Mayor Bloomberg? More like Mayor Stupidberg

Watch the brilliant deduction skills of another Tea Party hater. How stupid can you be to just assume that a terrorist act was perpetrated by HARMLESS AMERICAN CITIZENS simply because they disagree with Obamacare instead of thinking, gee, we've been fighting a war against Al-Qaeda for like 9 years now and this is the exact tactic they've been using the entire time (car bombs)! And not to mention the fact that it was parked outside the Lion King where thousands of innocent women and children were. Yeah that sounds like another one of those evil Florida grandmas just hating on the world again. Here's the link to the video... (Oh and yes I realize that I'm like a week late on this one...)

5000 Year Leap and Utah Primaries

I had to take a break from blogging there for a while due to finals and other stuff. I haven't had a whole lot of specific topics that I wanted to talk about lately either because I've kind of fallen out of the loop with some of the current issues and feel like I'm two weeks behind. Anyway, I was able to finish reading the best book on our patriotic duties and the principles our country is founded on that I have ever read. The 5000 Year Leap. I highly recommend that everyone read this book. Especially if you feel like something is wrong with what is happening in our country, whether you are conservative or liberal, and this book will help you understand why you have that unsettling feeling. Its how I felt about Bush. I wanted to trust him, but there was always that feeling that I something was wrong. And sure enough, but I woke up before it was too late to do much about it. And frankly, I still think I would have voted for him over John Kerry, but that's beside the point. The fact is that because I've read this book and gone through this awakening period, I feel like I can make much more educated decisions about how I vote and about how I define my own political beliefs.

In other news... Bob Bennett is out, Bridgewater and Lee are in. Now I've got to do my research on them to decide how I vote in the primary. Or I may decide to not vote in the Republican primary and instead vote for Matheson in the Democratic primary so we don't get some extreme liberal representing a bunch of conservatives. Sad thing is, Matheson will probably lose the primary, which means the Democrats will lose a seat because there's no way my district will vote for a Democrat that is more liberal than Matheson. That's just my opinion though, I haven't looked at the polls or anything.

Nailed my final presentation for my HP Project

I just had to come on here and gloat a little. First I'll give you some backstory. I'm in an HCI class right now (Human Computer Interfaces) and we have been doing a project for HP where we come up with an idea using sensor technology to solve an issue in the home, when then were to implement the idea into low fidelity prototypes and test these prototypes and come up with a final version to present for a concept. My team and I have been talking about our idea for a while and were not too worried about the final presentation until about a week and a half ago when we found out we needed two rounds of testing along with a final prototype, a video, a poster, and a presentation. All in a week! And on top of all this I've had three take home finals that were due today along with the presentation and an in class final this morning.

So we worked hard. We met just about everyday since last Friday until today to go over the presentation and the testing and do new interface designs and go out and test users. Since Wednesday we've been done with our testing and worked on finishing the video and poster and presentation. I was in charge of the video and the powerpoint. Anyway, we've all pretty much been hating on HP for a few weeks and eve posting death threats as our statuses on Facebook. I don't know if I've done justice to the stress level but I'll move on.

We presented today after 7 other teams. We showed our video and then presented our powerpoint to explain the solution more in depth. After about 8 minutes we had finished explaining our product and got ready for our feedback. On feedback, we've had two feedback sessions with HP throughout our process and for the most part they have been somewhat negative and critical, so we have kind of gotten used to the fact that they always want something more than they really told us and we got to a point where we stopped worrying about if they would like it or not. So to be honest I didn't care much if they liked it or not. So we got our feedback and something ensued that I did not expect at all.

"Best presentation that we've seen to date," was said more than once. There were three reps from HP and each one said that we had the best presentation so far. "You've taken our feedback and come up with a solution that sticks to your original idea but really expands it to something that addresses all the issues." "Your presentation does well of showing a broad range of ideas in a very quick and comprehensive form." When I they asked us about our experience doing the project, one of the things I mentioned was that I had never made a video before and one of the guys said seriously that I should go into radio, which I was taken a-back by. And then to top it all off, I tripped on the stairs coming off the stage and fell flat on my face.

There have been three more teams after us and while they have all gotten positive feedback and some of them are better ideas than ours, we retain the "best presentation" trophy which I am proud of because I organized it almost by myself while my team mates provided me with some of the images we used and my ID team mate did the entire look and feel of the poster and the GUI. So I feel pretty proud of myself. Here is the video I made if you want to see it :)

UPDATE: I wrote this before the end of the presentations and afterwards the HP guys chose the three best and ours was one of them. Awesome!

