TV, The Saga Continues...

So here is the wonderful chat session I just had with LG regarding my broken television...

5:16 PM James: Hello Grant Smith. Welcome to LG Electronics! How may I provide you with excellent service today?
5:16 PM James: Welcome to LG Electronics, we appreciate you contacting us. How may I provide you with excellent service today?
5:17 PM Grant Smith: Hello. I'm here because I had a technician at my home today regarding my broken tv and he diagnosed the problem as an impact and said it wasn't covered under my warranty.
5:17 PM Grant Smith: I have a serious problem with this given that my tv has never been hit.
5:17 PM Grant Smith: And it is only 7 months old.
5:17 PM Grant Smith: I need this problem resolved, James.
5:19 PM James: I am sorry for the inconvenience this must have caused.
5:19 PM James: Let me see what I can do to assist you with this.
5:19 PM Grant Smith: Thank you, James.
5:21 PM James: Ok I was checking the technician notes, it seems like the TV has an impact and unfortunately this is not covered under warranty.
5:22 PM Grant Smith: Tes, but what I'm telling you is that my televeision has never been hit.
5:22 PM Grant Smith: It was fine when I went to bed and had this problem when I woke up.
5:22 PM Grant Smith: No one was near the tv to hit it.
5:23 PM Grant Smith: I don't know what caused the break but it needs to be fixed.
5:24 PM James: Yes it can definitely be fixed but unfortunately it is not going to be covered warranty.
5:24 PM Grant Smith: Well that's where we have the problem, James.
5:24 PM Grant Smith: The tv wasn't hit and it needs to be fixed.
5:24 PM Grant Smith: It is less than one year old.
5:24 PM Grant Smith: LG has given me the runaround on this for TWO WEEKS.
5:25 PM Grant Smith: This is not proper business, James.
5:26 PM James: I understand your point Mr Smith, but if the technician checked the TV and determined that it is an impact damaged, unfortunately this is not covered under the manufacturer warranty, At this point what I can do is provide you with one of our authorized service centers so they can do the service on this unit.
5:27 PM Grant Smith: Well, unfortunately, it wasn't impacted, so your tech is incorrect.
5:27 PM Grant Smith: And the price you're asking would get me a brand new tv from Wal Mart.
5:27 PM Grant Smith: That's ridiculous.
5:28 PM Grant Smith: This needs to be covered and, if you can't do this for me, I need to speak to someone who can.
5:32 PM James: I really wish I could do that, but there's no way that we can do if there are notes on the account by one of our technician. If you would like to speak to somebody else I'll be glad to transfer you.
5:33 PM Grant Smith: That would be wonderful as this is not at all right and makes me seriously reconsider my purchase of LG products...
5:33 PM James: Allow me just a moment while I transfer you.
5:34 PM Notice: James transferred Grant Smith to Stephanie.
5:34 PM Notice: Stephanie has joined the chat session.
5:34 PM Notice: James has exited the chat session.
5:34 PM Grant Smith: Hello, Stephanie. I hope you are well.
5:34 PM Stephanie: How can I help you?
5:34 PM Grant Smith: Can you see the conversation thus far?
5:35 PM Stephanie: Yes, I am looking at it.
5:35 PM Stephanie: When did the tech go to your house?
5:36 PM Grant Smith: Then you know my situation. I'm stuck with a 7-month old 1600 dollar television that broke over night almost two weeks ago and I'm being told that it magically got hit.
5:36 PM Grant Smith: He was here today, before noon EST.
5:36 PM Grant Smith: I was at work, but my wife dealt with him.
5:37 PM Stephanie: What did he tell your wife?
5:37 PM Grant Smith: He told my wife what is in his notes, that it is impact damage. However, it happened over night while everyone was in bed so there's no way it was impact damage.
5:38 PM Grant Smith: And this really needs to be taken care of.
5:38 PM Grant Smith: I just want my nice television to work again....
5:39 PM Stephanie: I understand how you feel, what I can do for you is another you to another technician for a second opinion.
5:39 PM Grant Smith: I've already wasted two weeks on this, thus far, Stephanie.
5:39 PM Stephanie: Sorry, to refer to another tech.
5:39 PM Grant Smith: And if he's just going to come out and say the same thing, there's no point.
5:40 PM Grant Smith: I've called, I've emailed in pics when the tech didn't show up the first time...
5:40 PM Grant Smith: I had to get ahold of LG AGAIN to schedule today's appointment...
5:40 PM Stephanie: I know that your time is valuable, but I am looking for a way to find a solution for you.
5:40 PM Grant Smith: This has been one mess after another.
5:40 PM Grant Smith: Having another tech come out and say it is impact damage isn't going to help me, though.
5:41 PM Grant Smith: I've been very straight-forward about this entire thing from day one.
5:41 PM Grant Smith: And all I've gotten from LG is a runaround.
5:41 PM Stephanie: I understand , how you feel and I am doing the best to assist you.
5:41 PM Stephanie: Why do you think the tech is going to say that?
5:42 PM Grant Smith: Because that's what it looks like. That's what I told the people when I initially made the warranty service claim.
5:42 PM Grant Smith: It looks like it was hit but there are no physical marks on the screen.
5:43 PM Grant Smith: And that was reason enough to ignore me the first time, apparently, because I had to call in after not getting a tech for a week.
5:43 PM Stephanie: Unfortunately, warranty only covers manufacturing defects.
5:44 PM Grant Smith: Well, I'd say that a cracked screen not caused by it being hit is a HUGE defect.
5:44 PM Grant Smith: That's why I want this covered.
5:44 PM Grant Smith: I'm not asking for a handout.
5:44 PM Grant Smith: I paid $1600 for this television 7 months ago.
5:44 PM Stephanie: What do you want us to do for you?
5:44 PM Stephanie: Where did you purchase it?
5:44 PM Grant Smith: I want this tv repaired.
5:44 PM Grant Smith: I bought it from Newegg.com
5:45 PM Grant Smith: I bought two, actually.
5:46 PM Stephanie: I understand, however it does not cover any type of cosmetic damage.
5:46 PM Stephanie: I really apologize that you are having this problem.
5:46 PM Grant Smith: This isn't cosmetic damage. The screen is broken.
5:47 PM Stephanie: Was it broken from the beginning?
5:47 PM Grant Smith: There are no marks on the outer screen... The inner screen is broken.
5:47 PM Grant Smith: No. If it was, I would've returned it.
5:47 PM Grant Smith: This happened overnight last week on the 25th.
5:48 PM Stephanie: Let me send you another technician, can you email me the picture?
5:48 PM Grant Smith: I've already emailed the pictures, but whatever... What's your email address?
5:49 PM Stephanie: my email address is stephanie.grainger@lge.com

