This is a known bug in pymysql. You have to modify pymysql, I can't remember exactly what line or file but I remember finding the solution in a google group somewhere. I found it with a little googling.
Thats the funny thing though, it WAS working. I am not much of a PHP-fu master to use the data yet, but I knew that was the best way to utilize it for the future.
Also, an update: I started screwing around with things due to the bitcoinrpc bug and fucked up everything so I started from scratch again. Its ok though, since i'm documenting what works for me the more I struggle the easier it will be on others.
~WHH