Why I don't pay for "premium" movie channels on satellite/cable

Because I've been such a great DirecTV customer, they have given me three months of Showtime for free. Now, I don't mind watching movies for free but going through my menu/guide on my DirecTV shows me why I refuse to pay for these "premium" channels.

HBO

• Chinatown (1974)
• McHale's Navy (1997)
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

CINEMAX

• Men in Black II (2002)

STARZ

• Daddy Day Care (2003)

ENCORE

• The Great Outdoors (1988)
• Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
• Boyz N the Hood (1991)
• Fair Game (1995)
• The Sandlot (1993)

SHOWTIME

• The Rock (1996)
• Transsiberian (2008)

I think you get the point. These are the list of shows on the different channels of each "premium" channel at the exact time I was browsing.

Why would I want to pay $20, $10 or even $5 to watch movies that (1) I've probably already seen or (2) have no want to see in the first place when they came out 2-10 years or more ago!?

Email humor 12/20/2010

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That's all I got to say about that!
 

All I see is BOOBS

This image is from the Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation.

I guess it should be/could be a serious thing if a nuclear detonation actually happened but all I see is BOOBS!

Alienware M11x -- What I've learned so far

So far the Alienware M11x has been pretty easy to set up and play with. I've installed just about all the programs I need and/or want without a hitch. The M11x doesn't come with a CD/DVD drive but luckily I already had an ISO of Office 2007. I don't have a copy of Office 2010 yet and I don't think I'll get one anytime soon so 2007 will have to do for now.

I'm temporarily using the McAfee suite that came with it but I will not be renewing or extending the license. There's no way I'm paying for virus protection when I have a few options for free such as AVG Free or MS Forefront. I will install one of these soon but I just didn't want to take the time right now to uninstall McAfee and install the others because I wanted to get tinkering with this machine.

A few things that I've noticed so far is:

• The keyboard is a little bigger than my Samsung N110. The layout is somewhat better too because the arrows keys do not include other functions like my N110. That's a benefit for me as I like to use the arrow keys as well as the functions that are typically doubled upon them in smaller keyboards.
• The screen is bigger and better. It still doesn't have the resolution I like or even near it but what can you do on a laptop. My big ASUS doesn't have the resolution. They are seemingly all 1366 by 768 pixels or somewhere in that vicinity. That goes with the quality of the graphics card and I can deal with it. I'm just used to being able to see more on my desktop monitor(s).
• The touch pad is a little too far to the left of the keyboard. I have noticed that my left thumb tends to graze the left side of the touch pad just enough to make the mouse move or jump around when I don't want it to. I'm sure I can "fix" this by using a USB mouse and turning off the touch pad.
• The temperature seems to get a little hot on the bottom of the machine. I'm not playing any games or setting it on my lap. It is just sitting on my desk which is solid, flat wood. It's not overbearing hot. It's just hotter than I'd expect from sitting on a flat, wood surface. I'm sure there is some setting I could mess with but remember, I've just taking it out, set it up and loaded some necessary software on it. I haven't delved into the intricacies of the M11x...yet.
• The back-lighting is pretty cool. The wife even commented on it (along with the entire machine she thinks it's "really neat."). Again, I haven't changed the colors or anything yet so it is just the blue setting. Back-lighted keyboard is definitely a plus in the cool cosmetic factor.
• Sound has been decent so far. Again, not a huge test run yet but I did watch a YouTube clip and the sound seemed good. YouTube isn't that great for testing because the clips' audio is sometimes too high or too low so it wouldn't be a good test if this was the case. I'll run some of my MP3s on it and see how it goes since I know they are all pretty much at the same decibel level.
• The facial recognition hasn't worked yet. It initially captured my mug during initial set up but I don't think it got a good capture of it. Every time it tries to verify my mug at this time it fails. Sometimes it has been the very poor lighting in my office/bedroom but I did try it once in what I thought was brighter lighting. I'll re-initialize and see how it goes after but in theory it seems/looks like a cool toy/feature.

I guess that's about it for now. It's a pretty cool little machine so far and I can't wait to tinker with it some more on a higher level like CD/DVD ripping and some photo imaging/manipulating.

I'm still trying to make sure I have all my add-ons for Firefox and Chrome to match all my other machines so one of these days I'll be able to just waste time on it. Until then...

Apparently Santana was the bomb in the 60s and 70s

Just a quick rant...

I was in the mood to listen to some 50s/60s rock and roll through Winamp. I "searched" through their web browser in SHOUTcast's server. I put in 50s and I got some songs I wanted to hear but a lot I didn't.

I then saw some other channels listed for 50s, 50s-60s, 60s, 60s-70s, 60s-70s-80s...you get the picture. I tried a few and they sucked. Then I found one that was named "181.FM - Classic Hits --- Home of The 60's and 70's" and thought it could be a good one.

It was...at first. The moment I got connected it had a couple of decent songs. Then a Santana song came on...completely instrumental and too damn long! I was like, "Did my channel change?" It did not change.

Finally, the song was over after like six minutes and another decent song played. About three songs later, another Santana song played. It wasn't as long or as boring. A few more songs by the likes of Rod Stewart, Beatles, Elton John and others. Then another Santana song. Five songs later, another Santana song. I'm so done with Santana unless it's "Santana feat. Michelle Branch" or "Santana feat. Rob Thomas." You get where I'm coming from.

I think you have to be in the right mood for continuous Santana, somewhat high, or maybe Mexican/Puerto Rican.

So, I know that this is just someone's stream of music so it's not like a huge radio station or something but there has got to be a better way to randomize your Santana collection into your broadcast.

I'm still listening to it to give it a fighting chance. We'll see how it goes.

Alienware M11x -- just a quick unboxing

I got my Christmas present (one of them anyway) from my wife and kids yesterday. I ordered it. It was a good-priced deal. Dell had a deal on an Alienware M11x. It's not the newest version with the i5 or i7 processor because I didn't want to spend that kind of money on a new laptop since I already have a "power" laptop in my ASUS that I wrote about some time ago, circa 2009. I still have that big beauty but that's slightly the problem: it's BIG! It's what I wanted, a desktop replacement, but sometimes it's not that convenient for everyday travel between home, work and school. I also purchased a netbook the same time as my ASUS. It was a Samsung N110. I still have it too.

