The big topic all afternoon has been the French court ruling against ebay. What seems like a lot of money to us is really a very slight slap on the wrist for the all powerful ebay. For the past five years, I have been telling anyone who would listen that Tiffany is fine with counterfeits on ebay. Its the great deals on authentic Tiffany that really bothers them. I think that I have been proven correct now that ebay is saying that this is the real problem with the French designers.

If a buyer gets stuck with a counterfeit from ebay, the chances are good that they will become loyal retail buyers at a designer’s licensed store.. No one wants to feel the true humiliation and feeling of being ripped off brought on by getting stuck with an ebay-counterfeit. I think that by now, we’ve all been there. In a good situation, the seller graciously refunds your money and everyone walks away a better informed consumer. All too frequently, the seller is a jerk or dedicated con-artist and you are out of luck. Has anyone else noticed how incredibly rude so many sellers are these days?? It really takes the fun out of ebay.

Now that sellers are not allowed to leave anything but positive feedback, its tilted the after sale atmosphere. So far, I’ve had gold earrings returned broken (crushed) and someone who waited a month to say a ring was not really what she wanted. Then admitted she found a better deal and wants a full refund. Ebay’s now given free-license to scam sellers who don’t get prosecuted (because it’s the authentic merchandise that gets ebay into trouble) and petty buyers to act like spoiled children (because they knew full well they will never be childed for such behavior). The only thing we can hope for after a series of very unfortunate decisions by ebay is that more sham sellers will get stuck with the childish buyers against whom the rest of us have no recourse.

Summer is in full swing here. We have 1400 fires burning our beautiful state. The air has been thick and gray. So sad…Vito is in Italy for a few weeks getting ready for the summer visitors. Michael had a big adventure to Chichen Itsa. Marc is always busy, working on his computer projects. I am only driving 3 days a week and trying to become an aware consumer. Another great reason to try to find hidden treasures on ebay..All the shopping happens without driving all over the place. I really do love ebay Since most of us have to drive, Marc found a website called: www.terrapass.com. They let you purchase carbon off-sets for your car and plane travel. I love this site and feel very passionate about it.

On the subject of my passions..Of course, my boys and dear Vito…I guess its actually a long list… I also feel we should all take special care to be very kind to each other. This past weekend was the Gay Pride parade in San Francisco. It made me so proud to see how open minded and generous our community is All the weddings!! All the wedding rings! I hope everyone can find and be with the love of their life. No matter who they love, they have this right. We are all equal and all deserve the same rights and protection to find happiness. So, please, find every happiness and be very very good to each other.