Ok… it’s a known fact that I play computer games. It’s also fairly well known that I’m currently into the game Battlefield2.

I had a problem last week. I installed the patch (the good one, not the one that created a memory leak of monumental proportions) and launched the game to verify that everything was still working. It was, with one exception: my account was no longer valid.

There are two other accounts on that box (for my “daughter” and youngest son). They still work fine, but mine came back with an error message that stated it was an invalid account.

I sent EA Games the following message via their online tech support:

just updated my game using the bf2patch_v_102.exe file which I got from the official website. Now, when I attempt to log in, I get the following error message:
“Your uniquenick provided is invalid”

My account username is: bioland

I’ve been able to log in and play with that nick since the day I purchased the game. I don’t believe this is an issue with the game installation itself, as my son can log in and use his account just fine.

Is there anything that can be done to retrieve my account, or will I have to start a new one and lose my stats?

Thanks!

I got an email stating that I would have a reply within 24 hours.

Today (about a week later), I got a reply from the rocket scientists who staff the support center.

Hello,

Unfortunately you cannot change the name of accounts. You will have to create a new account with the desired name. We also do not have access to the tools to delete your accounts for you. You can however manage gamespy profiles/accounts with the gamespy arcade if you installed it, or at www.gamespyid.com. Thank you for your patience.

Um.. yeah… thanks! I guess I was confused when I said “please help me retrieve my account” when I apparently meant to say “please help me delete and/or rename my account”. I have suspicions that Landon F. of EA support lives in India and didn’t understand my question.

I got tired of waiting two days ago and re-created the account. Sure… all my stats are gone, but at least I still have my name in the game. I can build it back up…. and it’s only a game after all and not worth getting upset over.

As you’ve probably seen here before, I had my house re-roofed last week.

On Saturday… it rained for the first time (when I was home to view it). Ugh… more problems!

The first row of shingles they put down (at the edge of the roof) don’t sick out as far as they used to, and now the rain pours between the gutters and the fascia board (which I just replaced). I called and they’re coming out again. The guy I spoke to (one of the owners of the company) said he wasn’t sure right now how they planned on fixing it, but they would fix it.

Personally… I don’t care if they have to tear it all off and start fresh, I just want the water off the side of my house (like it was before they roofed).

Other boring news you could care less about:

I am a painting fool.

This weekend, my wife and I got the upper area around the deck painted. I still have to put a second coat on the trim, but it’s looking all kinds of spiffy. This week, I’m going to be prepping the surface of the deck itself and then slap a coat of stain on it. Plastic has been hung below to catch any drips from hitting the patio (I don’t need red stain all over everything). Should be fun.

One last thing (and this has nothing to do with paint… I promise). I have been known to occasionally play a computer game (or two). My current favorite is Battlefield2. The game tracks your statistics, and when you’ve done well enough, new weapons are unlocked. Apparently, something got funked up with my account and it’s no longer valid (read: I can’t log in). I’ve submitted a request to see if they can recover it, but I’m afraid I’ll have to start over from scratch. I’m also afraid that someone might take my online name (which would piss me off to no end). Hopefully they’ll have this fixed today.

Tom’s been in the media quite a bit reciently. He was never an actor I much cared about, but now he just scares me.

TOM… DENYAL IS THE FIRST SIGN THAT YOU HAVE A PROBLEM!

If there was ever anyone who needed to be strapped to the couch and pumped full of ritalin… Tom Cruise is it.

PS – To the media… please no more of him, plsmktks.

Because I’m the trusting type and always willing to do something for virtually anyone who asks, I find myself getting burned quite a bit.

An example: I have a move, Go, which I happen to like quite a bit. The writing is clever, the story interesting, and the acting sufficient to keep my attention. If you’ve not seen it… BestBuy (aka, those bastards) has it for $6.99. Buy it!

About 3 months ago, I loaned it to a co-worker. I don’t remember who it was… I just remember thinking to myself “hey… I’ve never loaned anything to this guy before. I hope he brings it back”. Unfortunately… whomever I loaned it to did not, so today, I picked up another copy.

Being the geek that I am, I’ve decided to create an sql db on my server and build a php front end into it. I’ll list every movie I have, then make a check-out form. I mentioned this to my boss, and she would like the ability to add her own films to the database… as do most of my co-workers. Then, you can browse the movie titles we collectively have, request one via the interface and it will email the owner of the film with the request so they bring it in the next day.

It will also send out timed reminders that the movies need to be returned (both parties must check it back in to verify that it’s back). After 1 week, you get one reminder, after 2 weeks… hell, it’ll fill your inbox with so much mail that you’ll beg to return it.

I’ll start work on it and let you know how it goes.

I get a hell of a lot of spam.

Some make sense:

From: “Sondra”
Subject: Exclusive benefits

Dear Homeowner,

You have been pre-approved for a $402,000 Home Loan at a 3.45% Fixed Rate.

This offer is being extended to you unconditionally and your credit is in no way a factor.

To take Advantage of this Limited Time opportunity all we ask is that you visit our Website and complete the 1 minute post Approval Form.

Enter Here (*link removed… I’m not gonna help you one bit you smacktard!*)

Sincerely,

Esteban Tanner
Regional CEO

Yeah… I’m going to go to your website, fill in my social security number, credit card numbers, mothers maiden name, etc. I’ll get right on that.

Then there’s crap like this:

From: “Palma Amalia”
Subject: LEVlTRRA, \ /ALUUM, \ /llGRA, CAALlS, L0RAAZEPAM, AMBllEN, ALPRAZZ0LAM, XANA, MER1DllA, TRAMAD0OL affect dare besides spoke

nothing pie did gate come suddenly next taken disappoint burst. aunt know deal corner? dare difficult proceeded profession object within, science giving ate author seize” food familiar night tomorrow pay spot.

Hard to buy Meds
All countriies shiiping

150 hottest selling meds for you to choose from meantlikely

C1icck here to 0rder hat

knows usedto trees near convenient immediate young become how wrong. hopes love similar happened evening talking bread sooner moon, affect action keeping appear”

WTF does any of that mean?? There’s not even a link in the email to buy what ever the hell they’re trying sell. Why would I buy anyting from a company that uses \ / instead of the letter “v” and numbers instead of vowels (they even misspelled “click”). Does anyone fall for this kind of crap?

Well… I would guess they do… otherwise it wouldn’t exist.