I rode on a Flixbus...

I used Flixbus.  Before you do, here is my experience…

The best feature of using Flixbus, is the cost:  for the trip I booked, it was about ten dollars for
a ride from Tucson (Arizona) to Las Vegas (Nevada).  About twenty dollars from Las Vegas to
Tucson.

I also wanted to ride a Flixbus...because it called to my geeky and nerdy nature.  More
relating to that within my review...

If you can, before you book your trip, plan to be able to print the ticket.  Otherwise,
use their app to present your authorization to the driver. You will need to have one or the
other before you are allowed to board the bus.

(Also, they offer printable luggage tags for your bags...but...you will need to have a stapler
available so you can affix them to your luggage.)

September 27, I left from Tucson, and...at the time...the location I needed to be at was the
backside of a Denny’s restaurant.  At 5:45 a.m.

The bus which arrived was a standard tour-type bus...it was not one belonging to Flixbus.  It
did not have any Wi-Fi service, and AC power outlets. This bus took us to Phoenix…

We arrived at a transportation service yard, where other vehicles were parked.  We were
instructed to get off of the bus we were on...then had to get our luggage from under the bus...
wait for our driver to prepare the new bus, which was a Flixbus...put our luggage on the
Flixbus, and then get onto the Flixbus.

Per https://flixbusmedia-us.on.icomera.com/en/journey/ :

“...FlixBus gives you a chance to enjoy free Wi-Fi, extra legroom, private outlets and lots of
room for your baggage.

“...you will be able to avoid boredom thanks to free Wi-Fi on board. You can spend your
journey surfing the internet, chatting with friends, catching up on social media or checking
your emails!

“FlixBus also provides seats with extra legroom. Buses are equipped with comfortable seats
and plenty of space. All seats have adjustable backrests and are comfortable even on longer
trips.

“...There is a toilet on board all FlixBuses.

“...look out for the...many outlets in FlixBuses.

“Our FlixBuses offer you enough space for your baggage...All details about can be found in
the baggage policy.”

Their baggage POLICY limited me to one “hand luggage (25 lbs.) and 1 luggage (50 lbs.) per
person for free”…

“One item of hand luggage 16 x 12 x 7 in for max. all size of all sides of 35 in, max. 25 lbs.

“Your carry-on baggage is limited to one item with dimensions of 16 x 12 x 7 inches  and a
maximum weight of 25 lbs. Slight deviations from these dimensions are permitted provided
that the total dimensions of the item do not exceed a total height, width and length of more
than 35 inches.

“One check-in bag 31 x 20 x 12 in for max. all size of all sides 63 in, max. 50 lbs.”

For me, this was/is a VERY restrictive policy: I also wanted to have with me on-board some
books and notepads, but could not bring them along with my notebook computer (without
violating their policy).

It appeared to me many were allowed to violate that policy...

I was unsatisfied that the seats are narrow.  Too narrow for me to be able to comfortably
use my Google Chromebook.

I sat near the rear of the bus(es)...and was lucky to find some seats in that area which had
more legroom.

A woman behind me found she did not have any AC power outlets available to her…

The Wi-Fi service which gives access to the internet...was VERY SLOW:  download speeds
never exceeded 1 Mbps…

And, my entire allotment for the trip was a total of 300 MB worth of “data volume per day &
device”.  Also, Flixbus states : “Quality/speed may vary regionally”.

If you are hoping to watch video during your trip, consider the standard quality stream of a
YouTube video can be 1 MB of data per minute...and you could consume about five hours of
content before you reach the limit.

You can consider passing the time, with no restrictions, with Flixbus content.  IF the portal
webpage loads ( https://flixbusmedia-us.on.icomera.com )...and there were times when it did
not.  During my trip I had access to twenty-four movies, some television shows, portions of
some audiobooks, and some games.  Magazines were to be accessible, but I was
unsuccessful in being able to browse any.

Initially when I booked my trip, my information indicated I could disembark in Las Vegas at
“East Helen Street and Fremont Avenue”.  However, after attempting to research this
location...it appears it does not exist. “Freemont Street” and “Helen Avenue” exist...but I was
never able to locate them intersecting each other…

My trip ended near the Bonneville Transit Terminal (at 101 East Bonneville Avenue).  My
return trip (to Tucson) boarded from this same location.

Tickets are cheap.  But don’t expect more than that as a benefit of using their service.

Sentenced to prison in Arizona...expect death

...companies operating in Arizona have the highest lockup quotas in the country, ensuring payment for up to 100 percent of their prison beds...

...Management and Training Corp. couldn't hold on to employees, who routinely worked 12- to 16-hour days, 80 percent of the staff was newly hired or recently promoted on the night of the escape. After the men were discovered missing, it took more than an hour for MTC staffers to alert local law enforcement; when they did notify them, they didn't know the names or even the races of the missing men. They "only knew they were wearing orange," says Mohave County Sheriff Tom Sheahan.

