Summer's Shenanigans

Ebay Has Lost Their God-Damn Mind!

2008-11-06T13:34:00.000-08:00

I used to sell on Ebay, but stopped selling on Ebay over a year ago because of the constant fee hikes that eBay imposes on it's seller (like eBay doesn't make enough money). Over the Halloween season, I decided to give eBay another shot and have come to this conclusion: EBAY IS A TOTAL JOKE. It's not even close to being worth selling on eBay and you can tell that there has been a major decline in quality sellers, since nearly everything on eBay is total crap (shipping straight out of Taiwan) or overpriced (because the sellers have to pass on the cost of doing business on eBay to the buyers).

Say you bought a book for $5 and want to sell it for $10 (standard retail markup is 100%). If you sell that book on eBay for $10, it's going to cost you $2.25 in fees, plus the $5 it cost for the product, so you profit a whooping $2.75 for a $10 eBay sale. Ebay is taking nearly HALF of your profit!

Say you have a $15 shirt that you want to sell for $30 on eBay. That will cost you $4.54 in fees, leaving you with profit of $10.46 on a $30 sale.

Ebay hides their fees by making them difficult to understand and by making them variable. You can check out the current eBay fees here:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/fees.html

But, don't forget about the Paypal fees too (Paypal is owned by eBay):

https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_display-receiving-fees

Also, eBay has decided that sellers can no longer participate in the feedback aspect of eBay. Sellers can not leave negative or neutral feedback for a buyer, no matter what. But buyers can leave negative or neutral feedback for a seller. Gee that seem fair?

Ebay is lame. I hope they go out of business soon. :)

Backstreet Boys Bird Dancer

2008-09-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

This video is so incredibly cute and funny! Apparently this cockatoo really likes the Backstreet boys and totally rocks out when he hears them...

Am I crazy or does that bird have mad rythme!?!

Blogger is Weak

2008-08-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

Blogger is pretty lame, if you ask me. I am going to switch over to Wordpress soon. Then I will blog more, I promise :).

Changing Your Name When You Get Married

2008-08-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

I was never the little girl that dreamed about getting married one day. As a matter of fact, I still have zero desire to ever have a wedding. Weddings seem a little cheesy to me, not to mention a waste of money. If marriage meant anything anymore, perhaps I wouldn't feel that way, but with the average divorce rate nearing 50% it's obvious that vowing to be with someone for better or worse is not taken to heart (or, 50% of Americans are liars), so why make such a big deal about getting married? I can think of 1000 other things I would rather spend $20,000 on (the average US couple spends between $14,000 and $43,000 on their wedding!).

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a bitter old maid (yet...haha...just kidding), I love seeing people get married that are truly in love. And seeing a little old man and women hobble down the street holding hands is probably the cutest thing ever.

Any how, I'm totally getting off topic here! Along with not ever "dreaming" about getting married, I never wanted to change my name. It seems strange to me that a women loses her identity as soon as she gets married. BUT, that all changed when I met Stefan. Ever since we started dating I couldn't wait to become Summer Rest :). Now that is a great name...haha

Thanks to Conner that took the picture above. He found Summer Rest Road in North Carolina.

It's not a Liger...

2008-07-02T23:17:00.001-07:00

It's a Whirlcat!!

Ever since I was a kid, I knew what all of our baby animals would look like when they grew up. That's the beauty of "purebreds". But is that nearly as fun as discovering new species in the tropics?!?!

Well, in Puerto Rico, when you adopt a baby animal, you have no idea what it will end up being. Take for example, the cat we adopted (after finding him starving in the middle of the road). We thought he was a mere cat. But, no. I have decided that he is really a cross between a weasel (long body), squirrel (outrageously fluffy tail) and a cat. Chichieto is a Whirlcat. Who woulda thought...

My friend Carrie has two (Puerto Rican) dogs from the same litter and you would totally not believe it. One is tiny (8lbs?) with a short brown coat and the other dog is 4 times his size with a long ivory-colored coat. I really thought she was joking when she told me they were brother/sister.

