Best Buy and the Used Car Salesman

Since when did Best Buy become like a used car dealership?  Actually, I’d now rather go to a used car dealership.

I needed to get a new tripod for my cameras.  I had done some online research and had narrowed down my options to two models.  I wanted to physically look at the two models and proceeded to the camera department.

I was in the store no more than 5 minutes total – that includes checking out and inspecting the tripods.  Within the first minute I was approached by two sales people (and yes, they were sales people not just workers.)  I am a social person, but I don’t usually engage in extended conversation with a sales person unless I initiate it.  I was asked by both associates (who were not more than 5 feet apart) what kind of camera I had and I got the idea they wanted to have a longer conversation.  I was trying to read the package and inspect the equipment – they were getting annoying.  They got the hint that I was fine and scampered off to accost other customers.

Right after this, I had someone come up to me asking if I had heard about the in-store promotion.  I stated nicely that I was not interested in anything but the item I was looking at.  He too, thanked me and went off looking for other prey.  I get the idea of providing good customer service, but I felt that this bordered on the annoying.

I have shopped at Best Buy for years and I remember when they were the “Bait and Switch” place back in the 80’s.  The bait and switch seems to have gone, but they have brought back the annoying salespeople.  If I can go somewhere else for these items (or shop online at another vendor,) I will.  These tactics will be the end of Best Buy one day.

I am also in the market for a used car….

 

Of course, that is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Those Crazy Baptists

The Westboro Baptist Church has really over stayed their welcome, if they ever were welcome anywhere.  These are the people who protest at the funerals of fallen military personnel.  Shameless and ridiculous.

I’m not a Baptist, but I feel sorry for the real Baptists that have to put up with these jacklegs spewing their hate.  Just once I wish the finger of God would come down out of the heavens and tell these idiots – Hey dipwad, love the sinner hate the sin.  Sorry, that would make too much sense.

I heard the plight of the Snyder family on a local radio show a couple of days ago.  This family actually took this Church to court and were ordered to pay the court costs.  The story has since broke nationally and many people have started to give to the family’s legal fund.  Here is a brief synopsis:

Matthew Snyder, of Finksburg, Maryland, died from a non combat-related vehicle accident in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Combat Service Support Group-1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, California. Died on March 3, 2006. Matthew was 20 years old.
Matthew graduated from Westminster High School in 2003. After graduation, he enlisted in the Marines on October 14, 2003, and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. In August of 2004, Matthew was assigned to Combat Logistics Batallion-7, Twentynine Palms, Calif. as a generator mechanic.

“He was a hero and he was the love of my life.” – Albert Snyder, Matthew’s Father

The family of Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder, US Marine Corps, has begun this civil lawsuit* against Mr. Phelps and certain members of the so-called Westboro Baptist Church to bring an end to the reign of terror and abuse that they inflicted upon the grieving families of US service members killed in defense of our nation. Using innocent children to deliver their twisted message of hatred and fear, the defendants in this suit have sought to attack the memory of our departed heroes, to strip their loved ones of their dignity, and to use abuse and intimidation as a tool for preventing surviving family members from reaching closure over their loss.

It is the sincere hope of Mr. Al Snyder, Matthew’s father, that this suit will spark similar legal actions against Mr. Phelps wherever he seeks to inflict harm upon the memory of our heroes and their families. If you feel strongly that such actions should be stopped, please consider a donation to help offset the legal expenses of bringing this suit.

*This is a private civil lawsuit that is separate from any actions being pursued by states or the federal government against Mr. Phelps. While those cases involve Government action and potential 1st Amendment issues, this case is distinct. This case simply alleges that one does not have the right to conspire to use lies in order to inflict intentional harm upon persons who are grieving the death of their children.

If you feel like giving to the legal fund, here is the link: www.matthewsnyder.org.  Thank God for the Patriot Guard.

Here are a couple of videos about Westboro:

Hard to believe these people have a forum.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

English Only For Missouri Driving Tests

I’m a big proponent for the citizens of the United States to speak English. For now, English is our main language. There is no problem, in my opinion, with individuals conversing with others in their native language, but they need to assimilate and speak the national language.State Rep. Cynthia Davis of Missouri, a Missouri Congresswoman, is pushing the Missouri State Highway Patrol to offer driver’s license examinations only in English. She has introduced a bill to do just this.

From The Suburban Journal:

Davis said she was surprised by the steps taken by the highway patrol to accommodate non-English speakers in a state where in 2008 voters approved a constitutional amendment making English the official language at all public meetings. In addition to testing in foreign languages, she said, those who don’t speak any of the 12 languages may hire a translator from a state-approved list and have the test read to them in their native language.