...Commit a serious enough infraction to get your security status upgraded and be shipped to a higher-security facility; or request protective custody – and be branded a snitch. When an inmate requests protection...is rarely granted protective custody, or "PC." Instead, he's moved to another prison. Any lateral transfer between facilities – minimum security to minimum security, for instance – is regarded with suspicion by other inmates.

..."When he called me again for money, I said no...Apparently that's why he died."

Nothing at all would be known about Neil's murder if his parents hadn't filed a lawsuit. After his death, Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) investigated, but it has kept the results of its inquiry to itself. The reason? The investigation is still "open," even now, three years later. Deaths in prison are like this; for all intents and purposes, they've occurred in a foreign country ruled by a dictatorship...

The River Valley Medical ambulance arrived at Kingman at 11:10 p.m. The medics noted a "baseball-size contusion and swelling" on the left side of Neil's head.

From the medical examiner's autopsy report: "Depressed left temporal bone fracture." Neil's cranial bone – behind the ear and at the base of his skull – was broken or crushed inward, a "depression" of the bone toward the brain. "Large left epidural hematoma." Neil's veins or arteries were damaged by the blows – blood had pooled into the space between the skull and the dural membrane. Neil's brain was "markedly swollen" and had begun to push down into his brain stem. Bruise on left upper eyelid. Bruise at the base of the spine between the buttocks...

...MTC had failed to conduct crucial staff trainings or had condensed what training it did offer, setting its employees up for failure...staff have a very limited understanding of "prison politics," "prison culture" and "yard dynamics"...

"...‘If you do something wrong...do everything you possibly can to get out of it because you're going to be killed while you're in prison'"...

...Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey...canceled MTC's contract. All it took was one escape, two dead retirees, a flood of drugs, who knows how many inmates bullied, cowed, strung out, injured over the years, a murdered 23-year-old shoplifter, and three days of rioting that destroyed one half of the prison and led to an officer's suicide. Two months later, Ducey and ADC awarded the contract to another for-profit prison company, GEO. Shortly afterward, the Arizona Republic reported that GEO had contributed $2,000 to Ducey's campaign for governor and $50,000 to Conservative Leadership for Arizona, an independent group that supported Ducey...

https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/sentenced-to-death-whos-responsible-for-the-murder-of-neil-early-w520951

Unemployment report, job opportunities, the economy, and hiring slowing?

The Labor Department on Friday said the unemployment rate fell to 4.6% in November, reaching its lowest level since August 2007. The closely watched U-6 rate—a broad measure of underemployment that includes part-time workers looking for full employment and people who say they would enter the job market if better opportunities were available—dropped to a nearly nine-year low of 9.3%.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/little-slack-but-not-much-heat-in-labor-market-1480694166

===============================

...a broadly upbeat performance that could mask underlying soft spots in the labor market.

...those gains have been uneven across the nation and across business sectors, pushing swaths of people to the sidelines and by many measures leaving the economy short of prerecession norms.

...declining participation in the labor force is one of the nation’s more worrisome economic trends, highlighting crosscurrents that have lifted the prospects of many Americans while creating new challenges for others.

...Among traditionally blue-collar professions, construction has been perhaps the strongest with 155,000 new jobs in the last 12 months.

...“companies that have good benefits...attract some better people...”

...labor market getting tighter for service workers...

“It’s a solid report that has a couple of weak spots...”

A slowdown in hiring, meanwhile, wouldn’t be unexpected for a labor market nearing full employment...

Mr. Trump is set to take office amid the longest uninterrupted stretch of hiring on record. It also appears he will inherit one of the lowest jobless rates of any incoming administration since World War II. By comparison, the headline rate was 3.9% when George W. Bush was elected in 2000 and 6.8% when Barack Obama won office in 2008.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-nonfarm-payrolls-rose-178-000-in-november-unemployment-rate-4-6-1480685541

IF YOU HAVE NOT SUBMITTED YOUR BALLOT

“The suggested time to mail in your Vote-by-Mail ballot is Thursday, November 3rd”...according to the Pima County Recorder...

If you haven't submitted your ballot, you may need to consider needing to go to an "early voting site"...as I need to:

Locations For Emergency Voting
Downtown 240 N. Stone Ave.
Southside 6550 S. Country Club Rd.
Eastside 6920 E. Broadway Blvd.

Dates and Hours For Emergency Voting
Saturday, November 5, 2016 Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday, November 7, 2016 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m

"Voters who received a Vote-by-Mail ballot can drop off their voted ballot to any of our Pima County Emergency Voting sites or any Pima County Polling location before 7 p.m. on Election Day, November 8, 2016."