I'm SO Sick of People The Don't Do Their Jobs

2008-07-02T22:29:00.000-07:00

I'm so incredibly sick of people that don't do their jobs. Today I spent most of my day chasing people around (via phone and email), trying to get them to do their jobs. I also found out that my license is expired and there is a warrant out for my arrest in the state of California. Not because I did anything wrong, just because people don't do their fucking jobs.

Last time I was in San Diego, I made sure that the DMV had my current address, so that I would receive the paperwork I would need to renew my license online. It never came. Although I did get a bill from the DMV for registration (OH, so you DO have my address, huh?) What else did I receive? A letter from the court telling me that I didn't complete my "work service" and that a warrant would be issued for my arrest if I didn't clear this up with them. I already cleared this up with them. Someone just isn't doing there job (on my tax dollars).

I've had a claim filed with Kaiser for reimbursement of medical bills, for 8 months now. It's just sitting in someones file waiting for me to give up calling and asking for status.

Six months before 2007 taxes were due, I hired a CPA/financial planner to take care of my business stuff (taxes/investments/etc). When I emailed them 2 weeks before taxes were due, they decided that they couldn't really help me. They were nice enough to file an extention for me (enter sarcasm here).

I hired a Quickbooks "specialist" that was supposed to get my company books fine tuned. I gave him a $1200 retainer, that he promptly cashed (within 2 days). Then I stopped hearing from him. Until I finally threatened legal action. Now, he wants me to jump through a bunch of hoops to get my money back. So I'm flying back to San Diego to sue him in small claims court, to get my money back for work that he never performed. Because, you know, actually DOING the work that I gave you $1200 for is entirely too hard.

I can see it now. As soon as I get back to CA, I get pulled over, while driving with a suspended license, record run to reveal a warrant out for my arrest and arrested. Wasting more of my time. Time that could be spent trying to get people to do their jobs, or, dare to dream, doing my own job. All because people are too fucking stupid and/or lazy to do their fucking jobs, and it's all somehow my problem.

Nigerian Internet Scams

2008-06-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

Man, those Nigerians are getting trickier and trickier. I got this email from "FedEx" the other day and nearly fell for it! The email is simply so well written and convincing (My favorite parts are in bold)!

Customers Service Hours--Monday To Saturday:
Office Hours Monday To Saturday:

Your attention:

FedEx provides access to a growing global market place through a network of supply chain, transportation, and business and related information services. The FedEx courier Service Company is hereby passing an essential message to all our valuable customers to be very careful while presenting their Receivers/Residential Address to avoid wrong delivery.

Authoritatively, this is the FedEx courier service company mailing you in respect of your parcel that was brought to this company to be delivered to you by one Mr. Grahams Gilliam. Before the delivery protocols commenced, there was a misunderstanding between the Central Bank and the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NICON) over the Insurance Certificate which caused the delay of you receiving your parcel for the past one year. Meanwhile we are happy to inform you that the FedEx has finalized everything with the (NICON) and subsequently approved yours among the 24 valuable parcels to be couriered after the released of the parcels from the (NICON).

We are happy to inform you once again that your parcel that contains an ATM Card worth US$200,000 (Two hundred thousand dollars) which is programmed to be used in any parts of the world, is among the 24 parcels listed which is now in our office and also with your name as the receiver despite that we lost your private residential address which is an indication that you can now re-send your residential address back to the FedEx company where your parcel can be delivered to you without hesitation.

Meanwhile remember that the sender of this parcel Mr. Grahams Gilliam still owes this company the sum of US$105 before the incident occured. Know you that we have spent some money in the process by recovering back your parcel from NICON. We once again appreciate your patronage. Without hesitation you are to pay for just the balance left by your sender via western union money transfer so that your parcel can be delivered to your residential address before it attracts demurrage. Your parcel is not just an ordinary parcel but with a huge amount of money in the ATM card and I think you will appreciate a speedy delivery and you will not allow a delay to happen. This is a recovered parcel that was almost gone if not for the love that the good God has for you. I urge you to make hay while the sun shines.

