It's true, I use Ebates all the time and it's awesome....I know this shameless promotion, but it doesn't cost you anything and it can only benefit you. I love a good deal, so why not share?
So what is Ebates? It's a click-thru site that you use for online shopping. If you want to shop at one of the 1800+ retailers they have on their site, you click the link and if you make a purchase you get a percentage back in the form of a quarterly check (a Big Fat Check as they call it). It's really that simple. They make it even easier by offering an extension to your web browser that lights up to tell you that you are browsing one of their participating sites and you just click the button to activate it. It'll even show you coupons and try them out for you at check out.
I'll give you an example. I was shopping for a new computer. I found one on the HP website that fit my needs. The computer was $1100, but it was marked down to $800. I clicked the little E on my browser to activate Ebates for this site/purchase. Turns out that they were offering 15% cash back on HP purchases at that time. Not only that, but Ebates found a coupon code that saved me an extra $25. That transaction will net me over a $116 on my next Big Fat Check. Pretty sweet, right? You get paid for buying the stuff you were going to buy anyway.
If you aren't a member of Ebates yet and you want to be now, please do so using this link (I confess, I get credit for referrals too): http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=CraSx%2BVRnAWK5yaMLKLclA%3D%3D&eeid=28187
Happy saving!
Monday, April 25, 2016
Sunday, April 10, 2016
That old familiar itch
I can feel it coming. The days are getting longer, the temperature is rising, spring is upon us. Every year as winter puts itself in the rear view mirror, something inside me gets triggered, and it makes me long to change my automotive situation.
This year, contrary to years past, I find myself shackled having committed myself to a 3 year lease on a perfectly adequate vehicle. Probably for the best, to save me from myself, but not enough to control my vehicular wandering eye.
Especially strong as the weather improves is my desire to rekindle my romance with a convertible. Fiercely impractical from its wobbly structure to its mostly unusable (if even present) rear seat, there's just nothing quite like top down motoring. I gave up my latest flirtation with an open top automobile a couple of years ago in the name of practicality (more doors, more space and all wheel drive). My 2005 Saab 9-3 convertible was one of the best cars I ever owned. A powerful 2.0 liter turbo engine and the ability to let the sun shine in through the motorized roof in about 20 seconds all with stylish good looks, a comfortable ride and a cozy leather interior. Some thought I was out of my mind to buy a used (6 years old with 95k miles) Swedish convertible, but surprisingly it turned out to be one of the most reliable cars I ever owned with hardly any issues during the three years I owned it (one of my longest car ownership experiences to date).
Sadly, when it comes to scratching this itch, I know it is not to be (for now :-) ) but while my mind knows this, my mouse hand still directs my browser to Craigslist and Autotrader to waste time looking at what will not be. Sad, I know.
Care to share any of your favorite past rides?
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Entering a show void, suggestions?
I admit it, I'm a victim of on demand media availability. The ease with which you can watch shows has been too hard to resist and I have gotten roped into a bunch of series. Some of them are long time established ones that I could binge on from the beginning, without waiting for the calendar to click by. Others I have heard things about and jumped on the boat mid-stream.
Now I am at an ending point with many of the ones I was watching, leaving me in the 'show void'. Here are some of my favorites:
The League: chronicling a group of long time buddies in their misadventures against the backdrop of a fantasy football league, the show is hilarious, raucous, and often raunchy. Laugh out loud funny, especially Jason Mantzukous' character Raffi. Sadly the current season was their last. Farewell :-(
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: This is another absurd comedy featuring a group of long time friends who run a bar in the city of brotherly love. The craziness was only amplified by the addition of Danny deVito to the cast. Alas, this show too has aired its final episode.
Strike back: this was an action series about a covert British intelligence faction. Often ridiculous in a Rambo-esque way (evidently all bad guys have lousy aim), it was a fun ride. I got in on this one late, it's already done but available on demand.
House of Cards: an amazing performance by Kevin Spacey is the highlight of this behind the scenes look at government and politics. I've watched since season 1 and Netflix gets that people like to binge and they release whole seasons at a time.
Billions: A new Showtime original about a billionaire money fund manager and the attorney who wants to expose insider trading. Paul Giammati plays the lawyer masterfully and I look forward to next season.
Better Call Saul: an excellent prequel to Breaking Bad. It's fun to watch the characters from BB pop up periodically and witness the development of the Saul Goodman character. Season 2 is mid-way through. I'll wait for it to be over and plow through them all at once.
I know what you're thinking, "does this guy do nothing but watch TV?" On the contrary, it's usually just an episode or two at night in bed, but it's all so available, I can get through a season in less than a week.
So here lies my chasm, waiting for these shows to return, or others to come to my attention. Any recommendations?
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
More travel adventures
I was traveling again today, and since I got such good feedback from my last travel post ( but no comments...:-) = shameless request for comments ), I figured I'd keep it up.
My outbound flight was an early one, 6:18AM, so right off the bat that sucked. The plane was an Airbus A321 (of French manufacture) and I was excited when I entered as it looked like it was very new featuring leather seats, digital video systems and usb/power connections at each seat. My excitment turned to dread when I arrived at my row/seat. Of course, by the time we got through the precious metal/gem seating, there was no overhead space, so I had to put my bag under the seat in front of me. Usually this isn't such a big deal, not so in this case. Whoever designed this torture chamber (of course it was the French, who are also famous for the guillotine) put the seats so close together that there was precious little space. And the toe space was further compromised by a metal box, probably the brains of that fancy digital screen. My bag, which usually fits fine underseat was sticking out another few precious inches. Then when airborne, I attempted to use my (mini) laptop, I had to do body origami just to get my hands on the keys. Then, just when i figured out how to contort myself to make it work, the wonderful gentleman in front of me reclined his seat, sapping what little space I had to work with. I finally gave up. I beg of you AA, please don't get any more of these planes.
The return flight was a very different experience. While this was clearly an older plane, it was a tried and true Boeing 737. It was low on the tech and had older shabby looking fabric on the seats, but had worlds more space and legroom. Not to mention I scored a sliver of overhead space so my feet and bag were not vying for room. I like window seats and that's what I had. A gentleman was also seated on the aisle. It appeared that boarding was over and we would be extra blessed with an empty middle seat, when onto the plane came running a disheveled young lady who had clearly only just made the flight. She was wearing a heavy leather jacket, scarf, and hat, despite the balmy weather, and she plopped down in previously vacant middle seat. Before she buckled in, she removed the jacket, hat, and scarf, stuffing them under the seat in front of her. Under all that she had wild hair and was wearing a tank top, which wasn't all that remarkable, till she reached up to open the air vent. Whoa...clearly in her haste to make the plane, she neglected a step and missed deodorant. Or perhaps her hurried pace had taken its toll. Not only that, but she also had some halitosis issues going on. It smelled like she had eaten a crap sandwich for lunch, covered in crap, with a side of crap, and washed it down with a double shot of crap. And she was sleeping open mouth beside me. I don't now if I've ever gone so long without breathing through my nose.
We all know travel comes with its challenges. I've shared mine, do you all have any? Put them in the comments.
My outbound flight was an early one, 6:18AM, so right off the bat that sucked. The plane was an Airbus A321 (of French manufacture) and I was excited when I entered as it looked like it was very new featuring leather seats, digital video systems and usb/power connections at each seat. My excitment turned to dread when I arrived at my row/seat. Of course, by the time we got through the precious metal/gem seating, there was no overhead space, so I had to put my bag under the seat in front of me. Usually this isn't such a big deal, not so in this case. Whoever designed this torture chamber (of course it was the French, who are also famous for the guillotine) put the seats so close together that there was precious little space. And the toe space was further compromised by a metal box, probably the brains of that fancy digital screen. My bag, which usually fits fine underseat was sticking out another few precious inches. Then when airborne, I attempted to use my (mini) laptop, I had to do body origami just to get my hands on the keys. Then, just when i figured out how to contort myself to make it work, the wonderful gentleman in front of me reclined his seat, sapping what little space I had to work with. I finally gave up. I beg of you AA, please don't get any more of these planes.
The return flight was a very different experience. While this was clearly an older plane, it was a tried and true Boeing 737. It was low on the tech and had older shabby looking fabric on the seats, but had worlds more space and legroom. Not to mention I scored a sliver of overhead space so my feet and bag were not vying for room. I like window seats and that's what I had. A gentleman was also seated on the aisle. It appeared that boarding was over and we would be extra blessed with an empty middle seat, when onto the plane came running a disheveled young lady who had clearly only just made the flight. She was wearing a heavy leather jacket, scarf, and hat, despite the balmy weather, and she plopped down in previously vacant middle seat. Before she buckled in, she removed the jacket, hat, and scarf, stuffing them under the seat in front of her. Under all that she had wild hair and was wearing a tank top, which wasn't all that remarkable, till she reached up to open the air vent. Whoa...clearly in her haste to make the plane, she neglected a step and missed deodorant. Or perhaps her hurried pace had taken its toll. Not only that, but she also had some halitosis issues going on. It smelled like she had eaten a crap sandwich for lunch, covered in crap, with a side of crap, and washed it down with a double shot of crap. And she was sleeping open mouth beside me. I don't now if I've ever gone so long without breathing through my nose.