How do these people read all the street signs? Just a question.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about “English Requirement for Driving Test“, posted with vodpod

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Awesome Weatherman!

Why can’t the local St. Louis weather people do the weather report like this?  This would really inject some excitement into the weather report.  Hat’s off to Accu-Weather Dude Jim Kosek.  Awesome.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

The Drinkingstein Game: Just In Time For The “Big Game”

I’m not really much of a drinker but my brother-in-law developed a creative drinking game just in time for the Super Bowl (or whatever the No Fun League allows us to call it.)  He was listening to the Scott Van Pelt Show on ESPN who evidently issued a challenge to come up with a creative drinking game for the big game.  It’s seems that they were worried with the typical take a drink when they mention “Manning” or “Dynasty” or something close to that.  I doubt anyone participating would make it to the awesome half-time show featuring The Who.

I thought this was creative enough to publish.  I dubbed it “The Drinkingstein Game” since those who participate will probably be talking like the famed monster by the end of the evening.  Here’s the conversion chart for those who plan to play along:

1 Drink   = Mentioning Kardashian
2 Drinks = Mentioning Katrina (As in Hurricane)
3 Drinks = Mentioning Favre
4 Drinks = Mentioning Archie (Manning)
5 Drinks = Mentioning Bruce Jenner

Be sure to let me know if you survive the game. 

Of course, it’s just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Daughter Throws Back Baseball at Phillies Game

Nothing political here, just a great video.  This is the best reaction from a Dad at the ballpark I’ve ever seen.  Too bad it was a Phillies Fan, but a great video none-the-less.

Marcus the Lamb is Slaughtered!

I always love stories that end the way I think they should. 

A group of kids in Great Britain had a rather interesting school project.  Around 250 of the kids in this school participate in a program to teach them about rearing and breeding animals.  They care for many animals including a male lamb they named Marcus.  After caring for the lamb the children decided to send Marcus to slaughter to pay for additional animals and continue the cycle.  That’s where their problems began.

It seems that several adults and animal loving celebrities were aghast at the notion of slaughtering an animal.  The whole idea of this project is to expose the students to farming life.  News to all these do-gooders: This means that animals will eventually be sent to slaughter.  Where do you think those scrumptious lamb chops come from? 

From Reuters:

LONDON (Reuters) – A group of schoolchildren who reared a lamb from birth and named it Marcus has overridden objections by parents and rights activists and voted to send the animal to slaughter.

Marcus the six-month-old lamb has now been culled, the head teacher of the primary school in Kent confirmed on Monday, after the school’s council — a 14-member group of children aged 6 to 11 — voted 13-1 to have him killed.

The decision has provoked fury among animal-loving celebrities, animal and human rights campaigners and the parents of some of the children, and led to threats against Lydd primary school and its teachers, according to a member of staff.

The educational farm was started this year, with Marcus being hand-fed by the children. The children also look after ducks, chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs.

The intention had been to buy pigs with the money raised from slaughtering Marcus, but those plans have been put on hold following the furor created by the lamb’s culling. The school said the program may now have to be stopped.

“It’s all up in the air,” said a member of staff. “There’s been so much pressure on us as a result of all this.”

Despite that, the school said there had been overwhelming support among the children, the staff and most of the parents to have Marcus — a castrated male who could not have been used for breeding — sent to the slaughterhouse.

But opponents branded it heartless and cruel, with animal rights campaigners asking why Marcus could not have been used to teach the children about wool, and human rights campaigners worried about the emotional impact of Marcus’s death on the children.

A popular talkshow host offered to buy the lamb and give it sanctuary and Facebook groups sprung up to rally support to keep Marcus alive. But the children had the final say. The school defended the children’s decision, calling it educational.

“When we started the farm in spring 2009, the aim was to educate the children in all aspects of farming life and everything that implies,” the school said in a statement.

“The children have had a range of opportunities to discuss this issue, both in terms of the food cycle and the ethical aspect… It is important for everyone to move on from this issue, so the children can focus on their education.”

It’s funny when kids have more sense than the adults around them.  Hopefully they won’t lose that.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Kanye West: King Idiot

What an idiot.  I try to be at least civil on this blog, but my gosh.  I stopped watching the Video Music Awards around the time that MTV stopped playing videos.  (How can you give video awards for videos you really don’t play?)

Hopefully this is the last gasp of a no-talent hack.   I truly feel sorry for Taylor Swift.  A great moment in her life taken away by this “singer.”

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Boycott Bank of America?

I ran across this video from a woman upset with the credit card policy of Bank of America.  Evidently her interest rate was raised to 30% on her credit card.  She indicates that she has had this card for many years.

