My Queen had requested ‘Entourage the 2nd season’ on DVD for her birthday. I figured this a moderate request that should be no trouble to acquire; how utterly and painfully naïve of me.
  I go to the nearest Blockbuster Video store to purchase the DVD set. The clerk informed me that I could only purchase previously rented media at this store. I reply “OK”. He finds the DVDs I wanted and tells me they would be $12.00 a piece plus $10.00 rental. I ask him “why a rental fee? I’m purchasing them.” He replies that it is the policy that you must first rent them before buying them. I tell him that I don’t plan on bringing them back because they are a gift. The clerk replies “that is OK but you must pay the initial rental”.  Merely wanting to get the transaction over with I told him “Ring it up”.
This is where insanity ensued.

CLERK: What is your membership number?

ME: I’m not a member

CLERK: you have too be a member to rent a DVD

ME: I’m not asking to rent; I said I wanted to purchase.

CLERK: You must be in our membership data bank for us to rent you the DVDs so that you can purchase them.

ME: OK put me in your data bank.

CLERK: Here; fill out both sides of this form.

ME: This form would take as much time to fill out as a mortgage application.

CLERK: What credit card will you be using?

ME: None; I’m paying with cash.

CLERK: You need a credit card to qualify for membership so that you can rent further DVDs.

ME: : I don’t even have a DVD player of my own to play rented DVD’s on, and since you no longer carry movies on video tape the only reason I’m willing to go through this BS is so I can purchase these DVDs as a gift, and I wish to do so with CASH.

CLERK: We need a major credit card in your name in which to allow your membership for a Blockbuster ID card.

ME: So; I need to spend twenty minutes filling out an application that demands a major credit card so that I can rent 3 DVDs that I’m paying you cash to purchase along with a ten dollar rental fee.

CLERK: Yes sir; that is how it is done.  

ME: Do you know what the word “obfuscate” means?

CLERK: Huh? No.

ME: It means to make something unnecessarily complicated or hard to understand. Where is the nearest Wherehouse Records? Perhaps they have a simpler retail process.  
Thank you; and good-by.



-- Modified on 7/15/2006 3:35:38 PM

ROFL you just have to love things like this. Hope you managed to get your DVD's somewhere else.

You should get many hits. I no longer try to locate hard to find items in local shops, always turns into a horrific waste of time.

We not only dumbed down our youth, we've castrated their brains.

our corporate culture. The slide began the day the first B-school discovered the "Mission Statement." It's been going downhill ever since.

Personally, I would never work for any organization that has a Mission Statement (which is probably why I am self-employed

we've totally jumped the rails into stupidville and there ain't no turning back...

You should have bought the store, fired the jerk, taken your DVD, and then handed it all back.

Then tell them to hold the place between their knees.

laughing at how stupid the clerk is, everyone is ignoring the fact that the stupid one is the idiot who does not know where to buy a DVD. Blockbuster is a movie "rental" store. That's what they do. They do have some movies for sale, but that is limited. Most of their movies are for rent. They have a policy,though, where if you don't return the movie you rented, they will charge you. If you are buying DVD's you go to a store like Best Buy, Walmart, Costco, Target, Tower Records, KMart, or buy them online at Amazon. It would also be a whole lot cheaper.
The funny thing is that you were acting all superior to this poor clerk who was thinking, "Why is this idiot trying to buy at a video rental store?"

Guy, use the Internet. Less hassle with the exceptions of shipping costs and returns....

I found the complete second season on Amazon and it took me 1 second. Costs $30.00 plus shipping which I take it is MUCH cheaper than what Blockbuster scammed you out of.

Your jejune aspersions are noted. So is the fact that you haven't the courage to stand behind your attacks without the surreptitious anonymity of an alias.

 I did find what I needed; at "Wherehouse". They are also known for DVD "rentals", and as I found a much simpler retail policy offering both used and new DVDs.  

retail store that does limited rental but their main business is sales. I just don't like it when some person has to try to feel superior by harassing some poor kid working in a shit job. The kid is not stupid. He does not make the policy. As I said, the problem is not the kid--it is you who does not know what a Blockbuster is--and that's OK. What's not OK is deflecting your own ignorance by blaming a kid working until midnight and pulling minimum wage.
As far as nom de plumes are concerned, I did a search through the phone books for FreedomRider225 and surprisingly did not find any listing or address so fuck off, Frenchy.

