A republican running for governor in Alabama in 2010, Tim James, has a commercial on cable. I quote, “Why do our politicians make us give driver’s license exams in 12 languages? This is Alabama, we speak English. If you wanna live hear, learn it. We’re only giving this test in English, if I’m governor.” How self centered and closed minded, if you ask me…
Not that I’m opposed to people being required to learn English. But when people first move to this country and need to find a place to live, work, attend school, they need transportation. Alabama is worse than Florida when it comes to public transportation – there isn’t any there. So if someone just immigrated from abroad, and was unfortunate enough to end up in Alabama, at least give him/her the opportunity to learn the driving laws and get a license. Then allow them time to learn the language.
Alabama is a cultured place, in it’s own unique way. That is what makes it “Sweet Home Alabama.” Every individual that contributes to this culture, helps it steer to common grounds. Essentially the social and economical developments occur as a result. So-what that new cultures are being introduced to the mix. The world is now a global place and we are all in this together. Diversification has never stopped since before times. When a social group starts growing, that’s an opportunity for not only the local economy, but even more so to the culture that creates this sweet home.
Enacting a decision such as
limiting the languages available
for a driver’s license test,
not only puts a damper on progress,
but limits possibilities.
I really considered to embed the YouTube video of the commercial currently running. I also thought about just placing a link to it. However, I did not want to offer any more support, than this post, to this candidate. The local culture will support whatever it can handle. President Obama rallied with Change during his campaign. But Change happens naturally. It is inevitable!
An experience at the Georgia Aquarium, in Atlanta, Georgia. When visiting, one can see lots of different fish and mammals, from the Beluga Whale mating, to the quirky Sea Dragon, from the young Whale Shark, to the old Sting Ray, Sharks and Groupers, Sea Stars and Glowing Jellyfish. The Georgia Aquarium offers a memorable experience for all ages.
They also offer a ‘petting zoo.’ You can actually touch some fish, including cat fish, sea stars, and shrimp, are just to name a few. If you enjoy everything the Aquarium has to offer, you can easily spend all day there, however, you can also check out all of the major attractions in under three hours.
Worth a visit… The Georgia Aquarium is rated the largest in the world!
In Memory of my cousin Ivanka.
She will be missed very much!
I remember when we grew up together.
When we would play hide and seek,
On the river, at the farm, in the mountains or the yard.
Or even sneaking around where our grandparents would forbid us.
It seems just like yesterday we were up and down the river,
Catching crawfish in the shady crests,
Splashing through water while carrying our buckets,
Annoying the old country folk in their back yards.
We laughed and cried; fought and got hurt.
We screamed, yelled, and loved!
Loved our moments with each other,
Loved our time spent as kids.
The late nights under the street lights,
The excitement we would all create.
Running till the morning hours,
Laughing till the end of time.
Working to survive, at the vineyards, the farm or the bahcha,
Fun never got away.
Our songs and laughter still echo
Through the plum and cherry trees.
Going up and down the mountains,
Our adventures didn’t lack,
We didn’t even know Hollywood,
And we didn’t need Jack.
Life split us apart, for better or worse.
It was sad to see me go, it was sad to leave you behind.
The moments together were far and few apart.
Our love remained, filled with memories and joy.
Yet life attempts again,
to further split our souls.
It is sad to see you leave,
It is sad to see you go.
But our love is strong,
Our faith even stronger.
As we are all one,
Our spirits will remain,
And our love and laughter will be timeless.
After every holiday season, Target, a national U.S. retail chain, resets its entire planogram [layout of merchandise and graphic displays] in the toys department. During one of my frequent visits to my local Super Target in Hoover, Alabama, shortly after the Toys Department reset began (very last week of December), I noticed the wall of board games was already completed. As I was browsing for anything new and interesting, I stumbled upon a new version of the Ouija Board. I was shocked (to say the least)!
This new version of the Ouija Board actually glows in the dark. It has a new dark-blue box and it stands out on the shelf. [See picture further in post.] I wondered, “Why is Parker Brothers still manufacturing this piece of evil-ness?” Then I wondered, “What in the world was Target thinking when they allowed one of their buyers to decide to sell this, again?!?!” I sat there examining the box, staring at it on the shelf in amazement and disappointment. Continue reading Ouija Board on Retailers’ Shelves…Despite All Warnings
Recently, on March 9th, 2010, I visited the Georgia Aquarium, which is located downtown Atlanta, Georgia. It is a decent size aquarium. Probably one of the largest in the world, as far as the size of the main tank.
In addition to the visit, I was able to observe the Beluga Whales attempting to mate! Apparently they had been showing signs of mating all week long, and I happened to be present when they attempted to do so, again.
The Beluga Whales are some of the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen. I will always remember this experience! I strongly recommend that if you have an opportunity to see them, anywhere, take it.
I was recently in the market for purchasing a new LCD television set. I read on one of my frequently visited blogs that Dell was having a great special with free shipping. I decided to check it out, and they really were having some great prices.
