New lines/service can get a refurb iPhone 3G 8GB for $99 plus $36 activation (plus $30 per month for data under a 2 yr agreement, which is the usual setup).
If you're reluctant to jump into a contract, check out this Windows Mobile phone for $50. It's GSM, so you can use it on AT&T and T-Mobile....
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
It's official
I am officially a Dad. Today my outfit consisted of a short sleeve polo in green, adidas shorts in black, tall white socks straight from 1998 (is it too soon to bring tall socks back?) and white Asics. And I am fine with it....
Friday, December 19, 2008
Negotiating
There are a ton of materials you could find on the web that deal with negotiating tactics -I even took a two-day class on negotiations at work. Here is a short-list on "how-to-negotiate" that combines all my recent learnings....
When you've been wronged....
1) Be clear in what is wrong, and back it up with solid, objective evidence - talk radio is full of callers who complain about XYZ but have ZERO proof of negligence or harm. You have to have something concrete - how exactly is the item damaged, what was specifically wrong about the service. And if we are dealing with warranties, always use the same language as written in the warranty.
2) Understand what they have to loose, then squeeze - you'll give them a bad review online, tell your friends not to go there or use their services, or even that you are prepared to file a charge-back from your credit card (effectively canceling the transaction).
3) Be clear in want you want as retribution - money, services, apology, whatever - tell them what it is you want otherwise you're stuck waiting for them to make a suggestion that will likely be insufficient
When you're looking for a good deal
1) Everything is negotiable - always ask "is this the final price?" or "can we get a discount on this?" - there are a number of things that can happen, even at big-box chains like Best Buy or Target. I've had the following happen to me:
- Cashier running the item through the mark-down system and applying a clearance sticker for 50% off
- Cashier opening up the register and scanning a 20% off coupon she had stashed away
- Cashier giving me a free extended-warranty
3) Use DealNews to estimate market value - if you are preparing to buy a big ticket item (iPod, camcorder, computer, fridge, etc) check Dealnews for recent deals. This will help you get a feel of the current market price on the item you want. That way you don't get ripped off elsewhere.
What not to buy
This guy is reading my mind - check out this article on the No/Maybe/Yes tech purchases for 2008
Blagojevichawhatchamacallit?
My dad sent me this political cartoon - always best to sell on eBay...
Credit - Ed Stein, Rocky Mountain Post
Credit - Ed Stein, Rocky Mountain Post
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Anamorphababywhat?
The ever-present anamorphism associated with accessories and entertainment for babies/kids has been well documented - from Mickey Mouse across the pond to Milo & Otis. But, it was William's hooded towel which caught my eye today. Check this out...
This is actually an incredible towel - very absorbant, covers William completely, but I lost them on the curve with the Octopus. There are two options here - either Mom is the Octopus and is receiving love from the child through whom the towel is destined, or the baby is the Octopus with tentacles reaching out in a guesture of love towards an unpictured cephalopod mother. You be the judge.
This is actually an incredible towel - very absorbant, covers William completely, but I lost them on the curve with the Octopus. There are two options here - either Mom is the Octopus and is receiving love from the child through whom the towel is destined, or the baby is the Octopus with tentacles reaching out in a guesture of love towards an unpictured cephalopod mother. You be the judge.
Free TV Online
If you are still paying for TV, it is time to cut the cord. Seriously. You've already heard me talk about free HDTV over the air, and using Tivo service to capture it for $9.99 a month. Now, here is more info on another option:
As you know, TV is no longer on just the TV. A vast majority of shows are now on the Big Network websites, and are even in HD, all for free. Plus there is Hulu and YouTube out there. How do you get these in your living room? Buy a $100 computer, $10 wireless USB stick, and $30 wireless keyboard. Done and done. For less than $150 you're watching free online videos in your living room, and you can cut your cable bill. You really don't need The Hills, and its ok to purchase episodes of Talk Soup from iTunes. I approve.
The computer listed above is a small form factor unit that can stand behind your flatscreen, sit in the old cable box's slot, or rest in the DVD drawer. With wireless ethernet and keyboard/mouse, it just needs to be in the range of your network. ALso check your TV for the proper video/audio connections. You'll need DVI or VGA, and mini-jack audio in (or an equivalent RCA adapter)
If you want to set this up and you have questions, just drop me an email and I'd be glad to help. Will send pics when I setup mine - I've got to eat my own cooking....
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
BlogWriterLite App
The App Store has a nifty free app that let's you post unformated text to your blogger account, so I may treat this like Twiiter and just post away. Quantity over quality - that's always been my motto.
Get Arrested cheap
Amazon has all three seasons of Arrested Development for $29. Do yourself a favor and watch this show....
Http://www.amazon.com/
Http://www.amazon.com/
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Amazon Albums from $5
Amazon has 50 albums for $5 each, plus a bunch of other great deals. The songs download right into your iTunes folder, just sync your iPod and you're good to go. Here's three I picked up today, all are their new releases:
Coldplay - $5
Jason Mraz - $5
Dashboard - $8
Coldplay - $5
Jason Mraz - $5
Dashboard - $8
Friday, December 5, 2008
Livin with the 3G
Update - I am now increasingly happy with the performance of the 3G phone, especially since you can now get it for $99 as a refurb. The GPS apps and 3G speed take this new phone to the next level. Highly recommended, just charge it every night...
Sold my first gen iPhone on eBay, and now I am starting to wish I had it back. Don't get me wrong, the new iPhone 3G feels lighter and is easier to handle, and has GPS. But what I thought was going to be an end all solution has turned out to cause a couple issues:
1) Under my typical use, the 3G antenna kills the battery in under 12 hours. I have to keep switching it on/off to keep the iPhone from dying. One thing is better - it must have a more efficient Wifi antenna, because Wifi is no longer a huge drain. Either way, I need some toggle buttons on the home screen to switch the Wifi/3G antennas off - as it is, I'm stuck diving into menus each time I want to change their operation
2) The iPhone 3G doesn't charge using my truck's Alpine iPod system. A couple of my home chargers are now also out of work. Moral of this story - if you have some fancy iPod connection in your car, test it out before you get the iPhone.
3) I miss the aluminum finish. I am a huge fan of the aluminum designs of Apple's latest products, and they took a step back to plastic with the iPhone This was probably to save weight and make it more impact resistant, so I will let it slide.
Overall, I would only recommend upgrading to the iPhone 3G under the following conditions:
1) You are intensly frustrated with the Edge network of the original iPhone
2) You tend to get really lost and need GPS rather than just the triangulation of the original iPhone
3) You must be the coolest person in your office and have the latest device in order to retain a nick-name referecing your techincal prowess - something like "tech-guy" or "electro-man" or something like that....don't have any other examples....promise
Sold my first gen iPhone on eBay, and now I am starting to wish I had it back. Don't get me wrong, the new iPhone 3G feels lighter and is easier to handle, and has GPS. But what I thought was going to be an end all solution has turned out to cause a couple issues:
1) Under my typical use, the 3G antenna kills the battery in under 12 hours. I have to keep switching it on/off to keep the iPhone from dying. One thing is better - it must have a more efficient Wifi antenna, because Wifi is no longer a huge drain. Either way, I need some toggle buttons on the home screen to switch the Wifi/3G antennas off - as it is, I'm stuck diving into menus each time I want to change their operation
2) The iPhone 3G doesn't charge using my truck's Alpine iPod system. A couple of my home chargers are now also out of work. Moral of this story - if you have some fancy iPod connection in your car, test it out before you get the iPhone.
3) I miss the aluminum finish. I am a huge fan of the aluminum designs of Apple's latest products, and they took a step back to plastic with the iPhone This was probably to save weight and make it more impact resistant, so I will let it slide.
Overall, I would only recommend upgrading to the iPhone 3G under the following conditions:
1) You are intensly frustrated with the Edge network of the original iPhone
2) You tend to get really lost and need GPS rather than just the triangulation of the original iPhone
3) You must be the coolest person in your office and have the latest device in order to retain a nick-name referecing your techincal prowess - something like "tech-guy" or "electro-man" or something like that....don't have any other examples....promise
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Old School Books
One thing I never do anymore - read books. What free time I have is spent trolling RSS feeds or reading magazines that come in the mail from cashing in airline miles. I used to wrap myself up in a good book, and get lost in a world of...not really. Here's a few books that I've kept on my bookshelf...
Ender's Game - the focus of this book is a child prodigy who ends up saving the world because he understands the paradigms of outer space - yes, I know, you're thinking "that is awesome" and it is.
Design of Everyday Things - this was required reading in a design class in college, but it really opens your eyes to how some things are made very badly, and others intuitively. Will really influence how you view design, from how you open doors to how to create a proper PowerPoint presentation.
