Farewell Billy Mays

Billy Mays, born William Darrell Mays on July 20, 1958 will always be remembered for his trademark blue collar button down shirt and dark beard. He captivated his audiences with his booming voice & sales pitches making him the most popular “Pitchman” on television.


Billy grew up in Pennsylvania and later attended West Virginia University where he dropped out and went to work for his father’s hazardous waste company.

It was there that Billy was taught how to sell from the older salesmen in Atlantic City. He sold the Washmatic portable washing device along with other “As seen on TV” products.


Mays later traveled to home shows, auto shows, and state fairs across the United States for a period of twelve years, selling various maintenance products and tools, including cleaning products and food choppers.


In 1993 at a home show in Pittsburgh, Mays struck up a friendship with Max Appel. Max was a rival salesman and founder of Orange Glo International which was a manufacturer of cleaning products.


He was then hired by the company to promote their line of cleaners, OxiClean, Orange Clean, Orange Glo, and Kaboom on the Home Shopping Network in Florida. He was very well known for shouting in an abrasive manner during infomercials. His services as a pitchman became highly sought-after, and he appeared in commercials for many diverse “as seen on TV” products such as Mighty Putty. Mays claimed to be an avid user of the products he promoted.


On April 15, 2009, the Discovery Channel began airing Pitchmen, a documentary series that features Mays and Anthony Sullivan in their jobs in direct response marketing. Mays and Sullivan appeared together on the June 23, 2009 episode of Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien.


On June 27, Mays had been aboard US Airways Flight 1241, which landed roughly when one of its front tires was blown out. The heavy impact of the landing caused objects from the overhead storage compartments to fall and strike some passengers. Mays told WTVT-TV, a local Tampa FOX news station, that some of the objects “hit me on the head, but I got a hard head.”


His wife noted that he felt unwell when he went to bed that night early at 10 pm. Mays was found unresponsive by his wife in his Odessa, Florida, home on the morning of June 28, 2009. He was then pronounced dead at 7:45 am, appearing to have died sometime overnight.


You’ve helped so many people become successful, and you’ve made many dreams come true. The next generation of pitchmen will have a hard time filling your shoes… You had a loyal fan base Billy, and you will be missed. ……….. Farewell Billy Mays


* on a personal note* I can’t help but think that he passed on the same way Natasha Richardson did a few months ago. Both sustained a head injury and shrugged it off, both mentioned feeling ill shortly after and went to sleep, to never wake up the next morning.


Trauma to the head is a serious thing folks and it shouldn’t go unchecked, no matter how well you feel. Don’t pass it off as just a bump on the head, or just a slight headache. Learn from other peoples’ mistakes. Take advantage of the technology we have.

Final Farewell to Ed, Farrah, and Michael

Final Farewell to Ed, Farrah, and Michael

Hollywood isn’t shining as bright this week with the loss of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.

Ed McMahon, born Edward Leo Peter McMahon Jr on March 6, 1923. McMahon was a comedian, a game show host, and was best known as Johnny Carson’s announcer on the Tonight Show from 1962-1992. Ed also hosted Star Search from 1983-1995, along with co-hosting TV’s Bloopers and Practical Jokes with Dick Clark. Ed McMahon made an annual appearance on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, made appearances in many commercials and covered NBC’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Entertainment Weekly considered Ed McMahon to be one of the “greatest sidekicks”

But what many people may not know was that Ed McMahon was a fighter pilot in the US Marine Corp serving as a flight instructor and test pilot during World War II. Ed remained in the reserves after earning 6 Air Medals and being discharged in 1946. After college, Ed returned to active duty, and in 1952 he was sent to Korea. In 1966, McMahon retired from the US Marine Corp Reserves as a Colonel.

McMahon died at age 86 on June 23, 2009, shortly after midnight at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. No formal cause of death was given, but McMahon’s publicist attributed his death to the many health problems he had suffered over his final months. McMahon spent weeks in the ICU fighting pneumonia, bone cancer, and other medical problems before his death. McMahon had said that he still suffered from the injury to his neck in March 2007. Signs point to the cause of death being due to his bone cancer.

His laughter and presence will be missed, Farewell Ed McMahon.

Farrah Fawcett, born Ferrah Leni Fawcett on February 2, 1947. Farrah was best known for her role as Jill Munroe on Charlie’s Angels which first appeared on March 21, 1976. Farrah made several guest appearances on various shows such as I Dream of Jeannie, The Six Million Dollar Man, Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law and The Dating Game.

