I Got Hosed.

Yeah, I know, its been a while, but I am writing for 2 reasons; 1 I am bored, and 2, I got hosed in the world of Internet buying and selling. And who is responsible? Who you ask? EBAY? The Bank? The United States Postal Service? Me? Well, to tell you the truth it is all of the above, well except for the bank, but they made me mad...I will get to that later.

It all started in early March, when I was deeply involved in my studies of Graphic Design, and I started to realize that my laptop, as good as it is, was not made to handle graphic design software and the work that I do in graphic design. So, I decided to get a new computer. Well, at school and in graphic design I work mainly on a Mac computer and absolutely love it, even though the Mac's at school are the low end Mac's of 3 years ago, before Intel, they are still amazing machines. I got my 20" wide screen iMac with a 2.33 GHz processor and 2GB of RAM the very day the new APPLE STORE opened here in town. I had to use most of my savings because I believe in paying cash for everything (thanks Dave Ramsey), and financing as little as possible, anyway, I did and I got it 5 days later, exactly when and where they said it would arrive. GO FIGURE.

Meanwhile, I figure, I got a new Mac Computer, I should get the Adobe Suite as well (It is all the major graphic design software programs in one, for those of you who don't know what the heck I am talking about). Only problem was that I had spent most of the money I had on the awesome computer (get a mac, it's way better), and the Adobe Suite cost about $1,400.00, yeah it is expensive being a graphic designer...student...soon to be Graphic Designer? Yeah, we will go with that. SO, I turned to EBAY, where I found it for $550.00. Now that is a deal I thought, the guy had 100% positive feedback for almost a year, I figure I can't go wrong. Well, I start bidding, I am excited, I am winning, then I get blocked. The guy said because I didn't have any feedback, that I couldn't bid. CRAP! I email him, and convince him that I am serious and really need the software, so he lets me "buy it now". So I buy, he didn't use paypal, which I was a little uncomfortable about, but he did use another secure shopping cart so that put me at ease. Then another strange thing happened, only $400.00 was taken out at first. I contact him and he tells me the other $150.00 will be taken out when it is shipped. I said okay. I thought it was how it worked, this was my first time on ebay, who knew. I mean it is easy to see now. So, to continue. The rest was charged and that was it, so I figured everything was good to go. I track the package and after about 2 weeks it gets to the wrong post office, but it is in the right city. The guy said it had the wrong zip code on it, and that he fixed it and sent it on to my house. NO he didn't, the package kept trying to get back to the sender. SO I kept tracking it, calling post offices all over the country and stopping it, always being one step behind, kind of like Ed Norton's character in Fight Club trying to track down Tyler Derden...well, not really, but whatever...So I check out EBAY and the guy has been kicked off or has left. 2 other people after me hadn't gotten their packages and were pursuing fraud. I later find out it was for the same type of package. Next, I file a dispute. I am still hopeful that the package will get to me. Maybe I am naive in thinking that there aren't any truely despicable people in this world. Well, 2 months have gone by and I finally talk to a lady who has the package in her hands, saying that it is a wreck and there are sounds of broken pieces inside. She puts a new label on it and sends it to me, I just want to get it at this point. I almost go to bank to get my money back for fraud, but then I would feel bad if I got the package and it was the software and I had gotten money from my bank, so I didn't. (big mistake) After about 3 more weeks, I am starting to wonder if the US postal service can do anything right, So I call Costumer Service, because the tracking had not been updated. She tells me this, even though the website says it would be updated every evening. She does tell me that the Package is in Atlanta. 3 days later it arrives. I open it up with a gleeful co-worker standing by, camera in hand to take a picture of the end of a long ordeal, and pull out of the disheveled package a Broken Picture frame that says Mama on it, still shrink wrapped and with a sticker that says $1.99 on it. I got a $550.00 broken picture frame, essentially. It is easy to see now why the post office had so much trouble, it looked like a 6 year old had wrapped it, and definitely did NOT want the package to get to me. Here are some pictures:

So needless to say, I was mad and am currently trying everything in my power to find this guy. Or guys I should say, it turns out there were 2 rats involved in this scam, hence the two charges, at least that is what I can make of it anyway. I tried to get my money back with the bank, but it was too late, even with all the documentation that I had. Apparently these guys knew what they were doing, sending it all over, taking over 60 days to get to me, (that is the time frame I have to file fraud with the bank, yeah, I didn't get that memo). I filed a mail fraud complaint as well, as you can see in the picture to the above and left. I mean, would you send a package that looked like that, even if it was your first day working at the post office? I am trying to track these guys down, I know one of the guys email address's but I haven't decided what I want to do with that. Maybe I will send him spam and chain letters to start as an appetizer. If anyone would like to help in my venture, write me, and I will send you all the info I have on the guys. I won't post that on this blog though, security reasons. I already wrote Oprah, and I am planning on writing Ellen, I might at least get my Software for free from them, just for taking time to write a letter. Anyway, that is all, sorry for the longevity, but it has been a while and it is indeed a long story. I will never use EBAY again, (they're currently investigating this guy, yeah right!), so if you do, beware, and don't make stupid mistakes like I did, and most importantly, don't get blinded by the sight of a good deal. Paesan Out.