The Hobbit - The prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it still holds up because you don't have the movie rolling in the back of your head as you try and read it.
Mere Christianity - this book is full of so much logic it will blow your mind. I recommend reading one chapter at a time, and then re-reading that same chapter before moving to the next.
Ender's Game - the focus of this book is a child prodigy who ends up saving the world because he understands the paradigms of outer space - yes, I know, you're thinking "that is awesome" and it is.
Design of Everyday Things - this was required reading in a design class in college, but it really opens your eyes to how some things are made very badly, and others intuitively. Will really influence how you view design, from how you open doors to how to create a proper PowerPoint presentation.
The Hobbit - The prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it still holds up because you don't have the movie rolling in the back of your head as you try and read it.
Mere Christianity - this book is full of so much logic it will blow your mind. I recommend reading one chapter at a time, and then re-reading that same chapter before moving to the next.
Perfect Purchasing Storm
Don't you love all the advertising nowadays? Almost every commercial starts out with "Now more than ever" or "In times like these" and it always ends up being a product that no one needs. "In times like these, you need to be able to rent-to-own your own waterbed". My favorite is the GM commercial that starts with "We can all agree it's time to get back to business" I can almost see a asterisk next to that statement, much like the car ad in the paper, with super-fine text at the bottom that reads "agreement to get back to business is not a offer of employment;" I will agree that now is a very good time to buy most anything - you have a lack of demand and low purchasing power combined with overstocked products from a boom in manufacturing. A perfect storm. Not to say prices on consumer items will not go lower next year, but manufacturing is easing up to match demand and there may not be the same pressure to sell in 2009.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Billy Mays has gone too far...
I tolerated your shouting, your fake real-life scenarios where OxyClean takes a stain out of some rare and delicate antiquity like the Declaration Independence, and even thought about ordering one of the products you shill for, but today Billy Mays, you've gone too far. To prove the power of MightyMendIt, Billy cut a hole in a dude's parachute, patches it with his $19.95 product, and sends him to his possible death. Showing how red wine can be taken out of white carpet just wasn't enough for you, eh Billy? Your new high is sending a man to his death to prove that your new product is up to the task. Well I for one....wait, what's that? The guy landed safely? Let me get my credit card info....
Check out unnecessary product use at the 1:00 minute mark.....
Another great TV selling moment. Check Mike Rowe (yes that Mike Rowe) on QVC. Incredible....
Check out unnecessary product use at the 1:00 minute mark.....
Another great TV selling moment. Check Mike Rowe (yes that Mike Rowe) on QVC. Incredible....
Monday, December 1, 2008
Time to celebrate
It's been 1 year since I started the blog, and to celebrate I've redone the right hand menu! Wow! Amazing....
Be sure and check out some of the older posts, that way I can slack off and you don't get board.
Be sure and check out some of the older posts, that way I can slack off and you don't get board.
Friday, November 28, 2008
New Profile Pic - Next Generation
Check out my latest profile pic on Facebook - that's the next generation Eidson, Shelton, and Pereira boys. All born within 3 months of each other. Perfect timing.....
Monday, November 24, 2008
Customer Service 101
Recently I've had three great customer service experiences, even in the crazy market. Here they are:
Logitech - the #6 on my wireless keyboard broke, I called and they sent me a new keyboard set next day in the mail.
Mr. Coffee - Our coffee pot started rusting on the outside casing, I called him (Mr. Coffee himself) and he is sending us a new coffee pot.
American Standard - our kitchen faucet started leaking from the base, and after 2 HOURS on speaker phone they are sending a new faucet with the condition that I send them a PDF of my original receipt (which I still had from 2005 thanks to the Eidson family filing system).
Logitech - the #6 on my wireless keyboard broke, I called and they sent me a new keyboard set next day in the mail.
Mr. Coffee - Our coffee pot started rusting on the outside casing, I called him (Mr. Coffee himself) and he is sending us a new coffee pot.
American Standard - our kitchen faucet started leaking from the base, and after 2 HOURS on speaker phone they are sending a new faucet with the condition that I send them a PDF of my original receipt (which I still had from 2005 thanks to the Eidson family filing system).
Get your prints
If you're like everyone you have a digital camera. That means you also are afraid to print pictures for fear of 1) killing your printer 2) killing your supply of ink 3) or killing the person in front of you at the digital picture kiosk at you local pharmacy/big-box store ("if they re-crop that picture one more time, I'm gonna....")
But I digress. My favorite option for printing photos is Walmart.com/photos. Upload, print them as 1hr and pick them up locally or have them shipped to you in 2-3 days. Prices are cheap, and nothing gets killed.
You'd think I was paid for plugs like this, but I'm not. Should probably look into it...
But I digress. My favorite option for printing photos is Walmart.com/photos. Upload, print them as 1hr and pick them up locally or have them shipped to you in 2-3 days. Prices are cheap, and nothing gets killed.
You'd think I was paid for plugs like this, but I'm not. Should probably look into it...
Giving Jay his due
I know a lot of people love Top Gear, and it is a fabulous show, but I have really enjoyed Jay Leno's Garage - it's a series of webisodes where Jay gives you the finer points about his mega-car collection all with an enthusiast's heart and soul. What's nice is the lack of Top Gear "if it's not German we don't like it" attitude and vocabulary that make you run to google search like a scared child. Each car in his collection has a special place, and you can tell he is really excited to show you the car. My favorite is the Chevy Z06 w/ crate engine- cheapest car in his collection, but he is right on with the commentary..."People I know with Ferrari's and Lamborghini's have 7k to 8k miles, but you ask a guy with a Corvette and he has 80k, 90k miles."
Here's another one of Jay's finer moments....
Here's another one of Jay's finer moments....
Soap is bad for you
I've been catching bits and pieces on One-Life-to-Live now that it's on the DVR, and I have to say I'm intensely frustrated. I'll be in the office and hear the scene play out on the TV downstairs. The biggest gripe is that words never lead to actions - it's like the mantra of this shows writers is "how can we get the characters to talk about this more, and not actually progress the plot?". It's like Lost but not nearly as fun. Example...
"Jimmy is being held hostage by Jennifer's split personality!"
"What, how? And why? And let's talk about this more"
"Should we go over there and free him?"
"We should? Wait, what?"
"Should we call the cops?"
"Huh?"
"What?"
"Wait, what happened?"
--Commercial Break---
And then we pick up the same conversation for another 10 minutes....someone will be in imminent danger, but no constructive action is taken until the 45 min mark.
As an antidote, take one episode of Friday Night Lights (full episodes on NBC.com) and comment on this post in the morning.
"Jimmy is being held hostage by Jennifer's split personality!"
"What, how? And why? And let's talk about this more"
"Should we go over there and free him?"
"We should? Wait, what?"
"Should we call the cops?"
"Huh?"
"What?"
"Wait, what happened?"
--Commercial Break---
And then we pick up the same conversation for another 10 minutes....someone will be in imminent danger, but no constructive action is taken until the 45 min mark.
As an antidote, take one episode of Friday Night Lights (full episodes on NBC.com) and comment on this post in the morning.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
25% off Everything ever made
Here's how to save on your online purchases, including 25% off ebay until Christmas. One really good idea - tires. They max out the discount (about $200), and tire prices on eBay are already very competitive. Here's how it works:
1) Sign-in to Live.com with your Hotmail account (or create a new account)
2) Activate the Cashback feature by clicking on the "Cashback" link at the top of the page
3) Search Live.com for "cheap wii" or "cheap anything" - we just need to activate the cookie
4) Click on the ebay "cashback" link in the suggested search results (see screen-grab below)
5) Once you're in ebay, search for anything you'd like. Tips - it needs to be buy-it-now since the cookie expires in 60mins; to check if an item qualifies for cashback, clcik "Buy-it-now" and before you commit to buy the Live Search cashback will be calculated.
1) Sign-in to Live.com with your Hotmail account (or create a new account)
2) Activate the Cashback feature by clicking on the "Cashback" link at the top of the page
3) Search Live.com for "cheap wii" or "cheap anything" - we just need to activate the cookie
4) Click on the ebay "cashback" link in the suggested search results (see screen-grab below)
5) Once you're in ebay, search for anything you'd like. Tips - it needs to be buy-it-now since the cookie expires in 60mins; to check if an item qualifies for cashback, clcik "Buy-it-now" and before you commit to buy the Live Search cashback will be calculated.
More on Mr. Baby
By popular demand, here are more of my fatherhood musings....
I've taken to calling William "Mr. Baby", and by default started calling Susan "Mr. Mom". Not my best hour as a husband.
