Ready for an Outer Banks Weekend, 9/26/2025
Sep 26, 2025
Phone Support
Nothing raises my blood pressure faster than dealing with customer service over the phone. Even before I talk to a human I'm up to 7 on a scale of 10. The pre-screening, alone, is either too slow, too redundant, too ambiguous, or all of the above. I've become so numbed by recorded scripts that I always tune out and have to listen to it twice. By the way, we don't care that your menu has changed. Don't flatter yourself thinking we call you on the regular.
Companies lead you to believe that pressing the correct option on your phone will expedite solving your problem. It never does.
A more accurate set of options would be:
- Press 1 to be led down a path of incompetence.
- Press 2 to be transferred to a series of operators who do not possess the knowledge to solve your problem.
- Press 3 to hear another recording stating that nobody is available to help you.
- Press 4 to listen to your least favorite song.
- Press 5 to be placed on eternal hold.
- Press 6 to hear about upgrades that come with the same, crack customer service you're experiencing at this moment.
- Press 10 for representative.
- If you'd like us to hang up so you can re-start this process from the beginning, please press the pound key.
It might not be so maddening if the job description weren't in the title. If they changed their title to "Phone Operator To Suck You In To A Vortex Of Hell" I would have a much more realistic set of expectations and any "wins" I experienced would be cause for great celebration.
History of Duck (the town)
I've spent the last several years absorbing as much Outer Banks history as possible. It's becoming more rare that I come across a significant event I know nothing about. This is one of them. Twenty-eight years ago I started my first business in Duck and I live just four miles south of town. To just find out there was an African-American resort there in the 1930's is amazing.
Vile Weed!
How did Brussels Sprouts make such an amazing comeback? I remember these miniature cabbages when I was a child and, like most vegetables, thought they were disgusting. Fast forward to present day and they seem to be having a major renaissance. Granted, it's all about how you prepare them. I think my mistake as a child was eating them steamed plain. How I am enjoying them now is very different. The secret is to try and get them a little crispy on the outside. Either roasted or in a hot skillet. The second part, and the most important, is how to serve them. A little saucy flavor will really make you fall in love with them. At Shorebreak Taphouse in Virginia Beach they make an appetizer of Brussels Sprouts with cashews, mint, sweet thai chili glaze, and sriracha aioli. Amazing.
THINGS TO DO
17th Annual Throwdown Surf Classic, 9/27/25
This surf competition is a great, community event for amateur surfers. Proceeds go to Outer Banks Relief Foundation. It draws quite a crowd and parking can be a little tricky.
Roadside Oyster Roast, 9/28/25
My favorite backyard bar offers the good food on Sunday.
Duck Jazz Festival, 10/11-12/25
Rain or Shine, Duck offers a great venue for this free, annual event.
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Have a great weekend,
John Van Lunen
Feel free to email me with any questions or comments.
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