I was streaming Tucson News Now (on an app at 4 p.m.), and overheard mention it was "too late" to mail in my ballot...!!!???!!!???

THE ENVELOPE of my ballot does not state I have a deadline...

In the middle of the blue sheet included with my ballot is a statement, WHICH IS NOT OBVIOUS, suggesting the ballot be mailed "at least four (4) business days prior to election day".

Thanks to TNN, their statement helped me realize how much time I DON'T have to get some things done...

Music sucks. (Or...is it me?)

Sometimes Google Play gives music for free.  Recently, I've been pondering about what I was given...what I deleted, what I kept...and what, if anything, it says about:
music that has been considered commercially successful...
my personal tastes (versus that of the "masses")...
choices made by artists, and music companies...
the music I have been exposed to, and prefer, causing me to be jaded...

I consider myself to be VERY eclectic.  I like things for the reasons I do, whatever those reasons are.

After downloading and listening to as much as I could tolerate, I deleted albums from:  Sia, Jason Derulo, and Cole Swindell.

I kept:
Brad Paisley ("Moonshine in the Trunk" album)...
Michael Jackson ("Thriller"...I don't love every song, but I do respect the album)...
Foo Fighters ("Saint Cecilia" EP)...
"The Very Best of Grateful Dead" (I like some of their songs)...
"Janis Joplin's Greatest Hits" (I like some)...
and Elvis Presley ("30 #1 Hits"...some of them are fair).

The Electric Light Orchestra are one of the few musical acts I admit to being a favorite of mine.  When I learned of the plans to release the latest album, I expected to pay for it.  After hearing it (courtesy of National Public Radio) before it was available for sale, I intended to purchase the "Bonus Track Version" of the album.  After it became available for sale...I couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger.  Maybe it's because I don't have any disposable income.  It may be because there's only one song I (now) would consider purchasing...IF it were on sale at a discount.  After giving it much consideration, I know there are very few songs I would spend money for at all...

I could be a stingy person.  It could be me being very frugal.  It could be that the way things have been, and are...I don't feel the urgency and need to pay for the product.  I've been known to hover over a jukebox and review every offering before putting money into the machine...or, walking away.  It might be easier for me to put that money into an open instrument case of a street performer...

Confiscation at CES

The Changzhou First International Trade Co. decide to go to CES so they can display their "Surfing Electric Scooter".

Onewheel filed "a civil suit for patent infringement"...

And...

"...two U.S. federal marshals showed up at the Consumer Electronics Show..."

I always seem to, at the wrong time, need to go to the restroom.

PDFs in a Chromebook

When I use my Chromebook, it is not possible to view a PDF file.  Unless I use a app from the Chrome Web Store...or, as I learned "by accident", have the Evernote Web Clipper installed:

"If you've opened a PDF document in your browser, you can save the entire PDF document as an attachment to a new note in your Evernote account."

Though I had the document opened in the browser, I did not choose to enable the "Chrome PDF Viewer".  When offline, I might need to...but for now, when online, I'm satisfied with the features provided by Evernote:

"When you view a PDF in your browser, simply click the Web Clipper icon. You can assign a destination notebook, tags and some additional notes. That’s all. The PDF will be placed into your Evernote account and synched so that you can view it from any computer or device where Evernote is installed."

AND...via http://Evernote.com (in the web browser while online), I can read the PDF document!

"Dear Apple/iTunes/iPod..."

Apple should release a version of iTunes for Linux...

Because of the cost of most of their products, the iPod Touch is the only device I find affordable.  For me, it's great to have in my pocket and with me so I can make and carry notes...and access the internet.

Attempting to upgrade my computers to Windows 10 has caused me to stop using Windows on them, and install Linux.  Most computers currently for sale with Windows 10, I consider too expensive for what I want to use them for...and too under-powered for what I am willing to spend.  In some circumstances, I do find some Chromebooks as good investments...especially when comparing them to computers with Windows in the same price range.  (I have purchased two Chromebooks so far, and am planning to purchase more.)

I love being able to rent movies from iTunes.  I can watch them when offline...

"You have 30 days to start watching a movie after you rent it. After you start watching the movie, you have 24 hours (in the US) or 48 hours (elsewhere) to finish it. You can watch the movie as often as you like until it expires."

...and many are very inexpensive (some at ninety-nine cents).

Browsing iTunes for audio and video is more pleasurable when using a computer (rather than a mobile device).  Now, for that experience, I must configure a computer with some version of Windows on it...

Also, they should consider making iTunes services accessible via browsers (and Chromebooks).  If not, I'm seriously considering committing to Google Play and abandoning iTunes.  But...

Google Play has a policy which kept me more loyal to iTunes...

"...Since downloading free content is still considered a transaction (even when the price of the item is $0.00), you may be prompted to add a credit or debit card if you don't already have one in your account..."

