Rant Pants #8709

Ok. I will admit, I've been catching a lot of cabs lately. It's getting hotter here, and plainly put, I can't be fucked walking home in a pile of my own sweat. If you lived in Queensland, you would understand where I'm coming from.

My rant has to do with cabbies. 4 times in the last 2 weeks I've had IDIOT cab drivers. The first idiot forgot to turn his meter on. He apologised and asked me how much I usually pay. I told him around $4.50, which is true, on a weekday it's usually no more than $5.50 or so for a local trip. I deliberately said $4.50 however, as I figured it was his loss for not turning on his meter.

The next trip, similar problem. Cabbie dropped me off and said "Oh, I'm sorry, I've forgotten to change my meter over, how much is it usually?" I looked at the meter and it read about $13 or so. Again, I said "Around $4.50", but this time I gave hime a $5 note, and told him to keep the change. Why? Because this guy was actually an AUSSIE, which is rare in cab drivers around here, they're usually islanders or Asians.

The third trip, guy completely forgot his meter again. I gave him $4.50 and left it at that.

The 4th driver was the WORST. He pulled up to the cab rank with a passenger already, and the passenger, an elderly woman took AGES to get out. I'm talking like 5 minutes standing there with the door half open. She finally got out, and said "Sorry about that, high finances, you know!" Now, I'm a bitch at the best of times, but sometimes you just can't get annoyed at the elderly. So I smiled politely and said "That's quite alright." I got into the cab and the PAKI cab driver says "Where to?" in broken English.

"Oh fucking GREAT", I thought to myself. So I told him to turn left onto the main road. We get to the lights, and the conversation goes like this:

Cabbie: Right here?
Me: No... LEFT.
Cabbie: Left, ok. *turns left*
Me: Right at KFC onto the service road.
Cabbie: Right at KFC?
Me: Yes.
(We stopped at the lights where KFC is. Cabbie points to KFC)
Cabbie: This is KFC?
Me: (rolling eyes) YES.

Much of the rest of the short trip was just as annoying. He stops at my house, and tells me how much, and I give him a note and wait for my change. SCREW HIM, tip-wise. I don't mind tipping a cabbie, so long as they are polite and have some kind of clue about where they are going. The only time I won't bother tipping is if the cabbie doesn't have a clue, or if I am short on change.

Funnily enough, the next cabbie I had, not only knew where my street was, he even knew where my HOUSE was, as he had dropped my housemate off one week with the shopping. Plus, he was funny with a sense of humour. He got a tip. :)

So I wish cabbie applications stipulated that cabbies must have a: a sense of direction and b: good English skills before even being considered for the job. It would make the general public less annoyed in the long run.

/end rant

Call Centres and Why They SUCK!

(or a rant about broken english speaking call centre staff)

Now, this isn't an unusual complaint, I've heard similar complaints..but this is mine, and I'm so angry i feel like a good rant.

*puts on rant pants*

RIGHT.
Call centres give me the shits. It's bad enough having to call one in the first place because of some problem you have. But what's worse, is call centres that fuck you around.

Here's my story: The other day, I registered a new sim card with my old mobile number, so that I could reap the benefits of picture messaging and GPRS internet on my phone. (I have over $500 credit, gotta waste it somehow.) I'd also just got a newer updated phone that does all this wonderful shit, and why not take advantage of it.

Anyway, my mobile provider has a website that lets you set things up online, which is fine by me, seeing as the less stupid people I have to talk to, the better. I put up with the 10 minutes of speaking to some idiot from Pakistan to get my old number transferred onto my new sim, but figured I could do everything else I needed via the internet.

Not so. I go to the website and go to set up my MMS, and it tells me that my mobile details could not be retrieved, and to call customer care. Bugger. So today, I suck it up and call the number that the website gave me.

Turns out it was the wrong number to call (right company, wrong section), so the guy (who was Australian) gave me another number to call, which wasn't much different from the one I had just dialled. He then transferred me to another department. Another minute on hold (after 5 minutes on hold to begin with, i might add), and I'm greeted by another Australian accented voice that asks me what I would like. So I explain my problem again. He then says "Oh, you've been put through to the landline department, I'll have to transfer you to the pre-paid mobile department."

