We all have had less than satisfactory products and services from a big box
store. What happened last night was not particularly bad as much as it was
surreal. Ya know, strange, werid, etc.
I needed to pick up a couple of items last night. I would have probably put
it off for a couple days but a padlock died and needed to be replaced right
away. So I venture into the borg to pick up my items. I got them, put them
in my cart and then went to the section that had the padlocks.
They had all kinds of cheap, small padlocks. And many big enough to tie up a
battleship. But almost nothing of a medium size that I wanted. And the
medium sizes were either out of stock or came in sets of three or four. The
other interesting thing is that the locks all sported new packaging. They
were actually locked onto a strong peice of plastic. (more on this later)
After making somebody check stock and climb up on a ladder, we came to a
decision on a lock that would probably work for me.
I put the lock in my cart and head to the checkout stand. I get up front and
discover that the only checkout stands available are the self service ones.
I push the english button on the screen and a voice starts giving me
instructions. As someone who has hearing problems, I knew this was not going
well.
At his point a young man, who apparently works there to support a drug
habit, comes running up geturing wildly and berating me for "not following
instructions". I inform him that as someone who is hearing challenged, I do
not respond well to squeaky electronic voices. Also if he wanted to
communicate with me he had to stop waving his arms about and speak clearly
enough for me to understand him.
He looked at me like I was retarded and ran back to his station and produced
a portable scanner and scanned everything in my cart. Then he frantically
pointed at the screen and yelled for me to make payment. I produced a gift
card and asked if the machine took them. He shouted no and snatched the card
from my hand.
Then he played with the card for awhile including producing a swithblade
type knife from his pocked to scrape some imaginary substance off the card.
Finally the card got processed and the machine wants more money. I tried to
give the money to him but apparently they don't trust him with money. I went
back to the terminal and put in two twenties. Then I waited, and waited,
and waited....., for my change.
First a trickle of coins dribbled into a small cup that I was barely able to
get the money out of. But no bills The machine owed me $13 and I didn't
see it. I searched for a bill dispenser on this infernal machine. Then the
whacko kid started gesturing wild at me again and pointing at the floor. I
looked on the floor, but no money. He kept pointing and I finally figured
out that he bill dispenser was located about ankle level. I bent over and
picked out my money bill by bill because it too was too small to put my hand
in it.
As I left (fled) the oplace, the whaco kid was juggling a number of rolls of
tape. Duct tape, masking tape, packaging tape, etc. He tossed them into the
air and could keep a number of them going. He couldn't check me out. But he
could yell at me and practice his juggling.
When driving home I kept thinking that this could not get more unreal. I got
into the garage and got out the padlock. I tried to open it, no luck. I
tried to cut it open with a utility knife. Not only was I unsuccessful, but
almost cut an artery. Way too dangerous.
I concluded that he only safe tool to use on this hard plastic lock display
was diagonol cutters. It took several cuts and finally a sharp piece of
plastic shot off the cutters and almost hit me in the eye! I didn't realize
that you had to wear safety glasses to break into a padlock package!
Also, the key does not have a hole in the top of the key to hang it on a
ring. Instead it has a large, long hole on the side of the key. That way the
key hangs sideways and takes up about three times as much room in your
pocket. It also digs into your leg.This afternoon, I am going to drill a
regular hole in the top of the key. so it will go onto my keyring and not
make a mess. Werid keys, bulletproof packaging, What will they think of
next?
It wasn't the worst experience I have had with a big box store. But probably
the most surreal in a long time. I kept looking for sign that I was drugged.
I was fine. It was the other guys who were obviously stoned.
<end of rant>
You friendly neighborhood curmudgeon,
Lee
"Mark & Juanita" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
Snip
> /soapbox off -- had a very unsatisfying day with Maytag and a brand
> spanking
> new (less than 1 day) dishwasher that only worked when the installers put
> it
> in. Soonest they can get to is is January 6 (?!). My phone support
> happiness is not at a very high ebb right now.
Maygtag, isn't that suppose to be a good Washing machine??? Exchange it for
a Whirlpool Dish washer. LOL.
We have had a Whirlpool/Kenmore DW and it lasted 14 years with no breaks
from daily heavy wash circles. Trays started to rust. Replaced with
KitchenAid kept for a few months and exchanged for another Whirlpool/Kenmore
and could not be happier. BTY we take the bones off the plates before they
go in the DW but little else.
"Lew Hodgett" wrote
>
> "Lee Michaels" wrote:
>
>> We all have had less than satisfactory products and services from a big
>> box store. What happened last night was not particularly bad as much as
>> it was surreal. Ya know, strange, werid, etc.
> <snip the balance>
>
> No hardware stores in your area?
>
Yep, one right up the street. But none open at that hour. I needed a
padlock last night and the borg was the only thing open.
I am going up to that hardware store today or tomorrow to get some
fasteners. They cost less and are higher quality than home depot.
"Leon" wrote
>
> FIY there is a tool designed to open the welded plastic product
> containers. The tool typically has orange handles and they are similar to
> offset tin snips. I got mine at HD for about $10.
>
>
I'll check it out. Thanks for the heads up.
I am not sure that would have worked on this thing though. It was very
thick and solid. The padlock was locked around a heavy chunk of plastic. I
was trying to free the keys so I could unlock the padlock. I think that is
why the key hole is on the side. It allowed for this kind of packaging.
There was some kind of plastic fastener or rivet holding the keys in
position in their own little holder. It took several cuts just to free the
keys. Once the keys were free though, it was a simple matter to unlock the
padlock and remove it.
When I think about it, you have a design that is wholly determined by
packaging. It looks pretty hanging there in the store. The safety hazards
to open it or the ability to put the key on a normal key ring was
unimportant to them. Another case of marketing getting in the way of
function and safety.
I also find it significant that there are lots of three and four padlocks
in one package. And very few singles in this size. They run sales on the
singles. Those disappear fast. And folks show up wanting to get a single and
having to buy multiple locks because they are out of the singles.
Do you ever get the feeling that you get screwed everytime you go to that
place???
"Robatoy" wrote
An impact gun, a flashlight and a multi-tool. All in a case, Lithium
Ion 2aH Bosch... good deal. BUT.. I already have the Fein albeit
corded. So I scare up a HD employee, because I want to see his
collection of replacement blades for the Bosch multi-tools. *I* want
to see them because I want to make sure that the blades can be used
either on the Fein AND the Bosch."Well, sir, we don't carry the
blades."
"Ohhhhkaaayyy.. you sell the tool, but not the attachments.....?"
"Rona sells them." (Another big box store chain up here in
Kanuckistan)
============================
Yep, and it can become a real problem. I used to be able to run up the
street and buy any consumable for almost any tool. Not any more. I have met
many folks in the trades who have trouble getting consumables at a
reasonable price.
I have some angle grinders. And it is almost impossible to get the wire
brushes for them. I finally found some for a reasonable price on ebay. I
can buy the grinding disks almost anywhere. But no wire bruses. And anybody
who welds or works with metal uses the wire brushes often. In fact many
metal fabricators I have met have multiple angle grinders with the different
abrasive disks and wire brushes on them. That way they don't waste time
changing disks/wire brushes.
Another problem with them not selling the consumables is there is a lot less
competition. So the price is higher
"Pat Barber" wrote
> You are in desperate need of one of these, which I
> highly recommend:
>
> http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IHHOVI/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0006ACWEQ&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=17TMDRQXC5YRCQ8TC5MD
>
Leon mentioned that these are available at home depot. I will check it out.
One of the reviews at Amazon says that it is cheaper at home depot.
Thanks for the heads up Pat.
"Matt" wrote
>
> What kind of tool is needed to open the package the package opening tool
> comes in?
>
Exactly.
I got a gift card and decided to get another pair of diagonal cutters. It
is tool I need from time to time and they vanish from the earth around here
for some reason. I have one pair near my workbench. I buy this new cutter,
in bright neon colors so I can SEE it, and get it home. And what do you
know, I needed the other diagonal cutters to cut the new pair of of its
package.
I assume when buying this new package opening tool, you have to take your
life in your hands to open this safety device.
Ironic, eh?
"Robatoy" wrote
I think you need to get over yourself, Mike.
Lee's anecdote, coloured by his way of expressing himself was far more
pleasurable to read than your sanctimonious diatribe.
It is perfectly legal to use creative license and caricatures of
people encountered in life's experiences.
It is only the miserable that need to resort to look at everything
with as negative an outlook as yours.
IOW.. lighten-the-fuck-up!
Who gives a rat's ass if the 'sales associate' had 2 nose rings or
looked like a ring-binder with 332 rings? Or if the change-return slot
was at 1" above the floor (which NONE of us would believe, but funny
nonetheless) or 2"?
I enjoy reading Lee's posts. Yours? Not so much. Not when you're all
grumpy like this.
=============================
Thank you sir.
And even though you are an impossibly liberal Canadian, I enjoy reading your
posts as well.
;-)
"Swingman" wrote
>
> I also have a "nuclear option" ... you simply do NOT tell SWMBO that you
> can't do something. Since she negotiates the deals on appliances, and most
> all the electrical and plumbing fixtures herself based on the budget I
> give her, she establishes a relationship with from whom she buys, at the
> top, and thus goes straight to them if there are any problems. This women
> would get through to the Prez if she took it into mind to do so, all the
> while with a smile on her face.
>
> --
Damn! You play dirty pool. Turn the missus loose on them?? Have you no
mercy??
LOL
"Swingman" wrote
>
> I hate having to deal with callbacks and problems, so the last seven or
> eight years been buying all our appliances for new homes from Sears, catch
> the sales the top of the line units, and maybe buy two to four of each
> appliance at a time. Sears will hold delivery/warehouse for months on end,
> delivery and install is a flat $50, and so far we've been able to have the
> warranties kick in from the day of installation, not purchase.
>
Good to know.
There is a Sears appliance outlet center not far from me. Do you know
anything about the outlet appliances. I know they are good prices there. I
assume that the quality would be the same as the other appliances, right?
Any way, I thought I would ask. Maybe you heard something.
"Matt" wrote:
> What kind of tool is needed to open the package the package opening
> tool comes in?
>
> I find the packaging that has evolved today is often bizzarre some
> is as described - tough plasic that is hard to open, while others
> are cardboard packaging that are sealed with a security type tape.
Whatever happened to your basic avaition snips?
Take your choice, left, right, center.
No wait, that's an NPR program.
Lew
"Mike Marlow" wrote
>
> The problem with that is that the checkout points are all monitored by
> video camera, and a quick review of the transaction process would almost
> assuredly have indicated some pretty serious exaggeration on Lee's part.
>
What a classic, clueless response.
I have no doubt that part of the problem is that I have a hearing loss. I
have been treated badly my whole life because of that and as I get older my
hearing gets worse. I don't have any problem figuring out when I am being
treated badly. You are just like all those assholes I have met who think
that I am faking it. Like if I try hard enough, I can suddenly hear or
something. And Home Depot depending on vocal instructions presupposes that
everybody has perfect hearing. And the liittle places where the money comes
out are totally camaflagued. I couldn't see them. (My vision is not so hot
either)
And the lock packaging would challenge almost anybody to get into it.
Unless, of course, you have the proper tools. I will be looking into that
when I pick up something from Home Depot this afternoon.
Very little of anything was exaggerated here. All those events did actually
occur. And I was trying to be humerous and pointing this out as a strange
event rather that a mistreatment thing. All subtleties that went way over
your head apparently.
I was trying to point out some problems with dealing with a big box store.
You apparently live near a big box store that offers utopian service. It is
interesting that you think bad service, indifferent machines subsituting for
people as checkers and bulletproof packaging are examples of "serious
exaggeration".
Perhaps you have serious exaggerated your own abilities to perceive and
interpert life experiences.
"Roy Smith" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>> I got
>> into the garage and got out the padlock. I tried to open it, no luck. I
>> tried to cut it open with a utility knife. Not only was I unsuccessful,
>> but
>> almost cut an artery. Way too dangerous.
>>
>> I concluded that he only safe tool to use on this hard plastic lock
>> display
>> was diagonol cutters. It took several cuts and finally a sharp piece of
>> plastic shot off the cutters and almost hit me in the eye! I didn't
>> realize
>> that you had to wear safety glasses to break into a padlock package!
>>
>> Also, the key does not have a hole in the top of the key to hang it on a
>> ring. Instead it has a large, long hole on the side of the key. That way
>> the
>> key hangs sideways and takes up about three times as much room in your
>> pocket. It also digs into your leg.This afternoon, I am going to drill a
>> regular hole in the top of the key. so it will go onto my keyring and not
>> make a mess. Werid keys, bulletproof packaging, What will they think of
>> next?
>
> I feel your pain. I just did the exactly the same thing you did. I
> needed
> a padlock and went to the local borg. Got one of those new-style Master
> locks with the weird-shaped keys and the insane packaging.
>
Yep, it was a Master padlock. And the packaging was truly insane.
> I got mine open by clamping the plastic blob in a vise and whacking the
> thing with a hammer. Truly amazing. I thought it was just me who was
> suffering from advanced decrepitude and couldn't figure out how to open a
> package from the store. Glad to know I'm not the only one.
The package would certainly challenge anybody who did not have some tools
handly. No way you are getting into that thing without some kinda firepower,
leverage, cutting edge, fire or something.
After claims by a resident curmdgeon that I was exaggerating this
experience, it is good to hear from a fellow master lock customer. I am
glad I am not the only one.
The lock itelf?? It is quite substantial. The key inserts kinda funny. But
that is OK. I expect most locks to have a secret handshake. But once you
figure that out, it works just fine. Big, solid, secure, etc, just what it
is supposed to do. And if you are man enough to break into the package, it
will do the job just fine.
On Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:09:23 -0800, the infamous "Lew Hodgett"
<[email protected]> scrawled the following:
>
>"Larry Jaques" wrote:
>
>> Har! There's nothing but Left on NPR, sir.
>
>Bullshit.
>
>That crap didn't work with Trickey Dickie when he tried it and it
>doesn't work today when you try it.
What "crap doesn't work", Lew?
--
It's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars.
-- Garrison Keillor
"Tom G" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
>
> As a side note...my wife gets irritated at me when I make the gals/guys
> manning the outside ordering points at fast food joints, repeat what they
> said and do so by speaking as I would expect them to speak. She says I
> sound as if I'm retarded. So be it, but we all don't have her hearing. I
> swear she sits in front of the TV with the volume all the way down just to
> drive me nuts. Was talking with a fellow employee one time and when she
> was done speaking for the first time, I asked her if she had ever worked
> at McDonald's. Her answer "Why yes, how did you know".
>
It's not all you. Very few people know how to properly speak into a
microphone. Biggest problem though is that there seems to be some unwritten
rule that says PA systems in fast food joints and airports have to reproduce
sound as poorly as possible.
On Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:03:09 -0600, the infamous "Leon"
<[email protected]> scrawled the following:
>
>"Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>>
>> "Leon" wrote
>>>
>>> FIY there is a tool designed to open the welded plastic product
>>> containers. The tool typically has orange handles and they are similar to
>>> offset tin snips. I got mine at HD for about $10.
>>>
>>>
>> I'll check it out. Thanks for the heads up.
>
>Actually this is it..... It is pretty heavy duty. The trick is to cut just
>inside the weld on the package but it will cut just about anywhere on the
>package.
