Larry,
I can't write. I have lots of stuff that I want to tell you about but the words just won't come.
Sorry.
Maybe tomorrow.
Here's what you have to look forward to if I can overcome this momentary inability to engage in intelligent and inconsequential colloquy:
My new iPod
My new pen pal, Martyn
My acceptance into the Stanford E-Learning Program, although that's not officially official
I think that's it.
I hope that you are well.
Paul
Larry,
What is up, my friend? Not much here. My mom ruined my day today. You know that I had hepatitis, right? Well, officially, the doctors all said that it was hepatic toxicity. A subtle distinction, or maybe, not depending on who you ask. I think, given the manner in which one contracts hepatitis, that the difference is a big deal. I mean, it's the difference between eating poop or mixing acetaminophen and alcohol. I'd like to think that I didn't eat poop. Technically, there are 3 main types of Hepatitis. A, B, and C are all viral. One involves sex, one is contracted from eating the poop, and one you can get from blood transfusions or dirty instruments. In short, my mom said that she talked to some nurses and they all agree that I contracted Hepatitis B from my shoulder surgery and now the doctors at St. Francis are covering their respective asses by telling me that it was hepatic toxicity. So, it would seem that I am the subject of a great medical cover-up. This must be my 15 minutes but watch as I milk it for all that it's worth.
I'm going to do some digging; get an independent blood test from some impartial street doctor. Do those kinds of doctors exist? They do on TV so it must be true. I should probably go ahead and call 20/20. But I don't need people digging into my past. Who knows what they will find.
Anyway, my mom broke the news to me this morning. It's really cast a pall over this otherwise beautifully crisp Spring day.
To be continued...
Paul
LD,
It's unfortunate that you will forever be associated with death and destruction in and around the continent that is Australia. I'm sorry for you. Really. But I don't suppose that many Americans much care about what happens in Australia. That's always been my position. What happens in Australia...well, that's their business.
I just wanted to send you a little note to let you know what's been happening in my world since last week. Here are some highlights:
I was in the locker-room today getting ready to go work out and I overheard the most ill-timed conversation ever amongst men in a locker room. I stood on the scale weighing in as these two guys, standing there buck naked and toweling off, are talking about, of all things, sausages. I mean, polish sausages, kielbasa, hot dogs (I know that's probably not considered sausage), but still. You get why it's amusing. I thought, this really is a sausage party and quickly got the hell out of there.
I'm using what might be women's deodorant. I can't really tell. It smells like flowers so I assume that it's for women. The thing is, I think that I'm allergic to the strong stuff. I can use regular, run of the mill, deodorant for about a month and then all of a sudden, all hell breaks loose in the armpit region. It's as if someone lit tiny brushfires down there. It gets all red and irritated and if I put on anything, it just makes it burn and itch. Last week I used some of Anna's lavender-scented baby powder. This week, it's some weird Herbal deodorant that says nothing on it about the gender for whom it is made. I'll take it though. It makes me feel better. I don't know if it actually works and really, I'm sure that I even know what deodorant does, if anything. Nor do I know the difference between an anti persperant and deodorant. I think that it's an industry built on a scam, like dry cleaning. That doesn't work.
30 minutes left in the workday and then I am headed home. God, I love the end of the day.
More soon,
Paul
Larry,
Remember how I said that I'd have more exciting stuff to talk about the last time? I lied.
This weekend was pretty chill, as far as weekends go. Anna was worn out from her trip to Florida last week so she was asleep by nine on Friday and Saturday. I, left to my own devices, stayed out of trouble. Surprise.
We did have lunch at the White Church. It would appear that this is where we're having the rehersal dinner. I have told Anna repeatedly that I don't want to give a speech. I just can't do it. I get stage fright like you wouldn't believe. My neck gets stiff, my mouth dries up, and start to take on the attributes of a robot. It's not so pretty. So, in the event that I am forced, I plan to thank everyone for coming, and then, at some point duriung my ramblings, blurt out "I can't do this" and then disappear into the recesses of the old church. Should be funny. You should come.
