Write Your Representative

DSC 6835
Originally uploaded by kaitlyn tikkun.

October 2, 2007
The Honorable Peter Welch
1404 Longworth
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Sir:

I am writing to urge you to support the inclusion of transgender individuals, as well as gays and lesbians, in the bill designed to protect said persons from workplace discrimination.

Not including members of the transgender community sends the message that discrimination against some is still all right while others are worth of being protected by law. It’s true that members of the LGB (and T) community have waited decades for inclusion in workplace discrimination law but that inclusion should not come at the expense of others. Removal of transgender individuals from the bill is unacceptable. Please demand that transgender individuals be included in this important law.

Sincerely,

Emily R Spence

More info here and here. Find out who your rep is here.

Some Clever Title

<political blogging>
I tend to keep things on this blog pretty fibercentric but every once in awhile I run across a story that just can't be ignored. Please go over to Alas, A Blog and read about Pfc. LaVena Johnson, her suspicious death and the Army's atrocious mishandling of the subsequent investigation.
</political blogging>

For those of you who are all fiber all the time fear not, I've finished reverse engineering the hat I tried on a Sheep & Wool and should have a pattern written up within the next couple of days. I've also been experimenting with some double knitting and picked up CPH again!

In family news, even though Elah was a half an hour late for her own birthday party, she had a blast. Pictures over at flickr

This Weekend

This weekend is going to be busy!
Tonight I have dinner plans with friends and then I've set aside some time to do homework. But I may skip the homework to go check out some friends that have work in the Art Hop.
Saturday some friends and I are doing a 5k after which I have swimming plans and then Bill's birthday celebration later in the evening.
Sunday I plan to go to VT Sheep & Wool and we have our S 'n B from 2:30-4:00 but I'm thinking I may skip it this week and just go to Sheep & Wool so I have some time to do actual homework in the afternoon.
Oh, and I just remembered that at some point on Saturday I'm supposed to do some painting at Elah's school.
*whew* I need a weekend to recover from my weekend.

Yikes

OK, this doesn't have anything to do with knitting at all but I have to post a link to this blog. I appreciate the way the author looks at FGS in the cultural context and tries to consider solutions that may actually work. I definitely learned about and my own attitude toward and reasoning against. The post is long but it's an important read.

You can’t hold up — say — dowry burnings and say “this is what dowry burning is, this is what it means” outside the context of the rest of the culture, anymore than you could hold up “I Love Lucy” to people who didn’t understand Western gender roles or Western materialism or a Western sense of humor and expect them to understand it.

Pig F*cker

My sentiments exactly.

Don't Blame Me...

The real story underlying the victim-blaming that Dan Riehl and others are engaging in is that these crimes where men kill their pregnant wives and lovers all have one thing in common: Men who feel entitled to kill a woman whose body is doing something out of their control. Period. Victim-blaming is an attempt to cover up that one fact and all the implications it has for how male dominance and all its attendant dangers have got to go.
Read more if you'd like to get pissed too.

Tuesday Was a Good Day

I took Tuesday off to hang with my family. It was bloody hot outside but we had a good time. Elah and I went out to breakfast and then ran to the grocery store. Next we went to the park and Grayson came along. We don't see him nearly enough; he's sleeping when we get up in the morning, gone by the time we get home and we're in bed buy the time he gets home at night. He leaves for UNCG on August 14 so I've been trying to spend time with him as often as I can.



We ran into my mom at the playground because she was doing a plumbing job at the school and my step mom who was dropping my mom off after lunch so we had a little impromptu family gathering. Playing at the park when it's so hot works up a sweat so we stopped by the corner store to grab a bag of ice and went home to enjoy some iced Red Zinger tea.

Next Elah and I went through all our clothes and ended up with 3 kitchen trash bags and a large box of clothes we took to Salvation Army. Elah normally doesn't like to part with anything whether it's broken or doesn't fit or whatever but she did a great job. Later she told me she was trying to be generous.

For dinner I grilled chicken marinated in lemon juice, oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper. I also grilled corn on the cob and made potato salad. Elah helped me prepare the food and we pretended we were on our own show on Food Network. For dessert I made a peach galette.

Finally, after dinner and after Elah was in bed I got some time to knit. This picture is from Tuesday morning.



