Jan 31, 2015

My Home Phone uses VoIP services:
<rave>In October of 2013, I switched from a traditional POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) home phone to a 'do it yourself' VoIP (Voice Over IP) service. In the past I've bitched and moaned about the crappy state of home phone service in the U.S. I've made some claim... Like: "I'm definitely going to ditch the residential phone" Well, Hell hasn't frozen over, but I made good on my claims. As of 30 Oct, 2013, I officially freed myself from the U.S. Telecom scam known as the 'Home Phone' using conventional POTS (Plain Old Telephone System).

Back in October of 2013, I had to select a VoIP service provider. Google offers a VoIP service called Google Voice. Of course there are others as well; such as Anveo or Phone Power. There are several plans and the prices vary drastically. Keep in mind that these companies are very competitive, and this is your chance to save some money. In the end, I opted for Google Voice. It had all the features I needed, with the added benefit of costing $0.00 per month! Actually - That's not quite fair. To be honest, the cost for Google's VoIP service was $FREE. You pay nothing!

Then, in May of 2014, I added the Anveo VoIP service (cost = ~$94.00 for an entire year of service). The Anveo VoIP service offers several feature over and above the free Google/GoogleTalk free service, and I'm now using the Anveo service as my primary telephony provider (via VoIP). Google's XMPP voice services were NOT discontinued as was originally anticipated, and now I have two VoIP services providing me with home phone service (phones in four rooms of our house). The cost of ~$94.00 per year beats that old CenturyLink landline by a mile!

It took me some effort to get the new Anveo VoIP service configured as my primary provider, and I've still got the Google Voice service configured as my secondary provider (for a second phone number/which is a local call from my home town (where my wife's family still lives)). The OBi device (an OBi202) can be used with many Internet phone (VoIP) services. That's just one of the benefits of owning an OBi. A new service can be configured from the OBiTALK website and used on your OBi device in little time. Multiple offers are available - with some starting at under $3 per month. I ended up paying ~$94.00 for an entire year's worth of service (Including $10.00 worth of tech support. Just in case I need it). Compared to my previous bill for home phone service ($1,020.00 per year), I'm now paying approximately 91% less! Talk about a savings! How would you like to save $926.00 or more per year?

It took me some effort to get the new Anveo VoIP service configured as my primary provider, and I was even able to configure the Google Voice service as my secondary provider (for that second phone number). The OBi device can be used with many Internet phone (VoIP) services. That's just one of the benefits of owning an OBi. A new service can be configured from the OBiTALK website and used on your OBi device in little time. Multiple offers are available - with some starting at under $3 per month. I ended up paying $94.00 for an entire year's worth of service (Including $10.00 worth of tech support. Just in case I need it). Compared to my previous bill for home phone service ($1,020.00 per year), I'm now paying approximately 91% less! Talk about a savings! How would you like to save $926.00 or more per year? Setting up my own VoIP service (don't bother with those expensive solutions like Comcast VoIP or Vonage) was far easier than I had anticipated (for someone who understands TCP/IP and Computer networks), and now I'm in charge of my phone service not some money grubbing company with poor customer service. After four years of service, my OBi device, Anveo and Google voice are all working perfectly. After all the problems I've had with Comcast equipment and customer service (mostly customer service). I thought I'd highlight some services that shine. I've had 0 reasons to call Google to troubleshoot my Google voice service (it's working flawlessly), and Anveo has been very helpful whenever I've called them (for technical support - twice? and account questions - twice?). I've had no reason to call ObiHai - as their product (the ATA - OBi202 device) has performed perfectly since I configured it.

FYI: ObiHai Technology manufactures Analog Telephone Adapters (ATAs) which support SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), XMPP and Google Voice compatible Internet Telephony equipment. They were founded Cupertino, California in 2010. In 2018 (Yes this article was written in the future?), they were acquired by Polycom.</rave>
<https://www.robsworld.org/whatsnew/wn2014/wn2014_may.html#mynewhomephone2>
<https://www.robsworld.org/whatsnew/wn2013/wn2013_oct.html#mynewhomephone>
<https://www.robsworld.org/whatsnew/wn2013/wn2013_jul.html#ustelephoneservice>
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plain_old_telephone_service>
<http://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html>
<https://www.anveo.com/consumer/default.asp>
<https://www.robsworld.org/obi202ds.pdf>

Another Conversation with Comcast:
<rant>(Another Comcast conversation - 25 Jan, 2015) Upon learning that she wasn't getting the five premium channels promised to us (via the chat session), my wife called Comcast. Of course she didn't have all the information, ended up in my office talking to Comcast, and they were going to 'activate' our new modem and new 'cable box'... Stop!