You're invited, by the way. Anna wanted me to tell you. Since you're a big Hollywood moviestar, I told her that you're schedule wouldn't allow it. She wanted me to pass the information along, regardless.
On a lighter note, I went to my mom's house this weekend to help her set up her new TiVo. I love TiVo, by the way. It's the best invention since...well, frankly I know of no other invention that comes close to the TiVo. So, for me, it's the best invention EVER. But I digress. I was at my mom's house, setting up the TiVo. I was almost done and my mom had to leave. She had to go pick her dog Pax up from the groomers. Since my mom drove us both from the White Church, I was left there alone. I watched a little Blow but then found myself outside playing the Pied Piper to a bunch of ducks. That's all irrelevant. I snooped around her apartment a little bit while she was gone and discovered that she had in her tiny apartment, 6 nail clippers. SIX. Isn't that too many? There were two in her bedroom, two on the bar that separates the kitchen from the living room, and then 2 on a coffee table in the living room. I could understand 2, maybe. One for the bedroom and one for the other room. That way, if you're lazy like me and you feel the urge to cut your grossly long toenails, you can do it whether you're in the bedroom or the living room. But to have six makes me think that my mom's got some kind of weird toenail problem or fetish. I can't decide which. To be honest, I'd rather not think about the possibility of my mother having any kind of fetish.
You know what? I've got to stop there.
Hope that all is well in Hollywood.
Paul
Larry,
What's up, buddy? I know that it's been a while since I've written. Sorry about that. I haven't really been busy or anything. I'm just really, really boring. It's no excuse and yet, it's the only excuse that I've got.
This weekend was boring. Anna was having her special girl time and didn't want to do much of anything all weekend except lay around and watch shows that were invented to drive men crazy. There was lots of E! and various garden shows and home make-over shows. At one point, I threatened suicide if she didn't stop. She didn't. Obviously, I chickened out.
I got a shower Saturday afternoon. Not that a shower in and of itself is a big deal, but I shaved while I was in the shower. Gave myself a little Hitler mustache. Not that I'm a fan. Just thought that it'd be funny to see Anna's reaction. She didn't notice. There wasn't much hair up there anyway and when I got out of the shower, I came out to the living room where she was and stood around for a bit, chuckling to myself. She didn't have her glasses on so she didn't realize that there was a Furher in the room. Alas, my joke backfired. That pretty much sums up the weekend.
It's a shame though, about the Hitler mustache. I mean, from now until the foreseeable future, that mustache style will be forever frowned upon, never accepted as a viable facial hair alternative. I think that it's kind of cool. I mean, there's little upkeep once you get it shaped correctly. It's rather inconspicuous-at least, it would be if stupid Hitler hadn't made it infamous. I think the soul patch (another facial hair style) is completely derivative of the Hitler. I mean, someone probably saw the picture of Hitler and said, "You know, that's not a bad looking mustache. But I can't wear it over the lip. What if I take the same style and move it downstairs...below the lip." And like that, the soul patch was born. Born in infamy. No labels on it though. You'd think that someone would have realized by now that the soul patch is just the Hitler mustache's cousin, once removed.
I'll just stick with the no facial hair look, at least for the time being.
Hitler sucks! In fact, this is what happens when people think that the world is ready for the Hitler mustache.
Take care,
I'll have more soon. More of this, you ask? Better stuff than this, I assure you.
Paul
Larry,
Just wanted to drop you a line and share with you a couple of things of note. You might not find it interesting and if you don't, that's ok. I don't really care. Yeah, I said it.
Anna and I have decided what our first baby shall be named, if it is a boy. Are you ready? Ivan. That is a kick-ass name. For a boy or a girl, I think.
We have both decided (I think) to get new cars. Honda's got a new car out called the Fit. It drops around the Ides of March so we've got to wait a bit but I am very excited. It gets 56 miles to the gallon and retails for around $12,000. That is one sweet deal. I read somewhere that the hybridized version gets 84 mpg but they only sell that car in Japan. Dang the Japanese. They get all the cool shit. Not fair.
