Wednesday, August 02, 2006
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By my user name you can deduce that I'm a blue collar boy and have been all my life. I've been working nearly every week since I was 14 and have no regrets about it. I work hard to pay my bills and provide for my family in an increasingly difficult economic climate. I have no problems with somebody wanting to make a buck or two and I'm not even that upset when doing so is slightly underhanded. Caveat emptor , as the Romans said, let the buyer beware.
Now my bank, Bank of America (nice homey, patriotic name, aint it?) like any business is out to make a buck or two and the easiest way to do that is with overdraft charges (bounce fees). Someone does some sloppy math, they pay a penalty. Like that bumper sticker says, “ Stupidity should be painful.” But when they do that under the cover of new check cashing rules without telling us poor customers THAT'S when I get a little riled. I'm no student of the law but I do know what's fair and while I can't say definitely that this consitutes LEGAL fraud it sure as hell stinks of it.
Untill recently Bank of America like most banks has had the policy of holding out of state checks for 3 business bays, frequently less that that, but a wise man waits the duration. Recently we've made several largish deposits from checks from sale of stocks, an insurance settlement, my paycheck, and the payment of a loan to a family member. Like most people getting to the bank during “regular business hours” is challenging so we've trusted our deposits to the ATM's. Now a day or two AFTER we've made the deposits and AFTER Bank of America's OWN WEBSITE said that those funds were available we used that account to make a couple small purchases on the debit card and one large check ($1000) as a down payment on our daughter's new car (OK its slightly used, you get the picture). Even after those amounts there still should have been about $1500 in the account. With me so far? Good. 'Cause here's where it gets hairy. Two days after all this we go to use the card and its denied! I check the balance at the ATM next door and it says we're overdrawn to the tune of almost $1200!!! We immediately check the account and are told there were hold placed on all those checks and the funds aren't available for another 2 days!!! The person at the Bank of America customer sevrice line says she has no idea why the website said the funds weren't available because the bank holds out of state checks for 2-10 business days!!! No letter, e-mail or any other sort of communication was sent to us to warn of this new wrinkle. We are assured however that no bounce fees or anything like that will occur because the funds are there, they're just not accessable to us. We're alarmed by this but not too upset.
Today we find out that not only have they hit us with 3 (COUNT 'EM!!! 3!!!) overdraft charges they've hit us with a RETURNED CHECK fee! And that was for the check for my daughter's car!! Another phone call gets us a slightly less friendly person saying she has no idea why the 1st person said what she did and that there is no recourse for us. About $200 essentially stolen right from under our noses. Are you getting how upset I am now? Espescially since there's next to nothing I can do about it. I can switch banks, which you can be QUITE sure I will, but that won't get my money back.
What I can do is to get the message out there. If you're thinking about trying Bank of America I advise you not to. If you've already swallowed that hook DON'T use their ATM's as by their own admission deposits thru the ATM's can take DAYS to even be looked at much less posted to your account. Use HUMAN tellers. And don't trust ANYTHING you see regarding your account on their website. Call the 800# and SPEAK TO AN ASSOSCIATE. And be sure to get their names. Maybe when their own people get tired of the deluge of customers their faceless corporate masters may make some customer friendly policy changes. Maybe. Don't bank on it.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
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Don't get me wrong. I like roller-coasters as much as the next guy. They're fast, thrilling, and potentially fatal. What power-tool lovin' guy wouldn't dig that? Their also short in duration which for me is just fine too. You get off, settle down, and go on to the next ride. When your life becomes a roller coaster it gets to be a bit much. I won't bore you with the whole life story I'll just give you yesterday.
It started out on good notes. At work I found my clipboard that had been lost for about a month. This is real good because I'd had it for years and had accumulated several corporate and vendor phone numbers on it that you can't get anywhere else except when you run into one of them way higher ups, which doesn't happen that often. For my wife it was supposed to be a good morning because she was going to babysit our new granddaughter for a few hours. Pleasant, right? My daughter calls me looking for her car. I had parked it down by the park clubhouse because it was in bad shape and would be best served sitting there for a week till next payday rather than take up space in our driveway. Turns out she took it out after I had gone to sleep and when she came back parked it on our lawn rather than the clubhouse which would entail walking a couple blocks back. Park took a dim view on that and towed her car. Big drop! Hands up! Whee! Not exactly. My wifes upset because we can't afford the tow fees ($125 the blood sucking bastards), my daughter's VERY upset. Okay, granma hears about the dilemma and offers the cash to help so long as her grandaughter pays her back outta next weeks paycheck. Uphill, slowdown, everybody breath.