Attack of the Killer Cockroach: A Weather Man's Horrifying Encounter

Okay, I had to let you guys know about this, I died laughing when I saw it, hope you enjoy it. Don't forget to check out my previous blog, posted only a couple of days ago, there are only 2 comments on it so check it out...no seriously, check it out.

Click this link to watch the video

Fall Cleaning...he he he, umm yeah its been a while.

Well, hello? Ummm...is anyone out there? hmmm, yeah, so its been a long time since I have posted a blog, and I doubt many still even visit, but if you still check in from time to time, Great, glad to have you as a loyal reader. Apparently, I blog after I clean, because the last time I blogged, it was Spring Cleaning, well, i just did a little bit of Fall Cleaning so there ya go, or shall I say Pre Fall Cleaning, cause it is still hot as heck out there, BUT, College Football has started so I think it is safe to say, IT IS FALL. I love College Football, and I am so glad it is back in full swing, now, if I could just get a job where I don't have to work on Saturday Nights, then we will be in business. Which brings me to my first topic.

Yeah, you like that? I Haven't blogged all Summer and I can still write a good transition, and even include a subtle pun as well. I still got it! So yeah, I have been looking for a job pretty much since the last time I blogged. While I have learned a lot, I still have no new job. Here is a recap of some of the Highlights from Job interviews I went on. Disclaimer: So as to not hurt my chances for jobs in the future I will keep this short and use as little details as possible. Just in case these places check blogs.

The first interview I went on, went from working in an office to going door to door, saleing, ummm, saleing, well, I am gonna go with, Coupons, in the hot summer sun all day long. Yeah, this interview was definatly one of those times were I had a choice to make and "I Choose Poorly". However, I did learn something, there are jobs out there worse then waiting tables, and I learned a little about saleing and business, so it wasn't a total loss.

The next one was with a Coffee place, that shall remain nameless. I actually got the job, but they couldn't give me enough hours and couldn't pay enough, so I turned it down.

Lastly, and probably the best learning experience of all, was with an advertising firm, where my portfoilo was critiqued and I was given A LOT of advice on what I should be doing in the next year if I want to get into this business. Which was totally cool. So I didn't get a job offer there, but learned invaluable amounts of information that I never would have received if I hadn't gone to this place.

So still no new job, but I have learned alot. I am still in school for Graphic Design, and that is going well. Jackie and I are still dating, and just celebrated our 1 year anniversary, and actually in 2 days will be our 13 monthiversary, which is awesome.

Well, I think that is about it, I am kind of rusty on this blogging thing, so I am gonna stop, maybe the next time, I can be a little more detailed. I know that the grammer and such is terrible in this blog, but I don't have time to sit here and correct every little thing. I think it is pretty good that I actually wrote a blog.

Okay, that is all, talk to you all soon!

Seinfeld Trivia is Back Baby!

1.) What is the name and year of the car known as the "Jon Voight Car"?
2.) What is the name of Jerry's Dry Cleaner Guy, who wears his clothes?
3.) What kind of Jacket (material) does this Dry Cleaner Guy wear to the Movies?

Spring Cleaning

Gooood Evening One and Everyone, well, it is the first day of spring and that means, spring begins...umm, yeah, and that it is time to get rid of those dreaded dust bunnies hiding in the corners of your room...and along the walls...and under the bed...eehemmm, Ummm, anyway...I cleaned my room BIG TIME, today, dusted, sprayed, threw away, organized, and I must say, it feels good. I feel more comfortable in my room....the room feels bigger, cleaner...and, I can breath, which is always good.

As well as being the first day of spring, it was also the first offical day of Spring Break for me. My school is on the quarter system and ended last week, a week before spring break, so they decided to just give us 2 weeks off, which is awesome, however, I still have to work a ton this week, but as my co-workers were noticing, I am much more pleasant to be around when I have a break from school, I also had much more energy, and must say, I am a pretty darn good foodrunner. Oh yeah, back up, I was food runner at work tonight because are normal Monday night food runner couldn't work. I wouldn't say I am completely happy to be working this week, but I need money so it is worth it. I am over my fun money budget for the month so I need to make some of it back, it's okay though, cause the fun was worth it.