The issue comes with the in-between of those two machines. The ASUS is big but great on speed and funtionality. The Samsung is small and has fairly decent functionality but it lacks speed and keyboard-sized comfort.

Enter Alienware M11x. I've seen this in the news since it's come out. It was way too expensive at its introduction for poor little me. I got an email a week or so ago about it being on sale. I'm sure because the i3/i5 versions had been introduced and those are way too expensive for poor little me. They have greater speed and functionality but they just aren't what I am looking for right now.

Anyway, the Alienware was $799 on Dell's website (same as at Best Buy). The price with coupon codes thru Gizmodo and LogicBuy knocked it downto $549. I first ask, "How can you not think of and end up buying this at a $250 discount?" So, I jumped in, slightly hesitantly. Not because I was unsure of the deal...I figured I could eBay it if I had to. I was hesitant because asking the wife to get another computer would be a tough sell especially since I just bought our two kids Sony laptops (another VERY good deal on those sleek powerhouses!).

So, to make a longer story short. I got the Alienware M11x in the "mail" yesterday. That's about an 11-day turnaround from date of order to being left on my door step. And that's what FedEx actually did. They left it on my door step. WTF? I can't believe they didn't have to have it signed for or at least shipped it in a "disguised" box. It wasn't obviously marked as Alienware but it wasn't hard to discern that it was a laptop. Besides, neighborhood thieves don't look to see what the box contains...they take the box and look at the contents later hoping they did well.

Just a quick list of the specs:

• Cosmic Black
• Overclockable Intel Core2 Duo SU7300 1.3GHz (3MB Cache, 800MHz FSB)
• 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1066MHz (upgraded from standard 2GB)
• 11.6-inch WideHD 1366x768 (720p) WLED
• 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 335M
• 250GB SATAII 7,200RPM

Also, following are a few of the simple unboxing pictures. Hopefully, I'll follow up with a sort of review of the Alienware M11x once I have the time and experience with it to properly share. Don't hold your breath because I haven't "reviewed" many products that I have talked about getting in the past. Maybe I'll remedy that by using the M11x.

   

   

   

   

   

Jere Lehtinen retires from the NHL

Jere Lehtinen is a class act. He will always be one of my favorite Dallas Stars players.

What secured my thought in knowing he is such a great person and player is when he said,

"I choose to focus on all the great times I had playing over the past 15 seasons, understanding that I am very fortunate to have played all those years with one organization. The memories I have playing in Dallas will never be forgotten and I will always be proud of the fact that I finished my career where I started it."

That's something that many athletes of any sport like Mike Modano going to Detroit and Emmitt Smith going to Arizona cannot say. I get they want to play and feel they can play but in reality it never works out like that. Instead of going out as the champions they are(were) they gave it up for the money (in my opinion).

Anyway, I'll miss seeing Lehtinen (as I already have this season) on the Stars but what a classy way to bow out of a sport he loves.

Link to story here while it lasts.

(pictured courtesy of SI.com)

Email humor 12/09/2010

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Consider Yourself Randomized!

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Shawn and Gus bobblehead

Saw this over at the USA Network Store.

I love Pysch. I've been TiVo-ing and watching it since the beginning. It stirs a lot of memories for me. I love the references to 80s music and times. Shawn and Gus must be close outside of the show because you can't fake that kind of bond no matter how good of an actor you may be.

I used to have a very good best friend like that. In fact, I had two. I miss that connection. It's fun to have someone to share wavelengths with.

Now, I share that with my wife. She's a pretty happening babe. It's not exactly like having a "dude" but she makes a great substitution as a "dudette." The only problem is that I occasionally have to filter what I say or share with her compared to a dude. Otherwise, she'd probably call 911 on me because she would know the "full extent of the power of the dark side" or just how demented my thoughts can be. Only a fellow dude could understand that but not just any dude. It has to be the long-time-best-friend dude.

Reeling back in from Randomland...

Who should you ignore?

Whether it's a comment on a blog post or an article in the paper/on the web, how can you quickly decipher which people to ignore completely if you care to acknowledge them at all?

Today just happened to be a day where I was reading a few articles/posts with comments and I noticed something: America (and maybe somewhat abroad) is full of non-spelling idiots!

First of all, I don't profess to know how to spell every word. If I don't use them, I usually don't know how to spell them or if I use them verbally, I can always hit F7 while in MS Word or do a search for it on the WWW.

Second, these misspellings aren't hard to spell words, big words, or words with hidden consonants or vowels.

Third, I'm not saying people don't make random mistakes like typing an 'I' before an 'E' or any inadvertent swapping or omission of letters. I'm talking just a general misunderstanding of what word to correctly use and then correctly spelling it.

So, one of the most common misspelled words I have found in comments is:

• definately instead of definitely
• loose instead lose
• chose instead choose
• there instead of their

There are more but I can't remember them all at this time. The worst violators are the ones that brag about being educated and/or even a teacher of some sort and then they type definately — That's when I sarcastically think, "Yeah, I'm glad you are teaching someone's kid smarty pants."

Anyway, that's all I got to say about that...for now.

Pete Sampras was robbed

Not on the tennis court from a bad call but from a public storage facility.

From TENNIS.com:

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Tennis star Pete Sampras says most of his trophies and other memorabilia were stolen from a West Los Angeles public storage facility.

Click here for actual article while it lasts.

I'm sorry but I would think that with the money Pete Sampras has made from a phenomenal tennis career (supplemented by his wife, Bridgette's 'acting' gigs) he would be able to find storage on his land in his own house for his memorabilia.

I have a lot of shit and even I wouldn't trust it in a public storage location much less I wouldn't pay to store the shit.

However, I would invest in building or buying a public storage facility because those apparently make good money. I say this because the sheer amount of those businesses I can find around Dallas AND those I've seen built in the middle of nowhere on I55 through Missouri. All the land a lot of people have through the "country area" of Missouri and yet they will put shit in public storage. It's just amazing to me what people will waste their money on instead of just purging.

Anyway...I feel bad for "Pistol Pete" but if these items were important enough to keep, they should have been kept on his immediate premises.

Fuel City Tacos

A coworker and I happened to pass Fuel City on our way to a sporting goods store to check out what kind of guns and ammo they have.

I've heard of the tacos at Fuel City being a pretty good deal. The tacos are like $1.49 each. I opted for the beef fajita tacos. So did the coworker.