My buddy Jay told me a story that was hilarious. Unfortunately, I'm sworn to secrecy. Don't you hate that?! Why bother saying it if you can't tell, right? I love doing that to people. I'm making up for all the times that someone's done it to me.
I have discovered (and I use that term loosely) the best show ever. Wonder Showzen . Comes on MTV2. Honestly, I'm surprised that they air anything worth watching. I would have guessed that they would have followed in MTV's footsteps and shunned anything watchable long ago. I was dead wrong.
I'm not sure if you know anyone in law enforcement but if you do, could you do me a favor? Could you run some plates for me. I'm looking for the driver of a truck and his license plate number is TN GDD 644. I need to have a conversation with that guy and you're rich. Pull some strings for me. I'll be your BFF.
Talk to you soon,
Paul
Larry,
How's it going brother? All's well here in Memphis. Spring is beginning to perk up after a long winter buried underground. But I'm not writing to talk to you about Spring. I wanted to say some things about poop that I've been keeping to myself for a while. My buddy Joey has a theory about poop. It's complicated and I don't want to go into details but, in a nutshell, he believes that if more people were comfortable talking about poop, the world would be a better place. I don't know if he has scientific data to back it up, but he's a sharp guy and I think that there's something to his theory. So, to that end...
He (or maybe it was Cara) said that he/she overheard a conversation on the streets of New York. A woman was on the phone and apparently, the person with whom she was speaking had to go to the bathroom-badly. In closing, she said "Alright, go shit, shitty". Frank talk about poop. Joe's theory, in action.
I talk about poop a lot. Maybe too much. However, I don't like to be graphic about it, so I have created a euphemism for the process that I believe softens the blow when I discuss it with strangers or coworkers. I refer to it as "seeing the doctor". I have taken the euphemism one step further and created a persona for my doctor. I call him Dr. Tu. He's an Indian fellow, maybe from Pakistan. I don't know because normally we don't discuss world affairs. Usually, when I see him, he's all business. So, in the future, when I refer to the doctor, it's probably Dr. Tu to whom I am referring.
I know that your kids are too old to appreciate this, but I saw a website the other day that made me believe that Joe's theory has spread to France...or at least to Canada. It's this site, aimed at children, that let's them pick out certain types of food, stick that food into a machine that's supposed to be your digestive system, and see what kind of poop that combination of food produces. If you should happen to visit, choose all McDonalds. That is one bad poop.
I pooped on Starbucks. Really, it was an accident. Ok, this is going to be confusing. I can't remember if this happened before or after my shoulder surgery, but not too long ago, I had to go see a real doctor (not Dr. Tu) about something shoulder-related. During the exam, I got a page from Dr. Tu-he wanted to let me know that he needed to see me right away about some tests that he'd done. I thought that I'd wait until I got home to see him-he does make house calls. Unfortunately, after I left the (real) doctor's office, I realized that I would not make it home. This was an emergency situation so I stopped at Starbucks. Thought that I would kill two birds with one stone. I walked in and quickly made my was to the restroom. I'll spare you the details but what took place in there was disturbing. It was as though I had been to Mexico and unknowingly drank lots and lots of water. So, I'll just say this-there was some leakage. After I was done. On the floor. Disgusting, I know. I can't go back there again. I can't-I won't.
That's it, I think. I was out walking Xander this morning and there was a couple out on the park bench talking to one another. As I approached, they started to make those sounds that indicated that they wanted to interact with the dog. I didn't want to stop so I just yelled, "Xander, make some poopy"! They laughed and I was able to make my escape. He did, shortly thereafter. Green poop. Awesome!
That's really it.
Take care and cherish the poop.
Paul
Larry,
And the winner is...
You wrote:
Please send me a refund check for the credit balance of $59.80.
Re: Account - Credit Balance Refund 02/01/06 09:24:45 AM 3 of 3
Customer Service Wrote:
Your credit balance refund has been processed, and you should receive a check within 2 weeks. For your protection, all refund checks are sent to the primary cardholder at the address on file.
