Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness around the world.

April 29, 2007

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Today’s Stories

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PICK AND CHOOSE

Sharon Bryant

Today was an experience. 

In January of this year I purchased a notebook laptop computer made by Acer.  It has a one year warranty.

I purchased it for my daughter for her birthday.

I used a credit card to purchase the computer.  There was a rebate going on at the time I made the purchase.

I mailed the computer to Minnesota to my daughter, after making copies of everything about the computer, including the serial number on the box it came in.

I purchased the computer at Circuit City.

This month the rebate check arrived in my mail.  Last week my daughter called and told me the computer stopped working.  When she plugged it in, nothing lit up, no signs of any activity with the computer at all.

She had tried to register the warranty with the serial number and it showed that the computer belonged to someone by the name of Brianna.  My daughter and I do not know anyone with this name, nor could we figure out a brand new computer could be in someone else's name.  I told my daughter I would take care of it.

I was on the phone today for one hour and 45 minutes with Circuit City and Acer.  The number I was given to call Acer is a recording.  A recording that says that once the beeper starts, I would be charged $2.39 for every minute I was on the phone.

That really agitated me to think a brand new computer with a warranty would charge me to call to find out why the computer was registered in someone else's name.

I called Circuit City back and got the store manager.  He was not aware that people are charged for the call to Acer.  I told him I was not paying for the call and someone better do something. 

Meanwhile, in Minneapolis, my daughter took the computer to her local Circuit City.  She was told there was nothing they could do, but contact Acer.  She also, was told there would be a charge by the minute for the call.  She called me and I told her I was working on it in my end in Alabama.  She also told me Circuit City told her if it is a faulty power cord,  that is not covered by the warranty.  They told her they'd sell her a new power cord for $100.00.

After three phone numbers, Circuit City found a toll free number that does not charge us for calling.  I asked to speak to the head manager at Acer.  When he checked out the serial number, he informed me that he saw it was me, Brianna.  I told him my name is not Brianna and that is the problem.  He told me if the computer is not under warranty, there is charges for the call.  I told him I was trying to get the warranty registered but the computer is listed under this other woman's name.

He then told me I had to fax the receipt and serial number to Texas, which I did.  I called him back a few minutes after I faxed the paperwork.

He informed me again that my name is Brianna.  I informed him if he told me one more time what my name was he was going to wish he'd never talked to me.  At this point, the whole situation was turning into insanity.

He then said, "Well, maybe this Brianna works for Circuit City."  I thought that insane and asked him just what was he trying to say, that the salesperson puts their name on the warranty when we purchase something from their store?  I told him that was insane and someone better do something about this whole thing.  I then said, "If I find out Circuit City sold me a used computer registered in someone else's name and lied and said it was a new computer, they hadn't heard the end of me."  He informed me it was a brand new computer and they didn't understand why this Brianna's name was showing up as owner.  I told him the rebate check came to me so someone knew where to send that.  He told me that is handled by another company. 

Back and forth, talking to this manager, talking to that manager, finally someone saw that someone had transposed two numbers on the serial number. 

He then asked me what the computer was having problems with.  I told him the laptop will not light up, it shows no signs of receiving any power.  He told me if it is the power cord, that is not under warranty.  I thought that insane.  I asked him without the power cord, how can the computer run?  He informed me it can't, the battery needs to be charged up.  I told him, correct, and the computer came with a power cord, so why were they telling me that the cord was not under warranty.  He said it was made by another company.  I told him "Well, you are selling it WITH your computer, and you need a power cord, so that is insane that the cord is not covered." 

I told him that is like buying a bra with one cup.  He was getting upset with me and I was REALLY upset with him.

As I ended the day with almost two hours on the phone with all the calls, I was told there was a computer error and that is what caused the whole problem over the warranty.  I informed him computers do not work by themselves, that someone is pushing the keys and someone was not doing their job correctly.  That didn't go over very well with him at that point but I was beyond having one more insane thing said to me.

I finally got the computer registered in my daughter's name.  But we still face the problem of the power cord.  A friend in my area builds computers and I asked him when he makes laptops and one has a faulty power cord, does he make it good.  "Of course," was his reply.  I told him what Acer told me and he was surprised.

A friend told me she purchased a brand new laptop three months ago.  Her power cord quit working the next day.  She took her laptop back to the store and was told there wasn't anything they could do.  She told the man to take hers back and replace it with another one with a power cord that works.  His reply......"Well, then I'd have a computer sitting here that wouldn't work."  She said, "Yes, just like the one you sold me yesterday."  She had to pay an additional $55.00 for another power cord.

Maybe I'm looking at this wrong, but when we buy a computer, we all need power to it, whether it's a desk top or laptop.  The power cord comes with the computers.  I really don't care if the power cord is made in another state or country, it's still being sold as a whole unit when we buy the computers.  If the cords are faulty, I feel they should be replaced free of charge when the computer is still under warranty.

Is this how big business is run today in this country?  Does everyone pick and choose what they will replace?

Insurance companies are picking and choosing what they will cover on insurance.  Ask anyone who had losses during the big hurricane and see how many were 100% insured but cannot get a penny from the insurance companies.

Same thing with the medical.  We pay a high premium to have coverage then find out they pick and choose what they will cover and won't cover.

This nation has turned into a pick and choose era.  It's not fair to the consumer who pays for insurance, who THINKS they are covered with their policy.  I don't think it's fair that my medical insurance will not cover massive varicose veins in my legs.  Reason for not covering it:  They tell me it's cosmetic.  I wish whoever made that rule worked the long hours I do all day standing on my feet.  I wish their legs would swell like mine do daily, and then have someone tell them their insurance will not pay to correct the problem.

All the homes destroyed in the gulf area that were destroyed, and who had full coverage, they are told that the insurance they had did not cover water damage.  The last time I saw a hurricane coming in, the wind caused the water.  I called my own homeowners insurance to find out if I am covered for hurricane damage.  I am told I am.  I asked if I am covered if a hurricane strikes my home and water destroys it.  I was told yes, I am.  I asked why the people in the gulf area who were covered are not receiving any help from their insurance companies.  I was told because they live on the gulf.   I am not on the gulf but hurricanes do strike in my area.  There will be wind and water when a hurricane strikes.

A friend of mine lives in the Orlando area in Florida.  They had damage with a hurricane.  Mold was all over their house and their roof was damaged badly.  That was two years ago and they are still not in their house.  They are being told that the "workers" did not properly fix an electrical fixture in their kitchen and they will not release the ok to move back into the house.  The roof has been fixed and they did remove the mildew but to wait TWO years for someone to correct an electrical outlet???

I have now decided I live in a country that can pick and choose what it wants to cover.  It doesn't matter what our paperwork says, when a disaster happens, only then do we find out what we have been paying on for years on our homes.  I think many of us are being taken.

I don't think it's fair that a computer can be sold with a faulty cord and we have to pay more money to buy another cord.  What if the second cord is faulty?  Two hundred dollars for two power cords is ridiculous.

I'm waiting for the day when I need to go to the dentist and they tell me, "Now, we can cover that front tooth, but we can't cover the one next to it."

Sharon Bryant

1946@bellsouth.net

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Poetry Corner

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Friendship
Cynthia Groopman

I think of you so much every day,
although you may be far away.
I enjoy speaking to you so much on the phone,
which makes me cheerful and happy when I am alone.
When we speak, you lend a listening ear,
and that is why you are so precious and so dear.
When I am downhearted and troubled, you are always there,
giving me comfort and tender loving care.
Your smile makes me radiate and glow,
and your voice sounds like a bell, so melodically sweet and low.
You are empathetic, kind, and so giving,
making my days meaningful, adding zest and motivation for living.
You are always sharing and so supportive, too,
that's why you are a wonderful friend, devoted, dear and true.
Speaking to you gives me so much pleasure,
and your friendship is a valuable jewel, indeed a precious treasure.


Cynthia Groopman
Cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net

Copyright ©2004 Cynthia Groopman  

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I Was Kissed
Cynthia Groopman

Oh, today I was kissed by the softness of the morning sunshine,
and by the swiftly dancing hands of time.
Today, I was kissed by a soft fragrant rose,
and its overpowering fragrance enchanted my nose.
I was kissed last night,
by the velvety blue sky and by a bright star's twinkling light.
I was kissed by mom's radiance glowing from heaven above,
and to me, that was the sweet tender kiss of eternal love.


Cynthia Groopman
Cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net
Copyright ©2004 Cynthia Groopman

~**~**~

 I Took Your Hand
Cynthia Groopman

I took your hand,
and we strolled down nostalgia land.
Pleasant thoughts of the past were swirling round and round,
and I was basking in a state of pensiveness deep and profound.
I took your hand and looked into your tired weary eyes,
when a sadness gripped my soul and I began to cry.
I began to wish that you were well and strong,
and oh how I yearned to hear you sweetly sing a cheerful song.
I saw you lying there so ill and weak,
and you squeezed my hand, because you were unable to speak.
I took your hand and was overwhelmed with so much emotional power,
because you, mother dear, was tender and gentle as a blooming flower.
No longer can I take your hand,
because you are dwelling in the enchanted spiritual land.
But I take your hand in my dreams,
and feel your squeeze that is mystical and part of the Divine scheme.


Cynthia Groopman
Cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net
Copyright ©2004 Cynthia Groopman

Readers Feedback

 Dear Carol,

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the interview. I am proud of all of your accomplishments, and your achievements. You are an inspiration and a role model.

The Storytime tapestry is wonderful and the stories are fantastic. You enable me to share my poems with so many and I never had that opportunity to do so previously. I am honored to know you, to have you as my friend and god bless you. With every joy and good wish. God bless you. Warmly, Cynthia

Carol,
    What a great interview that was.  I think it will help everyone at Storytime to get to know you better.  I am praying that your new book does well my friend.  Wishing you every joy, Joe

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