Vagina Interrupted

The New York Times today reports on the art scene in Beirut:

“I feel stupid because I was so optimistic,” said Carole Ammoun, a 27-year-old actress who had been performing in a local version of Eve Ensler’s “Vagina Monologues,” called here “Hakeh Nesswan,” or “Women’s Talk.” The play, which was originally scheduled for five nights, had been extended for three months straight.

“It was such a compliment to perform in something that was successful and that people enjoyed,” said Ms. Ammoun, a bubbly woman with a large flashing smile. “We broke so many taboos talking about sexuality in an Arab country. There was a real sense that we were opening new doors.”

The performances have been suspended, and Ms. Ammoun said she can’t decide what her real role is today. “I feel frustrated, I feel angry, I feel castrated,” she said.

One can read Mazen Kerbaj's blog from Beruit, posting drawings like the one above.

One can also help Here Here and Here. Also Ashkal Alwan, the Lebanese Association for the Plastic Arts, has asked for help:

Dear all,

I am sure that you do not need me to tell you about the vitality of the art scene in Lebanon that has over the last decade provided a platform for experimentation and analysis for the region. The art community that has flourished and found voice in recent times is now faced with the same questions that we are/you are all faced with which is what to do in light of Israel's violent incursion on Lebanon. A medium that has characterized the Lebanese scene and has become its signature in the post civil war period is video. In this instance it provides not only the power to document but also to voice alternative narratives, to unravel historic constructs and to challenge more traditional media.

Rarely do audiences have direct opportunities to support such compelling artistic production, to join voice and hand in artistic expression. Additionally, given the aggressively interpretive role the news media play in representing and managing the positions and perspectives of dominant agendas, it is imperative for us to provide the realities of alternative personal, intimate and more nuanced narratives of those living and looking in the midst of this devastation of a nation's accomplishments and dreams.

Many local artists are eager and anxious to continue to work during this crisis not only as a means of resistance but also to inspect, present, analyze the many layers of reality and human experience that are currently at play at this critical juncture. Some feel the need to document, others are looking to provide an homage while others are simply looking to reverse the dynamic of helplessness into a creative active action.

I invite you to join artists in Lebanon as they continue to make urgent work. Production funds are practically unavailable and the financial situation is very difficult. We are expecting the situation to deteriorate and the attacks to intensify. In the face of that fear and disappointment, I urge you to add your voice to this compelling artistic process and encourage artists through donations of much needed production funds. Please see bank details below.

Lebanese Association for Plastic Arts, Ashkal Alwan
SOCIETE GENERALE DE BANQUE LIBANAISE (SGBL)
MAIN BRANCH SIN EL FIL BEIRUT
SWIFT CODE: SGLILBBX
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 001004360221121016

Hoping that this email finds you in the peace that we seek and good health.
Sincerely yours,

Christine Tohme
Director, Ashkal Alwan

Lebanese Association for Plastic Arts, Ashkal Alwan
Ain Mreisseh, Phoenicia St., Saab Bldg. number 5, 6th Floor, Apt. 12B

Meanwhile U.S.-made bombs kill more children in Qana.

The US Arms Export Control Act (Public Law 90-829) limits the use of US weapons given or sold to a foreign country to "internal security" and "legitimate self-defense". According to the law, US weapons may not be used against civilians.

Is this what a dead terrorist looks like?

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Birth Pangs of a New Middle East

Back in 1982, Ronald Reagan halted military aid to Israel for 10 days, because U.S. law expressly forbids the use of American-made weapons for acts of agression. Israel has now bombed grain silos, power plants, roads, bridges, and civilians fleeing the American-made bombs.



Here Israeli children "send a message" to the children of Lebanon:

































Here are some graphic pictures of Lebanese children receiving the messages:

















































Link Link Link Link Link Link Link

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My Friend Charles Saatchi

So Charles Saatchi sent me this e-mail the other day:

Your Gallery - a message from Charles Saatchi
Reply-To: Charles
To: michaelbuitron@gmail.com
Date: Jul 18, 2006 9:01 AM
Subject: Your Gallery - a message from Charles Saatchi

Hello,
Very happy to see your work on the gallery site.
I am thrilled that the standard is so high from such a variety of artists and hope it will be interesting to gallery owners, exhibition curators and collectors to see suchdiverse work.
All my best,
Charles Saatchi

Who knew he was so happy to see my work?

