Gregory Bowman aka thedietcokeguy Inquiry

[SERPENTS DEN]

Hmmm, I wonder if Gregory Bowman changed his name to Travis Van Zile?

 

[Python Dreams]

I was the first of only 2 people to come in here and state their business dealing with Gregory. I do not believe the address in Aliso Viejo would be correct for Gregory because I live in Laguna Niguel which is 1 minute down hill from Aliso Viejo. I met him near Hollywood (about an hour away) so I dont see why that would be necessary if he lived here. Also every call I recieved was from the 818 area code and ours is 949 here. I donot understand exactly where Gregory is going with this, and I donot condone behaviour such as getting angry over set prices, or in anyway acting unprofessional or throwing around threats of lawsuits. Alot of people make decisions on what they read here and it surprises me to see how many people let emotions get the better of them. Now I personally dont think that any of the 3 parties involved have come out of this without and dirt on their shoes.
We have all seen Gregory throw around accusation and statements with no or little proof (does not meen there is no proof) and it seems like he does not or cannot show it here. He has shown immaturity in his emails with Ciela and with his exchanges with Rich. But as someone stated he is taking care of someone elses animals, then until he is reimbursed that is not the case. Also stated by Rob (I think) is that he has commited a crime and will have to suffer the consequences. On this subject, I believe that if I had alot to lose (property, money, etc..), and I was involved in an illegal activity, I would talk to an attorney and have him solve it. Why should Gregory be blamed for this? I think most people and just about any business would do the same if they inadvertantly put themselves in a criminal act. Having said that I believe that Gregory has blown this way out of proportion.
As far as Stephen goes, he has done a very bad business deal. I think it is your own responsibility to know the laws in which you are dealing but that point is moot. Here is a seller that shipped a snake which led to him and the buyer committing a crime. Not only that but he shipped it illegaly also. Now since he know his wrong doing and said he is sorry that that is O.K.? People should be jumping down a sellers throat who illegaly ship animals without paperwork which is also illegal.
Finally with Neil. Credibility has been brought up a far as Gregory is concerned, but is Neil really credible. First off I remember a thread where animals were frozen, insurance was involved, dates were mixed up or forgot. All of these were given away to poor memory. I dont think any facts were addressed and all is fine now. There is also a case on this very thread where a past customer told of his experience with Neil. He got some lizards and 1 was in real bad shape and eventually died. When he tried to work it out, Neil thought he was trying to rip him off and would no longer talk to him. It wasnt until 2 years later in a public forum that Neil would actually take care of it. Also, I find it hard to believe that anyone who cares slightly for an animal will ship a snake with a rabbit (big meal) under duress. If for some odd reason I pay for a snake and want you to leave it outside in the mountains in the middle of winter for 3 hours and then ship it to me, will you do that under duress? If I give you a release from your live arrival guarantee. Or maybe I want a dead snake that is living now, can you kill it for me? I will pay for it and then ship it to me under duress. I also did not see any proof of Gregory releasing from your live arrival guarantee or telling you to ship the snake on a full stomach. That would be sufficient proof enough to really put the lid on the coffin.
I'm sure that alot of people will view this as a defense for Gregory but that is not the case. I have dealt with him and everything went perfectly smooth, but I believe that he is a little out of control on here right now, and might not have much legs to stand on. I personally just am surprised that some of these other issues have been completely avoided, especially since you take any 1 of the mistakes that the shippers made and they constitute entire threads on their own. Would you buy from a shipper that might send you a snake with a full belly despite his own extensive knowledge due to years in the biz? Would you buy from someone that accidentally might involve you in a crime (As I stated earlier the buyer should do his homework also)? As far as this situation is concerned it doesnt look like there are any absolute good guys. It just seems like nobody seemed to bother with any of these issues and if a "Sorry, wont do it again" is acceptable behaviour for anything you might have done, would that be extended to Gregory (I know it is not an issue just for the point)? I think this post is somewhat biased fromthis aspect. I love the BOI and I read it daily so I hope nobody takes this personally. Sometimes I think a different viewpoint is needed and these were thoughts that I've had.
Thanks, Tom Baker

 

[Neil Gubitz]

Tom....
If you actually READ this thread, you will notice that I DID put up his real address and phone number (starting with 818).... and, if you DID actually READ this thread BEFORE making your misspelled "comments", you would have ALSO noticed that he DIDN'T put in the email that came JUST BEFORE the one about him releasing me from my live-arrival guarantee.... Try NOT just skimming through the posts.... next time, try READING them and UNDERSTANDING what you just read!.... If you're going to berate someone, AT LEAST GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT!.... so, why would I WANT to do business with someone like that???.... It cuts both ways, my friend!....