I had to get involved to prevent them from activating/re-activating our modem or cable box... Apparently she had already been transferred once. One representative said we weren't getting our premium channels because we hadn't activated our VoIP service or signed the appropriate paperwork? After a few minutes with that person, I was transferred back to billing. The person said they would stay on the line so I could explain why we didn't need to have our equipment activated... They didn't stay on the line, they transferred me to someone else and I had to start all over from scratch to explain all the problems and issues.

This all started with a person in a chat session who made promises and then presented a contract that didn't include the promises he made in the chat session. So, it looks like we're going to keep what we have. I still don't know what the plan is called. Or what its details are.

The person on the phone said he would text that information to my phone (haven't received it yet). Our 'Triple-Play' plan will include (according to the Comcast representative on the phone - Today):

1. Cable TV: 140 Channels including HD and one (STARZ) premium channel.
2. Internet: 50mbps d/l, 5mbps u/l (speed check shows speeds were doubled (now getting 100mbps d/l, 10mbps u/l according to various speed check sites) despite previous claims that I wasn't eligible for doubled speeds in my area).
3. VoIP: I won't be using this service.

The plan is good for two years. The cost will be $119.99/mo for the first 12 months. After the first 12 months, the cost goes up to $144.99/mo for the remaining 12 months. This is too expensive. Why can't we have competition in this space? Why can't I purchase just the channels I want to watch? Why can't I get my internet from one company, my cable TV from another, and roll-my own VoIP phone service?

According to the person on the phone, our area will see a price hike half way through the year - What? How can they raise the price of a negotiated two year contract? The price will jump to appx $139 mo. After the first year, the price is set to go up to $154.00 a month... Is this actually the United States of America? Don't we have any consumer protection laws?

Of course I don't have any of this in writing. It's a phone conversation, and I still haven't received the promised 'text message' with details of our conversation or my 'Triple Play' plan.

In the end, I'm going to end up paying for what Comcast gives me, and I'll like it. When they raise the price, I'll pay that.

I indicated that the Attorney General should hear about these practices, and how I was promised one thing and delivered another. The person on the phone said I could get a copy (print outs) of the chat transcript and all the available paperwork regarding my account from the nearest corporate office (on Garden Street?). Imagine how much work that would be.

Shut Up Slave! - You will take what we give you, you will pay what we say, and you will like it.

Once again Comcast sucks - They've screwed me in the past, they've screwed me again, and they will probably screw me in the future. Thanks Comcast. Thanks for making my life a first world hell.

As this was originally posted on F*book (Will I get sued by F*book for Copyright violation?), I received some feedback from friends (I have a few) - Chris asked: Don't you have any options? Aren't there any alternate providers? Well let's see:

1. There's Ditch - But they can't match internet speeds (imagine internet via satellite - talk about latency and constricted bandwidth), programming cuts out when it rains or snows. Prices are just as expensive as Craptastic.
2. CenturyFink? - They can't match internet speeds (unless you bind together multiple phone lines for extremely high prices), no TV (they didn't have Prison TV back in Jan of 2015 - and you couldn't get any TV via internet yet), just very expensive phone service (compared to free (or very cheap) VoIP service) and slow internet.
3. What about WiFi providers? - There's a few in the area. They can't match internet speeds either, and there plans require me to lease specialized equipment.

Come on man - This is America, apparently we don't believe in competition for Internet or content delivery (aka Television via access methods other than RF broadcast). Consolidation of all competition = Better customer service and lower prices. Haven't you heard what the big Telecoms (AT&T, Comcast, Time Warner) have been saying over the last twenty years? Less is the new more in America. Get with the program.

As this was originally posted on F*book (Will I get sued by F*book for Copyright violation?), I received some feedback from friends (I have a few) - Charles remarked: Sorry about your issues with Comcast. Do you think the ruling on Net Neutrality will probably make things worse when it comes to these cable companies in the long run?

Charles - Regarding the recent ruling on 'Net Neutrality' and the FCC: There is no indications that the FCC ruling would make anything better. As far as I'm concerned, the only thing I've heard about Net Neutrality is 'Lawful Content'. In other words, if we make any change to the current rules (still questionable that we would, and it would definitely be challenged/held-up in court by all the providers), the only thing that's certain to happen is a curtailment of your free speech rights. Before you would be permitted to tweet, post, blog, or download, the content would have to be deemed as 'Lawful'. Sounds like licensing and oversight to me. Sounds like a serious step backwards when it comes to free speech.

