Various types of uploads

I've got a few different places to be in this post, so stick with me.

All of this has happened in the span of 5 days, give or take.

1. A Halloween related decoration I found at a random store

2. A big old gecko on a tree that I saw while waiting for the air conditioning company to come service the house

3. A random thunderstorm we had.

4. Another gecko I saw while walking to my house after checking the mail.

5. An audio book I took out from the library because the synopsis looked interesting.

6. Cool Super Hero decals at the library

Alright; so in order of things I'd like to accomplish:

One - 

At this point, I don't remember what store I was in, however, I saw a random Pennywise related Halloween decoration. As all stores are gearing up for Spooky Season, this particular store was filled with the scary items. 

I wish I got the full name and price of the piece, because it's hard to find online, unless you're checking after market websites (Mercari, Poshmark, etc). The tag I did take a photo of, says this little statue is by "Authentique Spooky Night" and is an "LED Lighted Decor". Unfortunately, I didn't get a photo of the bottom, which has the on/off switch and more information. Plus, one of the eyes is a bit broken (burnt out?).

It's rather Shakespearean level creepy and really cool at the same time. I wish both eyes could light up and that I got more information from it. Being a fan of the original "IT", this is a new concept for marketing. I'm sure it's not supposed to be Stephen King related but someone made damn sure that people would automatically recognize the red hair and jester outfit. 

Searching online for it, again, it's third party websites. They're naming it things like ""Halloween LED Skeleton", "Creepy IT Skeleton Clown", "New Spooky Night IT Pennywise Skeleton Bust LED Light-Up Halloween Decor"; you get the idea. Amazon doesn't have anything remotely close. I tried "pennywise clown skeleton bust pedestal" and got various clowns that weren't Pennywise, but when they were, it was the Bill Skarsgård version. I tried "creepy it skeleton clown" and came back with nothing related to the movie.. at all.

It's literally a dead end for the A to Z seller unless you want to go after market somewhere else. Buyer beware because they're all different prices have different shipping costs. If I could remember where I saw this, I'd honestly say "or go to the store and see if they have it". 

Two - the gecko that kept me company while waiting for the AC technician:

This was one of those situations where I needed to be outside in the driveway waiting because every time we get "an outsider" (aka a service technician or a delivery), the person always missing the apartment. We end up watching them drive to the other end of the street before they turn around and drive to our direction. It's an easy oops but first instinct says they take a right instead of a left. 

It was at least 95° out and I wasn't feeling like standing completely in the sun, so I waited closer to the door. It was shady enough, where I felt I could keep an eye out for the van and stay somewhat cool at the same time. 

I also uploaded a video because he looked like he was doing pushups at one point:

It seems like the geckos are getting bigger and bigger these days. Every time we look outside, there's a monster of a lizard hanging out on the bricks. The plop plops are going to have a run for their food source at some point, if these smaller ones get any bigger. 

Three - we had a random thunderstorm.

Welcome to summer in Florida! 

Now that we're having more steady rain, we're kind of back on schedule for our daily (afternoon) flooding.

The downside to all of this, besides the fact the water comes so fast and furious with no where to go, is that it leaves just as soon as it arrives. The temperature drops for the duration of the wet, but once it's over, it gets back to being hot and humid and most of the quickly made ponds dry back up.

The only difference between my street and backyard flooding and the main roads gaining too much water, is, the main roads can't dry up as quick as my community. Therefore, the water stays for too long and makes traveling a little difficult in some areas. 

Trust me; I've gotten stuck on some of the main roads when there's been too much water around and larger cars (aka pickups) speed past you and create tidal waves on to your car. It's scary and not necessary - the way the people speed through the streets, especially during heavy storms. You don't know what you could run over and how you're going to effect the person in the lane next to you. Everyone is in a rush and no one wants to take their time through this. It's like being stuck in a snow storm; ice and sleet can bring the same amount of trouble.

Ask me how I know. Haha. 

Four - Ants go marching one by one while a gecko hangs out on the gutter.

I happened to go get the mail today and looked at a neighbor's front driveway. As we have brightly neutral colored houses, any dark shadow will stick out. 

I saw another big gecko on the drain pipe and felt the need to explore. 

Sorry if you thought I was looking in your house, dear neighbor. I wasn't snooping; I was visiting your visitor. 

This is another decent sized gecko, and he happened to have ants crawling around him. Unless the insects were his traveling companions of the eating kind, I've never seen the two together before. It was interesting.

The not so interesting part was when he fanned his chin out. According to Google, it's called a "dewlap" and it's only done by males because they're trying to impress females. Either it was hitting on me or there was a girl lizard hiding somewhere. 😂

I've seen the fan before, not just in Jurassic Park (like we're all used to), but I've seen it in the geckos too. If you stand still enough and let them do their thing, they do pop the chin thing out in hope that a friend will come visit. It's the oddest thing to see but also pretty neat. #Natureyo

Five - I went to the library and took out a 26 disc audiobook.

I happened to be perusing the audiobook on CD section of my local library and saw something new. 

They had a 2016 biography on Paul McCartney, titled "Paul McCartney: The Life" by Phillip Norman.

This is an "official" Macca biography, according to the synopsis:

"Since the age of 21, Paul McCartney has lived one of the ultimate rock 'n' roll lives, played out on the most public of stages. Now Paul's story is told by rock music's foremost biographer, with McCartney's consent and access to family members and close friends who have never spoken on the record before.

