Miscellany

Adam Sandler had "Eight Crazy Nights". But since May 7, I've had  "nine crazy days". To begin with, the phone system in our condominium tower is undergoing a changeover from one trunk line with locals (extensions) connected to the units (sort of a PBX system).  Instead  occupants who want phone service will be responsible for obtaining their own  landlines for their condos independently. The two available service providers are Globe and PLDT. My wife Lydia and I selected the former and have had nothing but grief and mix-ups since then, the latest of which was our lost (by Globe) app. So at present, for the first time in the years that we've resided here, we don't have a landline. Thank technology for cell phones.

When I contacted Globe today, the agent said not to worry, a technician will install our line "sometime this week". He couldn't give a definite date. This vagueness is typical in dealing with businesses in the Philippines, even major public service companies.

Then on May 12, I published a post on my other blog site  "Towards a Rational America and an Enlightened Judaism". Right about that time, Blogger, who hosts my sites, encountered a systems disruption that required their removal of all posts submitted at that time, my submission included of course. Supposedly nearly all the missing posts were restored by May 14. As of today, mine is still missing in action.

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Last week, a professor from the University of The Philippines was killed when the taxi was in which she was riding was struck by a speeding bus. The bus driver fled the scene of the accident on foot.  This is such a common reaction by negligent and reckless public utility drivers involved in accidents that one wonders whether running away is part of their training. And when they're caught their plea for mercy is "I have a family". (Oh really? And your victims don't?)

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Finally, I recently received information about a site called Expat Workforce.  This company  is seeking native-English speaking  expats who are interested in working while living abroad. The positions are outsourced online jobs  (with wages adjusted accordingly) from  mainly American businesses.  EW acts as a go-between for applicant and employer.  This looks like a possible opportunity for expats who would like to supplement their income but who are not desperate for money as the pay would likely be minimal.  Personally, I haven't decided whether or not I will sign up, but the service is an interesting concept. If you'd like more details about Expat Workforce, click here.

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Now as I publish this piece, I only hope that Blogger doesn't experience any further issues that require post deletions.