>
>http://www.enjoyzibra.com/openit/
My sister, who used a pair of these (given to Mom as a joke, so she
didn't have to get too close to her sewing any more.) opened a
clamshell very easily. I was stunned.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90609
--
"I believe that sex is one of the most beautiful, natural, wholesome things
that money can buy." --Tom Clancy
"Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> We all have had less than satisfactory products and services from a big
> box store. What happened last night was not particularly bad as much as it
> was surreal. Ya know, strange, werid, etc.
[snip]
Dang, that was indeed a fun visit to Hell Depot.
My complaints with that place all revolve around service, not the products
themselves. A manager can deal with a substandard employee a lot easier
than with an entire product line. So I have to ask, did you tell your story
to the management of the company? They're the ones who need to hear it.
The Contact Us section at homedepot.com has an 800 number and an e-mail
form. My wife has contacted them a couple of times (I'm usually too steamed
at HD to be trusted with such a task) and been issued discount coupons or
something as a result, maybe it's worthwhile for you to give that a try.
On Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:43:14 -0700, the infamous Mark & Juanita
<[email protected]> scrawled the following:
>Leon wrote:
>
>>
>> "Mark & Juanita" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>> Snip
>>
>>> /soapbox off -- had a very unsatisfying day with Maytag and a brand
>>> spanking
>>> new (less than 1 day) dishwasher that only worked when the installers put
>>> it
>>> in. Soonest they can get to is is January 6 (?!). My phone support
>>> happiness is not at a very high ebb right now.
>>
>> Maygtag, isn't that suppose to be a good Washing machine???
>
> Yeah, Maytag is supposed to be good.
Yeah, Maytag, Sears, Minwhacked, Thompson's Waterseal, Yugo...
Great marketing, for awhile, then the real rep catches up.
My brand new Made-by-Maytag MagicChef washer died a couple weeks into
its life, the motor letting the magic smoke out. When the guy came to
replace it, he swung a leg up on top of the dryer to reach back and
unplug the washer, as I'd done on many a washer/dryer in my years as
an owner. Just before he left, he was buffing the top of the dryer
when I saw the fresh dent. "They sure dont' make 'em like they used
to." we said, as he took the number to send for a replacement lid.
--
Sex is Evil, Evil is Sin, Sin is Forgiven.
Gee, ain't religion GREAT?
You are in desperate need of one of these, which I
highly recommend:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IHHOVI/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0006ACWEQ&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=17TMDRQXC5YRCQ8TC5MD
Lee Michaels wrote:
> We all have had less than satisfactory products and services from a big box
> store.
> I concluded that he only safe tool to use on this hard plastic lock display
> was diagonol cutters. It took several cuts and finally a sharp piece of
> plastic shot off the cutters and almost hit me in the eye!
On Dec 30, 5:58=A0pm, Swingman <[email protected]> wrote:
> On 12/30/2009 4:44 PM, Robatoy wrote:
>
> > I enjoy reading Lee's posts. Yours? Not so much. Not when you're all
> > grumpy like this.
>
> Be gentle now <g> ... Mike's just like you and me, a damn good guy. One
> of the best, AAMOF. So's Lee. We all gotta all take a turn in the barrel.
Oh, I know. Fair enough.
>
> It ain't like the shoe don't pinch our three feet on occasion. :)
>
I resemble that remark!
Robatoy wrote:
> On Dec 29, 2:32 pm, Swingman <[email protected]> wrote:
>> Robatoy wrote:
>>> NPR seems to be the polar opposite to Fox News. (The only difference
>>> being that NPR doesn't fabricate their news)
>> Didn't know that Dan Rather worked for FN??
>
> HA!
>>> No siree... I stay firmly in the middle with my news sources. Fark.com
>> My favorite also ...
>>
>
> YOU are shiatting me? That explains a few things.. <G>
Irreverent regard for the pompous of any persuasion ... gotta love it.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
On Dec 30, 5:54=A0pm, "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*[email protected]>
wrote:
> "Robatoy" =A0wrote
>
> I think you need to get over yourself, Mike.
> Lee's anecdote, coloured by his way of expressing himself was far more
> pleasurable to read than your sanctimonious diatribe.
> It is perfectly legal to use creative license and caricatures of
> people encountered in life's experiences.
> It is only the miserable that need to resort to look at everything
> with as negative an outlook as yours.
> IOW.. lighten-the-fuck-up!
> Who gives a rat's ass if the 'sales associate' had 2 nose rings or
> looked like a ring-binder with 332 rings? Or if the change-return slot
> was at 1" above the floor (which NONE of us would believe, but funny
> nonetheless) or 2"?
> I enjoy reading Lee's posts. Yours? Not so much. Not when you're all
> grumpy like this.
> =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
>
> Thank you sir.
>
> And even though you are an impossibly liberal Canadian, I enjoy reading y=
our
> posts as well.
>
> ;-)
Impossible you say?
HA!
Leon wrote:
>
> FIY there is a tool designed to open the welded plastic product
> containers. The tool typically has orange handles and they are
> similar to offset tin snips. I got mine at HD for about $10.
Most can be opened easily with a can opener. The manual kind you squeeze
and turn the handle.
See it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyw2AxcC9xE
On Dec 29, 11:08=A0am, Larry Jaques <novalidaddress@di\/ersify.com>
wrote:
> On Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:09:06 -0800, the infamous "Lew Hodgett"
> <[email protected]> scrawled the following:
>
>
>
> >"Matt" wrote:
>
> >> What kind of tool is needed to open the package the package opening
> >> tool comes in?
>
> >> I find the packaging that has evolved today is often bizzarre some
> >> is as described - tough plasic that is hard to open, while others
> >> are cardboard packaging that are sealed with a security type tape.
>
> >Whatever happened to your basic avaition snips?
>
> I picked up another bundle of 3 when they were on sale for $10 earlier
> this year. I couldn't find my righties. =A0I keep the straights in the
> truck.
>
> >Take your choice, left, right, center.
>
> >No wait, that's an NPR program.
>
> Har! =A0There's nothing but Left on NPR, sir.
>
NPR seems to be the polar opposite to Fox News. (The only difference
being that NPR doesn't fabricate their news)
No siree... I stay firmly in the middle with my news sources. Fark.com
On Dec 31, 11:22=A0am, Swingman <[email protected]> wrote:
> On 12/31/2009 10:17 AM, Robatoy wrote:
>
> > So many brand names used to mean something. Before lawyers and
> > accountants dressed up in leather chaps, Harley Davidson used to mean
> > something too.
> > Don't get me started.
>
> Me neither ... and there has been no "decline" in my country? .. Yeah,
> right!
>
> --www.e-woodshop.net
> Last update: 10/22/08
> KarlC@ (the obvious)
Pardon mon francais, but it's them fucquing bonus-driven MBA's and
their legal blow-buddies.
Leon wrote:
> FIY there is a tool designed to open the welded plastic product containers.
> The tool typically has orange handles and they are similar to offset tin
> snips. I got mine at HD for about $10.
IIRC, you gave me the ones I have, right?
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
On 2009-12-29 00:51:18 -0500, "Matt" <[email protected]> said:
> What kind of tool is needed to open the package the package opening
> tool comes in?
Kitchen shears work pretty well.
On 12/30/2009 3:29 PM Mike Marlow spake thus:
> "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
> All right Lee - it appears it's time to call our little skirmish to an end.
> Taking aid from Robatoy gives you an unfair advantage, and it's better to
> cut losses and call a truce.
>
> You were wrong, and I'm man enough to admit it...
Sig! I claim sig!
--
You were wrong, and I'm man enough to admit it.
- a Usenet "apology"
On 2009-12-30 08:51:43 -0500, "Leon" <[email protected]> said:
> And your first indicator that you are talking to some one in India is
> that they sound courteous, anxious to help, and have a name like Bob or
> Mary. That does not actually mean that you will be satisfied with the
> experience.
The strangest phone center name I heard was the guy who called himself
"Mustang."
On 2009-12-29 20:21:45 -0500, "Tom G" <[email protected]> said:
> I think this new packaging is to dimwitted shoplifters what
> Squirrel-proof birdfeeders are to Squirrels. I doubt that it works any
> better against the shoplifters than the birdfeeders do against the
> Squirrels.
>
> Tom G.
Having worked big box retail, I can back you up on this -- the ultimate
indignity is that many shoplifters simply went to the "tool" aisle,
opened a package of Stanley utilty knife blades, headed to the
electronics dept. where the higher dollar items are of locked
"security" pegs. One quick zip around the item to open the clamshell,
drop the balde, and bye-bye.
Kinda made you respect the guy who would load a shopping cart with a
bunch of DVD players and dash though the doors!
"Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
All right Lee - it appears it's time to call our little skirmish to an end.
Taking aid from Robatoy gives you an unfair advantage, and it's better to
cut losses and call a truce.
You were wrong, and I'm man enough to admit it...
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
On Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:57:01 -0600, "HeyBub" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>I explained that this was not some psychology department experiment
>involving lights, switches, and rats but there was a PURPOSE behind the call
>button.
You should have stood in front of it then and blocked his turning it
off until he answered your question(s).
On Dec 29, 2:32=A0pm, Swingman <[email protected]> wrote:
> Robatoy wrote:
> > NPR seems to be the polar opposite to Fox News. (The only difference
> > being that NPR doesn't fabricate their news)
>
> Didn't know that Dan Rather worked for FN??
HA!
>
> > No siree... I stay firmly in the middle with my news sources. Fark.com
>
> My favorite also ...
>
YOU are shiatting me? That explains a few things.. <G>
On Dec 31, 8:11=A0am, "Leon" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Mark & Juanita" <[email protected]> wrote in messagenews:JNadnTuCx-HC=
[email protected]...
> Snip
>
> > /soapbox off -- had a very unsatisfying day with Maytag and a brand
> > spanking
> > new (less than 1 day) dishwasher that only worked when the installers p=
ut
> > it
> > in. =A0Soonest they can get to is is January 6 (?!). =A0My phone suppor=
t
> > happiness is not at a very high ebb right now.
>
> Maygtag, isn't that suppose to be a good Washing machine??? =A0Exchange i=
t for
> a Whirlpool Dish washer. =A0LOL.
>
> We have had a Whirlpool/Kenmore DW and it lasted 14 years with no breaks
> from daily heavy wash circles. =A0Trays started to rust. =A0Replaced with
> KitchenAid kept for a few months and exchanged for another Whirlpool/Kenm=
ore
> and could not be happier. =A0BTY we take the bones off the plates before =
they
> go in the DW but little else.
Year 10 for an all stainless Kitchenaid, not a single problem Washes
stuff clean, clean, clean.
Prior to that, a single-knobbed Maytag which, by best estimate, was
about 20 years old. Was replaced for cosmetic and acoustic reasons.
"Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Leon" wrote
>>
>> FIY there is a tool designed to open the welded plastic product
>> containers. The tool typically has orange handles and they are similar to
>> offset tin snips. I got mine at HD for about $10.
>>
>>
> I'll check it out. Thanks for the heads up.
Actually this is it..... It is pretty heavy duty. The trick is to cut just
inside the weld on the package but it will cut just about anywhere on the
package.
http://www.enjoyzibra.com/openit/
"Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
On Dec 30, 5:07 pm, "Mike Marlow" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>
> No, I think you are an ill tempered person who needs to get a grip on
> life.
> It does not all turn around you, or me, or our particular wants and likes.
> You need to get over yourself Lee.
>
I think you need to get over yourself, Mike.
Lee's anecdote, coloured by his way of expressing himself was far more
pleasurable to read than your sanctimonious diatribe.
It is perfectly legal to use creative license and caricatures of
people encountered in life's experiences.
It is only the miserable that need to resort to look at everything
with as negative an outlook as yours.
IOW.. lighten-the-fuck-up!
Who gives a rat's ass if the 'sales associate' had 2 nose rings or
looked like a ring-binder with 332 rings? Or if the change-return slot
was at 1" above the floor (which NONE of us would believe, but funny
nonetheless) or 2"?
I enjoy reading Lee's posts. Yours? Not so much. Not when you're all
grumpy like this.
******************************************************************************************
Imagine me being called grumpy. Harupmh! Well, if it hadn't come from one
of the people that I get a kick out of from time to time here, I might just
have thought it was a mistake.
Actually, your point is well taken - it reflects how I read Lee's comments.
Sorry Robatoy but I don't find that kind of charicature entertaining. I'll
take half a hit for missing an intended humor, but I'm not impressed with
humor that targets the way Lee's did. Sorry if that bothers ya.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
On 12/31/2009 3:38 PM, Robatoy wrote:
> That means that all my stuff is in place as the plumber walks in. (My
> insurance company prefers I use a licensed plumber, and I'm happy the
> keep the extra premium in my pocket.)
> Liability can be pretty serious as a leak can take out a guy's
> electronics if his man-cave happens to be below the kitchen, etc.,
> etc.
Normally I wouldn't personally touch something like that with a 10'
pole, but recently, on a kitchen Leon and I built and installed, I ran
across a situation where the kitchen Island propane cooktop, and
telescoping downdraft vent, bought by the client from two different
online sources (AND *two different brands* to boot!), needed to be
installed, and, for a myriad of reasons, with no one to do the job on time.
Decided to bite the bullet and do it myself, which, besides the usual
installation of the units, entailed moving the regulator on the cooktop
unit(GE) to make room in the cabinet for the downdraft vent unit
(Frigidaire) ... I am not a plumber, don't play one on TV, and hate
anything to do with "pipes" in general.
Looking ahead, and before I would even let the client back in the house
for the night, I scheduled the propane gas company to do a "disconnect"
in the morning, and then, after conveniently finishing the job, a
"reconnect" in the afternoon (the lines had already been pressure tested).
Neither of which was remotely necessary.
However, a gas "connection" in an unincorporated area requires a safety
inspection of all gas appliances/installations, which meant,
coincidentally, that _my_ work would undergo a rigorous safety check for
proper installation, connections, and leak test ... all done under the
umbrella of their state license and liability insurance.
Sometimes, you do what ya gotta do to skin the particular cat ....
> ....and a fair price. Not cheap. Fair.
Notice that those guys who were cheap during this last building boom are
now shoe merchants or ribbon clerks ...
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
On 12/31/2009 3:15 PM, Lee Michaels wrote:
> "Swingman" wrote
>>
>> I hate having to deal with callbacks and problems, so the last seven or
>> eight years been buying all our appliances for new homes from Sears, catch
>> the sales the top of the line units, and maybe buy two to four of each
>> appliance at a time. Sears will hold delivery/warehouse for months on end,
>> delivery and install is a flat $50, and so far we've been able to have the
>> warranties kick in from the day of installation, not purchase.
>>
> Good to know.
>
> There is a Sears appliance outlet center not far from me. Do you know
> anything about the outlet appliances. I know they are good prices there. I
> assume that the quality would be the same as the other appliances, right?
> Any way, I thought I would ask. Maybe you heard something.
AAMOF, we bought our own Kenmore dual fuel range from a Sears outlet center.
It was a "scratch and dent" item.
The "scratch" was that the bottom drawer slide was off on one side and
apparently no one but a woodworker knows how to put side mounted drawers
back in?
It's been 8 years and still haven't located the "dent".
