I also purchased 2 Digital Stream 9950s from Radio Shack and hooked one up to a 15" Panasonic TV that was purchased in 1997 and the other to a 2006 Sylvania TV.
I like the fact that the boxes have closed-captioning capability and EPG (program guide).
The major drawback is that the volume controls on the converter boxes remotes will not give good sound until one 1st turns the televisions' volumes up all the way with the manufacturers remotes.(?)Otherwise,you get no sound!I'm not sure how one bypasses this.(?)
But,I think I made a good investment!In general,it's a good box
for the money.Paid $14.99 after coupon.
I have to start off by saying that I'm sorry your radio experience has been tarnished by what we call "live reads". I hate doing them, even if it is a product that I use or enjoy but there are two sad realities to what you hear. One is that *most* local DJ's make next to nothing a year. If someone offers them an endorsement fee, that might allow them to afford cable. Part two of that equation is that more often than not a slimy salesperson has gone and already told the client you'll endorse it, and they've signed the contract. If you refuse, the client walks, and your boss fires you then you're out of cash.
If it's someone like John Tesh, Bob & Tom, etc they are nationally syndicated and the live reads are different - not only are these people paid a fortune but they are plain old greedy - they don't need to do any endorsements for anything but they love the money so they do as many as they can, sometimes it's more than there is content in the show.
I do them because I make 27k a year... which in the world of high taxes, and high cost of living is *nothing*
One other thing - a poster above mentioned that she has to turn down her radio because the commercials are louder... that's not true. As a matter of fact that's in her head and I suggest she see a doctor (for obvious schizophrenia because she's hearing things.) Every single radio station I've worked in and visited has devices to compress, limit, and process their audio - in English that means IT ALL IS TRANSMITTED AT THE SAME VOLUME! TV - different story - they don't use the audio processing we use and therefore nothing is equalized. So it is possible to have louder commercials on TV, but that goes both ways as they can be quieter too. The idea that radio & TV stations make commercials louder is ridiculous and noting short of those that suffer from the same mental problems that tin foil hat people suffer from.
You can buy Forever stamps from the USPS website. Here's a link. Or, adversely, you can search for "Forever" under 42-cent First Class Stamps to find them. They are (as of 28 January, 2009) still 42 cents.
Err... Gary, do you mind elaborating on that cryptic one-liner of yours?
Anyways, I got a lot of clarifications here. I'm really in a tight spot right now and I feel clueless about my mortgage issues. Thanks for the post, Julie!
Bontempfeline, it would depend on the ratio of the warranty price to the product price, and all that divided by the chance that you will need to use the warranty. So even if the warranty costs only 3% of the product price, if the chance you need to use it is only .5%, you shouldn't buy it.
(That is an oversimplification. Basically, you want the warranty to cost less than its expected value, which is what you get if you take each thing that can go wrong, multiply the cost of it going wrong times the probability of it going wrong, and add up all of those. Also left out is the value of avoiding risk--but unlike with your health, where you could end up with a million dollar cancer treatment or something, the most you would be risking is the price of the item. For most things, I daresay that if you can't afford to save up for it twice, you probably can't afford it the first time.)
My guess would be your code probably became invalidated because one way or another, itunes became alerted to the fraud and invalidated the code - the credit card owner disputed the transaction, or it got picked up in a sweep.
What I'm saying is, if I had to guess - the code was probably valid at the time of it's initial purchase from itunes, and that itunes shut it down. Your seller found out they'd shut it down, and gave you a different code.
Interesting side note - did you bother to try the code anyways?
Your second point relies on your first point being accurate - which I don't believe it is. However, assuming somehow that there was no way those codes could be fraudulently purchased from itunes - the original 16 digit credit was almost assuredly computer generated, by itunes. It'd be damn near impossible to hack it though. It's like a 16 digit password - do you have any idea how many possible combination's there are in a 16 digit ~number~? Never mind adding letters to the mix. The average hacker would probably have a better chance of winning the lotto than hacking a 16 digit letters and numbers code. Just because the code was computer generated doesn't mean the seller of the code generated it. It's just information being bought and sold on the interwebs.
I think that discipline (control) is applicable to both dieting and personal finance. Sometimes when I read about ways that people control their money (through software programs, etc.) or weight by going to meetings, etc., my first impression is that it's an odd way of meeting their goals. But then I realize that we all have to find what works for us and stick to our plan -- as far as weight control, I weigh myself everyday, same time. That way I can't fool myself into thinking my indulgences don't matter. Everyone has their own tricks -- I mean tools to reach their goals.