I'd have to say they were pretty good. Comparable if not somewhat better than Rusty Taco. They weren't super special or anything. The beef fajita had meat, onions and a little parsley. I'd compare it to the brisket taco at Rusty Taco.

I guess they are pretty much equal in their different ways. The main difference is I got two Fuel City tacos for exactly $3.00. I did have to purchase a 20 oz. Diet Dr Pepper from Fuel City but $1.49 + tax was minimal.

Overall, I'd return for more Fuel City tacos if I'm in the area. Most of the time I'm just driving by the place while on I30 or I35.

Anyway...that's about all I have to say about that.

Email humor 12/03/2010

HP Scots vs. Mequite Poteet Pirates football game

Saturday, November 27, 2010 the family and I entered the home of the Dallas Cowboys. This is where the Highland Park Scots (or here) played the Mesquite Poteet Pirates in a 3^rd round high school football playoff game.

First of all, let me say that I really didn't care who won the game. I live closer to HP than I do Mesquite so it would have been nice if the nearer-vicinity team won but I'll live and move on since they didn't.

The main reason we attended was to enter and somewhat experience the Cowboys Stadium for less than $100 for six people to enjoy (I took two neighbor kids and paid for them even though their parents gave them money). The tickets were $12 per person and parking was $10 for spots within the stadium lot. So, $82 to start the process. There are nose-bleed-brain-crushing-from-atmospheric-pressure seats that are near that cost during a regular Cowboys game.

We got to sit in seats just about anywhere near the field. The very lower level had seats from 1 row to 20 rows or so back from the field wall. The next level was the suites and then the seats above the suites. There was no need for any levels higher than that. It would have been cool to take a non-scheduled tour of the upper areas but I got good enough of the experience from my above-the-suites seat. We chose that area so we could still see the GIGANTIC JUMBOTRON! That screen is way, effing huge! At times, we forgot there was a game on the field because we'd be watching the screen like it was TV at home. There's nothing like HD acne when the cameras would pan the band, cheerleaders, and other teenage fans. How embarrassing that could be for some.

I must say that the concessions is a big money maker just like in any sporting venue but Cowboys Stadium takes it to extreme. The wife and I were very thirsty for a soda and some snacks. She wanted popcorn, peanuts and a diet soda. I go to the many concession areas and they didn't have anything else enticing for me to eat...not to mention the price for a burger was like $10 and my thought is I can get a meal for two for that amount at some fast food joint! I found this "cart" selling popcorn. The popcorn was $5.50 for a small (which was actually an adequate size for the two of us) and I got a bag of Skittles for $3.50. Off to find the drinks. I wasn't paying like $8-$10 for a collector's cup—which was made of cheap, thin plastic—so I opted for the 20oz bottle beign held in a rollable ice tub. Luckily, Dr Pepper and Pepsi are sold because we wanted Diet Dr Pepper. I asked the lady vendor for two bottles of Diet Dr Pepper and she said, "That'll be $10." I was like, "Are you shitting me?" She giggled. I paid because I was dying for a carbonated beverage. I walked back to our seats. The popcorn wasn't that great. It had sat inside the popcorn-making cart for too long I guess because it wasn't the freshest or hottest. I ate as much as I could because I wasn't wasting $5.50 and it was in front of me. Suckass food #1! The $5 20oz was good. Hit the spot. I nursed it like a beer at a nudie bar! I also ate the Skittles and they were good. A guy selling peanuts finally came around. I bought a bag for $5. It seems they are in a vacuum pack and are not HOT ROASTED but just roasted. We ate the peanuts, some of them anyway, for the same reason I did the popcorn. Suckass food #2!

I was going to comment about the game but I think I'll leave it to the real writes of the various local newspapers in the area.

I was going to comment about the Stadium and other stuff there but you'll just have to experience for yourself some day...on the cheap is my recommendation. It's a huge, phenomenal place but I can't see blowing that kind of money more than once a year...if once in a year at all.

Just a quick explanation of the following photos from left to right. (1) View from our parking spot, (2) One side of the big glass sliding doors from the sidewalk around the Stadium, (3) The jumbotron, (4) The upper-level Ford and Dr Pepper "pavilions," (5) Shot of the field from our seats, (6) The upper-level Miller Lite and Pepsi "pavilions."

 

 

 

Email humor 11/28/2010

This a funny e-card I was sent for the Thanksgiving holiday.

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Consider Yourself Randomized!

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Taylor Momsen was Cindy Lou Who?

The wife just informed me that this...

Used to be this...

I'm weirded out by this knowledge...in a strange, awesomely cool kind of way.

A conversation overheard in the office

There are certain things that should not be spoken of between two people, who barely know each other, especially at work. The following is a brief recap of a conversation between two males—one here for 5+ years and the other just started last Monday. In fact, this was more of a one-sided conversation started by 5-yr-guy.

7-day-guy started with a goatee last Monday. This Monday it was shaved but he still had the moustache. 7-day-guy was sitting in his office today.

5-yr-guy approached 7-day-guys's door and loudly said, "So, are you going to shave different body parts until you are just left with sideburns? Is this a personal or professional choice or what?"

7-day-guy mumbled something and then I heard, "It's just that time of year for me to do it."

5-yr-guy walks back into his office while 7-day-guy seemingly bolts out into the hallway to get the hell away from the newly-labeled-by-7-day-guy-weirdo-in-the-office guy.

If this conversation was just between 5-yr-guy and 7-day-guy, then it probably would have just been weird for 7-day-guy. But I heard it and at least two lady coworkers heard it. So, we all have to share in the weirdness.

WEIRD!

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Consider Yourself Randomized!

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Altitude (2010)

Watched the movie Altitude (2010) today.

It's not a new concept. If you are going to remake/redo/rewrite a common concept, I'd recommend trying to do it equally if not better than the best way the concept was made. Confusing, I know.

The acting was typical and so was the characters. You have the dip shit, testosterone-laden jock...the pretty blond who is dating said jock but is coveted by semi-nerdy, quirky artsy dude...the smarter, more talented but more pretty girl...and the quiet, socially awkward, somewhat mysterious guy. They are all in this movie.

Without researching the movie, I thought it was about something totally different. As such, I think I was more disappointed to find out what it was about while watching and then the sub-par direction and story line of it.

