Upon completion of the dialing portion of two long distance calls, I heard the "AT&T" jingle.  Usually, I get this when I’m using my AT&T calling card, or calling from a pay phone.  But now, it appears I’ll be listening to this sucker all the time, every time I make a long distance call with AT&T.

I have to tell you this upsets me more than a little bit.

I’ve stuck with AT&T through good times and bad.  Believe me, I get a call a month begging me to switch somewhere else.  Dime a minute, 10-10-321-1-10-123, Sprint Cents ... they all add up.  Every time, I’ve said no.  I’ve always been happy with my service and my rates, so why change?

Now, this intrusion.  Can’t I at least dial a phone in peace?  It’s not enough that I’m faced with commercials everywhere I turn during the day.  (Working in the TV business as I do, I’m surrounded at the office by upwards of 30 screens, all often showing commercials.)  There’s damn commercials at Dodger Stadium now, on the scoreboards and behind home plate.  May I please dial my phone without being reminded of a choice I’ve gladly made?  You don’t have to sell me again, AT&T.  You’ve got me already.  For now...

I’ve been thinking a lot about Saving Private Ryan.  It’s the kind of movie that stays with you.  After seeing it, I can only refer you back to a previous column for more.  Check out The Lost Holiday for more thoughts on the heroic sacrifice made by the WWII generation.

I know a lot of you wonder about the job front, so I’d best keep you updated, right?  Well, I’m very, very close to getting a job I really want.  I don’t want to say any more, for fear I’ll jinx it.  Suffice to say, you’ll know.

My refrigerator has recovered quite nicely, and wanted to thank you all for the kind notes you sent its way.