Speaking of fun, Me, Jackie, and Jason (Jackie's brother), went to see Brian Regan (he's a Comedian) at the Alabama Theatre on Sunday night and we had a Great time. I didn't have any Idea who this guy was when I got to the Alabama Theatre but I am glad I went, cause he was hilerious. The opener was funny too, he was a guy from Boston I think, I can't remeber his name though, but all and all it was a great evening. We saw some friends of ours there, who already had tickets, but we just walked up and bought tickets and ended up on the 8th row from the front in the middle, Perfect seats, which actually ended up being better than our friends, hehehe...wait, back up again, I should explain, that getting the great tickets wasn't as easy as I made it out to be, so here it goes:

First of all, the tickets ended up being about 33 dollars a piece, which for 3 came to about 100 dollars. I had 40 dollars cash on me, problem was that it was CASH ONLY so the debit card was useless, so I asked Jason for his money, but he had like 30 dollars cash on him, which still wasn't enough for all 3 people. SO, I updated Jackie and Jason on the situation, we assessed the situation and thought, ATM, must find an ATM. Meanwhile, the show starts in like 15 minutes, so we think, I wonder if there is an ATM inside, so I go inside to look, but am stopped at the door by the evil ticket taker guy. He would not let me in without a ticket, after 5 minutes of pleading with him, saying, sir, I am going to buy 3 tickets, but I need cash to buy the tickets, yada, yada, yada, he finally lets me in, so I hit the ATM, get the tickets, which were great, and all was right with the world.

We also saw some friends there, like Jessica, Matt, and his Dad, Francesca and her Dad, Chris and others.... goodtimes, goodtimes.

So it was a great evening, and much better than doing my taxes, which is what I orginally was going to do.

Lastly, I will give you an update on Jackie and I, we have been dating for just under 8 months, and I couldn't be happier, I feel very lucky to have her in my life and I would like to think that I am a better person with her in my life. She keeps me on my toes, which is good, and each day I spend with her gets better and better. Well, that's about enough of the mushyness, I love you Jackie good luck on your test tomorrow!

That is all, Catch ya later dudes and Dudets!

PS: Thank you Random Reader LK, for sticking with me even though I write once a month, I will try and do better this month.

Seinfeld Trivia Question of the day:

1.) What "Swinger" played "Eric the Clown" in a Seinfeld Episode?
2.) Whose mailbag does Newman have and use to get Kramer out of gambling trouble?

Answers to last blogs questions were posted on the last blog.

NEW BLOG!!!!...hope that got your attention...

Hey everyone, I just wanted to write and see if anyone still read my blog. Most likley not, which I understand, seeing as I blog about once every month or two. Well, I appreciate all of you who have stuck with me, I promise I will try and write more in the future. As of now I am a full time student and a Full time waiter at Leonardo's, and I have a part time chorister job at Mt. Brook Baptist Church...yeah I know, I am Catholic, which means my Sundays are full too, because I have to sing in the morning at the Baptist Church and continue my normal Catholic obligations Sunday evening. So as you can imagine there isn't much time for anything else. Jackie and I our going on 6 months 10 days, of dating, and still going strong, which I am very happy about. So life is busy but on the the right track and hopefully this new degree I am working on will lead to a well paying job that is fun, where I can still be creative yet actually make money. But anyway, I will try to write more often. If you have time, give a quick comment and let me know if you are still interested in my Blog, and if not, let me know what I can do to change that. Thanks guys, Catch ya later Dudes and Dudets!

PS: I got the 5th and 6th season of Seinfeld on DVD for Christmas, so I have a whole new list of questions to ask, so here are 3 of them...

Seinfeld Trivia Questions of the day:
1.) What did George eat out of the garbage can at his girlfriends mothers house?

2.) What Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Character did Jerry pop by dropping a sharp trophy out of a window?

3.) When George goes to the Bathroom, what does he do to his shirt before he goes?

Answer to last blogs question:
1.) Jerry "I HAVE legs, why would I be a leg man"
2.) Cherry Binaca Breath spray (spell?)
3.) Milano's

Back to school, Back to school, to prove to Dad that I am not a Fool...

Wow, so it has been a while since the last time I posted, but I have been busy, mostly working my butt off at Leonardo's, waiting tables. It was indeed a busy Holiday season, and I would say 75% of Birmingham got their fill of Italian food from Leonardo's. Good money but very hard work, I am still recovering from it...Anywho, glad to be back blogging.