The first sock is now done and I brought my camera to work today to take a picture. The pattern has been fun and I've been thinking about all the horizontal design possibilities it opens up, i.e. cables around the leg.

The good times ended this morning when we woke up to this:



That crane is taking that entire tree (what you see is only part of it) and putting into that wood chipper. It. Was. Loud.

Ewwwwwwwww

This is like a scene from some bad horror film.

Jeans That Fit?

I'll start with the best part:
Me, pantless, in my office, hoping no one walks in, trying to measure my ass with a paper tape measure. Good thing there aren't hidden cameras at work.

How did I get into this situation? Blame Grumperina. Jeans that fit are priceless, right? Well I just spent more on a pair of jeans than my last whole outfit so we'll see. I may have to send them back before I try them on. I'll let you know how it all turns out. And I swear I'll stop shopping at work. Damn.

Apple Lemon

I promise more knitting content within the next two days.

Want to read a long, long letter I wrote to Apple? It's below.
Want the short version? They don't want to replace my computer, two of their agents openly lied to me, they want to replace my logic board and power supply again.

Here's the long version:

Apple Computer Inc
ATTN: Customer Relations
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014

Dear Customer Relations:

I am writing to express my frustration at my treatment by agents of Apple Computer Inc, through your AppleCare service. This letter will be long; I have chosen thoroughness in lieu of brevity.

My iMac G5 has never worked properly. Indeed, it has been plagued with issues since it came home with me. Purchased in 2004, it has gone through three major repairs. In 2004, the computer kept shutting down unexpectedly. Apple support staff didn’t seem to know what was wrong with the computer until I did some digging on my own and found that a number of iMacs were suffering with the same problems. I called support again and suggested that I could have a faulty power supply. The agent seemed unconvinced but agreed to send me a new power supply, warning me that when I sent the faulty power supply back if Apple found it to be good then I would be charged for the unnecessary replacement part. I had no doubt the power supply had burned out since I found ash inside the computer.

In 2005, my computer was again having problems. This time I made an appointment at a local Apple authorized service center where they discovered that I needed a new hard drive and a new logic board. At the time, the closest service center was a 45-minute drive away and I had to take time off work to both drop off and pick up my computer. In home service is not an option as the closest authorized in home tech is in New York.

In 2006 my computer had yet another problem. CDs and DVDs were failing to mount, failing to eject, launching out of the drive slot when they did eject and burning with heavy distortion (when I could get them to mount). I did not want to take the computer in yet again so I waited awhile before I called Apple support. When it became obvious that I would have to bring it in yet again, I just stopped using discs. In 2007, the problem became too disruptive to ignore and I broke down, called Apple service again, and brought it in for another repair. This time the local authorized service center had just opened a new, local, facility so I did not have as far to drive but I still had to take time off work to bring it in. The optical drive was replaced.
The computer was not home three days when I realized that it had more issues. I would shut down the computer at night and when I woke up in the morning, it would be on. At first, I thought that maybe I just thought I shut down when I in fact did not. So, I shut down during the evening when I was still awake and waited. Sure enough, the computer restarted itself within two hours. Over he next couple of days I realized that the computer would restart itself every time I shut down and twice I experienced kernel panics where I had to manually restart the computer.

I called Apple support on Thursday, 19 April and spoke to an unknown agent. The agent with whom I spoke (I don’t remember his name) was very helpful. He told me that I was eligible for a replacement computer and that he could not believe, after all I had been through, no one had offered a replacement sooner. I was told that I needed to take the computer to be examined and then, very firmly (his words were put on your “poker face and your John Wayne grimace”) ask for a new computer. He said that I might get some push back but that my AppleCare agreement clearly stated that I was eligible for a replacement computer, as the one I initially purchased clearly had never worked properly. When I hung up the phone I was so relieved, I thought that my computer troubles were finally over.

I spoke with someone at my local repair shop and some of the things I was told on the 19th came into question. I called Apple support again on Friday, 20 April and spoke with an agent who identified himself as Harley. Initially I spoke with a support agent who said that he was not authorized to talk replacement and that he would transfer me to a “product specialist.” I was transferred to Harley who identified himself as an Apple product specialist. Harley told me that the gentleman with whom I had spoken on the prior evening did not have the authority to offer me a replacement computer and that the notes in the system did not accurately reflect what I had been told.