5:49 PM Grant Smith: There you go. You're welcome to send another technician but I just want my television fixed.
5:50 PM Stephanie: Let me see the picture first.
5:50 PM Stephanie: Then I will email you the information of another tech.
5:55 PM Grant Smith: Have you not received the images yet?
5:57 PM Stephanie: I just got it, I will send it to the techn ical support.
5:58 PM Grant Smith: OK... I've already done that once.... Last week... With Anouke Grannum.
5:59 PM Grant Smith: So what's it mean for you to do it?
5:59 PM Stephanie: Once I sent it to the tech, he will let me know and I will email it the answer with you.
6:00 PM Grant Smith: And what kind of timeframe are we talking? I need to get this resolved. This is NUTS.
6:01 PM Grant Smith: And what happens when I don't get a call AGAIN?
6:02 PM Stephanie: It should be within 24 to 48hours in order for me to email you.
6:03 PM Grant Smith: So, what you're telling me now is that I'm also going to miss the Superbowl because of LG, too? This is just wonderful, really...
6:03 PM Grant Smith: But, I appreciate your assistance.
6:05 PM Stephanie: I am sorry for the inconvenience.
6:06 PM Grant Smith: I just don't understand why this has to be so hard. I have a product in warranty that broke under no influence from the outside world. It should be repaired free under its warranty...
6:08 PM Stephanie: ONCE WE DETERMINE THAT, THEN IT WILL BE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT FIRST WE NEED TO DIAGNOSE IT.
6:09 PM Stephanie: Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
6:09 PM Grant Smith: I suppose not.
6:10 PM Grant Smith: By the way, it seems that the tech that came out today was given no notes whatsoever on the situation.
6:10 PM Grant Smith: Is that standard operating procedure?
6:11 PM Stephanie: They usually work different ways, once we do the review of your pictures, we will contact you.
6:11 PM Stephanie: It has been a pleasure to assist you today. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us again. Thank you for choosing LG Electronics. We appreciate your business. Have a great day!
6:11 PM Grant Smith: 24 to 48 hours.... Thanks.

Grievances...

