Was blind but now...

Bob F., Greenwich, CT — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:23:33 GMT

Will,

Congrats to your wife. I had laser surgery almosst 7 years ago. I was extremely near-sighted with a rather severe astigmatism. My doctor did one eye one week and the other the next. After each surgery,the result was truly amazing. I still do not need glasses, even for reading (I am 47). The first morning I woke up and was able to see the alarm clock was truly one of the most amazing moments of my life; I reflexively thought I had fallen asleep with them on. When I reached up for them, I realized I could see. It is truly the best thing I have ever done for myself. Thanks for sharing this story and congrats again to your wife.

Was blind but now...

Michael T, Hollywood, CA — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:20:18 GMT

The reason why so many ads are so boring is the same reason why only a few kids out of millions grow up to be rocket scientists: the cream rises to the top. Theoretically, anyone can do be a rocket scientist or write a really clever ad...realistically, it just ain't happening, sorry. See "diamonds in the rough" for more details.

Was blind but now...

AJ, Ohio — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 21:09:38 GMT

I like hearing stories about successful (and relatively pain-free) eye surgeries. I am extremely near-sighted and have been considering the laser surgery, but I'm such a pansy, I haven't done much in terms of actual research yet. I'm so afraid of being "one of those" horror stories in which I wake up blind, or can't see well at night, or what have you. More good stories please! Heck, maybe you could help me with my research, and CLICK on a few links for me!

Was blind but now...

Jerry Smith, Birmingham, AL — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 21:47:15 GMT

Regarding the mind control link. I am not in customer service but there is no way on earth I'd let that lady talk to me that way. I know customer service stinks but her comments were degrading.

Was blind but now...

Chuck — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 22:20:25 GMT

>One thing I'll never understand, if ads can be so clever, why are there boring ads?<
Because they are selected by boring, humorless corporate suits!

Was blind but now...

Caren, Charlotte, NC — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 23:34:50 GMT

Oh, dear. I feel sorry for Corey. He doesn't need punishment, he needs parenting. As in, nurturing, not just indulging. If that radio host had tried to take off an adult's glasses, he'd be sued for assault, and instead Corey is seen as the a**hole.

Was blind but now...

Aine Peel, B-town, IN — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 04:21:58 GMT

I agree that the "Google" generation is definitely not all they were cracked up to be. As someone who teaches incoming freshmen English & research skills, the main things my students lack are the abilities to find or comprehend information on the internet. While they may be able to get around on the web, most of their interests are not academic, or even pointed in the direction of self-education. While almost every student knew how to access MySpace, few of them understood how to find information on books they were reading or, if they did find that information, how to put it together in any helpful manner. Heaven forbid they should try to use a library or find a book.

It's sad, but each year, the problem grows worse.

Was blind but now...

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:39:22 GMT

About that Optimus keyboard. For a long time people though it was Vapor(Hard)Ware. I remember the started advertising back in July 2005. Hurray for them finally releasing it. But the price is still WAYYYYY expensive.

Was blind but now...

Doug, No St Paul, MN — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:21:00 GMT

Will, you're right! I laughed out loud more than twice watching the Tina Fey trailer. I'm a big fan of her's and enjoy her humor.

Was blind but now...

Jason, NYC — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:09:32 GMT

Speaking of "...better at writing or more literate. The Web's affect on patience and attention span is interesting though." Shouldn't it be E-ffect rather than A-ffect? Sorry Will, couldn't resist. ;)

Was blind but now...

Noumenon — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:03:01 GMT

If I can get ideological here for a minute, LASIK surgery is one of the best arguments for a more libertarian health care system. It's almost totally unregulated, Medicare doesn't pay for it, nobody certifies the quality... but it's hugely successful anyway. The free market in eye care gives you everything from cheap reading glasses in the drugstore to LensCrafters to optometrists for more complicated treatments to Lasik at the high end. You'd never get that much choice out of the government.

Was blind but now...

Lesley Nashville, TN — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:45:01 GMT

AJ...please don't be a wuss about it. I had LASIK two years ago, and it is the best thing I have ever done. I too was worried and skeptical when I was looking into doing it. But when I went for my preliminary visit, I was told by one of the assistants that she had worked for the doctor for ten years, and he had been doing laser that whole time, and there had never been a patient who had any complications.

They numb your eyes, so the surgery itself doesn't hurt, nor does the recovery period. At the worst, it just feels like irritation, like you have an eyelash or something in your eye.

Was blind but now...

Doug, Virginia Beach — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:08:05 GMT

It goes without saying that Corey Worthington is a dumb, egotistical, irresponsible kid who has a lot of growing up to do. But the real idiot was the dumb blonde eye candy interviewing him. What was up with her repeatedly, indignantly demanding that he take his sunglasses off? Corey was actually far more kind in response to her moronic request than he should have been.

Was blind but now...

Beth, St. Louis MO — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 02:34:35 GMT

The Japanimation bunnies were very clever. Don't know if you noticed or not, but it appears these are a product of MTV Japan, so yes, it may be the best thing since Ren and Stimpy.

Was blind but now...

Matt M., Ft. Bragg, NC — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 04:27:46 GMT

Will, I have to agree with Jerry in AL and many of the posters in the Consumerist article: Some of the article is appropriate, but much of it is simply insulting. Before I got a "real" job, I worked customer service for almost 10 years, face-to-face and on the phone. If someone told me that I was "going to fix their problem" I would likely not be as willing to fix their problem as if they had simply trusted that I could fix their problem by simply explaining it to me. There is no substitute for competence and experience, and yes, most CS does stink, but occasionally, you do get someone who is professional and competent; treating them as though they are not will likely get you less help than if you simply started with a clean slate. How about giving that CS Rep the benefit of the doubt before you go all "Jedi" (great comment, that one) on them.

Of course, the author also underestimates the ability of some CS Reps to simply screw it up every time, up to and including the manager. Some people simply won't help you, even if you could exercise some kind of mind control over them.

Those who desire to control others the most possess control over themselves the least.

Was blind but now...

LR, Richmond, VA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:50:18 GMT

I worked in customer service for 2 years(that was my limit and I will never go back), reading that women's tips on how to mind control CSR's is not a true tale on how to get a solution. She probably gets a solution because they have noted her account in great detail about the lengths she will go for resolution. In my opinion if people would not get so hyped before they call a CSR and not have such negativity about their experience they would get their resolution through one call, one CSR and quicker than they ever thought. I dont think her link was worth linking, she is by no means someone who should give advice on how to get resolution.

Was blind but now...

Patrick, Chicago, IL — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:31:21 GMT

Will,

Re: the girl in the youtube video - see J.J. Abrams' talk at TED. I think it has more to do with the mystery of why she's just staring (and that her eyes don't look bored while she's doing it) keeps people tuned in. It's the mystery that something is going to happen, no?