I saw on the news the other day that the cruiseline that owns the cruise ship that ran aground and tipped over was offering all the passengers about $14,000 for their troubles. Along with a complete refund, travel expenses, medical expenses, etc. My first thought was that just doesn't seem like very much. What do you think?
Normally I think it's a bit ridiculous how much people get or think they deserve when they're in an accident. Thousands of dollars for a car accident - why? Yes, I think all expenses should be covered. Medical bills should be paid. Car repairs should be paid. Lost wages would need to be paid. But do people really need to get rich because of an accident? Maybe that's not how it actually works, but the commercials on TV certainly make it sound that way. It makes me wonder if anybody who's actually in an accident just automatically needs a lawyer to get even the basics that should be covered. I mean, of course somebody who's accused of a crime in Los Angeles will need a california criminal lawyer, but is it really necessary to get a lawyer to make the insurance companies do what they're supposed to do?
It's probably just a vicious cycle - insurance companies are reluctant to pay because of the lawyers who have made them pay so much in the future, so the people without lawyers have a really hard time getting what they actually deserve - something that wouldn't and shouldn't have been a big deal, if only the lawyers hadn't gotten involved in the first place. So, ridiculous as it may seem at times, there probably isn't any other choice.
I'm thinking the cruise ship passengers will be calling their own lawyers. I don't think that $14,000 offered by the cruiseline will be enough to keep them from calling. The captain may need a los angeles criminal defense lawyer to maybe keep him out of jail, and all the passengers will be hiring lawyers to get them some of that money car accident victims are always getting. I think they deserve it. A cruise ship accident like this just seems more serious and worthy of more compensation than any old car accident.
What do you think?
Showing posts with label 01/12. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 01/12. Show all posts
Monday, January 30, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Come on In, the Water's Fine!
One of my facebook friends will be jumping into freezing water on February 11. Of course, he does live in Missouri, so it won't be as cold as it might be here in Wisconsin - and he is doing it for a good cause. He's raising money for Special Olympics athletes. If you'd like to help him out by jumping in with him, I mean donating to his fundraising campaign, let me know, and I'll get you the link. If only I lived closer, I might think about jumping in with him...
Yes, I can safely say that because I don't live close enough, but I really do like swimming in cold water. Maybe not that cold, but colder than most people seem to like. It all started when some of my friends made me get in the water when we went to the beach in February. I fought it, but then I loved it - it felt so good! Please note that this was in Southern California, so the water was cold enough to make my body tingle and eventually just feel numb, but it wasn't exactly freezing. Like that water in Missouri in February will probably be...
People used to say the water was freezing in our apartment pool. I don't know if the heater broke, or they were just trying to save money on power and pool chemicals, but it was pretty cold sometimes. That was when I liked it best! People would come by and ask, "How's the water?" and I'd answer, "Fine!" or "Perfect!" - and they'd know it was too cold for their liking. What this meant, of course, was that I had the pool to myself, because nobody else wanted to swim. Well, there were 1 or 2 other people who enjoyed it, but everyone else pretty much stayed away. It was so nice. And the water was just plain invigorating.
There is, of course, only one way to get into a cold pool - jump right into the deep end! I may not know much about pool filters, but I do know that. Trying to ease in slowly just does not work. I'm guessing my friend Mike will be jumping right in next month when he does his Polar Plunge - and then he'll probably jump right back out again!
Yes, I can safely say that because I don't live close enough, but I really do like swimming in cold water. Maybe not that cold, but colder than most people seem to like. It all started when some of my friends made me get in the water when we went to the beach in February. I fought it, but then I loved it - it felt so good! Please note that this was in Southern California, so the water was cold enough to make my body tingle and eventually just feel numb, but it wasn't exactly freezing. Like that water in Missouri in February will probably be...
People used to say the water was freezing in our apartment pool. I don't know if the heater broke, or they were just trying to save money on power and pool chemicals, but it was pretty cold sometimes. That was when I liked it best! People would come by and ask, "How's the water?" and I'd answer, "Fine!" or "Perfect!" - and they'd know it was too cold for their liking. What this meant, of course, was that I had the pool to myself, because nobody else wanted to swim. Well, there were 1 or 2 other people who enjoyed it, but everyone else pretty much stayed away. It was so nice. And the water was just plain invigorating.