I started changing the way I was eating on December 1st after seeing the book "Everything I Ate" by Tucker Anderson. Modeling my 'diet' after the book, I took a picture of everything that I was eating and posted it on a website. Rather than a food log, I could visually see the amount of food going into my gob. Being a visual person, that was helpful for me and to date I've lost 22 lbs.
Just like I look at a piece of cake or fried food and think, "Gosh, do I really need that? Do I want my friends to see that I went overboard?", the same has held over for my finances. I used to buy every electronic gadget that came out on the market. I have successfully only purchased a small camera for an upcoming trip, and have bypassed new TV's, netbook computers, a new cell phone, tons of software, etc. My mind is now wrapped around "how can I enjoy what I have" instead of "What can I do to get more?"
I know what you mean, but do you have an idea how they can send me a code which is invalid ?
Invalid because there are 16 digits and the last 10 digits are numbers.
It seems so much like a generated Code. (First I thought , ok funny code - but it was invalid)
If they buy the codes with stolen cards, they can't (!) get such a invalid code because the codes are "real" payed and iTunes give them real codes.
And "hard cash" you can also produce with selling cheap Amazon Gift-Cards. Directly and instant, all over the world - like iTunes Codes.
I will definitly NOT say that everything is ok with these codes. But this 2 reasons can show that the codes are not bought with faked/stolen cards.
These aren't some couple of kids looking to score some free video games but stealing someone's credit card number and buying crap.
These are sweat-shop style chinese workers, laboring over computers all day trying to generate cold, hard cash.
It's really quite simple.
1) They rack up a bunch of orders
2) They steal the card numbers.
3) They swoop in on itunes, armed with their stolen card numbers, changing IP's as often as neccessary, and basically doing everything they can to not be detected by itunes anti-fraud measures
4) Once they get stopped/kicked out/run out of valid card numbers, they disperse the codes to the poor saps who Paypal'd them the cold, hard cash that will make their boss happy, so that maybe they'll only have to work 14 hours today instead of the usual 16.
I might be wrong - but one has only to look at the multitude of gold pharming sites for online games and their ilk to know that even if I'm getting some of the details wrong - something illicit is probably going on.
I did read about your "letting go" response. I've let it sunk in my brains for a very long time. And it has been a long time now since then. I just wanted to let you all know that I'm working hard with the other person still. I understand the other person more now. And I understand myself better too.
When we started going out - I took him into my life & loved him unconditionally. I've found out since that he's done much more wrong than he's admitted to initially. That's when my world started to crumble - after finding out more about him again and again over time. I understand the guilt and embarrassment that he was trying to avoid. But I plead, to let it all out and be open. This way, the person will be able to let go of that emotional baggage. I cannot move forward if my partner is still carrying the emotional baggage. It's not my intention to intrude with the past, but to help the other person let it go because it's dragging us both down if not me getting abused emotionally in the present now with his past fear, guilt and embarrasment.
He is slowly helping me become a stronger person too indirectly. I know how on the exterior the person is loud and strong. But inside the person is so messed up with the past. He admits sometimes he forgets we are no longer in the past and he apologises for his behaviour. It's still an ongoing journey and sometimes I get exhausted trying to help him. But I feel I need to, in order to help "us".
He is often washed away with everyday happenings and forgets what is important behind all the chaos of daily life. Doesn't he realise all these aren't important? One day work will all come to an end, people you laugh with will leave - but a partner you want to spend your life with will be there still. And a partner is not just for the times you don't have anyone else around to laugh with. A partner should be a person you think of most when you're happy - and wish that your partner was with you feeling the same happiness you are.
I am trying so hard to make him realise & remember this.
Is he selfish? Yes, but I don't know what to do but to give more love for as far as my patience and energy can be stretched.
What made him selfish? I believe he wasn't give the right love earlier on and now doesn't know how to give the right kind of love, gratitude and appreciation back.
Am I trying to hard? I still have the energy for love for the person.
Am I being selfish should you see me acting as if I'm trying to "fix" the other person? I think I've tried to use all the courage and strength I have to assist the other person and not force him into changing. I try to give him the right environment to make him confortable - I can see it's a transition in his life. And I've requested him to let me go if there's a shred of doubt in his heart that I don't love him enough to help him through with all this.
Am I sure it's going to work out? I cry when I think it might not, but I'd still like for him to have a happy future and not have to repeat the bad things he's done in the past.
