binx101
binx101
| Forum role | Member since | Last activity | Topics created | Replies created |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member | Jan 29, 2008 (18 years) |
- | 0 | 1 |
- Forum role
- Member
- Member since
Jan 29, 2008 (18 years)
- Last activity
- -
- Topics created
- 0
- Replies created
- 1
Bio
Many years ago, single - residing in NYC and traveling more than half of the time I would enjoy being fussed over by my part-time housekeeper Nora. Originally from Ecuador, she spoke with a very heavy accent. I gave her unrestricted access to my apartment and my fine cigars etc... Often she and her husband would enjoy NYC from my apartment for a holiday weekend when I traveled. I was delighted to offer and the evidence of this highly beneficial quid pro quo included fine meals cached in my refrigerator when I returned from trips, as well as a spotless and tidy environment.
When I wasn't home ... although the telephone had a machine ... she would often answer the phone and forward messages to my service.
On one occasion, Howard, my London colleague was unable to find me in London where he had been expecting me. He tried but there was no answer at my flat there either. Shortly before cell phones were prominent he called my home in NYC to leave me a message, figuring eventually I would get it. Nora answered. He asked for me. "Binx101" was her answer. Bewildered at the response he requested she repeat her answer many times ... he finally understood he was getting nowhere.
Shortly thereafter, I contacted my frazzled colleague and we met. After explaining my delay and apologizing profusely he simply said that I was off the hook if I could simply translate what Nora had told him. Then he stated speaking with his best replication of what he heard her say. "Binx101"
Now, I could understand Nora's accent without hesitation. In fact, in a previous life, the linguistics and phonetics of foreign accents was my field of expertise- so even on a terrible phone line I could understand the heaviest of accents from any origin. However, I couldn't for the life of me imagine what Howard was telling me as his ineptitude at language was compounded further with his intolerable adoption of a cartoon character's voice in his performance which only succeeded further annoying me, as it was an attempt to besmirch my dear Nora. There was only one thing left to do. I called New York and asked Nora what she had told Howard when he asked for me. After reassuring her that there was no trouble but her accuracy was important, she told me, as Howard listened on the speaker. He shouted with glee in the final performance of his demented falsetto "See !! Binx101 !!!" I thanked Nora, again reassured her that nothing was wrong and apologized for bothering her at home. Then I turned to Howard and told him that what he heard, understandably, as Binx101 was simply - "Vince went away."
Over the next week, all of my professional contacts began calling me Binx101, and so it remains.
This seemed much more fun than - attended here, served there ... awarded this and that ... and dumb as a post. (pun intended)
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