There is, of course, only one way to get into a cold pool - jump right into the deep end! I may not know much about pool filters, but I do know that. Trying to ease in slowly just does not work. I'm guessing my friend Mike will be jumping right in next month when he does his Polar Plunge - and then he'll probably jump right back out again!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Stop Calling Me!
I keep getting these recorded phone calls. They're always regarding my current credit card account, and I should call them right away, and... Well, I don't really know what else because I always hang up on them after that. Really - does that work with anybody? It must, because they keep doing it. In fact, they usually call several times in one day - all from different phone numbers. I'm just gradually adding them to a contact on my phone called 'Spam!' - and all calls from that contact go straight to voicemail, so eventually I won't hear from them anymore. Or at least that's the plan.
I'm not really sure why they are allowed to call me in the first place. I always sign all of our phone numbers up for the Do Not Call List - every time they mention it on the news. Never mind the fact that I don't know why I should have to sign up again and again. I mean, why does my sign-up on that list only last 2 years at a time? I think it should last until I take my number off the list - like that would ever happen! But, anyway, I'm wondering if these 'I have information about your current credit card' phone calls aren't actually against the law. Could I get them in trouble? Or sue them? Yeah, I'm not sure what the law is on that; I guess I'll just stick to the send to voicemail thing.
I could understand their right to call me if they really were calling from one of my credit cards and maybe trying to work out a payment plan with me - not that there's any need for that! And I really don't recommend using the voicemail trick to stop collection harassment for good, because if you owe money, you owe money, and it's probably best just to face up to it and come up with a plan to take care of it. There are even lawyers who are working hard to stop collection harassment California and elsewhere - because, really, does harassing someone really do any good for anybody? It just has people avoiding the bill collectors and getting deeper and deeper into trouble.
Yep, makes about as much sense as these stupid recorded phone calls... Why don't they ask me about this stuff?
I'm not really sure why they are allowed to call me in the first place. I always sign all of our phone numbers up for the Do Not Call List - every time they mention it on the news. Never mind the fact that I don't know why I should have to sign up again and again. I mean, why does my sign-up on that list only last 2 years at a time? I think it should last until I take my number off the list - like that would ever happen! But, anyway, I'm wondering if these 'I have information about your current credit card' phone calls aren't actually against the law. Could I get them in trouble? Or sue them? Yeah, I'm not sure what the law is on that; I guess I'll just stick to the send to voicemail thing.
I could understand their right to call me if they really were calling from one of my credit cards and maybe trying to work out a payment plan with me - not that there's any need for that! And I really don't recommend using the voicemail trick to stop collection harassment for good, because if you owe money, you owe money, and it's probably best just to face up to it and come up with a plan to take care of it. There are even lawyers who are working hard to stop collection harassment California and elsewhere - because, really, does harassing someone really do any good for anybody? It just has people avoiding the bill collectors and getting deeper and deeper into trouble.
Yep, makes about as much sense as these stupid recorded phone calls... Why don't they ask me about this stuff?
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
A Walk in the Snow
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| Image by bcmom via Flickr |
We are going to have to change our morning schedule! Since Jeffrey stopped walking with me, I haven't been getting up until he gets up to get ready for work. While he's getting dressed, I make his lunch, and then Weasley and I see him off, and I go for my walk after he's gone. That works just fine - unless it snows and the driveway needs shoveled - because there's no time to get it shoveled before he leaves for work. He did quickly clean off his side this morning while I finished up his lunch, but it just got covered again practically as soon as he cleared it off. So I'm waiting until later, when it stops snowing, before I go out and shovel. I don't have to go anywhere today...
I did go for my walk after Jeffrey left for work. Two miles in the falling snow! It was really nice. The new snow is a lot better to walk in than the slush and slippery patches left from an old snow. I keep thinking I should get some Alpinestars Tech 10 Boots or some kind winter walking shoes, but so far I've just made do with my regular walking shoes. I'm not sure the mesh in the tops of my current ones is the best idea for winter, though.
