “Wait until Mandela dies.”
“White people in South Africa can deny it to the end of the earth, but we are in real danger,” one resident said. “This is no joke and any person with half a brain can see that this rumor has spiraled out of control.”
Many whites are now convinced a vicious campaign of ethnic cleansing will follow Mandela’s death whenever it comes. Some are making preparations for retreats.
“I have prepared myself and we have a gathering place where we can fortify for four weeks after Mandela’s death,” said one white South African. “If nothing happens it will be a miracle.”
The Red October campaign is allegedly a Communist plot to oust President Thabo Mbeki. Mbeki would be replaced by Cyril Ramaphosa.
“I was starting to think I was going nuts!” said another white South Africa resident. “‘Operation Uhuru’ or ‘Operation White Clean-up’ is definitely no rumor. I spoke to someone who told me that some blacks in Zimbabwe have also confirmed that this ‘event’ will take place. My cousin stays on a farm in Mpumalanga, not too far from Johannesburg. A black police officer in that district told his white colleague that they are going to kill us like flies, and there is nothing we can do about it. And that they also don’t care if we know.”
——
What is most disheartening, is that it was reported in February of this year, that Mandela may be extremely ill and in a coma in Mozambique and his death my occur any day now. With the US primarily focused on the war on Iraq, while other genocides are occurring in the world — they pretty much have no other choice but to turn their heads away from this one as well. We simply do not have the resources to give to something like this if it happens — too much on our plate thanks to Bush.
Most would just tell the South Africans to run away and flee, however it is easier said than done. They’ve developed their own country and culture and now day by day since the end of the apartheid, their culture is diminishing. A recent article was written by the Christian Science Monitor about the Afrikaans people. You can’t help but feel for them.
Can one honestly say that the masses in SA will calmly think through the consequences of something like UHURU before engaging in rioting and full scale violence. Look at Sudan, Rwanda, Congo, Nigeria, Marocco, Zimbabwe, Moçambique - If that does not show that this can happen in a blink of an eye — than I don’t know what can.
For the optimists looking for Western help - it takes 30 days for international troops to mobilize and arrive in war zones in Europe - how long do you think UN help will take to arrive at the southern tip of Africa to help stabilize things.
Unfortunately the harsh cold reality of this situation is becoming clearer by the minute.
Ok, so I came across something on Digg.com — it was a blog with supposedly the 13 best SNL commercials of all time. Only the list was pitiful. I watched about 7 of them and laughed at one. We all know Saturday Night Live has gone downhill since previous years, so not all of their commercials are truly that funny. This guy that posted - lacked true humor it seemed.
*Note there were several others that I could not embed.. I will try list them at the bottom.
Here is MY list (in no particular order).
What are the jeans every Mom should own for soccer games? PTA meetings? Bake Sales? Oh! That’s right! Mom Jeans!
Is your dog acting up? Diss your dog! They’ll learn quickly!
You’re a busy beautiful woman! You need to stay on top of things while simultaneously keeping your hair looking fresh, smoothe and healthy! What’s the solution? Tressant Supreme!
Mmmm. Gay? Like Beer? Love kickin’ it at the poolside with buff men? Schmitt’s Gay! The perfect beer for you!
Anxiety ridden? Nervous that your child may be leaning towards the “other side?” Take Homocil!
Want a stylish car with good suspension? One that you can trust to give you a nice smoothe ride? Choose the Royal Deluxe II!
Grandma worrying about those sudden bathroom urges? Convince her to get these!
Don’t let your baby suffer the humiliation of infant baldness. Get him a baby toupee!
This is the most authentic and heartfelt message you will get I believe.
I feel bad, and know a bit of what you are going through. I’m not going to sit here and say you’re “crazy”. Why? Because no one in my position can sit there and say that.
I have never been a celebrity, nor have I been in the spotlight since I was about 15 years old. You have been in the public eye for years and every little move you make is analyzed and scrutinized by the nation.
People are giving you a hard time saying that no other star has acted this way in similar conditions and that there is no reason to truly be this outrageous. I however, cannot say as a human being that I would act entirely different. I have never gone through such a public divorce. I have never had 2 children (one after the other) with a man I was unsure of. I have not been a celebrity since the Mickey Mouse Club. I have never ever had every confidant spill their guts to the newspapers for money.