I hope this post finds everyone out there well. I, personally, have had a rough time the past few weeks and, though this post will probably offend several people, I feel like getting some things off of my chest...

First off, health. For those who don't know, I recently had a lens extraction performed on my left eye in the hope of controlling my glaucoma. Two weeks out and the pressure is still sitting way high (18 is normal, I'm at 40) and, though my vision in that eye has been improved to 20/50, it remains fuzzy and generally aggravated. Not to mention that I can't see out of it when I wear my glasses, which are still required by my right eye for the time being. Also, I've managed to put back on about 20 pounds.... I've re-lost 5, so I'm only up 15, now, but it is just so hard for me to control my eating and, especially during the winter, I have NO motivation to get out and exercise. I was able to kick cigarettes but I can't give food up cold turkey...

Secondly, my car... Actually, it's my wife's car if you want to be technical, but she doesn't drive and, as such, my car has been on loan to my Mom for the last year or so. In September of last year, my sister was driving the car and was stopped at a stop light when she was rear-ended. The car already had rear-end damage from before I bought it and, so, when the body shop assessed it for the insurance company, they called it totalled. My sister, obviously, was not at fault for the accident, but between the body shop, the insurance company, my sister and myself, it's taken until this week to finally get a claim processed. I spoke with the insurance company on Monday, they faxed me a final form to sign, I signed it and faxed it back. I was expecting the claim check today, and it didn't show up. I called the insurance company and they informed me they were still waiting on my fax...

As if that's not enough, regarding the car, ever since I loaned it out, my mom and step-dad have expressed interest in buying it but I kept telling them no because I liked having a spare car in case mine broke down and, of course, it wasn't really my call because it is my wife's car. Well, in December, my wife and I finally agreed to sell the car to my mom and she agreed to pay me $200.00 a month to total $1000.00 starting after the holiday season. This week, on Monday after I spoke with the insurance company, she hit me up and asked if I'd take a one-time payment of $900 this Friday in place of the payment arrangement. I had no problem with this and agreed happily. The very next day, I get a call from my dad, telling me that the car wouldn't come out of park and that mom had decided not to buy it after all and that she wanted, instead, to pay me $500.00 toward the repair bill. Now, I understand that she doesn't want to buy a non-running car, I do, but I must say that I feel a bit bent over by the whole situation. As I said, she's had the car for over a year (I think, I've lost track) and agreed to buy it almost two months ago. I really don't think I should get screwed over this... And, that's aside from the fact that she couldn't even tell me herself and had my dad do it. The funny thing is that I did a quick Google search for 'ford escort stuck in park' and the VERY FIRST result, located here has many suggestions on how this problem could possibly be resolved for little to no cost.

Now, in between my doctor's appointment where I got the news that my glaucoma was still uncontrolled and the phonecall from my dad telling me mom was backing out on the car deal, I went downstairs to eat my dinner. We got down there and turned on my six month old tv, purchased for me by my brother six months ago (more on that shortly) to find that the lcd screen had a huge crack in it. It looks like someone threw a baseball at it except that there's no external damage.

So, to recap my Tuesday, so far... Glaucoma and poking and prodding of my eye, followed by burnt dinner (minor, but additive to my distress), then on to the broken television and, finally, the call from my dad.

Let us now back up for a moment and talk about by brother and the tv pre-breakage. My brother bought the tv for me in June '09 under the premise that I would pay him back when I could afford it. In September, his then girlfriend and he were having some tough times so he started bugging me about the money. At the time, I had just returned to work after seven months of unemployment and was NOT in a position to start paying him back but he kept asking me about it every payday none the less. Finally, I started handing him $10 bucks here and there when I could afford it just to try and get him to chill out.

In November, his girlfriend decided to leave him and go back to her home in Texas. After the fight ended, they decided that he'd go back to Texas, too, and join her after he tied up loose ends here in Indiana. To that end, he came to me, asking for a place to stay for a few months because his cut here would be cheaper than living on his own. I immediately considered the fact that I owed him nearly $1600 for the tv so, pending my wife's approval, I made a deal with him to stay here until the end of February, rent and bill free, to cover my debt on the tv. The only things I stipulated was that he had to be out by the end of February and that I couldn't afford to feed him. He loved the idea so I sold it to my wife and we called it a deal.