Who knew that suchdiverse was one word?

Actually, I found out about Saatchi's new web site where artists can post their work from the Two Broads. They actually got an invitation to post their work, but I thought, "Why wait for an invitation when you can just crash the party?"

So I made a page at Your Gallery. If you click on "Artists A-Z" you can scroll down the quickly expanding list to find "Michael Buitron," or just click on my name-link. We'll see if it generates any clicks to my web page or contacts by e-mail. So far, my site meter shows the sound of a dry wind sucking through cyberspace.

Better yet, post your own work, and you can get a fake personal message from Charles Saatchi too!

All my best!

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Getting Greased

I'm so over writing to Charter and blogging about it, but I thought I should give the story some closure. Since my previous posting, I wrote back to Charter:

Rather than repeat myself, I'm sending you a link to all past messages between your customer service reps and me.

You have overcharged me $95.00: Thirty-five for an installation fee that should have been waived, and twenty each month for the past three months because you charged me full price rather than the 29.99 you advertise.

I believe this is my fifth attempt to rectify the situation. My money and Charter's reputation is in your hands. However you reply, I will post to my blog for the world to see.

Your hand is upon Krishna's Wheel of Karma! Do the right thing and credit my account or run the risk of being reincarnated as a Dalit.

http://imoralist.blogspot.com/2006/07/charter-communications.html

Here's their response:

I understand that you would like the installation fee to be waived off and get credit for the extra amount you were billed each month.

On reviewing your account, I see that you have signed up for Internet service without any promotion. Hence, you are being billed $49.99 every month for the Internet services.

Further, I do not see any comment in your account regarding the installation fees to be waived off. Since the charges are valid, I would not be able to issue any credit. I apologize for the inconvenience this might cause.

To discuss further, you may contact our Customer Care team either via live chat option located at our website: www.charter.com or via phone at 1 866 499 8080.

We appreciate the opportunity provided to assist you.

Sincerely,

Adam
Charter Communications

Here's a snippet from my confirmation e-mail when I ordered service:


Your confirmation number: 200604231167993

Professional Installation, Own Modem - 3 months @ $19.99 per month

How about that? I get an e-mail confirming one price, but since it's not showing up on Adam's cathode ray tube, I'm S.O.L.

I wish to thank everyone who's read this, and for their suggestions. It appears that the situation has been rectified, so unless they screw up again, there will be no calls to the BBB, trips to small claims court, or squeaky blogger posts.

This morning I'm driving to work, and out of the blue, someone from Charter called and asked if I would like to have price difference credited to my account or get the introductory price for the next three months. I told her either way, whatever was easier. She said, "I can do it either way, whatever makes you happier."

Well I nearly drove off the road.

Could it be that Carter doesn't like it's name dragged through the mud of cyberspace? Or perhaps it was the mention at The Consumerist? Who knows?

Since this wheel has been greased with close to a C-note, I'll stop squeaking now.

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Charter Communications

Addendum: The phone number for Charter Communications is
1-866-974-5046. This posting has gotten more hits and comments than any other on my blog; monthly I get calls on my cell phone from people looking for Charter's Customer Complaint Number. Try calling 1-866-974-5046 .

Upon the recommendation of a friend, I switched from Earthlink DSL to Charter High Speed. If you go to their web site, you'll see a current offer of $19.99 a month for three months, plus a free gift!

I don't have a TV. All I want is Internet. So it looks like $19.99 a month for three months.

And what does the fine print say?

Services not available in all areas. Prices may vary by service area. Standard rates apply after promotional period ends. All programming and pricing subject to the terms and conditions of the subscriber agreement and are subject to change. Programming availability and channel lineup varies by market. High definition programming is limited to the programming provided in high definition format by programming partners. A network card may be required as installation for additional cost. Internet access speeds may vary. Residential customers only. Other restrictions may apply. Self-installation not available in all areas. Installation and service fees may also apply. Prices do not include taxes and fees which vary by location and service ordered. If you selected a Special Internet Offer, the promotional price is reflected at the end of your order.
* To be eligible for a thank you gift, original order must be received online.

