Spudgal

Comcast VS ATT

2008-03-20T11:17:00.002-05:00

For the last 10 years, I have had Insight cable, the last 7 years had Insight Broadbad, and the last year I have had Insight phone service. I have been a happy customer. Our montly bill is around $200. I was excited when I heard it insight was swtiching to Comcast. I thought- more channels, more High Def, yes the price might go up a few dollars, but the benefits would outweigh the negatives.

Little did I know what I was in for! First, we had major billing issues. We received our first bill from Comcast the first of March. I paid my Feb bill to Insight because that is who the bill was from. Well, Comcast can't find the payment. Secondly, our first bill showed I was over $500 past due. I about fell to the ground. I spoke to a rep who told me "the system is all screwed up". The rep told me what to pay and to put a stop payment on the check I issued. She told me this should have been the 2nd bill I received. I spoke to alot of people in my area. Most received their first bill end of Feb - first of March. Last Saturday was my end point. My phone got disconnected for non payment of bill. I spent literally half of my day with Comcast resovling this issue. It was explained I went through the process the reps had told me to do the week before. My bill was current. Finally, after losing my day to Comcast, they put my phone back on. I understand in conversions things happen - however their customer service was not up to par. The manager resolved my issue, but it took literally 45 minutes of being on hold to speak to a manger.

I was so angry - I started looking into other options and I found the ATT triple play pack. Internet appears to be about the same as my Insight. The Dish Network offers me more (2 dvr's, more movie channels, and more HD) for a little less than Comcast, and finally the phone service for the same as Comcast. After a ton of research, I decided to take the plunge. I am anxiously awaitng my new service. Tim will tell if it was a good decision.

The important thing I learned is even here in Springfield, we do have choices. There is not a monopoly. It is okay to demand good customer serivce - they are charging us a high premium, I expect good customer service.

My President

2008-03-19T07:45:00.003-05:00

A little less than 24 hours have passed since Senator Obama gave his historical speech.

At the time of the speech, I was moved to tears. I found it so refreshing to hear such an honest discussion on race in America. I respected Senator Obama for not throwing his friend under the bus. I think he could have taken the easy way out, sold Rev. Wright out, denounced and rejected the comments, and moved past this. Instead, he decided to open an honest discussion. Political Suicide, perhaps. Brave, without a doubt. I have listened to the news pundits and I have listened to reactions from family and friends. Some don't think he did enough to distance himself from Rev. Wright. My questions is - how much is enough? I would rather have a President who has character and courage to take the road much less traveled.

I would rather have a President who will make a stand for what is right, whether is be opposing the Iraq war or standing up for a friend. I would rather have Senator Obama lose the race to the White House than lose his dignity.

John Adams

2008-03-18T12:20:00.000-05:00

I strongly recommend this mini series on HBO. Great History lesson and Very entertaining!

A Brave Man

2008-03-18T12:14:00.001-05:00

YES WE CAN - The Yes We Can Video

2008-02-02T15:31:00.001-06:00

Find The Truth - Obama

2008-01-23T10:50:00.000-06:00

I watched the debate on Tuesday night. Hillary and Barack fighting turned my stomach. It sent me on a mission - who was telling the truth? What I have found, is both fudged the truth a little, but the Clinton spin was much more factually incorrect. Please check out Barack's website for the facts.

http://factcheck.barackobama.com/

Disclaimer - I am an Obama supporter. I like his stance on issues, but most importantly, he makes me care. I believe we can change the track our country on. For the first time in my life, I watch every debate. I research the candidates - I want to make sure I make an educated choice when I cast my vote in February.

PLEASE WATCH FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS!

2007-11-09T15:15:00.000-06:00

Tonight - 8:00 - MUST SEE TV!

It is important the ratings improve - especially now with the writer's strike. If they don't improve, FNL probably will not be renewed and we might lose out on new episodes. GIVE IT A CHANCE - Season 1 is available for $24.99 at Best Buy - it is worth your money - I promise you this!

I am begging everyone, please give it a chance. So many great shows have been cancelled before their time - please don't let this happen!

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose!

Friday Night Lights

2007-10-29T10:18:00.000-05:00

Last season, I tuned in occasionally to Friday Night Lights. My parents swore it was the best show on TV. Kristen at E!, raved about it. Even TVGAL, said it was one of the best shows on tv. The thing is, I would wander past it on Tuesday nights around 7:15 and I could never get into it. I was thrilled it was picked up at the end of last year and I did enjoy the finale. This summer, I swore I would give it another chance - guess what happened. I am HOOKED!

FNL is the one show I can not miss. It has quickly become my number 2 (behind the Office). Other shows I love seem to be in a slump, FNL is outstanding. What is so great about this show? Well, let's start with a realistic portrayal of high school kids. The struggle as a parent - the obsession of a small town with the sports. Friends of mine say that is blown out of proportion. I say to them, go to a SHG football game some weekend. It is not blown out of proportion. Folks love their high school sports. And, this writer believes there is nothing wrong with that! Plus, Kyle Chandler for an hour - need I say more?

I don't think FNL is doing great in the ratings, which is a shame. Some of the greatest tv shows and fallen into the ratings slump (My So Called Life, Once and Again, Thirtysomething, to name a few). I hope people find FNL and give it a chance, it is worth your while!

MY POINTS

2007-10-26T18:01:00.000-05:00

Do you shop on line? Want to get some free gift cards? If you answered yes, then I have the program for you.

Mypoints.com allows you to earn points for each on line purchase you make. Some times at 10 points per dollar. You can start redeeming points when you get to 1000 points. You can trade points for gift cards - for everything from Gap, Lands End, to Red Lobster. It is a great program - I have been doing it for a couple years now with no problems.

Check out the website if you are interested - www.mypoints.com. Read about the program and see if it is something for you.

Shopping for Shoes on the Web

2007-10-26T12:32:00.000-05:00

What are the best sites to buy shoes for a child? There are a lot out there, but I have found a few that I just love. The key to shopping on the web is taking time to find the best deal.

My steps to finding good shoes - (I try to find shoes that are a little different than the ones anyone could run out to Shopko and buy).

I do a basic search on some of the larger web stores (Amazon, Shoebuy.com, Zappos.com) or I look through magazines at the models and write down the manufacturer. I find a few pairs I like, write down the name and manufacturer and the price.
I do a search on the name and manufacturer and see if I can find them cheaper anywhere.
I find the sites that have them and then look for a coupon for free shipping or a % off.
Make sure you add your shipping and tax cost into your total cost - see which has the best deal and order them.
This is a lot of work, but not hard work. For me, it is worth it. I have gotten great shoes at a great price by taking my time and being thorough.

Do I buy shoes off of Ebay? Hard to say - I am really picky with shoes - so if they are not new, I will not order them. I have sold great shoes on Ebay though - ones where my daughter has worn them once. I guess my advice is be careful. Check the users feedback carefully and ask any questions before bidding.

Great Shoe Sites -

Must See Entertainment Sites

2007-10-26T12:23:00.000-05:00

These are great sites for the entertainment world news.

http://www.eonline.com/ - Watch with Kristen

http://www.zap2it.com/

http://www.givememyremote.com/

http://www.perezhilton.com/

www.tmz.com

Here we go - A Thursday Night Review

2007-10-26T12:16:00.000-05:00

Thursday night tends to be a stressful night for me. Too much good tv. This season, I had to give up CBS as I can only record one show a night.

Last Night's Highlights?

The Office - I was worried about Michael's commercial, but it was heartfelt and sweet. Much better than the corporate one. I like how this year, Jim has become the caretaker of the office. It makes me love him more. Favorite line - "Ohhh D".

30 Rock - Probably the funniest show on tv. I can't believe they get a way with putting this stuff on tv in our politically correct world. Best quotes?

Jack Donaghy: So what do you do with your money? Put it into a 401K?
Liz Lemon: Yeah... I’ve gotta get one of those.
J.D.: What? Where do you invest your money, Liz?
L.L.: I have, like, 12 grand in checking.
J.D.: Are you… an immigrant?

Scrubs - For the record, I LOVE ZACH BRAFF. Great show. Enough Said.

ER - Have not watched this season, how is it?

Grey's Anatomy - I record this show and watch later. Not to bad if you can fast foward through all the cornieness. Loving McSteamy this season.

Big Shots - I don't know why I love this show. Titus's character last night was over the top and silly. The nerdy guy just grosses me out in this show. But Vartan makes it all worth it - how fantastic did he look as the Silver Superhero?

PLEASE watch Friday Night Lights tonight - it is incredible - needs viewers.