As this was originally posted on F*book (Will I get sued by F*book for Copyright violation?), I received some feedback from friends (I have a few) - Chris remarked: Yes sir. sounds like Comcrap. Great technology but just a poor customer non-friendly service model. just a terrible experience overall. i had Comcrap several years ago and switched to Verizon Fios service when they offered it in my area. Verizon has their service issues too but i havent had many issues so I cant complain.

Unfortunately, there is no Verizon FIOS in this area (or Google fiber). Despite numerous claims to the contrary, Verizion and Century Link have not been able to install any fiber to the area of Aurora where I live - I can only imagine why they won't compete with Comcrap (lot's of conspiracy theories swirl about in my skull, but of course proving any of those would require someone, somewhere spilling the beans or some documentation being leaked). They're probably prevented by various regulatory concessions/loopholes that keep Comcast entrenched as the only real competitor when it comes to high-speed internet.</rant>

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Comcast>
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOCSIS>
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comcast>
<http://comcastsucks.org>

I'm Sick!
It really hasn't been that long since I was sick last (July of 2014). I guess that Flu shot I got in October didn't really help... I'm definitely sick now. I've got flu-like symptoms. They began on Sunday (18 Jan, 2015). I had to take Monday off. I wasn't feeling well enough to go to work, and I'm sure my coworkers don't really want me there when I'm sick. This particular bug really kicked my behind. I ended up taking four days off (Mon - Thursday). I went back to work on Friday, but I spent the whole day just trying to get caught up on my email. I really didn't want to be there, but no one else does my work when I'm not around, so I would just end up working longer hours on Monday, so I went into work and got a head start on Monday by going through the weeks email.

The Comcast Sucks Saga Continues!
<rant>I called it - Of course it wasn't over. After agreeing to a 'Triple-Play' Upgrade, I knew things would head askew from the minute I agreed. It's inevitable. Just about any interaction I have with Comcast results in a cascading series of confusion, extra fees, misdirection, lies and outright disaster. This recent episode is no exception to the usual story. Where did we leave off? Well, on the 20th of January I agreed to a Triple-Play Upgrade. I was hoping to get Increased internet speeds. Comcast promised me much more, for a lower price. Here's the first follow-up to that experience.

Following my 'Chat' session with a Comcast representative on the 20th of Jan, 2015. On that date I agreed to an offer which include 'Blast!' level internet, VoIP service, and cable-tv with 160 standard channels and five premium channels. That's what I was promised - All of this, and a lower price. Well, lower for the first two years - at least.

The self-install kit arrived on Friday (the 23rd of Jan, 2015), and I installed the equipment on Saturday (the 24th of Jan, 2015). Installing the new cable box (A PACE RNG110 HD receiver) was relatively easy, but getting the programming to work was a bit more difficult. After installing and activating the new HD capable cable box, all the channels were marked as 'programing should be available shortly' with a ref code of S0900.

A call to the Comcast technicians (after navigating through the hell that is their phone tree) didn't do much good. They had me repeat most of the steps I'd already taken in troubleshooting the issue. None of their commands to my new cable box were working. That's when they 'Discovered' that there was an unscheduled outage in my area...

An 'Outage', really? What is the outage affecting? Is it affecting just cable TV? Yes. That's interesting, because the cable TV in my bedroom is working fine. Maybe it's only affecting HD cable boxes? Yes. Right...

I sent an email to my 'CrossTalk' email mailing list (I maintain a mailing list for the community where I live). With nearly a hundred people subscribed; surely some other Comcast customers must be experiencing the same outage... NOT - In less than five minutes I had email from a neighbor who confirmed - His HD Comcast cable TV service is working fine.

So, the technician said that he would call me back after the 'Outage' had been resolved. According to him the outage should be resolved by 1145MST. Guess what? I never got a call back. I'm fairly certain that the 'Outage' was caused by their inability to communicate with my cable box. The inability to communicate with my device initiated an automated 'Outage' message, which they then used as a 'Reason' why they couldn't communicate with my cable box. Awesome! Just another example of how incompetence is the norm at Comcast.

I did a little research while I was pondering what to do next. Apparently the S0900 reference code means that their is 'poor signal strength' or 'no signal' getting to my cable box. Yes - One minute of research (google searching) found the error code, and the likely problem. I pulled out a cable tester (I have one for Coax, Phone lines and Ethernet). The test confirmed good shield and signal transmission over the entire length of coax from my Square-D Multi-Link box (in the basement) to the TV in the living room. There shouldn't be any problem with the line. I don't know whether it's the correct signal strength, but the same run of cable was working on the old cable box...

