Personal Stress Relief from Economic, Environmental Issues

Ebay Bidding is a Joke

I would venture to say that Ebay has gotten so big that they have taken to screwing the people that made them what they are.  I personally am so frustrated with the vast amount of underhanded and deceptive practices of these 90% of the companies we deal with,  that I’d like to disconnect from them completely. Between Bank of America, AT&T, Ebay and others, it’s actually become a moot point complaining. They just don’t “give a rat’s ass.”

Here’s the background info to my latest aggravating episode: My grandmother an absolutely wonderful woman passed away at 93 years old in 1999. She was an incredible person, full of life and so much fun to be around. And, she would regularly “mimic with her tongue”, (for lack of a better description), the song “Turkey in the Straw.” It’s a song etched forever in the minds of anyone who knew her.

A couple years ago, my sister’s husband surprised her with an the Animated Animation Cell Steamboat Willie. It’s this adorable animated rendition which also plays the song. A few years later my other sister found one and purchased one on the internet. Each time we are together, we gather in front of this wonderful reminder of grandma, play the song and reminisce; complete with tears and emotion. It’s a touching reminder of a person that will remain forever in our hearts.

My dilemma: I want one. There were 275 pieces made. It’s a collector’s item and they are nowhere to be found. I regularly search the internet via Google and Ebay and any other means available. In the last few years I have come across two for sale. The first was $400 which I did not have at the time. The second was on Ebay this past week with a starting bid of $149.99.

Normally, when I actually search for something on Ebay, I only search the “Buy It Now” category. I never liked bidding on items. When I want to buy something, I would prefer not to play games. A direct purchase suits me fine. Unfortunately, in the case of “Steamboat Willie,” I had no other option than to bid. My plan was to continue to watch the item and sign on and bid at the last minute, not wanting to drive the price up. I decided that the highest amount I would pay would be $200 knowing that I would be negotiating with myself at the last minute to go higher. It would have been nice if I had gotten the opportunity to do that.

With two minutes left on the auction, I place my first bid at $155. From here on in Ebay’s practice is a joke. For anyone that is unfamiliar with the way their auctions actually work, I’ll tell you. When deciding that you’d like to bid on an item, you can enter the maximum amount that you are willing to pay. You place your first bid. During the auction, each time someone bids higher than your bid, Ebay automatically enters additional bids on your behalf. They continue to do this throughout the auction.

My participation in the auction went as follows: As I stated I placed by first bid at $155. I was immediately (automatically) outbid. I was notified and it was stated that I should place my next bid at $157.50 or higher. I entered $157.50 and was immediately (automatically) outbid. I next bid $165.00 and the bidding jumped to $239.00. HUH? As I was ready to bid just above that, the auction ended with an automatic winning bid of $249.39.

Now, maybe I do not understand the concept of an auction. Wouldn’t you think that if you’re bidding on an item and the highest bid is already set at $249.39, that all participants should be apprised of that information? I had no chance what-so-ever of knowing the highest bid and no chance to win the auction. Unless, of course I wanted to play the game and enter an exorbitant amount to secure the item.

As far as I’m concerned, it’s just another scam for another company to cash in. Obviously, the higher the selling price the more Ebay makes. I had wanted that item, as I stated for sentimental reasons and was upset from that perspective because I lost. However, I found myself more upset by the fact that I got played. I can assure you that I for one will never bid on another item on Ebay.

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Elliptical Machines

For many running or walking is the method of working out that they prefer yet sometimes it proves to painful with the impact to the joints in the feet and legs. Many are now finding that a workout on an elliptical machine can easily complete an aggressive workout with smooth easy movements that dramatically reduce the impact.
The best elliptical machines have magnetic resistance which provides the smoothest resistance possible with no friction and virtually silent operation. Adjustment of stride and incline is also essential in a good machine as these adjustments will target different muscle groups.
The control panels come in a wide array and can range from simple displays to fully programmable consoles. Some high-tech features might include workout fans, video games, the ability to run programs from the iFIT workout cards, and sound systems with iPod attachments.
Choosing the right elliptical machine can make your workouts go by faster and encourage you to workout longer.