Paul McCartney: The Life reveals the complex character behind the façade and sheds new light on his childhood - blighted by his mother's death but redeemed by the father who introduced him to music. This is the first definitive account of Paul's often troubled partnership with John Lennon, his personal trauma after the Beatles' breakup, and his subsequent struggle to get back to the top with Wings - which nearly got him murdered in Africa and brought him nine days in a Tokyo jail.

Listeners will learn about his marriage to Linda, including their much-criticized musical collaboration, and a moving account of her death. Packed with new information and critical insights, Paul McCartney: The Life will be the definitive biography of a musical legend.

©2016 Philip Norman (P)2016 W.F. Howes"

Which, if you've read my past posts about a rabbit hole conspiracy called "Paul Is Dead", this book will be totally different and perhaps not all correct, seeing how 'Faul' has his own story out. 

There is a 2009 biography from Thomas E. Uharriet titled "The Memoirs of Billy Shears: The Nine After 9-09 Edition", which my friend Tay had given me a copy of. The Billy Shears version is allegedly the real story behind the tin foil hat speculation of how James Paul really "vanished" and William Shepherd / Billy Shears came to be. 

The synopsis of the Billy Shears edition (via Amazon) states:

"In 1969, a rumor erupted that Paul McCartney, “the cute Beatle”, had been replaced. Generations later, we see that the Beatles spent hundreds of hours making “Paul is Dead” clues but were required to deny it. What if “Billy Shears” really had replaced Paul and still plays that role today? How would he explain taking over the band?

The memoirs, from Billy Shears’ perspective, reveals his conflict with John but also his delight in working with “Fifth Beatle” George Martin. With a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and a global agenda, their work transformed the planet, leading us through a psychedelic revolution that changed how we see ourselves.

In July 2018 (28 months after George Martin passed away), his eldest son, Gregory Paul Martin, received an advance copy of the Nine After 9-09 Edition of the Memoirs of Billy Shears. He had known the Beatles’ original Paul since 1962 and still has dealings with “Sir Paul” today. Gregory generously found time in his overbooked schedule for this performance.

To record this significant book, he thought it fitting to use the original recording equipment that his father, George Martin, had used with the Beatles. Sitting at that same historic equipment to record the memoirs, Gregory sometimes felt that he, too, had become Paul. It felt uncanny.

Special thanks to sound engineers: William Shinker (British Grove Studios), Andy Cook (Red Planet Records), and Clint Ramon Harrigan (Ranch Trailing Post-Production).

The Memoirs of Billy Shears: Nine After 9-09 Edition is also available in hardcover, paperback, and as an e-book. Printed versions have footnotes, word-stacking, and the world’s longest acrostic. In the US, get the hardcover from www.BillyShears.com. Elsewhere, find the paperback via Amazon. Whatever you believe about Paul, let this performance take you on the Beatles fantasy of a lifetime. It is your ultimate magical mystery. With this view of the Beatles’ inner-workings, you, and their songs, may never be the same."

I'm looking forward to listening to the Phillip Norman version, to see how it parallels the Thomas E. Uharriet copy. Makes me wonder what may be different and if there are any similarities. I know I have spoken of length about the PID theory and when Tay was telling me his opinions on it, the things I learned do make sense to what I originally remember from when I first stumbled on it, decades ago. 

I know this is going to take some time to get through since it's 26 discs, running a total of 30.5 hours. The way I've been listening to things lately, I'm glad it's not due back until September.

Last but not least, six: I found some super heroes in the young adult section of the library!

Yes, I go into the young adult section because I occasionally pick up a Disney movie or one of the comic book movies. Strangely, Marvel and DC are put in the kids section rather than the adult section. 

Plus, I pick up random educational coloring pages for my cousins' kids (Hi Brady, Levi, Stevie, Marla, Lana and Daisy).

I couldn't find the exact Iron Man decal, but I linked to some variations below. The same goes for the Batman decal. However, I think I found the Captain America one, or close to it. 

I know a few people who would love the Iron Man and Captain America on their wall (Hi Cat), while I wouldn't necessarily use this specific Batman, I used to work with someone who would 100% want it in his office and at his house (Hi Travis, if you're still reading these pages). 

It is pretty rad to see the comic icons up and around; it gets the kids asking questions and reading something new, yet old. It is a good win for everyone. 

I think that's about it for now with the rest of the updates. Maybe I will have more over the weekend, but until I can sort some more things out and not put everything in one section, I should wrap this up. 

Go on and listen to something new and read something wild. Take in a nature show and don't bother the animals if they're busy with whatever life has them doing. 

Cheers;

See Also

• "IT" related searches
• pennywise clown skeleton bust pedestal
  
• creepy it skeleton clown
  
• "IT: A Novel" the book that spawned the "Losers Club" on celluloid and in toys.
• Stephen King, IT! via Cinemax on Amazon Prime (to stream)
  
• IT/IT Chapter Two (2-Pck Bundle) (DVD)
  
• IT: Welcome to Derry:The Complete First Season (DVD)
  
  
• All photos taken on an iPhone 17 
• Photos edited in Photoshop. 
• Videos edited in Pinnacle Studio 18 Ultimate. There's an upgrade to this program, as linked. The third video, or second gecko, uses Pinnacle stock audio: "Film/TV" | "Dreamscape" | "The Visitor", which is aptly fitting. 
• As I'm using a Windows 8.1 laptop and Pinnacle 18, I do apologize for the way the videos saved. the error arrows are due to software fighting itself. 
  