In the mean-time... I noticed on the 'activation and acceptance' web form that I completed (online) that there was a little 'Asterisk' at the bottom of the 'Success' page. 'It may take up to 60 minutes before programming is available'. About fifty five minutes after I activated the cable box, it just started working.

Great. One problem solved (by me). No - They never called me back regarding the cable box problem. They don't care - not in the least. Oh, wait - I take that back. As long as they're getting paid they care. Beyond that, they would prefer that their customers simply not complain or contact them. So much for the 'help' I was supposed to get by calling 'Customer Service'.

Problem number two was installing the new internet modem. That turned out to be less of a hassle than I had expected. Of course I had to call them in order to activate the new modem. That was followed by numerous conversations regarding the fact that I'm using my own modem, not their modem, that my new modem is a Docsis 3.0 modem, that it needs to be provisioned as a docsis 3.0 modem. That it's not a VoIP or WiFi capable modem. Yes I have my own WiFi router as well. I don't need, and don't want a Comcast Modem or Router. If I could, I would buy/use my own HD receiver as well, but somehow, for some reason, Comcast is allowed to be the only ones who can lease me an HD capable modem that will work with the Comcast service... That's a different story altogether.

After about an hour, I finally have my new docsis 3.0 modem up and running. No I will NOT be using the VoIP service that's included with my new Triple Play package. Getting the new modem to work with the Apple Router was far easier than I anticipated. I just rebooted it, and the router recognized and reconfigured itself to handle the new modem.

Testing my internet speeds, I see that I now have 100+mbps download and 10+mbps upload speeds. Despite the fact that my 'Contract' says I should be getting 'Performance' tier. Which is 20mbps download (despite everything the news says) and 4mbps upload. I'm probably getting these speeds regardless of the fact that I upgraded to the 'Triple-Play' package. What I really wanted was the increased speed that was promised to everyone else (most people) on the 'Performance' tier.

Guess what I didn't get, despite the promises? I didn't get any of the premium channels I was promised. Despite the fact that I was promised five premium channels (HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, TMC, STARZ), and the contract says I should have two premium channels. I didn't get any of those premium channels I was promised.

So, I'll count this as success. I didn't get everything I was promised. The contracts claim that I'm supposed to be getting less than I am, but I don't have a copy of the chat transcript (that's my mistake - but shouldn't that really be part of the 'Contract'? If it was in writing (chat) and it was promised, why isn't that part of the 'Contract'?)

Maybe I'll get the premium channels later? Now I just have to wonder what the price will be. I'm betting that it will be more than I was promised. Despite the initial claims (via chat) that this 'Deal' would be less than I'm paying now!

All in all... Comcast customer service is so bad it makes me sick. I don't want to call them or chat them again for at least a year. Hopefully nothing will break now that everything is working (Fingers crossed).

I still have to send back their equipment, which they will probably claim I didn't return. I will have to take some photos to prove that I returned the equipment, and keep all my UPS receipts showing shipment of the devices...

Argghhh! Comcast SUCKS! but please don't take away my high-speed internet, because it's the only game in town. Unless I want to get four home phone numbers and have the four copper lines bound together to give me an equivalent experience... Yeah, that sounds like competition. NOT!</rant>
<http://robsworld.org/comcastequipment_feb2017/images/5.html>
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Comcast>
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOCSIS>
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comcast>
<http://comcastsucks.org>

Crazy Colorado Weather!
What the heck? Just another Crazy Weather day in Colorado. Yes - It's January, but it's difficult to tell. Over the last three days we had 2 inches of snow, then 4 inches of snow, then temperatures in the high 60s, and then freezing again over night. Talk about crazy weather. This is why you often see Coloradans wearing shorts in the winter. While we might have snow overnight, we expect that the temps will warm up into the 60s during the day. It's crazy alright, the temperature swings in the winter can be quite extreme. We get a snow storm, followed by melting and high temps during the day, followed by freezing temps overnight. It's a wild ride - It's Colorado - I love it!

Jan 20, 2015

Comcast Customer Service aka Comcast Sucks!
<rant>I've been sick the last few days, so I decided to investigate a modem upgrade for my internet connection... It started out with an investigation. I had seen a couple of ads and news articles, where Comcast supposedly had increased the available speed on some of their most popular internet plans. So I fired up a 'Chat' session with a Comcast representative. I intentionally avoided the phone because talking with Comcast representatives just ends up poorly (and that's the best thing I can say about that).