By the time I got back, I was having a hard time seeing because of all the snow on my glasses, and my hat, coat, and gloves were covered in snow - but it was all worth it. And definitely better than sleet or freezing drizzle. Those would have kept me inside.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Save Big Money with Daily Deals
You know I love a good deal, and there are several online sites that offer very good deals. Sure there are the regular sites where you can usually get a better deal than you'd find in your local store, but for even better savings, you need to check out the daily deal sites. These sites have one-day-only sales at significant savings - sometimes 90 to 100% off!
The best way to take advantage of these great deals is to sign up for daily emails that will let you know what the deals are for that day. If it's a really good deal on a hot item, you'll want to take advantage of it right away, because those items often sell out quickly, and at any rate, you only have until the end of the day to buy that item at that price. You will also want to have an idea what things usually sell for - perhaps keep a list of the best prices you've seen on items you might be interested in - so that you'll know a good deal when you see one. The sites will usually quote full retail on an item, and therefore the percentage off is higher, but nobody actually pays full retail for anything - or they shouldn't! - so do your homework and know what things really sell for. When you see a deal you think is good, you can always check a price comparison site like PriceGrabber to know for sure.
I've signed up for several of these daily deal sites, and I've gotten some really good deals. One site I just recently found out about is nomorerack, so I'm going to have to sign up for that one too. I guess there have been some rumors going around about a nomorerack scam, but I haven't heard anything about that, have you? I've read a few nomorerack reviews, and it looks like a pretty good site. They have 8 deals a day, so there's plenty to choose from, and shipping is only $2 per item, which is really good. Today I saw jewelry, watches, a magazine subscription, purses, and more. Nothing I need today, but that's why it's important to subscribe to the emails or check back often (every day) because you never know what tomorrow will bring.
So, if you like good deals, be sure to check out nomorerack and sign up for the daily emails if it looks good to you. Just be sure to do your homework so you know when a good deal is really a good deal - and beware that good deals can be quite addictive! No matter how good the deals are and how much money you save on each, the costs can add up the more deals you take. You will have a lot more stuff for the same money, though.
The best way to take advantage of these great deals is to sign up for daily emails that will let you know what the deals are for that day. If it's a really good deal on a hot item, you'll want to take advantage of it right away, because those items often sell out quickly, and at any rate, you only have until the end of the day to buy that item at that price. You will also want to have an idea what things usually sell for - perhaps keep a list of the best prices you've seen on items you might be interested in - so that you'll know a good deal when you see one. The sites will usually quote full retail on an item, and therefore the percentage off is higher, but nobody actually pays full retail for anything - or they shouldn't! - so do your homework and know what things really sell for. When you see a deal you think is good, you can always check a price comparison site like PriceGrabber to know for sure.
I've signed up for several of these daily deal sites, and I've gotten some really good deals. One site I just recently found out about is nomorerack, so I'm going to have to sign up for that one too. I guess there have been some rumors going around about a nomorerack scam, but I haven't heard anything about that, have you? I've read a few nomorerack reviews, and it looks like a pretty good site. They have 8 deals a day, so there's plenty to choose from, and shipping is only $2 per item, which is really good. Today I saw jewelry, watches, a magazine subscription, purses, and more. Nothing I need today, but that's why it's important to subscribe to the emails or check back often (every day) because you never know what tomorrow will bring.
So, if you like good deals, be sure to check out nomorerack and sign up for the daily emails if it looks good to you. Just be sure to do your homework so you know when a good deal is really a good deal - and beware that good deals can be quite addictive! No matter how good the deals are and how much money you save on each, the costs can add up the more deals you take. You will have a lot more stuff for the same money, though.
Friday, January 13, 2012
From One Holiday to the Next
People were talking last week about how the candy for Valentine's Day and chocolate valentines day gifts for her are already on the shelves in the stores. It's like they can hardly wait for one holiday to be over so they can sell stuff for the next one. It has me wondering if none of the days in between are supposed to matter.
It is convenient if you want chocolate or candy, because all you have to do is wait until the day after the holiday - whatever holiday it might be - and everything goes on clearance, usually at least 50% off. It's the exact same candy it was just a day or two before, but suddenly it has the wrong design on the package - and therefore it's worth less! It really makes no sense when you think of it that way, but it's handy. I may not care much about candy, but there are people in my house who do - and we don't care what the design on the package looks like or what the shape of the candy is. It still tastes the same!