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Irvingia Weight Loss

Irvingia, a genus of African and Southeast Asian trees bears edible mango like fruit. Used for more than two centuries for its nutritional value, Irvingia gabonensis has risen in popularity. As recent research and clinical evaluations have shown Irvingia is proving to have significant benefits when it comes to weight loss, high cholesterol and elevated blood sugar levels.
As with other seeds and nuts, Irvingia is high in healthy fats and contains a high volume of fiber, as well as having the capability of suppressing the appetite. Irvingia weight loss just might be the answer for the many people that have been struggling with their weight and who have been looking for a safe and effective weight loss regimen.

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Slow Dance

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round
listened to the rain slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight
or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down
Don’t dance so fast
Time is short
The music won’t last

Do you run through each day on the fly
When you ask, “How are you?” do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in your bed
with the next hundred chores running through your head?

You better slow down
Don’t dance so fast
Time is short
The music won’t last

Ever told your child, we’ll do it tomorrow
and in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die
’cause you never had time to call and say “Hi”?

You better slow down
Don’t dance so fast
Time is short
The music won’t last

When you run so fast to get somewhere
you miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through you day
it is like an unopened gift…thrown away.

Life is not a race
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Author
David L. Weatherford

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Clothing a Baby

Perhaps one of the most enjoyable things in life, other than adoring a baby, is dressing a baby. One might think that clothing for a girl is more fun and frilly, yet the clothing for boys is just as enjoyable to dress a baby in. Baby clothes cover the gamete from outer wear to dress ware to swim wear to undergarments. With hats and hairpieces and shoes you can cover them from head to toe in adorable outfits for any occasion. The time goes so fast and babies grow so quickly into little people. Enjoy the time you have to pamper them with a diversity of apparel.

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Too Many Products

Despite that fact that there are a zillion products on the market for any given thing, I find it virtually impossible to know which ones to trust and what really works. I have to say that in keeping with my rejuvenating regimen, the Oil of Olay Pro-X Anti-Aging starter kit that my kids bought me is already making somewhat of a difference. Of course, one can imagine anything they like, but my son, Scott actually told me that my skin looks better, so maybe my imagination is not overactive.
As far as reducing acne, a product that really works is still a mystery. I have found products for facial acne, back acne treatment, acne scar treatments and www.natural-homeremedies.com/homeremedies_acne.htm.
Wouldn’t it be nice if soap and water were our solution to everything! Ah, I’m dreaming!

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An Anniversary Gift

John asks his wife, Mary, what she wants to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.
“Would you like a new mink coat?” he asks.
“Not really,” says Mary.
“Well, how about a new Mercedes sports car?” says John.
“No,” she responds.
“What about a new vacation home in the country?” he suggests.
She again rejects the offer with a “No, thanks.”
“Well, what would you like for our anniversary?” John asks.
“John, I’d like a divorce,” answers Mary.
“Sorry, I wasn’t planing to spend that much,” says John.

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Bank of America….Crooks!