During this chat session I learned that although Comcast had increased their internet speeds, including the speeds for the plan that I'm on - Which happens to be the most popular plan (the 'Performance' tier). I'm not eligible for the speed upgrade. I don't know why. The representative couldn't (or wouldn't) say why I'm not eligible. No explanation, just no soup for you! I suspect that it was all just a media lie. They up the speed in one area code/region, then flaunt it as an upgrade to their two most popular plans (Blast and Performance tier). This makes it look like they upgraded the speed for everyone. In fact they've only upgraded the speeds for a very small segment of their customers. Notice the 'most' disclaimer in this news article: <http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/blog/boosters_bits/2014/11/comcast-to-double-internet-speeds-for-most.html>

Here's a little complaint. Why can't I find out what the available plans are without 'signing in' to my Comcast account? Is it some diabolical plan to prevent me from learning how much they charge? Do I see different prices than anyone else? I suspect that they change the prices that I see after I log in. They wouldn't want me to see the prices they're offering to others... Why is there only one available cable TV plan?

Back to the issue at hand. As the representative had answered my question - No you do not get an increased speed on your plan - I was ready to call it quits. That's when the representative said, 'Wait, I'd like to offer you a special preferred customer upgrade'. What followed was a lengthy conversation. Yes, very lengthy. If you think I'm chatty here, you weren't the representative who had to endure a 3.5 hour exchange where I grilled him/her on every aspect of this 'Special offer'.

During the exchange, I had to correct him/her on numerous technical details. Like the fact that my Docsis 2.0 Motorola SB5100 modem is not capable of speeds above 38MBps. He didn't seem to have access to any information about my account. I constantly had to remind him that I owned my modem, it doesn't (and never did) belong to Comcast. I had to go look up the model of all the Comcast equipment in my home, despite the fact (which I learned later) that it was all listed in my online account information. He asked for the last four of my SSN (no I didn't provide it... I could go on an on about this). He didn't understand that there was a difference between download and upload speeds. He didn't know that an HD plan required an HD capable cable box. He didn't understand that you can't watch HD programs with a non-HD capable DTA (Digital Transport Adapter).

After numerous hours of 'interrogation' - I was trying to make sure I wasn't about to get screwed - I managed to get an 'Upgrade' to my current service. He sold me on an HD Preferred triple play plan. I explained to him that I didn't want the VoIP service (Comcast VoIP service is overpriced crap - I know first hand, but that's a different conversation altogether), but they have to send me the VoIP capable Wi-Fi enabled modem anyway. I'll just return it. I got an upgrade on channels, from my Digital Starter lineup to something with 160 channels. I 'think' I'm currently getting 140 channels, but it's impossible to tell. Even when I'm logged into my account, I cannot find out what channels my 'Digital Starter' plan includes. So, I'm probably going to get ripped off on the channel selection.

Here's another complaint about Comcast's website. It's really difficult, almost impossible to determine what plan I'm on, what it includes, and what the other options are. If I want to 'Upgrade' my TV only package, apparently Comcast only offers one other plan, and I still can't determine whether its better than my current plan because I have no idea what channels come with my current plan. Should I go to my TV and count the number of channels?

Back to the 'Upgrade' I was just sold/upgraded to. I also get five premium channels with this new plan: TMC, HBO, STARZ, Showtime and Cinemax. I really don't care about all of these channels, but I'm sure Kim will like it. In addition to the TV plan upgrade (Or so the representative claims), I'll also get an Internet Boost. This new plan will put me on the Blast! tier. I'll finally get the 50MBps download/10MBps upload speeds promised to other customers on my current Performance tier. Of course I'll need a new modem (I already have a SB6141 Docsis 3.0 modem / I bought the new modem in anticipation of an upgrade) in order to achieve speeds above 38MBps. The representative kept telling me that my current modem would work fine with the new speeds. I kept trying to explain that my current modem was a Docsis 2.0 modem, and it couldn't achieve speeds above 38MBps.

Here's another complaint. Whenever a Comcast customer service representative says "Thank you for that information", you should probably substitute the following phrase in your head "Fxxk you stupid customer, I'm right and you're wrong". I found this condescending term "Thank you for that information" to be more and more annoying as the chat session went on.