We assure you that your parcel will arrive your country within 3 days as soon as this company receives your full residential address and the balance left by your sender and the tracking number of your parcel will be sent to you via e-mail immediately so that you can track it yourself to see whether we are competent in the discharge of our duties. FedEx courier Service Company do hereby inform all their customers to be at alert especially with all sorts of scam mails that might be coming to you globaly. Be careful with their e-mails so that your parcel will not be in danger with their evil plans.

PAYMENT INFORMATION OFFICE
SENDERS NAME-------
SENDERS COUNTRY-----

RECIEVER'S NAME----------:NELSON FRANK
RECIEVER'S COUNTRY-----:LAGOS NIGERIA .
TEXT QUESTION-----------:WHO IS OUR SAVIOUR.
TEXT ANSWER--------------:JESUS
AMOUNT TO BE PAID------:US$105
ALSO SEND THE MTCN NUMBER FROM WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER.

FedEx is one of the world's great success stories, the start-up that revolutionized the delivery of packages and information. In the past 30 years, we've grown up and grown into a diverse family of companies' -a FedEx that's bigger, stronger, better than ever.

ATTENTION: FEDEX COURIER MANAGING DIRECTOR
Thanks for your Co-operation.
Yours Affectionately.
Mr. John Newton.
Ikeja Branch Manager,
FedEx Express,
Lagos-Nigeria.
Tel::+234-8025 546 973

I seriously feel bad for honest Nigerians. Nigerians are known world-wide for being scam artists (well, attempted scam artists, because they don't seem to be very good at it) and I'm sure that generalization follows them around when they travel outside of Nigeria.

I'm Trying to Not Kill The World

2008-06-09T23:36:00.000-07:00

While I wouldn't exactly call myself an environmentalist, I try to do what I can to not kill the world. I love those 20oz bottled waters, and now that I live in the tropics, where it is hot year round, Stefan and I were going through a 24 pack of bottled water every four days or so. I was already feeling guilty looking at our trash cans filled with plastic bottles, and then I got the latest Surfrider newsletter that contained an article titled: "Repeat After Me: I Will Never Use Another Plastic Water Bottle Again". These are the facts:

- Every piece of (petroleum-based) plastic ever manufactured still exists.

- Plastic in the ocean may be noe of the most alarming of today's environmental stories. Plastics are forever because plastics do not biodegrade, no naturally occurring organisms can break these polymers down.

- Over 300,000 pieces of plastic per square mile have been found in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean. 80% of the plastic comes from land-based sources.

- 100,000 marine mammals and 2 million sea birds die every year after ingesting or being caught in marine debris.

- Plastic is the most common type of marine litter world-wide.

- Globally, the proportion of plastic among marine debris world-wide ranges from 60 - 80%, although it has reached over 90-95% in some areas.

- Plastics comprise up to 90% of floating marine debris.

- Americans consumed 50 billion plastic water bottles last year, that were totally recyclable polyesthylene terephthalate plastic. Recycling rate for (PET) is 23% which means we pitch 38 billion water bottles into landfills per year - more then $1 billion worth of plastic!

I have tried many times to break my water bottle habit, but nothing has really stuck. I really like the convenience of being able to close up my water and if I leave it somewhere (which I do a lot), bugs are not going to fly into it and it will still be good the next time I find it. So, Stefan and I found the recycling center in our little Puerto Rican town and have started recycling all of our plastic and aluminum (for whatever reason, our recycling center does not accept glass). I also found these awesome 750ml, vintage-style glass bottles from France that I have been refilling and drinking out of every day. I love them!