As, the title indicates, I am finally going back to school to get a Degree in Design Visualization, or evenutally (Animation and Game Design), that is if I decide to stay an extra year. It is basically Computer Aided Design, and when I am finished I could get a job in many different fields: Advertising, Architecture, Magizine graphics, video game design, film special effects, etc... So, I am pretty excited about it, and ready to get going on it. I start next week. Oh yeah, it is at Virginia College in Birmingham. I almost forgot to say the school I was getting the education from. This will be a short blog, cause I am having a bit of a case of Bloggers Block. Here is a quick update on my life as of yet.

1.) Going to school

2.) Still living at the new Apartment

3.) Still Waiting tables

4.) Most importantly, I am still dating Jackie Roche, in fact our 5 month Anniversery is this Friday Jan. 6th, and I am so excited about that. I love you Jackie!

Okay, that is about it, I am going to leave you with 3 Seinfeld Trivia Questions, since I don't get to blog as much, so Mr. Roche, here they are. Catch ya later dudes and dudets!

Seinfeld Trivia Questions:

1.) What is Jerry's reasoning for not being a "Leg Man"?

2.) What did Elaine spray in Crazy Joe Davola's Face?

3.) What Brand name of Cookies did George want to steal from a Police car, he and Jerry were riding in, when visiting L.A.?

Answer to last Blogs question: A chucker

Umm, yes, I'd like to report a stolen buggy...

So, about a week ago, I decided I was going to make some Spaghetti Sauce from scratch, so that I could have some made for the rest of the week. This meant that I needed to go to the store and pick up some things, but I needed other things for the apartment as well, so I made it a…”Full Out Wal-Mart Run”. It had to be quick though because it takes about an hour to make the sauce, and I had to be at work later that afternoon…plus I wanted to eat some before I went to work…hehehe…(clears throat inconspicuously), Anyhooot, needless to say, I needed to get back quickly. SO, on to Wal-Mart I went!

First off, finding a parking space at the Wal-Mart on Lakeshore Drive, is like trying to find…It’s like trying…umm, it’s like…Well, it’s gotta be like something, anyway, its hard. This parking lot makes NO sense, whatsoever! Those of you who live in this city or are from there no what I am talking about. 10 minutes later, I find a parking space, one that is of course made for one of those little European cars that only one and a half persons can fit in. I go inside starting in the Non-Food section, getting all of that stuff out of the way, spending ohhhh, about 35 minutes or so. Side bar, I think the designers of Wal-Mart buildings consulted with the same people that make Laboratory Mazes for Mice…and the Laboratory Maze designers got their ideas from the same people that build Casino’s…BUT, that is a WHOLE other blog for some other time. Anyway, so I get done with the non-food side, and I head for the food. Buggy, filled with about 20 items with very distinct origins and purposes, I see pizza making materials to my right about 10 feet away, so I leave my buggy where it is to go look, because there were 3 buggy’s blocking my path. I figured, why cause more of a traffic jam, when I will just be over there for a couple of seconds. So, I grab the pepperoni and head back to the buggy when suddenly, my heart skips a beat, the aforementioned buggy was gone, NO WHERE TO BE FOUND! So, I do what anyone in my situation would do… pace up and down the isle stomping my feet in anger and frustration until someone notices that something is wrong…but umm, no one notices my agony. I walk up to one of the Wal-Mart Ladies stocking a shelf and calmly say, with a smile and grin mind you, “somebody stole my buggy”, and what do I get? Nothing, no response…So, back to the task at hand, find an empty cart and start over before you waste anymore time. I can’t find an empty cart, but I do see a cart with 2 items, countem 2 ITEMS, that has been sitting in the same position, unguarded, for about 10 minutes…AH HA! The culprit! Obviously she/he’s not coming back to a cart that only has 2 items in it. It is much easier for that person to just start over once she/he realizes that their buggy is 18 items more than what they started with, and has COMPLETELY DIFFERENT ITEMS IN IT! BUT, no matter, I am this much closer to solving the case of the missing buggy! So, looking at the cart which has 2 items in it, which are Potato Chips and dip, I head for that isle to see if my buggy is in that area which this person would have to go to eventually to get their “chips and dip”. Jackpot! I found my Buggy, all items still intact, plus Johnson’s baby shampoo, which I promptly put back on the nearest shelf. Well, I picked up the items I still needed, and an Hour later I was done with my Wal-Mart Run, which turned out to be more like a Wal-Mart walk, with added mystery, intrigue, and suspense? Hey, my blog title is Seinfeld Related and I am a student of Seinfeld, and talking about nothing is what I do. I hope you enjoyed my Buggy Mystery. Catch you later Dudes and Dudets!

Seinfeld Question of the day: What kind of basketball player does everyone describe George as?

Answer to last blogs question: Tina