Saved well over $1k on the appliance.
I would not hesitate to go for it, with common sense, of course.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
On Dec 30, 5:07=A0pm, "Mike Marlow" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>
> No, I think you are an ill tempered person who needs to get a grip on lif=
e.
> It does not all turn around you, or me, or our particular wants and likes=
.
> You need to get over yourself Lee.
>
I think you need to get over yourself, Mike.
Lee's anecdote, coloured by his way of expressing himself was far more
pleasurable to read than your sanctimonious diatribe.
It is perfectly legal to use creative license and caricatures of
people encountered in life's experiences.
It is only the miserable that need to resort to look at everything
with as negative an outlook as yours.
IOW.. lighten-the-fuck-up!
Who gives a rat's ass if the 'sales associate' had 2 nose rings or
looked like a ring-binder with 332 rings? Or if the change-return slot
was at 1" above the floor (which NONE of us would believe, but funny
nonetheless) or 2"?
I enjoy reading Lee's posts. Yours? Not so much. Not when you're all
grumpy like this.
On Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:10:03 -0500, the infamous "Lee Michaels"
<leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> scrawled the following:
>
>"Pat Barber" wrote
>
>> You are in desperate need of one of these, which I
>> highly recommend:
>>
>> http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IHHOVI/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0006ACWEQ&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=17TMDRQXC5YRCQ8TC5MD
>>
>Leon mentioned that these are available at home depot. I will check it out.
>One of the reviews at Amazon says that it is cheaper at home depot.
>
>Thanks for the heads up Pat.
With two sharp ends, that thing looks like an accident waiting to
happen. When you pick it up with the razor knife out and try to cut
something and then lay it down, look out!
--
"I believe that sex is one of the most beautiful, natural, wholesome things
that money can buy." --Tom Clancy
On Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:33:19 -0700, the infamous Mark & Juanita
<[email protected]> scrawled the following:
>Swingman wrote:
>
>> On 12/29/2009 7:21 PM, Tom G wrote:
>>
>>> I think this new packaging is to dimwitted shoplifters what
>>> Squirrel-proof
>>> birdfeeders are to Squirrels. I doubt that it works any better against
>>> the shoplifters than the birdfeeders do against the Squirrels.
>>
>> Yabbut, not this squirrel!
>>
>> http://img.fark.net/images/squirrel.jpg
>>
>
> I thought squirrels kept their nuts in their cheeks?
>
> Gonna hate myself for this in the morning.
Only if you wake up in that position. (OUCH!)
P.S: Why do dogs lic...never mind.
--
It's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars.
-- Garrison Keillor
"Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Mike Marlow" wrote
>>
>> The problem with that is that the checkout points are all monitored by
>> video camera, and a quick review of the transaction process would almost
>> assuredly have indicated some pretty serious exaggeration on Lee's part.
>>
> What a classic, clueless response.
Not so clueless Lee - I didn't fall off the turnip truck yesterday...
>
> I have no doubt that part of the problem is that I have a hearing loss. I
> have been treated badly my whole life because of that and as I get older
> my hearing gets worse. I don't have any problem figuring out when I am
> being treated badly. You are just like all those assholes I have met who
> think that I am faking it.
Never suggested such a thing.
> Like if I try hard enough, I can suddenly hear or something. And Home
> Depot depending on vocal instructions presupposes that everybody has
> perfect hearing. And the liittle places where the money comes out are
> totally camaflagued. I couldn't see them. (My vision is not so hot either)
It's called Life Lee. Everyone relies on the expectation of verbal
communication. You indicated nothing in the interraction that suggests Home
Depot or the supposed drug addict (as you presume to describe the fellow),
did anything wrong. The only thing I said was that your story sounds quite
exaggerated, and I'd be willing to bet that the video from the self-checkout
would back up my bet.
>
> And the lock packaging would challenge almost anybody to get into it.
> Unless, of course, you have the proper tools. I will be looking into that
> when I pick up something from Home Depot this afternoon.
I'm not so challenged by these things Lee. I just pull out my pocket knife
and all is well. Hell, I've even used a set of car keys in a pinch...
>
> Very little of anything was exaggerated here. All those events did
> actually occur. And I was trying to be humerous and pointing this out as a
> strange event rather that a mistreatment thing. All subtleties that went
> way over your head apparently.
Flailing arms, ankle level cash return, etc? No - I suspect quite a bit of
exaggerating. You forget - we've all been in Home Depot stores. We're
familiar with the self checkout process. We're familiar with how the stores
are run across the country. No subtleties were lost on me - there were none
to lose.
>
> I was trying to point out some problems with dealing with a big box store.
Problems dealing with a big box store? Millions of people with ailments and
disabilities of all sorts seem to function quite well in them every day.
You had a bad day and turned it into a problem with big box stores - and
packaging. I think you should have just stayed in bed that day Lee.
> You apparently live near a big box store that offers utopian service.
Nope - they're just exactly what I expect. Not perfect, and not crummy.
I'm just not a person like you who delights in derailing people and
experiences simply because I've got a crummy outlook. You can't hear, you
can't read, and you lack the muscle control to open a plastic package. To
top that off, you're too cheap to buy a tool to do it for you. Yet, that is
somehow the fault of a drug addicted cashier, and the big box store.
> It is interesting that you think bad service, indifferent machines
> subsituting for people as checkers and bulletproof packaging are examples
> of "serious exaggeration".
>
No, I think you are an ill tempered person who needs to get a grip on life.
It does not all turn around you, or me, or our particular wants and likes.
You need to get over yourself Lee.
Besides - it is Home Depot's policy that at least one manned cash register
will be open at all times. You did not have to go to self checkout, where
you are clearly so challenged. You could have gone right over to the good
old fashioned checkout with real people ready to serve you. You went there,
caused your own problem and then posted your diatribe here. See any irony
in that at all Lee?
> Perhaps you have serious exaggerated your own abilities to perceive and
> interpert life experiences.
>
I still bet that the video camera from that self service checkout station
would show you had exaggerated.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
On Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:07:35 -0500, "Mike Marlow"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>
>"Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> And the lock packaging would challenge almost anybody to get into it.
>> Unless, of course, you have the proper tools. I will be looking into that
>> when I pick up something from Home Depot this afternoon.
>
>I'm not so challenged by these things Lee. I just pull out my pocket knife
>and all is well. Hell, I've even used a set of car keys in a pinch...
Well, if you can open some of those clamshells with a set of car keys
you are a better man than I am! I had the privilege of trying to open
a flashlight from Costco on Christmas. I tried getting through the
plastic with my pocketknife - a very nice high-end knife with an
ats-34 blade sharpened to a shaving sharp - and I could barely force
the point through the plastic. After messing around with it for a
while until I started worrying about slipping and removing limbs I
finally went to the shop for the aircraft snips. That stuff was so
tough it would have snapped any car key you tried to force through it.
Clamshell packaging is of the devil, I say!
Tim Douglass
http://www.DouglassClan.com
My laptop knows me too well - it just announced "your battery is low!"
On Dec 30, 8:54=A0pm, "Leon" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> news:009a1a01$0$16915
>
>
>
> > Thank you sir.
>
> > And even though you are an impossibly liberal Canadian, I enjoy reading
> > your posts as well.
>
> > ;-)
>
> A Liberal????!!!! =A0Oh,uh hummmm well that changes every thing.... =A0;~=
)
Liberal? Moi?...... Hardly.
On 12/30/2009 4:44 PM, Robatoy wrote:
> I enjoy reading Lee's posts. Yours? Not so much. Not when you're all
> grumpy like this.
Be gentle now <g> ... Mike's just like you and me, a damn good guy. One
of the best, AAMOF. So's Lee. We all gotta all take a turn in the barrel.
It ain't like the shoe don't pinch our three feet on occasion. :)
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
On Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:04:53 -0800 (PST), the infamous RonB
<[email protected]> scrawled the following:
>> I didn't realize
>> that you had to wear safety glasses to break into a padlock package!
>>
>We can only hope that the bastards who design the impenetrable plastic
>packaging get to spend their afterlife opening that crap with butter
>knives.
Them and the shoplifters and thieves who drove mfgrs to use that kind
of packaging to avert loss at the stores. <sigh>
--
It's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars.
-- Garrison Keillor
On Dec 31, 2:33=A0pm, Swingman <[email protected]> wrote:
> but always after making a
>personal appearance and insuring that they know that I can stand in for
>them if necessary ... even then I will generally stop by myself during
>the service call just to make sure the job is done to my satisfaction.
In the countertop business, I deal a lot with plumbers and
electricians (Cooktops, garberators).
If it is a retrofit, my mantra is : "Breakfast on the old countertop,
dinner on the new one."
That means that all my stuff is in place as the plumber walks in. (My
insurance company prefers I use a licensed plumber, and I'm happy the
keep the extra premium in my pocket.)
Liability can be pretty serious as a leak can take out a guy's
electronics if his man-cave happens to be below the kitchen, etc.,
etc.
Sometimes, although seldom, something can happen. I say seldom because
I have worked with the same plumbers for well over 25 years.
IF something happens...like a dishwasher leaking, like Swing, I am
there within the hour and then I call the plumber.........:
>>>>> but always after making a
personal appearance and insuring that they know that I can stand in
for
them if necessary ... even then I will generally stop by myself
during
the service call just to make sure the job is done to my
satisfaction.<<<<<
THAT you can take to the bank.
THAT is what gets you a 90+% referral rate. The other 10% find me
through my website.
THAT is what whoops everybody's ass that tries to muscle into my
territory.
Service,
service,
service.
....and a fair price. Not cheap. Fair.
On Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:15:04 -0800, the infamous David Nebenzahl
<[email protected]> scrawled the following:
>On 12/30/2009 3:29 PM Mike Marlow spake thus:
>
>> "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>
>> All right Lee - it appears it's time to call our little skirmish to an end.
>> Taking aid from Robatoy gives you an unfair advantage, and it's better to
>> cut losses and call a truce.
>>
>> You were wrong, and I'm man enough to admit it...
>
>Sig! I claim sig!
Excellent!
--
Sex is Evil, Evil is Sin, Sin is Forgiven.
Gee, ain't religion GREAT?
Not one with any sympathy for the big borgs unfriendliness, but you did get
your padlock. They probably had the best crew they could get when everyone
else is closed. Credit where it's due, they've gotten me out of a few jams
too.
Happy New Year
"Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Lew Hodgett" wrote
>>
>> "Lee Michaels" wrote:
>>
>>> We all have had less than satisfactory products and services from a big
>>> box store. What happened last night was not particularly bad as much as
>>> it was surreal. Ya know, strange, werid, etc.
>> <snip the balance>
>>
>> No hardware stores in your area?
>>
> Yep, one right up the street. But none open at that hour. I needed a
> padlock last night and the borg was the only thing open.
>
> I am going up to that hardware store today or tomorrow to get some
> fasteners. They cost less and are higher quality than home depot.
>
>
>
"Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Lee Michaels" wrote:
>
>> We all have had less than satisfactory products and services from a big
>> box store. What happened last night was not particularly bad as much as
>> it was surreal. Ya know, strange, werid, etc.
> <snip the balance>
>
> No hardware stores in your area?
>
> Lew
On the other hand...
It's gotten so that I can barely bring myself to take the time to go to the
hardware store/lumber yard that my family has done business with for 60+
years. Why? My last three trips exemplify why: they've stopped carrying
lines that I've used for years (e.g., Minwax, Woodlife), have holes in the
displays were the item I need should be (e.g., 2 1/2" hole saw), or their
prices, even with my trade discount run 20-40% more than the Borg ($22 for
the same hole saw HD sells for $13.xx--glad they didn't have the 2 1/2" saw
when I saw that!). They've gone down scale with the brands/quality for many
items too... used to have Milwaukee and Porter Cable and now have Skill and
Black and Decker. Years ago the help was helpful... now they are clerks are
on par with the typical mall store. I'm still dismayed by the time I took
dowels to the counter, from the display across from the counter, and the
clerk asked me what they were...
Home Depot and Lowe's on the other hand have generally had what I needed the
past few years and the help was helpful--experienced retired tradesmen. When
I told the guy I needed a double gang old work box but the shelf was empty
he not only knew what I was asking for but knew where the back up stock was
on the high shelve. Sad to say the Borg experience has become a better
experience compared to the hardware store where they formerly wrote up my
order without having to ask for my name, I signed for the stuff and walked
out--now I seldom see the same clerk twice outside of the lumber desk and
they can never seem to find my account in the computer.
If I drive about six miles past HD and Lowe's and go across the toll bridge
there is a good locally owned store. I bought a lot of stuff there over the
years... especially stuff like pumice, shellac, Hardi Plank siding, 21'
lengths of gutter, scaffolding planks, and other things that are not
available or difficult to buy at the BORG. An example of BORG difficulty in
purchasing was the time I needed a joining kit to gang up a couple double
hung Anderson windows. Special ordering the ganged up window was about $220
more than taking two stock units and joining them with a $25 kit (though I
did have to make the wood joint trim) but the experience took me two trips
and about 2 hours... an hour and 35 minutes of it standing in lines to pick
up the special order. Should have driven the extra 12 miles for that
purchase!
I'm afraid the 100+ year old store has lost it's competitive advantages over
the past 20 years. It's now a good place to buy bird seed and household
knickknacks but not so good for hardware, tools, or building materials...
Sad state of affairs.
John
"Larry Jaques" <novalidaddress@di\/ersify.com> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> With two sharp ends, that thing looks like an accident waiting to
> happen. When you pick it up with the razor knife out and try to cut
> something and then lay it down, look out!
The blade is spring loaded, you have to hold it in the open position
otherwise it springs back closed.
If these things hurt you you have other problems. LOL
On 12/30/2009 8:08 AM, Larry Jaques wrote:
> On Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:33:19 -0700, the infamous Mark& Juanita
>> I thought squirrels kept their nuts in their cheeks?
>>
>> Gonna hate myself for this in the morning.
>
> Only if you wake up in that position. (OUCH!)
>
> P.S: Why do dogs lic...never mind.
C-less ... damn you, Bubba! I'm already reduced to purposely using the
cheapest monitor in the house whilst reading the wRec!
BTW, did you catch WeeGee's update yesterday?
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Leon wrote:
>
>> FIY there is a tool designed to open the welded plastic product
>> containers. The tool typically has orange handles and they are similar to
>> offset tin snips. I got mine at HD for about $10.
>
> IIRC, you gave me the ones I have, right?
IIRC I did. Is it by your missing saddle square? LOL
Robatoy wrote:
> NPR seems to be the polar opposite to Fox News. (The only difference
> being that NPR doesn't fabricate their news)
Didn't know that Dan Rather worked for FN??
> No siree... I stay firmly in the middle with my news sources. Fark.com
My favorite also ...
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
Tom G wrote:
> "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>
>> "Mike Marlow" wrote
>>>
>>> The problem with that is that the checkout points are all monitored
>>> by video camera, and a quick review of the transaction process
>>> would almost assuredly have indicated some pretty serious
>>> exaggeration on Lee's part.
>> What a classic, clueless response.