I know anyone that’s read my earlier posts about problems with Bank of America is going to say it’s my own fault. Well, yes, it is kind of my fault and yes, I should have learned my lesson the first time. I can tell you, most definitely, I’ve learned it now.
Things are extremely tight for us, financially, like it is for most people I talk to. Being out of a job doesn’t help the situation. So, I sometimes make payments to get them in on time knowing that it will take a day or two the clear the bank and then I can “rob from Peter to pay Paul.” One such payment was a truck payment.
Wednesday at 1:00 in the morning, I checked our account. Generally, when a charge is posted to the account it shows as pending. This particular time there was nothing pending so I figured I bought myself another day. Shows you how wrong I can be.
Upon signing on at 7:00 Wednesday morning to balance my accounts, as I do every day, there were three charges debited from the account. They hadn’t been there as pending, but there they were. Not only were they debited to the account in Bank of America’s special order of largest to smallest, but they were dated with Tuesday’s date. A new trick!!! Not good!!!
To clarify, largest to smallest most definitely guarantees BOA that you will overdraw on the first debit so that each subsequent charge is also overdrawn. A practice, by the way which was part of the claim in the lawsuit Closson vs. Bank of America.
So, now I have three charges that have put me in the red. If the debits had been entered smallest to largest there would have been only one item overdrawn. I immediately covered the overdrawn amount, plus enough to cover two additional charges that I knew were coming and put in an extra $80 to cover the overdraft fees that I was correct in assuming that I would be charged. My assumption was partially correct. Bank of America now charges $35 each for overdrawn items. I was back in the red.
To compound things even further, The crooks put through the overdraft charges before the two charges that I had accounted for so although I re-deposited enough to cover the overdraft charges, I was again in the red and now have two additional overdraft charges.
As I was writing this post, I called Bank of America for the second time today. I explained the situation to the BOA customer service representative who stated that by the summer they will no longer be putting through checks or allowing debits that will overdraw the account. I responded that the new policy did not concern me because I will no longer be banking with Bank of America. Her tune changed. I went over the account again asking her if she could do something to reverse the overdraft charges. Lo and behold, because I’m out of work, she offered to reverse three charges. Apparently, the uncooperative representative that I spoke with this morning could have done the same. I guess it really matters who you speak to. Next time I think I’ll hang up and call back until I actually make progress.
I should have done that with the AT&T representative I spoke with today as well. That’s another story…

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The IRS

Just received this in an email:

Thought for the day:
As income tax time approaches, did you ever notice:
When you put the two words “The” and “IRS” together
it spells “THEIRS“?

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Still Job Hunting, Kind of!

Is it still considered job hunting if you’re just searching online for a job? I almost feel that if you’re not knocking on doors and making calls then it’s only half-hearted. Actually, if anyone has read my previous post “Contemplative,” I am very ambivalent about getting a “Real” job. We’re in the process of moving. I need to pack. And, because of my last ridiculously insane boss I had, I’m in no rush to work for someone else again any time soon.
Everyday, however, I tediously go through all the ads on Craigslist and any and all work at home sites I have found. I’m looking for any kind of work really, as long as it can be done from home. Being in-particular, of course makes the time I spend surfing the web very time consuming. I look at every ad for data entry work, jobs in administration, clerical, research and anything else that catches my eye that doesn’t look like a scam. What I am finding quite frequently is the requirement of submitting a credit score. I skip over those because I have yet to figure out what that has to do with my qualifications. I am assuming it actually has nothing to do with my skills and think it is more than likely that the companies hiring are in cahoots with the companies that handle our credit scores.
Another qualification that I come across all too often is the requirement to use specific fax/phone/email software. I currently use and am happy with MyFax and have no intention of changing. I skip over those ads as well.
All in all, at the end of a lengthy search, I find that most times I did not find one viable possibility for a job and more often than not, I end my search not only unsuccessfully, but frustrated as well. The sad part is that tomorrow and the next day and the next day, I will do the same thing. I believe in perseverance and I don’t like to quit. Although…there’s always a first time!

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Word Perfect Technical Desk

I enjoy this every time I read it. Although it’s been around the block a few times, I thought I’d post it.
This is supposedly a true story from the Word Perfect help line. This is from a taped conversation.