Back at work I'm looking to kill that last 10 minutes before lunch. One of the outside garden ladies (I work at Home Depot) comes in lookinmg for help to load some paver stones for a customer. I figure sure why not. The customer is standing in the doorway with bright daylight behind her and lousy indoor light on my side so all I see is the huge busted small waisted silhouette of a stripper (this is south Florida and strip joints are almost as numerous as coffee shops). Corkscrew! Hands up! Whoopee! Hey I may be married but I can look as long as I don't touch. Following the customer out I notice a few things. One; she's not walking with that tick-tock movement that drives guys wild but rather with the plodding straight ahead movement of a dude. Two; rather large high cheekbones for a chick (what the heck, those strip joints have bad lighting for a reason). I'll pause to bring you up to speed at this point she's pointed out which stones she wants and I'm loading the carriage. She's making a bit of a fuss saying how nice it is “having a big strong man around.” At this point I'm done loading and the response that forms in my head is “lady, I fond it hard to believe you'd have any problem keeping a big strong man around” but as I face her to speak I notice the third issue with her...and its a biggie: adam's apple poking out of her throat. Eeeewww! The words just dry up in my mouth before it even opens. I just smile, nod, mumble something like have a nice day and head back inside. Welcome to Florida, folks... bazaar of the bizare. Ah well. Ride's over, everyone hurl.
The rest of the day was pleasantly uneventful. Picked up our girl's car and while dusty as heck (dirt road) it was otherwise unharmed. Came home, made dinner, the usual. Aint it nice? I think so.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
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'Went down to the beach last night, just me and the wife. It was after sunset. We had grabbed a couple ice cream cones and just parked at the beach and grabbed a bench. We are both creatures of water and have lived nearly all our lives withtin 30 minutes of the Atlantic, she in New Jersey, I in Massachusettes. We're constantly soothed and amazed by the ocean. We lived breifly in western North Carolina, up in the mountains and while its VERY pretty country it just didn't feel like home. Less than a year after we moved up there we moved back to Florida.
I kinda think its better to see the ocean at dusk. You go there during the day and its a crowd. You're not paying attention to the water so much as you are to all the people around you, the hot sand burning your feet, kids accidentally knocking into your stuff, putting on enough tanning goop so you don't fry, etc... At night the crowds are gone. There's still people there but not nearly so many. The sand is back to comfortable temps. This is the time when you can best appreciate the ocean itself. You can see it clearly, smell it and most importantly hear it. The crashing rhythm of the waves is the pulse of the planet. The sea, like us humans, is constant to the quick view but always changing and moving on the finer points. Yes the tide has come in and gone out at regular intervals for millions of years and will continue to do so but at the same time each and every single wave is different. Each wave picks up or drop of sand, shells, seaweed etc but never in the same amounts, never in the same shape, never in the exact same place. The same is true of us mere mortals. Even the most sedentary amongst us is a self contained universe of change. Varying blood pressures, changing enzyme levels, even passing thoughts, hundreds of subtle changes every minute. An ocean of change and harmony wrapped up in a small fragile package. Be good to it, and don't litter at the beach.
Friday, May 19, 2006
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Love is a many splendid thing... as the song goes. Closer to the truth is that TRUE love is a many splendid thing. Those dangerous, hurtful, messy things we all go thru before we FIND true love SUCK. Reading some of the other blogs on this site, and raising 2 teenage daughters gave me a new and shaming perspective on the whole “teen romance” sorta thing.
Growing up as a typical red blooded American boy I went thru my share of girlfriends and some ended amicably enough but more ended in the usual tears and shouting. With age comes wisdom and the ability for true caring and nurturing. Don't get me wrong ladies, every human being is capable of such nicities, I'm not confirming the notion that all men are pigs, though quite a few are. I'm just saying in virtually all dealings with non-family members of the opposite sex Mr Helmethead is the loudest and is some cases ONLY voice a young man hears. Hell I'll be 40 this year and he still makes himself heard. Now most of the girls I dated told me that their big draw to me was that I was so considerate etc... I grew up raised by a single mom (a little unusual in the 70's) so I was more sympathetic to a woman's point of view but I was still driven by the “breed or die” drive that makes boys and young men seem somewhat callous. I. like they, didn't give enough thought to consequences.
Watching my girls go thru excruciating heartbreak was painful on multiple levels. First because it cast a lot of my younger actions in very bad light, but mostly because as a parent, particularly a dad, there's almost nothing you can do but let them suffer thru it. You can advise against the boys you think will be trouble but even you're not always right and besides, the kids aint gonna listen. Then when the poor girls heart shatters all you can offer is sympathy and a shoulder to cry on. At least with the flu you can get them soup and OJ and stuff to make it better. Heartbreaks you just let the wound bleed then heal.
So ... to all the girls I've loved before ... I'm really sorry for any pain I caused, but aren't you glad I used protection?