Should have bought the DVD collection at some other retail location or online. You paid more than you should have and wasted your time with a store clek who was only following the guidelines of the corporation. Kid probably thought who were not too intelligent also. I saw Entourage 2nd season today at Costco for $24.99 and Costco has a lifetime guarantee on their products. If you want to try to make a differenc write a leter to the Blockbuster corporate office about their purchase policy!

Never did I run across your experience. I would wonder what would happen if you purchased a gift-card for a 10 year old and when they came i to the store and wanted to "Purchase" a used game..would they need a credit card? I look for mgt in these types of situations. The bottom line is customer service. Take my cash or I'll find somewhere else to spend it. I guess I am not one to shop so much online..my friends do that for me and ship stuff. I like the old fashioned way..in person and with the might $ in hand. after working in retail mgt for years..I can easily see a sales associate behaving this way. They really can be clueless.

Sexy Carolina

their market value has gone from $15/share to less than $5/share.... experiences such as yours.  I gotta say, anyone who has read Peters would agree, that the corporate mentality that does not allow for people on the spot to think and act accordingly cripples american companies.  My patience is far less than yours and I would have (and actually have) walked at less.....  WRT "the kid" - that is why my son has vocabulary words during the summer.... I will not have his vocabulary limited by "rap 'artists'" (can we actually call them artists?).

I agree completely. Through our system of rules and laws, especially safety laws, our government has effectively brain washed most people into believing that they cannot do anything themselves. We must all rely completely on government for everything. 40 years ago, independent thinkers were held in high esteem, these days we're labeled outlaws, or rebels, or any one of a host of other derogatory terms. Freedom attracts intelligent people, that's what made this nation the leader of the world. Excessive rules stifle creativity, that's why we've lost our edge. One of the reasons I like this hobby is it attracts people who know what they want, and are willing to step outside the rules to get it. We're not outlaws, we just know when government has overstepped it's authority.

for used DVDs for sale. Genius here was trying to buy one of the DVDs in the rental section. Its remarkable that someone with such a large vocabulary does not understand a sign that reads "DVDs For Sale."

And again, enough with the "clueless" sales associate. That is the company policy. Is he supposed to lose his job because some moron does not know how to buy a DVD?

You have an unusual hard-on for the FR. Because took issue with a policy doesn't make him a moron; it makes you a sleaze-bag for calling him one. Take your issues with him to the personal's board on Craig's List.

P.S. Perhaps it is his vocabulary that you do protest...?

Because of kids like your son, the rapppers are laughing all the way to the bank. Do you think inner city kids can afford what they push out as art? Detest their "art" if you must because people have been saying for 30 plus years that it wouldn't last and so Madison Ave. started paying attention to and if you look at it without the bias, you'd get it.

-- Modified on 7/16/2006 5:39:11 PM

give good BBBJ? Because I only see this kind of strenuous ass-licking given to providers who post on this board.

is as anonymous to me as your alias bitch. I don't think you had a good hard-on in months because you jumped on him for nothing really. I hope you are waiting for his next post because you will surely shoot your wad.

Who hasn't been in a similar situation? Its really funny stuff. Nobody should get all bent over a story like this.

I think I'll head over to Blockbuster  lol

you are soooo gay.

It has a great beat and an intensity.

New York City has a lot a radio stations with rap.  When I go down there to visit some of my ATF's there, I put the window down on my Buick Park Ave. and cruise around with the radio blaring rap music.

I do get a lot of strange looks though.

If you think I'm putting you on, just ask Gina Depalma, she'll tell you.

And yes, I do have strange tastes.  Even my kids worry about me.

greatrush; I wouldn’t concern myself with the malcontent from Lilliput.
I make it a rule to never get into a war of words with an unarmed opponent.


-- Modified on 7/17/2006 7:58:39 AM

bigotry and racism, no matter by which group, in no way, is ok.  Also, quite frankly, the inability of most rap artists, to vary cadance, tone or style in any way, is a bit of an indication that their "art" requires no ability.

sorry, but 12+ years of musical training, just tells me that this stuff is Junk.

first I do research on the artists.... and then have my son do HIS own research about how these people get their jollies, and spend their money... sure, it is a process, but in the end, he gets to see what I see, punks with little or no talent.  If other parents would do the same, instead of just "disliking" the stuff or worse, trying to be a "pal" and putting up with it, then maybe, just maybe, the well would dry, and these thugs would have to go elsewhere to peddle their hate.