"My Immortal" by Evanescence

2008-06-02T23:09:00.000-07:00

Music totally drives my life/emotion/energy. I have to have music on all the time. I can't run a block without listen to music, but crank some "DJ Trashy" or anything with a strong beat and I can easily run 5 miles! I'm the type of person that is totally honest, but I can stuff my emotions away, so when I'm alone and hear a song or watch a movie that hits certain cords, I will totally cry my eyes out (as long as no one is around). With that being said, this song by Evanescence has made me cry more then once. I'm not going to go into details as to why this song twists a dagger in my heart, but I'm sure some people can probably guess:

My Immortal by Evanescence

I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
'Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone

These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase

When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me

You used to captivate me
By your resonating light
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts
My once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away
All the sanity in me

These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase

When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me

I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
But though you're still with me
I've been alone all along

When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me

You can listen to the song here.

The PetPeek - The Window for Your Fence

2008-05-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

Do you ever stumble across "inventions" that make you think , "WTF?". What do you think about an acrylic dome window for your fence so your dog can shove his face inside and take a look at the world? I don't know about you, but this seems kind of silly...unless you and your dog live in a submarine. If not, then I would recommend walking your dog in order to "help satisfy their curiosity and make it possible for them to have a peek.". Then you don't have to cut a hole in your fence and attach this silly doggie window (that your dog probably won't even use).

Our Friends are Friends?!

2008-05-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

I used to "complain" about Stefan befriending all of my friends and hanging out/surfing with them more often then I did. Now that Stefan and I have moved to Puerto Rico, apparently our separate groups of friends have all become pretty close and are hanging out without Stefan and I around!!! What the hell? Those are MY friends, damn it!

(Names in pink = Summer's friends, names in blue = Stefan's friends)

I feel so out of the loop ;)!

When The Smythe and Josh get married, I hope that they remember that it was Stefan and I that brought them together...

"Yes We Can"

2008-04-23T23:28:00.000-07:00

Let me be the 1st to tell you that I hate politics/politicians. I have never voted in a political election, nor have I even bothered to register to vote. Not because I'm lazy, but no presidential hopeful has EVER struck me as being worthy of my vote.

(Thanks for the vid, Bulbboy

With that being said, I registered to vote today. I honestly think that Barack Obama can change America for the better.

I saw a "life story" type documentary on Barack Obama's childhood and I wish I could find it to post here. Obama has so much more to bring to the table then someone coming from the typical affluent, rich, white, family (like every other US President).

The only thing I don't like about Barack is his logo...It reminds me of the Pepsi logo ;)...

The New Office

2008-04-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

I have been in California for almost two weeks now, with a laundry list of stuff that needs to get done while I'm here. One of my top priorities is moving Vicious Enterprises to a larger location. I lucked out on the FIRST day I was in town and found an insane office space right on Garnet in Pacific Beach. It was a little bit more then I wanted to spend ($1900 a month), but the advertising potential of this space is worth $1900 a month alone. Plus, the office is HUGE. Garnet is the busiest street in PB and PB is filled with college students (our target market). I got the new sign up today and the official moving day is Saturday!

Do I Smell an Oscar????

2008-04-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

Pull an "Office Space" for Wired Magazine

2008-04-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

Wired Magazine is having a contest that requires you to destroy your most hated gadget and submit the photographic proof.

The funny thing is that this was brought to my attention (thanks Conner ;)...), just as I was contemplating smashing my new Lexmark printer ala "Office Space". At least now I have an extra excuse to destroy this POS...

Details to follow, but fireworks are legal in Puerto Rico. I might try and get this bitch airborn...

Paris Hilton Can't Dance

2008-03-28T11:06:00.001-07:00

You would think that someone that practically lives in a nightclub, would at least have some sort of game when it comes to bustin' a move...No? No...

Paris HIlton was judging the Miss Turkey pageant when one of the contestants pulled Paris on stage for an impromptu dance:

{ Warning: The following video is awkwardly painful to watch }

Seriously? If I made a living off of hanging out in night clubs, I would spend a little of daddy's money on some dance lessons so I don't look like a drunken arthritic chicken on the dance floor.