It ended slightly different than I thought it would. Truth be told, I really didn't think about it too much. After about 20 minutes in, I started getting bored, distracted and began surfing the web on my netbook (I watched the movie on another laptop) and watching my the Tennis Channel on TV.

This movie is definitely a pass.

Fort Worth Museum of Science & History

The wife and I took a day off Tuesday from work and allowed the kids to "skip" school for...educational reasons, of course. We decided to visit the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History which we haven't been to in some time. The last time we were went, there was a lot of construction going on around the exhibit we were there to see: The Star Wars Exhibit. That was back in July of 2007...a long damn time!

Anyway, the museum looks a whole lot different than it did then because of the Star Wars exhibit is gone and they have remodeled the entire place (which is why there was so much construction back in 2007). They've improved many things but I won't go into detail. They also now charge for parking which is a bit of a bummer. I think that because the exhibits aren't really that interesting to adults, and some kids of various ages, that free parking should be an incentive or selling point for people to visit! Just my thought.

So, we visited the many exhibits and attended "Under the Sea" in the Omni Theatre. The exhibits were something like "Lost Egypt," "Cow Raisers," and a couple of others. They were somewhat interesting but they weren't enough to maintain long-term interest or future revisits.

I must say that the Omni Theatre movie was lame. I remember seeing The Ring of Fire, the Great Barrier Reef and maybe a couple of others but the Omni movies of today just don't cut the muster. The whole point of the Omni Theatre when it first came out when I was a kid was to give people the feeling like they were in the movie like 3D always wanted to be. Now the movies are shot in an environment but you really don't feel like you are part of it like before. I think the perception of Imax/Omni is overrated these days.

On the other hand, they did have this 4D experience ride that was done actually quite well. I've been in/on a lot of 3D rides and they have sucked at the 3D experience. I must say that this movie/ride was exactly what I expected a 3D/4D experience to be. The animals, debris, stars, and all kinds of stuff popped out at you like you could grab it right in front of you. They did add some physical aspects to it like a rumbling chair and the occasional spritz of water because it was about Earth and it went under water a few times. I also know that this was a good viewing experience because I didn't get a headache from participating. Usually I do because the graphics and such are so crappy that my eyes automatically try to adjust to the defects. The movie/ride was fairly shot, like 15 mins max, but it is well worth it. Also, the first picture below was shot inside the tunnel to the entrance for this exhibit. I think you are supposed to feel like you are under the water with the sea life and the spongy flooring they used to represent the sea bed.

To make things more enjoyable (don't get me wrong, the time was a blast with the family but I think the costs and what I got out of it are not equal or fair but what can you do and what ever really is), I took pictures of things that "appealed" to me.

So, in that context, here are a couple of things of "interest" I'd like to share...

I'm not sure what these are but they look like deformed penises!

The toy for every girl (or boy) and it's so big you can share with a few of your friends.

Olivia Wilde in Cowboys & Aliens

Even in plain looking western wear Olivia Wilde is gorgeous.

I miss the The Black Donnellys but I bet she doesn't. Seems she's a busy girl these days.

The above image is a promo photo (I think) of the movie, Cowboys & Aliens. I can't remember where I saw this photo as I saved it to my computer near the start of my work day. Otherwise I would give credit where it is due.

Natalie Portman in No Strings Attached

Saw a promo photo today of No Strings Attached which stars Natalie Portman and I think this...



Looks better like this...



I almost want to cry seeing her "be" with Ashton Kutcher. I think he was hysterical as Kelso and didn't do too badly in Killers but for him to be physical with my Queen is just downright unacceptable!

That's all I's got to say about that!

Email humor 11/17/2010

A plane is on its way to Toronto, when a blonde in economy class gets up, and moves to the first class section and sits down. The flight attendant watches her do this, and asks to see her ticket. She then tells the blonde that she paid for economy class, and that she will have to sit in the back. The blonde replies, "I'm blonde, I'm beautiful, I'm going to Toronto and I'm staying right here." The flight attendant goes into the cockpit and tells the pilot and the co-pilot that there is a blonde sitting in first class that belongs in economy, and won't move back to her seat.

The co-pilot goes back to the blonde and tries to explain that because she only paid for economy she will have to leave and return to her seat. The blonde replies, "I'm blonde, I'm beautiful, I'm going to Toronto and I'm staying right here."

The co-pilot tells the pilot that he probably should have the police waiting when they land to arrest this blonde woman who won't listen to reason. The pilot says, "you say she is a blonde? I'll handle this. I'm married to a blonde. I speak blonde."

He goes back to the blonde and whispers in her ear, and she says, "oh, I'm sorry." and gets up and goes back to her seat in economy.. The flight attendant and co-pilot are amazed and asked him what he said to make her move without any fuss. "I told her, ‘first class isn't going to Toronto’".

Where can I get one of those?

I don't mean to minimize the views, reasons or whatevers of the protesters of the Bush Presidential Center but I got to know where they got those masks.

Courtesy of Tyler Williams/The Daily Campus

Photo and story can be found here at The Daily Campus.

In the news 11/16/2010

There was a groundbreaking today for the George W. Bush Presidential Library today. I read in an article from the Dallas News (here) and I think one of the most mature words I've heard (read) the former President say are these:

The decisions of governing are on another person's desk, and he does not deserve criticism from me.

I don't dislike Bush nor do I like Bush. I'm really apathetic, I guess. He reminds me a lot of the father who believes fully that it is his way or the highway. I sort of grew up with that mentality and that's really the only part that bothers me about him. The 10% of intelligence in my brain though makes me think that you have to have some sort of arrogance and self-righteousness to be President. We all make mistakes when we are in leadership roles and hopefully we and those after us learn from them. Unfortunately, Bush's 'mistake' (it depends on which side of the fence you are) has cost quite a few American soldiers' lives.

Every President will have a some sort of "stain" on their time as President. It's inevitable. We, as Americans, will move on. That's what we do...persevere. It may suck and it may not be immediately fruitful but we can move forward because we are also human.

So, off my squawk box.

I think the library and institute will be a good thing for the university it is being built upon. It can be good or bad but it puts that campus in a global view. Who said bad publicity isn't good? Nobody, because almost always any publicity is good publicity.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

— versus —

I watched the movie Scott Pilgrim vs. The World the other night. After Googling for the movie cover, I came across these two variations. I think the one on the left is the one Blockbuster uses for the movie DVD rental. The one on the right I believe was used as a promotional poster. Anyway, I think I like the right one versus the left but the left gives a little more insight into what the movie entails.