Back to the 'Special offer'. In addition to the increased channel lineup (I think) and the premium channels (which revert to their normal premium prices after a year) and the increased internet speeds, this plan also includes free installation of up to four DVRs - No I don't want any DVRs thank you. At $10/mo that's way expensive. Free installation - How many people fall for the 'Free' part? Then there's the VoIP plan - No thanks, that's another pricey addition for very few features, unless you think a single telephone extension hanging off the back of your modem is acceptable...

Apparently Comcast is pushing the Triple Play packages big-time. I'll take advantage of the service, but their VoIP service blows, so I won't be installing their VoIP capable Wi-Fi ready modem or using their VoIP service at all...

So a plan with a few improvements. The only one I'm really concerned with is the internet speed - That's why I started down this path. I wanted my internet speed increased in accordance with the press/news release that I read about. Thankfully, all of this unnecessary change comes with a lower price. If I don't get a DVR, If I don't use the VoIP service, if I don't get a second HD cable box (for the bedroom). So I said yes. Please upgrade me. Then came the verification part...

In order to upgrade you have to verify that you wish to upgrade your service. Because of some law, the upgrade must be completed through a second party? There are three ways to complete the verification and acceptance stage of an upgrade.

• 1: Call a toll free number and follow the voice prompts.
• 2: Have a person call you to ask questions.
• 3: Complete the verification and acceptance online.

Unfortunately, I had to try each one - Of course they didn't work properly. I guess it's a good thing they've got 3 options. With the first one, the automated voice prompts asked a bunch of questions that I didn't know the answers to... The questions were odd, "For porting press 1", "For native press 2", "For an agreement with no cdd press 3". There were more questions/options, but I didn't know what to press, and the customer representative didn't offer the correct answers until after I had asked which options I was supposed to select... Eventually the attempt to complete the verification and acceptance via this automated phone call failed because of 'too many failed attempts' or something like that.

With the second attempt, someone called my home phone. I didn't know that they were attempting to complete the verification and acceptance by voice. English obviously wasn't there first language. There was someone else yelling in the background (probably another tech support person three feet away), I could barely hear the person, and it seemed like they had gravel in their mouth. I absolutely couldn't tell who they were, what they wanted, or why they were calling. I told them not to call me again. I didn't realize that this was 'Comcast' calling until after the second call. If they call back again, I'll block their number. The person on the other end of the call was incomprehensible.

The the customer representative asked me to try the online verification and acceptance method. I read numerous disclaimers and legal statements, filled in a bunch of forms with my information and clicked 'Submit' - Guess what happened? Nothing. I never got the 'Confirmation' number that the customer representative was asking for. I guess the online method doesn't like my Browser. I guess it expects everyone to use Internet Explorer. You know, because it's so secure and implements internet standards so strictly (NOT!).

Finally, I re-tried the automated voice prompts at the toll free number. This time I had the correct answers ahead of time, but it still didn't work. It asked for my 'Account Number' but it kept rejecting my Comcast account number. Apparently it wanted some completely different account number. Finally the customer representative provided me with the proper account number. Sorry, too late, due to too many failed attempts the call was terminated.

So I called back again. This time I knew all the correct numbers to press, in order to get through the automated 'Press 1' to continue phone tree maze, and I had the correct 13 digit account number (which wasn't the same as the account number from my most recent bill). This time it worked, I was able to navigate all the way through the incredibly complex phone tree, completing the verification and acceptance stage of the upgrade, I received a 'Confirmation' number which I provided to the customer support representative. Good lord this was difficult.

After all of that, the customer support representative then says he's going to have to charge me a one time $30.00 fee in order to send me the 'Self Install' kit. I explain to him that would be illegal. He didn't disclose this 'Additional Fee' until after I had completed the verification and acceptance phase of the upgrade. I told him that I would have to report this to my "State's Attorney General" as an instance of fraud. Comcast cannot add on any additional fees after I had signed an agreement (which is what I did in the 'verification and acceptance' stage of the upgrade).

The customer support representative then tried to argue that the fee was mandatory, that it was normally $50.00 and he had managed to get it reduced to $30.00. I said that may be true, but failure to disclose this fee before I agreed to the upgrade constituted fraud (which it does - it's a classic case of consumer fraud), and I would report it to the State Attorney General.

He then indicated that he would waive the $30.00 one time charge for the self-install kit. I said great. After confirming that the self install kit contained UPS return shipping labels for the modem (which I wouldn't be using) and the old cable box/tuner (which isn't HD capable), I thanked the rep and ended the chat session. Three and a half hours of hell with Comcast. Afterwards I completed the customer satisfaction survey; giving Comcast low marks for many of the categories pertaining to this 'Upgrade' experience.