  
• "Jurassic Park" related searches
• Jurassic Park: A Novel. The Michael Crichton book that started it all
  
• "jurassic park film collection"
  
  
• Paul McCartney searches
• "Paul McCartney: The Life" by Phillip Norman
• "The Memoirs of Billy Shears: The Nine After 9-09 Edition" by Thomas E. Uharriet
  
  
• Window decals
• Iron Man search
  
• Batman search
  
• Captain America (group of seven decals)
  
• Captain America search

The things we remember

My friend Cat texted me at 11:30 last night, rather mad. 

(She lives north of Boston and the family wanted to go see the fireworks, locally) 

Due to the crazy weather happening around the country, Massachusetts hasn't been immune to any of the heat and humidity. It now has some thunder problems. I know there was some questions around the festivities at the Hatch Shell and the holiday lightshow ended up being postponed a couple hours due to impeding thunder storms and high wind. 

Since Cat was doing stuff in her city, she made the comment to me that "5 minutes and 31 seconds.. that's how fucking short the fireworks show was. They suddenly stopped, we waited a while and it started to rain. Ppl left in hoards. It was an embarrassment for the 250th".

I don't know what else happened or how bad it was there, as I did text her back this morning and she hasn't responded. She must still be mad because I know she had company over and they were planning an outing. 

Locally to Fort Myers, I honestly don't know if any of our stuff happened because I went to bed early and usually the boom display wakes me up. None of that happened; I slept through whatever was (literally) popping off. No one talked about it today at the pool, so maybe things were kept (relatively) quiet.

It got me thinking of what we used to do when I was little. 

I remember going to New London (CT) and we'd pack a beach bag full of blankets, chairs, water and snacks, drive down to the waterfront, find a place to park the car on the street and then place our butts on the beach. Someone usually had a radio with them and the transmission always played the Wolfman Jack radio hour, and we would watch the light show. 

This, at least, was the early years of my youth since the Wolfman died in 1995. Now that I really think about it, I think a few years it was Casey Kasem as well; the channel usually changed to one of the shows, depending on who brought the radio and how much they wanted to share it.

As I'm writing this, I'm also thinking that we only went to the Hatch Shell a real slim handful of times. I truly only remember doing the beach thing when I was little. I don't recall what we did in my later years, but since moving to Florida, we haven't go anywhere to celebrate. 

Or at least, I haven't. 

This is definitely brings back memories (now I've got the song in my head. Great....) and I am seriously trying to think of the things we did in between the years we weren't at the July 4th thing at the beach. It's tough; I'm sure we did something. I'll probably remember it later. 

As much as I hate getting political, another "memory" I'm having lately, is based on a podcast I'm listening to (even as I create this post). 

I'm currently playing "Homegrown: OKC" by "USG Audio". 

The synopsis via Amazon is:

"Dive into a case of domestic terrorism from the past that’s really a warning about the future. Back in 1995, there was a disaster that should have prepared us for January 6th and the political violence that we’re seeing today: the Oklahoma City Bombing. Journalist Jeffrey Toobin reveals the story behind Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City Bombing, and right-wing extremism in America - how a decorated army veteran became consumed with rage, how he somehow went underground and built a bomb that damaged fifty blocks in a modern city, and how everything that led to the horror of April 19th, 1995 is still very present in America. Homegrown: OKC is a USG Audio podcast produced by Western Sound and Esmail Corp. Based on the book “Homegrown: Timothy McVeigh and the Rise of Rightwing Extremism” by Jeffrey Toobin."

Everything seemed to happen during a school vacation. Some sort of hijinks during the months preceding to summer so that trials happened when I was off for summer. 

The bombing of the Oklahoma City Federal Building was one of those things. I was on spring vacation when Timothy McVeigh nearly leveled the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The trials went on for a while. 

I remember the news talking about this when it happened (I was in junior high school) and during my college years, I included this incident in a thesis paper I wrote for a sociology class. 

Now that I'm older, I'm listening to various podcasts, which extend to historical and political things. Therefore, I'm currently listening to USG Audio's investigative piece about the bombing. This is an in-detail story about what happened during the bombing and how it led to a future piece of history that could have been avoided if we listened better to history. 

Again, I'm trying to be neutral on this topic because it can be a touchy issue. I'm listing it only because I wanted to update my blog on what I'm currently listening to. If politics or history aren't something you want, there's no need to seek this out. If you want to learn a little more about what could have been avoided, then try hearing this. I am only two episodes on, but they're long enough that it feels like it could take a bit to get through. I'm sure that will change shortly. 

In the interim, I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend and finding some fun to do.

Cheers;

See also (aka links on Amazon)

* Wolfman Jack (I highly suggest reading his autobiography. It's a pretty rad story of his life and how he got into broadcasting)

* Casey Kasem info

* Maroon 5's song "Memories" from the 2021 album, Jordi. 

* "Homegrown: OKC" podcast

* "Homegrown: Timothy McVeigh and the Rise of Rightwing Extremism" by Jeffrey Toobin (the book the podcast stems from)

Let's talk this one through...

I was telling a co-worker on Thursday about the Good Omens purchase and how I got a bad cover. 

I had shown him what I received and what Amazon was selling; how people were getting the non Crowley cover even though the character is clearly supposed to be there. 

My co-worker said I need to contact Amazon and see how they can fix this. I ordered the book with a character and I didn't receive what was paid for and advertised. I told him that I'm okay with this, although I'm bummed there isn't a character on it, it makes the novel a little eccentric. He said that that's not the point. It's misleading, especially where Amazon is the one who sold it to me.

I thought about it through out the day and I guess it bothered me enough, that I ended up doing a chat with Customer Service. 

