It’s the end of the month, aka “time to pay some bills.”  The end of the month rarely ceases to amaze, but there are exceptions. About two months ago, per the usual at every month’s end, the time arrives to pay the bills.  Rent?  Check.  Electricity?  Check.  Phone bill?  Check.  Car insurance?  Check (well, that comes out automatically on the 1st of every month, but you get the point). 

Next, the cable+internet bill.  After typing in the cable’s official website, and clicking “Pay Bill,” the monthly total left me absolutely floored: $183.99.  In a state of disbelief and boiled-over fury, I paid the bill first (because no matter how upset one gets, there’s still an obligation to pay what you owe) and immediately called the cable company second.  That recent bill was the day when the hijinx would stop, the robbery would end, and the proverbial shit was going to hit the fan.  After being on a brief hold, the exchange with the customer service representative at the local cable company went a little something like this:

“How much would the monthly bill be if cable is moved and internet is kept?”

“Let’s see, sir.” *customer service reps punches keys on a keyboard smoothly for a few seconds* “Okay, sir. Your monthly bill would go from $177 a month to $65.”

“It would go to WHAT????? Oh, that cable’s got to go. Get rid of that now.”