Monday, May 15, 2006
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Our witless leader is proposing send the National Guard to patrol the Mexican border. Allegedly this is to “support” the border patrol. Great idea! Like they aren't already spread thinner than cheap butter over toast. By the way W, there's major flooding in New England. By the way Dub, there's major brush fires in Florida. By the way G there's still TONS of repair work to do in New Orleans before the summer rains come. And these are just the ones that spring to mind. THOSE are the circumstances where we need the Guard. THOSE are the scenarios they train for.
By the Border Patrols numbers they stopped 1.2 million and estimate that 500,000 slipped by 'em. That's 1 mill outta 1.5 mill. Like a famous man once said “two outta three ain't bad.”
Two last thoughts to leave you with. 1) By the Pentagons own estimates it is militarily impossible to completely close the Mexican border. Even by pulling every service person and machine of ours from every post on the planet. Its just too damned big. 2) If they throw the old “national security” line at you keep this in mind. All the 9/11 terrorists came into the US thru Canada.
Things that make ya go hmmm...
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
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OK...its not exactly Poe but it does sum up how I feel about the current administration espescially in light of what I was reading today. In an interview with a bunch of Florida newspapers ol G.W. said he thinks his brother Jeb would make a great president and should run. It also says that he has no idea if Jeb has any plans to.
This is chilling to me on a number of levels. I've lived in Florida for the past 7 years and I can say with confidence that Jeb Bush is an excellent governor and probably would make a great president but that would be a multi-layer suck. Primarily because this state so needs a man of his quality and intelligence in the seat he's in. We find ourselves facing disasters on an almost yearly basis and time after time he's the calm effective captain with his hands always on the wheel. Secondly with Jeb running for president the republicans would have a win-able candidate and right now this country desperately needs a break from the GOP. Let's face it folks we are in a world of sh*t; the economy is stalling, the oil companies aree raping the daylights out of all of us, our sons are dying needlessly daily, there isn't a country left in the world that even remotely trusts us... and thru all of that and more we haven't seen one shred of remorse from the powers that be. This in intollerable, people.
I'm not saying that the democrats are the bleeping messiahs... far from it. But right now we just need to clean house and start fresh and that is NOT gonna happen if we all just keep following the elephant.
Which is why I'm announcing my candidacy... just kidding folks. Oh and for those actually miffed about “porn star” in the title but not in the story... ha-ha! Oh, grow up!
Monday, May 08, 2006
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Just finished reading this bit about the proposed new CIA director being an Air Force general. This is supposedly a bad thing according to a bunch of congresspersons and other assorted commentaters. Their beef if that its “dangerous” to have a military person head a civilian government organization. What's the big deal, people? We've had generals run the whole country several times before and they did just fine. Maybe not great, but fine. Besides, the CIA and the Air Force work hand in hand on soooo many operations that this guy is a logical choice. We have no problem having a civilian as commander-in-chief of the military... well yeah a lot of us have a problem with the current one (don't get me started on that moron)... so this would technically be a bit of turnabout being fair play. Maybe.
Bottom line, if they don't have any objections to the general himself, his politics or his record then this really isn't objectionable. Just because he's military does not make him this mindless automotan who blindly follows any and all orders. Hell we're training the infantry grunts to think for themselves. I think its safe to say a general can too. Just look at all the retired generals speaking out against Bush! Dangit I was trying not to get started on him! Only because it would take more time than I have this AM to do a proper rant. Another time folks. Promise.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
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Check my profile and you'll see I work in retail. Not the most rewarding job out there but I like it, I do it well, and it pays the bills. Most of the time I even like dealing with the public as it feels good to help someone even on the smallest of levels.
However...
There are those people out there... you've all dealt with them at one point or another... who really REALLY should not walk out the door without their sign. One of the most common points is when a customer can't find what they need at your store so they immediately go with the “well I'll just go across the street (down the street, across town, etc...) to your competitor!” There's always that dramatic puse after while they wait for your response. They're expecting one or both of two things to happen: 1) You'll prostrate yourself at their feet begging for forgiveness and then scrambling to give them anything they want (cash, merchandise, lap dance from the hot chick on register 3, whatever); or 2) They arrive at your competitor and the store is bathed in a soothing blue light. The beautiful staff inside greet them with open arms, wide smiles and harp music. They immediately get the poor customer the exact item they wanted along with a nourishing bowl of soup and proceed to throw in cash, mechandise, and a lap dance from the even hotter chick on register 3.
Lemme save everyone some time and aggrevation. IT'S NOT GONNA HAPPEN!!! NOT EVEN CLOSE!!! What will really happen is this: 1) at store A's best best behavior you'll get something like “whatever you feel is best, sir (ma'am)” or “sorry you feel that way.” When you do get to store B you'll find a bloody clone to store A. It might be set up a little different, the uniforms may be a different color but the merchandise and service will be an almost perfect mirror.