I didn't know what the movie was about. I don't know what the comics are about (there are comics, right?). I just knew that it was a new movie out on DVD and it got good press and pretty favorable reviews.

After watching the movie, I can say that it was a decent flick. I enjoyed it a lot although sometimes I couldn't tell whether Scott was dreaming, fantasizing or the fighting and dating was real. I assumed that comes from lack of the comic knowledge. The movie kind of reminded me of Bruce Lee's Game of Death where he had to fight up levels to reach the "Big Boss" which the game Kung-Fu Master was based on as well.

Although Scott (Michael Cera) isn't a really attractive guy, I think the actress that played his sister, Stacey (Anna Kendrick), is a much more attractive love interest. I guess she didn't fit the "punk rock" girl look as well as Mary Elizabeth Winstead aka Ramona Flowers. Ms. Winstead just didn't have the eye-appealing wow factor for me but I guess for someone such as "bottom-of-the-social-ladder" as Scott would see it differently. One of the characters I really like was Knives (Ellen Wong). I think Wong played her character very well and the character itself was essential to many parts of the movie. I especially liked when Knives and Scott fought the big boss, Gideon Graves (Jason Schwartzman). It was quite entertaining and, for me, Knives stole her part of the fight scene.

Overall, I think the movie was pretty good. I'd watch it again and would even recommend it to a friend. I feel for Michael Cera though because he is pidgeon holed into one type of character no matter in what movie he is involved. He does it well and if he can make his millions off of it then he better do it while he can. Look at Jack Black. He was pretty much a one-dimensional actor. Funny as shit in what he did/does but where did he go? Hopefully, he banked his paychecks!

Anyway, if you get a chance to watch Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, you wouldn't be wasting your time...in my opinion.

Email humor 11/15/2010

THE GEOGRAPHY OF A WOMAN

Between 18 and 22, a woman is like Africa... Half discovered, half wild, fertile and naturally Beautiful!

Between 23 and 30, a woman is like Europe... Well developed and open to trade, especially for someone of real value.

Between 31 and 35, a woman is like Spain... Very hot, relaxed and convinced of her own beauty.

Between 36 and 40, a woman is like Greece... Gently aging but still a warm and desirable place to visit.

Between 41 and 50, a woman is like Great Britain... With a glorious and all conquering past.

Between 51 and 60, a woman is like Israel... Has been through war, doesn't make the same mistakes twice, takes care of business.

Between 61 and 70, a woman is like Canada... Self-preserving, but open to meeting new people.

After 70, she becomes Tibet... Wildly beautiful, with a mysterious past and the wisdom of the ages. An adventurous spirit and a thirst for spiritual knowledge.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF A MAN

Between 1 and 80, a man is like Iran , ruled by nuts.

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Consider Yourself Randomized!

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That's Mr. Frugal to you!

I'm a price snob. I admit it. I prefer to get something good, or even great, for a good, reasonable price. I don't want to overpay but I also don't mind paying slightly more for higher quality. That being said, I can't really justify spending the kind of money retailers want for cologne. I'm sure perfume for women is just as bad but I'm not a woman and I don't use their products...all the time...just kidding.

My guy friends think I'm queer for searching for the best price of the cologne I like online. I've come across some strange sites: some have prices way too low to be true—and possibly not a trustworthy site, while others have prices way too high—if it's more online for the product + s/h or not a large enough discount then I'd much rather get it today at the local store than wait.

In my infinite search for the best price, I've come across FragranceNet and FragranceShop. The websites look frighteningly similar but I'd assume they are different companies because of the many price differences I have come across between the two. Maybe they are the same entity and they have found that some people aren't as diligent as Absent-Minded Jay so they will not find the price difference.

For instance, Dolce & Gabbana 4.2oz spray is $64.19 on "Net" and $56.45 on "Shop." The 4.2 oz tester spray is $55.19 and $52..95, respectively.

A quick side on the not of the "regular spray" and a "tester spray." I'm not sure I'm educated enough in the Eau-de-toilette field to know what the difference between the two are. In the image below, they look pretty much identical to me. The tester looks more like pee than the other but that could be just from the lighting or the closer shot of the bottle. And why is there such a price difference. I mean on FragranceNet it is $9 but on FragranceShop it is merely $5.50. I just don't understand. Someone enlighten me.

My other issue is the price of one of the scents that I really like, although I think I'm losing interest in it...and not just because of the pricing issue. I don't think the scent sticks around long enough compared to how much I initially spritzed with. See the screen capture from FragranceNet.

Yep, that's Creed Green Irish Tweed on FragranceNet...or on FragranceShop. Respectively, it costs $188.19 and $131.95. This is one of the price differences I was mentioning. That's about a $56 difference. Why would I purchase from Net over Shop?

So, that is today's dilemma. It really isn't. I'm probably not going to purchase any cologne, online or otherwise, until I get a chance to run to Dillard's or some place like that locally to infect my nasal palette with different scents to increase my selectivity of those I might get.

Cologne (perfume) is a crazy expensive purchase. I can find a plethora of other uses for my $188 or even $65.

Decisions...decisions...

Funny images found on the web

I actually snagged this from the Facebook page of someone I know but I don't like very much...at all...or even speak to anymore...but we are related...we're brothers...in blood only.

Anyway, didn't mean to bring down the enjoyment of the image. My bad!

I think this should add a smaller byline that says, "and a smile" to make it fit more along with the slogan it's mocking.

I'm as soft as bruised fruit...NOT!

This past weekend the kids and the neighbor kids decided to invite me to play some "football" in the open lot on the street that just happens to be next to our house.

It's been a while since I hung out with all the kids and thrown the ball or played "football." I quote football because the ages range from 4 to 13 years old. It's a modified version as all yard games are but it's still fun for the kiddos.

About fifteen minutes in, I was running to two-below one of the older kids and the unexpected happened. I ran to a section of the lot where there just happened to be a cut down small tree or big bush root protruding from the ground, hidden among mowed iris plants. I nailed this root with the right foot at a pretty decent pace. I kicked it so hard that I uprooted it and it shot out in front of me before I took a small flight from where the impact occurred to the cement driveway of the neighbors house. I landed on my right shoulder as well as braced (somewhat) my fall with the left hand. This is the wound, slightly healed that I got from a stick jabbing me in the palm of my hand. Good times.

Anyway, it was funny but painful. I will see if I can find the culprit root and take a picture of it. Just because if I can, I can.

Call of Duty: Black Ops

So, in case you didn't know, Call of Duty: Black Ops came out today. I was going to link that but I think you can Google those five words and find with great ease what it is...just like I did by finding this image.

Anyway, I'm in sort of a dilemma.

First, I got an email from Newegg which gave me a coupon code that would take $10 off the game which would bring it down to $49.99 plus tax but with free 3-5 day shipping. The shipping is fine because I'm in no extreme hurry like the other "COD" nerds. I can wait otherwise this wouldn't be a dilemma.

Second, there is a GameStop right around the corner and they have it in stock. The price is $59.99 plus tax but also no shipping. If I purchase it at GameStop, I can get 250 points on my PowerUp Rewards card. Which if I read the "rules" right, that is on top of the "10 pts per dollar spent on all new games" for a max of 850 points (right?).

Either way, I would like to get the game but I'm not a first-out purchasing kind of guy. I mentioned that I can wait. I didn't get COD:MW2 until probably almost a year after it came to market. About the same time, I picked up COD:MW and Bad Company: Battlefield. I think they were all previously-used games from GameStop and I got them for something like $60 total. I haven't done those games justice as I've only played the single-player or four-way "in-house" multiplayer. I haven't play any of them online. The last console online game I played was Socom 3: U.S. Navy SEALS on the PS2. I have played MOH: Spearhead on my PC.

I think I'll probably wait. I've seen a few quick reviews on people that did the midnight-purchase thing and they are mixed so far, although still good ratings. I'm sure it doesn't have a lot of different game play compared to MW2 but how many games can vary the gaming in a certain genre, know what I mean? Besides, I have played all the games of SOCOM, Splinter Cell, Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six, and Syphon Filter without any negativity of saying, "It's the same old game play." That's why we like them and why we buy them again and again. What we do want is to continue the story and to continue the required learning curve of beating the game and hopefully the A.I. can improve from game to game.

After all this, I guess I don't have a dilemma after all...[excited thought occurs]...

Oh crap, I just realized that I have some movies to exchange on my Blockbuster Total Access Plan. I can rent video games now. Hell yeah! That'll suffice until I decide to purchase in future. Booyah!

UPDATE:  I just checked my membership online. The game is not available for rental through the online portal until 2/22/2011. WTF? But I think I can use my in-store exchange towards games. I'll have to see tonight.

UPDATE #2:  I did stop by my local brick-and-mortar Blockbuster to check on Black Ops. They had a few copies for rent. I asked the BB employee about exchanging my mail-order DVD for the game because I remember seeing something about being able to do so. He says he knows I can get the game for a $5 rental fee (versus the $9...yep, isn't that effing insane!?) with my DVD exchange but he is unsure if the game rental time limit is unlimited like my DVD would be. What kind of help is that? I want to know if I have the standard 5-7 days or return it whenever I'm done blasting the hell out of the Taliban unnamed enemy. So, I opted for renting Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. I'm just not willing to pay $5 to know that I can't take my time playing the game like I could watching a movie. I'm particular like that. Sue me! I guess I'll have to post my question to the online customer service or get a manager-type person at the local store to answer my question!

In the news 11/08/2010

There following are a few links that I seem to have wanted to comment on more but for some reason they have slipped through the cracks in my mind and I no longer have the random thought that I wanted to share. I post them strictly for the sharing value and you can form your own opinions and comments.

An article from WFAA.com (from back in May 2010...damn!) Push under way to restore corporal punishment at Dallas ISD and a link to the website the person in the article created just in case the WFAA link expired—here.

After Halloween but they are Christmas lights: Halloween Light Show 2010.

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Consider Yourself Randomized!

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Email humor 11/08/2010

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Consider Yourself Randomized!

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Email humor 11/05/2010

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Consider Yourself Randomized!

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Finally nearing the end of my benefits class

I guess I should just say, "Nearing the end of the fall semester," not just this one class as I am taking two.

I guess it's because I dislike this class...well, class period. I'm like a broken record, I know.

Today was exam III. I wasn't too worried about it because as I stated in a previous post, I'm okay with the average of a 67 and 72 on the two previous tests. I just need to pass the comprehensive final and I'm golden. C- here I come! Passing is passing dammit!

Tuesday, the prof very briefly touched on the exam. The only real things of substance he said that meant anything to the class was something like this, "...after a few of you expressed concerns about my evil, very evil, exams I've made some changes..." This test is now 25 multiple choice worth 3 pts each and pick 1 of 2 essay questions worth 25 pts. The previous two tests were 20 multiple choice and pick 2 of 3 essay questions. The problem with his previous tests was that the essay questions were like 10-15 part questions. Who the hell is going to remember that much information about ANYTHING except the nerdy nerds of the world!?

Anyway, I did study a little bit. I'm not completely useless. I didn't stress out about it, though. I did mistakenly stay up typing an outline of chapters 7 & 8 until midnight last night but that was partly due to the time getting away from me and I mixed in some web (porn) surfing—I'm easily distracted, duh!

I thought about being able to briefly review my notes sometime through my work day but it didn't happen. So, again, I was conceding the first two tests as my average.

I head to my classroom and I see a few of my classmates outside studying. I've got a bottled water, pencil and a calculator. One girl says to me, "Are you braving it since you aren't carrying any notes for last minute cramming?" I said, "Yeah, I figured if I didn't know it by now, I'm not going to know it in the next few minutes." She was like, "True."

So, I get to my seat and I sit and wait. The prof passes out the tests and we are able to begin shortly after. I answer a couple of the multiple choice and I start to think that maybe I know this shit. Question 3...4...5...uh oh, don't know this one...7...8...9...10...oh shit, that's what the calculator is for but I don't know how to compute the problem...12...13...etc.

I get to the essay question and I feel confident that I can answer the first one pretty thoroughly. Two hand-written pages later and I'm done! Second person out of the class to complete the exam-not that I am keeping score.

I exited the classroom thinking this could actually be a much better grade than the 72 but most definitely way better than the 67.