In 1976 Pro Arts Inc pitched the idea of a poster to Farrah and her agent. A photo shoot was arranged with the resulting poster of Farrah in a red one piece bathing suit. That poster sold over 12 million copies. Men loved her and women wished they had her hair.

Farrah was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006 and treatment began. Four months later, on her 60th birthday it was reported that Farrah was cancer free. She discovered less than 4 months later that a malignant polyp was found in the area where the cancer was treated. After 3 years of various treatments, Farrah lost her battle with cancer. She died on June 25,2009 at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

Her brilliant smile and golden locks will be missed… Farewell Farrah

Michael Jackson, born Michael Joseph Jackson on August 29,1958. Michael was the seventh child of the Jackson family. His musical career started at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5. Michael started his solo career in 1971, five of his solo albums are among the worlds best selling albums, Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995). Earning him the title as the “King of Pop”.

Michael was a brilliant songwriter, an amazing dancer, and a singer who’s style changed with the times and allowed his artistic side really shine in his music videos. Michael also collaborated with many big named artists such as Paul McCartney, Lionel Ritchie, Slash, Eddie Van Halen, and even his sister Janet Jackson.

Between songwriting, and touring all over the world, Michael also found time to participate in many benefit concerts that helped various charities. Charities such as; The Red Cross, and UNESCO. Michael was a great humanitarian, making generous donations to help find a cure for HIV and to help feed families in Africa.

Throughout his career he received numerous honors and awards, including the World Music Awards‘ Best-Selling Pop Male Artist of the Millennium, the American Music Award’s Artist of the Century Award. He was a double-inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, once as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1997 and later as a solo artist in 2001. Jackson was also an inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002. His awards include multiple Guinness World Records (eight in 2006 alone), 13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his solo career—more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era—and the sale of over 750 million albums worldwide, making him the world’s best selling male pop artist.

Jackson was preparing for what was to be his greatest comeback. He was scheduled for an unprecedented 50 shows at a London arena, with the first set for July 13. He was in rehearsals in Los Angeles for the concert, an extravaganza that was to capture the classic Jackson magic: showstopping dance moves, elaborate staging and throbbing dance beats.

Sadly Michael Jackson passed away from cardiac arrest today. Jackson was not breathing when Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 p.m. The paramedics performed CPR and took him to the UCLA Medical Center.

A loss of this magnitude has not been felt since the death of John Lennon, Elvis, and James Brown the Godfather of Soul. What a sad day indeed.

I hope you find the peace you deserve, You have been an inspiration to many and you will be missed… Farewell Michael

Mopar Parts on Inter-Galactic Back Order!

Mopar Customers Beware!


After a very unpleasant call from a customer this afternoon, I thought I’d share a little insight with all of you Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep owners.


As many of you already know, Chrysler has filed for bankruptcy less than 2 months ago. In doing so, Chrysler LLC has merged with the Italian Automaker, Fiat. On the down side of all of this, Chrysler still owes tons of money to many vendors. What that means for you as a customer, and vehicle owner is that there are thousands yes thousands of parts on Back Order.


Just off the top of my head, you can expect delays when ordering these parts… EGR valve for a Pacifica, Front pads/ Rotors and Rear pads/Rotor for the 2008-2009 Minivans, ALL radios, Body control modules, and parts that fall under the “Exchange Unit” type of ordering, and many accessories. These parts currently do not have an ETA of any sort. Frustrating I know!


We have 3 customers waiting for their radios to come in, these radios are part of the “Exchange Unit” and have been on order since early May. There was 1 radio that came in the other day, we were waiting on that for a good month.

Before the bankruptcy, parts of this nature took 2-3 days at most and in many cases it was over night. Just know that once we (at the dealership) place your order, it is out of our control and there is nothing we can do to speed up the process.


The bottom line here is that Chrysler owes tons of money to many vendors. The vendors they owe money to are not supplying parts. Other vendors are being sought out, but can you blame them for not wanting to take a chance on a company that just

filed for bankruptcy?

Sadly that puts their customers like you in a very bad spot. And Parts Advisors like me, get to hear your verbal wrath. Believe me, I know how much of an inconvenience this is to the customers! If I could pull your back ordered parts out of thin air, I would! We are doing the best that we can, with the parts we are still able to order and receive.


Don’t be surprised if you hear that the part you need is on Back Order and there is NO ETA! Hundreds of these parts are a good 2 weeks to a month out… Some have No ETA at all because Chrysler can’t find a vendor to make the part.


Please consider yourself warned!