Get it, yea, I do indeed "get it."

I always thought you to be a thought-provoking man (or woman) in the past and also one who was not judgmental. I was posting twenty-five things that were annoying and funny and most people agreed with me. It was supposed to be humorous. Gees! Some people are wound up way too tight . . . and you call me a whiner? How many times do we (providers) have to listen to men whining about being stood up, about their ex-wives, about catching a disease from one of us, and other things that are not funny.  You're just rude, and I think I just lost a lot of respect for you. Go whine about someone else, buddy.

-- Modified on 7/16/2006 9:05:47 PM

On one hand I agree that the store clerk was only doing his job and following policy. On the other hand, companies are pretty ridiculous regarding their policies these days. But who cares! We all deal with things on a daily basis. Some of us just like to get if off our chest and have a good laugh. Isn't this a discussion board?

Hugs,
ciara

And the friendly lass asks "I am ready to take your order, what will you have?"

I usually have to repeat the order at least twice, and clarify one item that they are sure to get wrong... in addition, they try to upsale... now mr. Info, How many times have we the consumer hobbiest complained about upselling - so PLEASE....  UPSELLING is just wrong IMHO, be it a provider advertising GFE and who charges extra for everything from saying hello to a peck goodbye... to "Biggie Sizing it"

But as the greatest song writer said it best... specially if you happen to be in a Roy Rogers Roast Beef Sandwich shop

"Oh I'd rather have a ham in my sandwich than cheese
But complaining wouldn't do any good"

and so it goes....  Long live Elton....

I experience shopping horrors like this all the time- my local supermarket refuses to take Pounds Sterling in exchange for the imported Earl Grey tea that I want to buy. Silly Colonial gits.

focus on the underlying essense.

Is there anyone out there who can honestly understand the lyrics to most of Bruce Springsteen's songs?  Yet I like them just the same.

And who can ever forget Louis Louis by the Kingsmen?  The hands down winners of the "Lack of Elocution" Award.

I didn't see anyone jumping all over Eric Clapton for "I Shot the Sheriff", not should anyone.

The Stones, Midnight Rambler?

Sometimes you're not suppose to take these things too literally.

And drugs, that would eliminate about half the music of the '60's, wouldn't it?

Ciara, I didn't know you had it in you!  Funny!

it is that the ONLY thing these thugs seem to be able to do is talk of "killin da man" - even eminem... consider what talent it takes to "talk fast"?  None.

these thugs kill each other.  sorry, Just not buyin it.  they are just too destructive, We can agree on other things, but this?  nah.  what I like?  There is just so much good music out there.... really good stuff.  and while I do not like Jazz... If done well, I can appreciate the artistry.... I also do not particularly like c&w, but I can appreciate the artistry... the skill necessary to pull it off.  and the genuine stories that the musician is trying to tell.... but if the only story they know how to tell is killin people... what does that say.  

Societies change in subtle ways and mostly through language and it use.... look at us, we call ourselves "hobbiests" - what does that mean... WE ARE JOHNS....   got it?   but by softening the verbage we can soften the reality of what it is that we do...

If you wish to take this to the extreme, please look at what is being taught in Muslim schools in the mideast.... or in Mexico with respect to immigration to the US....  so please, the culture changes - and music is a part of the culture...

With respect to the 60s... yea, there was hatred... but by that token, there was also great music from some of these groups.... "treach your children well" came from one group that really hates america... CSN&Y!

but we also had the dittys of Tommy Roe, or Gloria... and others... just great tunes... with stories that were not so sad.... greatest of them all....   Daddy took her t-bird away!  the Beach Boys.... of course.... great music without the language of hate....

...the telephone company or the cable guys.  Two words of advice here: Best Buy.

That's not what turns me on.  I mostly ignore them because they are so ignorable.

And for the record, the groups of the '60's you mention were my faves too.

My biggest rave is actually Brian Eno and his lyrics are worth listening to though often indicipherable, but in the sense that a nightmare is often hard to describe, yet it makes a big impression on you.

How about these...

"Bullet The Blue Sky", U2 ("He's peeling off those dollar bills, slapping them down, one hundred, two hundred, and I can see those fighter planes... outside, it's America")

"Sowing the Seeds of Love", Tears for Fears ("Politician granny with your high ideals, have you no idea how the majority feels...")