I tell ya, I'm like good wine...I get better with age [time].

Not that I really care and I won't know for sure on my grade until probably next Thursday but I think I may be up to a C or C+ now

Booyah!

The Zune HD still exists?

And they are still wanting about $200 for the lowest capacity? They have a "sale" on the Zune HD bundle at Walmart.

I am tempted to get one just because but I don't know why I would. For one, I have heard a whole heck of a lot about Zune in a long while. I'm not sure if it'll be a shelved product and if you buy one and it goes bad then you are S.O.L. unless you can find a web site to purchase parts and attempt repairs yourself. For two, I already own an iPod Touch 64GB and am pretty happy with it. The wife would probably Bobbitize me if I bought one.

I don't mean to sound like I'm dogging Zune. I had a refurbished Zune 30GB I got from Woot years ago and it lasted me about 3 1/2 to 4 years. That's right...as a refurb! I loved that little brick. It was well worth the $65 I paid for it. In fact, I was supposed to get the dookie brown one and they ended up sending me a black (onyx?) one for some reason. It also came with a neat accessory pack with accessories. I was quite happy with my Zune. I would still be if I would have paid more attention in my attempt at replacing the battery when it finally decided to no longer hold a charge. Long story short, I purchased the battery on a website I found. I opened the Zune and started removing something before I realized I didn't have to remove shit because I was replacing the battery. But for some reason when I started my repairs, I was thinking I was replacing the hard drive. Dumb ass! So, when removed shit that I didn't need to, I accidentally broke something off that would have required a very fine point soder and I just didn't have the equipment...not to mention a few days later I lost the small metal pieces altogether so now I was stuck with a real, non-working brick! I investigated more repair options and found that I could just buy a brand new Zune 120GB for about the same amount of money I'd spend on the multiple parts I fucked up in my "repairs." Needless to say, I was bummed but I had a backup, albeit bigger, MP3 player in my Creative Zen Vision W.

I really liked the Creative MP3 players. They were very good and much cheaper. My first MP3 player I got off eBay for about $50. It was the Creative Nomad Zen Xtra and it was considered "old" by the time I purchased it. For my purposes of strictly listening to my music, it worked flawlessly. I ran into problems with the headphone jack. It was getting loose and would lose connection. The player was easily opened for repairs and I was able to solder the connection. It continued to work solidly for about two years until I dropped it and broke the headphone connection completely off the circuit board along with parts of the circuit board. Bummer!

I then got a couple of those Creative Muvo 128MB flash players for the kids and they were okay for them. I upgraded them a year or so later to the Creative Zen V Plus 2GB.

Anyway, I think I'm getting a little off topic here. I just wanted to show that I am diverse in my MP3 player purchases. I read reviews. I search the web for the best price. I then ponder on whether I really need it or not. If I do, I take the chance. Luckily, the chance has been worth it so far.

When I first started seeing stories about the Zune HD, I was totally stoked! I didn't want to get the iPod Classic/Touch because I didn't want to be stuck with iTunes. I wasn't all about the apps the Apple provided either. I just want my music, all my music (hence the 64GB Touch I bought), easily accessible in one place. I thought about getting the iPod Classic before going with the iPod touch because I really didn't need the "touch" part. I'm glad I did as I have used the touch part quite a bit but mainly to support my choice for it over the Classic. I still like the Classic and wish I had 160GB of space just because that's a lot of space!

So, is it worth jumping on the Zune HD deal? Should I look into the Zune 120GB? Should I get the iPod 160GB? Upgrade my iTouch to the newest generation with the cameras?

Decisions, decisions...

The Lost Boys: The Thirst (2010)

The Lost Boys: The Thirst (2010). Watched the listed movie a few nights ago. To start, I must say that to me it was better than Lost Boys: The Tribe (2008). Either they had a little bit bigger of a budget or they decided to make a graphically better movie. I'm not saying it was hugely better...just better.

They upped the ante by adding a few shots of boobies and made the death of the vampires more Blade-like where they sort of explode in ember ash. Zoe and Gwen are pretty hot additions but they weren't utilized quite enough or properly, in my opinion.

The acting still was somewhat sub par. The story line slightly week. The lame attempts to appeal to the fans with flashbacks to Sam and the Frog Brothers in the original movie. The lame voice of Edgar Frog trying to be more fierce than he really is (that's not the way he was in the original). They sort of took themselves [the Frogs] too seriously.

To keep from rambling on, I'd say if you are a fan then it's sort of a requirement to continue viewing the sequels no matter how bad they might be. If you aren't a fan, then I'd say you could find someone to clip the pieces together of the hot and sometimes naked chicks. It would be more worth your time and effort than watching the entire movie.

Rangers choke. Another Dallas-area team of "could have beens"

"Keep your heads up, Rangers." "Thanks for a great season, Rangers."

That's just a couple of the quotes I've read on my friends' Facebook pages who are apparent "fans" of the losers of the World Series.

I'm not a baseball fan, never have been. I've been to about twenty games at The Ballpark in Arlington (which I believe has a new name since I've been). I've been in the nose bleed stands as well as about twenty seats behind 3^rd base. I could give a crap what was happening on the field. I'm just not a fan. I like the venue. The Ballpark is nice. It provides nice views from within the stands as well as on the very top "patio" area of Arlington.

Baseball is slow-paced. It's not like ice hockey, football, basketball or even soccer. It provides absolutely no interest at all for me in strategy or skill. I believe the players are way over paid for the amount of actual work and skill the bring to their "job" (the duration of a game). Pitchers probably earn more of their pan any of the other players but I think they are also probably paid less, most anyway.

A lot of people have the same dislike of tennis when I tell them I'm a fan. I don't understand why. Yes, a ball is hit back and forth of a net. How enjoyable can that be? To appreciate the skill, endurance, and training that a professional tennis player commands to control a little yellow ball with the string bed of a tennis racquet is way more than any baseball player has to do or exerts up to or during a game. It does take some skill to hit a baseball thrown at 98+ MPH with a 3in wide piece of wood but how many of the baseball players actually do this on a consistent basis? Granted it is a testament to the skill of the pitcher but who wants to see a pitcher throw a no-hitter compared to wanting to see more hits and home runs?