What caught my attention was a 46 inch Sony BRAVIA S5100 LCD which was being offered for $779 with free shipping. When I shopped around other retailers, this was the lowest price I could find. Target was selling the same TV for $990, which was their clearance price. SEARS, while matching the price and beating it by 10%, after the local sales tax of 9.5%, it would have come out to about the same. Ordering it through Dell did not require me to go and pick it up myself, as well as, drag it up the stairs of my apartment building.
When I placed the order I inquired about delivery time. I had travel plans scheduled a week later and wanted to ensure that I will be present when the order was being shipped. My expectations were set to receive the unit a couple of days before my travel date. This is when the nightmare began. When the order status became available online, the delivery date was estimated during my travel time. Contacting Dell to voice my concern, they told me that nobody should have made any promises.
I contacted the shipping company and arranged with them to contact me before shipping so that I can assure to be present. The shipping company was Pilot and they were very courteous and worked with me every step of the way.
When I returned from my travels, Pilot delivered on the day we had agreed on. Their driver also called me 30 minutes before he arrived to confirm the delivery. I was very pleased.
The driver pulled up, and I met him in the parking lot of my residence. He was making a phone call and looked concerned. When I saw the box in the delivery truck, it was all beat up, taped up all over, with holes in the box. He explained that I can refuse the order or make a note on the bill of lading – in case there is a question in the future, and accept the shipment for further inspection. We opened up the box and the TV seemed fine [without it being taken out of the box]. I helped the delivery guy up the stairs, tipped him, and sent him on his way. I did not want to refuse the shipment because I was looking forward to this TV and was not sure that I would find that price again. Target sold out of this unit even at the $990 clearance price.
Excited, I started opening up the TV, pulled it out of the box and began examining it closer for any damage. Much to my disappointment, the TV was damaged. There was a crack on the lower back part of the television. I wanted to scream. The crack is about 5 to 6 inches long. It also seemed like it was in a place where other damage might have occurred. I decided to at least hook it up and see if it works. It did work for the most part, but the picture seems a bit jumpy. Initially I had trouble activating the HDMI inputs, but with some of Sony’s technical support, I got it working.
This is the crack on the back of the TV.
Another view of the crack
Still upset about the issue I decided to contact Dell and have them ship me another unit or at least provide me with a discount on this one, given that it is working. That has been a nightmare on it’s own. First off, Dell outsources its phone support to India, and we all know how we feel about that, with all due respect to the Indian people, they are very nice folks and I have great respect for them, but I feel like they try too hard and are way to pleasant. I also feel they cannot relate to my frustration. I have attempted to call Dell over 4 or 5 different times. Each time I wait at least 15 to 20 minutes before I speak to someone, only to be transferred again and wait another 10 to 15 minutes.
I gave up on the last try. I went to their website, which if you have not visited recently, it is very uninviting, cold, and un-personable. I found a link that allowed me to fill out a request for a return. The request seemed too simple to be able to communicate what my troubles have been. There was only room for name, address, phone, order number and a small comment box. After filling it out, I was given a message that someone will contact me VIA email within 12 hours. Now, I just have to wait.
I will post an update as soon as I have any further activity on this. Dell is going down the tube. Their website does not seem very inviting, although it does give the information needed. Their customer service leaves a lot to be desired. Their outsourcing and various call transfers that drop the calls are frustrating. No wonder their stock is having difficulties getting back to the $45 range. It is currently at about $14. My advice, stay away from Dell, especially if it is not computer related products. I can see them struggling with this area in the near future.
Dell's Stock on February 17, 2010 with 5 year history courtesy of Yahoo Finance
It has been 48 hours since I requested help from dell regarding this damaged television. Nobody contacted me via email, even though I received an automated email stating that I will hear something within 24 hours. At this time I had to start again with the phone calls.
On my first day try(ies), I must have spent about two and a half hours talking with about 5 or 6 different representatives. I was told I can get a replacement with the next model that was replacing this one since they no longer offered this TV. When I agreed, the rep said, “Wait, I need to get an approval.” Five minutes later he came back on the phone and said “No!” He said he was not given an approval and I need to pick a lower priced television. Meanwhile, the TV I ordered had a $500 savings from its original price, making it one of the cheapest on the website. All this means is that now I am being forced to accept an inferior television, because they no longer have the one I wanted, and I received it damaged. I felt like it was my fault receiving a damaged television.
I had to settle for a newer model, but inferior in options to the one I ordered the first time. Sad, but true. I had no choice, I did not want to get stuck with a damaged TV that would perhaps stop working down the line. I have not received my replacement yet, still waiting. Hopefully that will come in all in tact and I can be done with dealing with one of the worst customer support major company. That is just too bad about dell, and I used to like their computers.
I was invited to go out one night and see a band called Fly By Radio. I had never heard of them. I’m not big into concerts and such, so I was a bit cautious with my decision. After doing a bit of research to see who they are, I found out that Fly By Radio is just a cover band. While I was a bit disappointed, I was also intrigued of going out that night. I figured I can see a show and enjoy music that I already know.
I committed to going out. My friends came over my place so that we all have a place to meet and the same designated driver. Of course we had a couple of drinks here to “pre-game” a bit, before we head over to the club, which is about a mile away from where I currently reside, in Hoover, Alabama.
