:: Captain's Personal Blog ::

Stardate: Monday, May 05, 2003

Details on UNOBTAINIUM LTD. Case:

First, for those who are unfamiliar with Unobtainium Ltd., here are the facts:

-Unobtainium Ltd. was a company owned by Rick Cigel, that specialized in movie prop reproductions
- Among the items offered by Unobtainium were Spider-Man props (Pumpkin Bombs, Newspaper reproductions, Goblin Staff), Men In Black 2 props (Noisy Cricket, J's Gun and Neuralyser) and a clone of the 33" filming model of the Starship Enterprise from STAR TREK
- The 33" Enterprise came in three versions-- Standard, Deluxe (with functioning lights) and Ultimate (lights, sound and signed by William Shatner.)
- Each of these models cost in excess of $1,000 (with the possible exception of the Standard model)
- These models were first advertised around October of 2001
- As of this posting, I know of only a few people who ordered these models who actually received them, or, if they did, they were either broken, in the process of braking or in some other way defective.

Now, the bad news. After my posting on May 1st, I received formal notice in the mail of Unobtainium's filing for bankruptcy. Here is what the document states regarding Chapter 7 bankruptcy: (excertped from for B9B - 07/02)

- A bankruptcy case under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code (title 11, United States Code) has been filed in this court by or against the debtor(s) listed, and an order for relief has been entered.
- Prohibited collection actions are listed in Bankruptcy Code 362. Common examples of prohibited actions inlude contacting the debtor by telephone, mail or otherwise to demand repayment; taking actions to collect money or obtain property from the debtor; repossessing the debtor's property; starting or continuing lawsuits or foreclosures.
- There does not appear to be any property available to the trustee to pay creditors. You therefore should not file a proof of claim at this time. If it later appears that assets are available to pay creditors, you will be sent another notice telling you that you may file a proof of claim, and telling you the deadline for filing your proof of claim.

Now, as that Rick A. Cigel was a former California attorney, it should come as no surprise to anyone involved that he has taken legal action to avoid repaying those who have given him their faith on the matter of this transaction.

Anyone who has had dealings with Unobtainium Ltd or Rick Cigel, and has not received satisfaction on their purchase -- The above probably pertains to you. According to the form, "any questions or information relating to bankruptcy fraud or abuse should be addressed to the United States Trustee, 725 South Figueroa St, 26th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017."
:: J 10:54 AM [+] ::
...