Rik's Ramblings

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Next Dartmouth Bands Fundraiser, April 2

Dinner Night at Panda Express


We have a fundraising dinner night on April 2 for Ben's school band: Dartmouth Bands

Give your kitchen the night off and head over to Panda Express.

Flier is valid from 4pm until 9pm.

Tuesday, April 2
4pm - 9pm

Panda Express
3029 Meridian Ave.
San Jose, CA 95124

408-445-1244


Download Flier for the Dartmouth Bands fundraiser at Panda Express

You don't need to be in the band, or have a child at Dartmouth middle school. Please print out the flier and head down any time between 4pm and 9pm.

20% or your food order purchase is donated to the band.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Sack the board of HP, gets an Aye from me

I voted to make the fuckers redundant.  After all, that's what they did to me last year :)

http://m.guardiannews.com/business/2013/mar/21/hewlett-packard-shareholder-rebellion-directors

Not that I'm bitter or owt!

Friday, March 08, 2013

Grilled Eggplant Recipe - Grilled Eggplant with Balsamic Vinegar

http://southernfood.about.com/od/grillfruitveggie/r/bl30627e.htm

Generally I don't like egg plant and its relative 'squash', but when prepared like this it is yummy

Ingredients:

1 large eggplant
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, very finely minced
1 pinch each thyme, basil, dill, and oregano
salt and freshly grated black pepper
Preparation:

Heat grill.
When grill is hot, slice eggplant about 1/2-inch thick. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with the oil and vinegar mixture.
Place eggplant on the hot preheated grill. Grill about 15 to 20 minutes, turning once.

Tuesday, March 05, 2013

A $75 email

Damned notary tried to charge me an extra $75 today because they had to make a second visit to see us. I didn't know the wife would need to be present with me this morning.

Needless to say, I could have just paid the extra and not complained. But I didn't feel like it. I've had nothing but shit with the whole re-fi process.

Anyway, I was rather surprised that the notary did infact waive the $75 in response to this little email.


You know, it is a little unfortunate nobody mentioned that "spouse" would need to come with me at signing.

Perhaps it could have been stated in one of the emails when we were scheduling, or maybe the notary could have given me a call before hand to go through the details. And maybe this morning when we were sat in a room together he could have mentioned the $75.

Yes, I probably should have checked, as I know "spouse" is on the house title. But then again, perhaps it's not a good judgment call, for you experienced professionals, to expect the customer to check these details.

Luckily I was at "Title Company" when Cheryl sent the email, so I have paid the additional $75.

If someone would like to admit they dropped the ball, I will accept a $75 Starbucks or Amazon gift card to sooth my frayed temper. You all have my address.

Sincerely,
Rik.

Note to self: Double check escrow to validate that the fee is refunded.

I think I did quite well. After all, the last email I sent the bank had an "F-bomb" in it.