Customers

So I read an article yesterday about a man who tried to open a bank account with a million dollar bill. (The bill -to the left- is counterfeit.) When the teller wouldn't open the account, the man threw a fit. They ended up calling the police. The man was charged with two accounts of forgery (he had tried to use a fake check elsewhere.) and disorderly conduct. I think that if there were a $1,000,000 bill, that's probably what it would look like. Bravo to whoever drew it. He is a good artist.

Now onto my own customer story. And I will try to keep this one very very short, as I could rant on it for quite a long time. A fiery red-headed woman in her late 40s came in late last week. She had a counter-top mirror that's stand had broken. So she was going to return it and get a brand new one. Problem: We don't carry that mirror nor have we ever. I was helping her and I told her so. She got in my face and said, "Are you calling me a liar!?" I replied, "No, I just think that you are mistaken." When someone asks if you're calling them a liar, what they're really saying is, "You are a liar." She started getting out of hand. I told her that if she was going to make this difficult, then I wouldn't be able to help her. To make this ugly story shorter, my Assistant Manager ended up helping her. And this is the part that bothers me: She gave her credit towards a new mirror. UGH!

I hate this because it teaches idiots like this woman, that if she's loud enough, she'll get what she wants. I will not condone that kind of behavior. Second, I *always* try to back up my sales associates when they are helping a customer. If one of them tells a customer something, I back them up instead of correcting them in front of the consumer. It builds confidence in their decision making.

Now this woman should not have gotten any credit for two reasons. First, we don't carry that mirror. Second, even if we ever did, she didn't buy a replacement guarantee, which means that she only had 60 days to return it. And I would have remembered that purchase if it were within 60 days. Grrrr.

Narnia News

I was wondering today when we could expect Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. So I looked it up on IMDB. It is currently scheduled to come out in May of 2008. Well, I'm glad. I was afraid I'd have to wait for a whole other year. The first one was so good, it really lifts my hopes for the following movies.

While looking at IMDB.com I also see that Warwick Davis is tapped to play Nikabrik, the black, and bad dwarf. You may remember him from Willow, Harry Potter, Star Wars, the original BBC Narnia series, Hitchhiker's Guide, and Labyrinth.

Prince Caspian, played by Ben Barnes was in Stardust (best movie of the summer!). He is also tapped to continue his role in "Journey of the Dawn Treader", scheduled to come out in 2010.

All in all, exciting news!

Halloween! The Best Holiday Ever!

The Truth?

So I just read a short article about when the author believes it is okay to tell a lie. Now being human, I have told some lies. In fact I've made a concerted effort in the last few years to tell fewer lies and for the most part I have succeeded.

So the article gave a list of four times when it is okay to lie.

1. When the truth tears someone down and makes them feel awful about themselves. She says, "Brutal honesty can be used as a toxic weapon." I agree. Sometimes honesty is not the best policy when it can hurt someone's heart.

2. White lies like Santa Claus protect a child's innocence and creativity.

3. In response to favors or queries as to how you are doing. "It's no trouble at all", "I'm doing okay".

4. Complimenting someone past what they deserve. "Your brownies are the best I've ever had."

She offers a little bit of wisdom too: The major difference between a white lie and a hard lie is that a hard lie is said to protect oneself, whereas a little white lie is said to protect someone else.

You know I think that's pretty wise. Sometimes a little lie goes a long way to lubricate the machinery of society. So... what do you think? Do you agree with the four examples? Can you think of others? Or should we do away with lies as best we can?

Breaking News

Lawyers (especially copyright lawyers) are blood-sucking maggots.

Star Trek: The (NEW) Motion Picture

Just a quick news update on the upcoming Star Trek movie. The following actors have been tapped to play roles in the new movie.

Karl Urban - Romulan enemy








Mike Vogel - "front runner" for James T. Kirk











Paul McGillon - Montgomery Scott













So of the three actors, I only know the last, Paul McGillon. Right now I am watching season three of Stargate Atlantis on DVD. I love that show! It is the best sci-fi I've seen on television since... well, since Voyager was on TV. And if you hated Stargate SG1, I'm in good company. I did too. Atlantis is completely different and much better. McGillon does an excellent job in his role as the doctor too. I really do hope that he will be in the new movie.