Here’s my advise to this woman:

• Stop keeping a balance on your credit card.  If you don’t want to pay interest on your credit card pay off the balance and live within our means.

 

• Change credit cards.  If you want a change of credit card, move your balance to another credit card.  Surely you could find a better interest rate somewhere else.

 

• Pay your bill.  If you are dumb enough to not pay your credit card (on a balance you created – not Bank of America) then maybe you should be tagged with a high rate.  Yes, the rate is exorbitant, but that is really beside the point.

Personal responsiblity is a virture that is sorely lacking in our country.  If you are going to boycott something, start with the high taxes and march toward socialism. 

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

September 11, 2001 – Let Us Not Forget

Today is the 8th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center towers.  Although many cable shows have been done showing video of the attack, I don’t feel we see this enough.  I am afraid many people have forgotten what happened on that day.  As time goes by, memories fade.

I hope this video made you mad again. 

Of course, this just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

St. Louis Area Sheriff Defends Soldiers Funeral

On my way home tonight I was listening to the Dave Glovershow.  This is my favorite time of day as this is one of the best radio shows in the country.   (You can listen online at www.971talk.com.)

The best thing about this show is that it really offers a wide variety of topics – none of them include politics.  Today Dave read an email exchange between an anonymous woman and the Jefferson County Sheriff – Glenn Boyer regarding the funeral procession of Sgt. William Woods.  Stick with the email and make sure to read the Sheriffs response.

 

The original email was sent to Sheriff Glenn Boyer on Thursday, August 27. Below is the citizen’s email followed by Sheriff Boyer’s response.

I tried to call you earlier this morning, but was unable to obtain your extension from the voice mail system as I was not sure of your first name or correct spelling of your last.

I was inadvertently in this procession as I was leaving work on 270 from Creve Coeur and proceeding on Hwy. 30 West. I have some issues and complaints. I called the Sheriff’s office last night, but the officer in charge would not speak with me. His name was Corp. Curtis. I am in no way complaining about your officers. I, however, was not treated very fairly when I called last evening because I wanted a ticket/complaint/or at least a slap on wrist for the people involved. Let me explain:

1) This procession should never have been held during rush hour traffic! Hwy. 270 is dangerous and people drive way too fast and there is too much traffic. This soldier’s certainly would not have want his family hurt on the interstate taking him to Cedar Hill. People were dead-stopping on the interstate even though the procession was in the far right lane, the other three lanes just stopped. There were many near accidents and possibly were after I drove through. I was in the 2nd to left lane, no way obstructing the funeral procession.

2) I exited off on Gravois (30 W), far right lane. Your police officers went in the left lane to stop any additional on-coming traffic so the procession could exit off 270 into the LEFT lane of 30. Again, I was in the right lane. The St. Louis County officer stopped and turned around at Weber Hill to return on 270 after the procession passed.

3) The road was not closed. (Only for president as far as I know.) Again, the road was not closed. Your officers only had the left lane blocked/closed for the funeral. All other traffic by MO law can proceed as long as they do not interfere (weave in and out )with funeral procession.

Let me say, that I did not know what was happening. I knew the did not have Kennedy coming to STL, at least not yesterday. I was at work all day. No news. Nothing reported on the traffic on the radio driving home.
Anyway, two of these dirty, nasty, renegade, who knows what motorcycle men that were escorting the procession proceeded to stop in front of me in the right lane on Gravois. I had to stop in the middle of an intersection. They proceeded to scream and yell at me about respecting this soldier, etc. One of them climbed off his motorcycle and came over to me and stuck his head in my car continuing to scream at me. I asked him what this was for and he told me I needed to stop as the officers had the road blocked and show some dang respect. #1, the road was not blocked, the funeral was in the other lane. #2, I am proud of our country and sorry for the family, but they had no idea where I was going or anything else. I could have a child at day-care, I could have been sick and racing to the bathroom, I could have a sick parent waiting for me, etc., etc.

#3, They are not law enforcement and had no right to stop in the lane on Gravois and they had no right to scream at me and intimidate and threaten me. If I would have had my pepper spray, I would have used it on this nasty man! He is just a big hoo ha that is not even related to this soldier. The other man did not get off his scooter, but was along side of my passenger window screaming.
I left an abusive husband 1 1/2 years ago and I did not need this intimidation. I was livid and shaking!!

My son is a deputy sheriff in another MO county. I respect police officers. It was not their fault as they were busy with traffic, but I called to make them aware of what was going on during this thing. The St. Louis County officer saw it but of course he was out of jurisdiction.