>>
>> I have no doubt that part of the problem is that I have a hearing
>> loss. I have been treated badly my whole life because of that and
>> as I get older my hearing gets worse. I don't have any problem
>> figuring out when I am being treated badly. You are just like all
>> those assholes I have met who think that I am faking it. Like if I
>> try hard enough, I can suddenly hear or something. And Home Depot
>> depending on vocal instructions presupposes that everybody has
>> perfect hearing. And the liittle places where the money comes out
>> are totally camaflagued. I couldn't see them. (My vision is not so
>> hot either)
> Snip......
>
> As a side note...my wife gets irritated at me when I make the
> gals/guys manning the outside ordering points at fast food joints,
> repeat what they said and do so by speaking as I would expect them to
> speak. She says I sound as if I'm retarded. So be it, but we all
> don't have her hearing. I swear she sits in front of the TV with the
> volume all the way down just to drive me nuts. Was talking with a
> fellow employee one time and when she was done speaking for the first
> time, I asked her if she had ever worked at McDonald's. Her answer
> "Why yes, how did you know".
> And it ain't gettin' any better!
>
Sure it is! Do you realize that the order-taker on the other end of the
speaker may very well be in INDIA?
Here's an article on a McDonald's call center in California, but the call
center could just as easily be in Bangladesh.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/11/technology/11fast.html?ex=1302408000&en=fba08e17788e24c9&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss
Steve Turner wrote:
... snip
>>
>> Back in the late 70's / early 80's there was a bit with an exasperated
>> patron at a fast food PA system:
>> <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YId_ArKyoYs>
>>
>>
>> "... and a large orange drink".
>
> I like this one too:
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvvjRb2L0bY
>
LOL
--
There is never a situation where having more rounds is a disadvantage
Rob Leatham
Swingman wrote:
> On 12/31/2009 12:56 PM, Mark & Juanita wrote:
>
>> Karl, you are a perfect person to ask. If one of your customers
>> encountered a problem with something not working in one of the houses you
>> built, would you consider a 1 week turnaround to come look at it as an
>> acceptable response time? I'm trying to calibrate myself to whether I'm
>> just an impatient person or not.
>
> What is it?
>
> Rarely would it be over an hour before I would be there to see if there
> is anything that I personally could do, and to make arrangements for
> whoever sold us the appliance or itme to make a service call.
>
> (ON MY FREAKING CELL PHONE!! ... for you anti-cellphone luddites ...) :)
>
> For major appliance I have no control over getting service departments
> to come "today", and really prefer to let the homeowner schedule these
> at their convenience for obvious reasons, but always after making a
> personal appearance and insuring that they know that I can stand in for
> them if necessary ... even then I will generally stop by myself during
> the service call just to make sure the job is done to my satisfaction.
>
> One of the reasons I use Sears appliances is they are excellent in this
> regard.
>
... snip of what I would define as proper customer service.
Thanks, that's kind of what i expected. Bottom line, I don't think I'm
out of line in my expectations.
--
There is never a situation where having more rounds is a disadvantage
Rob Leatham
Leon wrote:
>
> "HeyBub" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
... snip
>>
>> Sure it is! Do you realize that the order-taker on the other end of the
>> speaker may very well be in INDIA?
>>
>> Here's an article on a McDonald's call center in California, but the call
>> center could just as easily be in Bangladesh.
>>
>>
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/11/technology/11fast.html?ex=1302408000&en=fba08e17788e24c9&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss
>
> And your first indicator that you are talking to some one in India is that
> they sound courteous, anxious to help, and have a name like Bob or Mary.
> That does not actually mean that you will be satisfied with the
> experience.
>
From my experience with DirecPC, I do know that they are really good at
apologizing. They are sorry up and down about making you wait, about the
fact that they can't actually fix your problem, about the fact that it will
take 5 days for a technician to be scheduled, etc. They are polite and
apologetic to a T. Problem is, after you hang up, you still have the same
problem you started with when you called them 2 hours ago and they haven't
done a thing to solve it. Yep, you're right, not satisfied with the
experience.
> It's when you drive up and get Waz'up, do you want bla bla bla with
> cheese and their name ends up being Washieka or Snoop that you know that
> you are
> getting American. And that does not actually mean that you will be
> satisfied with the experience either.
No, that's true, but at least there's a hoomin bean close by where, if I'm
really unsatisfied, I can go and physically talk to their manager and get
more than "I'm sorry about you having to wait ...."
/soapbox off -- had a very unsatisfying day with Maytag and a brand spanking
new (less than 1 day) dishwasher that only worked when the installers put it
in. Soonest they can get to is is January 6 (?!). My phone support
happiness is not at a very high ebb right now.
--
There is never a situation where having more rounds is a disadvantage
Rob Leatham
Leon wrote:
> And your first indicator that you are talking to some one in India is
> that they sound courteous, anxious to help, and have a name like Bob
> or Mary. That does not actually mean that you will be satisfied with
> the experience.
> It's when you drive up and get Waz'up, do you want bla bla bla with
> cheese and their name ends up being Washieka or Snoop that you know
> that you are getting American. And that does not actually mean that
> you will be satisfied with the experience either.
Some help you don't want. I ran into an order-taker named Clamidia. Honest.
"Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> Snip
>
>> When driving home I kept thinking that this could not get more unreal. I
>> got into the garage and got out the padlock. I tried to open it, no
>> luck. I tried to cut it open with a utility knife. Not only was I
>> unsuccessful, but almost cut an artery. Way too dangerous.
>>
>> I concluded that he only safe tool to use on this hard plastic lock
>> display was diagonol cutters. It took several cuts and finally a sharp
>> piece of plastic shot off the cutters and almost hit me in the eye! I
>> didn't realize that you had to wear safety glasses to break into a
>> padlock package!
>
>
> FIY there is a tool designed to open the welded plastic product
> containers. The tool typically has orange handles and they are similar to
> offset tin snips. I got mine at HD for about $10.
>
I just use the scroll saw on those pacages.
"HeyBub" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Lee Michaels wrote:
>> "Mike Marlow" wrote
>>>
>>> The problem with that is that the checkout points are all monitored
>>> by video camera, and a quick review of the transaction process would
>>> almost assuredly have indicated some pretty serious exaggeration on
>>> Lee's part.
>> What a classic, clueless response.
>>
>> I have no doubt that part of the problem is that I have a hearing
>> loss. I have been treated badly my whole life because of that and as
>> I get older my hearing gets worse. I don't have any problem figuring
>> out when I am being treated badly. You are just like all those
>> assholes I have met who think that I am faking it. Like if I try hard
>> enough, I can suddenly hear or something. And Home Depot depending
>> on vocal instructions presupposes that everybody has perfect hearing.
>> And the liittle places where the money comes out are totally
>> camaflagued. I couldn't see them. (My vision is not so hot either)
>>
>> And the lock packaging would challenge almost anybody to get into it.
>> Unless, of course, you have the proper tools. I will be looking into
>> that when I pick up something from Home Depot this afternoon.
>>
>> Very little of anything was exaggerated here. All those events did
>> actually occur. And I was trying to be humerous and pointing this out
>> as a strange event rather that a mistreatment thing. All subtleties
>> that went way over your head apparently.
>>
>> I was trying to point out some problems with dealing with a big box
>> store. You apparently live near a big box store that offers utopian
>> service. It is interesting that you think bad service, indifferent
>> machines subsituting for people as checkers and bulletproof packaging
>> are examples of "serious exaggeration".
>>
>> Perhaps you have serious exaggerated your own abilities to perceive
>> and interpert life experiences.
>
> Heh! I couldn't find something so I activated the "Call button" on a pole
> which promised, when aroused, would summon help straightaway. Sure enough,
> in a twinkling an apron-clad employee appeared. He turned off the alarm.
> He went away.
>
> WTF?
>
> I followed him and inquired if simply disabling the Call Button was the
> appropriate response. He allowed as how store rules required these things
> to be answered within as short a time as possible. He answered the call,
> what's the problem?
>
> I explained that this was not some psychology department experiment
> involving lights, switches, and rats but there was a PURPOSE behind the
> call button.
>
Yes, there is a purpose behind the call button. It is his responsibility to
show up, turn the alarm off and help the person that sounded the alarm.
Since you seemed to not feel the need to let him know that you are the one
requesting help, he left. What did you expect? What was he supposed to do?
Was he supposed to, rather than returning to other business, pole the store
patrons to find out who hit the alarm.
Leon wrote:
> FIY there is a tool designed to open the welded plastic product containers.
> The tool typically has orange handles and they are similar to offset tin
> snips. I got mine at HD for about $10.
IIRC, you gave me the ones I have, right?
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> FIY there is a tool designed to open the welded plastic product
> containers. The tool typically has orange handles and they are similar to
> offset tin snips. I got mine at HD for about $10.
This is it, works well.
http://www.enjoyzibra.com/openit/
"Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:420a8290-e395-4f5b-9095-1a96bad65388@c34g2000yqn.googlegroups.com...
On Dec 31, 11:22 am, Swingman <[email protected]> wrote:
> On 12/31/2009 10:17 AM, Robatoy wrote:
>
> > So many brand names used to mean something. Before lawyers and
> > accountants dressed up in leather chaps, Harley Davidson used to mean
> > something too.
> > Don't get me started.
>
> Me neither ... and there has been no "decline" in my country? .. Yeah,
> right!
>
> --www.e-woodshop.net
> Last update: 10/22/08
> KarlC@ (the obvious)
Pardon mon francais, but it's them fucquing bonus-driven MBA's and
their legal blow-buddies.
They are certainly part of the problem but the government would rather see a
ignorant less educated population that buys into every thing they are told.
The sheep heards are getting much larger these days.
On 12/31/2009 12:56 PM, Mark & Juanita wrote:
> Karl, you are a perfect person to ask. If one of your customers
> encountered a problem with something not working in one of the houses you
> built, would you consider a 1 week turnaround to come look at it as an
> acceptable response time? I'm trying to calibrate myself to whether I'm
> just an impatient person or not.
What is it?
Rarely would it be over an hour before I would be there to see if there
is anything that I personally could do, and to make arrangements for
whoever sold us the appliance or itme to make a service call.
(ON MY FREAKING CELL PHONE!! ... for you anti-cellphone luddites ...) :)
For major appliance I have no control over getting service departments
to come "today", and really prefer to let the homeowner schedule these
at their convenience for obvious reasons, but always after making a
personal appearance and insuring that they know that I can stand in for
them if necessary ... even then I will generally stop by myself during
the service call just to make sure the job is done to my satisfaction.
One of the reasons I use Sears appliances is they are excellent in this
regard.
For other items like light fixtures, ceiling fans, etc., I don't bother
with repair ... it's immediate replacement with equal or greater product
... and I usually offer to upgrade for the inconvenience.
For each house we sell I do a "House Book", which is big binder which
has all the appliance, lighting, plumbing, electrical, etc. info, from
installation instructions to warranty information, as well the business
contacts for all the trades and major subcontractor who worked on the
job. That way if something happens, and in the unlikely event I'm not
available, the homeowner has access to the same resources I do.
For other problems, I have a couple of carpenters on call, and if
necessary, I can do most anything they can.
I also have a "nuclear option" ... you simply do NOT tell SWMBO that you
can't do something. Since she negotiates the deals on appliances, and
most all the electrical and plumbing fixtures herself based on the
budget I give her, she establishes a relationship with from whom she
buys, at the top, and thus goes straight to them if there are any
problems. This women would get through to the Prez if she took it into
mind to do so, all the while with a smile on her face.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
On 12/29/2009 7:21 PM, Tom G wrote:
> I think this new packaging is to dimwitted shoplifters what Squirrel-proof
> birdfeeders are to Squirrels. I doubt that it works any better against the
> shoplifters than the birdfeeders do against the Squirrels.
Yabbut, not this squirrel!
http://img.fark.net/images/squirrel.jpg
;)
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
Lee Michaels wrote:
> "Mike Marlow" wrote
>>
>> The problem with that is that the checkout points are all monitored
>> by video camera, and a quick review of the transaction process would
>> almost assuredly have indicated some pretty serious exaggeration on
>> Lee's part.
> What a classic, clueless response.
>
> I have no doubt that part of the problem is that I have a hearing
> loss. I have been treated badly my whole life because of that and as
> I get older my hearing gets worse. I don't have any problem figuring
> out when I am being treated badly. You are just like all those
> assholes I have met who think that I am faking it. Like if I try hard
> enough, I can suddenly hear or something. And Home Depot depending
> on vocal instructions presupposes that everybody has perfect hearing.
> And the liittle places where the money comes out are totally
> camaflagued. I couldn't see them. (My vision is not so hot either)
>
> And the lock packaging would challenge almost anybody to get into it.
> Unless, of course, you have the proper tools. I will be looking into
> that when I pick up something from Home Depot this afternoon.
>
> Very little of anything was exaggerated here. All those events did
> actually occur. And I was trying to be humerous and pointing this out
> as a strange event rather that a mistreatment thing. All subtleties
> that went way over your head apparently.
>
> I was trying to point out some problems with dealing with a big box
> store. You apparently live near a big box store that offers utopian
> service. It is interesting that you think bad service, indifferent
> machines subsituting for people as checkers and bulletproof packaging
> are examples of "serious exaggeration".
>
> Perhaps you have serious exaggerated your own abilities to perceive
> and interpert life experiences.
Heh! I couldn't find something so I activated the "Call button" on a pole
which promised, when aroused, would summon help straightaway. Sure enough,
in a twinkling an apron-clad employee appeared. He turned off the alarm. He
went away.
WTF?
I followed him and inquired if simply disabling the Call Button was the
appropriate response. He allowed as how store rules required these things to
be answered within as short a time as possible. He answered the call, what's
the problem?
I explained that this was not some psychology department experiment
involving lights, switches, and rats but there was a PURPOSE behind the call
button.
Leon wrote:
>
> "Mark & Juanita" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> Snip
>
>> /soapbox off -- had a very unsatisfying day with Maytag and a brand
>> spanking
>> new (less than 1 day) dishwasher that only worked when the installers put
>> it
>> in. Soonest they can get to is is January 6 (?!). My phone support
>> happiness is not at a very high ebb right now.
>
> Maygtag, isn't that suppose to be a good Washing machine???
Yeah, Maytag is supposed to be good. I can't say if it was the dishwasher
or the goobers who brought it in to set it up. I'm not sure, but I pretty
much remember that turning the box upside down and letting the water from
the factory testing flood the interior of the dishwasher [and my floor] in
not standard setup procedure. It's very likely that their action got water
in the controls and screwed something up. Or it's possible this is an
infant failure. Phone calls to both Maytag and the HD delivery number were
highly unsatisfying -- Maytag said they'd get to it Jan 6, HD delivery folks
could send someone out Jan 7. Called the local HD who sold it and spoke to
the manager there, she was much better at listening and agreed that this was
not right. Given that I called within a 48 hour window of installation, she
made arrangements to have the dishwasher replaced. However, that won't
happen until the 7'th either. In the meantime, as I pondered my options
looking at how much effort would be required to uninstall and just return
the darned thing, I found the schematic and troubleshooting guide on the
inner side of the kick panel. You should never give an electrical engineer
a schematic. :-) I found the part that talked about "blinking lights",
followed the troubleshooting guide and opened the console, reseating the
connector for the control box. After plugging in the dishwasher, no more
blinking lights. I was able to get it to run and at least get the load out
of the dishwasher. Told the HD manager this when she called me to tell me
she was going to get a replacement for us. I also told her I was not
comfortable that this was *the* solution -- she agreed and agreed that
replacement is still a good idea. Good news is that we aren't going to be
handwashing dishes for the next week while they get their act together.
