That's What Orkut Says

Today's fortune: You have an unusual equipment for success, use it properly

The moral of the story...go figure!

Context: I am looking to change mobile phone providers, and 3 Global Networks offers a range of phones called the X-Series, which are Skype compatible. Dot wanted to investigate the offer for me and logged on to a LiveChat tech support utility on the 3 website.

[aa] What are the x-series rates for India from the UK
[Nargis] Hi.
[aa] Hi
[Nargis] Are you an existing customer with 3?
[aa] Yes, but asking in order to recommend to a new customer
[Nargis] Could you pls elaborate on your query.
[aa] I just wanted to check what the rates were from the UK to India using the X-series phone using Skype out or any other means
[Nargis] If you have access to skype on the handset and also the other person has an access to it you would not be cherged then.
[Nargis] If you sign up online today we will give you a promotional code which gives you a free bluetooth headset
[Nargis] the code is bt10090719 and the code is valid till midnight today so you need to do it soon ok
[Nargis] The code is valid till midnight today. And you might want to write the code down, as the conversation disappears when we are finished talking …
To claim your free bluetooth headset, simply enter the given code in the Promotional Code box which is at the bottom of the Personal Details page
While stocks last, with every compatible handset, each customer will receive a free 512Mb Memory card.
[Nargis] Pls note this code down and give it to your friend.
[Nargis] I hope you have taken down the code.
[Nargis] Is there anything else I can help you with?
[aa] so otherwise it is the Skype rate to India?
[Nargis] It would be free.
[aa] That is Skype-to-Skype
[aa] What about Skype-to-phone?
[Nargis] It would be free.
[aa] You dont seem to understand my question I am afraid
[Nargis] If the handset supports the feature it would be free.
[aa] Are you aware that it is possible to call from Skype to a regular telephone (i.e., not another skype user). This is charged by skype
[aa] What I would like to know is what 3s charges for this are
[Nargis] customers that services accessed via Skype will use their megabyte allowance just like any other material they download. Skype's claim of 'free calls' is subject to this megabyte limitation. Remind customers that this is no different to accessing Skype from the office or on their home broadband connection.
[aa] alright...that makes sense...So it will be charged at the regular skype rates?
[Nargis] We provide you with only internet connection to skype for any further queries pls contact www.skype.com
[aa] Sure.. thanks
[Nargis] I hope you have taken down the code.

Check Please!

Why I get lukewarm shoddy service, at best, from Indian waiters at any Indian restaurant I go to, outside India, I have never understood. With a few exceptions, I have found that generally, you will have a menu shoved into your hands on your way to the table, will have to do everything short of stand on your chair to draw their attention, your order will be dumped unceremoniously in front of you, your plates will get cleared before you've finished, and from start to finish you will have to contend with a surly, moody maitre'd and his similarly mannered retinue. It's particularly weird because you'll have a table next to you with non-Indian customers and the same lot of wait staff seem to be falling over themselves to please, and whether the restaurant is fancy and pricey, or cheap and cheerful, the same observations hold.

All that said, I probably haven't been to a multitude of Indian restaurants outside of India. It's a vicious circle for me. I anticipate the poor service and I don't want to go. I know that stellar service can more than make up for average food, but if the service sucks, the food had better be seriously good.