When we got there, the line was about 30 minutes long. It was cold, but we had no choice to wait it out. The drinks did help to keep us warmer. We waited, paid our $10 cover, and went inside. It was crowded. My friends all ran towards the stage, pushing themselves through to make it to the front. Their idea of enjoying the show was to be upfront, close and personal. I instead headed to the bar to get myself a drink. I ended up getting everyone a drink (except our designated driver), since I’m a nice guy. I also figured it would be easier pushing myself through the crowed with drinks in hands, so that people back up and I don’t spill on them.
I made it to the front. Decided I was going to take advantage of my Motorola DROID phone and snap some photos and videos. The quality is not bad for it being a camera on a mobile phone. I managed to drop the phone/camera at one point during the beer chugging contest. [By the way, I misspelled chugging {chuging} in my video. For some reason the puter didn't correct me, lol.]
Beers on Toilet
We had a great time! The show was very enjoyable and the band was good. Heard a lot of good songs. Had a lot of drinks. When I visited the bathroom, one of the stools was covered all over with empty bottles of beer. I hadn’t experienced that before, but nothing surprises me anymore here in Alabama.
When I went back to the bar, ordered another drink, and decided I was going back to the front of the stage. On my way there, an attempted fight broke out. I say attempted because it never actually ended up in a fight. People were able to pull them apart. One of the guys was heavily intoxicated, he even attempted to swing an arm at a woman. This is when I decided I was done.
I walk (stumbled) outside, sat myself on one of the tables, and texted my friends letting them know that I am out. Another guy managed to do the same and sat on the same table as me. We were chatting and telling each other how drunk we were, lol, good times! Eventually my friends came out and our DD took us home.
Hope you enjoy the video and at least got some sense of the fun that we had.
If you haven’t already had the opportunity to see and/or experience a rear view camera, it is a great tool allowing drivers to see the spot behind the car that has always been a blind spot. Many drivers have ran over something or even hit and/or kill kids due to this blind spot. It has been reported that over 750 kids, mostly under the age of 5, have been killed by vehicles backing up in the U.S., since the year 2000, as reported by Kids and Cars, a child safety advocacy group in Leawood, Kansas.
Rear view cameras, also known as Backup cameras, are a special type of video cameras produced specifically for the purpose of being attached to the rear of a vehicle in order to aid a driver with backing up. The image which the driver sees is actually flipped horizontally so that the output is a mirror image. This is needed so that the driver’s perception is correct, otherwise the camera’s right would be on the driver’s left (and vice versa), and it wouldn’t function as intended. This mirrored image is consistent with the actual mirrors that have existed in vehicles since the 1910′s.
Backup cameras have been around for a while now. I remember it going back as far as the early 2000′s when rear view cameras became available on production cars. They were available much earlier as a novelty option or specially installed on large moving vehicles.
Rear View Camera in the Rear VIew Mirror of a Toyota Tacoma
Many people have become accustomed to backup cameras, in recent years, as part of their Navigations (GPS) system installed in their vehicles. They [backup cameras] have also been available as an aftermarket accessory for a while. Some manufacturers are now offering it as a standard option on some of their trim lines, such as the Nissan Murano SL and Lexus GX & SC models, just to name a few. Ford has made it available on 75% of their fleet, including the 2010 Mustang, making it one of the first sports cars offering rear view cameras. Now there are also rear view cameras with night vision obtainable as an aftermarket accessory.
2010 Mustang
Recently (in the past couple of years), a new option became available. Rear view camera in the rear view mirror. This feature is amazing. Makes the rear view mirror that much more assisting to the driver. The display is available anywhere from 2 inches to about 6 inches, depending on if it is factory installed or aftermarket. This feature allows the driver to monitor both, the rear view mirror, and the blind spot behind the vehicle, at the same time. Backup camera in the rearview mirror is also a more affordable version of the technology, making it accessible to a wider range of the masses. Although, an aftermarket mirror with a built in LCD and a rear view camera can cost as much as $500, depending on the size and additional features.
This advancement in safety goes hand-in-hand with features such as the BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System),
BLIS® Digital Camera
currently found on a number of makes, such as Volvo and Ford. The BLIS® is a digital camera-based monitoring system that keeps an ‘eye’ on the blind areas on the side of vehicles and warns the driver with a light on the appropriate side.
The rear view camera in the rear view mirror is now becoming a new standard for the already well known option. This advancement can be seen on a number of vehicle makes installed by manufacturers including Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota.
Rear View Camera in the Rear View Mirror of a Ford
Driving a vehicle has become very dangerous, especially when distractions are introduced, such as eating and drinking, talking on the phone, texting, applying make-up, and other activities that should not be performed while on the road. It is challenging to change a person’s habits. In order to address some of these concerns, vehicle manufacturers are introducing new options in order to assist the drivers with being safer on the roads. Other options are being advanced with technology and lowering costs. The rear view camera in the rear view mirror and the Blind Spot Information System are some of those advancements that will help make the roads safer for all of us.