I wish I could reach out to you. I wish that I could be the friend you’ve never had. I have partied at the same places you have….I have seen and lived the lifestyle you live in both New York and Hollywood. It is a crazy, tempting, fun but a destructive lifestyle. (Like I said, I say this from experience). Although I do not live it on a weekly basis, I do know how this game works and can sympathize with your times. Although I do believe that you should be with your children at this moment, I do understand why you would shy away from such responsibilities if it reminds you of failure. However, I am not saying you are not to blame whatsoever. You do have to take responsibility, but you know this. I, nor does anyone else has to remind you. I do feel for you. How can the average American judge you with such a vastly different lifestyle? It is easier to judge than to live a life and act differently than those you criticize. Yes the haircut was a bit crazy. I heard the rumors of why you did it, and I somewhat understand that if under the influence, you would just say “Fuck It” and act upon any idea you may have at that moment. I just would not have done it in public. I understand that after a while, you just begin not to care. I mean…who cares about being famous when you’re stalked constantly and plain miserable? I believe post-partum depression has much to do with it. Own it.
Shit. Like I said, I just wish you had some quality friends who could relate to you.
They say no one can get through to you. I however, believe someone can. Maybe not your mother, maybe not your father. Maybe not America. But someone. I believe in your innocence…I believe in your genuinity. You’re just done with it. You’re done with the fame. You say you wan’t everyone to leave you alone. Everytime I hear something about you, I sympathize..I want everyone to leave you ALONE too! Christ. Why is this ridiculous country obsessed with you and everything you do? We have thousands of people dying over in Iraq, and no emphasis is put on them. I believe (no offense) that the mass amount of lives being lost in a war like that, mean far more than you shaving your head. But that is how stupidculture is. Half of this country lacks half an IQ to realize what truly matters. Yes, you’re more entertaining - but people’s comments make me sick.
I almost gave up on you weeks ago, but now. Screw it. I feel your pain, as I’ve gone through much of it myself.
Know that people are rooting for you. You may not know them, but take a deep breathe. Relax. It can all get better with time…I promise.
I want to know why I of all people have encountered two of the most elaborate scams that any one that I’ve ever known has encountered.
Scam artists have become so thorough these days, that even the most intelligent people can fall for them. Last year I was subjected to an employment scheme which involved interviewing with a man regarding a job that would be done at home (yes, those jobs exist as I currently do freelance internet marketing/promotions on the side). It was so elaborate that I, along with hundreds of others received extensive paperwork that was typical for any job and applied for it accordingly. All of our information was taken but fortunately enough never used. His real identity was revealed and he technically was not liable to be charged unless he had physically done something with the identities. He never did, so I was lucky. (Unless of course I realize 10 new accounts are opened under my name next year.) With my luck - that will happen.
Tonight I witnessed another scam that makes me indescribably disgusted. I nearly tore this woman’s head off over the phone. A few weeks ago I was contacted by a marketing company at work. I knew it was a marketing company because our work has a business caller ID. Since I’m quite familiar with focus groups and market surveys, I agreed to do a harmless one that they had offered. After doing the survey, they thanked me and said that in turn, they were rewarding those involved with an all-inclusive cruise. I said (Ha! I’ll believe it when I see it.) They simply asked me for my cell phone number and full name and said that I would be receiving a phone call soon. Obviously I did not get excited because I wasn’t sure what this was all about anyways but figured maybe somehow it was possible for this to occur.
Today I missed a call from an unknown 800 number and tonight I called this number back. There was automated man’s voice on hold thanking me for calling Imperial Majesty Cruise Lines and to please hold - a representative would be right with me.
A woman picked up and knew my name right away. Apparently, they had a caller ID system that enabled them to know exactly who was calling based on previously “registered” participants. She then spoke to me about this lavish all-inclusive trip. I asked question after question - including “What is your website so that I may look at this information?” She replied, www.VacationMoments.com. I looked it up, and there before me was a very bootleg site that as a person who is somewhat proficient at designing a website, thought was extremely unprofessional. I then asked them who exactly they were. She replied that they were indeed Imperial Majesty. Obviously that actual cruise line has their own damn website.
I questioned her on that. I told her that I needed to be cautious naturally and she was so sweet and understanding insisting that she liked that I was asking her, because too many people these days aren’t cautious enough. She continuously tried to relinquish any doubts that I may have had. On the other hand, she was pretty stupid in saying that her crappy website was given to people because the original website did not include the “Virtual Tour”. Think she can pull that one on me? Why would any company not put a virtual tour on their professional main site and then put it on some half-assed website made in 30 mins? Disgusting.