“Word Perfect Technical Desk, may I help you?”
“Yes, well, I’m having trouble with Word Perfect.”
“What sort of trouble?”
“Well, I was just typing along and all of a sudden the words went away.”
“Went away?”
“They disappeared.”
“Hmm. So what does you screen look like now?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing?”
“It’s blank; it won’t accept anything when I type.”
“Are you still in Word Perfect or did you get out?”
“How do I tell?”
“Can you see the C: prompt on the screen?”
“What’s a sea-prompt?”
“Never mind. Can you move the cursor around on the screen?”
“There isn’t any cursor. I told you it won’t accept anything I type!”
“Does you monitor have a power indicator?”
“What’s a monitor?”
“It’s the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV”
“Does it have a little light that tells you when it’s on?”
“I don’t know.”
“Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that?”
“Yes, I think so.”
“Great. Follow the cord to the plug and tell me if it’s plugged into the wall.”
“……..Yes, it is.”
“When you were behind the monitor did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one?”
“No.”
“Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable.”
“Okay, here it is.”
“Follow it for me and tell me if it’s plugged securely into the back of your computer.”
“I can’t reach.”
“Uh huh. Well, can you see if it is?”
“No.”
“Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over?”
“Oh, it’s not because I don’t have the right angle, it’s because it’s dark.”
“Dark?”
“Yes, the office light is off and the only light I have is coming in from the window.”
“Well, turn on the office light then.”
“I can’t.”
“No? Why not?”
“Because there’s a power outage.”
“A power…A power outage? Aha, Okay, we’ve got it licked now. Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff your computer came in?”
“Well, yes I keep them in the closet.”
“Good. Go get them and unplug you system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Than take it back to the store you bought it from.”
“Really? Is it that bad?”
“Yes, I’m afraid it is.”
“Well, all right then I suppose. What do I tell them?”
“Tell them that you’re too stupid to own a computer.”

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Accutane Review

In keep with my new goal to reverse the aging process I found some information that I thought I’d pass along because unfortunately I still have acne that shows up on occasion. I’ve done a little research on accutane side effects and found that I’ll need to find a different product. I actually find it surprising that a product such as this can even be on the market. My search continues.

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Photographs and Wrinkles

This weekend was a big picture weekend for me and my family. We were celebrating my son’s graduation as a Specialist in Psychology, as well as Easter, Greek Easter and my brother and sister-in-laws anniversary. If I tell you that a picture was being taken every few minutes that is by far, not an exaggeration. Four of us had cameras and none of us are any less snap happy than the other. It has actually taken me until this morning to sift through all the pictures and put them in some kind of order and label them.
The point of this post, however is not the quantity of pictures that were taken, but the quality or might I say the quality of one such subject, Me!
I have never liked to be photographed not because I don’t want the memories, but because I truly do not photograph well. I do know how many people say that, yet I promise you, I do not lie.
It has always been that my nose looks too big when in reality it’s kind of tiny, but has a bit of roundness on the end. This was a result of falling flat on my face on cement when I was six. Of course and apparently, the doctors hadn’t thought that two black eyes might have been an indication that I had a broken nose. Doctors!!!! (Another post)
My smile although it’s a happy one, reveals rather big teeth. Not horse teeth, not sticking out or crooked teeth, but big and they seem to magnify in pictures. Other than those two things which are definitely enough to distort a picture, I hadn’t had much else to complain about until now.
To clarify, I am, actually just turned, 51. This is not really a big deal to me considering I do now more physically than I ever did before. And, it’s not the fact that I do more, but that I still CAN do more! So, as they say age is just a number. This clarification serves to explain that when I look at pictures of myself smiling, I see wrinkles. These are new and I don’t like them. Yes, I’m a smoker which doesn’t help, but wrinkles are flipping me out a bit. What is bugging me is that now when someone goes to take a picture, I don’t want to smile and I’m making odd expressions. I made reference to this more than a few times while everyone was snapping pictures.
As a result, my son, Jason and his girlfriend, Lindsey bought me a gift, Oil of Olay Pro-X Anti-Aging Starter Kit. Although a lot of women would have been insulted, I was thrilled at the thoughtful gift. They know that I would never spend that kind of money on myself and felt bad that I’ve been less than happy about the effects of aging on me. So, now I will be on a new regimen.  Hmm, and now that I’m at it I think I’ll search for the best eye cream for around my eyes. I’m more than psyched to start looking as young as I feel.