That requirement is unacceptable to me.

So far, purchasing music from Apple and Google...and being able to use it on other devices in general...has allowed them both to keep me as a customer.  I have not purchased videos/movies from either one of them, and don't plan to...because, per their documentation of their services...I am not able to use the  files on "any" device I choose to.

And that's why I purchase DVDs...

Goodbye Windows (7 and 10)...Hello, Linux...

I replaced the hard drive in my Acer Aspire computer, installed Windows 7 using the product key that came with the computer, and have been using it for many years.

Now, it will not successfully upgrade to Windows 10:  "Windows 10 couldn't be installed...Error...C1900101-4000D".

After searching the Internet and noticing other people are having the same problem...so I don't waste my time trying to troubleshoot this issue...I decided I would install Windows 7 anew, and after (try to) upgrade (to Windows 10).  But first...I need a Windows 7 DVD...

-------------------------------------------------

At http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery , the Microsoft Software Recovery webpage, it states:

"Thanks for being a Microsoft customer...

"After you verify your product key below, you will download a disc image (ISO file) and use it to create a bootable USB or DVD. This will require ISO burning software such as the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool."

I entered the product key on my computer...

"Unsupported Product...The product key you entered appears to be for software that was pre-installed on a device.  Please contact the device manufacturer for software recovery options."

No.  I'm done.  I have a valid product key, and all I need is a copy of the installation software.

More and more I find reasons NOT to desire and need Microsoft Windows (and other products).

I have a Toshiba Satellite A105 (with 4 GB RAM) that is in great shape...and one of very few distributions of the Linux operating system I have been able to find light enough for it to be useful, is LXLE.

Years ago, because it was all I could afford at the time, I purchased a Chromebook.  I liked it, but that particular model was not powerful enough for me:  I keep MANY tabs open, and applications running.

After I purchased a HP 2000 notebook that had Windows 8...I increased the RAM to 8 GB.  Quickly it began to perform sluggishly.  I uninstalled unnecessary software, and use mostly "portable" applications and programs.  Using the computer on the Internet is aggravating and annoying.  I've tried faster hard drives, and various versions of Linux...I am convinced the processor ("AMD E-300 APU with Radeon HD Graphics / 1300 Mhz / 2 Cores / 2 Logical Processors") is the cheapest they could find for this low-end computer.  I believe I paid somewhere near $300 for it at the time.

My latest purchase is an Acer Chromebook 13 with a quad-core processor, 4 GB RAM, and a 32 GB drive.  (I've read that sometimes the 16 GB drive isn't large enough to be able to download and watch some videos from the Google Play store.)  I love it!  Mostly, I have no complaints.  Though I do love 15-inch screens.  (I've been planning to review the Chromebook, but haven't had time to do so...)

Soon I will install (LXLE) Linux on the HP.  Based on my experience with the Toshiba computer, I expect it will satisfy my needs.  And I intend to NEVER purchase anything less than a quad-core processor.

I have one other computer with Windows 7 on it...that will not upgrade to Windows 10.  It has its original hard drive...so I will restore its operating system, and again attempt to upgrade to Windows 10.  But also will plan to need to install Linux...

Which now means I also need to plan to use other products and services that are not produced by Microsoft (like Office).

Use any name you want to on Facebook...in Germany...

In Germany, on Facebook, they/Facebook CANNOT dictate how you identify yourself.

-----------------------------------------------

My problems continue with Facebook.  They had suspended my account because they do not like I use my nickname/airname/stagename as my primary identifier.

After, I noticed:

Mark Zuckerberg: "...there is some confusion about what our policy actually is. Real name does not mean your legal name. Your real name is whatever you go by and what your friends call you. If your friends all call you by a nickname and you want to use that name on Facebook, you should be able to do that..."

https://www.facebook.com/zuck/posts/10102213601037571?comment_id=10102213698751751&reply_comment_id=10102213934943421&total_comments=45&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R9%22%7D

------------------------------------------

I received a message:

It looks like your account was suspended by mistake. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience. You should now be able to log in. If you have any issues getting back into your account, please let me know.

Myrtle
Community Operations
Facebook

---------------------------------

And...I cannot change the name they have assigned to me.

----------------------------

Here is a rough translation of the decision in Germany:

The Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information for infringement of the German Telemedia Act and the Personal ID Act an injunction against the Facebook...The company is committed to allow the use of pseudonyms...Facebook has to refrain from the unilateral modification of the account to the real name of the user. In addition, the requirement of the presentation of official photo identification documents (identity card or passport) for proof of identity by sending digital copies is not allowed.