Being a longtime frugalizer, I always turned down extended warranties. Fortunately, my husband bought the 3-year on an LCD TV which went on the fritz after 2.5 years. (He actually bought it because the cashier quoted and sold us the 3-year at a 1-year price, and we took it without realizing it.)
The TV needed a new board, which was no longer manufactured. We wound up with a check for the entire amount, including the tax; almost $900. We paid only $40 for the extended warranty, but, would that have been worth $100? I think so.
I think it all depends on the ratio warranty price to product price.
On Super Bowl Sunday, you call Dominoes, they say 45 minutes. At the 45 minute mark, do you stand up and open your front door? I doubt it, because you know it may take longer. If you accept late delivery, how is it Papa Murphy's is not also aloud to be "Just that busy" that maybe you'll have to wait a few minutes, when you show up at the 45 minute mark. They get slammed just like delivery. Who has not waited for delivery? Delivery is never on time. If I needed delivery in one hour, I'd call an hour and a half early. Delivery pizza tells you when it will be ready, you tell Papa Murphy's when you'll be there. People are so used to saying "I am on my way" to Papa Murphy's, giving them 10 minutes, and expect 0 wait time. Maybe on extremely busy days, they deserve the same courtesy you give Pizza Hut Delivery. If you need it at 5:15, and don't like waiting, remember you are in control, say you need at 5. Also, I am sure few realize, alot of Papa Murphy's customers show up 10 minutes early, that's why on time people wait. The early people demand immediate pizza. If a customer is in the store, early mind you, causing a scene, their pizza get's made 1st. Moral of the story, be considerate, on bust nights, allow an extra 5 minutes, and don't show up early.
This post is on the money (if you will pardon the pu).
I have to chime in on extended warranties-- I think they are one of the biggest rackets going . . .
As mentioned, most products already come with warranties and to take it a step further, is the product that questionable that it needs to be warrantied? Something to think about when making the purchase in the first place!
Both are a problem if taken to excess . . .
Both are remedied by moderation and better choices . . .
Both can be related to an addiction . . .
Both need to be constantly managed . . .
Both are subject to "yo-yo" (up and down) results . . .
Both can impact your life positively or negatively . . .
Both can be very expensive . . .
Both can be extremely embarrassing . . .
Both are a problem in the United States . . .
Both involve work . . .
they put fluoride in the drinking water and fluoride is very harmful for health! SOME (not all) bottled waters filter the fluoride out. as far as i'm concerned that's the best reason to buy bottled water (especially for babies. there is even fluoride in baby water and it's very harmful!! how crazy is that??!!) do ur own research people
Sure I do. I treat it just like any other investment where you invest all the money up front and then receive a stream of payments for a period of time. The only difference is that the payments take the form of bottles of wine or cans of tomato past or whatever. The math is identical.
Go ahead and work out the math for a similar scenario and you'll see that it works out the same.
Granted, you could earn the risk-free rate instead--but that doesn't reduce the payout of this investment. The right way to do the analysis is to calculate the rates of each of the alternatives you care about and then compare them.
2 things came to my mind when he laid the cash down. 2 scenarios.
1 - one of the employees dented or scraped the car whilst taking it down to the parking space and that is why it's in the shop getting fixed. BTW, who ever heard of a bank having an underground parking lot to keep cars for collateral?
2 - The bank manager couldn't resist taking it home over the weekend for a spin and wound up in an accident. We all probably did it in our younger days if we worked at a gas station and took in cars to be fixed over the weekend. I remember a white Corvette quite clearly...hmmm.
The easiest way to avoid telemarketer calls is to never give your cell phone number to any business. Do not sign up for the do not call list. Do not enter any contests. Do not enter those text this number to win contests.
If I absolutely need to give my number to a business, I use my parents phone number. They'll always relay any messages to me. That means they get all the telemarketing calls but they use an answering machine and never answer the phone anyway. If you don't have that luxury then sign up for a skypein number. It costs a few dollars a month.
I also purchased 2 Digital Stream 9950s from Radio Shack and hooked one up to a 15" Panasonic TV that was purchased in 1997 and the other to a 2006 Sylvania TV.
I like the fact that the boxes have closed-captioning capability and EPG (program guide).
The major drawback is that the volume controls on the converter boxes remotes will not give good sound until one 1st turns the televisions' volumes up all the way with the manufacturers remotes.(?)Otherwise,you get no sound!I'm not sure how one bypasses this.(?)
