Abby and Win’s Blog

Archive for October, 2007

Last week my Dad bought me the Family Guy Volume 5 exclusive DVD from Target.

This week I noticed that disc 2 was scratched and unplayable on my DVD players. Unfortunately, my Dad threw the receipt away so I might have a problem exchanging it. But then I thought, well it’s a Target exclusive package, it was only released last week, and I just want to exchange it for the same exact item – I shouldn’t have a problem. I was wrong. Apparently they changed their return/exchange policy recently. You need a receipt for ALL returns/exchanges now. They were lenient before. I asked the manager if they can make an exception based on the situation but no dice. I ended calling their corporate office and was told the same thing. They even solicited me to get a Target credit card and that if I had one and used it to purchase the item, I wouldn’t have this problem. Unbelievable! I get that instead of helping me on a $35 purchase. What ever happened to customer service these days? Is it being outsourced as well?

Long story short, I found out my Dad paid with a check so they looked up the transaction and got my exchange processed. So if you will be paying with cash, make sure you keep the receipt.

After this experience, I will be hesitant on purchasing items from Target. I haven’t checked other stores lately but I wonder if everyone is doing the same.

I’ve been taking the Metrolink to work for about a month now instead of driving. I’m tired of being stuck in traffic. So I decided to give it a try. Although it cost more in the beginning, I will be saving money in the long run. For instance, maintenance on the car will be less frequent. My car is near 90k miles and 3.5 years old (I keep it clean though). One way takes 2 hours and 20 minutes on a total of 4 trains compared to an hour and a half (light traffic) driving.

I’m a little more tired when taking the train since I have to wake up earlier but I can easily sleep if I need to on the train. I can also browse the internet on my laptop using my Verizon V70. There are about 2 dead spots but it hardly disconnects, it puts me on idle for about a minute and I’m back online – it’s a seamless procedure, I usually don’t notice it. I also can read a book or watch movies on my iPod touch.

So from the Rialto station I take the Metrolink train to Union Station in Los Angeles. The trip takes about 90 minutes. Then I get on the MTA Red Line or Purple Line for about 10 minutes to the 7th and Metro Station. This is where I catch the Blue Line to Long Beach. It takes about 40 minutes to the Imperial and Wilmington (Rosa Parks) Station. This is where I transfer to the Green Line where I get off Lakewood Blvd. Station which takes about 12 minutes. Then I walk from the station to work. It’s about 3/4 of a mile. I get my daily exercise then.

Overall it’s been good trips. I sometimes see “interesting” people. People grindin’ trying to make a living so they sell beads and candy. But don’t let that fool you, the LA Sheriff is watching all the time. They have random ticket checks and I’ve seen a few tickets being handed out and people arrested.

Even on weekends Abby and I take the train to LA to her pharmacy review. It’s a little less crowded then and cheaper. Also, with a paid Metrolink ticket, you can transfer to any Metro trains or buses.

You should save a day and try it out. There are many places you can go without driving. Plus you are helping the environment

I was using my Blackberry Pearl tethered to the laptop before and it uses EDGE to get internet access while away from home or work. It was horrible at best. I was lucky to get over 70kbps. On average I would get 48kbps. So I started to look for an alternative. I checked out AT&T since they started to use 3G. According to one of the sales associate, T-Mobile no longer rents towers from AT&T. Instead they sold all their old towers to them. Not sure how much truth is in that, but thought it was interesting. Basically, T-Mobile bought old technology from AT&T. Again, this is from an AT&T sales associate. There is no confirmation whether it is true or false or he’s just trying to get my business.

Then I went to Verizon and checked out what they have. To my surprise, they have a deal where all of their broadband access cards are free with a 2 year contract. I’m hesitant on getting the whole 2 year contract thing but I went with it anyway since in California you get a 30 day trial whereas 14 days elsewhere. I picked up the Verizon V740. So far it has been great. Areas where it is predominantly Verizon coverage, I’m getting over 900kbps down and 300kbps up. Otherwise I’m getting an average of 200kbps down and 100kbps up. Browsing is a lot better either way compared to what I had with T-Mobile. Playing World of Warcraft in areas where I get slower connection isn’t that great but tolerable.

The $60 monthly is a bit high but it may be worth it in the long run. Also, the V740 can only be used with the new Express slot.

Looking at the picture above, I’m beginning to miss my Nokia N80IE and it’s 3MP camera

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Update: Upgrade complete – back to normal.