Also told her I don't want the same bozos delivering this time that did the
original one and told her why. She agreed to work with the delivery company
to make sure that doesn't happen. In addition to turning the thing on its
head, they left a mess from both the old and new dishwasher drips. I just
stopped one of them from running the old dishwasher on his handtruck,
dripping water and leaving black wheel marks across my living room carpet
and got him turned around to go through the garage, a mere 10 feet from the
dishwasher location.
IMO, this whole thing was and is, completely unacceptable. I understand
having staff booked up. But if you screw something up and it fails to work,
it is NOT acceptable that a 1 week delay with additional inconvenience for
the customer be incurred. That becomes your problem and remedying it NOW is
your highest priority -- you need to figure out how to fix it ASAP, not when
it fits in the schedule. Needless to say, this customer is not delighted.
/whoa. Rant off
> Exchange it
> for
> a Whirlpool Dish washer. LOL.
>
> We have had a Whirlpool/Kenmore DW and it lasted 14 years with no breaks
> from daily heavy wash circles. Trays started to rust. Replaced with
> KitchenAid kept for a few months and exchanged for another
> Whirlpool/Kenmore
> and could not be happier. BTY we take the bones off the plates before
> they go in the DW but little else.
This replaced a GE dishwasher that was probably close to 20 years old (it
was in the house when we bought it 10 years ago and appears to have been the
original DW. The GE had its motor replaced about 4 years ago but other
parts were falling apart. The door counterbalance cables had come broken
and the upper rack mechanisms were breaking. It was time to be replaced.
--
There is never a situation where having more rounds is a disadvantage
Rob Leatham
On Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:09:06 -0800, the infamous "Lew Hodgett"
<[email protected]> scrawled the following:
>
>"Matt" wrote:
>
>> What kind of tool is needed to open the package the package opening
>> tool comes in?
>>
>> I find the packaging that has evolved today is often bizzarre some
>> is as described - tough plasic that is hard to open, while others
>> are cardboard packaging that are sealed with a security type tape.
>
>Whatever happened to your basic avaition snips?
I picked up another bundle of 3 when they were on sale for $10 earlier
this year. I couldn't find my righties. I keep the straights in the
truck.
>Take your choice, left, right, center.
>
>No wait, that's an NPR program.
Har! There's nothing but Left on NPR, sir.
--
It's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars.
-- Garrison Keillor
On 12/31/2009 10:17 AM, Robatoy wrote:
> So many brand names used to mean something. Before lawyers and
> accountants dressed up in leather chaps, Harley Davidson used to mean
> something too.
> Don't get me started.
Me neither ... and there has been no "decline" in my country? .. Yeah,
right!
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:5bdfaab7-e09e-43bf-9b66-a848e7afdd37@s31g2000yqs.googlegroups.com...
Year 10 for an all stainless Kitchenaid, not a single problem Washes
stuff clean, clean, clean.
Prior to that, a single-knobbed Maytag which, by best estimate, was
about 20 years old. Was replaced for cosmetic and acoustic reasons.
Yeah our KitchenAid was a top of the line $1200 unit but it simply left the
dishes dirty, with a film on them. When we went back to the Whirlpool we
got clean dishes again.
We work our DW pretty hard, it always at least goes through the pot scrubber
cycle or higher and there is not any such thing as prerinse in our house.
On Dec 28, 10:44=A0am, "Lee Michaels"
<leemichaels*[email protected]> wrote:
[all-too-familiar-rant snipped for brevity's sake]
An impact gun, a flashlight and a multi-tool. All in a case, Lithium
Ion 2aH Bosch... good deal. BUT.. I already have the Fein albeit
corded. So I scare up a HD employee, because I want to see his
collection of replacement blades for the Bosch multi-tools. *I* want
to see them because I want to make sure that the blades can be used
either on the Fein AND the Bosch."Well, sir, we don't carry the
blades."
"Ohhhhkaaayyy.. you sell the tool, but not the attachments.....?"
"Rona sells them." (Another big box store chain up here in
Kanuckistan)
"That's a bit silly don't you think there young fella?"... and I stood
there staring into the vacuum of his eyes. After a few Ren & Stimpy
grade blinks, he tried to explain this.
I walked away, shaking my head...
I'm still no wiser when it comes to who-fits-who in the buzzer-tool
bizniz. Guess I best do some DAGSing then. (Or somebody's done that
already?)
On 2009-12-28, Lee Michaels <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote:
[snip major sniveling]
> the most surreal in a long time. I kept looking for sign that I was drugged.
> I was fine. It was the other guys who were obviously stoned.
>
><end of rant>
Geez! ...sucks to be you. Maybe you can convince whackman to beat-up
somebody.
nb
"DGDevin" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>> We all have had less than satisfactory products and services from a big
>> box store. What happened last night was not particularly bad as much as
>> it was surreal. Ya know, strange, werid, etc.
> [snip]
>
> Dang, that was indeed a fun visit to Hell Depot.
>
> My complaints with that place all revolve around service, not the products
> themselves. A manager can deal with a substandard employee a lot easier
> than with an entire product line. So I have to ask, did you tell your
> story to the management of the company? They're the ones who need to hear
> it. The Contact Us section at homedepot.com has an 800 number and an
> e-mail form. My wife has contacted them a couple of times (I'm usually
> too steamed at HD to be trusted with such a task) and been issued discount
> coupons or something as a result, maybe it's worthwhile for you to give
> that a try.
>
The problem with that is that the checkout points are all monitored by video
camera, and a quick review of the transaction process would almost assuredly
have indicated some pretty serious exaggeration on Lee's part.
Your point though, is well taken. Most people don't complain to management
in businesses, because the event was really not as bad as the way they
describe it in forums like this, where it's fashionable to write about
horror stories. Of course the horror stories always include the claim that
the subject of the post was patient, polite, respectful, etc., and the BORG
folks were incompetent, rude, dazed, etc. Genuine bad experiences should
indeed be reported to management. Right on the spot is better than using
web or email services. That does require though, that the complainer have
the right personal qualities to face those he's accusing and stand
accountable for his claims against someone else. Far easier to just come to
a place like this and rant on and on.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
On 12/31/2009 9:21 AM, Robatoy wrote:
> Year 10 for an all stainless Kitchenaid, not a single problem Washes
> stuff clean, clean, clean.
> Prior to that, a single-knobbed Maytag which, by best estimate, was
> about 20 years old. Was replaced for cosmetic and acoustic reasons.
I buy a lot of appliances and Kitchenaid used to be on the top of the
list, but just the last few years I've really been disappointed in their
construction, and the number of service calls after we sell a house lately.
I hate having to deal with callbacks and problems, so the last seven or
eight years been buying all our appliances for new homes from Sears,
catch the sales the top of the line units, and maybe buy two to four of
each appliance at a time. Sears will hold delivery/warehouse for months
on end, delivery and install is a flat $50, and so far we've been able
to have the warranties kick in from the day of installation, not purchase.
Their dual fuel Kenmore stoves have been real popular in our kitchens.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
On Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:32:12 -0700, Mark & Juanita
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Tom G wrote:
>
>>
>> "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>>
>>> "Matt" wrote
>>>>
>>>> What kind of tool is needed to open the package the package opening tool
>>>> comes in?
>>>>
>>> Exactly.
>>>
>>> I got a gift card and decided to get another pair of diagonal cutters.
>>> It is tool I need from time to time and they vanish from the earth around
>>> here for some reason. I have one pair near my workbench. I buy this new
>>> cutter, in bright neon colors so I can SEE it, and get it home. And what
>>> do you know, I needed the other diagonal cutters to cut the new pair of
>>> of its package.
>>>
>>> I assume when buying this new package opening tool, you have to take your
>>> life in your hands to open this safety device.
>>>
>>> Ironic, eh?
>>
>> I think this new packaging is to dimwitted shoplifters what
>> Squirrel-proof
>> birdfeeders are to Squirrels. I doubt that it works any better against
>> the shoplifters than the birdfeeders do against the Squirrels.
>>
>
> No, but just as TSA rules don't really do much for safety, it does serve
>to piss off the paying customers.
But that's the whole point. If you're pushed to the pissed point, you
*must* think that they're doing something important. No one would
piss the public off for no good reason, right? The laughter they got
last weekend did wake a few up though. I say, keep it up until they
actually *do* something.
"LDosser" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>>
>
> How did you get the package open?
IIRC they are held to the package with twist wire ties or zip ties.
On Dec 31, 10:57=A0am, "Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote:
> > /soapbox off -- had a very unsatisfying day with Maytag and a brand
> > spanking
> > new (less than 1 day) dishwasher that only worked when the
> > installers put
> > it
> > in.
>
> =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
> Question?
>
> Wasn't the Maytag Corp recently sold?
>
> Think the Chinese expressed an interest.
>
> Lew
That Maytag name has been whored around for quite a few years now.
Like those $ 89.00 off-shore stainless undermount sinks with a Blanco
stamp which are fetching $ 300.00+ at Home Despot.
I don't get how a company like Blanco lets that happen. They make a
fantastic line of sinks, then they allow HD to screw them around like
this.
I, little ol' me, buy a 12-pack of those sinks for under 100.00 CAN$
each. They're a good enough quality to throw them in to make a deal
happen. They are the SAME sinks 'cept mine don't have the Blanco
stamp.
Maytag had GSW make a line of laundry machines, I think they were
called Maytag Performa. A whole lotta plastic in the drive trains.
Stamped tin motor mounts, just awful.
So many brand names used to mean something. Before lawyers and
accountants dressed up in leather chaps, Harley Davidson used to mean
something too.
Don't get me started.
"Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> Snip
>
>> When driving home I kept thinking that this could not get more unreal. I
>> got into the garage and got out the padlock. I tried to open it, no
>> luck. I tried to cut it open with a utility knife. Not only was I
>> unsuccessful, but almost cut an artery. Way too dangerous.
>>
>> I concluded that he only safe tool to use on this hard plastic lock
>> display was diagonol cutters. It took several cuts and finally a sharp
>> piece of plastic shot off the cutters and almost hit me in the eye! I
>> didn't realize that you had to wear safety glasses to break into a
>> padlock package!
>
>
> FIY there is a tool designed to open the welded plastic product
> containers. The tool typically has orange handles and they are similar to
> offset tin snips. I got mine at HD for about $10.
>
How did you get the package open?
Lee Michaels wrote:
> I concluded that he only safe tool to use on this hard plastic lock display
> was diagonol cutters. It took several cuts and finally a sharp piece of
> plastic shot off the cutters and almost hit me in the eye! I didn't realize
> that you had to wear safety glasses to break into a padlock package!
I've found that my band saw is an effective opener for that kind of
packaging...
--
Morris Dovey
DeSoto Solar
DeSoto, Iowa USA
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/
On 12/29/09 11:42 AM, Robatoy wrote:
> polar opposite to Fox News. (The only difference
> being that...doesn't fabricate their news)
>
You misspelled New York Times.
--
-MIKE-
"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com
[email protected]
---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply
"Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Mike Marlow" wrote
>>
>> The problem with that is that the checkout points are all monitored by
>> video camera, and a quick review of the transaction process would almost
>> assuredly have indicated some pretty serious exaggeration on Lee's part.
>>
> What a classic, clueless response.
>
> I have no doubt that part of the problem is that I have a hearing loss. I
> have been treated badly my whole life because of that and as I get older
> my hearing gets worse. I don't have any problem figuring out when I am
> being treated badly. You are just like all those assholes I have met who
> think that I am faking it. Like if I try hard enough, I can suddenly hear
> or something. And Home Depot depending on vocal instructions presupposes
> that everybody has perfect hearing. And the liittle places where the
> money comes out are totally camaflagued. I couldn't see them. (My vision
> is not so hot either)
Snip......
As a side note...my wife gets irritated at me when I make the gals/guys
manning the outside ordering points at fast food joints, repeat what they
said and do so by speaking as I would expect them to speak. She says I
sound as if I'm retarded. So be it, but we all don't have her hearing. I
swear she sits in front of the TV with the volume all the way down just to
drive me nuts. Was talking with a fellow employee one time and when she was
done speaking for the first time, I asked her if she had ever worked at
McDonald's. Her answer "Why yes, how did you know".
And it ain't gettin' any better!
Tom G.
"Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Matt" wrote
>>
>> What kind of tool is needed to open the package the package opening tool
>> comes in?
>>
> Exactly.
>
> I got a gift card and decided to get another pair of diagonal cutters. It
> is tool I need from time to time and they vanish from the earth around
> here for some reason. I have one pair near my workbench. I buy this new
> cutter, in bright neon colors so I can SEE it, and get it home. And what
> do you know, I needed the other diagonal cutters to cut the new pair of of
> its package.
>
> I assume when buying this new package opening tool, you have to take your
> life in your hands to open this safety device.
>
> Ironic, eh?
I think this new packaging is to dimwitted shoplifters what Squirrel-proof
birdfeeders are to Squirrels. I doubt that it works any better against the
shoplifters than the birdfeeders do against the Squirrels.
Tom G.
>
>
On 12/29/2009 7:39 PM, Swingman wrote:
> On 12/29/2009 7:21 PM, Tom G wrote:
>
>> I think this new packaging is to dimwitted shoplifters what
>> Squirrel-proof
>> birdfeeders are to Squirrels. I doubt that it works any better against
>> the
>> shoplifters than the birdfeeders do against the Squirrels.
>
> Yabbut, not this squirrel!
>
> http://img.fark.net/images/squirrel.jpg
>
> ;)
LOL!
--
See Nad. See Nad go. Go Nad!
To reply, eat the taco.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbqboyee/
On 12/29/2009 8:27 PM, CW wrote:
>
> "HeyBub" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Heh! I couldn't find something so I activated the "Call button" on a
>> pole which promised, when aroused, would summon help straightaway.
>> Sure enough, in a twinkling an apron-clad employee appeared. He turned
>> off the alarm. He went away.
>>
>> WTF?
>>
>> I followed him and inquired if simply disabling the Call Button was
>> the appropriate response. He allowed as how store rules required these
>> things to be answered within as short a time as possible. He answered
>> the call, what's the problem?
>>
>> I explained that this was not some psychology department experiment
>> involving lights, switches, and rats but there was a PURPOSE behind
>> the call button.
>>
> Yes, there is a purpose behind the call button. It is his responsibility
> to show up, turn the alarm off and help the person that sounded the
> alarm. Since you seemed to not feel the need to let him know that you
> are the one requesting help, he left. What did you expect? What was he
> supposed to do? Was he supposed to, rather than returning to other
> business, pole the store patrons to find out who hit the alarm.
Please tell me you aren't serious with this ridiculous bit of "logic"...
--
See Nad. See Nad go. Go Nad!
To reply, eat the taco.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbqboyee/
On 12/30/2009 12:30 AM, Mark & Juanita wrote:
> wrote:
>
>>
>> "Tom G"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>>
>>>
>>> As a side note...my wife gets irritated at me when I make the gals/guys
>>> manning the outside ordering points at fast food joints, repeat what they
>>> said and do so by speaking as I would expect them to speak. She says I
>>> sound as if I'm retarded. So be it, but we all don't have her hearing.