He ended up waiting several weeks before finally moving in, not bothering to tell us what was going on unless we asked, but no big deal, really. When he did finally move in, I deduced that he was sleeping with my cousin's (separated) wife and, eventually, that the separation between he and his girlfriend was of a more permanent nature than I was led to believe. I didn't really care, except that he missed so much work that they fired him the same week he moved in and, after moving in with his cat, he would disappear for days on end without bothering to even mention to us that he was going, let alone asking us to take care of his cat. When I brought it up right before the holidays a huge blowup ensued. I was told to stop treating him like a child and that I was ripping him off on the tv by expecting him to be out by the end of February.

So, forward back to about a week ago... The thing behind my brother and our cousin's wife had ended badly and he asked to bring some chick from a dating site over for a few days. Being that its his place, too, I agreed even though I really didn't feel up to it (I'd just had my eye surgery, after all and I'm not keen on strangers). She came over and seemed very nice but, the entire time she was here, she was so loud at night that I got NO sleep. I brought it up on the second night but my complaint fell on deaf ears. After four or so days, she finally left and, shortly thereafter, my brother decided he didn't want to date her. OK. Until last night, that is. I don't know the exact details, but after everything I had to put up with yesterday, she was back over here last night. And even though my brother had told her she needed to be quiet several days before (before they broke up) because she'd caused problems when she was over, I was awakened by her and him and slamming doors and a shaking house AGAIN last night.

That's right... After the doctor, the dinner, the tv and the car, I couldn't even get a good night's sleep because of rude people...

Now, I brought up my brother not only because of his girlfriend, but because the story continued on!

For a point of reference, I generally buy a twelve pack of diet cola cans and a box of granola bars that I take to work throughout the week for lunch. On Monday night, my brother, whom I told long ago I couldn't afford to feed, told me that he took some of my drinks and that he didn't figure I'd care. I told him "Yes, I do care. Those are for my lunches." Then, this morning, I got up for work and was making my lunch. I reached into my box of 18 granola bars and there were, roughly, three. I was angry. I posted to my social networking sights that it was pretty sad that I couldn't get a good night's sleep in my own home and that I was getting tired of my food disappearing. Then, when my wife got home from the dentist, she found that he'd left the house and left both doors unlocked and the alarm turned off (the second time this has happened). Then, when I got home, I found out he was playing my Xbox 360 on my BROKEN tv. I didn't exactly tell him he couldn't but it seems obvious that you shouldn't use a broken product to try and prevent it from breaking more? Anyway, I told him I'd prefer he didn't use the broken tv in a firm tone. He came upstairs a few minutes later, talking on the phone, telling the person on the other end about how he was apparently eating too much around here and.... he trailed off as he walked out the door. Shortly thereafter, he stormed out of the house, telling me he was going to my mom's for a few days...

So... For the last few days I've been having a [sarcasm]WONDERFUL[/sarcasm] time of things.

Anyway, that's all for now. Until next time.

Fundamentalism / Extremism Makes Me Sick.

During a time of year when 'goodwill to men' is the majority state of mind across all religious and ethnic backgrounds here in the States and across much of the globe it boggles my mind why I would receive the following message from an anonymous 'donor' at the local Wal-Mart.

Let me preface the message by explaining that I have a bumper sticker on my car with which some of you may be familiar. It reads 'Coexist' and is written with many of the world's religions' symbols. You can view (and purchase) the sticker here if interested. Anyway, I was actually pleased to come out of the store and see a business card with the same wonderful logo on the window of my car until I read the message on its back...

"Can all world religions really coexist? Does it matter what you believe? Does your belief make it true? Imagine having to jump from an airplane that was about to crash. If you had three possible items to strap to your back, which would you choose: a tire, a briefcase full of money, or a parachute? There is only one right answer that can save your life. This is why all religions cannot coexist. They each give different ideas about God, but only one is true! Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (Jn. 14:6). He made an exclusive claim. Either it is true or it is not. God the father verified this truth by raising Christ from the dead after His crucifixion. This proves that His words are true and that He is God. Have you lied, stolen, lusted, or taken his name in vain? the Bible warns that we are sinners and deserve the wrath of God. If you will repent (turn away from sin) and trust in Christ alone for salvation, He will credit you with His righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21). Give your life and allegiance to Christ alone. Please visit: www.YouGotOurTract.com"

So, basically, for wanting the practitioners of the world's religions to stop killing one another (a lofty goal, I know) I was targeted and made the victim of proselytization and hate mongering. I don't know about you, the reader, but this literally made me sick to my stomach.