Stay tuned... I'm sure there will be more grief in my future, and you'll certainly want to know how I fare in my battles with Comcast.</rant>
<http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/blog/boosters_bits/2014/11/comcast-to-double-internet-speeds-for-most.html>
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Comcast>
<https://www.robsworld.org/motorola_sb5100.png>
<https://www.robsworld.org/motorola_sb6141.png>
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comcast>
<http://comcastsucks.org>

Home repairs can be costly:
If you've been following the events posted on my blog, you may be aware that our home endured a heavy duty hail storm in June of 2014. That hail storm did substantial damage to our home. It wasn't the first time our home has been damaged by wind and hail, but it has been (up until now (Feb 2019) - Knock on wood) the most costly, doing a significant amount of damage. We needed new shingles (I paid out of pocket for extra impact-resistant shingles), new windows on the south side of our house (the largest ticket item on the bill), some downspouts, painting and a fencing repair. The most expensive part of the repairs was the windows. Due to the fact that we have special impact resistant and noise insulating windows, replacing the windows (the glass didn't break - they're impact resistant, but the frames around the glass were destroyed by the hail) was very costly.

Contractors worked over the summer, autumn and fall in order to replace, repair and repaint all the damaged portions of our house. After nearly seven months of work, everything is back in 'before storm' condition. Thankfully our insurance covered replacement cost, not just the loss. If I had to pay the difference, I wouldn't have been able to repair half the stuff that needed attention. On the 6th of January I wrote a check to the contractor who handled all the repairs. My insurance company had previously compensated me, and I was keeping all the insurance money in a separate bank account. The cost for all the repairs? Appx: $48,000 dollars. Including a $1,000.00 deductible and appx $1,000.00 for the upgraded shingles. Thank you Advanced Exteriors and USAA. Hopefully it will be a long time before we have another hail storm like the one that hit our house in June of 2014. Having the higher rated impact resistant shingles should help, and I'm very glad that I have that 'Concrete Fiber' siding. I can't imagine what the bill would have been like if we had needed new siding on three sides of our house!

January's Jams:
Here's a list of some of the music I recently acquired. Where do I get all this stuff? For the long story on my music discovery efforts, see my music page. After rdio was shut down (in Dec of 2015), I searched for an alternative streaming service, but the only thing that made sense (given price, catalog, service, support and my existing preferences) was Apple Music. I signed up for a 3 month free trial in December of 2015, and I've been a $9.99/month subscriber ever since - Thank you for not raising your prices (as of Feb, 2019). For now, eMusic is my primary download service (even though it's catalog is severely shrunken - no major labels, and the minor labels seem to be disappearing on a daily basis), and Apple Music streaming is my primary music discovery service, but I certainly can't afford to buy my music from them, and the other major players - Amazon and Google both think that the outrageous prices that Apple charges are o.k. Really? - $1.29 for a single track!

Artists want you to Hear their music - If you like it, you'll buy it, or maybe you'll buy some concert tickets. The major labels of the music industry want you to pay for their product. - letting you hear it for free is contrary to their business model. Well, guess what? I won't buy the music if I can't listen to it first, and no one listens to the radio anymore (I don't because of all the advertising, interruptions, lack of new music and lack of information - you can never figure out who/what is being played) The major labels are killing themselves with their restrictive distribution and dissemination policies. If you like new music, you can do a web search to find your favorite artists web site, a new music web site, or an archive of free music. Free music is available - Legally! Don't believe the propaganda of the major labels - Not all free music is illegal. You can legally download and listen to all sorts of music for free (Have you heard of Pandora, Presto, MySpace, SoundCloud or DashRadio?). I download (purchase) most of my music from a couple of commercial sources (eMusic and iTunes), but I occasionally download tracks (legally) from various websites, newsgroups and blogs in order to satisfy my craving for music.

Here's a listing of some of the music I legally downloaded - and paid for!

eMusic monthly downloads:
Every month I download ~50 tracks from eMusic.com. This month (Jan of 2015) I downloaded 68 tracks (from eMusic) at the low cost of $22.88. Despite the published non-member cost of $22.88, I only pay a $19.99 monthly fee. This makes the tracks extremely cheap - That's right I didn't actually pay $22.88, that would have been the price if I had purchased individual tracks (at the non-member price). When you purchase an entire album you get a discount. Plus I got a discount for being on a specific plan (as a member), and I've been 'Grandfathered' with additional credits since I'm a long-time loyal member (since 2006). As a subscriber, you save even more. I only paid $19.99 for my $22.88 worth of downloads. The price for these tracks came out at ~$0.29 per track - Way less than the cost on iTunes or Amazon. A non-subscriber/non-member would have paid nearly $53.00! If you bought these tracks on iTunes you might have paid more than $87.00!