Best Order Confirmation EVER!

So I just bought some small zenball magnet things online because of a sweet video I saw and they were only $10 and looked like the kind of dumb little toy I would really like. Here's the video:

Anyway, so I got my confirmation email from the company thanking me for my order and promising me fast shipping etc. The usual. Then I read the following:

After a rigorous 4 step process of verifying the quality and consistancy of each and every magnet, we donned silk gloves and placed it into a sacred padded envelope made of magic and lined with Unicorn fur, sealed the envelope with an adhesive made from strands of Gypsy hair, and wrapped the whole thing in a snazzy looking faux gold leaf paper, with elm leaf inlay from Costco. Unfortunately, by the time it gets to you, all of that fancy stuff will likely have been picked clean by the greedy postal service employees. Please don't be surprised to see just a plain padded envelope.

I trust I've just made a very wise investment :)

U2 GA line treats you like a king.

I recently scored GA tickets to U2 at Rice Eccles Stadium in June and needless to say I am pretty excited. One of my friend's who is going with me pointed me to a blog post by a guy that has done U2 GA many times talking about the fun and the what-to and what-not-to's of the U2 Ga experience. Well this did nothing more than make me even more antsy to go. Anyway so in light of some of the excitement, I had a dream the other night about the concert (actually interestingly, I actually had another dream since then about the concert but it was not the main focus of the dream, I woke up realizing I was late for the concert was all).

I'm going to put down as much as I can remember about the dream. It started with the camp out. Except this campout was basically me and another friend trying to find the end of the line. There were a bunch of people around that night and we were waiting outside with a group before we realized they were all there to perform like a marching band routine or something. So we figured that out and left and entered the stadium where people were already being let in. It was a little different though. The stadium was HUGE! And like at least 70% of it was not being used for the concert. So we actually got into the stadium without showing our tickets and we joined the rush for the GA line which was off near the field. My other friends (who I am actually going to the concert with) were already inside because they had figured out where to camp so I was trying to hurry with the guy I had camped with to get in and find the other guys. So we're walking with the crowd to the GA line and we're passing like all these concession places and people just kind of hanging out and partying and suddenly my friend says, "so where are we supposed to buy tickets at." I look at him incredulously and I'm like you don't have a ticket? see ya buddy. But the weird thing is he actually does have a ticket but its not a GA ticket its a stadium seat so I'm like, well maybe they'll let you in with that or they might be able to upgrade you (strange how I am able to go from pessimism to optimism so seamlessly in my sleep). As we're walking my friend asks me where the stage is and I look out through the empty seats in the section we are currently in and in the distance I can see the 360 stage and tons of people already cheering and I'm like "there it is!"

So we get to the GA line and the ticket guy looks at me and is like, "Hey! Dyan Brown!" Dyan Brown is one of my cousins. So I'm like what are you talking about? And he's like I know your cousin. And I'm like oh yeah and I somehow remember having met him sometime. So he's like sweet good to see you dude and let's me and my friend pass. But my friend's all like honest and is like I don't have a GA ticket, instead of just going in. So at this point I'm like whatever dude you were too dumb to get a ticket and when you get in for free you go all honest so I'll see ya later.

So I ditch him and I go up this ramp that goes into the security station. But there's not really a big line. There's a bunch of people off to the sides all waiting to get in but they're waiting apparently for me and other people with GA tickets. So I walk up straight to the security people and they have me step aside to one of these booths where there are two concierge-like ladies waiting for me. So they're like welcome to the concert sir and they start treating me like a VIP. "Would you like some bags for your shoes in case it rains so they don't get wet?" "How would you like a new hat." So I get a new free U2 hat. Then for some reason I'm wearing a coat even though its summer and I've got tons of junk in my pockets so that it won't zip up so they offer me a silken sash to keep my coat closed. Then, they have like this duffel bag just full of goodies and fun packages and stuff so the one lady pulls one out and is like "how would you like this package" and its got like a bunch of toys and a stuffed animal in it and I'm like sure. So then I'm just standing there enjoying this treatment and I am watching other people around who all seem to be used to this and one guy is off using a punching bag like he's at the gym like this happens everyday and stuff.

Interestingly enough the dream ends there. I never actually get to see U2 in the dream. But, seeing U2 isn't what made the dream special (obviously) but it was the awesome anticipation and the awesome treatment I got. In the dreamstate, I couldn't have cared less if I ever got into the pit or even saw the concert because I was enjoying being pampered so much by the "security ladies". Anyway, it goes to show how the anticipation of something is often more enjoyable than the actual receiving.