Talk About a Peep Show!

2008-03-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

When I 1st saw this "Peep show" photo, i thought it was hilarious! Then I got to thinking, "who has this much time on their hands?!" I was envisioning someone that is either SUPER stoned or perhaps someone on a 3 day meth and/or Adderall binge...

Hysterical, nonetheless ;).

The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008

2008-03-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

The government is giving away free money! The IRS will give you up to $600 if you file your 2007 taxes this year. Here is the letter I just received from the IRS:

"Dear Taxpayer:
We are pleased to inform you that the United States Congress passed and President George W. Bush signed into law the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, which provides for economic stimulus payments to be made to over 130 million American households. Under this new law, you may be entitled to a payment of up to $600 ($1,200 if filing a joint return), plus additional amounts for each qualifying child.

We are sending you this notice to let you know that based on this new law the IRS will begin sending one-time payments starting in May. To receive a payment in 2008, individuals who qualify will not have to do anything more then file a 2007 tax return. The IRS will determine eligibility, figure the amount, and send the payment. This payment should not be confused with any 2007 income tax refund that is owed to you by the federal government. Income tax refunds for 2007 will be made separately from this one-time payment.

For individuals who normally do not have to file a tax return, the new law provides for payments to individuals who have a total of $3000 or more in earned income, social security benefits and/or certain veterans' payments. Those individuals should file a tax return for 2007 to receive a payment in 2008.

Individuals who qualify may receive as much as $600 ($1,200 if married filing jointly). Even if you pay no income tax but have a total of $3000 or more in earned income, Social Security benefits, and or certain veterans' payments, you may receive a payment of $300 ($600 if married filing jointly).

In addition, individuals eligible for payments may also receive an additional amount of $300 for each child qualifying for the child tax credit.

For taxpayers with adjusted gross income (AGI) of more than $75,000 (or more then $150,000 if married filing jointly), the payment will be reduced of phased out completely.

To qualify for the payment, an individual, spouse, and any qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number. In addition, individuals can not receive a payment if they can be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer or they filed a 2007 Form 1040NR, 1040NR-EZ, 1040-PR or 1040-SS.

All individuals receiving payments will receive a notice and additional information shortly before the payment is made. In the meantime, for additional information, please visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov."

While that is all fine and dandy, why is the government excluding people that make over $75,000? They are the ones that paid the MOST in taxes, which is what is funding this government giveaway...

More "Customer Service" Shenanigans

2008-03-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

Don't you love it when you email a customer service department, wait a few days for a response and the response has nothing to do with what you are inquiring about? It's kinda like no one even bothers to read your email before going into some longwinded response. The latest example is compliments of the stellar customer service department at Adobe.com. Here is the email I sent:

"Hello, I just purchased an upgrade for Fireworks, since Fireworks MX does not work on my Macintosh (operating system: Leopard). Unfortunately the upgrade I purchased does not work with the education version of Fireworks MX that I have. Please cancel/refund this order. Thanks."

And here is Adobe.com's response:

"Hello Summer,

Thank you for contacting Adobe Customer Service.

Due to the Support Portal being closed on weekends, we were unable to respond to your e-mail. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate your patience.

I understand that you want to return your Adobe Fireworks CS3 upgrade order (Order Number AD001450636) and claim refund, since you are unable to install the previous version, Fireworks MX on the Leopard operating system due to compatibility issue.

Summer, this is to inform you that it is not necessary to install the previous version, Fireworks MX on the Leopard operating system, in order to install the Fireworks CS3 upgrade version.

While install Fireworks CS3 upgrade version, you will be asked to enter the previous version name and Serial Number. Please follow the steps prompted and you will be able to install the upgrade successfully. However, if you are unable to install the upgrade, please contact our Customer Service at the below mentioned number and our representatives will assist you in unlocking and installation of your Fireworks CS3 upgrade.

Since the unlocking process must be completed in real time, please call Customer Service at (800) 833-6687 to speak to a representative. We are available 7 days a week, 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Pacific Time.

