Mark and Doug want to buy a nice color printer for the Crusade National Office. They decided to go do it today. First problem.

So I got out the yellow pages and look under computer printer distributors. Makes sense, right? Second problem.

Some of the places have websites, so I check them out, and make a list of a few places they can go to.

First place they get to: doesn't sell printers, just makes color copies. Strike one.

Second place they get to: doesn't have any in stock, and the guy who sells them is at lunch, so they will have to come back later. Strike two.

They decide to get their own lunch. After lunch, they go to the third place: the receptionist says they sell printers there, and they can talk with the saleslady right away. They sit down at her desk, only to have her turn on her computer and show them the models that are available from their website. They don't have any in stock, either. Strike three, and you're out.

Memo to self:

1. Don't trust the yellow pages,

2. Call ahead,

3. Eat lunch when Chileans do, and

4. Don't plan on doing anything in Chile in the time you think it will take you.