6 - 3

For those of you familiar with Wii Sports Resort, you may have played the table tennis game they have on there. I also know that if you are like most people in my family other than me, you may not have obsessed over it like I have and thus, may not be familiar with an opponent named Lucia. Let me enlighten you. As you play and win, your Mii character goes up in level depending on how well he/she does. Once you reach about level 1500 and are getting so excited that you are about to get to level 2000, you are brought up against an opponent named Lucia. Lucia is a small freckle faced pony-tailed little cutie. But don't let her appearance fool you. If the devil can manifest himself as an angel of light then he can certainly also manifest as a CG Mii on your Wii Resort game. And when he does, he goes by the name Lucia.

This evil vixen seems impossible to beat. Many an opponent has cursed her god-like table tennis skills. She always is in the exact right spot for returns and always knows exactly what you are thinking so that she can trip you up. Gonna use your right hand to return from the right side of the table? Might want to watch your left shoulder there buddy! Lucia knows! She KNOWS! For at least the first 30-40 times I played her each match ended in a clean sweep of my pride and self confidence, not to mention points. I was convinced that she was invincible. So I decided to lose and take the level lowering penalty and hopefully not have to play her the next time I got to 1500. Yeah right. She lives right there at 1500. She has a special little title above her name that says "Champion". So I resigned myself to my fate. For weeks I spent at least a few hours playing her. Trying to figure out the right strategy to beat her. I looked online for help and found nothing but other despairing fools caught in her hell's grip of the ping pong paddle. I did however find some confidence in watching a few YouTube videos of people beating her and also seeing a number of screenshots of people's score after finally kicking her off her throne. And from there I knew that I would beat her.

For those of you who are in the shoes I once wore know this: Lucia is not perfect. I have seen her make mistakes. I have smashed the ball in her face. I have seen her bounce the ball over the net. I have seen her return before the second bounce. And I have seen her dive and miss. For weeks, the highest I scored against her was 2 points in a match. But finally near the end I had a match where I was above her by one point until the very end when she scored three in a row. I had several matches where I came from behind to tie up the game at 5-5 before losing. And I have beaten her soundly.

It was a Tuesday evening. I had been playing her for about two hours. This same day I had already gotten close to winning three or four times. And then a match started. Lucia scored the first point. I paused the game to meditate and calm down my muscles. I reassured my body to let my brain and instincts take control. I started the game again. After a minute of back and forth, Lucia's return misses the table. 1-1.

Lucia's serve. I am able to spin the ball enough to get smash power. After a number of smash returns I am able to smash the ball out of reach. 2-1.

Lucia serves again. Similar scenario as the previous. 3-1.

My serve. After a minute of back and forth, Lucia's return bounces on the net and misses the table. 4-1.

My serve again. More smashing and now it's 5-1!

Lucia's serve. She scores. 5-2. She serves again and scores again. 5-3. I pause the game. Meditation and prayer. Supplication to the almighty god of table tennis for strength and power.

My serve.

The ball bounces off an edge. Lucia dives for the return. It lands on my side of the table too far over for me to smash it off the opposite edge. In an instant that seemed like minutes my decision is made. I smash the ball directly at her. It bounces. It's headed straight for her. As I brace myself for her return I hear the slap. I see the freckled-face demon squint her eyes in fury. I hear the whistle blow and I see the red 'Miss' sign show up above her head. I fall to my knees in amazement as I see those heavenly floating music notes above my own Mii's head and I see the score update. 6-3.

I'm very angry right now.

Ok here's the deal. On Black Friday I helped someone I know order something as a Christmas present for their wife. I won't mention names since the person it was for might read this. Anyway, so I placed the order on Amazon.com and a few days later I got an email from Amazon with a shipping date, shipping carrier, package contents, shipping address, tracking id, the works. The item was being shipped via FedEx care of the other person we'll call him Bob. So after I got the shipping confirmation and was charged money from my account, I figured the package will arrive at Bob's place of shipping and I don't need to worry any longer as he had paid me for the order already as well.