My patience, at this point, is starting to wear thin. I'm put on hold again, and almost as soon as I'm put on hold, I'm answered by an accented voice from Pakistan or India... whichever, I do not care. He tells me he is the POST-PAID mobile department, and I am all "WHAT? I was told I was being transferred to the PRE-PAID department!" and going off at this guy who is all apologetic and says "Ok, I'll transfer you to the Pre-paid department. One moment please."

After another short period on hold, I am answered with "Yes?" ...just that and no "Hello this is the pre-paid department, how can I help you?" So I said, a bit sarcastically "This is the PRE-PAID department, RIGHT? You haven't sent me to DSL internet or something have you?" and the guy starts rattling off at me in an equally annoying Pakistani/Indian accent, which is thicker than the guy I was previously speaking to.

I explain my problem, yet AGAIN... and the guy says "ok, let me activate MMS and internet for you, let me put you on hold" after asking me if I'm aware of the charges involved for both services. 3 minutes of lousy music, and he comes back on the line, apologising for making me wait... then basically asking me the SAME QUESTION and then putting me on hold again. Another 3 minutes of lousy music follows, and then he comes back on the line, again, apologising for making me wait, and telling me he's having problems... what kind of phone do I have...so I tell him and then mention that I've had my number transferred to a new sim card. He tries to tell me that I'm on a "very old" plan (bullshit, I upgraded to it around this time last year, so it's not THAT old), and would I like to change to the newer one?

He then goes on to tell me that with the new deal, I've got to nominate some phone numbers to call that are with the same company in order to benefit from whatever extra credits... and I tried to tell him that I don't have any numbers on the same provider to call...and he goes... "ok I'll try and sort it out, let me put you on hold AGAIN" and by this point I'm just like "yeah ok put me on hold"... another 3 or so minutes on hold and he comes back and tells me.. "I've put in a request to activate GPRS on your phone (so I can use MMS and internet), but it won't become active for another 48-72 hours, but I can't set up MMS or internet due to an error at this time"

I, barely understanding that, asked him to explain it again. So he speaks SLOWER as if i'm a fucking IDIOT... and then I ask "so, I'll have to call back after that time is up to get it set up properly?" and he replies that yes, I will have to call back after that time is up.

Well. FUCK THAT. I'll go to the retail store and get it set up instead, by someone who isn't a moron and speaks proper english.

I don't give a shit whether it's cheaper to pay someone in Pakistan to do customer service, I'd much rather speak to someone who speaks english than deal with some idiot who probably doesn't even live here. It would be a hell of a lot less frustrating for the customer.

And it's not just phone companies. I had to call me bank a few months back to order a new keycard (i'd lost mine), and had to deal with oen of them, too. No wonder people go off their heads and shoot people... with call centre staff who don't speak english...how can you blame them?

Government WIMPS.

The Government in this country is supposed to do what is in OUR best interests, as citizens of this country we call Australia.

Then tell me WHY the Government does NOT do what it should be doing and taking steps to DEPORT Sheikh Taj El-Din Hilali. This man has repeatedly stated things that have got him in hot water. Recently he has called on his followers to be supportive of Iran and it's "tough stance". Erm, might I just say that if Iran has nukes and they get attacked, they most likely WILL retaliate, and who knows WHERE... we would all be under threat.

This man is an EMBARASSMENT to his religion, an EMBARASSMENT to his countrymen, and an EMBARASSMENT to this country (owing to the fact that he is still permitted to live here.) When is this Government going to WAKE UP and see that they should deport this man? And don't tell me that "asking" him to think about his future here is just the same. But apparnetly, he has done nothing to warrant deportation. Oh, sorry, but I didn't think it was PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE to attack our way of lifem by saying that Australian women invite rape by not wearing Islamic Hijab.... sorry buddy, but I live in Queensland where 99% of the year is humid as FUCK... I ain't wearing no goddamn Hijab for no c*nt. And, also stating that Muslims have more of a right to live in this country than we do as they paid their fare here and most Australians are descended from convicts.. I'm sorry, but *I* am descended from the French, and my parents migrated here in the 1960's. Granted I was born here, and have lived all of my life in this country, but I will *NOT* be told by some non-English speaking immigrant FUCKWIT that Australians don't have the right to be here.