For those of you who still feel the need to vent some frustration, I suggest you call your local Dealer and ask for the Chrysler Customer 1-800 #


For the customer who unleashed his verbal wrath on me today, you know who you are… I will hold your part aside for 2 weeks before calling you to tell you that your radio has finally come in How do you like them apples?

Immigration Update!!

Welcome back,

I have great news! After waiting 2 weeks for 1 piece of paper, our Immigration paperwork is Finally ready to be send out
This whole process has been very nerve wracking. We thought we were all set 3 weeks ago when I drove James home during the Memorial Day weekend... We had our paperwork, all of the proof we wanted to include and pictures all organized with a check list to ensure we had all of the proper forms.

I went through my half of the paperwork to ensure all was good before I drove back down the the US... James didn't go through his half until after I left and realized that there was a section I was suppose to sign and date

So he sent me the link, I printed it and sent it out Next Day FedEx, ( $25.00 not well spent) as Customs held it for 1 day and the letter sat at FedEx over the weekend. James then realizes that he needs a Tax Form to complete his half... The only way the government would send that, was to his last known address where he filed his taxes last, out in Calgary. Which worked out as he was going out there for a month as of June 1st.
Of coarse the letter I sent didn't arrive until 30 minutes after he left for the airport on Monday afternoon His grandparents mailed it out to Calgary and that was received a few days ago.

It's very exciting to see this whole process come to an end. We are not in the clear just yet, as it still could take 1-3 maybe up to 6 months before we get the OK and I can start moving up to Canada. But with all that we've provided in that package, there is enough proof to choke a horse. I don't know why I'd get denied.

Just another waiting game now....But I'd love to make the big move before the holidays.

Holocaust Museum Shooting

Welcome back avid blog readers,

For those of you who have not heard, an elderly man by the name of James W. Von Brunn is a suspect in the killing of a security guard at Washington’s Holocaust Museum earlier today.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,525718,00.html

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090610/ap_on_re_us/us_holocaust_museum_shooting

Can we please let the past be the past? Why is it so hard to move on?

Haven’t we grasped the fact that none of us had a say in what nationality we are? We may not always agree with how other people chose to live their lives, but that does not give us the right to go around killing innocent people.

I just don’t understand why there is so much hate and so prejudice in this world. Why can’t we learn to accept each others differences and move on with our lives? It seems to me that most of this prejudice is simply passed down from generation to generation to generation… For the most part the people who are carrying around these ill feelings were never affected by such events like The Civil War, The Holocaust, and Slavery. Yet, many people feel inclined to go around committing hate crimes and killing innocent people who had nothing to do with those events that took place over 50 years ago.

Time has proven that, YES this world is big enough for all of us! We should try to share our resources, not be so greedy because one hand washes the other. Life is too short to be carrying around such ill feelings, especially for a group of people you’ve never met!

Go out there and Live Life! It’s the only one you get.

Salary Employee Compensation

Welcome back,

This last week at work has kept me pretty busy and left me mentally drained. My manager took his week vacation, which it seems he had great weather for most of it

I don’t mind covering extra hours, life happens and things come up… A few hours here, a few hours there, and for the most part I don’t think too much about it. But being expected to work open to close everyday for the next 6 days, ( a total of 64.5 hours ) and only getting paid for 40 hours did not sit well with me. Part of this ill feeling stems from last May when I worked 3 weeks open to close, (about 55-60 hours each week) doing the work of an Assistant Manager at the very least and only getting paid 40 hours a week… Once a new manager was found, I did get a ” Thank You” and 1 extra day off (with out pay). What a way to show your employees how much they are appreciated!

So I raised the question about getting paid for the extra time I’m putting in, and a few phone calls later it was decided that our driver (who we are trying to train) would be asked to come in later and stay to close to help lessen the load.

The plan now was for me to come in and open each day at 7am and stay until 5 pm ( I could leave at 4pm as long as business was slow ) and I was to clock out for an hour for lunch… That would have put me around 46 to 50 hours depending on what time I actually clocked out for the day. Anything between 40-45 hours, I’m not going to complain too much… But working 10+ hours more and not getting compensated isn’t right.

For the employee that is paid on an hourly basis, there would not have been such an issue.. As they would have been paid for the total of hours that they worked and anything over 40 hours would be time and a half. The rules are different when you are an employee that gets paid a salary (based on a 40-44 hour week). That’s how this cheap ass company gets around paying their employees overtime. As far as I know, The managers are all paid based on a 50 hour/week salary which seems pretty standard. After contacting our Human Resources, we were told that it was up to the General Manager, as to whether I would be compensated for the extra time I will put in. Seems there is nothing in the “Handbook” that states that I should not.