Thank you for using our website.
RE: Account - Credit Balance Refund 02/01/06 09:48:37 AM 3 of 3
You wrote:
Hey Citibank. Sorry that I had to throw down the proverbial gauntlet and transfer my balance. Sincerely, I love you guys. I'll make sure that my next major purchase is made with my Citibank Visa card. I don't want to lose you guys as a business partner. And, if I may say so, as a friend, You guys rock. I mean that. Paul
Larry,
The battle for $60.00 and my pride continues...
Dear Citibank, When I agreed to transfer my balance to the Citibank visa card, I did so because I was offered a no interest option until January of 2006. Yet, when I received my account summary, I couldn't help but notice that I did incur some finance charges. Will you please explain or simply deduct them from my outstanding balance? Thanks a ton. You guys are great! Keep up the excellent work.
Sincerely, Paul Little
Re: Finance Charges 10/03/05 03:09:45 AM 2 of 2
Customer Service Wrote:
Our records indicate that the account is currently in default status, based on your payment history.
Your Card Agreement states in part, that your Annual Percentage Rate (APR) may be increased if you fail to meet the terms of the Card Agreement because you fail to make a payment to us or any other creditor when due.
Your account may be eligible for a lower rate after you have met the terms of all Card Agreements for six consecutive months. Your existing balances will remain subject to the higher rate until they are paid in full.
If you feel that this is in error, please contact us.
You can also contact our Customer Care Center at 1-800-950-5114. Outside the U.S., please call collect at 605-335-2222.
Thank you for using our website.
RE: Finance Charges 11/01/05 04:43:43 PM 2 of 2
You wrote:
Hello Citibank, In regards to the message above, I just wanted to say this: I felt that I left myself plenty of time to pay the amount due by the due date. However, I underestimated the amount of time that it would take to authorize my online status. I thought for sure that 3-5 days was more than enough time to arrange for this. I was wrong. It took 8-10 before I was able to pay online. If I had known that it would take this long, I would have adjusted my schedule accordingly. I think that in lieu of paying a higher interest rate and late fees that I don't feel I deserve, I will simply transfer my balance elsewhere. You guys removed the late payment fee so I assumed that you would still allow the no interest terms. I guess that we know what assuming does. Still, no hard feelings, ok? I like you guys. I'm sure that we'll do business again in the near future.
Paul Little
RE: Finance Charges 11/01/05 05:05:06 PM 2 of 2
Customer Service Wrote:
We will submit a request to review your account for a rate adjustment. If approved, your account will be restored to the standard APR on all of the active balances, including:
-Balance Transfer Rates
-Rate Sale Offers
-Intro Rates
-APR Buy-Downs
If the higher rate was due to a bank error, any necessary finance charges and fees will be credited to the account and reflected on a future statement. Related accounts will be updated as well.
Thank you for using our website.
RE: Finance Charges 11/01/05 05:27:16 PM 2 of 2
You wrote:
Dear Customer Service, Ok. I agree to your terms. I will hold off a day or two while you review my account. I'm sorry that I snapped earlier. I'm having a fat day. You know how it is. You wake up and you feel bloated. Too much candy! Oh well. I'll be hitting the gym tomorrow. Take it easy.
Paul
RE: Finance Charges 11/01/05 05:57:11 PM 2 of 2
Customer Service Wrote:
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
Our records indicate the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for purchases on this account is currently at 17.74%. This variable APR is based on the prime rate (currently 6.75%) plus 10.99%.
Our records indicate the balance transfer APR on this account is currently at 0%. As long as you do not default under any card Agreement, this offer will be valid until 01/01/06.
Thank you for using our website.
RE: Finance Charges 12/03/05 11:58:09 AM 2 of 2
You wrote:
Play it your way Citibank. I'm going to move my money from out of this account and cancel all of my Citibank cards. I didn't want to take this course of action but you leave me no choice, now do you? Shame on you, Citibank. It's the holidays for goodness' sake. Have you no decency?
Paul
RE: Finance Charges 12/03/05 12:25:30 PM 2 of 2
Customer Service Wrote:
Our records indicate the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for purchases and balance transfer on this account has been lowered. The APR for purchases is currently at 17.99%. This variable APR is based on the prime rate (currently 7.00%) plus 10.99%. Your APR for balance transfer is at 0.00%.
If you have further questions, please call the number on the back of your card, and we will be happy to assist you. Thank you for using our website.
RE: Finance Charges 12/08/05 10:14:03 PM 2 of 2
You wrote:
Sorry Citibank but it's just not good enough. You want to play hardball? You got it. I told you that I was serious about transferring the balance. Well, I don't mess around. You said that I'd have 0% APR until January. However, I've incurred finance charges for the past 3 months; all because I wanted to pay online and it took you a week to give me online access. Not a very nice trick. I'll be transferring my balance within the hour. Discover will be so pleased. I want to say "Eat it" but I'm going to take the high road. Best of luck, Citibank. I hope that we meet again someday.
Paul
RE: Finance Charges 12/08/05 10:31:02 PM 2 of 2
Customer Service Wrote:
Finance charges for purchases, balance transfers and cash advances will begin to accrue from the date the transaction is added to your balance. They will continue to accrue until payment in full is credited to your account.
This means that when you make your final payment on these balances, you will pay interest for the time between the date your last statement prints and the date your payment is credited to your account.
Thank you for using our website.
RE: Finance Charges 12/08/05 11:09:31 PM 2 of 2
You wrote:
Citibank, That doesn't even make sense. You told me that I would have 0% APR on balance transfers until January. It's a moot point now anyway because I am transferring my transferred balance to another credit card company. So, in essence, there will be no more finance charges from you. See you around.
Paul
ps. Merry freaking Christmas!
RE: Finance Charges 12/08/05 11:57:53 PM 2 of 2
Customer Service Wrote:
We apologize for any inconvenience caused to you.
We have credited your account $59.80 for the finance charge assessed. This credit should appear on your account within two business days.
Thank you for using our website.
Larry,
What's up, doggy? I know that I've been inundating you with letters lately. I'm sorry but I think that you'll enjoy this exchange that I had with Citibank a while back regarding my credit card and our little game of chicken. I don't think that you need too much background but to get you caught up, here's what happened. I transferred a balance to my Citibank Visa card because they offered 0% interest for 6 months. I love no interest. So, I transferred the balance. However, I wanted to pay online so I signed up for online billing. I thought that it would take 3-5 days but it took much longer. Subsequently, I made a payment late. They proceeded to yank the no-interest terms. This is what happened (via email):
Late Payment 08/09/05 11:37:31 PM 1 of 1
You wrote:
Hello, do you think that you might forgive the late payment fee for me this one time? I have recently moved and am not receiving my mail in a timely manner. Also, the post office has given me some bad information concerning my zip code. In addition, I have been trying to pay my bill online since the 3rd and I am still unable to do so. It would mean a lot to me. What do you say? You're the best!
Paul Little
Re: Late Payment 08/09/05 11:50:34 PM 1 of 1
Customer Service Wrote:
As a goodwill gesture, we have credited your account $39.00 for the late fee assessed. This credit should appear on your account within two business days. We must receive your payments by the due date in order to avoid late fees in the future.
Please reply to this message with your new address and/or phone number, and we will be happy to update your account with the new information.
We investigated your inquiry and our records indicate that statements were mailed to you each month. We cannot determine a reason for the delay. If this continues, please contact your local post office to resolve this problem.
Thank you for using our website.
RE: Late Payment 08/10/05 12:33:52 AM 1 of 1
You wrote:
Thank you, Citibank. As soon as I can pay online, I will do so. And it will be so much more than the minimum payment. I think that you will be very proud of me. I will not soon forget your generosity. I will update my profile as per your instructions. Thanks again, Paul Little
Customer Service Wrote:
Thank you for using our website.