>>> I swear she sits in front of the TV with the volume all the way down just
>>> to
>>> drive me nuts. Was talking with a fellow employee one time and when she
>>> was done speaking for the first time, I asked her if she had ever worked
>>> at McDonald's. Her answer "Why yes, how did you know".
>>>
>>
>> It's not all you. Very few people know how to properly speak into a
>> microphone. Biggest problem though is that there seems to be some
>> unwritten rule that says PA systems in fast food joints and airports have
>> to reproduce sound as poorly as possible.
>
> Back in the late 70's / early 80's there was a bit with an exasperated
> patron at a fast food PA system:
> <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YId_ArKyoYs>
>
>
> "... and a large orange drink".
I like this one too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvvjRb2L0bY
--
Any given amount of traffic flow, no matter how
sparse, will expand to fill all available lanes.
To reply, eat the taco.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbqboyee/
In article <[email protected]>, "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>There is a Sears appliance outlet center not far from me. Do you know
>anything about the outlet appliances. I know they are good prices there. I
>assume that the quality would be the same as the other appliances, right?
>Any way, I thought I would ask. Maybe you heard something.
>
We also have a Sears appliance outlet nearby. The appliances sold there are
identical to the models sold in the retail stores, except that most of them
have varying degrees of cosmetic damage. Presumably it's the same at all Sears
appliance outlets.
On 12/31/2009 3:51 PM, HeyBub wrote:
> Leon wrote:
>> And your first indicator that you are talking to some one in India is
>> that they sound courteous, anxious to help, and have a name like Bob
>> or Mary. That does not actually mean that you will be satisfied with
>> the experience.
>> It's when you drive up and get Waz'up, do you want bla bla bla with
>> cheese and their name ends up being Washieka or Snoop that you know
>> that you are getting American. And that does not actually mean that
>> you will be satisfied with the experience either.
>
> Some help you don't want. I ran into an order-taker named Clamidia. Honest.
I don't suppose it's possible you misheard the name "Claudia"...
--
See Nad. See Nad go. Go Nad!
To reply, eat the taco.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbqboyee/
On Wed, 30 Dec 2009 09:24:09 -0600, the infamous Steve Turner
<[email protected]> scrawled the following:
>On 12/30/2009 12:30 AM, Mark & Juanita wrote:
>> wrote:
>
>> Back in the late 70's / early 80's there was a bit with an exasperated
>> patron at a fast food PA system:
>> <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YId_ArKyoYs>
>>
>>
>> "... and a large orange drink".
>
>I like this one too:
>
>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvvjRb2L0bY
Can we ever forget the original Wreck conversation, live from Nueva
Jork, Asia? Tendjewberrymud and Jewelcome. http://fwd4.me/9rm
--
It's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars.
-- Garrison Keillor
Mark & Juanita wrote:
>
> Karl, you are a perfect person to ask. If one of your customers
> encountered a problem with something not working in one of the houses
> you built, would you consider a 1 week turnaround to come look at it
> as an acceptable response time? I'm trying to calibrate myself to
> whether I'm just an impatient person or not.
I'm curious as to what item you are referring to.
Answering as a consumer, not a builder:
In the case of appliances, I'd call the manufacturer or his dealer or
authorized service center, not the builder.
If a door was not working properly, I'd call the builder.
Refrigerator or heater, I'd expect same day or next day service. Dishwasher
or non critical appliance, 3 to 5 days. Other problems, such as the door
sticking or window not going up, a week would be acceptable. Same with one
toilet in a four bathroom house, but if it is the only toilet, get here
NOW!.
If I was having a house built, I'd be choosing the appliances anyway, not
the builder. I can assure you 99% of builders would not choose what I'd
want installed.
"Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> We all have had less than satisfactory products and services from a big
> box store. What happened last night was not particularly bad as much as it
> was surreal. Ya know, strange, weird, etc.
>
SNIP.
>
> <end of rant>
>
> You friendly neighborhood curmudgeon,
> Lee
>
>
>We have an Ace hardware and a Home Depot in our small town. Local people
>staffing both. All are friendly and well versed in what they sell. Both
>take return's back with no hassle. I guess we are blessed better than the
>large cities. WW
On Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:04:38 -0600, -MIKE- <[email protected]>
wrote:
>On 12/29/09 11:42 AM, Robatoy wrote:
>> polar opposite to Fox News. (The only difference
>> being that...doesn't fabricate their news)
>>
>
>You misspelled New York Times.
CBS. NBC....
On Tue, 29 Dec 2009 03:06:11 -0600, the infamous Morris Dovey
<[email protected]> scrawled the following:
>Lee Michaels wrote:
>
>> I concluded that he only safe tool to use on this hard plastic lock display
>> was diagonol cutters. It took several cuts and finally a sharp piece of
>> plastic shot off the cutters and almost hit me in the eye! I didn't realize
>> that you had to wear safety glasses to break into a padlock package!
>
>I've found that my band saw is an effective opener for that kind of
>packaging...
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz...Oops, that was one of the
handles. Damn.
--
It's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars.
-- Garrison Keillor
On Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:42:23 -0800 (PST), the infamous Robatoy
<[email protected]> scrawled the following:
>On Dec 29, 11:08 am, Larry Jaques <novalidaddress@di\/ersify.com>
>wrote:
>> On Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:09:06 -0800, the infamous "Lew Hodgett"
>> <[email protected]> scrawled the following:
>>
>>
>>
>> >"Matt" wrote:
>>
>> >> What kind of tool is needed to open the package the package opening
>> >> tool comes in?
>>
>> >> I find the packaging that has evolved today is often bizzarre some
>> >> is as described - tough plasic that is hard to open, while others
>> >> are cardboard packaging that are sealed with a security type tape.
>>
>> >Whatever happened to your basic avaition snips?
>>
>> I picked up another bundle of 3 when they were on sale for $10 earlier
>> this year. I couldn't find my righties. I keep the straights in the
>> truck.
>>
>> >Take your choice, left, right, center.
>>
>> >No wait, that's an NPR program.
>>
>> Har! There's nothing but Left on NPR, sir.
>>
>
>NPR seems to be the polar opposite to Fox News. (The only difference
>being that NPR doesn't fabricate their news)
>
>No siree... I stay firmly in the middle with my news sources. Fark.com
I'm an www.onion.com man, myself.
--
It's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars.
-- Garrison Keillor
"HeyBub" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Tom G wrote:
>> "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>>
>>> "Mike Marlow" wrote
>>>>
>>>> The problem with that is that the checkout points are all monitored
>>>> by video camera, and a quick review of the transaction process
>>>> would almost assuredly have indicated some pretty serious
>>>> exaggeration on Lee's part.
>>> What a classic, clueless response.
>>>
>>> I have no doubt that part of the problem is that I have a hearing
>>> loss. I have been treated badly my whole life because of that and
>>> as I get older my hearing gets worse. I don't have any problem
>>> figuring out when I am being treated badly. You are just like all
>>> those assholes I have met who think that I am faking it. Like if I
>>> try hard enough, I can suddenly hear or something. And Home Depot
>>> depending on vocal instructions presupposes that everybody has
>>> perfect hearing. And the liittle places where the money comes out
>>> are totally camaflagued. I couldn't see them. (My vision is not so
>>> hot either)
>> Snip......
>>
>> As a side note...my wife gets irritated at me when I make the
>> gals/guys manning the outside ordering points at fast food joints,
>> repeat what they said and do so by speaking as I would expect them to
>> speak. She says I sound as if I'm retarded. So be it, but we all
>> don't have her hearing. I swear she sits in front of the TV with the
>> volume all the way down just to drive me nuts. Was talking with a
>> fellow employee one time and when she was done speaking for the first
>> time, I asked her if she had ever worked at McDonald's. Her answer
>> "Why yes, how did you know".
>> And it ain't gettin' any better!
>>
>
> Sure it is! Do you realize that the order-taker on the other end of the
> speaker may very well be in INDIA?
>
> Here's an article on a McDonald's call center in California, but the call
> center could just as easily be in Bangladesh.
>
> http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/11/technology/11fast.html?ex=1302408000&en=fba08e17788e24c9&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss
And your first indicator that you are talking to some one in India is that
they sound courteous, anxious to help, and have a name like Bob or Mary.
That does not actually mean that you will be satisfied with the experience.
It's when you drive up and get Waz'up, do you want bla bla bla with cheese
and their name ends up being Washieka or Snoop that you know that you are
getting American. And that does not actually mean that you will be
satisfied with the experience either.
On Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:47:08 -0800 (PST), the infamous Robatoy
<[email protected]> scrawled the following:
>On Dec 31, 11:22 am, Swingman <[email protected]> wrote:
>> On 12/31/2009 10:17 AM, Robatoy wrote:
>>
>> > So many brand names used to mean something. Before lawyers and
>> > accountants dressed up in leather chaps, Harley Davidson used to mean
>> > something too.
>> > Don't get me started.
>>
>> Me neither ... and there has been no "decline" in my country? .. Yeah,
>> right!
>
>Pardon mon francais, but it's them fucquing bonus-driven MBA's and
>their legal blow-buddies.
Hey, here's what REALLY happened this year:
Dave Barry's year in review: 2009
By Dave Barry
It was a year of Hope -- at first in the sense of "I feel hopeful!''
and
later in the sense of "I hope this year ends soon!''
It was also a year of Change, especially in Washington, where the
tired
old hacks of yesteryear finally yielded the reins of power to a group
of
fresh, young, idealistic, new-idea outsiders such as Nancy Pelosi. As
a
result Washington, rejecting ``business as usual,'' finally stopped
trying to solve every problem by throwing billions of taxpayer dollars
at it and instead started trying to solve every problem by throwing
/trillions/ of taxpayer dollars at it.
To be sure, it was a year that saw plenty of bad news. But in almost
every instance, there was offsetting good news:
*BAD NEWS*: The economy remained critically weak, with rising
unemployment, a severely depressed real-estate market, the
near-collapse
of the domestic automobile industry and the steep decline of the
dollar.
*GOOD NEWS:* Windows 7 sucked less than Vista.
*BAD NEWS:* The downward spiral of the newspaper industry continued,
resulting in the firings of thousands of experienced reporters and an
apparently permanent deterioration in the quality of American
journalism.
*GOOD NEWS:* A lot more people were tweeting.
*BAD NEWS:* Ominous problems loomed abroad as -- among other
difficulties -- the Afghanistan war went sour, and Iran threatened to
plunge the Middle East and beyond into nuclear war.
*GOOD NEWS:* They finally got Roman Polanski.
In short, it was a year that we will be happy to put behind us. But
before we do, let's swallow our anti-nausea medication and take one
last
look back, starting with. . . .
*JANUARY*
. . . during which history is made in Washington, D.C., where a crowd
estimated by the Congressional Estimating Office at 217 billion people
gathers to watch Barack Obama be inaugurated as the first American
president ever to come after George W. Bush. There is a minor glitch
in
the ceremony when Chief Justice John Roberts, attempting to administer
the oath of office, becomes confused and instead reads the side-effect
warnings for his decongestant pills, causing the new president to
swear
that he will consult his physician if he experiences a sudden loss of
sensation in his feet. President Obama then delivers an upbeat
inaugural
address, ushering in a new era of cooperation, civility and
bipartisanship in a galaxy far, far away. Here on Earth everything
stays
much the same.
The No. 1 item on the agenda is fixing the economy, so the new
administration immediately sets about the daunting task of trying to
nominate somebody -- anybody -- to a high-level government post who
actually remembered to pay his or her taxes. Among those who forgot
this
pesky chore is Obama's nominee for Treasury secretary, Timothy
Geithner,
who sheepishly admits that he failed to pay $35,000 in federal
self-employment taxes. He says that the error was a result of his
using
TurboTax, which he also blames for his involvement in an eight-state
spree of bank robberies. He is confirmed after the Obama
administration
explains that it inherited the U.S. Tax Code from the Bush
administration.
Elsewhere in politics, a team of specially trained wildlife agents
equipped with nets and tranquilizer darts manages, after a six-hour
struggle, to remove Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office. He is
transported to an undisclosed swamp, where he is released into the
wild
and quickly bonds with the native ferret population.
On a more upbeat note, the nation finds a new hero in US Airways Capt.
Chesley Sullenberger, who, in an astonishing feat of aviation, manages
to land a US Airways flight safely in the Hudson River after it loses
power shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia. Incredibly, all 155 people
on board survive, although they are immediately taken hostage by
Somali
pirates.
In entertainment news, an unemployed California mother of six uses
in-vitro fertilization to give birth to eight more children, an
achievement that immediately catapults her to a celebrity status
equivalent to that of a minor Kardashian sister. But even this joyous
event is not enough to cheer up a nation worried about the worsening
economy, which becomes so bad in . . .
*FEBRUARY*
. . . that Congress passes, without reading it, and without actually
finishing writing it, a stimulus package totaling $787 billion. The
money is immediately turned over to American taxpayers so they can use
it to stimulate the economy.
No! What a crazy idea THAT would be! The money is to be doled out over
the next decade or so by members of Congress on projects deemed vital
by
members of Congress, such as constructing buildings that will be named
after members of Congress. This will stimulate the economy by creating
millions of jobs, according to estimates provided by the Congressional
Estimating Office's Magical Estimating 8-Ball.
Despite this heroic effort, the economy continues to stumble General
Motors, which has sold only one car in the past year -- a Buick
LaCrosse
mistakenly purchased by an 87-year-old man who thought he was buying a
power scooter -- announces a new four-part business plan, consisting
of
(1) dealership closings; (2) factory shutdowns;(3) worker layoffs; and
(4) traveling backward through time to 1955.
The stock market hits its lowest level since 1997; this is hailed as a
great investment opportunity by all the financial wizards who failed
to
let us know last year that the market was going to tank. California
goes
bankrupt and is forced to raise $800 million by pawning Angelina
Jolie.
The Obama administration's confirmation woes continue as Tom Daschle
is
forced to withdraw as nominee for secretary of Health and Human
Services
following the disclosure that he, too, failed to pay all of his
federal
taxes. He blames this oversight on the fact that his tax returns were
prepared by Treasury Secretary Geithner.
The Academy Awards are a triumph for /Slumdog Millionaire/, which wins
eight Oscars, only to have them stolen by Somali pirates.
In sports, the Pittsburgh Steelers win the Super Bowl, defeating some
team in a game that we have all completely forgotten. Michael Phelps
is
suspended from competitive swimming following publication of a
photograph clearly showing that he has gills. Baseball star Alex
Rodriguez admits that from 2001 through 2003 he used steroids, which
he
claims he got from Treasury Secretary Geithner.
And speaking of shocking disclosures, in . . ..
*MARCH*
. . . an angry nation learns that the giant insurance company AIG,
which
received $170 billion in taxpayer bailouts and posted a $61 billion
loss, is paying executive bonuses totaling hundreds of millions of
dollars. This news shocks and outrages President Obama and members of
Congress, who happen to be the very people who passed the legislation
that authorized both the bailouts and the bonuses, but of course they
did that during a crisis and thus had no time to find out what the
hell
they were voting for.