Putting lotion on a baby is like waxing a car. I should invent a lotion applicator that's really nothing but a car wax applicator in baby blue or girly pink. Patent Pending as of Nov 19th.
To prepare for holding a baby, practice by holding a football for a couple months and carry it everywhere you go and ask people to try and knock it out of your hands ala "The Program". I also recommend laying in the middle of the road so that when you are run over you can empathize with pregnancy pains.
How to start a fire
The Kindle has been getting a lot of press recently thanks to a Jeff Bezos PR stunt on Oprah (well done Jeff, well done), after all who better to hock your e-reader to than the woman whose book recommendations drive the best sellers list? I got my hands on the v1.0 Kindle a few weeks back, and have to say it was very cool - the e-ink was very natural, and felt easy to read unlike staring at back lit lcd screens. The interface could use some adjustments like adding a touch pad, but overall the ability to quickly scroll thru books and turn pages (the killer app) was right on. Also, it has a FREE 3G connection for downloading books and limited web search.
With v2.0 the Kindle gets a price drop AND the market strategy begins to adjust towards not just casual readers, but education as well. No more printing - type up your book in Illustrator and publish it on Amazon. This also means no packing or transportation costs - only limited infrastructure support and storage on Amazon's cloud.
In the end, I'm not so sure the profit margins on the Kindle are very large. My guess is that it is like an iPod - moderate profit on the device and KILLER profit on the digital content, which is in this case books. If the Kindle takes on publishing like the iPod did music, get ready for some incredible competition, cheaper college textbooks, and an independent publishing boom.
Year of the cheap
Hope you saved a little cash, cause the sky is falling on all sorts of cool stuff...
Another easy way to have the deals spoon-fed to you - sign up for the Buy.com email list. Here's a few recent deals I jumped on:
- Panny 42" 720P Plasma - $693 shipped - still one of the best TVs on the market for the $
- OR Vizio 42" 1080P LCD - $698+tax - Sams has this in store....not bad....
- OR Vizio 37" 720P LCD (refurb) - $499 shipped - this set is only 36.3 inches wide, so it might fit in your current entertainment center
- LG Shine (candy-bar) - $90 shipped - unlocked GSM phone (no contract!) 2MP camera w/flash, MP3 player with MicroSD, stereo Bluetooth, (no 3G)
- Phillips Dual DVD Screens - $99 shipped - for those with kids, this digital pacifier is half-off
- Leathal Weapon (all 4) - $10 shipped - need I say more?
- Polk 10" Powered Subwoofer - $99 shipped - boom goes the dynamite
Another easy way to have the deals spoon-fed to you - sign up for the Buy.com email list. Here's a few recent deals I jumped on:
- HK iPod Drive & Play - $18.95
- Belkin Wireless Game System Adapter - $19.99
- B&D Portable USB Power Pack - $9.99
Friday, November 7, 2008
Keep on truckin'
Yes, another blog post about my truck. The blog is free so deal with it. I've just hit 6 years and 70,000 miles on the Ram, and there's a litany of service items that need litanagizing. Here's some tips from my recent work...
Also, checkout my current crush - 500hp, 22" wheels, 10 cylinders, 9 mpg, 8 liters, and $17k
Tip #1 - Find your service manual online - Usually in PDF form, the service manual will be 2,000+ pages long and tells you everything you ever wanted to know about your car. From how to fill up the windshield wiper fluid to rebuilding the engine. The site http://carservicemanuals.blogspot.com/ is a great starting point, or google "Year Make Model Service Manual"
Tip #2 - Aftermarket pans/covers - If you're lucky, changing the fluids in your transmission and differential is as easy as unscrewing a plug and watching the oil drain. But, if you've got a domestic there's most likely no conventional way to change these fluids without busting the whole pan off and getting covered in oil and RTV. This is the real reason GM/Ford/ChryslerCerebusDiamler are in the hole - no drain plugs. If you're in this boat, you can get aftermarket pans with drain plugs from your local autoparts store for $20-$30. This way you can change the fluid regularly (every 30K) without your garage looking like the Valdez.
Tip #3 - Change your battery every 40K - even if it still has the green light, drop the $30 and get a new one. Odds are the battery will fail when you are most vulnerable - out late, far away from home, lacking Triple A service, and no one is around to give you a jump. $30 now will save you a long night and towing charges later on...
Tip #4 - Walmart is cheap - if you know what you need, hit up Walmart. They're in-house brand car products are cheaper than the autoparts stores. But if you are at all hesitant about what you need to purchase just hit up the autoparts store and be done with it.
Tip #5 - Always give yourself plenty of time. Even when you've done the job before, start early 'cause things will go sideways on you. Don't think "Hey, it's only 4pm, and dinner isn't until 6pm. I have time to put in a new camshaft." That's what she said, and it will not happen before dinner...
Also, checkout my current crush - 500hp, 22" wheels, 10 cylinders, 9 mpg, 8 liters, and $17k
Tip #1 - Find your service manual online - Usually in PDF form, the service manual will be 2,000+ pages long and tells you everything you ever wanted to know about your car. From how to fill up the windshield wiper fluid to rebuilding the engine. The site http://carservicemanuals.blogspot.com/ is a great starting point, or google "Year Make Model Service Manual"
Tip #2 - Aftermarket pans/covers - If you're lucky, changing the fluids in your transmission and differential is as easy as unscrewing a plug and watching the oil drain. But, if you've got a domestic there's most likely no conventional way to change these fluids without busting the whole pan off and getting covered in oil and RTV. This is the real reason GM/Ford/ChryslerCerebusDiamler are in the hole - no drain plugs. If you're in this boat, you can get aftermarket pans with drain plugs from your local autoparts store for $20-$30. This way you can change the fluid regularly (every 30K) without your garage looking like the Valdez.
Tip #3 - Change your battery every 40K - even if it still has the green light, drop the $30 and get a new one. Odds are the battery will fail when you are most vulnerable - out late, far away from home, lacking Triple A service, and no one is around to give you a jump. $30 now will save you a long night and towing charges later on...
Tip #4 - Walmart is cheap - if you know what you need, hit up Walmart. They're in-house brand car products are cheaper than the autoparts stores. But if you are at all hesitant about what you need to purchase just hit up the autoparts store and be done with it.
Tip #5 - Always give yourself plenty of time. Even when you've done the job before, start early 'cause things will go sideways on you. Don't think "Hey, it's only 4pm, and dinner isn't until 6pm. I have time to put in a new camshaft." That's what she said, and it will not happen before dinner...
Friday, October 24, 2008
Father knows best
Here's a few things I've learned in my 6 weeks of fatherhood:
1) Nothing is as frustrating as dressing your son up for a night on the town (e.g. 6pm-7:15pm) just to have him poop his pants mere seconds after finishing the last button on the three-layered Winnie-the-Pooh outfit. The best analogy I can give is when you get ready for work, take a shower, get dressed, put on your suit, shoes, and belt, and as you are tightening the knot on your tie....you poop your pants.
2) You think you can do things one-handed, but you can't - don't fool yourself men, you can't eat dinner while holding the baby in your lap, change the TV channel while feeding him, or try and get his bottle ready while he cries in your arms. You'll end up with a baby who is covered in dinner scraps, full of gas, and who is really upset. Not that I have done any of these things, I'm just saying...
3) Projectile vomit/poop is not as funny as you thought it was. Peeing in the air however lives up to the hype.
4) Farting is now cute and funny. Take advantage of this.
5) The DVR is now your common-law relative. You might be thinking, there's lots on TV at 4am, right? Wrong.
6) Truck accessories now include a car seat, baby mirror, and emergency diaper kit. If the truck breaks down I am in a pinch, but if the baby has a blow-out we're all good.
7) Every three hours he needs to be fed and changed, much like me.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Pappa needs some new shoes
Amazon has some great deals on Kenneth Cole Reaction shoes - don't confuse these with their "Unlisted" brand, the Reaction line is higher quality with wood heels, top grain leather, etc. My current pair have been meeting the business casual dress code since 2002, but need to be retired. I went with the T-Flex Oxford for $23.99. Add some batteries to get free shipping, or spend $100 and get $20 off.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
New profile pic...
Check out my new profile pic on FaceBook. William and I crashed on the couch after my Dad's birthday party....
Spread the Wealth
I discovered Google Docs today, and really love the functionality. I had seen a short video on how it works (see below), but I am really impressed with how it could simplify my file management. For example...
Based on my friend Bryan's approach to monthly expense, I started a spreadsheet (in 2005) that Susan and I use to track costs each month. The hard part is entering in every small expense into the sheet each day - but, if you want to spend it you need to log it. The mere thought of having to log another $7 for lunch keeps me brown-bagging it every day, and overall it keeps you aware of your expenses and thrifty (some would say cheap).