I then googled some more to see that it was indeed a scam. And the original site is really
By that time, I had already hung up and said I’d think about it, after she had already pushed me to give my credit card number to pay only for the port taxes. ($59) She even said that my call (while giving my credit card info) would be recorded for “security purposes”. She said she would forward it over to a “specialist”. (Wow the lies kept getting better and better.)
I tried to call back but because of the caller ID, that automated voice spoke over and over again for about 10 minutes, so naturally they did not take my call.
I am sick to my stomach. I cannot believe the multitude of heartless people that actually can live with themselves while scamming every-day hard working people out of their money. Most of these people probably cannot even afford it. They become so excited about going on a cruise because they have never in the past been able to afford one. (I’ve never been on one either actually). I am not a violent person, but after something like this happens to you personally, one could say that some con artists deserve death penalties. They ruin lives. Absolutely ruin lives - all while remaining calm, cool, collected and sweet. They lie through their teeth, hearing excitement in people’s voices only to know their soulless selves are about to steal massive amounts of money from you. If that is not the devil in disguise, I do not know what is.
I wanted to call her back and say the most horrible things to her in the most calm tone. I just cannot believe the great lengths people go these days to benefit themselves.
Hopefully this article will prove to help others out before it happens to them.
Notes:
BEWARE of anything that is “FREE”. Nothing is ever fully free.
NEVER give out your credit card information over the phone. Even if they insist that your information will be protected.
ASSUME it is a scam. Better to be safe than sorry.
Those folks will get their day . . . karma is a bitch.
You can be racist! Be a homophobe! Be a drunk! Be a slut! Be a drug addict!
It’s okay because the prescription to fix it all is…of course! Rehab! Haven’t you heard? It’s the “thing” to do these days. Wanna be even more famous? Go to rehab! PR baby PR.
Most normal people get a bit alarmed when they know someone who has had to go to a rehabilitation center. Certainly, it is very neccessary for many people in today’s society, but it is seemingly the way to get out of just about anything in the entertainment world.
For example - we all know about Isaiah Washington’s publicist’s decision to go to rehab to save his career after not once, but twice being absolutely discriminative in the public eye. Who goes to rehab for simply being a homophobic ass? Rehab is suddenly going to stop all of the feelings that are obviously instilled in him?
How about Miss USA who disgraces the representation of our country in pageants by coking it up and running around like a 2 cent tramp? Oh there she goes! Rehab for a few weeks and all is forgiven and all is well! Put the crown back on and do your thang girl.
Lindsay Lohan?
Mel Gibson?
Robin Williams?
Pete Doherty?
People make mistakes, I understand but my my, these are alot of people making mistakes. While most would be dropped off the radar, these people are getting highly commended and given constant second, third, fourth chances.
Is it a matter of genuinely wanting to change? Or rising up the Hollywood radar in hopes they will salvage their disgustingly tarnished reputations. A bit of both perhaps.
Note: You can mess up as much as you want. Just make sure to go to rehab after k?
It’s much like saying “Oh wait, I will be stealing money from her on Saturday? Ah, I will just pray for forgiveness that Sunday at church. All will be well!”
So Hilary Clinton announced her candicacy for President. Hmm. I think I will vote for and so should you. Why?
1. With global warming going into (visible) effect and the world’s end slowly but surely coming we should take some risks right?
2. She’s a woman. Let’s make more history since recent history is pretty morbid (the war), negative (the war, terrorist scares), or just plain stupid (Rosie & Donald).
3. She’s got good ol’ Bill on her side. Even though Billy boy had a little too much fun in the oval office a few years back, no one can deny that he was a pretty damn good President. When it came down to it, having one of the highest approval ratings of our time. Basically, it’ll be a strong team with the two of them making the decisions.
4. I know she’s kind of annoying at times (I never really had an affinity for her), but we need a change. A woman? A Democrat? Yep..it’s a complete 180 from President Bush and whether or not you like him . . . everyone can admit that we need an absolute change.
5. Probably the most superficial reason of all? The other strong candidate - Barack Obama…well frankly, his last name is too close to whos name? Yeah…President Obama does not quite have a…. ring to it.
So I say..let’s do it. We’ve already had the some of the worst past years of our century…so there’s nowhere but to go up from here.