Background administrative arrangement is the complaint of a Licensees, which led her Facebook account under a pseudonym. This they wanted to achieve, that their private account is not used on Facebook for business contact through third parties. Facebook had then locked the account and asked the person concerned to provide their real names in the profile. It should also prove their identity by an official photo ID; one submitted by her other identity document handed Facebook is not enough. Against her will, Facebook changed also the profile name from the pseudonym to the real name of the person concerned. This gave Facebook the real name of its user their "friends" known. However, the activation of the account for a major user should take place only when a major user of this change agrees. However, it has preferred to turn to the competent data protection supervisory.

https://www.datenschutz-hamburg.de/news/detail/article/der-hamburgische-datenschutzbeauftragte-profilnamen-bei-facebook-frei-waehlbar.html

-------------------------------------

I may (need to) move (back) to Germany...

Advertising revenue on Yahoo took a hit

The web interface for Yahoo Mail is VERY sluggish...and ads make it worse.  First, make the website fast...I don't mind the ads.

And, I tried to create this post on Tumblr...but it hung (in Internet Explorer).

"...Yahoo’s biggest crisis...was that its core business—placing banner ads on services such as Yahoo Search, Yahoo News, and Yahoo Mail that consumers used primarily on desktop computers and laptops—was faltering. Mayer has not managed to reverse the business decline. In eight of the nine quarters that Yahoo has completed since her appointment, its display-advertising revenue has seen a year-over-year decrease."
 

Buyer beware! Amazon hides taxes on purchases

[UPDATED and edited...]

I had an Amazon.com gift card with enough funds on it to cover the amount for an Acer computer.  After adding the gift card to account, I found during the ordering process Amazon.com did not inform me the total purchase price was more than they had indicated...

Previously I had been very satisfied with purchasing Amazon.com gift cards, and ordering from them.  I've never had any issues I can think of to mention, and didn't expect any to arise that could not be easily resolved.  Until recently.

The computer costs $288.79.  The Amazon.com gift card had $290 on it.  I added it to my account.  The webpage for the Acer computer showed:  "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com".  As I was completing the order process, I chose "free shipping".  At the "Select a payment method" screen, when I click on "Continue", a message appears that states:  "Please enter your payment information to continue."

The computer costs $288.79...I have over $289 in my "available balance"...I chose "free shipping"...

I sent an e-mail message, and received a response:

"...After research, I've confirmed that there must be either a technical issue or a website default, which makes it unable to place the order.

"...I request you to retry to order the item and if still you are unable to access those features, you can request a call from our Customer Service department for the real time troubleshooting..."

Throughout the day I continued to try and place the order.

Late that night, I contacted Customer Service via live online chat.  The agent stated...

Amazon(Amazon): "Unfortunately, we are unable to place an order on your behalf. You'll have to place the order from your end".

The next day, I called Amazon.com via telephone.  Before I consider ordering ANYTHING from Amazon.com, I will seriously consider how unhappy I am after this interaction...

Based on the agent's accent, I assumed she was not in the United States of America.  Not a bad thing...initially.  But towards the end of the call I wondered if this all might have been a much better experience if, for sure, the agent been an American citizen.

She began to complete the order for me.  She was asking me to add my credit card information to this order.  I don't have a credit card.  Also...the computer costs $288...I have more than that in my "available balance".  (And, I'm choosing "free shipping".)

She continued to tell me to add a credit card, or an additional gift card (or a bank account) to the "More Payment Options" section of the "Select a payment method" screen.  I refused to add additional funds to this order.  After I did, she revealed to me that...until I did...I would not be able to be charged taxes on the purchase.

What taxes?  When I began to calculate the total cost of the purchase from Amazon.com, I was NEVER given any idea that the total cost for purchasing the computer would be more than $288.79.

I asked for the amount of the taxes for this purchase.  I was told it would be calculated...AFTER I added acceptable funding to the purchasing process.  So, I cannot know how much the taxes are...UNTIL after I have made enough money available to Amazon.com for the entire purchase to be processed.

I told her I will not consider making more funds available to Amazon.com until I know exactly how much the taxes are.  She placed me on hold, and began to investigate how much the taxes are.  Many minutes later, she returned to the call.  After she mispronounced the name of the city I was in, I was again convinced she must be in India.  She stated Amazon.com would need an additional $18 and some change to complete the order.  The smallest amount that can be put on an Amazon.com gift card is $25.

After all of this...I wanted my money refunded.  But I'm sure that's a much longer battle...that may need intervention from government agencies.

=======================================

PART 2

I was solicited for my last submission to rate the service I received from Amazon.com by an e-mail message I received.  It took me to a "Tell us how we're doing" page, where I was able to supplied the following comments.

DATE: 01/21/15 17:23:44 PST
COMMENTS: ...After adding the gift card to my account, I find later in the purchasing process I need to supply MORE funds because of taxes that are levied...WHICH WERE NEVER QUOTED TO ME DURING MY PLANNING PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING TO PURCHASE THE ITEM.