But,I think I made a good investment!In general,it's a good box
for the money.Paid $14.99 after coupon.
I have to start off by saying that I'm sorry your radio experience has been tarnished by what we call "live reads". I hate doing them, even if it is a product that I use or enjoy but there are two sad realities to what you hear. One is that *most* local DJ's make next to nothing a year. If someone offers them an endorsement fee, that might allow them to afford cable. Part two of that equation is that more often than not a slimy salesperson has gone and already told the client you'll endorse it, and they've signed the contract. If you refuse, the client walks, and your boss fires you then you're out of cash.
If it's someone like John Tesh, Bob & Tom, etc they are nationally syndicated and the live reads are different - not only are these people paid a fortune but they are plain old greedy - they don't need to do any endorsements for anything but they love the money so they do as many as they can, sometimes it's more than there is content in the show.
I do them because I make 27k a year... which in the world of high taxes, and high cost of living is *nothing*
One other thing - a poster above mentioned that she has to turn down her radio because the commercials are louder... that's not true. As a matter of fact that's in her head and I suggest she see a doctor (for obvious schizophrenia because she's hearing things.) Every single radio station I've worked in and visited has devices to compress, limit, and process their audio - in English that means IT ALL IS TRANSMITTED AT THE SAME VOLUME! TV - different story - they don't use the audio processing we use and therefore nothing is equalized. So it is possible to have louder commercials on TV, but that goes both ways as they can be quieter too. The idea that radio & TV stations make commercials louder is ridiculous and noting short of those that suffer from the same mental problems that tin foil hat people suffer from.
You can buy Forever stamps from the USPS website. Here's a link. Or, adversely, you can search for "Forever" under 42-cent First Class Stamps to find them. They are (as of 28 January, 2009) still 42 cents.
Forever Stamps at USPS.com
Err... Gary, do you mind elaborating on that cryptic one-liner of yours?
Anyways, I got a lot of clarifications here. I'm really in a tight spot right now and I feel clueless about my mortgage issues. Thanks for the post, Julie!
Bontempfeline, it would depend on the ratio of the warranty price to the product price, and all that divided by the chance that you will need to use the warranty. So even if the warranty costs only 3% of the product price, if the chance you need to use it is only .5%, you shouldn't buy it.
(That is an oversimplification. Basically, you want the warranty to cost less than its expected value, which is what you get if you take each thing that can go wrong, multiply the cost of it going wrong times the probability of it going wrong, and add up all of those. Also left out is the value of avoiding risk--but unlike with your health, where you could end up with a million dollar cancer treatment or something, the most you would be risking is the price of the item. For most things, I daresay that if you can't afford to save up for it twice, you probably can't afford it the first time.)
My guess would be your code probably became invalidated because one way or another, itunes became alerted to the fraud and invalidated the code - the credit card owner disputed the transaction, or it got picked up in a sweep.
What I'm saying is, if I had to guess - the code was probably valid at the time of it's initial purchase from itunes, and that itunes shut it down. Your seller found out they'd shut it down, and gave you a different code.
Interesting side note - did you bother to try the code anyways?
Your second point relies on your first point being accurate - which I don't believe it is. However, assuming somehow that there was no way those codes could be fraudulently purchased from itunes - the original 16 digit credit was almost assuredly computer generated, by itunes. It'd be damn near impossible to hack it though. It's like a 16 digit password - do you have any idea how many possible combination's there are in a 16 digit ~number~? Never mind adding letters to the mix. The average hacker would probably have a better chance of winning the lotto than hacking a 16 digit letters and numbers code. Just because the code was computer generated doesn't mean the seller of the code generated it. It's just information being bought and sold on the interwebs.
I think that discipline (control) is applicable to both dieting and personal finance. Sometimes when I read about ways that people control their money (through software programs, etc.) or weight by going to meetings, etc., my first impression is that it's an odd way of meeting their goals. But then I realize that we all have to find what works for us and stick to our plan -- as far as weight control, I weigh myself everyday, same time. That way I can't fool myself into thinking my indulgences don't matter. Everyone has their own tricks -- I mean tools to reach their goals.
I started changing the way I was eating on December 1st after seeing the book "Everything I Ate" by Tucker Anderson. Modeling my 'diet' after the book, I took a picture of everything that I was eating and posted it on a website. Rather than a food log, I could visually see the amount of food going into my gob. Being a visual person, that was helpful for me and to date I've lost 22 lbs.