What about you? Do you buy seasonal holiday candy before the actual holiday or do you wait until after so you can snag it on clearance? I personally can't think of anything I want badly enough to pay full price when I know it will be much cheaper in just a few days. I can wait. Remember Tickle Me Elmo from a few years back? What were those people thinking?
It is convenient if you want chocolate or candy, because all you have to do is wait until the day after the holiday - whatever holiday it might be - and everything goes on clearance, usually at least 50% off. It's the exact same candy it was just a day or two before, but suddenly it has the wrong design on the package - and therefore it's worth less! It really makes no sense when you think of it that way, but it's handy. I may not care much about candy, but there are people in my house who do - and we don't care what the design on the package looks like or what the shape of the candy is. It still tastes the same!
What about you? Do you buy seasonal holiday candy before the actual holiday or do you wait until after so you can snag it on clearance? I personally can't think of anything I want badly enough to pay full price when I know it will be much cheaper in just a few days. I can wait. Remember Tickle Me Elmo from a few years back? What were those people thinking?
Go Illini!
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| Endless Gym (Photo credit: bcmom) |
She has decided that he's going to go to the University of Illinois - to play basketball. She doesn't care what he does after, whether he goes on to play for the pros or starts selling popcorn at the games - but he must play basketball for the Illini. Because his mommy and his Papa are big Illini basketball fans.
That would be kind of cool, wouldn't it? I guess we'll have to wait and see - and teach this boy to play basketball as soon as he can walk.
I'm Not So Good with Ratings
I mentioned meetings in my last post (What? You didn't see that? That's because I forgot to mention it - and went back to add it - so it's there now)
I had a regular Library Board meeting on Monday night and then a committee meeting on Wednesday afternoon - immediately after Cory and I got back from seeing The Muppets. That meeting wasn't too terribly long. We just went over the ratings we gave all the architects who submitted proposals and decided which ones we didn't really like and which ones we want to interview. I must admit I'm not really good at the ratings thing. Somebody asks me to rate something on a scale of 1 to 10, I'll probably go with a 5. I just have a hard time with the whole thing. I did know enough to weigh library experience over experience with something like alcoholism treatment centers, but the rest was a bit iffy.
It turned out OK, though, because we all had the same firm at the bottom, and pretty much the same 3 at the top - so I guess I didn't do horribly bad. The end result (for now) is that we will hopefully be talking to 4 of the firms in the next few weeks and then choosing one to do a feasibility study for our library - to see what we can do to expand our current and/or build a new one. Of course there's no guarantee that we'll be able to do anything, but at least we'll have the information we need to make an informed decision. And hopefully have plenty of room for our library and all the awesome services and programs it offers to the people of our community!
I had a regular Library Board meeting on Monday night and then a committee meeting on Wednesday afternoon - immediately after Cory and I got back from seeing The Muppets. That meeting wasn't too terribly long. We just went over the ratings we gave all the architects who submitted proposals and decided which ones we didn't really like and which ones we want to interview. I must admit I'm not really good at the ratings thing. Somebody asks me to rate something on a scale of 1 to 10, I'll probably go with a 5. I just have a hard time with the whole thing. I did know enough to weigh library experience over experience with something like alcoholism treatment centers, but the rest was a bit iffy.
It turned out OK, though, because we all had the same firm at the bottom, and pretty much the same 3 at the top - so I guess I didn't do horribly bad. The end result (for now) is that we will hopefully be talking to 4 of the firms in the next few weeks and then choosing one to do a feasibility study for our library - to see what we can do to expand our current and/or build a new one. Of course there's no guarantee that we'll be able to do anything, but at least we'll have the information we need to make an informed decision. And hopefully have plenty of room for our library and all the awesome services and programs it offers to the people of our community!
Catching Up, or NOT
The problem with not being home - because of movies, meetings, dentist appointments, etc. - is that absolutely nothing gets done. Dishes don't get washed, the table doesn't get cleaned off, junk mail piles up... I'm thinking I'm going to have to get a skid steer in here to load up all the clutter and get it out of here!
And today, when I thought I might at least get started on a bit of catching up - Jason's back. Not that I'm complaining, because I love the little guy, but I certainly don't get anything done while he's here!
