Happy Thankgiving

I know that I've seen this Thanksgiving clip art on things before, but I never really stopped to look at it. Doesn't this strike anyone as really sick? What's the turkey doing? Is he getting ready to eat some turkey? Is he going to eat himself? What's going on here?!? Anyway, Kathi and I are hanging out in Virginia with her brother and the rest of the family. So far, it's been a great distraction from everything that going on. I hope and pray that today is a good distraction for you as well. Happy Thanksgiving!

Reflections on Joe Nuxhall

I just found out that Joe Nuxhall died last night from complication with pneumonia. Nuxhall was the youngest pitcher in Major League history joining the Cincinnati Reds at the age of 15. But, most people remember him as the "Ol' Left-hander" who worked the Reds radio broadcast booth for forty years. I grow up listening to Nuxhall and Marty Brenneman on WLW in Cincinnati. I know that every kid who listened to their team on the radio will say this, but I can't imagine baseball without those two voices. There are so many memories of listening to Marty and Joe summer nights. I know that he'll be missed in Cincinnati.

Random Signage VIII

I'm going to be without regular internet access for a few weeks while our computer is undergoing some repairs. Blogging is going to be inconsistent, but I'll try and drop some hellos while I'm away. Before I leave, I thought I'd leave you with another random sign. We found this at a park in Columbus. It's one of the commemorative bricks people donate money for. Although this one is a bit unique.

Reflections on Mistaken Femininity

Today we had to call TracFone's customer service line to figure out how to reset our voicemail password. While we accomplished this task, I encountered once again an issue that I've faced all of my adult life. Customer service operators always mistake me for a woman! I can't escape it. Every time I call one of these help lines - whether it be for a credit card, utility service, or tech support - they call me ma'am through the entire call. It literally happens to me every time!

Here's an example from a credit card company I called:
Operator: My name is so-and-so, can I help you?
Me: I was wondering if you could help me with your crappy credit card.
Operator: What's the name on the card, ma'am?
Me: The card belongs to me, Kevin Cram. That's K-E-V-I-N.
Operator: Is this your husband's card then, ma'am?
Me: [incredulous] No...it's my card...I am the owner of it.
Operator: Okay, ma'am, I'll be happy to help you with that.
Me: AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

I have no idea how to stop this. I've tried talking in a really low voice, but has never helped. I always emphasize that my name is Kevin every time I call. But, in all of my customer service experiences as an adult, I have never been called sir. Is that too much to ask? I'm getting really tired of this continual degradation of my masculinity.

For those of you who know me, do I really sound that girlish on the phone? Does anyone have any ideas on how to combat this?

Random Signage VII

Since it's Election Day, I figured I would post this sign that was sent to Ohio residents by the John Kerry campaign during the 2004 Presidential Election. It's possibly the most disingenuous political advertisement I've ever seen.