Nerd Test!

Cell Phone Bans

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger just signed a bill that will ban cell phone use for sixteen and seventeen year old drivers and older drivers as well. I have to applaud them! For good or bad, California government does not seem afraid of breaking up the status quo.

I am all for the banning of cell phone use by drivers nationwide. A recent study found that cell phone users are as impaired as drunken drivers. The study was performed at our own University of Utah. They found another interesting fact as well. Hands-free phone systems impair drivers as much as having a phone pressed to their ear.

Now California only imposes a $20 fine for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. I'm debating whether that is a stiff enough fine. "Daddy's girl (or boy)" would be able to afford that easily. Poor students wouldn't be able to afford it. If such a ban were imposed for adults, the fine should be much much larger. I looked up a list of cell phone bans and laws worldwide. In Poland the fine can be up to US$1,000! Now that is more like it!

Now California has joined fifteen other states and DC with cell phone bans while driving. I was looking through the list of countries and states with these laws. It looks like many of those fifteen states only have partial bans. Weak! But here in the US we are always loathe to enact laws that prohibit every day occurrences. We have the mentality that 'If I want to do it, it shouldn't be illegal' and to hell with the consequences. It's just my opinion, but other countries have a 'the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few' mentality. A more healthy ideal I believe.

Anyway, if it is ever up for a vote (ha!) I encourage you to vote for a driving cell phone ban.

Sloganize Your Name

Just visit this site: www.thesurrealist.co.uk/slogan.cgi

But you *must* keep the first slogan you get.

Mine is now my blog name!

--Bigredhammer

Illuminati News

My 100 Question Survey

How old are you? 28
Last time you went on a picnic? Maybe a month ago
Are you attracted to other races? Not really
What's your favorite flower? Indian Paintbrush
Your favorite television show on air? Simpsons
Country you'd like to visit? Italy
Shoe size? 10
Language you'd like to be fluent in? Russian
Cheetos, Dorritos, or Fritos? Cheetos
Eye color? Brown

Been in so much pain you cried? Not that I remember
Had surgery? Nope
Met an Eskimo? Nope
Been in a car accident? No
Had stitches? Yes, when I was four
Dyed your hair? Yes, three times
Last time you went to a zoo/museum? A month
Ever owned a fish? Nope
The last relative you hugged? My mom
Your dream job? A therapist

Would you go skydiving? I don't think so
Would you eat a properly cooked dog? Yes
Ever worn a kimono? Nope
Wished you were shorter? No
Do you have direct deposit? Yes
Like rap music? Rarely
Last time in a gym? Four years ago
Do you follow the 10-second rule? Sometimes lol
Your favorite college course? History of Animation
Last time you visited youtube.com? Before work

Last Disney movie watched? Emperor's New Groove
How many cell phones have you owned? Two
Ever won a money prize? Yes, for my blog
Ever touched an alligator? Not that I can remember
Your favorite vegetable? Broccoli
Without looking, which number key has the # symbol? 6
Did you look? No
Are your grandparents still living? Only one grandpa
Furthest north you've ever been? Sweden
What jewelry are you wearing right now? A CTR ring and a watch

The closest yellow object to you? Simpsons DVD
Do you use a knife or the edge of your fork to cut things? Fork
Your favorite movie? Clue
Do you use chapstick? Yes, but I'm not addicted
Sprite or 7Up? Sprite
Ever crimped your hair? No.
Sandals or flipflops? Sandals
The last store you visited? Sharper Image
Book you are currently reading? Some unknown sci-fi
Do you like rain? Not really

What time is it? 9:51 pm
Ever worked fast food? Yes, Wendy's.
The icon closest to your clock on your start bar? gmail notifier
Is it dusty where you're at? Yes
What is your desktop wallpaper? Lillypads in a pond
Star Trek or Star Wars? Trek!
Do you care for any plants? Yes 4-5
What shampoo are you using? Bath and Bodyworks Coconut Lime Verbena
Will Democrats or Republicans win the Presidential race? Sadly Democrats
Ever been in a natural disaster? Nope