I am NOT against freedom of speech, but there is a point where it goes TOO FAR. Say what you like, but when it comes to attacking the freedoms that we enjoy in this country, as opposed to a country that tortures its citizens, does not have equal rights for women and a myriad of other problems, I for one, will gladly take offence.

If you have a PROBLEM with the way we do things here, FEEL FREE TO LEAVE. There is a door in every state, FEEL FREE to WALK the fuck through it, and never come back. You would say the same to us in whatever country you come from.

And as for Hilali, he has OUTSTAYED his welcome. Seeing as his people are embarassed by him, and how whenever he opens his mouth there appears to be outrage....it is time for him to LEAVE. Whether he leaves freely of his own will, or he is deported, it is time for him to LEAVE.

Hey, GOVERNMENT. Time for you to DO YOUR JOB instead of being so bloody PASSIVE. Get OFF your WIMP asses and KICK THIS BASTARD out of *OUR* country. You have said he should leave more than TWICE already. Time to do something and DEPORT him.

Another Purist Rant.

I felt like ranting after reading some of the comments on this video which was posted on YouTube. The video is the new Nine Inch Nails video for "Survivalism", from the forthcoming album "Year Zero" (which I am looking forward to, eagerly).

My rant has to do with people who have posted comments such as "this sucks" or "Trent should do more stuff like he did on the downward spiral".

For the record, when Trent did The Downward Spiral, he was really depressed. It shows in the music, as great as it is. And also... bands EVOLVE....and change, as time goes on. Trent writes differently than he did 10 years ago as he has a different perspective, and he as a person has changed. People NEED to realise this more, rather than just stupidly saying that something is shit or it sucks because it doesn't sound anything like their favourite NIN song.

But anyway, what I live the most about Nine Inch Nails is that it is VASTLY different from anything else you hear on the radio these days. And for that I'm thankful, Trent writes what he wants to write, and his fans either like it or they don't... but, no doubt they will still come to see him perform, because there's more to NIN than just a new album.

Green Gargoyle and I are going to see NIN in Brisbane in May, and we are both looking forward to it. This will be the second time I've seen NIN live... and the first for GG ;) ...so should be a lot of fun.

I just wish more people had an open mind when it came to music. Too many people miss out on good music because they tune out, as it's not what they want to hear. Musicians create firstly for themselves, and then for other people. You might not like it, indeed, you don't even have to. But to say that a musician should create something more like something they once did is perfectly stupid.

Anyway...that's my rant for the day.

Things That Tick Frosty Off Part #462

(or Frostilicus needs to rant)

1: Housemates who think they know better and decide (without asking you, the lease holder first) to get their brother in-law to fix the broken light socket that was reported to Nameless, Inc* Real Estate last Saturday. Their reasoning is: It's better than waiting 6 weeks for a new light socket like we did for the stove. I remind housemate that it was 8 weeks, not 6. Never mind that *I* am the one who now has to explain to an electrician why the socket has been "fixed" by an unlicensed "tradesman", who is not *MY* brother in-law, either.

2: Going to a different supermarket to the one you normally do, and then finding that what you want is STILL: in the very last aisle in the store, and at the very END of that last aisle.

3: The decision over whether to buy Panadol Rapid Soluble in 2 20 packs, or Aspro Clear Extra Strength in 2 16 packs. Panadol Rapid Soluble will give you 8 extra tablets, but has a vile chemical taste that Aspro Clear doesn't seem to have. Spend 5 minutes deciding, and pick Aspro Clear anyway, seeing as the 2 you took this morning are going to wear off soon, and you will feel like you're gonna pass out from the agony of period pain.

