Here are the greatest hits from my latest Comcast LiveChat:

Rizza: I understand that you have an inquiry on the current promotions that we have right now.
Rizza: I do understand how hard these times for some of us.
Rizza: I'm really sorry that you have experienced this issue. I understand how frustrating it can be.
Rizza: I can certainly help you with this and I would be more than happy to look into this situation immediately and to assist you further.
Rizza: I thank you for giving us the opportunity to resolve this issue and I am happy to help you with it.
Sunil: Thanks, Rizza. Our company didn't do so well this past year.
Rizza: Oh I see. I am very sorry to know that.

Most empathetic robot ever!

Sunil: That's wonderful, Rizza, thank you! Is there any discount that can be given for my Internet? Usually they can offer $19.99 a month for 6 months. I am trying to keep my bill under $100. I hope you understand.
Rizza: You are very welcome. I do understand you Sunil. Please give me two more minutes.
Sunil: It is frightening to see your bill jump by over $50, after all!
Rizza: I do understand you Sunil and I had that same feeling before and I even fell off my chair.
Sunil: Ha! I almost did too!
Rizza: That is life. We just have to deal with it.

Poor sad robot.

I got all prepared because I thought there was an online broadcast for the class tonight, but it turns out that it's on campus -- of course, I figure this out 5 minutes before it starts. So I might as well wait until tomorrow when I can watch it online. Most annoying.

Sunil, send that to Consumerist. It deserves to be shared.

My favorite part is where she fell off her chair.

Poor sad robot.

Hee. I wonder if its brain is the size of a planet.

Last night I was telling my therapist about Marvin The Paranoid Android, and how he ends up working in the car park at the Restaurant At The End Of The Universe. It's a pity when you have to relate half a plot in order to explain why you feel underutilized.

So, operating on the presumption that Asia kicks Europe's ass in that particular department I switched to the Asian way and lo and behold, perfect rice every time.

How do the Europeans do it?

I have not one but two rice cookers, so I haven't done it manually in a long time, but the method David mentions is pretty much how I do it. I use more liquid and my boil varies because of my altitude, so basically I let it boil longer since it doesn't reach the same temperature.

I only make rice in a rice cooker. It never turns out right on the stove.

How do the Europeans do it?

I'm pretty sure that my mother used to brown the rice first and then add water.

I only make brown basmati which I put in the pan with cold water (1 part rice/2.5 parts water), when it starts to boil I cover and let simmer for 20 minutes. It's pretty foolproof.

I never have a problem with rice. As soon as it's boiling, I cover it, turn the heat nearly off, and let it sit till the water's absorbed and the rice fluffs with a fork.

It's one of my small "I'm not a confident cook" victories.