To correct this situation, some congresspersons propose a 90 percent
tax
on the bonuses, followed by beheadings, followed by the passage of
tough
new financial legislation that nobody in Congress will read or
understand.
In other economic news, the CEO of GM resigns under pressure from the
White House, which notes that it inherited the automobile crisis from
the Bush administration. GM is now essentially a subsidiary of the
federal government, which promises to use its legendary business and
marketing savvy to get the crippled auto giant back on its feet,
starting with an exciting new lineup of cars such as the Chevrolet
Consensus, a ``green'' car featuring a compressed-soybean chassis, the
world's first engine powered entirely by dew, and a 14,500-page
owner's
manual, accompanied by nearly 6,000 pages of amendments.
Businessman Bernard Madoff pleads guilty to bilking investors out of
$65
billion in a Ponzi scheme, forcing the Obama administration to
withdraw
his nomination for secretary of commerce.
The annual observance of Earth Hour is observed with one hour of
symbolic energy conservation as hundreds of millions of non-essential
lights and appliances are turned off. And that's just in Al Gore's
house.
In sports and entertainment news, former NFL great Lawrence Taylor,
appearing on /Dancing With the Stars/, accidentally rips off his
partner's arms during the cha-cha competition. The judges award Taylor
453 points out of a possible 30, citing his ``energy'' and
``proximity.''
Abroad, North Korea, in what many observers view as a deliberate act
of
provocation, calls Domino's and, posing as the United States, orders
23
million pizzas delivered to Japan.
International problems continue to dominate in . . .
*APRIL*
. . . as leaders of the world's powers, looking for a way out of the
worsening world economic crisis, gather in London for the G-20 summit,
which ends abruptly in a violent argument over the bill for the
welcoming dinner. A short while later, in what many economists see as
a
troubling development, the International Monetary Fund moves into a
refrigerator carton.
In other international bad news, North Korea launches a test missile
that experts say is capable of hitting Hawaii, based on the fact that
it
actually hits Hawaii. The United States swiftly pledges to issue a
strongly worded condemnation containing ``even stronger words than
last
time.''
On the domestic front, the struggling Chrysler Corp. declares
bankruptcy, but its CEO confidently predicts that the company will
come
back ``bigger, better and stronger than ever'' thanks to its 2010
product line, spearheaded by the all-new Dodge Despair.
The big health story in April is the rapid spread of swine flu, a
dangerous new virus strain developed by the makers of Purell. Public
anxiety over the flu increases when Vice President Joe Biden,
demonstrating his gift for emitting statements, declares on the /Today
/show that he would not recommend traveling by commercial airplane or
subway. A short while later, White House spokesperson Robert Gibbs
assures reporters that he is ``not aware of any `Vice President Joe
Biden.' ''
In another embarrassment for the White House, New York is temporarily
thrown into a panic when Air Force One flies low over Manhattan for a
publicity photo shoot. Responding to widespread criticism, Gibbs notes
that President Obama inherited Air Force One from the Bush
administration.
On a more positive note, an American ship captain is dramatically
rescued from Somali pirates by a team of Navy SEAL sharpshooters, who
are immediately hired by /Dancing With the Stars/ to assist with the
judging of Lawrence Taylor.
Speaking of drama, in . . .
*MAY*
. . . the finale of /American Idol/ produces a shocking outcome that
sends shock waves of shock reverberating around the planet when the
winner turns out to be -- incredibly -- that guy singer, whatshisname,
despite the fact that the overwhelming favorite was that OTHER guy
singer. Congress vows to hold hearings after reports surface that, of
the nearly 100 million votes, 73 million were phoned in by ACORN.
But the big political drama takes place in Washington, where David
Souter announces that he is retiring from the Supreme Court because he
is tired of getting noogies from Chief Justice Roberts. To replace
Souter, President Obama nominates Sonia Sotomayor, setting off the
traditional Washington performance of Konfirmation Kabuki, in which
the
Democrats portray the nominee as basically a cross between Abraham
Lincoln and the Virgin Mary, and the Republicans portray her more as
Ursula the Sea Witch with a law degree. Sotomayor will eventually be
confirmed, but only after undergoing the traditional Senate Judiciary
Committee hazing ritual, during which she must talk for four straight
days without expressing an opinion.
In crippled U.S. auto giant news, General Motors announces a new
business plan under which it will fire everybody but Howie Long, who
will continue to make what GM calls ``some of the most popular
commercials on the market.'' Meanwhile Chrysler, looking to the
future,
invests $114 million in an Amway distributorship.
On the international-tension front, a meeting of the United Nations
Security Council to discuss possible sanctions against North Korea is
forced to adjourn hastily when the council chamber is penetrated by a
missile.
In sports, Helio Castroneves wins the Indianapolis 500, although his
victory is somewhat tainted by the fact that all 32 of the other cars
were hijacked by Somali pirates. Major League Baseball suspends Dodger
slugger Manny Ramirez for 50 games after his urine sample explodes.
But all of these stories suddenly seem unimportant in . . ..
*JUNE*
. . . when pop superstar Michael Jackson dies, setting off an orgy of
frowny-face TV-newsperson fake somberness the likes of which has not
been seen since the Princess Diana Grief-a-Palooza. At one point
experts
estimate that the major networks are using the word the word ``icon''
a
combined total of 850 times per hour. Larry King devotes several weeks
to in-depth coverage of this story, during which he conducts what is
believed to be the first-ever in-casket interview; this triumph is
marred only slightly by the fact that the venerable TV personality
apparently believes he is talking to Bette Midler.
On the economic front, California is caught on videotape attempting to
shoplift 17,000 taxpayers from Nevada. General Motors files for
bankruptcy and announces a new sales strategy under which it will go
around at night leaving cars in people's driveways, then sprinting
away.
In political news, the Minnesota Supreme Court, clearly exhausted by
months of legal wrangling, declares Al Franken the winner of /American
Idol/. Meanwhile the governor of South Carolina, Mark Sanford, goes
missing for six days; his spokesperson tells the press that the
governor
is ``hiking the Appalachian trail,'' which turns out to be a slang
term
meaning ``engaging in acts of an explicitly non-gubernatorial nature
with a woman in Argentina.'' The state legislature ultimately
considers
impeaching Sanford, but changes its mind upon discovering that the
lieutenant governor, who got into office through some slick legal
maneuvering when nobody was paying attention, is Eliot Spitzer.
Political news continues to dominate in . . .
*JULY*
. . . when Sarah Palin unexpectedly announces that she will not
complete
her term as elected governor of Alaska, explaining, in a prepared
statement, that she has a hair appointment. Asked by reporters if she
plans to seek the Republican presidential nomination, she replies,
``You
leave my personal life out of this.'' Elsewhere in state politics, the
FBI arrests pretty much every elected official in New Jersey on
suspicion of being New Jersey elected officials.
On Independence Day the nation takes a welcome break from its worries
to
celebrate in traditional fashion with barbecues, parades and -- as
night
falls -- spectacular aerial North Korean missile detonations.
In government news, top Washington thinkers, looking for a way to
goose
the economy along, come up with the ``Cash for Clunkers'' program,
under
which the federal government provides a financial inducement for
people
to take functional cars, which are mostly American-made, to car
dealers,
who deliberately destroy these cars and sell the people new
replacement
cars, which are mostly foreign-made. This program, which was budgeted
for $1 billion, ends up costing $3 billion and is halted after a
month.
The administration declares that it has been a huge success, which
everybody understands to mean that it will never, ever be repeated.
With
this mission accomplished, the top Washington thinkers are free to
train
all of their brainpower on the nation's health-care system.
President Obama becomes embroiled in controversy when, commenting on
the
arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. by Cambridge Police
Sgt. James Crowley, he states that the police ``acted stupidly.'' This
comment angers many in the law-enforcement community, as the president
discovers the next day when his motorcade is cited for more than 3,000
moving violations. To resolve the situation, the president invites
both
Gates and Crowley to the White House for a ``beer summit,'' which is
described later by White House spokesperson Gibbs as ``very amicable''
except for some ``minor tasering.''
Speaking of conflict, in . . .
*AUGUST*
. . . President Obama, in the first serious test of his presidency,
announces that he will send U.S. troops to rescue Democratic members
of
Congress pinned down in town hall meetings by constituents firing
hostile questions concerning the administration's health-care plan,
which turns out not to be wildly popular outside of the immediate
Capitol Hill area. The president dismisses concerns that his
health-care
agenda is in trouble, observing that ``there's something about August
going into September where everybody in Washington gets all wee-weed
up.'' White House spokesperson Gibbs explains that the ``vast
majority''
of the wee-wee was inherited from the Bush administration.
In foreign affairs, former president Bill Clinton goes to North Korea
to
secure the release of two detained American journalists who purely by
coincidence happen to be women. Fidel Castro, after nearly a year out
of
the public eye, appears on the popular Cuban television show /Bailando
con Cadáveres/ (``Dancing With Corpses'').
California, in a move apparently intended to evade creditors, has its
name legally changed to ``South Oregon.''
In an alarming technological development, hackers shut down Twitter,
leaving a desperate and suddenly vulnerable America with no way to
find
out what the Kardashian sisters are having for lunch. The Federal
Emergency Management Agency urges the nation to ``remain calm'' and
``use Facebook if you can.'' Twitter service is eventually restored,
but
most of the estimated 875 million thoughts that went untweeted during
the outage will never be recovered, making it the nation's worst
social-networking disaster ever.
Speaking of disruptions,in . . .
*SEPTEMBER*
. . . President Obama, speaking on health care before a joint session
of
Congress, is rudely interrupted by Kanye West, who grabs the
microphone
and declares that Beyoncé has a better health-care plan. No, wait,
sorry: The president is rudely interrupted by Republican
congressperson
Joe Wilson, who shouts ``You lie!'' Wilson later apologizes for his
breach of congressional etiquette, saying, ``I should have just mooned
him.''
With public support for the administration's health-care plan
continuing
to slip, the president orders U.S. troops into Fox News, then goes on
a
media blitz, appearing, in a three-day span, on /Meet the Press/,
/Face
the Nation/, /Meet the Nation/, /Face the Press/, /Press Your Face
Against the Nation/, Letterman, Leno, Judge Judy, Iron Chef and /Dog
the
Bounty Hunter/. The president also delivers a back-to-school speech to
the nation's students, telling them to work hard and get a good
education. Fortunately, thanks to the vigilance of the talk-radio
community, many parents realize that this is some kind of secret
socialist code message and are able to prevent their children from
being
exposed to it.
In international news, Iran shocks the world by revealing the
existence
of a previously secret uranium enrichment facility.. Iranian President
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad insists that the uranium will be used only for
``parties.'' United Nations nuclear inspectors note, however, that
``Mahmoud Ahmadinejad'' can be rearranged to spell ``Had Jammed a
Humanoid'' and ``Hounded a Jihad Mamma.''
On the international-finance front, leaders of the world's economic
powers gather for the G-20 summit meeting in Pittsburgh, where, in a
rare display of unity, they vote unanimously to fire whoever is
responsible for selecting their meeting sites.
Speaking of questionable site selection, in . . .
*OCTOBER*
. . . the International Olympic Committee meets in Copenhagen to
choose
whether Chicago, Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo or Madrid will host the 2016
summer games. Chicago is considered a strong candidate, but despite
personal appeals for the city from President Obama, First Lady
Michelle
Obama, Mayor Richard Daley, Oprah Winfrey and the late Al Capone, the
committee -- in an unexpected decision -- votes to hold the games in
Pyongyang, North Korea. The head of the IOC insists that the decision
was ``made freely and without coercion,'' adding, ``for the love of
God
please abort the launch.''
On a happier note for the White House, President Obama wins the Nobel
Peace Prize, narrowly edging out Beyoncé.
In the Middle East, hopes for peace soar when Iran announces that it
will allow U.N. inspectors to visit its nuclear-enrichment facility.
Hopes plunge soon after when the inspectors report that they were
taken
to what appears to be a hastily abandoned kebab stand with a
hand-painted sign that says ``NUCLEAR ENRICHMENT,'' as well as what
the
inspectors describe as ``numerous health-code violations.''
In Afghanistan, U.N. investigators raise questions about the recent
national election, noting that a third of the votes cast for President
Hamid Karzai came from Palm Beach County.
On the celebrity front, a remorseful David Letterman confesses to his
stunned audience that he has been hiking the Appalachian Trail with
female staff members.
But the big story in October, the story that grips the nation the way
a
dog grips a rancid squirrel, is the mesmerizing drama of a silver
balloon racing through the blue skies above central Colorado,
desperately pursued by police, aviation and rescue personnel who have
been led to believe that the balloon contains O.J. Simpson.
No, that would have been great, but the authorities in fact have been
led to believe that the balloon contains 6-year-old Falcon Heene, the
son of exactly the kind of parents you would expect to name a child
``Falcon.'' It quickly becomes clear that the boy is not in the
balloon,
and the whole thing is a hoax perpetrated by attention-seeking
reality-show-wannabe idiots.. In other words, nothing really happened,
so naturally the media go into a weeklong Category 5 frenzy so
intensive
that Larry King is forced to temporarily interrupt his ongoing
postmortem coverage of the Michael Jackson funeral.
Speaking of attention-seeking reality-show-wannabe idiots,in . . .
*NOVEMBER*
. . . a Washington couple, Tareq and Michaele Salahi, penetrate heavy
security and enter the White House, a feat that Joe Biden has yet to
manage. As details of the incident emerge, an embarrassed Secret
Service
is forced to admit that not only did the couple crash a state dinner,
but they also met and shook hands with the president, and they ``may
have served briefly in the cabinet.''
In other White House news, the president, in a much-debated
post-Thanksgiving decision, announces that he is sending U.S.. troops
into the electronics departments of 1,400 Best Buy stores to prevent
Black Friday shoppers from killing each other over flat-screen TVs.
Hours later the president withdraws the troops, calling the situation
``hopeless.'' Press Secretary Gibbs notes that the president inherited
Black Friday from the Bush administration.
Attorney General Eric Holder announces that, to maintain the principle
of due legal process, alleged Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh
Mohammed
will be tried in federal court in New York City, but as a precaution,
``he will be executed first.''
In sports, the New York Yankees, after an eight-year drought, purchase
the World Series. But the month's big sports story involves Tiger
Woods,
who, plagued by tabloid reports that he has been hiking the
Appalachian
trail with a nightclub hostess, is injured in a bizarre late-night
incident near his Florida home when his SUV is attacked by
golf-club-wielding Somali pirates.
In science news:
â?¢ The Large Hadron Collider is restarted after a 14-month delay
caused
by squirrels stealing the particles.
â?¢ Elated NASA scientists announce that they have discovered ice on
the
moon, although their excitement fades when they calculate that getting
it back to Earth will cost $185 million per cube.
â?¢ Researchers from MIT and Harvard announce that they have sequenced
the genome of a horse. They are arrested when police discover that
``sequencing the genome'' is the scientific slang equivalent of
``hiking
the Appalachian trail.''
In a troubling economic development, the U.S. dollar, for the first
time
in history, falls below the lentil.
Speaking of troubling, in . . .
*DECEMBER*
. . . President Obama, after weeks of pondering what to do about the
pesky war situation he inherited, announces a decision -- widely
viewed
as a compromise -- in which he will send 30,000 additional troops to
Afghanistan, but will name their mission ``Operation Gentle
Butterfly.''