Are you good at lying? Yes
Can you curl your tongue? Yes
Could you be happy as a vegetarian? Never
Do you like sweet pickles? Yes
Do you like maraschino cherries? Yes
Do you like olives? Yes
Do you like black licorice? Never!
Your favorite recipe to make? Lasagna
Do you like to swim? I like to play in the pool
What is in your CD-ROM? Office XP CD

Do you look older, younger, or your age? Younger
Favorite pie? Strawberry
Right or left-handed? Right
Does anybody hate you? I hope not
Do you collect anything? Yes, playing cards.
What do you see out your window? It's dark
When did you wake up this morning? 10:30 am
The last funeral you attended? My cousin Whitney
White, dark, milk, or semi-sweet? Milk
Do you own a digital camera? Nope

Ever visited New York City? Yes
Last time you visited a doctor? Hm, five years ago
Own any suspenders? Nope
Know anyone who is adopted? My sister
Do you like scary movies? Yes I do
Last movie in a theater you watched? Simpsons Movie
Last costume you wore? Murder Mystery: Butler
Ever worked in a garden? Yes, I have one right now
Flag burning? I think it should be allowed
Do you know what a Liger is? Sure do

How often do you shave? Every 3-4 days
Ever been inside a police car? No
Your favorite job ever? Sharper Image
100 degrees or 30 degrees? 100 degrees
Do you own any turtlenecks? Nope, hate them.
Do you own any corduroy? Yes, one pair of pants
Your favorite number? 28
The last thing you were late for? Work
Do you like rhubarb? Love it
Which will be first, a black or a female President? Black

Classical Barbie Girl

It's good to see one my favorite songs made classical. They did an excellent job!

EU: ISPs don't have to disclose subscriber names

Posted by Matt Rosoff | 2 comments

The bad legal news continues for the recording industry.

After yesterday's ruling that the RIAA owes an Oklahoma woman nearly $70,000 in attorneys' fees, the European Union's top court today said that European ISPs are not required to disclose the names of subscribers whose IP addresses have allegedly been linked to illegal activity on file-sharing networks.

In the case at issue, a group of Spanish music producers filed a legal complaint about Spanish ISP Telefonica, which refused turn over IP addresses of apparent Kazaa users. Telefonica maintained that Spanish law required it to turn over these addresses only in criminal cases or matters of national security. The Spanish court overseeing the case asked for an opinion from the European Court of Justice, which essentially backed Telefonica, saying that this information did not need to be turned over in civil cases.

This opinion's not a legally binding ruling, but if the Spanish court accepts the opinion and rules accordingly, this could form the basis for similar decisions throughout the EU. This would mean that recording industry representatives would either have to convince criminal investigators--the police--to go after file-traders (unlikely), or would have to come up with some other technical method (possible) without violating the EU's stringent privacy laws (very difficult).

Meanwhile, in the U.S., the RIAA continues to spend a lot of money to get very little in return.

My Fortune

So late last week I went to a Chinese restaurant. As you may know, I always keep the latest fortune from my fortune cookie in my wallet. I've had one in my wallet since 2002.

Some of them have been insightful, others were less important.

This last one... Well, I'll let you read it.

"A new hat will brighten your day give you an updated look."

Yes, so I need to do two things. First, head to the mall and find myself a new chapeau. Second, I need to go eat Chinese so I can get a more worthwhile fortune!

Quote of the Day

"In America there's someone willing to pretend to be offended by everything and so we annoy people and that's part of the appeal," he said. "It's to entertain people and also to annoy a certain segment of the audience as well."

--Matt Groening, The Simpsons creator, speaking of the new Simpsons movie


I just like this quote, "In America there's someone willing to pretend to be offended by everything," Haven't you found this to be true? No matter what someone does, there is someone else offended by it. We need to all get over ourselves and see that there are many ways to see or do things.

I am 75% Utahn. How Utahn Are You?

Put an "x" in the parentheses if it applies and put your total where it says total!!! When you're done, multiply your total by 5. This is how Utahn you are.

(x ) You know what the U is
(x ) You know what the Holy War is
(x) You have eaten funeral potatoes
(x) You leave out the "T" when you pronounce the word "mountain"
(x) You know what sluffing is

Total: 5

(x) You know what fry sauce is
(x ) You know you can't buy liquor in the grocery store
(x)You were an aunt or uncle before you were out of high school.
( ) Your family considers a trip to McDonald's a night out
(x) As a kid you looked forward to going to Lagoon every summer.