What started out as "I wanted to tell someone how I received a poor quality cover of a book", turned into "We're starting a return for you and you'll get a replacement for it"; all in the span of forty five minutes. My co-worker helping me with things to say, kept saying "I'm getting aggravated for you because of this". 

Let me backtrack a little with the conversation.

I had started off by saying "I am not looking to return the book, but I wanted to make a comment about receiving the Good Omens paperback with white cover. Part of the graphics are missing on it. I know “covers may vary” (you receive either the black cover or white cover. Both have different character) and the white one I received is missing the character. It has only the title, author and a splash of tiny color; the main character is missing from the center of the cover". 

The associate apologized for the issue and they would help me with this. 

At this point in time, I said "it may be a quality control thing as the whole book looks okay. Just the cover is missing information". 

They again apologized for it, and offered me a promo credit. I asked if they could also send a corrected copy (at no charge) but they said that was not possible. 

Considering there are other people who have reviewed this book and stated they received the non Crowley cover, I really wanted to make sure this would no longer be a problem on future orders. 

I didn't make that last comment, but the response I received for asking for a corrected copy was "you can re-order the book". I asked if there was any guarantee that I'd get the cover as advertised and the answer was "I will take this as a feedback and escalate it on high priority to the concerned department and make sure necessary actions are taken on this and you do not face this situation again.

Be assured that this will not repeat again". 

~NOTE the last line: "Be assured that this will not repeat again"~

I asked if there was an expiry date on the promo and they informed me I have one year to use it. 

As I didn't get a full answer about the guarantee over re-ordering the book, they instead handed my concern to a "lead". This would be associate number two of the chat. 

Once I confirmed the purchase with the second agent, I started again with what the problem was - there's a lack of quality control over the printing and I wanted a guarantee that should I re-order the book, it would arrive as promised. 

This triggered a "return" and "damage" on their end, so the next part of the conversation was the agent informing me they want (/need / etc) to start the process of having me return this copy and get a replacement sent out, unless I wanted a refund. But I'd need to return the book. 

I asked again, what the guarantee was of getting the correct version if I'm sending this one back and getting a new one. I wasn't interested in sending it back (to begin with) if only to get the same no character cover. 

This agent couldn't help me further, and switched me to another person. I immediately started the conversation with "I was offered a promo credit and would like to accept that, please".

Unfortunately, the answer I got from that was "I have escalated your feedback and can help you with a return label". No acknowledgement of the credit.

The agent insisted on creating a return label, to which every mention of this, my co-worker was getting angrier because he wanted me to see this through and hoped Amazon would help me. 

Keep in mind, I'm not trying to swindle, screw or bash the company (as much as it may seem like I am, at least in the latter). I am writing this out now, in my blog, to let other readers know that these things can happen. You have to choose how you want to contact the company and decide what your end game is. I wanted them to be aware that they need to have better eyes on what they ship out, if people are getting things that are falsely advertised. 

Back to the conversation with the third agent.

They kept insisting on creating a return label when I asked about that promo credit. I was told that I was "given incorrect information. Unfortunately, we don't have the option or authorize to issue any compensation or promo credits.I hope you understand my limitations". 

Because this was a completely different department I was dealing with, I missed my chance on getting the credit. I had no other choice now but to return the book.

The agent had continued the conversation by starting "While I genuinely wish to help you, I'm unable to make an exception to our return policy. The return of the physical item is a mandatory requirement for processing refunds. This policy protects both our customers and our business.

The seller needs the item back for inspection, repair or resale; without the item, the refund cannot

be processed, as it would result in a direct financial loss for them.

As I'm from the Specialist team , resolutions are restricted"

It boggled my mind because the 'seller' is Amazon, not a third party storefront. I don't know how they will repair the cover, but I'm sure someone will tear out the pages of the book and rebind them with a new back page stating the date of printing (like I received). My co-worker was just as crazed as I was at this point. He was waiting for me to finish this conversation because it was turning into a bad cycle of crazy. 

I asked to be connected to someone who could help me further, so I was transferred to yet another person. 

They immediately stated that the way it's understood, I'm writing about a damaged book. I replied stating it's "not a fully damaged item. It has a cover that is missing graphics on the cover.

It is how the company printed the book and Amazon sold it" and they wanted to go forward and help with a return or replacement.

Can you tell why this took almost an hour and both my co-worker and I were getting upset?

Again, I asked about a replacement and guarantee I'll get the correct cover. I even stated "I do not want a replacement if you can't help me with this and send me the right one". I was assured they will do right by me and I will receive the proper copy. 

I begrudgingly agreed to receive a return label and mail back the copy I received. I was told I'd get the replacement today, Saturday, and all will be good. 

Guess what came in the mail!

Yup, the same cover, missing the same character!

This time, it came in a bubble mailer and the back cover was not only bent and some pages crooked, but the spin also was damaged and part of the top cover too. 

Trust me, I'm not happy about this. 

Luckily, I hadn't shipped the first book back in case I needed to send Amazon images of both books as reference to what I had received. 

I immediately got on the Amazon chat and wanted to make sure they knew about this. 

I had started the conversation with "This is a quality control issue with Amazon sending out the book. Second time I received it, it is missing half the graphics on the cover, and now the book is bent. I have not sent the original order back yet, to see how this would arrive. I am willing to keep that first copy and send back today's copy. In exchange, I would also like the amount paid for the book returned to me via credit to my account for the troubles I have had with this order. Apparently this book isn't in stock like I was led to believe".

