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2/21/2005

Black History Hoax

February, as many of you know is black history month. An extremely deserving month to say the very least. African-Americans went through so much toil and strife throughout all their years in American history that frankly they deserve half the year. But, somehow, somewhere the holiday makers went astray. Why did blacks get the shortest month of the year? Which leads me to another question, why are there so many months with 31 days, yet Feb. Is stuck for eternity with only 28 days, or maybe 29, if they are lucky. Why doesn't August step it up and hand poor February a day, I'm sure it would suffice with merely 30. Anyway, enough sidetrack, back to black history month. I know that maybe when black history month was created, there wasn't much black history to speak of because of all of the horrible past, but now, black history is very rich and needs more than just 28 days. Not only are the amount of days in the month the smallest of the year, but there are many, many distractions in the month of February that supersede the black history aspect. Right from the start, boom, Groundhog Day, big distraction, it tells us about the weather, very influential (ugh, hate that day). Then somewhere in the next few weeks, bam, Ash Wednesday, maybe not a national holiday, but still, lots of people celebrate it. Not too soon afterward, wabam, Valentines Day. How are we supposed to celebrate black history with all the roses and sunshine getting into the way. Oh, no, but that's not all, just as the dust from Valentines day settles, LOOK OUT, cuz here comes, Washington and Lincoln's birthdays, two more days of distraction. And, those are two days that of course get mentioned in the scheme of holidays, but there is still a separate day, Presidents Day. So, three of the 28 days in February are dedicated to Presidents that died in the 17 and 1800s. But I guess it all doesn't matter because the home stretch of February is an unadulterated week of non-holiday bliss for African Americans to enjoy their history. I suggest that black history month be changed to a month with at least 30 days and only 1 holiday per 10 days. Well, with that being said, I'm white and I guess it doesn't really affect me. The end.

2/18/2005

Blockbuster revisited

Well, I'm glad to see my blog has finally made some waves. I came out with the blockbuster BS way before New Jersey took some action. Here's the story. Basically, it's saying that the blockbuster no late fee's deal is misleading. I knew it, blockbuster is a bad company, hahahahaha, no, not bad, just misleading, I assumed it would become a problem, they should have come to me first before this great plan. Oh well, that's all.

2/14/2005

I'm so sorry

I would like to start off by apologizing for my lack of posting in the last week or so. I have been super busy with school and sleeping and whatnot. I realize I have been slacking, but unlike working folks, I don't have much free time, not to mention how terribly lazy I am. But there are a few things I'd like to blog about. First of all, it is Valentines Day today. A holiday, and I use that term loosely, that only creates problems and distress. What good can come of Valentines day? Honestly, think about it. You can go out and spend money on roses, which die in a week, give or take a couple of days, and just puts a sizeable dent into your wallet and has no redeeming value. Option number 2, don't get anything for your sweetie, and probably end up kicked to the curb, or possibly kicked somewhere else. Now, that is just if you have a significant other, those are your two choices, now, let's get to the lonely people on this "holiday". Those poor single people are just saddened, and not because they are single, no, most of the single people don't particularly mind the fact that they are single, but they are saddened because they have to put up with all the mush and sentiment of the people in relationships. It's just a silly day overall. I am lucky to have a girlfriend who shares the feelings on Valentines as I do, so I didn't have to worry about any kind of monetary or painful repercussions. Anyway, that is my V-day rant. And, I feel valentines day can be a good holiday if it is used correctly, don't abuse the powers, just go out with your friends or loved ones, enjoy each others company and make it a happy day, not about flowers and chocolates.