Even without all this "excitement," baseball outperforms tennis, golf and other sports for TV ratings. Sometimes even more than football. I just don't get it. Is it because baseball's rules are easier to understand and follow? I just don't know. Maybe it's the inbreeding. :-)

Whatever it may be, I say, "Boo on the Rangers." The proverbial carrot was dangle in front of Rangers fans and it was taken away without making a fight out of it. Seriously, 4 games to 1 is like how playoffs are won in the 1^st round of hockey or basketball.

I'm not completely heartless. I do believe the Rangers performed well for a team that never has been to the World Series. They quickly joined the ranks of the rest of the almosts-but-not-quite teams that have lost. There has to be a loser and it seems the Dallas-area teams are perfect for the role.

So, I bag on all the professional teams in the D/FW area not just the Rangers. As a sports fan, selective sports at most times, I am tired of my hopes being dashed because of the unfulfilling prophecy of the "one that could change our team and take us all the way" never is completed. Even though the Cowboys have won Super Bowls and the Stars a Stanley Cup, they still have disappointed local fans year after year with sub-par performances in the regular season and if lucky enough, post-season. The Mavericks consistently are "almosts" and now the Rangers have joined them.

I'm not a die hard fan, I guess. I'm not into giving my all, my attention, to things that end up wasting my time and patience. So, I guess I'm not a true fan either some might say. I say, "Maybe."

But maybe I'm like that person that has been really hurt in a relationship and is afraid to let themselves invest in caring again. Yeah, that's it. Maybe I'm just a sports romantic.

Nah, I'm just a bitter sports fan that wants his team to win or at least listen to me when I yell at the TV on how things should be done. If they still lose after my advice, then at least they did so following the BEST advice possible. I can't help it that they can perform the advice I've given them.

Again, Boo on the Rangers. Boo on the Cowboys. Boo on the losing streak Stars. And fingers-crossed that the Mavericks will bring it home this season! I won't keep the torch burning for them for too long.

Justin cheated on Jessica...really?

Saw a feed yesterday on my Google Reader list, from where I can't recall, titled Justin cheats on Jessica.

I was like, "Seriously?" Why the hell would he cheat on JESSICA BIEL?! I mean like she's one of the most naturally pretty hotties today. Did you see her hotness in Blade: Trinity? Or how about in I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry? Or in Powder Blue? Or the insurmountable masses of images of her all...over...the...Internet?

Now granted, Olivia Munn is hot in her own way but most of the time people cheat or leave for an "upgrade." I don't see Olivia as an upgrade from Jessica. Maybe a lateral move with a slight decline.

Maybe it's different for people who have been there done that but when I first saw Jessica back on 7th Heaven I was wowed. For me, I felt like she could be 2^nd to Natalie Portman.

Anyway, I guess when you can basically bang whomever you want, whenever you want, that you don't realize how great what you already got is. Poor celebs...NOT!

You're still welcome in my harem, Jessica!

Brokeback Mountain Halloween-style

Saw this in a neighbor's yard last night.

I don't know if you can make it out clearly but it is a pumpkin pot with two ghosts in it. The one in front looks like he's holding onto the rim of the pot, leaning forward while the other one "in the rear" [pun intended] is has one "hand" in the air and the other sort of touching (holding) the leaning over one.

RIDE 'EM COW-GHOST!

Cigars

I just recalled something that I learned in my B&W photography class which I never would have imagined. Actually, I guess, I actually got something I previously heard, and possibly learned, verified.

So, what I verified is cigars are not supposed to be inhaled.

Huh? What? I thought all smokes were to be inhaled for their enjoyment. Apparently not!

How I came to this question for my professor is one Saturday I was playing tennis with the regular group of guys. My long-time friend was talking about someone he knew that would smoke cigars and "he'd inhaled!"

He said this like it was a new phenomenon. I, on the other hand, said, "So, what's the big deal?" He went on about how you are not supposed to inhale a cigar because it'll burn out your throat and lungs not to mention make you cough for hours while it's doing it.

I was like, "Really?" I just assumed that smoking something meant inhaling it. We aren't all like Bill Clinton. We smoke it and we want the total effects of it so we inhale it!

Armed with this question, "How do you 'smoke' a cigar," I saw my photography professor the following Monday for class. I waited to ask him because he's been smoking cigars for about forty-five years so I figured he was an "expert" on the cigar-smoking subject.

According to Prof. Photog, "A cigar is meant to be enjoyed by puffing on it and allowing the smoke to circle the pallet and then exit, often blown threw the nose. It IS not meant to be inhaled because, yeah, [said in a humorous tone] it will kill ya. The flavor is supposed to be savored like a wine or a prime cut of steak."

So, in retrospect, I can see this explanation as very valid because I've inhaled cigars, many of them, trying to enjoy the flavor and aroma but not getting anything but a generic tobacco taste and feel. I've tried many brands thinking it was the cheap versus the somewhat expensive or the different flavors where some were stronger than others. But never have I experience an actual flavor but once, mildly.

I haven't tested the theory since learning of this interesting knowledge but I am eager to try just for science's sake...and to put my own curiosity to rest.

What do you think? Do you have a theory on cigars? What is your recommended brand (keeping in mind that I'm middle-class and a $10 cigar is way out of my budget)? I've tried Swisher Sweets and a few other "7-11-type" brands and most of them I liked licking the paper more than I did smoking the cigar.

Yahoo Advertising

I believe I've posted thoughts on this before but the ads that pop up in my YahooMail account are sometimes ridiculous.

Take today for example. I checked my mail, deleted those that needed it and then I get this advertisement:

I'm curious so I click the ad. I am taken to Urban Dealight. The original landing page has me input some information like, first name, last name, email address, date of birth and zip code. The page refreshes and now the new landing page (due to cookies I'm sure) says, "We are on our way to Dallas!" And I'm like, "What...the...fuck!?"

So, all these wonderful deals the advertisement is promising are not available in Big D just yet. Again, "WTF!?" In the ad it states, "50-95% on Dallas Restaurants, Shops, Concerts & More!" Did you read that part where it said, "DALLAS"!?!?!?! The ad should say something like, "Coming soon" or the like.

This is what I would call false advertisement. They are trying to get existing customers before they even exist in the locale. That pisses me off. So, unless these deals are phenomenal, I will be removing my name for pure disgruntled-precustomer purposes! I'm already on other "deal" lists and websites. I don't need another that I can't trust before I even used it.

Bastards!