It works very well when you have time on your hands, but with the new baby it is a challenge. A couple bucks here, a diaper or two there and you start to give up. This is where Google Docs comes in - Google keeps a copy of your spreadsheet on their server, and you can access it from anywhere, including your phone, and make updates. Very slick. I find myself wanting to make updates but the file is at home and I'm on the road. This solves that problem...now how do I buy diapers on the cheap?
Based on my friend Bryan's approach to monthly expense, I started a spreadsheet (in 2005) that Susan and I use to track costs each month. The hard part is entering in every small expense into the sheet each day - but, if you want to spend it you need to log it. The mere thought of having to log another $7 for lunch keeps me brown-bagging it every day, and overall it keeps you aware of your expenses and thrifty (some would say cheap).
It works very well when you have time on your hands, but with the new baby it is a challenge. A couple bucks here, a diaper or two there and you start to give up. This is where Google Docs comes in - Google keeps a copy of your spreadsheet on their server, and you can access it from anywhere, including your phone, and make updates. Very slick. I find myself wanting to make updates but the file is at home and I'm on the road. This solves that problem...now how do I buy diapers on the cheap?
Fall Baby Fall
If anything has been reaffirmed for me during the stock market plunge the last two weeks, it's that if you need the money soon, don't invest it in stocks. I've been a little loose with this rule buying up Apple and Google with some extra cash, and it costs me. I got out of Google at $400, taking a 16% loss - Google is not around $350. I waited too long on Apple, and now I must wait for a rebound - my current loss is 36%. So, here are the rules I should have played by, and it would have made for a much calmer week:
1) If you need the cash in the next 12 months, invest in a money market account
2) If you need the cash in next 12-24 months, invest in CDs or bonds/t-bills
3) For a term longer than 2 yrs, consider a mix of the above plus lower risk mutual funds
4) For retirement use your IRA/401K account and get risky- in my case, I don't need the money for 40 years - and that is a long time in market standards. Knowing that your funds have 4 decades to mature can give you some peace of mind. Plus if you get nervous and want to pull the money back into your checking/savings you'll be rebuffed by the tax penalty. PS. I've lost 30% of my retirement fund this year - I can't imagine the pressure on the millions of people who were planning to retire soon or already retired...
1) If you need the cash in the next 12 months, invest in a money market account
2) If you need the cash in next 12-24 months, invest in CDs or bonds/t-bills
3) For a term longer than 2 yrs, consider a mix of the above plus lower risk mutual funds
4) For retirement use your IRA/401K account and get risky- in my case, I don't need the money for 40 years - and that is a long time in market standards. Knowing that your funds have 4 decades to mature can give you some peace of mind. Plus if you get nervous and want to pull the money back into your checking/savings you'll be rebuffed by the tax penalty. PS. I've lost 30% of my retirement fund this year - I can't imagine the pressure on the millions of people who were planning to retire soon or already retired...
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Fun with V8s
As the market tanks, its time to revisit my muscle car reviews and see if these fuel devouring, totally impractical, pompous rides have dropped in price. In pure engineering fashion, I keep a spreadsheet of cars I see in the paper, Autotrader, ebay, etc, so that I can track the market on these bad boys in case, just perchance, I should opt to purchase one. To qualify for the sheet the car must be a V8 coupe with a manual transmission. I then make my assessment based on dollar per horsepower - this keeps it less emotional.
Here are some of the diamonds in the rough...current winner is the 1997 Z28....
Here are some of the diamonds in the rough...current winner is the 1997 Z28....
Monday, September 29, 2008
Piggy goes to market
Here's a great explanation of how not approving a $700 billion bailout/loan plan cost us $1.2 trillion on Monday.
[Ed. Things have gotten even more volatile since I posted this. It is becoming apparent that the gesture of loaning $700bln did very little, but hopefully the details of the implementation will calm fears and open the credit markets again...]
[Ed. Things have gotten even more volatile since I posted this. It is becoming apparent that the gesture of loaning $700bln did very little, but hopefully the details of the implementation will calm fears and open the credit markets again...]
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Ike's other victims...
The cars. Abandoned amidst the storm. This is the saddest classified ad I have ever seen....not just the picture, but read the item description.
I submitted this to Jalopnik, maybe someone press will get this guy some decent bids.
I submitted this to Jalopnik, maybe someone press will get this guy some decent bids.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Best of Baby Eidson
Susan will have the Baby Eidson blog updates soon, but in the meantime, here are my favorite pics...
Monday, September 15, 2008
Baby Eidson Update
The hurricane that is William Henry Eidson was unleashed upon the world on Monday September, 8th at 7am, and was followed shortly thereafter by hurricane Ike. Susan's recovery was incredibly fast and almost pain free, and we left the hospital just in time to take cover from the storm. Here's a timeline:
Monday - William born
Thursday - discharged from hospital at 12pm, go to JV (northwest Houston)
Friday - Wait for storm
Saturday - clean up 2 massive trees that fell in parents' yard
Sunday morning- check on our house in Pearland - no fence, damaged roof, and water spots all over the ceiling (mostly upstairs)
Sunday evening - pack up again and head to Edna Texas..... two nights without power + newborn + wife recovering from major surgery = pandelerium, so we decided to head south and get some AC and safe drinking water.
On our way out we saw some chaos - hundreds (yes, hundreds) of people lined up outside of a Walmart, gas lines 30 cars long, and no power all along the west Beltway. But, Hooters on 59 South had power and was serving people - if there was ever an excuse to go to Hooters (never been myself) now would be the time....
Monday - William born
Thursday - discharged from hospital at 12pm, go to JV (northwest Houston)
Friday - Wait for storm
Saturday - clean up 2 massive trees that fell in parents' yard
Sunday morning- check on our house in Pearland - no fence, damaged roof, and water spots all over the ceiling (mostly upstairs)
Sunday evening - pack up again and head to Edna Texas..... two nights without power + newborn + wife recovering from major surgery = pandelerium, so we decided to head south and get some AC and safe drinking water.
On our way out we saw some chaos - hundreds (yes, hundreds) of people lined up outside of a Walmart, gas lines 30 cars long, and no power all along the west Beltway. But, Hooters on 59 South had power and was serving people - if there was ever an excuse to go to Hooters (never been myself) now would be the time....
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
I've got it covered
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Literally. I think I've finally entered into adulthood with the purchase of a truck bed cover off craigslist. First question, does it give you better gas mileage? No. Does it allow you to keep a stroller, dirty diapers, and puked on clothes out of the truck cab? Yes. Mission accomplished...
Get Smart
I keep seeing more and more of the Smart cars running about town. Their US model, named the FourTwo (which either refers to the four-wheels/two-passengers or the actual height/width of the car in feet) looks like a coffin on wheels. They tout an advanced safety frame similar to an F1 car, but I don't think F1 cars would hold up too well under an 18 wheeler. Houston is a dangerous city for drivers, especially motorcyclists, and now add Smart FourTwo owners to the mix. Today one was parked at the stoplight waiting for the light to turn and I wanted to knock on his window and ask "Why? Why did you buy this? A Nissan Sentra is 2 grand less, has a back seat, is not a coffin, and get the same 35mpg." Buying a Smart car is like smoking in high school. Sure it's cool and it draws attention to your rebel ways, but it will kill you.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Long lost family member?
I think I might be related to this guy...I even like the name of his blog....
Thursday, August 21, 2008
I'll admit it....I went to CarMax
Even though I've slammed CarMax for their straight markups over blue-book prices, I've found them useful for something - pressure free test drives. Doing a quick online search (and CarMax's new website is perfect - it has the simplest search algorithm and refinement process - it just works) I found that the local CarMax had a number of GTO's that I could walk in and test drive, and here's the good part - then I could leave without being hassled.
So behind the wheel of the GTO for the first time, the interior is really simply, tight finish lines, feels sturdy. Many of the reviews praise the GTO for being "squeak-free" even after 50K miles. Other highs - lots of legroom, INCREDIBLE seats with heavy bolstering, and overall really comfortable in the front seats. Not so sure about the back seats, but at this point who cares.
Now the test drive began, and I have to say that in comparison to the F-Body cars (Camaro, Trans Am), the GTO got everything right except the outside styling. It has a more cab-forward feel, with a windshield that has a normal pitch instead of the F-Body's 2 degree windshield and three-mile long dash. The only drawback I found as I moved from 1st thru 5th was how long the shift throws were. It was a mile between gears, which left the 2-3 and 4-5 shifts in no man's land and gave a first time driver nervous twitches of "I hope this isn't reverse...oh well, here we go...."