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Working Out? Oh, No!

I just had a very long conversation with Jason, my son and his girlfriend, Lindsey. What prompted the conversation was the little jiggle under my forearm and the slight protrusion at my belly. I have always and forever been on the thin side. Even after children people used to asked me if I work out because within a month I was back to my original weight and more importantly everything was actually in the right place. I have never worked out and would respond that I’m very lucky to be blessed with an incredible metabolism and that through no help of my own I maintain a fit body. Well, umpteen years later, I just might actually have to work out, but just a little.
Over the years, we have acquired a fair amount of fitness equipment. A treadmill, Total Gym and actually an weight set including bars, pulleys and so forth. I tried to get myself to walk a little on the treadmill everyday. I gave the Total Gym a shot. I even dabbled a bit with the weight set. All of this lasted no more than a couple weeks at a time. My attempts were in an effort to be more fit. All attempts failed as I lack the motivation to commit to that type of exercise.
I did also try, at one point to follow a workout tape on a daily basis. It was a 20 minute regimen that I did each morning. I think I remember enjoying doing it, but apparently not that much, that lasted about a month. A couple years ago I decided to seriously do something to tighten things up a bit. I bought wrist and ankle weights and every morning I would do leg lifts, work my arms and do sit ups. I believe that went on for a two week stretch.
I guess what I’m getting at is that I have an adversity to working out. Now, I need to get passed that and I’m clueless how to motivate myself. Lindsey suggested committing to a set number of push-ups and sit-ups every day. Sounds good, right? It would definitely help with the jiggles and with the summer coming what better time to tighten things up so everything fits right in my bikini?! I think….I’ll start….tomorrow….I think!

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Point of Sale Systems

PosGuys.com is a great website to find POS Systems (Point of Sale Systems). They carry a wide variety of products and any equipment that you might require for ease of checkout. No matter what business you’re in, visiting PosGuys.com will surely provide the business solutions you need. Find product reviews and “Live Tech Support” for all of your inquiries. For your convenience and to fit your budget low monthly payments on financing is available.

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Something to Think About

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research.

To succeed in politics, it is often necessary to rise above your principles.

Monday is an awful way to spend 1/7th of your life.

Two wrongs are only the beginning.

The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard.

The sooner you fall behind the more time you’ll have to catch up.

A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

Change is inevitable except from vending machines.

Get a new car for your spouse – it’ll be a great trade!

Plan to be spontaneous – tomorrow.

Always try to be modest and be proud of it!

If you believe in telekinesis, raise my hand.

If at first you don’t succeed, then skydiving isn’t for you.

Author Unknown

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One Stop Equestrian Shopping

A one stop shopping site for horse lovers is The EquestrianCorner.com. They offer equestrian clothing for ladies, men, young riders and even your favorite four legged friend. You can find unique gifts and horse equipment that promotes safe and comfortable riding. No matter what the occasion; eventing, endurance, dressage, hunter/jumper, or just the casual rider this is the website to find your entire Equestrian needs.

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Free Insurance Quotes

In this day and age when we all need to cut corners and save money, what better place to begin than with your insurance coverage’s. Whether it be auto, home, health, life, disability, business or others, insurancequotesus.com is a one stop website for all of your insurance needs.
Since they are not an insurance company, they don’t sell insurance but they do offer a free service to compare insurance rates without the obligation to buy.
Why not start with auto insurance quotes from multiple insurance carriers that compete to give you the lowest rate and then obtain quotes for all of your other insurance needs?

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Diet Pill Reviews

Do you feel that you need to lose weight? Have you been in search of a diet pill that meets your needs? There is a website, DietPillReviews.net that could end your search. You can find diet pill reviews on a multitude of pills based on these criteria: quality of ingredients, quantity of ingredients, company history/reputation and price/guarantees/marketing tactics.
Visit DietPillReviews.net which was maintained and created by two former health industry employees and you can find the truth about the diet pills that you will be putting into your body.

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