I was planning to need to wait until I could have money added to my "available balance" that would cover all charges, including the taxes.  Or...blow my balance on other items from Amazon.com.  And later file complaints with any agency and organization that might be interested in hearing of my tale of woe.

That night...I received an e-mail message (which I have edited for privacy):

-------------------------------------------------

Message From Customer Service

Hello,

I'm sorry for the inconvenience caused in this regard.

I've reviewed your previous correspondences and understand your concern regarding the purchase of "Acer Chromebook 13 CB5-311-T1UU (13.3-inch Full HD, NVIDIA Tegra K1, 4GB)" through Gift Card. You had to contact us multiple times for this to be resolved and that's definitely not what we want our customers to experience.

Upon checking the item details on our website I see that the price of the item is $288.79.

To help compensate for the inconvenience, I've issued an $24 promotional certificate for the tax to be levied to your Amazon.com account as an exception, which will automatically apply the next time you order an eligible item sold and shipped by Amazon.com and doesn't require a claim code.

It is always important for us to hear how customers react to all aspects of shopping at Amazon.com. Strong customer feedback like yours helps us continue to improve the selection and service we provide. We take this kind of information seriously as it is valuable to us in helping us to continue to improve our program.

Your understanding and patience is appreciated in this matter.

We are looking forward to seeing you again soon.

Best regards,

-------------------------------------------------

I placed the order...it appears to be in process.  Watch this space...

Busted at Bashas'...(because I'm Black?)

With events in news headlines somewhat dominated by events in Ferguson (Missouri), and similar incidents...I was very amused at what happened to me.  And hours after...wondering if I should be (a bit) more concerned...

December 2...about 9 a.m.  I was dressed in black jean pants, and what passes for black sport shoes...a button-up shirt with a collar...a long trench coat...and a fedora-style on my long afro-style hair.  I hadn't shaven in about a week.

Outside of the Bashas' Supermarket at 8360 North Thornydale Road (in Tucson, Arizona), I put my large black backpack in a cart, and walked into the store.  I walked towards the Customer Service counter, but stopped before reaching it because I noticed their humidor.  After browsing what was available, I purchased a lottery ticket...and then walked into the main aisles areas to browse.

After reaching the far end of an aisle, a (male) member of their staff asked me if I was looking for something.  I said I was, and he informed me I had walked past where the items are.

He asked if I had taken something.  From what he said, I thought he was asking if I had taken some "scratchers"...a type of lottery ticket.  After understanding he meant backscratchers, sticks used to scratch one's back when they have an itch...I LOUDLY laughed.  I couldn't help it.  I found this situation VERY funny.  And, a little confusing...but I responded I did not take any backscratchers.  He was very polite, but said he wanted me to tell the truth.  I asked if he wanted to search me...he said he did not.  I reminded him he could check the security cameras...he stated he did not want to do that.

I went to where he said the items were in the aisle on the shelves...and he was correct:  I had walked past them.  The guy came to where I was with a backscratcher to show me they had them in stock.  And, again, asked me if I had taken any.  I again said I had not.  He said that they sometimes do not allow customers to bring bags (and backpacks) into the store.  I informed him that I have a lot of electronics in my backpack...and asked him if he wanted to look inside of my backpack.  He said he did not want to.  He just wanted me to tell the truth.  A different member of their staff stated they are missing three backscratchers.

I went to a checkout line...and he was there.  He again asked if I had any backscratchers.  I said I did not.  I stated I didn't know they had any in stock.  He pointed towards the end of the customer service counter...where the cigars are.  I needed over twenty seconds to notice the backscrathers...they were hanging on a freestanding display.  After entering the store, I had walked past them...before I browsed the cigars that were available.  He again stated that he wanted me to tell the truth.  I informed him that I did not have them, and if he/they wanted to pursue this issue with me further I would be going to the business next to their store to get a haircut.

At the beginning of this all, I was amused.  As it progressed...maybe I should have been offended.  I did begin to allow my thoughts to expand on the experience, and what it all might mean.  Michael Brown/Ferguson.  John Crawford/Walmart.  Other situations where there may have been misunderstandings by authorities as to exactly what actually happened.

Multiple times in my life, in various places (in the U.S.A.), I have been "a suspect"...I "looked like somebody"...I just happen to be in the area.  Police have driven past other violators...to get to me (and again, I had to hire a lawyer after which I was not compensated for when I won).  With no warning or preface, police have begun contact with me with:  "Where you goin'?"  "What's your name?"  "Come here, boy..."

Three times I was approached about the issue in the store.  I wonder:  Were the security cameras on?  Was a recording of my visit made?  Why was it necessary for us to talk about it three times?

Were they suspicious of the way I dressed?  They way I look (my ethnicity)?  The length of my hair and beard?