In the end, great performer, very comfortable, but not a looker like it's namesake. I showed Susan two GTOs on the road the other night, and I felt underwhelmed as they passed by. Not sure if you want a muscle car that could be confused for a G5 coupe....
So behind the wheel of the GTO for the first time, the interior is really simply, tight finish lines, feels sturdy. Many of the reviews praise the GTO for being "squeak-free" even after 50K miles. Other highs - lots of legroom, INCREDIBLE seats with heavy bolstering, and overall really comfortable in the front seats. Not so sure about the back seats, but at this point who cares.
Now the test drive began, and I have to say that in comparison to the F-Body cars (Camaro, Trans Am), the GTO got everything right except the outside styling. It has a more cab-forward feel, with a windshield that has a normal pitch instead of the F-Body's 2 degree windshield and three-mile long dash. The only drawback I found as I moved from 1st thru 5th was how long the shift throws were. It was a mile between gears, which left the 2-3 and 4-5 shifts in no man's land and gave a first time driver nervous twitches of "I hope this isn't reverse...oh well, here we go...."
In the end, great performer, very comfortable, but not a looker like it's namesake. I showed Susan two GTOs on the road the other night, and I felt underwhelmed as they passed by. Not sure if you want a muscle car that could be confused for a G5 coupe....
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
My fight against Hallmark
No more shall we pay $3.50 (or $3.99 Canadian) for a piece of paper with a joke that no one thinks is funny, Hallmark! Yes, I'm talking to you Hallmark, you paper-pushing price-gouging peddler of chicken soup for the soul messages which are marked up 3,000% and sold as greeting cards. It ends today. I vow to make all my own greeting cards, and I will not be stopped.
Here's a sampling..... (click to read)
Here's a sampling..... (click to read)
Friday, August 15, 2008
The Disc is Dead
I've talked about BluRay and HD-DVD before, and advised everyone to wait and see who wins (BluRay did), but I realized the other day that both have lost. Digital media on spinning discs is soon to be dead. When's the last time you bought a CD? Probably been a while. Pretty soon you'll be thinking the same thing about DVD's. With HD movie downloads from iTunes and Amazon, there's no need for a $500 BluRay DVD Player. 'But what about 1080P?' you ask - Dish Network now has 1080P on-demand pay-per-view, and this is just a taste of things to come. Although we are years away from 1080P coming over the free airwaves, it will soon be available for download purchasing as bandwidth becomes faster and cheaper...
There's even economic and environmental factors at play. Downloads in contrast to DVDs have no transportation cost and no packaging (no more using your car keys, a hanger, butter knife, and non-stick cooking spray trying to pry open the DVD case!)
There's even economic and environmental factors at play. Downloads in contrast to DVDs have no transportation cost and no packaging (no more using your car keys, a hanger, butter knife, and non-stick cooking spray trying to pry open the DVD case!)
Monday, August 11, 2008
Your email is open.....
I just realized today that reminding someone that their "Out of Office" email reply is still on is the office equivalent of "your fly is open" or "there is toilet paper on your shoe" or "there is something in your teeth/hair/face/whatever".....
Car of Choice
Car of Choice
In line with a previous post on always being one-up'd in H-town, I have started to compile a list of "dream" cars that I would really enjoy. Please notice that I indeed dream small. No need to buy a DB9 when a cruise down Westheimer will yield a DBS...
I am really looking for something that is unique, with a V8 engine and manual transmission, and has some staying power. Here's the list:
2005-2006 GTO - 6.0L V8 / 2004 GTO - 5.7L V8 - $14k-$23k
Highs: Unique - only a 3 year production run; great handling, huge power numbers for the price (400HP)
Lows: G6 styling....it's a muscle car wrapped in Grand Am packaging
1998-2003 Camaro SS (F-Body) - 5.7L V8 - $10K-$19K
Highs: I had the Z28 variant of this car, and would love to reprise it with an late model SS; mods are cheap
Lows: New Camaro is on the horizon, and this generation was prone to transmission and differential problems (which I attribute to people ragging them out...)
2005+ Mustang GT - 4.6L V8 - $14k-$19k
Highs: Reliable, plentiful mods allow you to create a custom ride, plus a 2010 redesign is due out soon, and will push the value of the 2005 models lower, plus plus I could challenge my father to a race...
Lows: the Shelby GT500 is to GT as an orca whale is to a seal (thank you SAT prep), dash hits my knee, less horsepower than the above cars, but how much do you really need? I feel like less of a man for asking that question
2002 Corvette Z06 / 2003-2005 Corvette Z06 - $20k-$29k
Highs: Track ready car for a bargain price - my European counterparts couldn't get a car like this for under $75K...wait for it....EUROS!
Lows: I would be "that guy with the corvette", I would need to wear a windbreaker or leather jacket, possibly a mustache
The New Breed....
2009 R/T Challenger - 5.7L Hemi V8 - $29K-$33K
Highs: Head turning design, and I could put two Hemi's in my garage
Lows: constantly telling people "no, I bought a CHALLENGER not a Charger....it has two doors, I promise", knowing that an SRT model might find me and make me feel insignificant
2010 Camaro SS -$30K?
Still a glimmer in Chevrolet's eye, although the V6 has already been out and about for press runs. I'm afraid Transformers may have ruined it for me...
In line with a previous post on always being one-up'd in H-town, I have started to compile a list of "dream" cars that I would really enjoy. Please notice that I indeed dream small. No need to buy a DB9 when a cruise down Westheimer will yield a DBS...
I am really looking for something that is unique, with a V8 engine and manual transmission, and has some staying power. Here's the list:
2005-2006 GTO - 6.0L V8 / 2004 GTO - 5.7L V8 - $14k-$23k
Highs: Unique - only a 3 year production run; great handling, huge power numbers for the price (400HP)
Lows: G6 styling....it's a muscle car wrapped in Grand Am packaging
1998-2003 Camaro SS (F-Body) - 5.7L V8 - $10K-$19K
Highs: I had the Z28 variant of this car, and would love to reprise it with an late model SS; mods are cheap
Lows: New Camaro is on the horizon, and this generation was prone to transmission and differential problems (which I attribute to people ragging them out...)
2005+ Mustang GT - 4.6L V8 - $14k-$19k
Highs: Reliable, plentiful mods allow you to create a custom ride, plus a 2010 redesign is due out soon, and will push the value of the 2005 models lower, plus plus I could challenge my father to a race...
Lows: the Shelby GT500 is to GT as an orca whale is to a seal (thank you SAT prep), dash hits my knee, less horsepower than the above cars, but how much do you really need? I feel like less of a man for asking that question
2002 Corvette Z06 / 2003-2005 Corvette Z06 - $20k-$29k
Highs: Track ready car for a bargain price - my European counterparts couldn't get a car like this for under $75K...wait for it....EUROS!
Lows: I would be "that guy with the corvette", I would need to wear a windbreaker or leather jacket, possibly a mustache
The New Breed....
2009 R/T Challenger - 5.7L Hemi V8 - $29K-$33K
Highs: Head turning design, and I could put two Hemi's in my garage
Lows: constantly telling people "no, I bought a CHALLENGER not a Charger....it has two doors, I promise", knowing that an SRT model might find me and make me feel insignificant
2010 Camaro SS -$30K?
Still a glimmer in Chevrolet's eye, although the V6 has already been out and about for press runs. I'm afraid Transformers may have ruined it for me...
Grey Market
I love new terms from the internets (correction, this is universally know as the Parallel Market). First and foremost is the Grey Market. These are "retailers" who setup websites to sell products they may or may not own and are certainly unlicensed to sell, but offer such great deals you can't resist giving them a try. If you've ever used Google Shopping, your search for a name brand product ultimately gives way to some interesting results. Let's say you search "Playstation 3"....this would give you some of the following hypothetical hits:
$399 - Sony Style
$449 - Best Buy
$378 - Computer City USA
$284 - Refurb Depot
Those last two are Grey Market - unauthorized retailers who offer savings on usually fixed priced products. Shopping grey market can be a mixed bag, but if you follow a couple rules you can shop successfully:
1) First off, never use a check or money order - look for Google Checkout, PayPal, or other 3rd Party credit app service
2) If you use a credit card, make sure you are protected against fraud - this means your credit card company not only has a fraud policy, but have a history of acting quick and siding with the consumer
3) Another credit card tip - some credit cards offer additional warranty protection on certain purchases (i.e. electronics). Here's a list...
