Lemme tell you something: Philips makes some good shit. I got the Philips home theater system about the time I moved and I have been very satisfied. So earlier this year when I was on the market for a new TV I leaned toward Philips. We wound up getting a nice 32-inch LCD that has been quite good -- until last Monday when Cookie handed me the remote control and pointed to the blank screen, telling me he couldn't get it to work right.

I tried everything -- changed channels, heard sound, turned it on and off, but the screen would blank out in seconds and stay blanked out. It reminded me of when the backlight on the LCD of my ThinkPad 600e died a few years ago... not a fun recollection because it basically meant having to scrap that notebook computer.

None of the Philips FAQs covered the set's behavior; I called and verified my warranty coverage, got a reference number and the contact info for local servicers. I called one in nearby Brook Park and explained the situation. He asked when I could bring it in. I told him I'd be away for a few days so I'd have to get back to him in about a week.

"Will someone be home today?" he asked. The question surprised me -- but not as much as the fact that within the hour he showed up and took the TV away for its repair. And today he brought it back, fully functioning. No charge.

That kicks ass.

So, since I get so loud about bad consumer experiences I figured I'd write up this very good one: whatever you're buying, take a good look at the Philips model. Just don't pay for it with a Chase-issued credit card -- those fookers hit me with a $39 late fee and $11-something in finance charges for making last month's payment three days over. They can kiss my garlic ass -- I payed it in full and canceled the card. It'll be the last dime they squeeze from me. Made the same pronouncement on Citibank quite a few years ago following a similar fee levy.

Being that us Mastandreas really know how to hold a grudge, those banks should not expect to get my business back in my lifetime. Philips, though... that's a different story. Philips rocks.

And Jenia rocks. He's a frickin' yankee-doodle-dandy! Congratulations, my fellow American!