Flash forward two weeks. Dec, 15th. I receive an email from Amazon which looks like another one of their spam things so I archive and don't really look at it. I get at least one every few days and I usually just ignore them unless they say "IMPORTANT!!!" or "SHIPPING!!!" or "CONFIRMATION!!!" This one says, "Information from Amazon seller blah blah". Nothing jumping out at me. Like I remember the dumb seller's name. Its not even for me and I didn't really buy it from them I bought it from Amazon. Shouldn't this email be something more like "HUGE NASTY PROBLEMS WITH YOUR ORDER!!! OOOH YOU'RE GONNA BE MAD!!!"? Anyway, so today something prompted me to send Bob an email just to make sure he got the package that should have gotten there a week ago. I'm just making sure but I'm not expecting to get his response saying he didn't ever get it. I do a search on my emails where I find the email I mentioned which is telling me the following:

Hello from Amazon.com.

The seller of the following order has sent you a message. You can reply to this e-mail to correspond further with the seller. The message text appears below.

Order ID: blah blah 2s and stuff

* Item: 1 of blah blah blah

Seller's e-mail: orders@stupidseller.com

IMPORTANT: Amazon.com's A-to-z Guarantee only covers third-party purchases paid for through our Amazon Payments system (via our Shopping Cart or 1-Click). Our Guarantee does not cover any payments that occur off Amazon.com including wire transfers, money orders, cash, check, or off-site credit card transactions.

-------------- Begin seller message ---------------------

Hello,

We recently discovered that the item you purchased is no longer available. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Unfortunately, the vendor provided us with a tracking number that was entered into your order therefore your order was in fact charged. This does not happen very often and again, I do apologize for the inconvenience. I can help you find a similar item (at a discount) if you would like or we can go ahead and refund your order in full.

Please let me know what you decide!

Thank you!

Stupid CS person

-------------- End seller message ------------------------

You may be wondering what my favorite thing about this email is. Is it the fact that I already got a message saying my order was shipped? Is it that the seller tries to blame the vendor for my being charged for a product that isn't actually for sale? Is it the fact that they even had an item list for sale that isn't for sale? Or could it be the fact that the seller waited two weeks to contact me and tell me that they didn't really ship my order? None of those in fact. My favorite part is the fact that it is now my responsibility to contact the seller to tell them to give me my money back for something I paid for and they did not give me.

"Would you like your money back since you aren't getting a product? The ball is in your court, now I'm going to forget about you unless I hear back from you by February 26th, 2010."

What do they think I'm gonna write them back and be all calm and forgiving?

"Oh its ok. I totally understand that these things just happen. I was so appreciative of your email and the fact that you said 'Thank You'. The fact that you added an exclamation mark really tells me that you meant it. In fact I'm so impressed and understanding that I'd like to buy 9 other things from you and you can go ahead and keep my money too. I'm just that kind of person."

I haven't left any seller feedback yet because the story isn't quite over (and I'll be sure to update you as well) but here is the email that I have prepared to send to them. I may not send it but it felt great writing it.

Subject: Where is my stuff indeed?

I got a message saying you no longer sell an item I already ordered and paid for. I got a message with a shipping date confirmation and a tracking number two weeks before you finally decided to contact me to let me know you didn't actually really ship anything. This is ridiculous. I would like my payment fully refunded. Honestly the fact that I even have to write this email and tell you I want a refund feels kind of ridiculous. I would have expected something more like a message saying that I was already refunded my money instead of something asking me if I want my money back or not since I'm not getting the item I ordered. Gee let me think about that one... Why was the item even listed for sale if you don't sell them?

You're NOT Welcome!

(Notice the use of capslock and exclamation marks for emphasis...)

Brandon Burrup

http://sanpaco13.blogspot.com

And just for fun, this is the kind of email I actually kind of expect to get when this kind of thing happens.

Subject: IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM STUPID SELLER WHO MESSED UP YOUR ORDER FROM AMAZON!!!

Dear Brandon (valued customer),

Oh man we really screwed up. We just figured out that you were charged for something that we actually no longer sell. We are so sorry for our mistake and especially that it took us so long to catch it and we are willing to go to all lengths to fix it. We have already credited your account with a full refund but would like to also offer you an alternative option to what you ordered. Because of our mistake we are willing to send you one of the following items free of charge and with free overnight shipping.

(list of items almost exactly like what I ordered goes here)

Please let me know which one you would like. Your business is extremely important to us. You can contact me directly at my personal number 888-555-5555 anytime of the day or night. Feel free to call me collect as well. Again I can't say enough how sorry I am for the inconvenience and I hope you have a better experience with us in the future.

Sincerely,

Person in charge of orders at Stupid Company (not some peon idiot who doesn't really care about your order and is just earning money for night school)