Harley said it appeared that I did not qualify for a replacement computer and I should not have been told anything to the contrary. Initially Harley said that I did not qualify for replacement because I had not been through enough “major component” repairs. When I asked him what repairs he saw, he listed the logic board, hard drive and optical drive and told me that because the logic board and hard drive had been replaced at the same time they only constituted one repair. I then asked why the power supply did not factor into the equation and he explained that he did not see the repair listed. When I explained that I had replaced the part myself, he said that he did see it; he had not looked at the repair because most customer replacements were something simple like a mouse or keyboard. He also expressed surprise that the power supply was something that customers were allowed to replace as it was an easy task (“even my grandmother could do it” were his words) but that people who didn’t know what they were doing could really damage something and that he was surprised Apple would open itself to that kind of liability. Once we established the validity of my claim that the power supply had been replaced (he didn’t really believe me initially) then his story changed. Now I was not eligible for a replacement because the repairs that had already been made did not happen within a certain (unspecified) amount of time relative to each other. I could not get Harley to be any more specific about this.

So, now I was in the position of going through what was happening with my computer, as I never received a case number during the course of my call on the 19th. After I explained what was happening and what steps I had taken to remedy the problem (reset the SMU, restart with no peripherals attached, search the Apple knowledge base, post on the Apple support forum, etc.), Harley suggested that I chose restart from the Apple menu instead of shut down. I suggested that 1) I know the difference and 2) that did not explain why the computer would be shut down for as long as three hours at a stretch and 3) it didn’t explain the kernel panics. Harley then suggested that I try a different outlet; he seemed very reluctant to admit that it could possibly be a problem with the actual computer. Throughout our entire conversation of more than an hour, Harley was openly hostile and condescending. He finally told me to take it to a repair specialist and if it needed to be repaired (he wasn’t convinced) then AppleCare would cover the cost. I was assured that should I need another repair, I would qualify for a replacement computer.

Today, 24 April, I brought my iMac to an Apple certified repair center for some diagnostic tests. When I pick the computer up I was told that I need a new logic board and power supply. Because I live close to the repair center and because I am in the middle of finals they let me take the iMac home with the understanding that I will bring it to them the same day the replacement parts come in. This means that my options are to live without my computer until the parts come in from Apple or to bring my computer in twice as one of the parts is on back order and the two parts will not likely arrive together. I have to choose the latter option as I am a single parent with a small child at home who works full-time and attends college (half of which is online) part-time. The only time I can do homework is at night after my daughter goes to bed; I do not have the luxury of going to campus or the local library to use the computers there.

When I returned home on the 24th I called Apple support once again because I wanted to let them know what repairs had been suggested and make sure that I was still proceeding along the correct course of action. The agent with whom I spoke, Justin, informed me that Harley did not have the authority to deny or offer me a replacement iMac, that only someone from Customer Relations could do that. I asked Justin if he was saying that Harley, the agent with whom I last spoke, was not authorized to offer or deny a replacement computer to me. At this point, I wanted to make sure that I heard everything correctly. Justin confirmed that was indeed what he said.

At this point, I am beyond frustrated. I own a computer, for which I paid more than $2000 USD, that has never worked properly. I own a computer that had been plagued with malfunctions and repair needs almost from the day I brought it home. I own a computer that has contributed to my missing work and struggling to fulfill my collegiate obligations. I understand that no computer, no matter how stylish, is perfect; I expect to have some problems, but the number of problems I have had with this iMac is unacceptable.

People I know and others who read my blog have asked me why I stick with a computer that has become known as the Apple Lemon amongst my friends. I have been the constant cheerleader for Apple, defending and supporting you from day one. I consistently assure them that the latest issue is a fluke and that once the computer is repaired this time all will be well. I remind them that Apple computers are known for their reliability. I feel taken advantage of and I feel like a fool.

Not only have I been given the run around by agents at Apple support but also I have been openly lied to by two of you agents who misrepresented themselves. I do not think I am asking for a lot. I want a new computer, one that works as the first was supposed to; one that may have the occasional problem but one on which I can rely. The computer I purchased has never performed as represented by Apple; I just want one that does.

Respectfully,
Emily Blah Blah

cc: Attorney General's Office
ATTN: Consumer Protection
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-1001

Apple or Lemon?

Hey guess what, my computer is broken again (just in time for finals)!