Before anyone says I'm doing something bad, again, think back to my original conversation with them: I'm reporting a printing issue but want to keep the book. It snowballed into a return fiasco. 

I had to go through the prompts about a dozen times before I was able to chat with someone in Customer Service. 

The first person who I worked with today, asked me to upload images of the book being wrong and damaged (the bent pages). Which is why I waited on sending the first one back - I figured they'd want to see what I got. I complied and we moved along. 

The associate saw the images and said that I need to return this book back in order to get a replacement or refund, so my query was partially answered. 

I asked them "Does this mean you are not carrying the book at all? It is again, quality control and false

advertising. I really wanted a copy of the book and am willing to keep the first copy, send back the

second, with a refund to my account so I can purchase the more accurate book somewhere else in

my own time" because it wasn't really clear and I did want to originally keep the book. I wasn't trying to be difficult, even though it seems that way. 

The answer this agent gave me was they could offer a promo credit, but then before I could answer, I was passed to another associate. 

The second person for today wanted me to elaborate on what was going on, so I stated everything that has been happening with this and how it's turning into a mess. They apologized for everything and wanted to start the return process on this new book. In order to do anything for me, they need both copies back. I said that doing so doesn't help the original message and what type of hassle this has been, in order to have what was advertised. 

This got me pushed to a third person.

I explained to this associate what's been going on and asked that they refer to both Thursday's chat and today's chat. The associate said they saw all the notes and wanted to confirm how many books I had at the moment. I stated I have the original order, which made the conversation on Thursday, and now I have the replacement, received today, for today's conversation. I reiterated both books are incorrect and as much as I'd be willing to keep one, now we're at the point I'd like some sort of refund because I don't want to keep getting a bad replacement.

I was told that if I expect a refund, I need to return both, so a return has to be submitted for both. I stated I originally wanted to keep one, but was offered a promo credit for the trouble. I'd like that honored if I can't get a full refund. I'm also keeping one of the books because that's originally why I wrote in.

This got me to another agent. 

The final agent in this chaos went over everything that has been going on. They wanted me to confirm what I've got, what I've shipped, what I've done. I explained everything, again, even though it was all in the chat. 

They too, informed me if I expect a full refund, I had to return both books. At this point, I was done going in circles, much like I've been doing here to explain it. 

I stated that I'd like to keep one of the books and that the first agent stated I could do that, if I returned the original one. They would also issue me the promotional credit for all of this inconvenience. I would like that to be honored. 

The agent agreed that they would issue me the credit as long as I return the first book. I told them I didn't need a label because I already had the one they sent me Thursday. The final statement from Customer Support was "Alrighty I'll issue you the Promo Credit. Please make sure you send back the original order". 

I said I would, and I did. I taped everything back up (I had originally put it all in an envelope to be mailed out) and I went to the UPS Store. Yes, I even sent back the better copy of the two, as I said I would. 

It's just maddening because the website states that "covers may vary", but because there's no one watching what is being sent out, there's no eyes on the quality of the item. Amazon is responsible for shipping this, and I wanted them to know about what I received. Especially since a lot of other people are commenting they got the bad cover as well. I don't know the exact number of people making reports for replacements, but there were a few who stated they got a second copy from Amazon with the same issue. You'd think the more people who talk about it, the more the company would do something. 

You'd think. 

I'm so sorry to go on this big tangent and I thank you for sticking with me. I'm also sorry this happened because it shows how this company is making brick and mortar stores lose patrons. Other companies are raising prices because they can't compete with the online retailer and it sucks. I'd love to have gotten the book locally, but if it's 10-20 dollars more in store plus a 30 minute drive to not know if it's in stock, what's the point? 

I have to reiterate, I am not sitting here trying to bash the company and demand stupid things. I've paid my membership dues and I've gotten a lot out of it. This is one of those instances where reviews really count and you have to take the risk of ordering because things vary so much, you really don't know if you'll get the right package. It is unfortunate because this is a big competitor and it's so easy to stay at home and do an order. 

The world is changing rapidly and people want everything "now!!!" and they also get greedy. I'm more upset that this was the first time I received a product where it wasn't accurately described. I could understand if it was a third party selling it and the main company had some sort of promise or guarantee to work with the customer, but here Amazon was the seller and they do have an "A-Z Guarantee" but both times they sent me the product, it was a fail. I want and wanted to read the book. I wanted to tell them what was going on. I had no intention of it spiraling like this. If this place is the only location selling the book, what choice do I have? B&N and BAM both said they didn't have the book in stock in local stores. I could have checked thrift stores, and that's like searching for a needle in a haystack. I could have gone to eBay and what promise do I have for there? Markups and such a plenty, and I haven't used my eBay account in a while. 

I wish it was better and once I know Amazon receives the book, I'm going to rate my experience over there too. Talk about the shipping process and the cover only. Not rate the level of the story. I'm still excited to read it, but I'm not excited over how I got to read it. 

To each their own and let this be a big lesson for everyone: Always do your own research and advocate for your best interest. I totally understand where they were coming from, based on a profit and loss situation, but every opportunity to make good was hit with a brick wall. At what point do you just stop and give up? Don't go through with things? That's your choice. You have to make sure you're doing what you feel is necessary. 

So, if you're reading this, my co-worker, now you know the end of the story if I forget to tell you.

Cheers;

See also:

* Good Omens page on Amazon (scroll to bottom to see reviews)

Ooohh.. I got one of THOSE covers! | I was so excited for the branded tech!

