Why pay for calling customer support?

Isn't it weird?  Having to pay everything you call customer support? Seriously, have you ever thought about this? I'm just going to throw this out there as this is something I experience more and more here in The Netherlands. So whenever I have a problem with my toys or have to call the insurance company, I have to call customer support. And every time I get the same melody: Welcome ...

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Dude, I am not Mexican

Dude, I am not Mexican. And speaking of that, I ain't Indian, never was a Latino salsa sensation and definitely not a terrorist…or so I won't publicly admit. (Hopefully I didn't just black list myself) I'm a half flip, half mafia jet setter. (American-Italian roots) Raised in America, the land where there's a fascination to define people based on skin color, people were confused the hell out of me. ...

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Link Like Love

Recently I entered the market research world and so I have set out to absorb any material that is insightful.  Why not share the cool ones? And why not share some fun ones along the way. From Pins to Purchases: Pretty Infographic on Pinterest (Vision Critical) The Stupid EU cookie law (and why it should die) (thanks @Webcreationz) Financial Services, Behavioral Economics: Busting The Myth Of Consumer Rationality (awesome market ...

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American Flags in Fashion?

Is it just me or does this seem a bit odd? American flags in fashion? Just about every trendy shop and street market in Amsterdam is selling shirts, hats, scarfs, rugs and mugs with the American flag? What gives? I can't imagine that the area loves our politics. I asked someone on the street who was wearing an American scarf…apparently it was on discount. I can't imagine that thousands ...

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I’m defeated having no car in Amsterdam Farmville

Should I have a car in Amsterdam? Living in Amsterdam without a car is okay. I've done it for a couple years already, just like many others, without mucho problems. But yesterday my car-less physique was defeated. My dumpling and I went to the dreaded IKEA.  ahhhh! You can't leave without buying some random house accessory or Swedish meatballs. And they got us. We bought a shoe holder. A freaking ...

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Why do people pay to run marathons?

It's amazing if you think about it. People pay to run marathons. I just had a quick look at the registration process for the Boston Marathon. For $150, you get to run! How awesome is that? But wait a second, can't you just run for free around the neighborhood? Marathons are really intriguing. People spend several months preparing for them.  Some even subscribe to running magazines.  And some travel across the ...

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I massage better than you

is the point that one of my friends of friends is trying to make. She provides an awesome massage service in Amsterdam. Actually she the massage better than imaginable. For about 50 euros, you can get a one hour body massage that will leave you in bliss. She will even throw in some good conversation and a drink to go with. Would you go for it? Even if it was located ...

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People need cool shit. Build it and they will come

And this applies to both your personal and professional life.  Whether Mom should soap my mouth or not, I'm saying People love need cool shit.  Build it and they will come. btw Mom. Happy Mother's Day :) Call later. Make a simple web application that reduces routine busywork by 5 minutes, they will come. (and pay) Create a meet up based on issues that matter most to you, they will come. (and ...

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I Pasta From Scratch: Worth the Struggle Jamie Oliver Wannabe?

I just bought a pasta machine.  Jigga what? That's right baby.  I bought the pasta machine used by my Miello-ian mafian grandmothers. The flour, eggs, the mixing, the cranking, the sweat, I now have it all. And the result after an hour preparation, a nice pot of spaghetti. Mamma mia! Is it worth it? I make pasta from scratch. Is it worth having to mix my own ingredients, to spend ...

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