Total so far: 9

( ) You can make jello salad without a recipe
( ) You never have missed school because of a snow day
( ) You wear shorts and T-shirts if the temperature barely rises above 32 degrees
(x) You own/ed a minivan
( ) You own/ed a pick-up truck

Total so far: 10

(x)You went to a junior high that started with 7th grade and ended with 9th grade.
(x) Camping is one of your favorite past times
(x) You love to be outdoors
( ) You have a Mormon as your next-door neighbor
(x) You are republican

Total so far: 14

( ) you lived/lived across the street or next to a farm or barn
( ) you have a huge family
(x) you make your own fun
( ) you wrestle with your brothers and sisters
( ) you have too many animals

Total so far: 15

Add them up, multiply by 5, and repost as "I am % Utahn Try it even if you don't live in Utah it's pretty funny

Crash!

Sorry I haven't blogged lately. My Comcast internet has been down the past four days. It started just now and I'm unsure how long it will be up. But I hope that all finds you well. I'm doing pretty good. Work is going well. Yesterday was crazy busy. And that's odd, normally Mondays are very quiet. I think it is because we had a catalog just come out in home.


Anyway, if the internet stays up, I'll write some good posts. :)

Bigredhammer

How I Love Transformers!

Not a good weekend

So I was working on Saturday. The day was going pretty good. There weren't any returns (which I hate). I had only eaten a bowl of cereal before work and I was very hungry. My hands were actually shaking. And as you guys know, when I get hungry I get really cranky. I was really cranky. But my roommate Aaron had brought pork chops he had made the day before. So I told my co-workers that I was going in the back to eat.

I put the pork chops in the microwave and went to the bathroom. When I came out Ryan (my co-worker) was in the back. Someone had a return. I'm the only one who can do returns. I knew something would interrupt my eating. Well, I went out and and helped the woman. Luckily, she was easy to work with. I got it taken care of pretty quick.

So I went in the back again and tested the temperature of the pork chop. It wasn't hot. So I put it in again. When the microwave pinged I pulled it out and looked for our plastic forks. They were all gone. Grrrr. I didn't want to eat the pork chop with just my fingers... it was in apple sauce and it would have been very messy.

Well, the day before our manager had bought us a big thing of hot pockets, burritos and ice creams because we had done very well on a Secret Shop. Everyone was really excited about it. So I figured I'd just eat a hot pocket and save the pork chops for dinner. I microwaved the hot pocket and then had to help a customer. When I came back, the hot pocket was cold... but the microwave didn't have power. I plugged it in again and nothing.

By this point I was really really hungry and also very very grouchy. "Is someone just trying to mess me up here!?" I was frustrated. So I decided to go upstairs to the chocolate factory and buy one of their croissant sandwiches. When I was up there, I saw plastic forks. But my pork chop was cold by now anyway. So I got my croissant and I actually got to eat it too. Yeah!

I thought my hard times were over. Well, I found out today that I popped the circuit breaker with the microwave.... and the refrigerator too. Yep, all of our frozen food was destroyed. The ice cream is melted. The hot pockets and burritos are completely thawed. Ugh. We lost it all.

So I had Aaron take me to Costco and I bought us some hot pockets and some ice cream sandwiches. Ugh. When it rains it pours. So hopefully that'll make up for it a little bit. *sigh*

Something New

I did something yesterday that I've never done before. I was burning some CDs for friends of new music that I really enjoy. I really wanted a certain song but was unable to find it on Limewire. So I asked a friend where I could purchase music legally online. I hate Apple and iTunes, so I ruled that out. My other options were Napster and Walmart music. I picked Walmart music. So I actually downloaded a song legally. I think it cost me $0.96 for the song.

*shudder*

So I have now purchased music online legally. It was easy. I had the music within two minutes. It was cheap. I think I'd do it again if I was unable to find the song I want illegally quickly.

I hope my morals aren't slipping.

Arrrrrgh... Yep, I'm still a pirate. Afterall, I burned that song to multiple CDs and gave them away free. lol