4: Finding that 4 packs of Libra slim Regular tampons don't seem to exist here EITHER. This of course, forces you to buy 2 2 packs, which ends up costing you $1 extra than it used to cost to buy 1 4 pack. "Why not just buy 1 2 pack then?", I hear you ask. Well, if you were a woman, you wouldn't ask that question.. you would immediately KNOW the answer. To put it as least disgustingly as possible: You try going through 1 8 pack of tampons in a DAY, and then realising that you might not have enough to last another day. And you don't feel like walking anywhere because blood loss makes you feel light headed. Get the picture now? Buy ahead, and you won't have to risk passing out on the way there, or back.

5: Stores that play Christmas music. Hello, we live in AUSTRALIA, where there (for the most part) ain't no snow to dash through on a sleigh, and Christmas doesn't take place in a winter wonderland. Please change Christams carols according, or just FUCK OFF AND DIE!!

6: Bindi Irwin. Everywhere I go I am seeing this annoying little child. Plastered on one of the gossip mags this week: Bindi Irwin and how it's her "First Christmas without my daddy" FOR FUCK'S SAKE! It's irritating enough that we have to see this ex-sperm with her whiny voice and the gap in her teeth on TV ads for Australia Zoo, but frankly, I'm getting sick to death of all the publicity she's getting. She's more goddamn nauseating than her idiot father. (And yes I think Steve Irwin was a complete MORON. Call me UnAustralian if you want, but not everyone that lives here says CRIKEY! every 30 seconds and is as enthusiastic as a man who looks like he's either drunk too much coffee or taken a shitload of elephant steroids.) Bindi, please fuck off and die now, so that the Australian public doesn't have to be embarassed by another member of your family.

And I'm sure there's a lot more... but these were today's gripes.

* - Obviously NOT the name of my Real Estate.

A Shortish Rant...

...About the suckishness (is that a word? Oh well, it is now) of my local Coles store.

I have 3 supermarkets near me. Coles, Woolworths, and IGA. (That's Independent Grower's Association) The closest one to me, is Coles, and it's the one I mostly go to, having to walk twice the distance to both Woolworths and IGA, especially in the summer heat...well it doesn't exactly appeal. (Live in Queensland, and you will know why.)

Anyway. Despite the amount of posts I've done here that have been dedicated to Noodles (or Ramen, if you must), in various shapes and forms, I am these days picky about them. The only reason I tried Starvin' Louis' recipe was that I hadn't consumed noodles in a while and it looked tasty. The reason I'm so picky about them: back when I first lived in Brisbane, I lived on not much else BUT noodles for the first 6 months or so. This was due to not having much money and my first experiences with paying bills. Plus, my ex-housemate turned me off noodles after eating them in the most digsuting, oily manner possible... they looked more like alien grease globs than noodles.

I'm partial to the "noodle-in-a-cup" varieties now, rather than the easily fuckupable (that's a word now too! UP YOURS OED!) plastic packet kind. The thing I like about cup noodles, is that they're foolproof. Add water, add flavour packets, wait 2 minutes, stir, then eat. Even a complete and utter MORON could do it. AND...cleaning up is a no-mess, no-fuss breeze. Cup goes into the bin, and unless it came with a folding plastic fork, all you have to do is rinse the fork and stick it in the drainer!

The best ones of these i've found are the Suimin ones. They come in a variety of non-nauseating flavours, and are GREAT for a quick and dirty snack, lunch, breakfast...whatever. The ones I like, though, are the ones my local Coles are SYSTEMATICALLY removing from the goddamn shelf! I can't get the Thai Chicken Curry ones anymore. Nor can I get the Fantastic Chicken Curry ones anymore either. (exact same ingredients as the Suimin ones, but sometimes a bit cheaper.) Also not on the Coles shelf anymore are the Peanut Satay saucy noodles that in part inspired me to start this blog.

So here's my ranting point, folks. STOP PULLING MY FAVOURITE NOODLE FLAVOURS OFF THE SHELF, YOU FUCKERS! I don't CARE if no one else buys them, but I FUCKING DO! And if I collapse from heat stroke on the way to Woolworths or IGA...guess who I'm sending my medical bills to! :P

Bastards.

/end rant