Last night I spoke with someone at Apple Support who assured me that my computer was eligible to be replaced. Unfortunately when I called back today and spoke with a Product Specialist I got the run around (the first guy didn’t have the authority to authorize a replacement). What he told me was that even though I had replaced the power supply, the logic board, the hard drive and the optical drive, my computer didn’t qualify for replacement. I was unclear as to whether this was because the repairs didn’t happen within a certain amount of time relative to each other or because I had replaced the power supply myself instead of taking it to an Apple Specialist but he was the opposite of helpful.

I wasn’t mean but I did try to convey my frustration, to explain that the computer has never worked properly, that I am an online student who can’t do her homework at home while her 6 year old sleeps if I don’t have a functioning computer and that I was tired of missing time from work to take my computer to the shop or spend time on the phone with tech support. The Product Specialist still said I had to take it to the shop to try and get this problem resolved and that if it broke again then we could talk replacement. Even better, while he told me this he was condescending; as an example, after explaining that I had tried to shut down without anything connected to the computer and reset the SMU, etc. he suggested that I was choosing restart instead of shut down from the menu (like I didn’t know the difference). He also said that when I took it in to get repaired, IF (note the emphasis) it actually needed to be repaired, it would probably be something minor.


More than anything I am frustrated and I feel like a fool. I can’t tell you how many people hear my story (or stories) and ask me why I didn’t push harder for replacement or, before this current issue, why I still own a computer that is obviously a lemon. My response to these questions? I defend Apple! I assure them that the issue is a fluke, that the computer will be repaired and all will be well in the land of Apple, that Apple computers are known for their reliability. I’m like a fucking Apple cheerleader! But honestly, I sometimes ignore small problems just so I don’t have to go though the hassle of getting the computer fixed again and I feel like an ass who has been taken advantage of. This computer will probably be my last Apple purchase.

Make It Stop

I'm for all things Pagan but this is freaking me out.

Huh?

Tis makes me so confused. I found these ladies sprites on myspace, I don't know what to do with this new found knowledge. I might have to reexamine how I make fun of renaissance fairs.

This Sucks

Quick Update

Just a quick update - I'm still alive but my car died :(

I've been trying to navigate homework, parenting, car shopping (and loan shopping) and supporting my stepmother while she went through an unexpected surgery and now, her recovery.

I have managed to knit jus a little and I promise that soon you will see a proper post from me.

Happy Hallowe'en!
(Does anyone know why Halloween used to be spelled like that, with the weird little apostrophe?)

Where is Emily?

I have been crazy busy with work and school and parenting so not much knitting has been happening around here. I've knit a few more rows on the Rainbow Brite socks and cast on a hat with some Fun With Yarn for a quick project but that's it. Once I get whip my schedule ino submission (or forsake responsibility for knitting) you'll be hearing from me.

It Was This Big...

Dear Anonymous Designer,

I know you mean well. I was so excited when I saw the beautiful cabled sweater pattern on your blog. The cables were brilliant, the neckline oh so flattering. I know, from you picture, that you are more petite than I but I also saw that you pattern went up to an XL.

Imagine my disappointment when I opened the pattern I'd purchased and found that the XL bust size was a measly 39 inches. It's true that 39 inches is indeed a large bust line but it is not enough for an XL and now I must rework all the math in your lovely pattern if I am ever to wear it.

Please, please, please look at some standard size charts before you make your next pattern; I recommend Annie Modesitt's or the one at yarnstandards.com.

Thank you,
Emily

---

Note: While writing this I did have one particular designer in mind but in actuality it could be any number of well meaning designers out there who just have no concept of what it is like to go through life without being able to see your toes.

eBay Woes

I bought some Regia Nation (Fun) on eBay with visions of super cute rainbow (it is my middle name after all) stripe socks. I won the auction on July 24 and pain of July 25. Unfortunately I have yet to hear from the seller. So frustrating.

**Update**
I finally heard back from the seller on August 6th. They apologized and said that they were out of stock and should have more in this week. The also said that they thought they had already contacted me which is why I hadn't heard from them.
I understand that mistakes happen but I probably won't be buying from them again.

Who Will Be The Next Big Star?

You know the best shows are always the ones where terrible people audition. Is it bad that I really want to see this?

Scarred For Life

Are you serious? I want to gouge my own eyes out with any semi-sharp instrument I can find.


link


Thanks (?!) to K for bringing this to my attention.