Unfortunately he's here because his mommy isn't feeling good, so hopefully the extra rest she can get today - because she doesn't have to take care of her little man - will help and she'll be better soon. I didn't stay long when I went to pick Jason up, because I don't want to get what she's got!
And today, when I thought I might at least get started on a bit of catching up - Jason's back. Not that I'm complaining, because I love the little guy, but I certainly don't get anything done while he's here!
Unfortunately he's here because his mommy isn't feeling good, so hopefully the extra rest she can get today - because she doesn't have to take care of her little man - will help and she'll be better soon. I didn't stay long when I went to pick Jason up, because I don't want to get what she's got!
Walgreens and Express Scripts
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
I'm sure, if you take any prescription medications, that you have a regular pharmacy that you always go to. It's convenient - close to home or work, open when you need it to be, and they take your insurance. For many people, that pharmacy is a Walgreens pharmacy. Walgreens has more 24-hour and drive-through pharmacies than any other pharmacy in the country - making them very convenient for busy people.
How would you feel if you suddenly had to choose a new pharmacy because you could no longer use your prescription drug benefits at your regular pharmacy? Many people who are covered by an Express Scripts pharmacy plan are finding themselves in just such a situation because Walgreens is no longer part of Express Scripts’ pharmacy provider network as of Jan. 1, 2012. This includes many of our military service men and women because their health and prescription drug program, Tricare is one of Express Scripts’ clients. If you think you might be affected, be sure to check the back of your prescription card to see if it says Express Scripts, or check with your local Walgreens pharmacist.
Negotiations between Walgreens and Express Script continued for a year. Walgreens did not seek an increase in rates, and Express Scripts itself admitted that clients will not see any significant savings from excluding Walgreens from the network - but an agreement could not be made. That has left many patients scrambling to find a new pharmacy and, I'm sure, frustrated that they no longer have the choice to use Walgreens if that's what they're used to or is most convenient for them.
In an effort to help the people who are affected by this situation, Walgreens is offering a special discount on annual membership for its Prescription Savings Club. Individuals can join during a special January promotion for only $5, or $10 for a family membership. (Regular annual membership is $20 for an individual and $35 for a family, so that's a huge savings!) The Walgreens Prescription Savings Club offers savings on more than 8,000 brand name and all generic medications. More than 400 generics are available with a three-month supply for less than $1 a week. Other benefits include discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic supplies and bonuses for purchasing Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services.
You can stay updated on this situation and show your support of Walgreens by liking Walgreens on Facebook and following Walgreens on Twitter.
I'm sure, if you take any prescription medications, that you have a regular pharmacy that you always go to. It's convenient - close to home or work, open when you need it to be, and they take your insurance. For many people, that pharmacy is a Walgreens pharmacy. Walgreens has more 24-hour and drive-through pharmacies than any other pharmacy in the country - making them very convenient for busy people.
How would you feel if you suddenly had to choose a new pharmacy because you could no longer use your prescription drug benefits at your regular pharmacy? Many people who are covered by an Express Scripts pharmacy plan are finding themselves in just such a situation because Walgreens is no longer part of Express Scripts’ pharmacy provider network as of Jan. 1, 2012. This includes many of our military service men and women because their health and prescription drug program, Tricare is one of Express Scripts’ clients. If you think you might be affected, be sure to check the back of your prescription card to see if it says Express Scripts, or check with your local Walgreens pharmacist.
Negotiations between Walgreens and Express Script continued for a year. Walgreens did not seek an increase in rates, and Express Scripts itself admitted that clients will not see any significant savings from excluding Walgreens from the network - but an agreement could not be made. That has left many patients scrambling to find a new pharmacy and, I'm sure, frustrated that they no longer have the choice to use Walgreens if that's what they're used to or is most convenient for them.
In an effort to help the people who are affected by this situation, Walgreens is offering a special discount on annual membership for its Prescription Savings Club. Individuals can join during a special January promotion for only $5, or $10 for a family membership. (Regular annual membership is $20 for an individual and $35 for a family, so that's a huge savings!) The Walgreens Prescription Savings Club offers savings on more than 8,000 brand name and all generic medications. More than 400 generics are available with a three-month supply for less than $1 a week. Other benefits include discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic supplies and bonuses for purchasing Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services.