* Happy Head - The Mighty Lemon Drops: (20 tracks) The Mighty Lemon drops are an English rock group from the 80s (1985-1992). I might have heard them/listened to them back in the 80s, but I can't recall. I discovered them by listening to 'MOG' music recommendations. The somewhat psychedelic lyrics & instrumentals (guitar and drums) remind me of a favorite band - 'Echo and the Bunnymen'. I really enjoyed this album. Unfortunately (as of Feb, 2019), eMusic no longer has any Mighty Lemon Drops in their catalog. I guess I could try to find something else (some other band) featuring David Newton (lead guitar and lyrics). Three tracks identified (in eMusic), but for some reason I can't listen to them - eMusic FAIL! Have to rely on iTunes/Apple Music yet again... Notably: Dave Newton has been in/played with/founded many bands. I'm sure I'll find more music by/featuring his work.
* Chameleons in Disguise - Rullian: (26 songs) Rullian is a favorite artist of mine. I've been listening to his work since at least 2011. This is only the second album I've purchased by Rullian. Unfortunately, Rullian is no longer available on eMusic. If I want more I'll likely have to get it from iTunes/Apple Music. Rullian isn't a single person. It's the name of the band. I'm not sure where the name comes from, but the driving force behind the band appears to be Raoul Ranoa. The band performs/produces an eclectic fusion of rock inspired by bluegrass, pop, jazz, blues and classical genres. The guitar work (by Raoul Ranoa) is quite good.
* The Plateau Phase - Crispy Ambulance: (13 tracks) This band (with a horrible / totally forgettable name) reminds me of Magazine and Joy Division. Recommended by rdio, I'm glad I found them. Unfortunately, they didn't produce much in the way of studio albums. Formed in 1978, their first album came in 1982. The band broke up in 1982, then reformed in 1999, producing two more studio albums and one live performance album. Back on tour in 2014, there might be more music coming our way. Unfortunately, eMusic no longer has any of their music.
* Metal Circus - Hüsker Dü: (7 songs) A great band with an immense legacy. I've been listening to Hüsker Dü since the 80s. A pioneering band - Exploring Punk, Alternative, Metal and Noise themes in the early days of the punk revolution. This hardcore band has been there and done that. Surprisingly this band with the German name, hails from Minnesota. Band members Bob Mould and Grant Hart are two of my favorite artists. Thankfully, I was able to acquire six Husker Du albums before they all disappeared from eMusic. Thankfully they still carry Bob Mould's work, but there's only one album available featuring Grant Hart (Last Days of Pompeii - Nova Mob). I've added that album to my wish list. Hopefully it'll still be there when I get around to the purchase.
* Stay the Same / Just Keep Walking - autoKratz: (2 track single) These two songs do a good job of illustrating the energy that is autoKratz. autoKratz is a British electronic dub beat duo based in London. The duo display a great amount of talent in the production of their numerous singles. Just recently, eMusic added some new albums by the band (they're on a new label), so I'll add a bunch to my wish list. I now consider them to be a favorite.

Unlike some music outlets, eMusic doesn't have any DRM and they don't insert unique track id's into the ID3 tags. Their terms of service are consumer friendly. eMusic allows you to burn as many CDs as you like and copy downloads to an unlimited number of your computers and portable MP3 players. At less than $.50 a track (I'm currently paying $19.99 for $22.99 worth of downloads per month) you can't really go wrong. You don't have to be a member/monthly subscriber to access the site or buy music, and the membership prices (per album) are compared to the non-member prices right up front, so you can see how much you save as a monthly member. eMusic offers a really good value for your download dollar. iTunes and Amazon still charge more. eMusic offers more music for your money, and the variable bit rate recordings make for exceptionally high quality recordings. If you still want your own copies of the music, check out eMusic.

These are some of the items I added to my music collection during this month. Since revamping my music collection back in September of 2005, I've been slowly adding, revising and updating the collection. If you have a comment, question or correction regarding my music collection, please don't hesitate to send me an email. Please keep in mind that my collection isn't for sale, and I'm not interested in giving you any copyrighted materials. I'd rather not go to jail for music piracy. :-)
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_on-demand_streaming_music_services>
<http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2008/07/emusic-lets-the.html>
<https://www.robsworld.org/music.html>
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMusic>