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

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

"...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).