4) Don't pay any outlandish shipping/handling fees - if you pay $50 for the iPod and $50 for shipping, and the iPod never shows up - you may only get back your purchase price, not the shipping
5) Check seller ratings on Google or Yahoo shopping. Also do a quick search of the company's name followed by "fraud" or "scam".
As of late, my favorite Grey Market site is Meritline.com.They have scores of accessories for all sorts of devices, and they often ship for free....
$399 - Sony Style
$449 - Best Buy
$378 - Computer City USA
$284 - Refurb Depot
Those last two are Grey Market - unauthorized retailers who offer savings on usually fixed priced products. Shopping grey market can be a mixed bag, but if you follow a couple rules you can shop successfully:
1) First off, never use a check or money order - look for Google Checkout, PayPal, or other 3rd Party credit app service
2) If you use a credit card, make sure you are protected against fraud - this means your credit card company not only has a fraud policy, but have a history of acting quick and siding with the consumer
3) Another credit card tip - some credit cards offer additional warranty protection on certain purchases (i.e. electronics). Here's a list...
4) Don't pay any outlandish shipping/handling fees - if you pay $50 for the iPod and $50 for shipping, and the iPod never shows up - you may only get back your purchase price, not the shipping
5) Check seller ratings on Google or Yahoo shopping. Also do a quick search of the company's name followed by "fraud" or "scam".
As of late, my favorite Grey Market site is Meritline.com.They have scores of accessories for all sorts of devices, and they often ship for free....
Reverse Materialism
If I've learned anything from Houston (I like to think I've learned at least 3 things), it is that no matter what you buy, someone will always have something better. Whether its a house, or the location of the house, or a car, or a phone, or anything - someone always has something better. This is a great lesson in materialism, for as much as I focus this blog on stuff you buy, I try to keep it under the guise of "how to buy stuff as cheap as possible, then sell it on eBay when you're done and break even". My materialism does not take the form of having the most expensive item, but from finding the largest percentage savings on an item you would personally enjoy...
Here's some great examples
42" Panasonic Plasma + 5.1 Phillips DVD + Install for $690
Razr batteries for $.99
JVC MP3/CD Car Stereo with built-in HD Radio for $30
Here's some great examples
42" Panasonic Plasma + 5.1 Phillips DVD + Install for $690
Razr batteries for $.99
JVC MP3/CD Car Stereo with built-in HD Radio for $30
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Truck Rehab Step #2
The new exhaust has arrived and has been installed. Overall, it is nearly as loud when you put the pedal to the floor, but the cruising and start-up are much more quiet and smooth. It has a straight-thru design with fiberglass insulation to deaden the sound. The old Flowmaster setup had welded chambers that redirected the exhaust to reduce drone/resonance. The biggest difference is that the new setup exits behind the rear wheel, and putting the sound well behind the cab.
Want a piece of history, it can be yours for $250.....I just need to find a big enough box to ship it in.
And this post wouldn't be complete without some before and after video:
Want a piece of history, it can be yours for $250.....I just need to find a big enough box to ship it in.
And this post wouldn't be complete without some before and after video:
Learn to merge...
I have a couple pet peeves on the roadway, and for the most part you've heard them before, but #1 seems to come up every day now...
3) Cell phone talker driving 10 under the speed limit
2) No blinker random lane change guy
1) But my most passionate gripe is MERGING TOO EARLY! If you decide to merge 1/2 a mile before the merge point, don't straddle the lanes and penalize me for using COMMON SENSE. Utlilize the entire lane until it merges, keep every one queued properly, and stop the madness!!! Here is a someone who saw the light...
3) Cell phone talker driving 10 under the speed limit
2) No blinker random lane change guy
1) But my most passionate gripe is MERGING TOO EARLY! If you decide to merge 1/2 a mile before the merge point, don't straddle the lanes and penalize me for using COMMON SENSE. Utlilize the entire lane until it merges, keep every one queued properly, and stop the madness!!! Here is a someone who saw the light...
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Dilemma (feat. Shell/Exxon)
Both Shell and Exxon posted record profits for the last quarter, but today our stocks got thrashed. Why? Here's a great explanation of the dilemma we now find ourselves in.
Truck Rehab: Step 1
So while I wait for the new exhaust system to arrive, it's time to install new door speakers. I picked out Alpine Type-S full range speakers (6x9 and 6.5") that have pivoting tweeters. If you need some car speakers, these things are incredible, and right now they are half-off at Crutchfield.
Speaker installs are pretty straight forward - take off door, take out old speaker, put new speaker in, put door back on, and listen to your tunes. I didn't realize this until my first car stereo project, but car interiors are put together like Legos. Taking the door panels off on the Dodge takes 3 minutes tops.
Here's a pic of the old speakers:
Next the empty speaker hole, which this time around I lined with weatherstrip (the kind you use around your doors) to make sure that there were no rattles:
And lastly the new speakers installed, wires neatly tucked behind inside the door:
My tip - always double check the clearance between the back of the speaker and the window. This includes the wires. I once installed a set of speakers, put everything back together, then rolled down the window only to hear a hideous scrape as the window ripped the wires from the back of the speaker.
Speaker installs are pretty straight forward - take off door, take out old speaker, put new speaker in, put door back on, and listen to your tunes. I didn't realize this until my first car stereo project, but car interiors are put together like Legos. Taking the door panels off on the Dodge takes 3 minutes tops.
Here's a pic of the old speakers:
Next the empty speaker hole, which this time around I lined with weatherstrip (the kind you use around your doors) to make sure that there were no rattles:
And lastly the new speakers installed, wires neatly tucked behind inside the door:
My tip - always double check the clearance between the back of the speaker and the window. This includes the wires. I once installed a set of speakers, put everything back together, then rolled down the window only to hear a hideous scrape as the window ripped the wires from the back of the speaker.
Ink on your face
Here's your free computer tip of the day:
Notice how ink-jet printers seem to cost almost nothing? You can get an entry level one for $30 and a nice all-in-one for less than $75. Why you ask? Because they gouge your eyes out with the cost of ink. My new Epson CX8400 came with HALF-FULL ink cartridges, that lasted less than 100 pages of printing. New cartridges are from Epson are $19.99 each. Unless....
There are a couple options for getting new ink for your printer:
1) Buy the name-brand stuff and eat nothing but rice for the following month
2) Buy the gray-market stuff (Amazon) that is "compatible"
3) Or refill your cartridges using a syringe (you can buy kits online, or stores like Walgreens will do it for you).
Methods 2 & 3 will save you a bunch of money. Another tip - if you only print black and white you should consider a Laser Jet Printer. Their toner often gives you more pages than ink-jet printers.
If you have an ink-jet and only want to print black and white, you can adjust the default settings to do so, or switch out the micro-chips on the ink cartridges. Place the color micro-chip on a new black cartridge and BAM, you're printing in B&W in no time....
Notice how ink-jet printers seem to cost almost nothing? You can get an entry level one for $30 and a nice all-in-one for less than $75. Why you ask? Because they gouge your eyes out with the cost of ink. My new Epson CX8400 came with HALF-FULL ink cartridges, that lasted less than 100 pages of printing. New cartridges are from Epson are $19.99 each. Unless....
There are a couple options for getting new ink for your printer:
1) Buy the name-brand stuff and eat nothing but rice for the following month
2) Buy the gray-market stuff (Amazon) that is "compatible"
3) Or refill your cartridges using a syringe (you can buy kits online, or stores like Walgreens will do it for you).
Methods 2 & 3 will save you a bunch of money. Another tip - if you only print black and white you should consider a Laser Jet Printer. Their toner often gives you more pages than ink-jet printers.
If you have an ink-jet and only want to print black and white, you can adjust the default settings to do so, or switch out the micro-chips on the ink cartridges. Place the color micro-chip on a new black cartridge and BAM, you're printing in B&W in no time....
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Homeless Gauntlet
I made a run through the Homeless Gauntlet today (no it's not some wacky new reality show, but it could be, and no it has no relation to the MTV Gauntlet, although those participants are most likely homeless too). This gauntlet was encountered on my way from the office to the parking garage in downtown (this was not my first brush with the homeless).I have created an illustration for your viewing enjoyment.
Let me explain how this perfect storm of homelessness happened. I decided that on my way home from work that I would cut through the library courtyard, then across the City Hall reflection pond, and then traverse the park under which my vehicle was parked. Bad moves all around.
Passing through the library courtyard, first was the long-range panhandler, or LRP. LRPs asks for change while seated at a distance greater than 50 yards. I give him the obligatory "no thanks, sorry" wave, and he unleashes a torrent of indecipherable profanity while explaining how I don't understand. It's not that I don't understand, it's that I can't even hear what he is saying. You're just too far away to make me feel uncomfortable, so I keep going...