For those inquiring minds that want to know, I clocked in 51.5 hours last week ( from Thursday to Wednesday as that is our pay period ). Although I really put in close to 53 hours since my last day off. I was never able to take an hour lunch, as I didn’t have the coverage to do so… So I took 5-10 minutes to sit and eat when I could. The only day I clocked out for a 15 minute break was Monday, I was gone long enough to drive a 1/4 mile away for gas and I came back to work.

As busy as the week was, I feel it went smoothly with no major issues. It was just as we expected though, one person on vacation and it was the busiest week this year! The last 2 weeks were super slow with a few busy moments, but for the most part the shop was dead after 2pm. But not this week, Monday was the easiest since there wasn’t an order to check in. Tuesday and Wednesday were non stop busy, while Thursday and Friday I could start to see things slow down a bit and I had time to catch up on things. Saturday went by at a nice pace and it was 2pm before I knew it!

The Service Dept was great and the guys in the shop were understanding and did what they could to make things easier for me… The same goes for the ladies in the office, after the second page to Parts, they would take a message and email them to me, that was a big help too. My main focus was the guys in the shop and the customers waiting, as for the phone calls.. well I called everyone back as time permitted. As tempting as it was to hurl my computer at work right through the tech window and into the shop, it remains unharmed at my work station There is nothing worse than trying to look up and locate a part for a customer and the programs you use just lock up and freeze and you have to close them down and re boot… a few times each day!

The Service Manager asked me how many extra hours I thought I’d be putting in, I told him, at this rate it looks like 11 hours. He took it upon himself to talk to the General Manager on my behalf, letting him know that I have been busting my ass back there, and that I was doing a hell of a job and I deserve to get paid for the extra time I am putting in! The GM said he’d speak with the Office Manager (don’t ask me why she needs to get involved) and the last I heard from the Service Manager, The GM wants to talk to my manager when he gets back, and there was talk about maybe giving my some time off…. Whether it was time off with pay , I don’t know…

Personally I’d rather see the compensation in my paycheck as that is where I can use it the most! Sure time off sounds nice, but it’s not like I have a family to come home to…And I’m sure the offer will expire with in 1 month, so I can’t use the extra day off when it would work best for me. Like when James comes down next month and a 3 day weekend would be great! But knowing this company and getting screwed for the last 3 years, this is what I see happening..

A) The GM talks to my manager and his master plan is that I get to take 1 day off (with out pay).

B) The GM talks to my manager and thinks 1 day off WITH pay is generous.

C) My manager sticks up for me and requests that I get paid for the time I put in.

D) Nothing happens as they can’t come to an agreement.

In any case I’m not getting my hopes up. I appreciate that the Service Manager stepped in on my behalf… I’ll be sure to post what the outcome is from all of this.

I’d love to hear from some one that knows the laws pertaining to salary employees and if we are entitled to compensation if we work more than our contracted hours.

Memorial Day Weekend

Welcome Back,

I’m happy to say that the Medical Exam for Immigration went better than I expected! Typically speaking I don’t even go for routine check ups or physicals. It’s only when I know something is wrong and then I feel obligated to make an appointment for a long over due physical.

But anyway, We left with plenty of time knowing full well that there is always a traffic jam anytime you get passed the Worcester exit. Sure enough we came across a nice 4 mile crawl along the Mass Pike. Getting to the Medical center was fairly easy, Thanks to the GPS I borrowed

We get there and the traffic and people out on a Monday afternoon was just as bad as being in Northampton during their pride parade. We arrive there on time with 20 minutes to spare and we wait 30 more minutes to be seen… But once we were in, it was pretty smooth sailing after that.

I got the “OK” from the doctor, he said everything looked good and his office will mail the results of the blood test, urine test and x-ray to the Visa office in Ontario. James and I are getting our paperwork sorted and he’ll be sending it off before June.

As for my long 3 day weekend, I’m excited that I don’t have to work Saturday and still having Sunday and Monday off! James and I will be driving back up to Canada on Saturday as his parents booked his flight to visit them in Calgary June 1st. I’ll spend Sunday with him and drive back down on Monday.

While he spends a few weeks in Calgary visiting his parents and his sister, he’ll also be helping parents move into their new house and looking to purchase a laptop. As for me, well I’ll be busy covering for my boss while he’s on vacation, and going about my day to day life waiting to get the OK from Immigration.

To Be Continued….