Just like I look at a piece of cake or fried food and think, "Gosh, do I really need that? Do I want my friends to see that I went overboard?", the same has held over for my finances. I used to buy every electronic gadget that came out on the market. I have successfully only purchased a small camera for an upcoming trip, and have bypassed new TV's, netbook computers, a new cell phone, tons of software, etc. My mind is now wrapped around "how can I enjoy what I have" instead of "What can I do to get more?"
Like BJLD, I'd just live a frugal lifestyle and throw the rest of the money on the pile. Retire and do whatever I please without a care in the world.
Hi, thank's for your answer.
I know what you mean, but do you have an idea how they can send me a code which is invalid ?
Invalid because there are 16 digits and the last 10 digits are numbers.
It seems so much like a generated Code. (First I thought , ok funny code - but it was invalid)
If they buy the codes with stolen cards, they can't (!) get such a invalid code because the codes are "real" payed and iTunes give them real codes.
And "hard cash" you can also produce with selling cheap Amazon Gift-Cards. Directly and instant, all over the world - like iTunes Codes.
I will definitly NOT say that everything is ok with these codes. But this 2 reasons can show that the codes are not bought with faked/stolen cards.
Hi,
Nice work. The info you have given was really very useful for me.
Thank for the effort you have put in.
Hi,
I have used bugmenot.com since ages and it has been great. The retailmenot.com, coming from them, should be even better.
Thanks for the video. Its helped a lot.
Thank you for sharing this info.
I think you misunderstand.
These aren't some couple of kids looking to score some free video games but stealing someone's credit card number and buying crap.
These are sweat-shop style chinese workers, laboring over computers all day trying to generate cold, hard cash.
It's really quite simple.
1) They rack up a bunch of orders
2) They steal the card numbers.
3) They swoop in on itunes, armed with their stolen card numbers, changing IP's as often as neccessary, and basically doing everything they can to not be detected by itunes anti-fraud measures
4) Once they get stopped/kicked out/run out of valid card numbers, they disperse the codes to the poor saps who Paypal'd them the cold, hard cash that will make their boss happy, so that maybe they'll only have to work 14 hours today instead of the usual 16.
I might be wrong - but one has only to look at the multitude of gold pharming sites for online games and their ilk to know that even if I'm getting some of the details wrong - something illicit is probably going on.
... just like you said one would have to.
I am thankful for the existence of this page you have. Please know you've calmed a heart far away.
I did read about your "letting go" response. I've let it sunk in my brains for a very long time. And it has been a long time now since then. I just wanted to let you all know that I'm working hard with the other person still. I understand the other person more now. And I understand myself better too.
When we started going out - I took him into my life & loved him unconditionally. I've found out since that he's done much more wrong than he's admitted to initially. That's when my world started to crumble - after finding out more about him again and again over time. I understand the guilt and embarrassment that he was trying to avoid. But I plead, to let it all out and be open. This way, the person will be able to let go of that emotional baggage. I cannot move forward if my partner is still carrying the emotional baggage. It's not my intention to intrude with the past, but to help the other person let it go because it's dragging us both down if not me getting abused emotionally in the present now with his past fear, guilt and embarrasment.
He is slowly helping me become a stronger person too indirectly. I know how on the exterior the person is loud and strong. But inside the person is so messed up with the past. He admits sometimes he forgets we are no longer in the past and he apologises for his behaviour. It's still an ongoing journey and sometimes I get exhausted trying to help him. But I feel I need to, in order to help "us".
He is often washed away with everyday happenings and forgets what is important behind all the chaos of daily life. Doesn't he realise all these aren't important? One day work will all come to an end, people you laugh with will leave - but a partner you want to spend your life with will be there still. And a partner is not just for the times you don't have anyone else around to laugh with. A partner should be a person you think of most when you're happy - and wish that your partner was with you feeling the same happiness you are.
I am trying so hard to make him realise & remember this.
Is he selfish? Yes, but I don't know what to do but to give more love for as far as my patience and energy can be stretched.
What made him selfish? I believe he wasn't give the right love earlier on and now doesn't know how to give the right kind of love, gratitude and appreciation back.
Am I trying to hard? I still have the energy for love for the person.
Am I being selfish should you see me acting as if I'm trying to "fix" the other person? I think I've tried to use all the courage and strength I have to assist the other person and not force him into changing. I try to give him the right environment to make him confortable - I can see it's a transition in his life. And I've requested him to let me go if there's a shred of doubt in his heart that I don't love him enough to help him through with all this.