You can stay updated on this situation and show your support of Walgreens by liking Walgreens on Facebook and following Walgreens on Twitter.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Do These Pants Make My Butt Look Fat? Errr, Flat?
to 'give your figure a sexy shape' and make that butt pop. Some of them are even called Booty Pop
! And here I thought I was exercising to keep my butt small...So, what do you think - do these pants make my butt look fat? Errr, flat?
And does it really matter? It's not like I'm signing up for free online dating at Zyngle.com or trying to impress anyone, right? I'd like to think my husband likes me the way I am.
Of course, before we got married, I made him promise me he'd love me even if I got fat. I didn't think to ask him about the booty pop thing...
How about you - what do you think about these padded enhancements? There must be people buying them. Are you one of them. Come on, you can tell me!
And We Have Snow...
I'm sure I'm not the only one, but when the weatherman on the news says that we're going to get snow - I'll believe it when I see it! Well, I believe it. The snow started shortly before 9 this morning. Of course, the jury is still out on how much snow we will get. I think they're saying 4-6" and lots of blowing, but so far we've just got a dusting. It's coming down quite steadily, but the flakes are really small so they don't pile up too fast.
I'm hoping it doesn't get too bad, at least not 'til a bit later. I prefer to stay home when it snows and don't get out unless I have to, but today I have to because I have an appointment with the dentist this afternoon. Well, I could have rescheduled, but I'd have to wait another two weeks and who knows what the weather will be like then. So, I'm going.
It's not that I can't drive in the snow - I just prefer not to. And it's surprising how many people have forgotten how to drive in the snow since last winter. The first real snow of the season always seems to catch them by surprise, which doesn't make much sense. After all, we live in Wisconsin! Now, a snowstorm in Texas where they're not used to snow could cause a real Houston migraine, and that would be entirely understandable - but we're used to snow here, or at least we should be.
I'm hoping it doesn't get too bad, at least not 'til a bit later. I prefer to stay home when it snows and don't get out unless I have to, but today I have to because I have an appointment with the dentist this afternoon. Well, I could have rescheduled, but I'd have to wait another two weeks and who knows what the weather will be like then. So, I'm going.
It's not that I can't drive in the snow - I just prefer not to. And it's surprising how many people have forgotten how to drive in the snow since last winter. The first real snow of the season always seems to catch them by surprise, which doesn't make much sense. After all, we live in Wisconsin! Now, a snowstorm in Texas where they're not used to snow could cause a real Houston migraine, and that would be entirely understandable - but we're used to snow here, or at least we should be.
Three Movie Tickets in My Pocket
This does not normally happen, but I've seen three movies in the last couple days. Three movies in the theater, that is - I'm not counting any movies we may have watched at home.
Tuesday night Cory and I attended a pre-screening of Man On a Ledge, which opens January 27. Yay for free passes! It's certainly a good way to fill up a theater on a weeknight. For reference - if you get free passes to a movie like this, show up early. The movie was at 7pm, and we got there about 5:20 and were behind about 8 people in line. It wasn't long until that line curled all around the theater's entryway and into the lobby, and they started taking the passes, exchanging them for tickets, and directing us to the theater where they were showing the movie shortly after 6pm. Too far back in the line could mean bad seats or no seats at all. We got good ones!
We really enjoyed the movie. It's about an escaped convict ex-cop who climbs out onto a hotel ledge declaring that he's prepared to die - yeah, probably not a good risk for guaranteed issue life insurance -but as the movie continues we find out he's not really planning to commit suicide, but what is he really up to? There are enough twists, turns, and laughs to keep you entertained until the end.
The second movie we saw was The Muppets. Cory and I went yesterday morning/afternoon, and we loved it! We laughed out loud throughout the whole movie. It was just so much fun. Also, I really really need to figure out how to Travel by Map!
Then last night Jeffrey, Cory, and I went and saw Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - again. We went and saw it on the Ultra Screen when it first came out and probably wouldn't have gone to see it again, but we had passes - from buying some $8 BluRays - so we had to use them.... We really enjoyed it both times! I think it's better than the first one. Of course, we might just have to watch that one again soon just to see... I'm also thinking that I really need to read some Sherlock Holmes!