However, I called last night and your office asked me if I knew about this soldier. Again, I am sorry about him, but I am a taxpayer. I got a speeding ticket a few months ago and paid the fine. I do not deserve to be treated like this. I wanted to let the officer know how these men were acting. Also, they were driving into the turnarounds on Hwy. 30 and then back onto the road. the funeral was much further ahead. One of them nearly got hit by me and other people almost hit him and another as well. I wanted to lodge a complaint about them why they were still there, but no one in your office would take any information or do anything.

This was not a military funeral, even though it was a soldier. There were not military vehicles. It was a funeral and the road was not closed, the lane was closed, I was in the other lane and again, these nasty men had no right to do this and I would have liked them to get a ticket!

I am sorry for the soldier and his family but you cannot let these motorcycle renegades do this. They could have caused several accidents and I really wanted them arrested. If they had any respect for the soldier they would have dressed better and not looked and acted so scuzzy.

Thank you. 

Here is the response from Sheriff Glenn Boyer:

From: Glenn Boyer/JEFFCO
Date: 08/31/2009 02:05 PM

Subject: Re: Fw: Re: Funeral Procession – Yesterday p.m.

——————————————————————————–

Dear XXXXX:

Yes, you do deserve a response and I am willing to give you one.

I would like to say that I am sorry for the inconvenience we caused you during the funeral procession of Sergeant 1st Class William B. Woods, but I cannot do so. I would ask instead that you take a moment of your time to take into consideration the scope of the event. Your very right to complain was the reason Sgt. Woods fought for his country and ultimately gave his life; thus making the ultimate sacrifice for you and your family.

Let me introduce you to him. After high school, Sergeant Woods entered the Marine Corps. After his contract was up, he joined the Army, where he became a Green Beret. He comes from a long line of military members in his family. His Uncle is a Vietnam Veteran and two of his grandfathers were World War II Veterans. His job in the Army was one of the most dangerous jobs – he was a sniper looking for the bad guys to stop before they killed or injured one of our soldiers. He has numerous decorations to include the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

He grew up in Catawissa and was best known by his middle name, Brian. He enjoyed the outdoors, playing sports, and skydiving. He had a wife, Elizabeth, and two daughters, whom he loved dearly. He was a soft-spoken, level-headed young man who was proud to serve his country no matter what the risk. Now, I did not know him, but I wish I did. I am quoting from newspaper articles written about him.

At the young age of 31, he was shot during an engagement with Taliban forces in Ghanzi , Afghanistan . He died of his wounds in Germany on August 16, with his family by his side. He did not choose the time of his death, nor did he choose the time his remains would be brought back to his home in Catawissa. He just did his duty. He was quite a young man.

While you were being inconvenienced in your car on your way home, there were soldiers just like Sergeant Woods carrying 100+ pounds of equipment in 120 degree heat, up some mountain or in the middle of some desert. They will shower out of a helmet liner if they get the chance. They will eat a cold meal of MRE’s; something most people would consider garbage. They cannot text their family or friends, or go to McDonalds, or watch TV. They can only continue the mission and look out after the guy to the left and right of them. They don’t complain because they know they volunteered. The only thing they ask is that we do not forget the sacrifices they have made.

One of the dirty “big hoo ha” bikers, as you call them, was Brian’s uncle, a Vietnam Veteran, like myself. We were not treated with a homecoming. We were spit on and called baby killers by a misguided public. Brian’s uncle was giving him the respect that he, himself, never received when he came back and I, for one, am proud of him for doing so.

You say that your brother is a deputy in another Missouri county. I am sure he would be proud to escort the casket of a fallen solder, the same as he would that of a fallen officer. I am also sure he would not agree with your complaint about being inconvenienced.

My mother recently passed away. She was a World War II Veteran, serving the U.S. Army. She would say, maybe you should pick up Sergeant Woods’ ruck sack and carry on where he left off. Then you could see first hand what it really is to be inconvenienced.

Per your request, I will forward your complaint to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for his review. It is my personal opinion that your complaint is self-serving and without merit.

Sheriff Oliver “Glenn” Boyer

What a great response.   Whether you agree or disagree with the mission of the military, the soldiers are doing their job and following orders.  Whether they are returning to their families after their tour of duty or excorted to their final resting place, we owe them our utmost respect. 

Look for Sheriff Boyer to appear on national programs.  It’s a great story.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

New Program: Guns for Clunkers

I just love living in the midwest.  Common sense people and no BS. 

A car dealership in Butler, Missouri has a great promotion: “God, Guns, Guts and American Pickup Trucks.”   During this new promotion if you buy a new car you get an AK-47.  That is just awesome.

The anchor seems to not have a clue.  I’m not in the market for a car, but if I were I would drive to Butler, MO and patronize this dealership.  Just to give them a plug you can reach them at www.maxmotors71.com or 888-MAX-8881. 

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant