Just had to share a cool new website for shopping. It's called Slifter.com, and the company is fast-pitching AT&T at the CTIA conference this week in Vegas. I got a preview last week.
The idea is to access the site from your mobile phone, enter an item you want to buy and where you are located. It will then provide you with the best prices, nearby retail stores where the products are sold, and real-time inventory. How cool is that?
I tried to locate a good price for a Wii in Chelsea. Slifter directed me to the Best Buy on 23rd and Sixth Ave and I found it for the suggested price! The coolest part about it was that the 4 Wiis in the store weren't even on the floor yet; I had to ask the sales staff for them. They had basically just been unloaded off the truck!
I'm becoming such a techie, I should work for CNET.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
One Date = Scorned Stalker
So I went on one dinner date - one single date - with a guy who found me online. It was a friendly date, but you know - something was missing... like a connection.
After said date, I was subject to a barrage of emails-text messages from the guy. I'm a busy gal, and thus, I am not able to get back to him to let him know that something was missing for me... like a connection. I eventually do - and wish him well... thinking that I have handled it with respect, directly and completely.
Then I meet Jekyll/Hyde.
Not even a week later from first date, I was still getting emails.
These are in the span of 6 hours.
First One: "Are you ignoring me?"
Second one: "Where did you go?"
Third one was: "Do you ignore other guys like this?"
Fourth one was: "U free this weekend?"
I answer: "No, Sorry."
Fifth one: "Wow! Guess u had a change of heart huh? Were u just going to completely ignor me Allison??? Thanks for being an ASS! Take Care!"
Yep, this is my life. I'm just glad he doesn't know where I live.
After said date, I was subject to a barrage of emails-text messages from the guy. I'm a busy gal, and thus, I am not able to get back to him to let him know that something was missing for me... like a connection. I eventually do - and wish him well... thinking that I have handled it with respect, directly and completely.
Then I meet Jekyll/Hyde.
Not even a week later from first date, I was still getting emails.
These are in the span of 6 hours.
First One: "Are you ignoring me?"
Second one: "Where did you go?"
Third one was: "Do you ignore other guys like this?"
Fourth one was: "U free this weekend?"
I answer: "No, Sorry."
Fifth one: "Wow! Guess u had a change of heart huh? Were u just going to completely ignor me Allison??? Thanks for being an ASS! Take Care!"
Yep, this is my life. I'm just glad he doesn't know where I live.
Don't Ever
Get to your first acupuncture procedure while dehydrated, and feeling nauseous from too many silly Chardonnays the night before.
Not good.
Not good.
Craigslist Tutorial to Save You Time
So, I've been on a quest to get some really amazing pieces of unique and beautiful furniture for my newish apartment... and as a result, I'm on Craigslist more than anyone should be. And in doing so, I've noticed the lackluster salesmanship of Craigslist posters:
If someone posts that something is "comfy" - that means it has no padding left in the upholstery.
If someone posts "great deal" - it means it's not a great deal.
If someone posts "like new" - it means it's old and desperation has taken hold.
If someone posts "futon" - don't even explore it.
If someone posts "antique" - they live in Belmar, NJ.
If someone posts "it doesn't fit in my new apartment" - it means they've upgraded from their college tastelessness, and want to unload a papasan chair.
If someone posts the adjective "awesome" - they're flat-out lying.
If someone posts "like leather" - they're cheap... and you should feel compelled to low-ball them in everyway possible if you fall in love with the piece... in which case, you should get your head checked because no one should like "like leather."
If someone posts something "wicker" or "rattan" - just go to Pier 1 and buy it yourself.
"Leather office chair" means ugly, corporate, and lifeless.
If someone posts a "chaise" - it means they didn't sell the whole sectional.
If someone posts "free delivery" - the item is worthless.
If someone posts "recliner" - they mean La-Z-Boy.
If someone posts "Large Executive Desk" - chances are you'll be picking it up from Bear Stearns.
If someone posts "Vintage" - you'll be picking up from hipster-ville LES.
"Minor scratches" means a cat has clawed the life out of it.
"Murphy Bed" means it won't fit through your front door.
If someone posts "IKEA" - they mean halogen lamp.
If someone posts "Free" - they mean hideous. Case in point:
If someone posts that something is "comfy" - that means it has no padding left in the upholstery.
If someone posts "great deal" - it means it's not a great deal.
If someone posts "like new" - it means it's old and desperation has taken hold.
If someone posts "futon" - don't even explore it.
If someone posts "antique" - they live in Belmar, NJ.
If someone posts "it doesn't fit in my new apartment" - it means they've upgraded from their college tastelessness, and want to unload a papasan chair.
If someone posts the adjective "awesome" - they're flat-out lying.
If someone posts "like leather" - they're cheap... and you should feel compelled to low-ball them in everyway possible if you fall in love with the piece... in which case, you should get your head checked because no one should like "like leather."
If someone posts something "wicker" or "rattan" - just go to Pier 1 and buy it yourself.
"Leather office chair" means ugly, corporate, and lifeless.
If someone posts a "chaise" - it means they didn't sell the whole sectional.
If someone posts "free delivery" - the item is worthless.
If someone posts "recliner" - they mean La-Z-Boy.
If someone posts "Large Executive Desk" - chances are you'll be picking it up from Bear Stearns.
If someone posts "Vintage" - you'll be picking up from hipster-ville LES.
"Minor scratches" means a cat has clawed the life out of it.
"Murphy Bed" means it won't fit through your front door.
If someone posts "IKEA" - they mean halogen lamp.
If someone posts "Free" - they mean hideous. Case in point:
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Earwax
1) My doctor put me on a no-caffeine diet a few weeks back (can't even drink non-caffeinated drinks!) - and it's horrible. Think about it - I'm in the news. I work insano hours - and I can't get at least one java jolt during the day?
The worst part is - like most things - when you can't have it, you seem to become extremely conscious of everyone that CAN have it. I am either greeted by Thermos-mugged commuters on the subway, sitting next to the Dunkin Donuts coffee nuts at the morning editorial meeting, or constantly hearing "I'm doing a Starbucks run. Who wants what?" at all hours of the day. Why, just the other day, I thought I saw some preschoolers with sippy cups full of coffee!
And just when you thought it couldn't get worse... guess what's also off limits?? Chocolate. You can start crying for me now.
2) I think it's safe to say the SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) party last weekend was a success. We had coconut cups, a pinata, a margarita-machine, great company, and a pretty rad invite, if I do say so myself. Check it out!
3) I'm thinking about getting a dog, and I can't wag the Vizla breed out of my brain. I may make the jump soon.
4) Some of my former professors want me to speak to JMU journalism students next month at the school's annual alumni event. I'm envisioning a panel of sorts - in which young and vibrant, eager-to-break-into-the-biz students gauge me on how to form their resumes, how to land that first job, and how to become the next foreign correspondent. In all cases, I imagine quietly leaning into the microphone and whispering, "Get Out."
5) I get about 2,000 emails a day. Most of it is from PR-types and publicists, who want to TELL me who I should have on for a particular segment. It would be different if they craftily delivered a great release, engaging me - bringing me in to their story and guest's background - giving me everything that will fit in a 10-second attention span. Instead, I get crap like this:
"Hi,
I just want to remind you that Bob Moulton, president of the Americana Mortgage Group, a 20+-year financial, banking and real estate veteran and one of the most prolific residential mortgage brokers in the country, is available to discuss today’s pending home sales numbers. In light of the volatility and downturn in the housing markets as well as all of the speculation about the Fed, interest rates, the tightening of credit, the upheaval in the mortgage market and the looming specter of a potential recession, these numbers can offer some interesting insights about the immediate and long-term economic future.
Moulton’s Americana Mortgage Group serves the Northeast and Florida markets.
Bob Moulton would be happy to provide you with his thought-provoking commentary and insights about this report. Please let me know if you would like to speak with him."
You lost me at prolific. Seriously, draw me in - and *sell* it to me. And please, please, please - don't ever tag the email as a priority. One glimpse of that red exclamation point, and I delete!
The worst part is - like most things - when you can't have it, you seem to become extremely conscious of everyone that CAN have it. I am either greeted by Thermos-mugged commuters on the subway, sitting next to the Dunkin Donuts coffee nuts at the morning editorial meeting, or constantly hearing "I'm doing a Starbucks run. Who wants what?" at all hours of the day. Why, just the other day, I thought I saw some preschoolers with sippy cups full of coffee!
And just when you thought it couldn't get worse... guess what's also off limits?? Chocolate. You can start crying for me now.
2) I think it's safe to say the SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) party last weekend was a success. We had coconut cups, a pinata, a margarita-machine, great company, and a pretty rad invite, if I do say so myself. Check it out!
3) I'm thinking about getting a dog, and I can't wag the Vizla breed out of my brain. I may make the jump soon.
4) Some of my former professors want me to speak to JMU journalism students next month at the school's annual alumni event. I'm envisioning a panel of sorts - in which young and vibrant, eager-to-break-into-the-biz students gauge me on how to form their resumes, how to land that first job, and how to become the next foreign correspondent. In all cases, I imagine quietly leaning into the microphone and whispering, "Get Out."
5) I get about 2,000 emails a day. Most of it is from PR-types and publicists, who want to TELL me who I should have on for a particular segment. It would be different if they craftily delivered a great release, engaging me - bringing me in to their story and guest's background - giving me everything that will fit in a 10-second attention span. Instead, I get crap like this:
"Hi,
I just want to remind you that Bob Moulton, president of the Americana Mortgage Group, a 20+-year financial, banking and real estate veteran and one of the most prolific residential mortgage brokers in the country, is available to discuss today’s pending home sales numbers. In light of the volatility and downturn in the housing markets as well as all of the speculation about the Fed, interest rates, the tightening of credit, the upheaval in the mortgage market and the looming specter of a potential recession, these numbers can offer some interesting insights about the immediate and long-term economic future.
Moulton’s Americana Mortgage Group serves the Northeast and Florida markets.
Bob Moulton would be happy to provide you with his thought-provoking commentary and insights about this report. Please let me know if you would like to speak with him."
You lost me at prolific. Seriously, draw me in - and *sell* it to me. And please, please, please - don't ever tag the email as a priority. One glimpse of that red exclamation point, and I delete!
It Was A Matter of Time
Got this comment on my Ballo entry:
"Oh my god. I AM Shauna Ballo. And I had no idea how boring my emails were until seeing them through the eyes of a blogger. Let me know what your email addy is so I can figure out who's email I have yours confused with. Someone in my family has been missing out on recipe exchanges and baby photos!"
**No worries Shauna. Hope you and your family are well, and that Audrey's doing great!
"Oh my god. I AM Shauna Ballo. And I had no idea how boring my emails were until seeing them through the eyes of a blogger. Let me know what your email addy is so I can figure out who's email I have yours confused with. Someone in my family has been missing out on recipe exchanges and baby photos!"
**No worries Shauna. Hope you and your family are well, and that Audrey's doing great!
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