How many movies did you see this week?
Tuesday night Cory and I attended a pre-screening of Man On a Ledge, which opens January 27. Yay for free passes! It's certainly a good way to fill up a theater on a weeknight. For reference - if you get free passes to a movie like this, show up early. The movie was at 7pm, and we got there about 5:20 and were behind about 8 people in line. It wasn't long until that line curled all around the theater's entryway and into the lobby, and they started taking the passes, exchanging them for tickets, and directing us to the theater where they were showing the movie shortly after 6pm. Too far back in the line could mean bad seats or no seats at all. We got good ones!
We really enjoyed the movie. It's about an escaped convict ex-cop who climbs out onto a hotel ledge declaring that he's prepared to die - yeah, probably not a good risk for guaranteed issue life insurance -but as the movie continues we find out he's not really planning to commit suicide, but what is he really up to? There are enough twists, turns, and laughs to keep you entertained until the end.
Then last night Jeffrey, Cory, and I went and saw Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - again. We went and saw it on the Ultra Screen when it first came out and probably wouldn't have gone to see it again, but we had passes - from buying some $8 BluRays - so we had to use them.... We really enjoyed it both times! I think it's better than the first one. Of course, we might just have to watch that one again soon just to see... I'm also thinking that I really need to read some Sherlock Holmes!
How many movies did you see this week?
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
January?
It's been hard to believe that it's actually January the last couple days. It's been sunny and in the high 40's to low 50's. Seriously - sunshine and 50° in January. In Wisconsin.
Not that I'm complaining. I could get used to this.
They were saying on the radio yesterday morning that the golf course in the area are making thousands of extra dollars because people have been out golfing. In January. In Wisconsin.
Yesterday I thought I heard someone riding by on a motorcycle. In January. In Wisconsin. I bet people are even breaking out the saddles and horse riding helmets and going for trail rides.
We're all plenty happy to put winter on hold.
Until tomorrow when we're supposed to get several inches of snow, and we'll have to forget about golf, motorcycles, shirtsleeves, and sunshine - and pull out the snow shovels.
And learn to drive in the snow again.
Not that I'm complaining. I could get used to this.
They were saying on the radio yesterday morning that the golf course in the area are making thousands of extra dollars because people have been out golfing. In January. In Wisconsin.
Yesterday I thought I heard someone riding by on a motorcycle. In January. In Wisconsin. I bet people are even breaking out the saddles and horse riding helmets and going for trail rides.
We're all plenty happy to put winter on hold.
Until tomorrow when we're supposed to get several inches of snow, and we'll have to forget about golf, motorcycles, shirtsleeves, and sunshine - and pull out the snow shovels.
And learn to drive in the snow again.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
When the Store is Closed...
...the books will play!
OK, maybe not, but I saw this video on facebook this morning, and I just had to share.
So, if you've ever wondered what happens when the bookshop employees shut down the cash registers, turn out the lights and lock the door, now you know!
Isn't that fun? Just imagine all the work that went into putting that video together... I'm in awe.
OK, maybe not, but I saw this video on facebook this morning, and I just had to share.
So, if you've ever wondered what happens when the bookshop employees shut down the cash registers, turn out the lights and lock the door, now you know!
Isn't that fun? Just imagine all the work that went into putting that video together... I'm in awe.
Moving Here
Guest post written by my buddy Aldo Mays
Moving here meant a new life for my family but it’s been hard getting everyone on the same page, to tell you the truth. I’ve had a hard enough time convincing my wife to come here so I could pursue my dream career as a music producer but I think she’s finally warming up to it which is something I’m really thankful for. I wish I had better news in terms of what was happening with my business but it’s still a work in progress. I’ve got the office space and the Nashville business internet but not the clients just yet…but they’ll come. I’ve got to get my name out there and make sure the people I’m aiming to service know I even exist and that’s not too much to ask, really. I think it’s only a matter of time before I really catch on in this market and make the connection I need to push my little company over to the next level. At least I hope that’s what happens but we’ll have to see!
Monday, January 09, 2012
Baby on the Move!
We had an exciting weekend. A very special young man came to visit while his parents went off to have some fun with their friends. Jason stayed with us from Saturday afternoon when his parents left until Sunday evening when they returned - so he even got to spend the night.