The final season of Good Omens dropped on Amazon Prime a couple weeks ago as a 90 minute movie. There are multiple reasons for having a single movie rather than a series and a particular reason with this series is due to some behind the scenes accusations with the writing staff. I don't want to get into that here, but I am sure some sleuths will be able to figure out the "whys".

~ No Spoilers ~

I was excited to get some sort of continuation with the show, so having a finale movie is okay by me. The staff that stayed on, seemed to wrap up some loose ends in such a way, that it really did make sense by the end of the film. There were some story lines that they were able to tie together from the second season and ultimately included a surprise allowance of some fan fiction shipping. The film took some liberties in the fan department but I think most people are pleasantly pleased by it. Truth be told, it was a classy ending and I honestly wouldn't have asked for a better tribute. 

That doesn't mean they couldn't have done some better things in the bulk of the main hour, but with time restraints, it's understandable. I'm glad they did something with it (in a rushed way) instead of leaving fans hanging. 

To the ones wondering what the show is about, it's based on a late 1980s book by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. The full title is "Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch—A Humorous Fantasy About Armageddon". It is now one of those novels that is on reprint on demand, thus making it hard to find an original copy. This is, considering, it's a British book that prompted a few conversations of audio form in the UK before landing in America. If you do happen to find a copy of the first printing, it's going to cost a lot more than what the generic Mass Market paperback is (we're talking a range of $30 to over $100 depending on what site you're using. Allegedly people are finding it for under $25 in thrift stores. Keep in mind, this is first pressing or first run, not reproduction). That being said, the reproduction, depending on type (hardcover, paperback, e-reader) is running between $7 and change (mass market) to over $20, because big box retailers need a mark up. 

The book synopsis, on various bookstore websites:

According to The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (the world's only completely accurate book of prophecies, written in 1655, before she exploded), the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. Just before dinner.

So the armies of Good and Evil are amassing, Atlantis is rising, frogs are falling, tempers are flaring. Everything appears to be going according to Divine Plan. Except a somewhat fussy angel and a fast-living demon—both of whom have lived amongst Earth's mortals since The Beginning and have grown rather fond of the lifestyle—are not actually looking forward to the coming Rapture.

And someone seems to have misplaced the Antichrist . . .

The Amazon site review:

Pratchett (of Discworld fame) and Gaiman (of Sandman fame) may seem an unlikely combination, but the topic (Armageddon) of this fast-paced novel is old hat to both. Pratchett's wackiness collaborates with Gaiman's morbid humor; the result is a humanist delight to be savored and reread again and again. You see, there was a bit of a mixup when the Antichrist was born, due in part to the machinations of Crowley, who did not so much fall as saunter downwards, and in part to the mysterious ways as manifested in the form of a part-time rare book dealer, an angel named Aziraphale. Like top agents everywhere, they've long had more in common with each other than the sides they represent, or the conflict they are nominally engaged in. The only person who knows how it will all end is Agnes Nutter, a witch whose prophecies all come true, if one can only manage to decipher them. The minor characters along the way (Famine makes an appearance as diet crazes, no-calorie food and anorexia epidemics) are as much fun as the story as a whole, which adds up to one of those rare books which is enormous fun to read the first time, and the second time, and the third time...

It's being sold as a more comical version of The Omen due to the heaven and hell, angel and demon, antichrist, The End Is Nigh connections. I can kind of see that, but it's not as ominous as the 1976 Gregory Peck movie is. 

I debated and debated about buying the book, and did do some leg work to see who had a "better deal" on the paperback. I didn't want a repeat of the Elton saga, so I chose to go to Amazon. They had the reprinted book, on paperback, for $10.43; where Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million have it for $18.99. The difference between the two latter stores is Books-A-Million has has a mass market version at $9.99 and B&N doesn't list a that as an option on their website. Conversely, Amazon lists the mass market for $7.19, which is what I used to buy the True Blood (Sookie Stackhouse) series for, back in the day. If you are a member of the retail stores' rewards programs (B&N, BAM), you get free shipping online, but you're paying gas to get to a physical location. It's coming out of your wallet either way. Same goes with Amazon, I know, I know. At least you can add other items to your cart that are not books and have everything shipped together. 

The other thing with the physical stores, is they want you to pay $39.99 a year (B&N) or $25 a year (BAM) for discounts on select merchandise. In order to get the full realm of the annual cost, you need to spend 10x that amount in the 12 months because spending a low amount willy nilly once or twice in 52 weeks for just free shipping isn't worth it. That's just my opinion. 

I realize Amazon yearly rate is much higher ($139/year), but you've got to realize what you receive with Prime: 

• Fast, free delivery
• Unlimited streaming
• Exclusive deals & savings
• Groceries
• Amazon Music with Prime
• Amazon Photos (storage)
• Amazon Prime Fuel Savings
• Grubhub+
• Rx savings

The bookstores don't seem to offer this type of an array, except "deals and savings" and "free delivery".

I think I've made back my Amazon money at this point, as I am the household account owner and bothmy mother and I stream movies (she has her own profile), I've purchased music through the site (vinyl and CD) so I can stream those MP3s when it's offered, my mother has an Echo Dot so she streams music and uses the timer function. We also make several purchases with Amazon and in Whole Foods (when we go to that area of town). I've also utilized the holiday deal sales. I could have used the RX savings with a previous job, but I didn't need any prescriptions at that time. Although, that's one thing I'm a bit leery on - giving Amazon your doctor's information as well as script information. So yeah, I feel like I've made my 139 back, and since Amazon doesn't sell things knowing they're discounted, there's no percentage to double everything up for. 

