Scam

I started using Craigslist as a buyer within the previous year. However, this past month marked my first foray into selling items on Craigslist. I have received a few responses to the items I have for sale, but the below is the most interesting e-mail I have received. Enjoy.



Hello

How are you doing today? Well i really thanks for your mail and i love the description of the item i wish to come and view the item and pay for it in cash but I'm very busy to do that right now.I'll like you to remove the advert from web and consider this item sold, I'll be paying via cashier check in US dollar.You will not be responsible for shipping or pick up of the item. where the shipper agent will come for the pick up at your location upon your confirmation of receiving my check after you have cash it in your Bank .I need your name to be on the check:

Physical Address:

State:

city,: and Zip Code along with yours

phone number to overnight mail the check to you without any delay.

Thanks and waiting for your urgent reply today.


Best Regard

Eny.

Neighborhood conformity

I just got this e-mail from my village today. I can't believe these signs are such a big deal, but I guess this could get out of control if a stop sign is obscured or a speed limit sign cannot be seen...

POLITICAL SIGNS

As we approach the Consolidated Election on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, the Village would like to remind residents that political signs (and any other message signs, including business advertisements) are prohibited by the Village Code from being placed in the public right-of-way.

The public policy reasons for this regulation include: when such signs are placed within the public right-of-way, they become attention-getting devices which can result in an accident; such signs, especially when grouped en masse can compete with existing regulatory signage; and the Village needs to be uniform and consistent with the application of this regulation.

Signs which are observed to be in the public right-of-way will be relocated by Village employees back onto private property (behind the sidewalk).

Signs whose ownership is not readily-identifiable will be confiscated by the Village and stored at Public Works where they can be picked up. You may also report the presence of such signs to Public Works for removal.

If you have any questions concerning this regulation, please do not hesitate to call the Community Development Department.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Facebook controversy

It looks like they caved to the pressure. This was posted at the top of my page this morning. Funny, they didn't post the modification to their TOS two weeks back. Amazing what bad publicity can do for you.

"Terms of Use Update
Over the past few days, we have received a lot of feedback about the new terms we posted two weeks ago. Because of this response, we have decided to return to our previous Terms of Use while we resolve the issues that people have raised. For more information, visit the Facebook Blog.

If you want to share your thoughts on what should be in the new terms, check out our group Facebook Bill of Rights and Responsibilities."

Night out

Last night we went out to a belated Christmas party. My mother was sitting and we expected to spend maybe three hours away. We attend this party (hosted by one of Katie's high school lady friends) each year and while I usually enjoy my time there, I never really have anything much to bring to the table as I don't have much of a history with anyone but the host and hostess whom I like a lot. This year was very different.

The party started out like a typical couples party. We talked about kids, napping, scheduling events, balancing work and family, etc. It was just like any other party where we are introduced as "EricandKatie" and everyone has their conversation revolve around family, work and kids. That changed eventually.

We met a couple that lives just a few blocks away from us and the conversation quickly changed to home improvement (equally suburban stereotypical) but a welcome departure from diapers, soccer and sleeping schedules. We had a great time sharing stories back and forth about projects we all did to our homes and the struggles within those projects.

After exhausting all stories, there were only four of us left in the living room and I had thought that the party was winding down. I was mistaken. The party was just hiding in the other rooms of the house. The four of us decided to move into other parts of the party and mingle. Katie and I landed in the kitchen near the kitchen table where the real party-goers were camping out around the hard liquor.

This maneuver was a game-changer. These people were a great time; not your typical attendees. They were city folk who are married and have children, but also know how to party. Not only were they partiers, but they were a hell of a lot of fun. Everything that came out of my mouth was like gold, Jerry! They loved every joke, every line. It was a great night. We ended up leaving sometime after midnight.

We arrived home to find my mother sacked out on the couch, having no idea what time it really was. That's great news, we were concerned we wore out our welcome. Hey, we don't get out much, give us a break. She made it home safely and we went to bed.

Jury duty

I had jury duty today, it was a unique experience. For those that have not been through it before, here's what to expect.
-arrive early
-wait
-read
-be corralled by a sheriff into a court room
-answer questions
-possibly get selected for a jury
-collect $17.20 for your services
-go home

New system

After watching Schindler's List and reading this article, I am no longer in favor of the 20 years in prison these bastards will serve, but rather some sort of very rough labor with little rest or food for 5 years.
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/11/3-charged-in-death-of-store-employee.html

Facebook

I joined Facebook today; much to my hesitation. Why? It's like buying into a new TV show. Will it last? Do I have time for this? I have to say, the "connect with classmates" feature is pretty cool. There are names on there I have not spoken or heard since 1995. What a blast from the past. My family members are on there and it seems that I was the only one of us that was out of touch. Guess what? I'm in touch now...in addition to my web site and blog.