We all know travel comes with its challenges. I've shared mine, do you all have any? Put them in the comments.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
The Force Awakens
I know that I am really behind the curve on this one, but my family and I finally went to see The Force Awakens (the latest installment in the Star Wars saga, for anyone living under a rock) this past Sunday. Star Wars was a huge part of my childhood (Action figures, books, comics, trading cards, Halloween costumes, and of course the movies), so I was pretty excited to see the new movie. So why the delay? In short, the kids. We felt we need to fully expose the kids to story and see all the preceding movies beforehand. We got through Epidsodes IV-VI (the first three), but not I-III. Finally we gave up and figured if we wait too long, we won't get to see it in the theater, on the big screen.
So, we pre-purchased our reserved seats in the epicenter of the theater. I figured the movie had been out for nearly 3 full months, and that the theater would be empty. Not quite so. My feelings on attending movies in a theater have been documented in a prior posting, but I can't help but say it again; Why the heck do they sell the noisiest forms of food for consumption in a movie theater? Every quiet scene had the background noise of crunch, crunch, crunch...crinkle, crinkle, crinkle. No Matter. I was there for the movie and shut out the outside noise as best as possible.
First things first, this movie is light years better than Episodes I-III, the horrible installments George Lucas submitted us all to. We wanted to like them, but after hours of trade federation footage and ridiculous creatures (Talking about you JJB), we all agreed they sucked. This one has a good story, characters we can relate to, and the benefit of familiarity. From here on, I will warn that there may be some things that could be construed as 'spoilers', so if you have not seen the movie yet and don't want to know about it beforehand, see you next post.
As I said above, there were a lot of things to like, only, a lot of the things I did like about the movie, also left me feeling kind of let down. The story, feels very familiar. That's because it bears a striking resemblance to Episode IV, the original Star Wars movie. From the beginning with a stranded droid containing vital information, to the end with the need to destroy yet another 'Death Star', I feel like I've seen a lot of this before.
This is enhanced by the presence of familiar characters. Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, C3P0, R2D2, and Luke Skywalker are all back in this movie. I was excited initially at the prospect of the returning characters, but for some reason, it didn't really work for me. Perhaps it was the fact that they have aged nearly 40 years since the original movies, but we are still expected to believe that their characters are up to the same action. I definitely felt like it was too much Han Solo. He was in a lot of the movie and the soap opera between him and Leia resulted in the creation of the latest bit of evil, Kylo Ren. Probably the best 'character' to make a reappearance, is the Millennium Falcon. Featured heavily in this film, the odd looking spaceship that resembles the end of a tennis racket was the height of cool in the original movies and I was glad to see it again here, especially how they introduced it in the movie as 'a piece of junk', a reference to Luke's first reaction to it in Episode IV.
There were other little samples of familiar stuff. While on the Millennium Falcon, we see the holographic chess game that was in Episode IV. There was also a scene where you could see the training ball that Luke used with his light saber, also in Episode IV. The melted mask of Darth Vader from when Luke burned Vader, his father on Endor in Episode VI.
While we are talking about masks, another thing I have to comment on is Kylo Ren's mask. It's ridiculous. From the odd flap of leather like material on the snout, to the silly metallic bars, it doesn't jibe. We all remember Darth Vader, right. His mask was awesome, a visual that stuck with you from the original opening scenes on. Not only did it look cool, but it was 'functional', he needed it to breathe. Kylo Ren could take his mask off at will, which makes you ask, why the heck is he wearing that thing at all? To make his voice sound deeper?
I could probably go on, at the risk of sounding even geekier. Despite my criticisms, I did like the movie and was all along for the ride. I look forward to seeing what JJ Abrams does with the next installment and hope that he doesn't rely so heavily on nostalgia and familiar themes and brings us on truly new and spectacular adventure, sans Jar Jar Binks of course.
Let me know what you thought of the movie in the comments...