On another note, regarding versions of the book, I did notice a third party vendor selling a hardcover copy on Amazon, and they were looking for $18.19 plus $3.99 shipping. Therefore, you have to watch what you're clicking.

Which brings me to the next challenge.

The websites are stating "covers may vary" because you don't get a choice in which edition you are purchasing online. It's a William Morris publishing company (merged with Harper Publishing), but there are two different covers: a black sketch of Crowley holding a wine glass filled with red wine (on a white cover) or a white sketch of Aziraphale reading a book (on a black cover). 

image via Amazon

Amazon customer reviews are mixed because most people are buying the book to have the chance of both covers; while others are, like me, wanting to finally read the novel the show is based on. Totally fine; everyone has their reasons to do something. However, what you order and what you receive are two different things. 

People are commenting that the white cover book (Crowley) is coming to them damaged. 

How damaged? The picture of Crowley is completely missing. All you see is a small splash of the red wine. The same is to be said on the book spine as well. Other comments are staying the mass market book isn't bound great; the pages are easily coming out of the spine. Otherwise, it's an awesome story. 

I decided to take my chances and order it anyway. I am having reading issues lately, so I didn't want to go with the smaller print mass market ($7.19 version). I purchased the regular paperback version instead ($10.43). 

Can you guess what cover I received?

 

Yup, the missing Crowley cover. 

The last page in the book also has printing information, which is a bit weird to me. 

I feel like this proves that this version is a Print On Demand copy and was printed when I ordered it. Rather, it was printed and bound the day they shipped it from the Amazon Warehouse. Which may be why other people are saying they are having issues with the copy they received as well. The company isn't allowing things to set correctly.

Or whatever Amazon now does when you order random books.

This also means that the book was sent from an Orlando based publishing company, in order for me to get it the next day; it's local but not local enough to divulge that information.

Similarly, I noticed that when I asked my local library to request Rachael's book - they had found it on their vendor site and since her story is a Print On Demand version anyway, she too had some "Made in [country]" with city and date stamped in it. 

Everything seems to be relative these days and literally "mass produced" to a point. There's some PDF file somewhere and someone is pressing "print". Another person takes that, cuts it, binds it and hands it off to someone else. I honestly don't know the process; I'm just spitting out random guesses at the moment, but it's just sad how you think you're ordering a print of something and there is no quality control over it. No one noticed the cover was off. The more this story gets printed, the less of a chance the book has better value to it because it was a misprint. 

Usually when there is an error in a product, it's fair game for resellers because it's a rare item. However, in the printing world that is becoming more popular right now, "on demand" means "pay no attention; just send it". I think. I don't know; there's a lot to be said without running in circles. Just be mindful on what you're ordering and certainly read reviews because you never know. 

I mean, this type of error could potentially make me go out to the big box stores and pick up the copy I want. Do I then want three copies? I don't know. Maybe, if that means it's also a conversation I can have with my friends. "Hey, look at this; look why brick and mortar stores are going out of business. I big online retailer has taken over and they aren't paying attention to what they're doing. So I went to the outer reaches of the universe to pick up a better copy... at a 10+ dollar price hike". 

It's not a real conversation. I'm just making it up as I go along here. Free writing. But there could be something along the lines of why stores are shuttering and there are more delivery vans on the road these days. People aren't leaving their houses and adventuring out in the world. 

-Shrugs-

With adventuring, I do need to go to another big box retailer this week. I bought something else on Amazon and ended up returning it today because it didn't work as expected. 

When I had the iPhone 6 and 11, I had the lightning digital adapters to go with it.

I had a USB to Lightning dongle that allowed me to transfer files from my phone to my computer and vice versa while using a thumb drive. This came in so handy when I was doing event set up and clients needed to email me their presentation to put on the company laptop. I was able to get the file on my work phone, via email, download it to a thumb drive, then transfer it to the computer. We were off and running in a matter of minutes. 

Of course, it was my adapter and I didn't get reimbursed for it, but it was only offered to those I trusted because a lot of people took advantage of my niceness and help (long story). I wasn't about to gift it to the company when I left, either. I bought this fair and square and they never knew about it. My own personal use for the adapter was when I had to transfer my own files from my phone to my laptop or quickly save a file from an email on a computer to then have it on my phone for whatever reason (text a friend "you're not going to believe THIS one! 👀"). 

I also had an HDMI to Lightning Dongle that allowed me to stream movies on bigger screens (before the video apps shut that shit down and wanted you to watch on your phone screen instead. Something about media rights.. and all I wanted to do was stream a TV series from my phone onto a TV in someone's bedroom). The adapter was amazing - all I had to do was connect the lightning end to my phone, plug in an HDMI in the other end of the adapter, and then the opposite end of the HDMI went to whatever screen I was using. Plenty of times I hooked it up at work and I was able to use a decent size projector screen as my way to "test out the audio system and sight lines in the room". It was a combination platter because there were people who were vocalizing about dead zones in the room - they either couldn't see the screen or hear the audio. If I could do some tinkering on my own time (on the clock), I'd watch a TV show and do some testing. I also used the adapter when traveling, so if I had a TV in the room I was staying in, I could hook my phone up and watching a movie before bed. It got to the point I was carrying a 3 foot cable with me (seems super long but it winds up small). It suited my needs for a long time.  

However, both adapters went by the weigh side when I upgraded to the iPhone 17. Now the phone has a USB-C port instead of a lightning port so I'm stuck with a lot of chargers and a couple adapters that don't work on this new device. 