'Tis the season

For the first time in what seems like forever, Katie and I went to Oak Brook Center two days in a row (or anywhere on a Sat/Sun combo). On Saturday, we wanted to hit up the Christkindlmarket for lunch and then we made a return trip on Sunday to do more shopping because we have such a short span of time away from the house with Amanda in tow. On Saturday, we did not notice any Christmas music playing in the shops or the mall walkways. On Sunday, it was evident that a switch have have been turned and it was "the most wonderful time of the year" everywhere. Don't get me wrong, I loves me some Christmas music, but it seems it is encroaching more and more each year. WLIT 93.9 FM started playing Christmas music on November 1st this year. I thought we had to get through one holiday to appreciate the next (Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then New Years). I blame the marketing companies and those that want to take Christ out of Christmas and make it a secular celebration.

Politics brings out the worst in me

Is the election over? Do we have a new president? It's a miracle I participate in the democratic privilidge of voting because I hate everything associated with politicians, their empty promises and what it all represents.

At work, we have a group of people at voted for Obama and have now stooped to brow-beating Palin because they heard that in some interview she didn't know this or that about NAFTA... Who f-ing cares? Sarah Palin lost; the "people" have spoken. Is there a need to prove over and over again that she may or may not have been qualified for VP (what other VP has been so researched and hammered on?) or the right move for McCain's campaign?

I just got in a verbal throwdown with four colleagues because they would not shut up about bashing Palin. I just had enough. I stood up and asked if the election were over and asked them to talk about something else. It was not a discussion, it was character-bashing. Get over it, move on. Crap; I'm still heated up over it.

I should have just kept my mouth shut and sat there. But, you know me, I have to speak my damn mind. When am I going to learn?

Commuting myths

"City commuting is easier than suburban commuting." I was sitting next to a young gal on the train this morning; I take Metra (http://www.metrarail.com/). She was on her cell phone talking to another young gal and she was very excited about moving into the city starting her apartment lease on October 1st. She was so glad to "not commute any more". I found that expression very intesting; interesting enough to write this blog entry. I have a bit of advice for her.


The CTA is marginally reliable at best. That statement comes from 7 years experience riding the CTA as a worker in the Loop and a bar-going 20-something on the nights/weekends. While the CTA may offer around-the-clock service, it certainly is not predictable. During your morning commutes, you will struggle to find a seat; I certainly never got a seat in the morning rush and rarely got a seat on my way home. That's par for the course.

Metra is very reliable and on time. Most importantly; you get a seat just about every time. That said, I've heard some stories floating around that during certain times of day on certain express trains to certain destinations, individuals are standing in the vestibules. However, that's never been me.

You care that much?

Who lines up to buy a cell phone hours before the store opens? Apple gadget people, that's who. Rediculous. It proves the fact over again how much the 'cool' factor trumps true functionality. A smart phone is for business, not to say, "Hey, I can do this or that" with no real application to a need. Drives me nuts.

Happy Birthday, America

It's been great knowing you the past 31 years. Don't go changin'.

Ill church

A socio-religous connundrum: When you're feeling ill, should you still be compelled to go to Sunday mass? Both Katie and I woke up with sore throats feeling generally icky. Church is such a socially interactive place where you shake hands, touch objects, etc. that it becomes a breeding ground to pass along germs and sickness.

While channel surfing, I ran into a braodcast of Sunday mass (not sure where from). It's one of those little things you cannot explain. It's one of those times in your life where you don't get what you want, but somehow get what youu need. So, I continue to watch and feel I am in some way fulfilling my obligation...

Night out revisited

I'm on the train now thinking over my night out. Have you ever had that moment (from your own, unique perspective) where you ask a friend of the opposite sex, "Remind me again why you're single?"
I had that moment tonight. Check that, I've had this moment in my head for over a year but only spoke out about it tonight. I was out with several coworkers tonight and (for the sake of the argument let's call her) 'Jami' joined the party.
'Jami' is smart, sexy, fun and (most-importantly) single.
She's the type of woman that I would be attracted to if I were single. I'm not, so let's leave the questions about my fidelity right there. Her dating status - over 30 and single but actively searching for a man - has always perplexed me. She has a commanding presence when she enters a room. There must be some critical flaw that I cannot see.
I'm compelled to help and told her that I'd be a great wingman. However, this nasal congestion prevented me from joining her and the group at the very loud venue they were headed to. It would have been painful. I feel she's looking for the "6-foot 3-inch former football quarterback turned stock broker who's in his late 30's and looking to settle down and start a family in the next 18 months". Wonder how hard those are to find?
My thoughts shift to my family at home and how I feel disconnected at times due to work or this or that; it bothers me. I received a quote from a VP today that stated, "The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother". Father Ted Hesburgh, C.S.C. said that; what a great quote.

Chicago auto show

At the Chicago Auto Show on St. Valentine's Day; has to be the greatest idea. The place is free of congestion and there's no line to get into the Jeep road course. Nice!

The lottery's followers

I hate waiting in line for someone to blurt out all their random numbers (3-7-4, 5-7-4) in a vain attempt to advance their personal wealth while I wait in line to buy a Pepsi. Next to my office building is a quickie mart run by Habib who has great Pepsi syrup - thicker than 7-11. It's close and quick, but ever so overpriced comared to 7-11.