Wanna know why? I'll give you a glimpse inside the machine. In the press of competition all originality has been squeezed out. The underdog starts copying the ideas of the industry leader with a few new twists. The industry leader stars looking over its shoulder to see why its losing market share and decides to copy some of the underdogs twists. At worst that creates a debacle (remember the “new Coke” fiasco of the mid-80's? No we're not trying to make Coke more like Pepsi! Yeah you are!). At best the constant copying removes any unique spice to either side and to the point where they both taste like vanilla.
Don't think so? Check out any competition. Don't go in there to buy something 'cause then your focus is too narrow. Just look 'em over close. Walmart vs. Target; CVS vs. Walgreens; Home Depot vs. Lowes... any of them. That plus the fact that they feel the need to build on each other's doorstep.
The sad part is all these companies were started by men of vision and principle. Risk takers, do-ers, acheivers. Through these talets they became captains of industry. Now, they're all run by beancounters. People whose sole intrest is the bottom line, placating the shareholders, sacrificing quality of goods and service for then extra thin dime.
So why shouldn't we all shop the mom-and-pop stores? Well they are more expensive (there is truth to that whole “power of volume buying” line) and lets face it... almost all of them are gone. However if you find one you like and can afford it IS in everyones best intrest to shop them when you can. For me there's a produce market in town that I like a lot and shop for fresh fruit and veggies frequently. It just makes more sense.
Damn that was a long tirade! Thanks for sticking it thru to the end. I'll try and get some lighter material next time! Lemme know what you think!
Sunday, April 30, 2006
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I just read this headline about the Mexican president proposing legallizing small amounts of marajuana and cocaine. Reading further into it the amounts are in the 1 oz range and that's where the plan gets smart. That still allows them to prosecute dealers and producers but takes the focus off the users. Most cops woulkd agree that the time and effort involved in arresting, booking, and jailing (etc.) some shmuck with a nickel bag is almost entirely wasted. This allows precious time and resources to be more focused on the source of the "infection".
The sad part is there will probably be a large backlash over this in this country. Outraged parents will forbid there kids from going on spring break, families will cancel vacations. The severely uptight will boycott Mexican made products. Word to the wise folks, a number of American brand cars and trucks are assembled in Mexico so be carefull with how thorough that boycott is. Better yet... grow up and don't boycott at all because when (not if folks...when) they see how successful that change in their drug plan is they very well may start doing that here.
You think that's a radical thought? Try this one out. Legalize drug use here as well. The whole industry! Before you break out the tar and feathers check it out: Legalizing drugs puts them under the purview of the FDA. That gives you not just quality control but also quantity control! Drug dealers and users won't have to be controlled by fear and violence but by laws and regulations. No more gun blazing drive by's between rival dealers! And for you die-hard conservatives here's the big kicker: increased tax revenues!!! Think how much the IRS takes in just from the drug companies now. Now double that!
Try learning from history folks. When prohibition came into play back in the 20's it was a horrible mess. Crime, violence, corruption at the highest level, and several times more government involvment than with legal liquor.
I'm not advocating carte blanche on any and all drugs but marajuana and cocaine are pretty obvious. Lets remember people tobacco in all its forms is completely legal and cigarrettes are the only consumer product available which when used correctly causes death. And don't get me started on alcohol abuses, we've all seen enough of them. So what do we have to lose?
Now about legalizing prostitution... nah I'll hold off on that. I've probably done enough to blow minds and anger people today. Y'all have a good one!
Thursday, April 27, 2006
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Greetings to all you blog readers. Let me offer you thanks for taking a minute to check mine out and appologies to those more accustomed to something smoother and more proffessional. My 1st post and I only have a hint at what I'm doing.
My named is Stan, I live in the disaster prone state of FL, I'm 39 and as of 2 weeks ago I am a grampa! My granddaughter was a preemie whose health scared the crap outta all of us for the 1st 2 weeks but is doing better now, thank God.
I'm happily married. I have 3 great step-kids. I've worked in a hardware store for the last 8 years. I'm a Christian though I don't attend as often as I should. I'd call myself a liberal and a Democrat although not “dyed-in-the-wool” in either case. "For intstance?" , you ask? I believe in the death penalty although its current applications are badly handled; and the Democrats need DESPERATELY to field a candidate who can go toe to toe with the republicans and NOT flinch... or scream...not that I'm mentioning names. The republicans fight hard and they fight dirty. Taking the moral high road will NOT work. If you get in the ring with a street fighter you better be ready to rumble.
What else do you need to know? I'm originally from the Boston area and still a big Red Sox and Patriots fan so during football season any and all responses and entries from me will be slower. Likewise if the Sox make it to the series again (could happen!). I invite comments so feel free to leave them.
That's about it. Welcome to my world! 'Hope you've had your shots!