News Archives: October 2008

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Bloody Banks

Last month's credit card statement contained three items we didn't authorise. Mobile phone top-ups, all the same day, on different networks. Not a big amount, but we weren't paying. So I phoned up the bank, and a bored, disinterested sounding girl took the details. "We'll look into it, you might get a phone call if they need more information," I was told. "Will you cancel the cards?" I asked. "Probably not in this case," she replied.

And that was the last we heard. So today, four weeks later, I called back for an update. "I can't see anything on the system," said the bloke I talked to. "Who was the last person to access the file?" I asked. "Oh, we don't log things like that."

I'll skip over the hour long argument that followed. The end result was our cards being cancelled, the fraud finally being investigated, and the third person I spoke to promising that new cards would be with us by Monday at the latest. (The first two people didn't know that transferring me to the third person could get me an express delivery on the card, but I suspect that was standard call-centre-keeps-staff-ignorant-so-they-don't-accidentally-help-someone-or-develop-self-esteem bollocks.)

Finally, at quarter to nine, we got a call from the fraud department. "We don't usually investigate frauds this old." Luckily, Claire took that call, so I didn't shout. Claire played the "your fault" card, and they're going to investigate anyway. We'll need to sign a statement, and they may involve the police. (Given one of their staff is guilty of at least aiding and abetting, I'm betting they won't...) So everything may finally be sorted. Only took a month.

Not happy.

Posted by graham @ 09:27 pm

Monday, October 13, 2008

Wirehaired Portugese Podengo Medio

Yesterday, we took the dogs to a hounds beach walk. As always, many cameras were present, and some of those photos ended up on the dog forums. One of the photos of Alfie got the reaction "is he a Portugese Podengo?" I'd never heard of the breed, but a quick google, and there's an awful lot of photos of dogs that look like Alfie. Portugese Podengos come in three sizes, and two coats - Alfie seems to be the wire-haired medio version. What do you think?

Alfie

Wirehaired Portugese Podengo Medio

The highlight of the beach walk was a pod of dolphins playing in the Forth, but I'll leave Claire to post the photos of those.

Posted by graham @ 12:25 pm

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Bonfire Party

It's nearly time for the annual "burning and exploding stuff" party. This may all change on the day, but currently the rough plan is :

Bonfire party at our house, Saturday, 8th November 2008.

Bonfire lighting around 6pm.
Fireworks around 8pm.
Some snacks and food provided, bring more if you feel generous.

You need to bring :
Yourself.
Something to drink.
Friends, if you want to. Seriously - the more the merrier.

Lifts are available from Linlithgow station - give me a call/text to let me know you're on your way. Most trains from Edinburgh to Stirling and about half of trains from Edinburgh to Glasgow stop there. Last return train is just after midnight. Or get a lift with someone who's driving out here.

We can put up a few people in comfort, or quite a number at a push. Let me know if you'll want crash space.

Volunteers to turn up early and help with cleaning/cooking/gardening/dog-walking/carpentary are very welcome.

We have three medium to giant dogs and one cat. They aren't going to be wandering the house during the party, but those with serious allergies or phobias have been warned. Also, please don't bring fireworks (sparklers are okay) - we'll provide plenty, and I want to make sure that the animals won't get too scared by bangs.

If you have any questions, comments, etc. let me know.

Posted by graham @ 03:45 pm

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