When I returned home, I put away my groceries and, then, did as the card asked; I visited www.YouGotOurTract.com. However, as you may surmise, I was not there to accept the site's message of fear and hatred for those with beliefs different from its author(s). In fact, I sent the site's author(s) a simple message regarding how horrendous it is to use a message of peace as a target for a message of fear and hatred. Now, I am under no delusion that my message will make a difference but, for now, it worked better than a dose of Pepto Bismol...

I implore anyone who reads this and feels as I do to go to this site and tell its author(s) that this is wrong. Maybe, just maybe, we can teach someone the lesson that Christ once taught... Love...

***UPDATE***

Today, I received the following response from someone presumably affiliated with www.YouGotOurTract.com.

Mr. Keith Higgins wrote:

Mr. Smith,

I am emailing you concerning the tract that was placed on your car. The company that sells these tracts is not responsible for those who purchase them and distribute them, but I will address one thing you said.

You said that Jesus would not spread hate and would believe in coexist. I will answer you with Scripture and you should be ashamed of not knowing this considering you are a reverend.

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Jesus made an exclusive claim which would exclude all other religions.

Keith Higgins

SavedFromWhat? Ministries

(678) 350-5120

www.savedfromwhat.org

Philippians 4:4-7

And, of course, my response:

Mr. Higgins:

Thank you for your response. However, it is unacceptable.

First, you start your response by placing the blame for an organization's publication in the hands of he who distributed it. This is a fallacy as the publisher is just as responsible as the distributor and both are at fault. I'm assuming that you are affiliated with www.YouGotOurTract.com and I have to wonder why you are attempting to push the blame off on another if there is nothing out of line about the publication.

Secondly, you attack me personally by telling me I should be ashamed of myself for not knowing scripture because I am a reverend. However, I do, indeed, know scripture but I am not a revered of your presumable faith, thus your statement is not only out of line but it is wholly incorrect. Also, I never stated that Jesus would believe in 'Coexist', only that he preached love, not hate.

Thirdly, let me quote some scripture of my own that was provided to me by another reverend and close friend:

Matthew 7:1: Judge not lest ye be judged.

Leviticus 19:18: Love thy neighbor as thyself.

Luke 6:31: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

As one can see, when we pick and choose what verses we wish to share, we can prove whatever points we wish.

Thank you for your time, Mr. Higgins. Don't bother responding unless you want to accept responsibility for your actions and admit your wrongdoing.

Yours in love and peace,

Rev. Grant K.Smith, LCW

I won't be bothering with responding to this man any further whether he responds to me or not as I've said all there is to say....

First Day! (short blog post...)

Well... We'll start with the good, first...

It was really awesome to get to program for a living today and it felt good to be productive again.

Now, the bad...

I have a six month probationary period to get through before I'll see any kind of benefits and my health insurance (dental and vision included) is going to cost me $150.00 A WEEK when it kicks in...

So, I guess I'll be looking, seriously, for freelance work and whatnot to try and afford my benefits...

Anyway, I'm VERY happy to have a real job so I'll find a way to deal with the negative bits.

Now, I'm off to eat dinner and study up some on ASP .NET.

Later!!

Indy Irish Fest 2009

To all of those folks in the greater Indianapolis area with a wee bit o' the Irish in your ancestry or a taste for good music and good libations, Indy Irish Fest opens tonight at 4:30pm at Military Park in Downtown Indianapolis.

There are plenty of food and drink vendors, an Irish market, an area of fun just for the wee folk and plenty of live music and demonstrations of Irish culture.

Early bird specials get you in for free from 4:30pm to 5:30pm today and there are similar admission deals for the rest of the weekend, too. Check the Indy Irish Fest Web site for more info.

I plan on being there today so maybe I'll see some of you around!

Finally! A Break!!!!

For those of you who haven't heard, I'm officially employed again!

After what seemed like a very short (in a bad way) interview at 10am yesterday morning, I got a call around 2pm with a job offer!!

As the title of the blog states, I'm now (pending a successful drug test) an Application Developer with Carter Logistics, LLC!

Words cannot describe how truly happy I am with finally getting what I'm certain will be a great job with a great company doing what I LOVE. I start on Monday at 8am so I'll try and post again after my first day to record what I think.

Until then...

It Keeps Getting Better!

Just a quick update on my health.... I found out I have a scratched cornea to go with my glaucoma in my left eye... I'm now on five different medications for my left eye... Fun stuff, yes?

Anyway, that's it for now.... I apologize for any typos but my vision's a bit blurry... ;)