Please be at your computer when you call, and have the serial numbers of your previous version and the upgrade version available.

Summer, however, if the previous version, Fireworks MX was part of a suite product like Studio MX, you will be unable to upgrade it to Fireworks CS3. In this situation, please return the product and claim refund.

For more information on Adobe's return policy, please visit us at:

http://www.adobe.com/go/tn_15327

Summer, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause."

The problem I'm having has nothing to do with operating systems, it has to do with the fact that I was sold an upgrade that does not work with the version of Fireworks that I have. Oh, and the return policy that they reference tells you to email customer service (which is what triggered this amazing response to my return/refund request).

I'm so sick of people wasting my time. I emailed them back that perhaps they should re-read my original email and if a refund is not posted to my credit card by the end of the week, I will simply file a chargeback with my credit card company.

Funny Easter Cartoons

2008-03-24T10:14:00.001-07:00

So maybe I'm a day late, but here are some funny Easter cartoons:

:D

Faux Customer Service

2008-03-24T09:38:00.001-07:00

Has anyone else notices all the websites with "faux" customer service? They employ these "bells and whistles" types of customer service (Live Chat for example), but the live chat is either never online, of they just run you around in circles until you just give up. For example, here is a Live Chat I just had with SteveMadden.com's customer service:

Please wait for a site operator to respond.

You are now chatting with 'John'

you: Hi, My shipping address does not fit in your "address" field

John: Hello! How may I assist you?

John: Please put the additional info in the "Address 2" field.

you: There is no Address 2 field

John: Can you provide me with more details about your problem please?

you: Okay. My address doesn't fit in your "address" field and there is no "address 2" field.

you: Company: » First Name: » Last Name: » Address: » City: » State/Province: » ZIP/Postal Code: » Country: » Phone:

you: These are the fields available. My address does not fit on the address line. There is no address 2 line.

John: I am very sorry for your inconvenience.

I have the same problems with site5.com, which is where I host my dedicated server. They were catching a bunch of flak because the only way to contact customer service with via their "Help Desk" email ticket system, so they had this big fanfare about launching "Support Chat". I have tried it 5 different times and EVERY single time this is what their response is:

"You're going to need to email our help desk".

Oh, great. Thanks for the reallllllly helpful support that serves one purpose, which must be just to waste my time.

Apple Operating System Leopard 10.5.2 Sucks.

2008-03-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

I have a new iMac and quite honestly, I think the new Leopard operating system pretty much SUCKS. And that is pretty harsh coming from a die-hard Apple lover...

I have had nothing but problems with the Leopard operating system. It was so bad that I just went back to using my MacBook (which has the Tiger operating system), but I finally figured that I had better get some use out of my new iMac, since I just spent $2000 on it. So, I started calling Apple support and going through a bunch of bullshit trying to get the stupid computer to work properly.

First off, my Lexmark printer was not compatible with my iMac. I was having flashbacks of trying to set up a printer with our office PC. I finally searched through some forums and found some sort of patch.

Then, the bluetooth wouldn't work. I had to call Apple support and they fixed it.

Then Stuffit Expander wouldn't work. So I decided to make a list of all the crap that didn't work before I called Apple support again. By the time I finally called them, these are the issues that I was having with the stupid Leopard operating system:

- Stuffit Expander immediately crashes whenever opened.
- Adobe Fireworks MX will open, but if you try to do anything it will immediately freeze up.
- Could not open Sims 2 because at least 1 MB of available disk space was needed (It's a brand new, maxed out iMac, come on now...)
- Adobe Photoshop would immediately crash whenever opened.

These are all things that HAVE to be attributed to the Leopard operating system because I have several Macintoshes running every operating system for the past 3 - 4 years and I have had no problems whatsoever.