"Busted at Bashas'...(because I'm Black?)"  I don't know.  Before I entered the store...I had considered applying for a job there...

Backpacks for homeless

ALL BACKPACKS MUST BE DONATED BY DECEMBER 7TH

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"...purchase a backpack and put in it the specific items listed below. By limiting the items to the one's listed no homeless person receives more items than another. Any items that are donated that are not listed will be accepted but will be kept separate from the backpack items. They also will be given to homeless people."

Items:

socks
winter cap
gloves
lotion or sunblock
$5 gift card from fast food or a business of your choosing
Lip balm
snacks
water bottle
(Any items that are not on the list will be accepted but will be handed out separately from the backpacks)

------------------------------

Drop Off Points:

BTO Yogurt
9040 E. Valencia Road, Suite 172
phone: (520) 663-3410

8650 E Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85710
(SW Corner of Speedway and Camino Seco)
Phone: (520) 546-5838

Central City Assembly
939 S 10th Avenue

The backpacks will be given to the homeless at Central City Assembly
Saturday December 13th, 2 pm to 5 pm.

Free coworking in Tucson on Wednesdays

Water Cooler Wednesdays
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

"...try out our Work Lab, now open downstairs. Every Wednesday in October, work for free at Connect Coworking, and meet other people in Tucson like yourself.

"Along with wifi and a great place to work, we provide a fridge, coffee, water, and day use lockers. While this is a free opportunity to check out what it would be like to have a hopper membership at Connect, space is limited, please RSVP...

"At noon, bring your lunch out to our patio for Networking at Noon! Converse with other coworkers and make some great connections!"

http://connectcoworking.com/event/water-cooler-wednesdays/2014-10-08/

Marana Regional Landfill – Free Public Access Day

(For residents who live within the City limits of Marana...location of residency will be required through driver’s license and/or utility bill from the residence where waste is generated.)

October 18
7:30 A.M. to 2 P.M.

520-329-6888

Not accepted:
Freon Containing Appliances (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioning units)
Electronic Waste (TV’s, Computers, Monitors)
Oils
Paints
Car Batteries...Tires
Hazardous Waste

Disposal is limited to two tons of acceptable residential waste per household.
Residents will be required to pay standard gate rates for any amount in excess of the two-ton limitation.
Vehicles are limited to two loads per household
Commercial size vehicles are prohibited
All loads must be tarped!

Marana Regional Landfill
14508 W. Avra Valley Road
Marana, AZ 85653

Video of Al Jazeera America crew in Ferguson, Missouri...police pointed their camera at the ground

If I were the police:

I would want to take the lights down so they won't interfere with my sight...and, so it won't help others see what I am doing...

And I would point the camera at the ground so it would not record what we were doing.

Video from television station KSDK

Tucson's Sun Tran responds to my griping...

I was angry.  Very, very angry.  I posted on Twitter.  I sent an e-mail message to Sun Tran.  And, to the office of the mayor...

-------------------------------------------------

[e-mail message]

Problems continue to exist with Sun Tran's SunGO Cards...

After 6 a.m. I caught the route 412 southbound shuttle.  I explained to the driver that last week I was issued a transfer on my SunGO card, which did not register on the next bus I rode.  The driver stated that her system indicated a transfer had been issued...AND she gave me a SunGO Full Fare Transfer Ticket, which she also attached a transfer to.

As I have watched other riders experience, she mentioned problems have been continuing with transfers.

After leaving the 412 route shuttle, I attempted to board bus #2802 for route #16.  And, as last week, the transfer on my SunGO card did not register.  The transfer issued to the SunGO Full Fare Transfer, given to me by the driver of the #412 shuttle, also was not accepted.  Both indicated that they did not have any valid credit on them.  The driver of bus #2802 demanded I again pay the fare to ride...

-----------------------------------------------

I also mentioned in the letter I (now) have no faith that the Sun Link Streetcar is in any way beneficial to the city, due to continuing problems with SunGO cards hurting riders.  Before my incidents, I didn't have a strong opinion about the streetcar...but after learning how much it will cost for a ride, and that it now seems to interfere with motorized, and people, traffic more than I expected...I will never pay to ride on it.

The mayor's office did respond:

"...I am forwarding your note to Kate Reilly who directs Sun Tran.  Kate, can you take a look at this and get a response to {him} and I.  Thanks.

----------------------------------------------------

[e-mail message I received]

I appreciate Mayor Rothschild forwarding your complaint so that we could address it.  I apologize that you have experienced difficulties with transfer usage between Sun Shuttle and Sun Tran services.

Unfortunately, we have experienced intermittent problems such as you experienced.  As soon as we became aware of this, we worked with the SunGo fare and data collection system manufacturer so that it could be fixed.  The manufacturer identified a problem with the linkage between the equipment used in Sun Shuttle to that used by Sun Tran and Sun Link.  A software upgrade was developed to permanently fix this situation, and that upgrade is being tested at this time.  We anticipate that the software upgrade will be implemented within the next two weeks.