....Neil

 

[BrianB]

Good points all around. I think if someone is up front about screwing up, and promises to correct that mistake in the future, then it's OK to extend the benefit of the doubt. I also think it's reasonable for someone to decide that their own tolerance for any given mistake is lower, and to decide not to deal with a person based on that incident. Simply admitting to a mistake doesn't erase it by any means.

You mentioned an incident with lizards in regards to Neil. Do you have a link to that thread?

As to who should be jumped on, a lot of that depends on the person's attitude in any given thread. Gregory has thrown around a lot more than Neil (surpsisingly enough) or Steven in this case, so he's catching more heat. That's human nature.

And again: Did anyone come up with a difinitive answer on the species in question in regards to the required paperwork? Last I saw, it was still in dispute.

 

[BrianB]

Neil, quick question for you about that live arrival guarantee:

Why the heck did you ship the snake with a full belly??? I'm not buying duress on a two hundred dollar sale. You know it's not in the best interest of the snake (I'm not saying it harmed the snake in this case, or that any problems in regards to the animal's health have been proven, only that it's a bad practice in general), so why do it?

Personally, I'd be reluctant to buy from someone who would ship an animal that's just eaten, regardless of the reason. The ethical thing would be to refuse the sale if the buyer was a pain about the issue.

 

[Python Dreams]

Neil,
I never stated that you said that he had a 949 area code or that you said he was from Aliso Viejo. That was stated by someone else and I was just clarifying.
I also never asked Gegory for proof that he released you from your live arrival guarantee. This is a statement that you made and therefore should provide the proof.
As far as my spelling and grammar, I try to keep it correct to the best of my knowledge and I guess sometimes a few words and quite a few punctuations escape my eyes before I post.
Finally, I do not think that I have berated anybody. I just stated things that were done by the shippers that have been undisputed and accepted as somewhat fact. People have gone off, using name calling and abusive behaviour over incidents like the ones that you and Steve were inlolved in, in the past and I feel that I just brought up my own concerns. Far from berating.
Neil, I suggest that you just go read my one post correctly. You act like I have not done any reading on this over 10 page thread, but you really need to be ably to read just one post of mine.
Thanks, Tom Baker

 

[Rob @ RK Reptiles]

Brian,

Yes I posted exactly what USF&W DMA told me today when I called them on page 11. I will post it here again. Even thought the Python M. Pimbura is not classified as a different species they have the name P.M.Pimbura in their paperwork and states that it falls under the same rules and regulations as the Python M. Molurus.

Python Molurus Molurus is App I and ESA and requires CBW permit for both shipper and receiver.

Python Molurus Pimbura is App I and ESA and requires CBW permit for both shipper and receiver.

Python Molurus Bivitattus is App II and no permit requirements for Intrastate travel on either end.

 

[BrianB]

Rob, thanks for the recap. I missed that post, saw the one prior to it.

 

[Neil Gubitz]

Tom.... This is the statement the really burned me up!


Credibility has been brought up a far as Gregory is concerned, but is Neil really credible. First off I remember a thread where animals were frozen, insurance was involved, dates were mixed up or forgot.


You want to bring the distant PAST up, that I've been totally vindicated for.... and stick it in my face to attack me???.... You don't know me too well, do you??.... I bet when you were younger, you probably chit in your pants once or twice.... do you want me to CONTINUE to fault you for that???

If Gregory had the guts to show you that email, you would have read where I did NOT want to send the snake, but, just as he's doing here, he gave me that crap about him being the high and mighty, and it probably wouldn't affect the snake!.... He really wanted it fast, because he told me he had a female that was ready and waiting, so I made him hold me harmless on my LIVE-ARRIVAL GUARANTEE!!.... I guess I should have told him NO, but I didn't!.... so SUE ME!.... At least I'm not trying to make up stories to suit my case!!

I'm going to stop here.... before I do, or say, something stupid....
....Neil

 

[HerpVenue]

Keep em posting; this is good stuff.

You really think so?
I am glad you are impressed.

Wait I got some good stuff.

 

[HerpVenue]

Neil,
this is interesting.
You gave me this info.

Gregory Bowman { Son (20) }
16931 Rayen Street
North Hills, CA 91343
818-391-4553



want to know what I got with that addy?

Henry C Bowman {Big Daddy (50) }
16931 Rayen St
North Hills, CA 91343
818-894-8941

"Do you know who I am"

Yeah. A twenty (20) year old kid who thinks he knows the law.
A twenty year old kid Who thinks he is some hot shot breeder who owns at least six(6) different companies.
Pangea
Pangea Exotics
Pangea Research
Pangea Research foundation
Pangea Zoological Institute
Calumet Industries.