So, we pre-purchased our reserved seats in the epicenter of the theater. I figured the movie had been out for nearly 3 full months, and that the theater would be empty. Not quite so. My feelings on attending movies in a theater have been documented in a prior posting, but I can't help but say it again; Why the heck do they sell the noisiest forms of food for consumption in a movie theater? Every quiet scene had the background noise of crunch, crunch, crunch...crinkle, crinkle, crinkle. No Matter. I was there for the movie and shut out the outside noise as best as possible.
First things first, this movie is light years better than Episodes I-III, the horrible installments George Lucas submitted us all to. We wanted to like them, but after hours of trade federation footage and ridiculous creatures (Talking about you JJB), we all agreed they sucked. This one has a good story, characters we can relate to, and the benefit of familiarity. From here on, I will warn that there may be some things that could be construed as 'spoilers', so if you have not seen the movie yet and don't want to know about it beforehand, see you next post.
As I said above, there were a lot of things to like, only, a lot of the things I did like about the movie, also left me feeling kind of let down. The story, feels very familiar. That's because it bears a striking resemblance to Episode IV, the original Star Wars movie. From the beginning with a stranded droid containing vital information, to the end with the need to destroy yet another 'Death Star', I feel like I've seen a lot of this before.
This is enhanced by the presence of familiar characters. Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, C3P0, R2D2, and Luke Skywalker are all back in this movie. I was excited initially at the prospect of the returning characters, but for some reason, it didn't really work for me. Perhaps it was the fact that they have aged nearly 40 years since the original movies, but we are still expected to believe that their characters are up to the same action. I definitely felt like it was too much Han Solo. He was in a lot of the movie and the soap opera between him and Leia resulted in the creation of the latest bit of evil, Kylo Ren. Probably the best 'character' to make a reappearance, is the Millennium Falcon. Featured heavily in this film, the odd looking spaceship that resembles the end of a tennis racket was the height of cool in the original movies and I was glad to see it again here, especially how they introduced it in the movie as 'a piece of junk', a reference to Luke's first reaction to it in Episode IV.
There were other little samples of familiar stuff. While on the Millennium Falcon, we see the holographic chess game that was in Episode IV. There was also a scene where you could see the training ball that Luke used with his light saber, also in Episode IV. The melted mask of Darth Vader from when Luke burned Vader, his father on Endor in Episode VI.
While we are talking about masks, another thing I have to comment on is Kylo Ren's mask. It's ridiculous. From the odd flap of leather like material on the snout, to the silly metallic bars, it doesn't jibe. We all remember Darth Vader, right. His mask was awesome, a visual that stuck with you from the original opening scenes on. Not only did it look cool, but it was 'functional', he needed it to breathe. Kylo Ren could take his mask off at will, which makes you ask, why the heck is he wearing that thing at all? To make his voice sound deeper?
I could probably go on, at the risk of sounding even geekier. Despite my criticisms, I did like the movie and was all along for the ride. I look forward to seeing what JJ Abrams does with the next installment and hope that he doesn't rely so heavily on nostalgia and familiar themes and brings us on truly new and spectacular adventure, sans Jar Jar Binks of course.
Let me know what you thought of the movie in the comments...
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Google is awesome...in a scary sort of way
So I had a trip to Pittsburgh coming up where I was staying in a hotel for a night. Since I have best access to my Gmail from the road, I forwarded my hotel confirmation to that email account a few days before my trip. Within hours, my Google+ enabled smartphone started giving me weather updates for Pittsburgh, in addition to my home location. Hmm, I thought, how did my phone know I was going there?
I speculated the source was the info I sent to Gmail, so I tried an experiment and sent my flight confirmation to Gmail. Sure enough flight updates starting popping up on my phone and watch (yes, a Google/Android wear watch, I'm firmly entrenched).
These updates and the fact that they showed up nearly automatically are awesome and I've taken to using this method whenever I travel, but what is behind all these updates is that Google is reading my email. I'm not sure how I feel about this, since I don't use my Gmail much. But a lot of folks out there do use it as their primary email. So how how much IS Google reading emails? How much info is retained/stored/distributed/sold?
For now, it's a price I'm willing to pay for the gained awesomeness, but perhaps a day may come where I value my privacy over the added functionality. What about you, what's in your Gmail?
I speculated the source was the info I sent to Gmail, so I tried an experiment and sent my flight confirmation to Gmail. Sure enough flight updates starting popping up on my phone and watch (yes, a Google/Android wear watch, I'm firmly entrenched).