On the economic front, the nation's unemployment rate remains
stubbornly
high as it becomes clear that the $787 billion stimulus package has
created a total of only eight jobs, all in the field of
highway-construction flagperson. Looking for solutions, the president
hosts a White House ``jobs summit'' attended by political, business
and
labor leaders, as well as 23 Portuguese tourists who got lost while
trying to visit the Washington Monument and somehow penetrated White
House security. Meanwhile, in what is believed to be the largest
Craigslist transaction ever, California sells San Diego to Mexico.
On the environmental front, Copenhagen hosts a massive international
conference aimed at halting manmade global warming, attended by
thousands of delegates who flew to Denmark on magical carbon-free
unicorns.
In the Middle East, U.N. nuclear inspectors become suspicious when
Iran
attempts to ship to Israel, via UPS, a large crate labeled ``HARMLESS
ITEMS -- DELIVER BEFORE TIMER REACHES 00:00.''
There are other troubling year-end developments:
â?¢ In a setback for U.S. interests in Central America, voters in
Honduras elect, as their new president, Rod Blagojevich.
â?¢ The International Space Station is taken over by Somali pirates.
â?¢ In sports, roughly 40 percent of the U.S. bimbo population
announces
that it has at one time or another hiked the Appalachian Trail with
Tiger Woods.
Also, as the year draws to a close, the Centers for Disease Control
releases an urgent bulletin warning of a new, fast-spreading epidemic
consisting of severe, and in some cases life-threatening, arm
infections
caused by ``people constantly sneezing into their elbow pits.''
But despite all the gloomy news, the holiday season brings at least
temporary relief to a troubled nation -- especially the children,
millions of whom go to sleep on Christmas Eve with visions of Santa in
his reindeer-powered sleigh flying high overhead, spreading joy around
the world.
With a North Korean missile flying right behind.
Try not to think about it. And happy New Year.
© 2009 Dave Barry.. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.miamiherald.com
--
Sex is Evil, Evil is Sin, Sin is Forgiven.
Gee, ain't religion GREAT?
On Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:30:40 -0800, the infamous "Lew Hodgett"
<[email protected]> scrawled the following:
>"Larry Jaques" wrote:
>
>> What "crap doesn't work", Lew?
>
>If you don't like the message, attack the messenger, comes to mind.
Hmm, I don't believe that I was, but...whatever.
--
It's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars.
-- Garrison Keillor
Swingman wrote:
> On 12/31/2009 9:21 AM, Robatoy wrote:
>
>> Year 10 for an all stainless Kitchenaid, not a single problem Washes
>> stuff clean, clean, clean.
>> Prior to that, a single-knobbed Maytag which, by best estimate, was
>> about 20 years old. Was replaced for cosmetic and acoustic reasons.
>
> I buy a lot of appliances and Kitchenaid used to be on the top of the
> list, but just the last few years I've really been disappointed in their
> construction, and the number of service calls after we sell a house
> lately.
>
> I hate having to deal with callbacks and problems, so the last seven or
> eight years been buying all our appliances for new homes from Sears,
> catch the sales the top of the line units, and maybe buy two to four of
> each appliance at a time. Sears will hold delivery/warehouse for months
> on end, delivery and install is a flat $50, and so far we've been able
> to have the warranties kick in from the day of installation, not purchase.
>
Karl, you are a perfect person to ask. If one of your customers
encountered a problem with something not working in one of the houses you
built, would you consider a 1 week turnaround to come look at it as an
acceptable response time? I'm trying to calibrate myself to whether I'm
just an impatient person or not.
> Their dual fuel Kenmore stoves have been real popular in our kitchens.
>
--
There is never a situation where having more rounds is a disadvantage
Rob Leatham
Robatoy wrote:
... snip
> So many brand names used to mean something. Before lawyers and
> accountants dressed up in leather chaps, Harley Davidson used to mean
> something too.
> Don't get me started.
To be fair, Harley has had problems for years, going back at least to the
60's (70's) when they were owned by AMF and were put on showroom floors with
drip pans to catch the leaking oil from new bikes. It didn't earn the
appellation, "Hardly Ableson" for nothing. At one point, the employees
bought out the company and rescued it. Don' know where they are now as far
as quality; they sure seem to have high price sewn up. Just not something
that interests me -- I'm more into antique tractors and that kind of thing
than motorcycle leather and bugs in my teeth.
--
There is never a situation where having more rounds is a disadvantage
Rob Leatham
What kind of tool is needed to open the package the package opening tool
comes in?
I find the packaging that has evolved today is often bizzarre some is as
described - tough plasic that is hard to open, while others are cardboard
packaging that are sealed with a security type tape.
"Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>
>> "Leon" wrote
>>>
>>> FIY there is a tool designed to open the welded plastic product
>>> containers. The tool typically has orange handles and they are similar
>>> to offset tin snips. I got mine at HD for about $10.
>>>
>>>
>> I'll check it out. Thanks for the heads up.
>
> Actually this is it..... It is pretty heavy duty. The trick is to cut
> just inside the weld on the package but it will cut just about anywhere on
> the package.
>
> http://www.enjoyzibra.com/openit/
>
>
>
>
>
>
On Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:47:48 -0600, the infamous "Leon"
<[email protected]> scrawled the following:
>
>"Larry Jaques" <novalidaddress@di\/ersify.com> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>>
>> With two sharp ends, that thing looks like an accident waiting to
>> happen. When you pick it up with the razor knife out and try to cut
>> something and then lay it down, look out!
>
>
>The blade is spring loaded, you have to hold it in the open position
>otherwise it springs back closed.
There is a lock on it and I'd be willing to bet that most people would
use it while they work if it's more than one slash they need. I'll bet
these guys get sued over it by some idiot who loses a little finger.
>If these things hurt you you have other problems. LOL
Suicidal tendencies? <g>
--
It's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars.
-- Garrison Keillor
In article <[email protected]>,
"Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote:
> I got
> into the garage and got out the padlock. I tried to open it, no luck. I
> tried to cut it open with a utility knife. Not only was I unsuccessful, but
> almost cut an artery. Way too dangerous.
>
> I concluded that he only safe tool to use on this hard plastic lock display
> was diagonol cutters. It took several cuts and finally a sharp piece of
> plastic shot off the cutters and almost hit me in the eye! I didn't realize
> that you had to wear safety glasses to break into a padlock package!
>
> Also, the key does not have a hole in the top of the key to hang it on a
> ring. Instead it has a large, long hole on the side of the key. That way the
> key hangs sideways and takes up about three times as much room in your
> pocket. It also digs into your leg.This afternoon, I am going to drill a
> regular hole in the top of the key. so it will go onto my keyring and not
> make a mess. Werid keys, bulletproof packaging, What will they think of
> next?
I feel your pain. I just did the exactly the same thing you did. I needed
a padlock and went to the local borg. Got one of those new-style Master
locks with the weird-shaped keys and the insane packaging.
I got mine open by clamping the plastic blob in a vise and whacking the
thing with a hammer. Truly amazing. I thought it was just me who was
suffering from advanced decrepitude and couldn't figure out how to open a
package from the store. Glad to know I'm not the only one.
In article <[email protected]>,
Steve <[email protected]> wrote:
> On 2009-12-29 20:21:45 -0500, "Tom G" <[email protected]> said:
>
> > I think this new packaging is to dimwitted shoplifters what
> > Squirrel-proof birdfeeders are to Squirrels. I doubt that it works any
> > better against the shoplifters than the birdfeeders do against the
> > Squirrels.
> >
> > Tom G.
>
> Having worked big box retail, I can back you up on this -- the ultimate
> indignity is that many shoplifters simply went to the "tool" aisle,
> opened a package of Stanley utilty knife blades, headed to the
> electronics dept. where the higher dollar items are of locked
> "security" pegs. One quick zip around the item to open the clamshell,
> drop the balde, and bye-bye.
>
> Kinda made you respect the guy who would load a shopping cart with a
> bunch of DVD players and dash though the doors!
Man, that's shitty. At least the guy should have enough class to bring his
own tools.
On 2009-12-29, Lew Hodgett <[email protected]> wrote:
> Whatever happened to your basic avaition snips?
>
> Take your choice, left, right, center.
>
> No wait, that's an NPR program.
LOL....
Look for "center" aviation snips in cooking section, labeled "kitchen
shears".
nb
"Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
Snip
> When driving home I kept thinking that this could not get more unreal. I
> got into the garage and got out the padlock. I tried to open it, no luck.
> I tried to cut it open with a utility knife. Not only was I unsuccessful,
> but almost cut an artery. Way too dangerous.
>
> I concluded that he only safe tool to use on this hard plastic lock
> display was diagonol cutters. It took several cuts and finally a sharp
> piece of plastic shot off the cutters and almost hit me in the eye! I
> didn't realize that you had to wear safety glasses to break into a padlock
> package!
FIY there is a tool designed to open the welded plastic product containers.
The tool typically has orange handles and they are similar to offset tin
snips. I got mine at HD for about $10.
On Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:41:19 -0600, the infamous Swingman
<[email protected]> scrawled the following:
>On 12/30/2009 8:08 AM, Larry Jaques wrote:
>> On Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:33:19 -0700, the infamous Mark& Juanita
>>> I thought squirrels kept their nuts in their cheeks?
>>>
>>> Gonna hate myself for this in the morning.
>>
>> Only if you wake up in that position. (OUCH!)
>>
>> P.S: Why do dogs lic...never mind.
>
>C-less ... damn you, Bubba! I'm already reduced to purposely using the
>cheapest monitor in the house whilst reading the wRec!
Sorry, I couldn't help myself. Don't you have keyboard condoms and
visqueen over the monitor for Usenet? They're a must!
>BTW, did you catch WeeGee's update yesterday?
No, I didn't. (scurrying off to check) Ahhh, read the PUD and I'm
happy now. He's back to "work" after 3 weeks off and is now running
stop signs internationally. Ole!
--
It's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars.
-- Garrison Keillor
On Fri, 1 Jan 2010 23:44:50 -0500, "Lee Michaels"
<leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote:
>The package would certainly challenge anybody who did not have some tools
>handly. No way you are getting into that thing without some kinda firepower,
>leverage, cutting edge, fire or something.
>
>After claims by a resident curmdgeon that I was exaggerating this
>experience, it is good to hear from a fellow master lock customer. I am
>glad I am not the only one.
>
>The lock itelf?? It is quite substantial. The key inserts kinda funny. But
>that is OK. I expect most locks to have a secret handshake. But once you
>figure that out, it works just fine. Big, solid, secure, etc, just what it
>is supposed to do. And if you are man enough to break into the package, it
>will do the job just fine.
I think you screwed up. The package is what you should be using to
secure stuff instead of the padlock.
Tim Douglass
http://www.DouglassClan.com
Definition of a teenager: God's punishment for enjoying sex.
On 12/31/2009 3:12 PM, Lee Michaels wrote:
> "Swingman" wrote
>>
>> I also have a "nuclear option" ... you simply do NOT tell SWMBO that you
>> can't do something. Since she negotiates the deals on appliances, and most
>> all the electrical and plumbing fixtures herself based on the budget I
>> give her, she establishes a relationship with from whom she buys, at the
>> top, and thus goes straight to them if there are any problems. This women
>> would get through to the Prez if she took it into mind to do so, all the
>> while with a smile on her face.
>>
>> --
> Damn! You play dirty pool. Turn the missus loose on them?? Have you no
> mercy??
>
> LOL
She is kind, courteous, and sweet personified, with a disarming smile,
but inside is a charming junkyard dog ... I've never heard her raise her
voice in 25 years, but if she wants to do something, makes no difference
if it's an impossibility by all standards, she _will_ have it.
I'm damn lucky she's on my side ... (well, most of the time).
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
Tom G wrote:
>
> "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>
>> "Matt" wrote
>>>
>>> What kind of tool is needed to open the package the package opening tool
>>> comes in?
>>>
>> Exactly.
>>
>> I got a gift card and decided to get another pair of diagonal cutters.
>> It is tool I need from time to time and they vanish from the earth around
>> here for some reason. I have one pair near my workbench. I buy this new
>> cutter, in bright neon colors so I can SEE it, and get it home. And what
>> do you know, I needed the other diagonal cutters to cut the new pair of
>> of its package.
>>
>> I assume when buying this new package opening tool, you have to take your
>> life in your hands to open this safety device.
>>
>> Ironic, eh?
>
> I think this new packaging is to dimwitted shoplifters what
> Squirrel-proof
> birdfeeders are to Squirrels. I doubt that it works any better against
> the shoplifters than the birdfeeders do against the Squirrels.
>
No, but just as TSA rules don't really do much for safety, it does serve
to piss off the paying customers.
> Tom G.
>>
>>
--
There is never a situation where having more rounds is a disadvantage
Rob Leatham
Swingman wrote:
> On 12/29/2009 7:21 PM, Tom G wrote:
>
>> I think this new packaging is to dimwitted shoplifters what
>> Squirrel-proof
>> birdfeeders are to Squirrels. I doubt that it works any better against
>> the shoplifters than the birdfeeders do against the Squirrels.
>
> Yabbut, not this squirrel!
>
> http://img.fark.net/images/squirrel.jpg
>
I thought squirrels kept their nuts in their cheeks?
Gonna hate myself for this in the morning.
--
There is never a situation where having more rounds is a disadvantage
Rob Leatham
wrote:
>
> "Tom G" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>
>>
>> As a side note...my wife gets irritated at me when I make the gals/guys
>> manning the outside ordering points at fast food joints, repeat what they
>> said and do so by speaking as I would expect them to speak. She says I
>> sound as if I'm retarded. So be it, but we all don't have her hearing.
>> I swear she sits in front of the TV with the volume all the way down just
>> to
>> drive me nuts. Was talking with a fellow employee one time and when she
>> was done speaking for the first time, I asked her if she had ever worked
>> at McDonald's. Her answer "Why yes, how did you know".
>>
>
> It's not all you. Very few people know how to properly speak into a
> microphone. Biggest problem though is that there seems to be some
> unwritten rule that says PA systems in fast food joints and airports have
> to reproduce sound as poorly as possible.
Back in the late 70's / early 80's there was a bit with an exasperated
patron at a fast food PA system:
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YId_ArKyoYs>
"... and a large orange drink".
--
There is never a situation where having more rounds is a disadvantage
Rob Leatham
At home we use kitchen scissors but good grief what next will we have
metal mesh ?
Martin
Steve wrote:
> On 2009-12-29 20:21:45 -0500, "Tom G" <[email protected]> said:
>
>> I think this new packaging is to dimwitted shoplifters what
>> Squirrel-proof birdfeeders are to Squirrels. I doubt that it works
>> any better against the shoplifters than the birdfeeders do against the
>> Squirrels.
>>
>> Tom G.
>
> Having worked big box retail, I can back you up on this -- the ultimate
> indignity is that many shoplifters simply went to the "tool" aisle,
> opened a package of Stanley utilty knife blades, headed to the
> electronics dept. where the higher dollar items are of locked "security"
> pegs. One quick zip around the item to open the clamshell, drop the
> balde, and bye-bye.
>
> Kinda made you respect the guy who would load a shopping cart with a
> bunch of DVD players and dash though the doors!
>