Apple support has fixed all the problems, EXCEPT for Fireworks MX. I did some digging and Fireworks MX is just not compatible with Leopard. I have no idea if Mac is trying to fix this, but Adobe doesn't care. They are not going to release an update to fix the compatibility problem with Leopard:

http://www.adobe.com/support/products/pdfs/leopardsupport.pdf

(And by the way, I can't even open that PDF. I had to check it out here.)

But realistically, Fireworks shouldn't have to fix Leopards problem. Fireworks MX works on all my other Macs so I perceive that as a Leopard flaw, not a Fireworks flaw.

Oh, and for whatever reason my fonts are acting crazy too...They used to work just fine. Stupid. Apple shouldn't have tainted their Macintoshes with PC parts (Intel processors).

Ricco Rodriguez. Wow. Scumbag.

2008-03-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

What would you do if you were driving drunk and/or high, slammed into a semi and then a wall and found that your girlfriend/passenger was unconscious?

Personally, if I was in that situation, I would do anything in my power to help my passenger. Well, Ricco Rodriquez found himself in that exact situation and instead of trying to resuscitate his girlfriend (and mother of his child), he assumed that she was probably dead, dragged her into the driver seat and blamed the crash on her.

Ricco Rodriguez is an Ultimate Fighter whom held the championship title in 2003 and got suspended in 2006 for drug use. Him and his girlfriend (who survived the crash) are still together. True love...

"Alcoholism" is an excuse

2008-03-19T23:10:00.000-07:00

Alcoholism is not a disease. You are not born pre-determined to be an alcoholic. Drinking alcohol in excess (or at all) is your choice, why do so many people try to blame it on someone else? What a fucking piss poor excuse...

Wah, I'm lonely. Boohoo, I was abused. Sob, "enter excuse here".

If you're old enough to blame your liking to party on someone else, you're old enough to take responsibility for your own actions. You were not born with a bottle of tequila in your mouth, you chose to put it there and cry like a little bitch when someone tells you that you should probably do something more productive. And now you want me to feel sorry for you? Cry me a river, Boozy the Clown.

Oh, and let me guess. Your fat because you have fat genes, not because you consume a ridiculous amount of calories each day.

And don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-alcohol. I'm anti-excuse. I have so much more respect for someone that say's, "I just like to get fucked up all the time", then someone that says, "I can't help it. I'm an alcoholic, so it's not my fault that I get fucked up all the time."

Everyone Wants a Piece of My Pie

2008-03-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

I recently set up my business to have "legitimate" employees and instituted payroll. I have had employees for a while, but I've been paying them their wages and simply 1099ing them at the end of the year. Basically, I was paying them as contractors, rather then employees, because, well, it's just easier that way. Since my girls have been working with me for a while now, I figure I better legitimize the whole employee thing, since we are going to be hiring more employees soon.

After going through this process, I totally understand and AGREE with why every big company in the USA is outsourcing overseas.

In order to be able to legally pay someone to work for you, you need to apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) with the federal government. Then you need to apply for an EDD (Employment Development Department) account with the state (California in my case). Both the government and the state then send you piles of shit to read and forms to fill out, which you need about a week to read through and a college degree in Human Resources to understand.

Then, of course, comes the taxes. Which is the only real reason why you are required to "register" with the government and the state.

I ran my first payroll last week and paid $1368 in wages to my employees. I then had to turn around and hand an additional $486 in taxes to the government and to the state. So I have to pay almost $1000 a month to pay employees $2800. Does that seem right to you? I get fined (taxed) for creating jobs in the state of California. Great fucking plan, America.

So this brings me to my point: Everyone wants a piece of my pie.

- Just being self employed incurs an additional 15% Self Employment Tax from the government. This is on top of the everyday taxes that everyone pays.

- You have to pay the County Recorder to register a business name.

- You have to pay the city annually for a business license AND they require that you pay them a percentage of sales (WTF?!).

- You have to pay the government and the state in order to employ people.

The list of "taxes" keeps growing as my business grows and it's really annoying. The business keeps grows but I keep making less money. Nonsensical...