Pretty standard stuff. When I signed up, they offered a similar deal. Here's my order confirmation:

COMPLETE YOUR ORDER - CALL NOW # 1-866-974-5046

Thank you for your order. To schedule your installation date immediately, please call 1-866-974-5046. If you are placing an order outside of the hours listed below, you will receive a call from Charter within 24 hours or please call us at your convenience within the times listed below. Please have your confirmation receipt available for reference when speaking to the Charter representative.

Phone Agent Hours of Operation:
Mon - Fri 8am to 11pm ( CST), Sat - Sun 9am to 6pm ( CST)

Please print or save this email for your records.

------------------------------
-----------------------------
Customer Information
-----------------------------------------------------------

Name: Michael Buitron
Address:
Long Beach, CA 90813
Phone:
E-mail: michaelbuitron@gmail.com

-----------------------------------------------------------
Service Description
-----------------------------------------------------------

Your confirmation number: 200604231167993

Professional Installation, Own Modem - 3 months @ $19.99 per month

Please remember: Someone age 18 or older needs to be at home during the appointment to authorize the installation and pay the first month of service plus the installation charge(s) as displayed on the Order Summary. The technician may ask for a form of picture ID to ensure proper identity.
This email address is not set up to receive reply messages. If you have any questions regarding your new service order email, please contact us at http://www.charter.com/contact/contact.aspx

We look forward to providing you with the best possible service,

Charter Communications Customer Service

They also said they would waive the installation fee if I ordered on line. What it doesn't say is that you have to sign up for automatic credit card billing to get this deal.

So here are my first two Charter bills:

5/28/06 $49.99
5/6/06 $84.99

The 5/6/06 bill shows a 35-dollar charge for installation, which should have been waived. My current bill (on 6/28/06) is $49.99.

So let's see: $20 a month overcharge for three months, plus an incorrect charge for installation of $35 comes to $95.00.

Below is our communication, back and forth:

--Original Message--
From: michaelbuitron@gmail.com
Date: 5/12/2006 3:42:28 PM
To: info.cc@mailegain.chartercom.com
Subject: Bill / Wrong

Web Form ID: 002

Billing System No. 2001012

Subject: Bill / Wrong

------------------------------
-----------------------------
Customer Information
-----------------------------------------------------------

Name: Michael Buitron
Address:
Long Beach CA 90813
Phone: 562-519-0333
E-mail: michaelbuitron@gmail.com

-----------------------------------------------------------
Customer Contact Information
-----------------------------------------------------------
Contact By: Email

-----------------------------------------------------------
Message:
-----------------------------------------------------------
A couple of issues:

1) When the cable guy came to install the line, his service order said 1068 Minerva Ct. Likewise, my first bill was addressed to Minerva Ct. There are two streets in Long Beach, Minerva Park and Minerva Court. I live on Minerva Park. To ensure bills, cable guys, and communications arrive in a timely manner, you need to correct your information.

2) I ordered high-speed internet service only on line. I also IM'ed to confirm and hear of any better deals through a phone operator. The plan I purchased had a $49.95 installation fee, and a cost of $29.99 for the first three months, and $39.99 afterwards. If I ordered on line, the installation charge would be waived, if I selected the automatic payment option.

This was confirmed to me by Elizabeth through IM at 7:45 on 4/18/06.

When I ordered on line, my confirmation number was 25460998, confirmed by Christian 4/23/06 at 10:05 am. He also confirmed the same pricing and fee waivers.

I received a bill in the mail charging $35 for installation and $49.99 for monthly service.

A: I shouldn't be receiving paper bills as I signed up for automatic payment!

B: I shouldn't be charged for installation!

C: The monthly service charge is incorrect!

Please correct these four things (address, A, B, C) or my worst fears of getting internet from a cable company will be confirmed.

Regards,

Michael

Their response:

Thank you for contacting Charter Communications.

Due to the nature of your email and our security policy, we are asking that you please contact our customer care team at your convenience.

Our customer care team will be able to better assist at this time. We thank you for your patience on this issue.

