Apple Responds

Well Apple finally responded to a rather strongly worded e-mail from me, and basically refunded the $30 I'd bought. Well, its a solution, but I don't see why they can't send another e-mail or change the access code on the gift certificate and mail the new one to my brother ... or even to me.

For that matter, why can't they send me a copy of the e-mail they should've sent out to Kartik? That way, I can let him know what the code is.

The logic escapes me.

Computer Woes

Well, I got caught flatfooted when I upgraded my PC's sound card with a Creative Audigy ZS. My computer's sound had been running through the motherboard, and I decided to invest in a sound card.

Only when I bought it did I realize that disabling the on-board ports meant not being able to plug in my headphones to the front-side ports. Which means that I have to plug in headphones, mics etc. into the back of my PC. I will admit I was very happy with the front-side access. Unless I figure out if I can attach an extension cable behind the comp and split the inputs between the speakers and the headphones.

Life's never easy is it? :-(

Springfield Speculations

So there's a closet gay in Springfield ... and I thought I'd add my own two cents worth as to whom that may be ...



Smithers is the most obvious choice. Too obvious, I tell you! Such obviousness is an insult to our intelligence! Besides, would he really be classified as a "closet" gay? At the risk of being non-PC, I would say no.



Selma & Patty - unlikely. They both express frequent interest in men who come into the DMV.



Given that the last time the Simpsons team introduced a major change was to kill off Maude Flanders and then use the consequences to fuel several episodes, I'd say we're in for some real shockers. My guesses are:



1. Barney - I can't remember if Barney's ever expressed an interest in women. Maybe, maybe not. Still, given Homer's close association with Barney, I can see this new character development giving viewers some mileage.



2. Krusty the Clown - Now I know what you're going to say: Krusty has shown a lot of interest in women. But think of the controversy this would cause! "Wholesome" childrens' entertainer being attacked by conservative right-wingers and childrens' welfare organizations. Tie-in with innappropriate TV stuff (a la Janet). I think it's powerful stuff.



3. Mr. Burns - Hasn't been with a woman since being rejected in one of the previous seasons. Why not, I say? A taunt towards right-wing, conservative Republicans!



4. Groundskeeper Willie - Same as Krusty: someone working with children - anxiety about exposure to "indecency".



Well, the episode won't air until January '05. I guess we'll only know the truth then. Unless someone breaks into Fox Studios and leaks the script.

Apple Sucks

Don't get me wrong - I love my iPod and admire some of the features of Macintosh computers ... but their customer care SUCKS.



I bought a $30 iTunes Music Store gift certificate for my brother about 10 days ago. I got the e-mail saying I had been successfully billed but he never received the certificate. There's no phone number on the website, only an e-mail form, whichI duly filled out last Wednesday (ie: a week ago).  I got a confirmation e-mail stating that the issue would be addressed in 24-48 hours. 5 days, or 120 hours later, I have no response and when I called Apple, I was told there was no phone number or customer care agent to talk to. I was instead told to dispute the charge made with my bank!



Imagine that! Apple would rather the consumer took the trouble to correct its problems! For all its touting of user-friendliness, Apple seems to be as cold and heartless as the next company.



I remember Mansi and I taking her old Powerbook to the Apple store in downtown NYC last year. God, was the customer care rep a jerk! We wanted to know how to install a wireless card, and the technician refused to tell us. To do so would've cost us 100 bucks! He said the best he could do was to take it into the back (yes, without us watching) and check if the card was working by installing it. He'd then take it out and return the card and laptop to us. Ultimately, he relented and did it for free, but what the !@#$ is Apple's problem?



You know, some people call Microsoft a cold heartless company, but I tell you - Microsoft is a benevolent dictator compared to Apple's tyrant!

Catching Up On the Movie Front

Seen a few movies since my last post -



Some Like It Hot 8/10

The Great Race 10/10 (I loved this movie as a kid, and I love it now)

Anchorman 6/10 (I missed Will Ferrell's usual craziness a la Old School)

Do Aur Do Paanch 7/10 (good start, boring end)



The DVD's I'm looking forward to are Kill Bill, Vol. 2 (out August 10th, I think) and Star Wars IV-VI (out September 21st, or thereabouts). Already ordered them on Amazon!