"US Forces", Midnight Oil ("US forces give the nod, it's a setback for your country...")

"Russians", Sting ("Mr. Reagan says we will protect you, I don't subscribe to that point of view...")

"Revolution Calling", Queensryche ("I used to think that only America's way was right, but now the holy dollar rules everybody's lives, gotta make a million doesn't matter who dies")

"Lullaby", Ani DiFranco ("I moved here from Buffalo but that's nothing, the TRICO plant moved to Mexico, left my uncle standing out in the cold,
said there's your last paycheck have fun growing old...")


"Territories", Rush ("Better the pride that resides, in a citizen of the world, than the pride that divides, when a colorful rag is unfurled...")

"The Ghost of Tom Joad", Bruce Springsteen ("The highway patrol chopper comin' up over the ridge, man sleeps by a campfire under the bridge, the shelter line stretchin' around the corner, welcome to the New World Order...")

"2+2=5", Radiohead ("Are you such a dreamer, to put the world to rights, I'll stay home forever,
where two and two always makes a five...") (From the CD "Hail to the Thief")

"What Kind of Hell", The Alarm ("How does it feel when millions of people stand up and call you a cheat?...")

"Hellnation", Dead Kennedys ("Hellnation's when the president, asks for four more fucking years,
Hellnation's when he gets it, by conning poor people and peers...")

Ah, but as Elton John sang, "Sad songs say so much".

There is always a place for sad songs or songs of protest...life needs a balance.  Watch the movie "Pleasantville".

There is worthy gangsta rap or metal or any type of music...hell, John Coltrane was suspected of inciting black people through his music in the 60's.  But there is also plenty that is full of hate, and there always will be as long as there is a market for it.

When people are brought up worshipping money and power (i.e., "The American Dream") , why would it surprise you that inner city music is made bragging about people getting what they generally don't have, and by any means possible?  When popular music has become so homogenized that the power music had in the 60's is just a memory, it is no surprise that those who want and need to succeed the most make the music that people respond to the most.

But, as the Firesign Theater once said, "We're All Bozos On This Bus".

I respectfully think you're nuts and owe CiaraPhx an apology.  She's one of the more thoughtful and humorous posters on this board.  I always make sure I read her contributions.

Not all rap songs are about cop killing, although I agree with Bizarro that a lot of them are hateful. However, even poets from the 14th century wrote prose about hate, killing, religion, tyranny and so forth. If we cannot express ourselves freely without fear of retribution then we might as well live in North Korea.  I do not always agree with the music that is produced these days, but think about the music from the 60s and 70s: talking about taking drugs and hallucinating (getter closer to God), stances on "Peace not War", "Southern Man" by Neil Young chastising racism in the south, etc. And as far as journalists go: There are a few good journalists out there. I don't like cameras in people's faces either and think there is a lot of false progaganda and shotty journalism, but there are still those who think they make a difference (and do in their work). I'd like to think that when I wrote for newspapers I was one of those people.

Hugs,
Ciara

-- Modified on 7/17/2006 12:52:27 PM

talk about your reality shows.

Jezebel Spirit, I believe it is called.

Amazing what can happen when two musical geniuses get together.

"Well I hope Mr. Young will remember...
Southern man don't need him around anyhow."

Sorry, couldn't resist.  

dooo dooo dooo.....

Who'd of thought such things could lead to a PHD thesis.

and if I could understand 1/10 of what some of these rap artists are saying I might like some more of their rapping. I honestly cannot call it music because there seems to be little or no melody, harmony, chorus or crescendo; but as a style of free form poetry put to a synthesized woofer busting percussion beat; it carries its own merit.

 The constraints of mainstream censorship and "radio playability" I'm sure influenced/censored many song writers of the 60s & 70s. IMO Frank Zappa was terribly marginalized because corporate radio was too inflexible in their airplay precepts.

 So many poignant things have been said in song. Music is truly the voice of "every man", and on every conceivable subject.
From "Dead skunk in the middle of the road" to "Don Giovanni" there is something to be said, and for someone to relate too.

Now where did I put that Weird Al Yankovick CD?





-- Modified on 7/17/2006 7:02:53 PM

Even though there is a ladies-only board now on this site, you have continued to post on the general discussion board...which places you very high among the providers. Many rarely post here anymore, as was suspected would happen by some of us. Good for you CiaraPhx  

-- Modified on 7/17/2006 9:35:33 PM