Back in January, I purchased Apple's Lightning to USB-C adapter, tried it, but that didn't work for me. Somehow using an adapter on an adapter doesn't jive correctly. Even if they're both the same brand's product. I know other people have positive reviews of the product, but I tried on two different iPhone 17s and it didn't work. I must be doing something wrong, but I even tried it on my mother's phone and it didn't work. 

Fast forward to this week when I needed to transfer something from my phone to my laptop. I wasn't connected to Wi-Fi on my computer, so I couldn't get on iCloud. I also didn't have a USB-C to USB-A cable with me, so I couldn't plug my phone into a USB port. I was stuck and couldn't do anything about the files someone needed.

Which led me to order an adapter. 

The Anker USB C to USB Adapter came in the mail yesterday and I was excited to try it.

• Number one, it's a top brand; it's reputable among a lot of technical people.
• Number two, I've got the USB-C to USB charging cables all over my house right now and they work. I even use it in my laptop to transfer files off my phone. I've had no problem with the name. 
• Number three, having a two pack of the adapters allows me to keep one in my backpack and one in another bag. The price was worth it (on sale for $9.56 after tax).

I found out it wasn't so worth it. 

With a case on my phone the adapter doesn't work.  

As it is, my iPhone 17 is sausaged into the case; there's no getting that thing out unless I want to break the seal of the Zagg. 

Just for giggles, I tried it in my mother's 17. She has a thinner case on hers. 

No dice.

The adapter was so loose (on both phones), it wouldn't even make a connection anywhere or anyhow. It was like the thing was waiting to fall out if you looked at it the wrong way. One wrong question and it jumps overboard. 

I don't have the words to describe this part so stick with me.

The USB-C part is shorter than the surrounding holder, and there's no inversion of the holder to make the USB-C part go past a certain point when you have a case on your phone. That's why it was so loose in the port area, because the USB part is shorter than it should be. 

I can get the USB C part into my phone from the charging cable because the housing part is slanted in a way that allows the USB C to go through the case and in the port. 

Also, when I tried plugging my thumb drive into the USB A side, it felt like there was something wrong with it. It was a tight fit so the thumb drive wouldn't fall out, but it also felt like the drive could break in the port as well. It almost felt like it was a tiny bit off from making a solid connection. I was afraid of something breaking internally - whether it was in the adapter or in my thumb drive.

It's so hard to describe this and I hope it's making sense.

I really wish it had worked because I had such faith in it. 

Like I said, there's no way I wanted to take my phone out the the case. I don't want to, nor should I have to, in order to randomly use the adapter. 

Yes, I'm reading it now online, that in order to use it on a phone, you need to take the phone out of the case, but I stupidly and stubbornly wanted to give it a try. All cases are different and you never know. 

Now that I'm back to square one, I am thinking I need to go to a big box retailer and ask them if they have something like this and if I can try it out before purchasing, because I'd be returning it if it doesn't work. 

I know the answer would be "no, you need to buy it first" but it saves everyone a big headache if I take it home and can't use it. There has to be a way to test it before it leaves the store. I'm certainly going to buy it if it works, but they're certainly calling it a loss if I have to return it (and I get stuck with a possible reshelf fee). 

I've tried on over the ear headphones before, and there were no issues about it. I've also asked to look more closely at watch bands and other tech. It's a matter of being polite and asking nicely. If they won't let you, don't fight it. Most of the time, the people are okay with it. Most of the things I've asked to take out of the box, I've bought. A watch band I looked at, didn't fit on my watch and I was able to get it back in the box, in front of the worker, and he put it back on the shelf. It's all about transparency. 

Mind you, I'm not trying to condone any type of shoplifting or raising their profit and loss ratio, but there's a very slim time when situations happen that they can make a decision as to whether or not it's acceptable. I've had those conversations where the employee has said "no" and I've had the ones who say "I don't care". It's really how you explain what's going on. Especially if you honestly do have every intention of purchasing it if it works. If it doesn't, they can tape it back up and put it on the shelf (if you open it carefully). I've seen this happen in other stores when employees are working with people. 

Again, this is not a habit thing. It's not something I suggest everyone do to anger the stores. It's one of those "in a pinch" situations. It saves everyone if it could be done.

Overall, it feels like I really can't win right now with tech. I try, but some things aren't going my way lately. I'm hoping for the better though! 

In the meantime, if I can find something that works, I'll make an update. 

Until things get sorted... do your research and do some (light) reading.

Cheers;

See Also:

• Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch―A Humorous Fantasy About Armageddon - this is the Amazon link with the paperback version
  
• Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (Cover may vary) - this is the Amazon link with the mass market version. 
  
• Sangre De Toro by Rachael Adam - this is my friend Rachael's book.
  
• The Omen - the 1976 Gregory Peck movie
  
• Sookie Stackhouse / True Blood series by Charlaine Harris via Amazon Kindle
  
• Amazon Prime page - information on price and item breakdowns
  
• Apple Lightning to Digital AV Adapter via Amazon
  
• Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter via Amazon
  
• Apple USB-C to Lightning Adapter via Amazon
  
• Anker USB C Adapter (2 Pack), USB C to USB Adapter High-Speed Data Transfer for MacBook Pro 2020, iPad Pro 2020, Samsung Notebook 9, Dell XPS and More Type C Devices
  
• Anker Cable [2 Pack 3ft], USB A to USB C Cable for iPhone 17 Series,Samsung Galaxy S10 S10+, LG V30, Beats Fit Pro and More (Black)
  
• Zagg phone cases on Amazon