Am I sure it's going to work out? I cry when I think it might not, but I'd still like for him to have a happy future and not have to repeat the bad things he's done in the past.
That's the only thing I can say for now.
Being a longtime frugalizer, I always turned down extended warranties. Fortunately, my husband bought the 3-year on an LCD TV which went on the fritz after 2.5 years. (He actually bought it because the cashier quoted and sold us the 3-year at a 1-year price, and we took it without realizing it.)
The TV needed a new board, which was no longer manufactured. We wound up with a check for the entire amount, including the tax; almost $900. We paid only $40 for the extended warranty, but, would that have been worth $100? I think so.
I think it all depends on the ratio warranty price to product price.
On Super Bowl Sunday, you call Dominoes, they say 45 minutes. At the 45 minute mark, do you stand up and open your front door? I doubt it, because you know it may take longer. If you accept late delivery, how is it Papa Murphy's is not also aloud to be "Just that busy" that maybe you'll have to wait a few minutes, when you show up at the 45 minute mark. They get slammed just like delivery. Who has not waited for delivery? Delivery is never on time. If I needed delivery in one hour, I'd call an hour and a half early. Delivery pizza tells you when it will be ready, you tell Papa Murphy's when you'll be there. People are so used to saying "I am on my way" to Papa Murphy's, giving them 10 minutes, and expect 0 wait time. Maybe on extremely busy days, they deserve the same courtesy you give Pizza Hut Delivery. If you need it at 5:15, and don't like waiting, remember you are in control, say you need at 5. Also, I am sure few realize, alot of Papa Murphy's customers show up 10 minutes early, that's why on time people wait. The early people demand immediate pizza. If a customer is in the store, early mind you, causing a scene, their pizza get's made 1st. Moral of the story, be considerate, on bust nights, allow an extra 5 minutes, and don't show up early.
This post is on the money (if you will pardon the pu).
I have to chime in on extended warranties-- I think they are one of the biggest rackets going . . .
As mentioned, most products already come with warranties and to take it a step further, is the product that questionable that it needs to be warrantied? Something to think about when making the purchase in the first place!
Great post!
My view of diet and debt is:
Both are a problem if taken to excess . . .
Both are remedied by moderation and better choices . . .
Both can be related to an addiction . . .
Both need to be constantly managed . . .
Both are subject to "yo-yo" (up and down) results . . .
Both can impact your life positively or negatively . . .
Both can be very expensive . . .
Both can be extremely embarrassing . . .
Both are a problem in the United States . . .
Both involve work . . .
Here is my full view on this topic:
http://divorceddadfrugaldad.com/2009/01/17/two-fourletter-words---.aspx
when so many adults are laid off & are now desperate enough to take the "teen" jobs in an effort to feed their families.
they put fluoride in the drinking water and fluoride is very harmful for health! SOME (not all) bottled waters filter the fluoride out. as far as i'm concerned that's the best reason to buy bottled water (especially for babies. there is even fluoride in baby water and it's very harmful!! how crazy is that??!!) do ur own research people
@ Jushua:
Sure I do. I treat it just like any other investment where you invest all the money up front and then receive a stream of payments for a period of time. The only difference is that the payments take the form of bottles of wine or cans of tomato past or whatever. The math is identical.
Go ahead and work out the math for a similar scenario and you'll see that it works out the same.
Granted, you could earn the risk-free rate instead--but that doesn't reduce the payout of this investment. The right way to do the analysis is to calculate the rates of each of the alternatives you care about and then compare them.
do the converter box have to same name as tv name
2 things came to my mind when he laid the cash down. 2 scenarios.
1 - one of the employees dented or scraped the car whilst taking it down to the parking space and that is why it's in the shop getting fixed. BTW, who ever heard of a bank having an underground parking lot to keep cars for collateral?
2 - The bank manager couldn't resist taking it home over the weekend for a spin and wound up in an accident. We all probably did it in our younger days if we worked at a gas station and took in cars to be fixed over the weekend. I remember a white Corvette quite clearly...hmmm.
The easiest way to avoid telemarketer calls is to never give your cell phone number to any business. Do not sign up for the do not call list. Do not enter any contests. Do not enter those text this number to win contests.
If I absolutely need to give my number to a business, I use my parents phone number. They'll always relay any messages to me. That means they get all the telemarketing calls but they use an answering machine and never answer the phone anyway. If you don't have that luxury then sign up for a skypein number. It costs a few dollars a month.