2/02/2005

The world's most famous weather rodent

Today is Groundhog Day, one of the most insignificant days of the entire year. February 2nd is just about as arbitrary as June 14th (extra credit for someone who knows what June 14th actually is). Anyhow, people in pathetic Pennsylvania think that some mangy flea infested oversized rat can predict weather trends. He is of course: "Punxsutawney Phil, seer or seers, sage of sages, prognosticator of prognosticators and weather prophet extraordinary". Now, the funny thing is that I call him flea infested, you may be thinking, I have no way of knowing if he is in fact infested with fleas, well, you are partially correct. You see, the word Punxsuatwney comes from the Indian name for the town of the sandflies. So I did my research you punks, so don't question me anymore. On to the bigger issue, weather predicting groundhogs are communists. Ok, bold, yes, but please hear me out. Every February 2nd, 35,000 "fans" descend onto the small town of Punxsutawney, PA. Why do they go? To be TOLD what they will have to experience in weather for the next 6 weeks of their lives, and why, because the sun was either in or out that day, I say its BS, and you all know it, you have been brainwashed by the liberal meida to listen to this quote/endquote Groundhog. I mean, look at the weather today, yeah, the sun is out, but heck, its the warmest day in a long time up here in Connecticut and most of the northeast. I say that Mr. Rat if dead wrong, and that people should learn to stand up to this furry forecaster. I say enough of Phils predictions, I'm on my own... I SAY NO MORE WEEKS OF WINTER, my reason for this prediction... cuz my hair was messy when i woke up this morning instead of just kinda matted.

Blockbuster "no late fees"

I would like to use this time and place to personally thank Blockbuster for their new policy of no late fees on movie or video game rentals. Now, you and anyone else can keep your copy of "How to lose a guy in Ten days" or "Juwana Mann" for that extra day that you have always wanted and needed. Blockbuster realized that 7 days with a video of that caliber was just not reasonable enough. Now, you may be thinking to yourself, why would Blockbuster do this for their customers? Well, I suppose it was because they really appreicate the business and they love their loyal consumers. They do not have profits in mind while invoking this policy on all of their many stores nationwide. Blockbuster has got it right, they are out for the greater good, just not to make the extra buck. Usually big companies like that would not be known for looking out for the little man (i.e. you and I) they are usually trying to figure out any way to squeeze out any extra penny from our pockets. Don't you worry Blockbuster will still survive somehow even with this newly found charity. Wait one second, you say there is a catch? A catch?! How can Blockbuster live with themselves, they aren't doing this to be nice, they aren't doing this to show how much they love thier customers, looking to enjoy a movie, oh no, they are out to make an extra dollar or two. How dare they! I would have never seen it coming. (Ok, so everything previous to this point was pure sarcism) Now Blockbuster is in the business of tricking their customers. These late fees have been waved, that seems all well and good, but what they don't say is, instead of a couple days of late fees, now you get charged for the full price of the movie or game you are renting if you keep it for a few days too long. Why don't their commercials inform you of this new policy? Well, I couldn't tell you, but it took some searching to determine what their actual policy was to prevent people from just keeping their products. I went to the website, clicked on about 4 or 5 links before I found the FAQ section, then I figured out what they were doing to keep their products. Well, instead of explaining the whole thing, here is their new policy from their website:

What are the full movie and game rental terms now that BLOCKBUSTER® has stopped charging late fees? A: Movie and game rentals are due back at the date and time stated on the transaction receipt. There is no additional charge if a member keeps a rental item beyond the pre-paid rental period. However, if a member chooses to keep a rental item more than a week after the end of the rental period, Blockbuster will automatically convert the rental to a sale on the eight (8th) day after the end of the rental period. Blockbuster will charge the membership account the selling price for the item in effect at the time of the rental. The selling price will be discounted by the amount of the initial rental fee paid by the member at the time of rental. If the member returns the item within 30 days of the sale date, Blockbuster will credit back to the membership account the amount previously charged to the member’s account or the member’s credit card, as applicable, for the selling price of the item, but the member will be charged a minimal restocking fee. All rental items must be returned to the proper BLOCKBUSTER® store. These rental terms are subject to change without notice at any time. Participating stores only. Additional membership rules apply for rentals. See participating BLOCKBUSTER store for details. BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster Inc. ©2005 Blockbuster Inc. All rights reserved

Wow, that says it all. So now instead of a $2.00 late fee for a few days extra, now you get charged like $49.95 for the video, but hey, you get to keep it, but who will want it after having it for that long?! It's kinda nuts, oh well, tricking your customers doesn't seem too nice, but hey, that's business. Just don't get tricked into buying these movies and games, look out for Blockbusters underhanded tricks.