These updates and the fact that they showed up nearly automatically are awesome and I've taken to using this method whenever I travel, but what is behind all these updates is that Google is reading my email. I'm not sure how I feel about this, since I don't use my Gmail much. But a lot of folks out there do use it as their primary email. So how how much IS Google reading emails? How much info is retained/stored/distributed/sold?
For now, it's a price I'm willing to pay for the gained awesomeness, but perhaps a day may come where I value my privacy over the added functionality. What about you, what's in your Gmail?
Friday, March 11, 2016
"We'd like to begin the boarding process...for everyone but you!"
I have had the great "pleasure" of traveling quite a bit over the last few months, which has included a lot of air travel. Anyone who has flown on a commercial flight knows the various forms of torture involved, but lately, it seems the airlines have opted to get it going before you even board.
Remember how simple it used to be? When they were ready to board a plane, they called out row numbers, and when your row was announced, you casually strode up to the gate, ticket in hand, to board the plane.
That was then. Now, the mere announcement of the inkling of a thought of initiating the boarding process starts an ambush of anxious travelers towards the gate to jockey for position. The reason being that they no longer subscribe to the 'to expedite the board process, we'll be boarding from the rear of the plane forward' method of loading a plane.
Firstly, they board first class. Yes in return for paying 3 times what the saps in coach pay for a ticket, you have the esteemed joy of getting in your seat first to watch all the poor folk march by and bop you with their elbows, knees, and luggage, all the while being seated for an extra half hour, a huge advantage on a long flight.
Then comes a dizzying array of categories of people far more important than me who have been granted early access: Priority, Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald...It seems that if you are not associated with a precious metal or gem, you are not worthy of boarding an airplane.
Of course there are the 'people who need more time', families traveling with children and active military as well.
Only now do we come to the general boarding. Although at this point, I look around, and the waiting area is mostly empty save for myself and the few other unfortunate souls who failed to achieve the status of any of the aforementioned categories. We are left to try not to scalp anyone as we make our walk of shame down the aisle, scrounge for any available overhead space, and climb over our fellow row-mates in an effort to complete the boarding process for an on-time departure.
I realize it's just sour grapes on my part, having not paid for, earned, or self-proclaimed any need or reason to get on a plane casually, but let's be honest, all of these mechanations all boil down to a single objective, securing the precious space in the overhead compartment. This rarest of commodities has grown more so, since everyone hates to wait for bags at the claims, and airlines try to use bag check fees to supplement their bottom lines. Having traveled on some 'newer' aircraft where the goal is maximize number of seats, with no increase to baggage capacity, it's a problem that won't be going away.
So, put on the helmets and shoulder pads, and get ready for take off.
Remember how simple it used to be? When they were ready to board a plane, they called out row numbers, and when your row was announced, you casually strode up to the gate, ticket in hand, to board the plane.
That was then. Now, the mere announcement of the inkling of a thought of initiating the boarding process starts an ambush of anxious travelers towards the gate to jockey for position. The reason being that they no longer subscribe to the 'to expedite the board process, we'll be boarding from the rear of the plane forward' method of loading a plane.
Firstly, they board first class. Yes in return for paying 3 times what the saps in coach pay for a ticket, you have the esteemed joy of getting in your seat first to watch all the poor folk march by and bop you with their elbows, knees, and luggage, all the while being seated for an extra half hour, a huge advantage on a long flight.
Then comes a dizzying array of categories of people far more important than me who have been granted early access: Priority, Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald...It seems that if you are not associated with a precious metal or gem, you are not worthy of boarding an airplane.
Of course there are the 'people who need more time', families traveling with children and active military as well.
Only now do we come to the general boarding. Although at this point, I look around, and the waiting area is mostly empty save for myself and the few other unfortunate souls who failed to achieve the status of any of the aforementioned categories. We are left to try not to scalp anyone as we make our walk of shame down the aisle, scrounge for any available overhead space, and climb over our fellow row-mates in an effort to complete the boarding process for an on-time departure.
I realize it's just sour grapes on my part, having not paid for, earned, or self-proclaimed any need or reason to get on a plane casually, but let's be honest, all of these mechanations all boil down to a single objective, securing the precious space in the overhead compartment. This rarest of commodities has grown more so, since everyone hates to wait for bags at the claims, and airlines try to use bag check fees to supplement their bottom lines. Having traveled on some 'newer' aircraft where the goal is maximize number of seats, with no increase to baggage capacity, it's a problem that won't be going away.
So, put on the helmets and shoulder pads, and get ready for take off.
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