 

[HerpVenue]

Hey Kid !!!!
How do you like them apples?

East Bay Vivarium
Neil Gubits
SerpentsDen

Wow.
Can you please add me to your banned list.

"You are banned from Pangea"
Like we really wanted to be part of your fantasies? I would consider it a personal favor and an honor if you ban me too.

 

[HerpVenue]

That is all I have to say about that.

The fat lady has sung.
Elvis has left the building.
Thank You and good night.

 

[Python Dreams]

Neil,
I now understand why you thought that I berated you and I will explain. In now way am I trying to make this personal, but this is information that is on this board. People use all of the information that they've been provided to come up with their beliefs. Gregory is understandably having his credibility put to the test. I only brought up the past to show how you have behaved before. I apologize for offending you, and I do believe anyone can change, but it seems like this thread has been completely one-sided and I had to speak my mind.
As for Brian's question, there is a post in this thread from a member named Clownfishy and he refers to the Amazon post. I thought the original post was in this thread but you can find it in "Amazon Reptiles in Tampa", page 26. Posted by Clownfishy / David Doan.
Thanks, Tom Baker

 

[HerpVenue]

That is all I have to say about that.

The fat lady has sung.
Elvis has left the building.
Thank You and good night.

 

[Neil Gubitz]

Ok Tom.... I think I get your point.... If Dave ever DOES post on THIS thread, you will find that I sent him his $100 through PayPal this morning!!.... I'm sorry, but that's just the way I am, and I won't change.... I will give you 110% of what I get in return (or first)!.... If you come off with a positive attitude, I'll basically give you anything you want (within reason).... but, if anyone wants to delibrately make my life tough (again).... well.... I guess I can be as verbally abusive as just about anyone!....

I'll be nice if you will???

....Neil

 

[HerpVenue]

Whoopsy.
I forgot I am trying to change.
Instead of just posting the addy and ages and other facts....
I started posting other cr@p and showing emotion.
my apologies.
I forgot I am trying to be nicer.

Anyway
Gregory, there is nothing wrong with being 20
There is nothing wrong with being a "Big Breeder"
But if this is the way you act when you THINK you are someone big. Imagine what your attitude would be like if you really did make it big.

So peace love and happines everyone.
Take it easy on the kid. I think I may have just embarrassed him.

Oh and Neil
to save me some time from opening and closing windows to get to pm. I will just ask it to you here. Let me know if someone actually serves you papers. I totally Highly doubt it. But let me know anyway.

 

[SERPENTS DEN]

Neil,
this is interesting.
You gave me this info.

Gregory Bowman { Son (20) }
16931 Rayen Street
North Hills, CA 91343
818-391-4553



want to know what I got with that addy?

Henry C Bowman {Big Daddy (50) }
16931 Rayen St
North Hills, CA 91343
818-894-8941

"Do you know who I am"

Yeah. A twenty (20) year old kid who thinks he knows the law.
A twenty year old kid Who thinks he is some hot shot breeder who owns at least six(6) different companies.
Pangea
Pangea Exotics
Pangea Research
Pangea Research foundation
Pangea Zoological Institute
Calumet Industries.

Richie,

Maybe I missed something can you explain this post better?

Thanks

 

[Ken Harbart]

And again: Did anyone come up with a difinitive answer on the species in question in regards to the required paperwork? Last I saw, it was still in dispute.

As per Rob's conversation with USFWS today, pimbura is considered to be a synonym of molurus for purposes of the ESA. This means that Greg was required to obtain a CBW license , and Steve was required to verify that Greg was in possession of the license.

Other clarifications...

Although I still feel the same (negatively) about shipping snakes via USPS, I need to do a bit of backpedaling after contemplating the matter.

Shipping nonvenomous snakes via USPS is not illegal, per se. It is, however, still a big no-no in the eyes of USPS (as it should be).

The most commonly given cite is C022.3.2 of the Domestic Mail Manual. The main problem with this is that it is a Postal regulation, and not an actual statute in the USC. The misdemeanor charges that I previously mentioned were in regards to rattlesnakes shipped via USPS, which is covered by 18 USC 1716 paragraph (a).

It should be noted, though, that mislabeling is still a violation of Lacey.. Should the government opt to prosecute someone for shipping a nonvenomous snake, their most likely course of action would be to pursue it via Lacey.

 

[Suncoast Herpetological]

Does anyone else picture Gregory as a geeky 20 year old sitting in his parents's basement wearing a homemade wizards hat, gearing up for a rousing game of Dungeons & Dragons and speaking conversational Klingon?.....No?...guess it's just me.