Things have changed a bit since the last time he spent the night. He's no longer a little baby who stays put wherever you place him. No, now he's crawling all over the place, pulling himself up to things, and getting into everything. Cords and wires are especially enticing, and he pretends not to hear us when we tell him 'No' those aren't for him - or he turns around and smiles his best smile, just knowing we'll change our minds. He's wrong about that, but he sure is cute while he's trying!
We made some basic changes while he was here - putting up the baby gate at the top of the stairs so he didn't go tumbling down chasing after the cat, and removing all the Table top displays, I mean clutter, from the coffee table. If Jason is going to spend any more time here, I am going to have to do some serious baby-proofing around here - either that or spend all of my time on the floor playing with him. Yep, I know - it's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it!
Things have changed a bit since the last time he spent the night. He's no longer a little baby who stays put wherever you place him. No, now he's crawling all over the place, pulling himself up to things, and getting into everything. Cords and wires are especially enticing, and he pretends not to hear us when we tell him 'No' those aren't for him - or he turns around and smiles his best smile, just knowing we'll change our minds. He's wrong about that, but he sure is cute while he's trying!
We made some basic changes while he was here - putting up the baby gate at the top of the stairs so he didn't go tumbling down chasing after the cat, and removing all the Table top displays, I mean clutter, from the coffee table. If Jason is going to spend any more time here, I am going to have to do some serious baby-proofing around here - either that or spend all of my time on the floor playing with him. Yep, I know - it's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it!
Friday, January 06, 2012
Matchbook: FREE College Textbooks
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of MatchBook for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
As any college student knows - textbooks are expensive! Thankfully UW-Whitewater, where Cory attends school, has a textbook rental program, so the cost of books is included in his tuition. But for most students the cost of those books is an added expense, one they can't really afford. The costs can add up to over $1000 per year, depending on the subject and the books.
That's why MatchBooks is so great. Their textbooks are FREE. That's right - FREE! MatchBooks are published under a Creative Commons open license, which makes it possible for students to read online for free! NO catch and NO expiration date. Each MatchBook textbook is an entire textbook, written by an expert author, from a trusted publisher, aligned to content in an expensive textbook - FREE online. That means that, for whatever reason - whether a student can't afford the expensive textbook or just doesn't have it - all the information is available online.
While a MatchBook is not an exact copy of the original textbook, it has been matched closely to the original and contains the same chapter order, core concepts, and key terms. For instance, a student taking General/Intro Psychology this spring semester who has been assigned Psychology 9e by Myers can use the MatchBook and get:
Be sure to check out the MatchBooks site, and share it - because when they reach 1,000 shares, they’re making a $1,000 charitable donation! Besides, I'm sure you or someone you know can really benefit from free textbooks, right? Also, be sure to Like Flat World Knowledge on Facebook (Matchurbook.com is a project of Flat World Knowledge, the world’s largest publisher of free and open college textbooks.) for more information and to find other FREE textbooks for all your basic college courses.
So what do you think? Would you use a MatchBook or recommend MatchBooks to someone? Let me know in the comments.
As any college student knows - textbooks are expensive! Thankfully UW-Whitewater, where Cory attends school, has a textbook rental program, so the cost of books is included in his tuition. But for most students the cost of those books is an added expense, one they can't really afford. The costs can add up to over $1000 per year, depending on the subject and the books.
While a MatchBook is not an exact copy of the original textbook, it has been matched closely to the original and contains the same chapter order, core concepts, and key terms. For instance, a student taking General/Intro Psychology this spring semester who has been assigned Psychology 9e by Myers can use the MatchBook and get:
- Number of chapters > same
- Chapter order > same
- Topics in chapters > same
Be sure to check out the MatchBooks site, and share it - because when they reach 1,000 shares, they’re making a $1,000 charitable donation! Besides, I'm sure you or someone you know can really benefit from free textbooks, right? Also, be sure to Like Flat World Knowledge on Facebook (Matchurbook.com is a project of Flat World Knowledge, the world’s largest publisher of free and open college textbooks.) for more information and to find other FREE textbooks for all your basic college courses.
So what do you think? Would you use a MatchBook or recommend MatchBooks to someone? Let me know in the comments.
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