As I pass through the library courtyard I feel the eyes of all of them looking at me and my tucked-in shirt. I'm not sure what to do. Just keep moving. Keep moving.
Finally across the library property, I pause at the cross-walk with a young lady. As we both wait for the traffic to pass, I notice that she is looking at me. So I glance her way and didn't notice anything out of the ordinary - normal clothes, hair, etc.. But then, she cracks a smile. We will just call her "Teeth but no Teeth".
Now lightly jogging across the park in front of city hall, up ahead lies a man feeding the pigeons. I gently cirsumvent (look it up, or even better listen to #20) the situation but manage to scare the pigeons off. This elicited a cackle from the man feeding the birds, and I have to say he kind of resembled a bird. Let's call him "The Penguin". I think the birds returned, but maybe they didn't and I feel socially responsible.
Getting across the last park is the last step. Everyone is asleep like lions in a den, but one misplaced step, crack of the twig, or swoosh of the pants will awaken them. I am now in the homestretch, and as I wind the blind corner and dive into the stairwell I come across the last of the sleeping lions. Stepping around his bags I make a clean break for my car. I hope to see all my new friends tomorrow.
Let me explain how this perfect storm of homelessness happened. I decided that on my way home from work that I would cut through the library courtyard, then across the City Hall reflection pond, and then traverse the park under which my vehicle was parked. Bad moves all around.
Passing through the library courtyard, first was the long-range panhandler, or LRP. LRPs asks for change while seated at a distance greater than 50 yards. I give him the obligatory "no thanks, sorry" wave, and he unleashes a torrent of indecipherable profanity while explaining how I don't understand. It's not that I don't understand, it's that I can't even hear what he is saying. You're just too far away to make me feel uncomfortable, so I keep going...
As I pass through the library courtyard I feel the eyes of all of them looking at me and my tucked-in shirt. I'm not sure what to do. Just keep moving. Keep moving.
Finally across the library property, I pause at the cross-walk with a young lady. As we both wait for the traffic to pass, I notice that she is looking at me. So I glance her way and didn't notice anything out of the ordinary - normal clothes, hair, etc.. But then, she cracks a smile. We will just call her "Teeth but no Teeth".
Now lightly jogging across the park in front of city hall, up ahead lies a man feeding the pigeons. I gently cirsumvent (look it up, or even better listen to #20) the situation but manage to scare the pigeons off. This elicited a cackle from the man feeding the birds, and I have to say he kind of resembled a bird. Let's call him "The Penguin". I think the birds returned, but maybe they didn't and I feel socially responsible.
Getting across the last park is the last step. Everyone is asleep like lions in a den, but one misplaced step, crack of the twig, or swoosh of the pants will awaken them. I am now in the homestretch, and as I wind the blind corner and dive into the stairwell I come across the last of the sleeping lions. Stepping around his bags I make a clean break for my car. I hope to see all my new friends tomorrow.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Wall of Shame
Stumbled upon this web-gem while perusing the news feeds. It's the Nassau County DUI Wall of Shame! These pics are incredible. My favorite is Tamas (pictured) with Spenser (also pictured) coming in a close second.
I know you're out there...
I have been feeling a little lonely on the blog - 3 comments this past month - so I checked my page hits on Analytics....bam....2K hits since July 1st. So you're reading, but afraid to comment for fear of associating yourself with my writings. I don't blame you.
BTW, I have continued to incorporate "bam" into my everyday speech and writing.
BTW, I have continued to incorporate "bam" into my everyday speech and writing.
DVR Picks - Oasis in the Desert Edition
You know your Tivo is running lean when you get excited that a new Antiques Road Show has been recorded - "Please, please be in HD! Please, I need to see people excited or disappointed in the value of their personal items in full HD....please.....come on.....dangit!!! 420p......
As an aside, next time The Roadshow (as I call it - when you've seen enough episodes you can call it "The Roadshow", it's a write of passage for young males in the US)...anyway, next time they film in Houston, I am buying a vase at Garden Ridge , walking behind their camera while they are filming a scene, then slip/trip/stumble and bobble the vase until it comes crashing to the ground, and then proclaim "Mam-Maw, Mam-Maw, I knew I shouldn't have taken you out of your jar! I just wanted to see how much it was worth! WHYYYYYYY!!!! WHHHHHHYYYYYY Mam-Maw...."
Since there is nothing on TV, I have set the Tivos to record any HD movies. Last night it picked up Man on Fire, which is very re-watchable. Ever notice how it parallels Gladiator? Girl stolen from man, man wounded mortally but must avenge girl, man must sacrifice himself even when he doesn't have to, man just wants to get to the afterlife, man convinces Ethan Hawke to smoke a controlled substance...wait....what?
As an aside, next time The Roadshow (as I call it - when you've seen enough episodes you can call it "The Roadshow", it's a write of passage for young males in the US)...anyway, next time they film in Houston, I am buying a vase at Garden Ridge , walking behind their camera while they are filming a scene, then slip/trip/stumble and bobble the vase until it comes crashing to the ground, and then proclaim "Mam-Maw, Mam-Maw, I knew I shouldn't have taken you out of your jar! I just wanted to see how much it was worth! WHYYYYYYY!!!! WHHHHHHYYYYYY Mam-Maw...."
Since there is nothing on TV, I have set the Tivos to record any HD movies. Last night it picked up Man on Fire, which is very re-watchable. Ever notice how it parallels Gladiator? Girl stolen from man, man wounded mortally but must avenge girl, man must sacrifice himself even when he doesn't have to, man just wants to get to the afterlife, man convinces Ethan Hawke to smoke a controlled substance...wait....what?
Truck Rehab
So I have slowly come to realize that the exhaust I put on my truck is about 100db to loud, and the vibrations are such that the speakers I installed have slowly come apart, sounding like a rattle snake den in each of my front doors. How to solve this? Buy another exhaust system!
So, using the magic of eBay, I will turn my Flowmaster 50HD Muscle Truck side exhaust system into an MBRP full-length system and hopefully curtail the violent exhaust note that plagues the interior of my ride like a banshee. First, order the new system on eBay, then sell the old system on eBay for a similar price. I am also pulling this trick with my old door speakers and buying new ones as well. Will update the post later when/if my old gear sells. Last time my gear had actually appreciated.
Note to self - next time you put in a custom audio system in your car, don't install an exhaust system that drowns out the music. Counter-productive....
So, using the magic of eBay, I will turn my Flowmaster 50HD Muscle Truck side exhaust system into an MBRP full-length system and hopefully curtail the violent exhaust note that plagues the interior of my ride like a banshee. First, order the new system on eBay, then sell the old system on eBay for a similar price. I am also pulling this trick with my old door speakers and buying new ones as well. Will update the post later when/if my old gear sells. Last time my gear had actually appreciated.
Note to self - next time you put in a custom audio system in your car, don't install an exhaust system that drowns out the music. Counter-productive....
Baby Advice
Best baby advice I have gotten to date - pack a cooler with beer and keep it in the truck of your car so after the baby is born you can go relax in the parking garage and have a cold one. Awesome.
Conspicuous Consumption
I'll be the first to admit that my Dodge Ram truck doesn't get the best fuel economy - I am that guy with the $90+ gas bill that's left on the pump screen when you pull up in your car and think, "Wow, $93.51! It only costs me $72.13 to fill up my car....poor guy with a truck". I did love the reactions that $3.55 gas received while we were in Victoria - people were amazed, like finding manna on the ground, such is $3.55 gas.
Being in Texas (and America in general), I can get away with a big truck since it has been our lifestyle for 50 years. But, my international co-workers love to stick it to me. Pity the truck owner whose full-size behemoth is flanked by a Z3 and and 911 at the restaurant's valet. Not to mention when the exhaust starts up and all 5.7L rumble out onto the ground in cacophony of gas fumes and carbon footprint. I am just making up for the rest of you who have decided to slack off on your daily carbon deposits.
Doing some quick math, it only makes sense to buy a new fuel efficient car (i.e. Civic, Focus) if gas reaches $5.00 (which it will likely not as summer is winding down). The truck is paid off and gets 15 City / 18 highway. I did some recent mods to help out the fuel efficiency, and I have a couple more planned...
Being in Texas (and America in general), I can get away with a big truck since it has been our lifestyle for 50 years. But, my international co-workers love to stick it to me. Pity the truck owner whose full-size behemoth is flanked by a Z3 and and 911 at the restaurant's valet. Not to mention when the exhaust starts up and all 5.7L rumble out onto the ground in cacophony of gas fumes and carbon footprint. I am just making up for the rest of you who have decided to slack off on your daily carbon deposits.