As a token of our sincere apology that you have experienced these difficulties, I am mailing a 30 day pass to you.  I hope that you will use this product to try our services again, and that you will continue to rely upon our services for your transportation needs.

Kate Riley
General Manager kate.riley@tucsonaz.gov

"Driven to go the extra mile."

----------------------------------------------------

Riley also sent copies to:
Michelle Clark - Customer Satisfaction Director, Sun Tran/Sun Van...
Kandi Young - Director of Marketing & Communications, Sun Tran Public Transportation...
and Jeremy Papuga - Executive Co-Manager, RTA SunLink Streetcar.

First, thanks to the mayor and Riley for responding.  From past experiences I have learned that sometimes  unless I make A LOT of noise, and it uncomfortable for some, complaints can be ignored...that's why I publicized what happened to me as much as possible.

I also appreciate the 30-Day SunGO Ticket I am to receive.

What brought me to anger is I am sure there are (poor) people who have been stranded because of system malfunctions...and those people don't fight for justice and compensation.  Some don't know how...others may lack tools to...and others don't have time to.  I have lost battles, but caused those I opposed to consider not ignoring that specific issue in the future (because the next person who complains could cause more trouble that I).

Linux Lite (on an old computer)

When I was young, we didn't have much money.  Because of those experiences...I (probably) keep, and use, things a lot longer than I should.  I still have a Palm LifeDrive.  My Dell Inspiron 9400 notebook computer...which was given to me for free...has Windows Vista installed, and only 2 GB of RAM.  BUT it has a VERY comfortable 17-inch display (I love that).

I try to care for things I own so they can perform as best as they can.  My Toshiba Satellite A105-S4034 notebook computer is in great shape.  I purchased a battery that has allowed me to use the computer from 5 to 7 hours.  The computer has 3 GB RAM, and an Intel T1350 1.86 GHz processor.  I've been seeking a "very light" distribution of Linux for it...

I've installed Linux Lite 2.0 (https://www.linuxliteos.com).

I owned an Acer C710 Chromebook.  It was a great "notepad".  When I used it for more than that I was disappointed.  (I expected to be able to stream YouTube videos without any performance issues, and my expectations were too great.)

(Instead of purchasing a Chromebook) I installed the Google Chrome browser on my Toshiba.  I am unable to streaming video (from YouTube) without performance issues...but I'm not surprised:  other operating systems I installed on this computer have also not allowed for smooth streaming of video.

For now, I expect to be able to use this computer as I would a very cheap Chromebook:  hours of use and battery life, no expectations of being able to enjoy (streaming) video services.

(I'm using Dropbox to synchronize and access files.)

"Binge-watching", Game of Thrones, and watching television

"Binge watching", on cable and satellite, is effective.  For the audience, due to current lifestyles, it's a way for them to try a show they haven't been exposed to.  For broadcasters and channels, it might be a way to get people consider a show.  HBO had a marathon showing of Game of Thrones over the weekend.

I never understood why people watched the show.  I never wanted to.  For me, it was like The Sopranos.  Or American Idol.  A television show that seemed to be more in fashion than anything else:  people were watching it because others were.  I assume it has a cult following (this from a self-confessed "Trekkie").  And, Game of Thrones is not in the genre I have been interested in.  I like few productions with medieval themes.  The movie "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" and the television show "When Things Were Rotten", both produced by Mel Brooks.  And the movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail".

Unless I have a fondness for a television program, I channel-surf.  When I did not see a program I wanted to commit to...out of curiosity, I tuned to Game of Thrones.  I did not focus any attention to it, and was involved in other activities.  I did watch on and off throughout the entire weekend.  But I cannot say I will be watching future episodes.

The characters of Osha and Ygritte reminded me of (the types of) women I had dated, and would...that's a different subject completely.  Tyrion Lannister and Bronn questioning Podrick Payne as to why he didn't pay prostitutes was very entertaining.  The storylines are intricate...I would prefer to follow them by reading books so I can understand how everything relates.

When the channel BBC America had a Doctor Who marathon, I did the same.  I never had any interest in the show...but, it was available, and it was easy for me to become accustomed to it.

Binge-watching appears to have been successful for Netflix with their show "House of Cards".  I have no interest in that particular show, as well as paying to watch any programs.  As it is I have not had free time to follow shows on over-the-air television I favor, which are available for streaming for free via the internet:  The Big Bang Theory, The Blacklist, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Almost Human, and many more.

Crackle, Hulu, and others provide free content for when I have time.  The economy has been rough on many households and people.  It's bound to cause (more) changes in how consumers get their content, including the content they choose to partake of.