You may reach our Customer Care Center at 1-866-499-8080, 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Customer Support
Charter Communications

Talked with Ray (a first level supervisor who didn’t have a great command of the English language) who informed me that he would be "sending a form to the regional office" for action on this. Geesh.
Where do they get these guys??!!

They said they would be calling me back. No call back ever happened.

This is my second attempt to rectify Charter's mistake. Let me explain how customer satisfaction works. I explain the problem, and you rectify it. I do not want to explain the situation to someone else, call another number, send another e-mail, be put on hold, or be given the run-around ad nauseum.

If you would prefer I took my business to Verizon, you're doing a great job!

OK. So I got more $49.99 bills. I sent another e-mail:

--Original Message--
From: michaelbuitron@gmail.com
Date: 6/5/2006 2:20:39 PM
To: info.cc@mailegain.chartercom.com
Subject: Bill / Wrong

Web Form ID: 002

Billing System No. 2001012

Subject: Bill / Wrong

------------------------------
-----------------------------
Customer Information
-----------------------------------------------------------

Name: Michael Buitron
Address:
Long Beach CA 90813
Phone: 562-519-0333
E-mail: michaelbuitron@gmail.com

-----------------------------------------------------------
Customer Contact Information
-----------------------------------------------------------
Contact By: Email

-----------------------------------------------------------
Message:
-----------------------------------------------------------
I originally went to your website, charter.com to look for your price on high-speed internet. Your website lists a $49.95 installation, with a monthly charge of 29.99 for the first three months, and 39.99 afterwards. It also stated that if I order online, the installation charged would be waived if automatic payment were selected. Elizabeth through IM confirmed this deal on 4/18/06 at 7:45.

I then ordered service online on 4/23/06 and received a confirmation number of 25460992 at 10:05 am. The cable guy came out and installed the line on 5/5/06.

My first bill showed and installation charge of 35.00 and a monthly service charge of 49.99. The monthly service charge should have been 29.99 as advertised on your website, and the installation charge should have been waived. After two e-mail messages and one phone call, the issue was still not resolved. My first e-mail message received a response that I needed to call the telephone number, and the person I talked to at your call center in Bangalore, India said he wasn't authorized to fix the charges, and someone else would be calling me back.

I sent off another e-mail detailing the situation thus far, and never received a satisfactory response. As far as I knew, the issue had not been resolved.

My current bill also shows a partial month service charge of 49.99, which should be $29.99.

This is e-mail number four, and you have still not been able to bill me correctly.
I should be paying $29.99 for the first three months of service, and 39.99 after that. Please fix my bill.

I'm getting tired of typing these messages. If there's a human being who actually reads this and you can't fix the problem, try handing it over to someone else who can. I'm getting carpal tunnel syndrome, all over your greedy overcharges.

Please help!

A month (!!!) later I got this response:

Thank you so much for contacting Charter Communications. I would be glad to assist you in the best manner possible.

I apologize but it appears that you did not clearly read the terms and conditions for the service for which you subscribed and signed for. You receive a service discount for the promotion for a set amount. However, it will not equal the $24.95 you expect unless you also hold Charter TV services as well as the internet service, as you will not receive the additional $10 discount for holding dual services. Your billing is not in error and will remain as it is currently until your promotional rate ends at which time the discount will be removed and your service cost will be the $49.99 monthly displayed.

If you have any additional questions regarding your Internet service or need further assistance with it, you may contact us by calling the telephone number listed on your bill or work order. You can also use our live chat feature located on our website at http://www.charter.com/ and local contact information can found at http://www.charter.com/service/contact/contact.asp

Thank You
Charter Communications

So I responded:

First your customer service representative misinformed me when she quoted the prices as given. Even so, if I accept your assertion that I should pay a ten-dollar premium for not having multiple services, I am still being overcharged! I was charged for installation, which was supposed to be waived and I am not being charged the introductory price.

I would love to see a link to this "fine print" terms and conditions of service. I can find nothing on your web site that show the additional $10.00 charge. Take a lesson from Google: "Don't be evil."

I should be charged 29.99 for the first three months, and you're charging me the full 49.99! What gives? I should have a $20.00 credit for the first two months, and another $35.00 credit for the installation fee that was charged.

Hey, how's the weather in Bangalore this time of year?

Perhaps I'll get a response in another month!

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