Doing some quick math, it only makes sense to buy a new fuel efficient car (i.e. Civic, Focus) if gas reaches $5.00 (which it will likely not as summer is winding down). The truck is paid off and gets 15 City / 18 highway. I did some recent mods to help out the fuel efficiency, and I have a couple more planned...
Thursday, July 17, 2008
This is a strong blog
We all know car dealers use some slight of hand tactics to separate you from your money when it comes time to buy a car (I like to think that I am immune, but it has probably happened to me). But it is a bit different when a kid from your old church sends you a form letter spewing a half-truth trying to get me into some new debt:
"Dear Lee,
I was just reviewing your records and noticed that your Xterra has almost 36,000 miles on it.
Are you interested in selling your Xterra? If so, there is a strong used car market and we may be able to give you more than you would expect.
Should you choose to purchase another vehicle from Baker Jackson Nissan South, we have many new models to choose from.
Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.
Respectfully,
Brad Baker
Sales Manager
Baker Jackson Nissan South"
Strong market for my used SUV? If we are talking it's value as scrap metal maybe so. This just in: Nissan is having a strong quarter...
"Dear Lee,
I was just reviewing your records and noticed that your Xterra has almost 36,000 miles on it.
Are you interested in selling your Xterra? If so, there is a strong used car market and we may be able to give you more than you would expect.
Should you choose to purchase another vehicle from Baker Jackson Nissan South, we have many new models to choose from.
Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.
Respectfully,
Brad Baker
Sales Manager
Baker Jackson Nissan South"
Strong market for my used SUV? If we are talking it's value as scrap metal maybe so. This just in: Nissan is having a strong quarter...
Saturday, July 12, 2008
2.0 Software
Welcome to the iPhone 2.0 live blog - I'm going to go step by step as I upload the new software and apps.
Ok, I waited until the initial rush was over to get the iPhone 2.0 software loaded on my phone. It appears that my strategery has worked - it took me 1 hour to install 2.0 - no issues so far. I also didn't rush out to ATT to buy the new iPhone as I was waiting for the 2.0 software to become available and test it's features - 2.0 upgrade is free...
Don't despair if you have the old iPhone as I do, and wish you had waited for the new one. Here's some reasons why I am not yet upgrading.....
Reason's why the original iPhone is fine with me:
- My web browsing speed is just fine - the sites I spend my time on have very few pics/graphics, and they load fast over the old Edge network. They could always load faster, so this is the only reason I would upgrade...
- I don't need GPS - I know where I am going, but if I need help the original iPhone's map and faux-GPS are just fine
- The new iPhone plane is $15+ more a month including an SMS bundle
-The iPhone 2.0 software is available for free, no need for a new phone...
Ok, so I have 2.0 installed and here's the review:
First let's go to the Apps Store - AHHHHHH! There are too many apps! Guitar Tuner, Remote Control emulator, eBay, MLB, MONKEYBALL....yes, MONKEYBALL!!!!! (I don't know what Monkeyball is) and each one has it's own Applized icon....my mind is blown. I need to get some Advil. Be right back.
Alright, I'm back - I'm going to start with the key apps I need - eBay and PayPal - and go from there.
The first test - do these Apps speed up my normal experience on eBay and Paypal? Normal ebay page takes 15 seconds on EDGE - but the new App is blazing fast. Loads lists of items in mere seconds, but it missing some functionality. Since this is v1.0, I'll let it slide. PayPal is the same way. Viewing my balance once took 3 web pages and 60 seconds, but now it takes less than 5 seconds.
So my initial verdict is that the original iPhone is just fine now that 2.0 software is loaded. Sure I'm missing some location-aware GPS apps, but other than that I am fine. Plus the original phone will be somewhat of a rarity, and you'll be the early adopter of a product that will be as ubiquitous as the iPod itself. Now on to Monkeyball...
Ok, I waited until the initial rush was over to get the iPhone 2.0 software loaded on my phone. It appears that my strategery has worked - it took me 1 hour to install 2.0 - no issues so far. I also didn't rush out to ATT to buy the new iPhone as I was waiting for the 2.0 software to become available and test it's features - 2.0 upgrade is free...
Don't despair if you have the old iPhone as I do, and wish you had waited for the new one. Here's some reasons why I am not yet upgrading.....
Reason's why the original iPhone is fine with me:
- My web browsing speed is just fine - the sites I spend my time on have very few pics/graphics, and they load fast over the old Edge network. They could always load faster, so this is the only reason I would upgrade...
- I don't need GPS - I know where I am going, but if I need help the original iPhone's map and faux-GPS are just fine
- The new iPhone plane is $15+ more a month including an SMS bundle
-The iPhone 2.0 software is available for free, no need for a new phone...
Ok, so I have 2.0 installed and here's the review:
First let's go to the Apps Store - AHHHHHH! There are too many apps! Guitar Tuner, Remote Control emulator, eBay, MLB, MONKEYBALL....yes, MONKEYBALL!!!!! (I don't know what Monkeyball is) and each one has it's own Applized icon....my mind is blown. I need to get some Advil. Be right back.
Alright, I'm back - I'm going to start with the key apps I need - eBay and PayPal - and go from there.
The first test - do these Apps speed up my normal experience on eBay and Paypal? Normal ebay page takes 15 seconds on EDGE - but the new App is blazing fast. Loads lists of items in mere seconds, but it missing some functionality. Since this is v1.0, I'll let it slide. PayPal is the same way. Viewing my balance once took 3 web pages and 60 seconds, but now it takes less than 5 seconds.
So my initial verdict is that the original iPhone is just fine now that 2.0 software is loaded. Sure I'm missing some location-aware GPS apps, but other than that I am fine. Plus the original phone will be somewhat of a rarity, and you'll be the early adopter of a product that will be as ubiquitous as the iPod itself. Now on to Monkeyball...
A true American
When people across the pond think of Americans, do you suppose this guy comes to mind? I found this picture in CNN's coverage of the iPhone 3G release
Exhibit A - Yankees hat...wait, this just in, it's a VISOR...a Yankees VISOR everyone...wow, what a stunning moment
Exhibit B - Jon Bon Jovi concert t-shirt - this tells us two things - that he likes Bon Jovi, and that he is from New Jersey (or he spent 4+ hours there for the concert - either way he is from Jersey)
Exhibit C - unbridled enthusiasm for commercialism as demonstrated by the iPhone being held up high as an object of worship, although his face is not as enthusiastic as I initially thought. If you look close, into his eyes, you see that voice in his head is saying "I'm not really sure how much I just spent" or perhaps "my girlfriend Tina is going to be upset that I blew our Bon Jovi fan club membership dues on this iPhone"....
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The second coming...
I smirked a bit when I saw today's Consumerist iPhone post - the second coming indeed....
Sunday, July 6, 2008
OxyMoron?
Just saw a guy outside with a LiveStrong bracelet smoking a cigarette. Isn't that like wearing a WWJD bracelet in a strip club?
Friday, July 4, 2008
Amazon $5 MP3 Albums
Amazon has weekly specials on MP3 albums ($4-$8 each) that download directly to iTunes or Windows Media player to be burned to CDs or put onto your iPod.
I recently purchased Cold Play and Feist albums both for less than $5 each using Amazon. This is a great example of how digital downloads are going to fully replace digital media in the near future. Why waste all that money making and distributing CDs when you can make them available online for a fair price and still make profit?
Same goes for Blu-Ray DVD - I can download HD movies for less than Blu-Ray. True they don't come with a cool jacket or disc to show my friends, but they are a fraction of the price and give me the same HD movie.
(Yes, iTunes has been doing this for sometime, but combining this approach with a largely discounted price as compared to CD/DVD media is truly a Amazon trait)
Event though CDs/DVDs have incredible profit margins, digital downloads should become the most profitable form of media delivery since they lack physical packaging and shipping/delivery mechanisms - even if they sell for half as much....
I recently purchased Cold Play and Feist albums both for less than $5 each using Amazon. This is a great example of how digital downloads are going to fully replace digital media in the near future. Why waste all that money making and distributing CDs when you can make them available online for a fair price and still make profit?
Same goes for Blu-Ray DVD - I can download HD movies for less than Blu-Ray. True they don't come with a cool jacket or disc to show my friends, but they are a fraction of the price and give me the same HD movie.
(Yes, iTunes has been doing this for sometime, but combining this approach with a largely discounted price as compared to CD/DVD media is truly a Amazon trait)
Event though CDs/DVDs have incredible profit margins, digital downloads should become the most profitable form of media delivery since they lack physical packaging and shipping/delivery mechanisms - even if they sell for half as much....
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