The Christmas buying season is upon us, even though we have yet to celebrate Thanksgiving. It happens every year and sales seem to begin earlier and earlier. Christmas in July may not just be a joke soon.
So, if you are beginning to search around for gifts for your family and friends, here is a tip you might want to consider.
Many people will be buying electronics gifts this year: HD and 3D televisions, Smartphones, cameras and just about anything else you can plug into the wall or load up with batteries. Most people will be going to Big Box stores or small specialty shops. Whichever you shop, keep in mind that the price listed on the product is not the price you must pay. Haggling over the price or the warranty or some other aspect of the purchase is not only good practice, to do anything else is just plain unwise unless you enjoy paying full price (and nobody I know likes that).
I have written several times in this blog about how you can save money by negotiating for the best price. :http://notjustforboomers.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-to-save-money-by-negotiating.html;http://notjustforboomers.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-baby-boomers-practical-guide-to_11.html;http://notjustforboomers.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-baby-boomers-practical-guide-to_11.html. I have even written a book on the subject which is available on Amazon entilted,"How to Get the Best Deal Every Time," which is available as an e-book.http://www.amazon.com/How-Best-Deal-Every-Time-ebook/dp/B00BRPVH4U/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1384817264&sr=1-1&keywords=tony+basinski
In its annual gift issue, Consumer Reports, www.consumerreports.org, suggests that "haggling" for the purchase of appliances and electronics gifts is a sure way to save money. Consumer Reports, December 2013. We couldn't agree more. And Consumer Reports provides the best information on which brand to buy and where best to buy the products you are shopping for this season.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Sunday, November 10, 2013
How to Approach Negotiations and Win
I have written several times on various negotiation techniques to give you an edge. Today's New York Times suggests a novel approach: exertion. In an article entitled "Work Up A Sweat, and Bargain Better," the author reports on a study by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that concluded that if you approach negotiations with an attitude of excitement, you are likely to be even more successful if you are moving during the negotiations.
The study showed that a certain level of exertion appeared to result in a better outcome. The study, reported in the journal, Psychological Science, involved participants who negotiated over the phone while walking versus those who remained seated or walking slower.
The study confirmed what we always suspected: the "movers and shakers" will do better in negotiations. How can you become a mover or shaker? Other research shows that just telling yourself that you are "excited" may be enough.
So, go ahead and give yourself a little pep talk before beginning to negotiate for that new car or the terms of that new job. You might be surprised how well you do.
The study showed that a certain level of exertion appeared to result in a better outcome. The study, reported in the journal, Psychological Science, involved participants who negotiated over the phone while walking versus those who remained seated or walking slower.
The study confirmed what we always suspected: the "movers and shakers" will do better in negotiations. How can you become a mover or shaker? Other research shows that just telling yourself that you are "excited" may be enough.
So, go ahead and give yourself a little pep talk before beginning to negotiate for that new car or the terms of that new job. You might be surprised how well you do.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
A Visit to Fraunces Tavern in New York City
Recently, we were in New York City for a short visit. Because we had been to most of the major museums in the city, we were looking for something a little different. I suggested we make a visit to Fraunces Tavern. Fraunces Tavern is best known as the place where, at the end of the Revolutionary War, in 1783, General George Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army.
Washington's address to the officers was given in what is called the Long Room, apparently because of its length across the width of the building atop the tavern below. According to a contemporary account by one of the officers present, there was not a dry eye in the house as Washington finished the address and shook hands with those present.Washington, of course, did not fade away as he then apparently thought, but went on to become our first President.
And neither did Fraunces Tavern just fade away. New York City became the first capital of the United States and the Tavern housed the offices of the new government's Departments of Treasury, War and Foreign Affairs (today's State Department).
Built in 1719 as a private residence, it became the most popular tavern of its time after being purchased by Samuel Fraunces in 1762. While the upper floors are a museum,which includes a Hall of Flags of the United States, the lower floor still serves as a tavern. In addition to the tavern itself, the building is also connected with several other buildings, including another restaurant, where we ate. The restaurant, among other dishes, serves what is described as George Washington's favorite chicken pot pie. I don't know about Washington, but it was my favorite, just filled with white meat chicken and topped by a thin, crisp shell. Yum!
Fraunces Tavern is located at 54 Pearl Street in the Financial District, near Wall Street. The phone number is 212-425-1778. There is a small fee for admission to the museum, but it is well worth a visit.
Washington's address to the officers was given in what is called the Long Room, apparently because of its length across the width of the building atop the tavern below. According to a contemporary account by one of the officers present, there was not a dry eye in the house as Washington finished the address and shook hands with those present.Washington, of course, did not fade away as he then apparently thought, but went on to become our first President.
And neither did Fraunces Tavern just fade away. New York City became the first capital of the United States and the Tavern housed the offices of the new government's Departments of Treasury, War and Foreign Affairs (today's State Department).
Built in 1719 as a private residence, it became the most popular tavern of its time after being purchased by Samuel Fraunces in 1762. While the upper floors are a museum,which includes a Hall of Flags of the United States, the lower floor still serves as a tavern. In addition to the tavern itself, the building is also connected with several other buildings, including another restaurant, where we ate. The restaurant, among other dishes, serves what is described as George Washington's favorite chicken pot pie. I don't know about Washington, but it was my favorite, just filled with white meat chicken and topped by a thin, crisp shell. Yum!
Fraunces Tavern is located at 54 Pearl Street in the Financial District, near Wall Street. The phone number is 212-425-1778. There is a small fee for admission to the museum, but it is well worth a visit.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
How to Get Through Airport Security Quickly
Recently, we have been traveling by airplane quite often. It seems like the time to get through security keeps getting longer and longer. So I decided to see if there was anything I could do to make it a little easier and maybe even quicker.
I knew, of course, there was no way I could hurry along the other travelers or the TSA personnel. What could I do myself that might ease the process just a little? I came up with the following solution that seems to work well.
After you get through the boarding pass checkpoint, you usually start the process of removing your wallet, watch, and other personal items you have in your pockets or are wearing, such as jewelry. What if you removed those items before you went through the security line?
I tried it and it makes the ordeal just a little better. I removed my wallet, watch, comb, and loose change from all my pockets and placed all the items in a small plastic freezer bag I had brought with me. I then placed the bag in my briefcase (you could also use your carry- on bag). It seemed like I flew through the x-Ray process. Once on the other side, I emptied out the plastic bag and was on my way.
It seemed to me that not only was it quicker, it was safer. Just putting all your personal items in those little plastic dishes as you go through security always seemed to me to be a little unsafe. We have all heard stories of and maybe even experienced ourselves missing or forgotten watches, wallets, etc. Using my suggested method makes those a lot less likely. Try it; I think you'll like it.
I knew, of course, there was no way I could hurry along the other travelers or the TSA personnel. What could I do myself that might ease the process just a little? I came up with the following solution that seems to work well.
After you get through the boarding pass checkpoint, you usually start the process of removing your wallet, watch, and other personal items you have in your pockets or are wearing, such as jewelry. What if you removed those items before you went through the security line?
I tried it and it makes the ordeal just a little better. I removed my wallet, watch, comb, and loose change from all my pockets and placed all the items in a small plastic freezer bag I had brought with me. I then placed the bag in my briefcase (you could also use your carry- on bag). It seemed like I flew through the x-Ray process. Once on the other side, I emptied out the plastic bag and was on my way.
It seemed to me that not only was it quicker, it was safer. Just putting all your personal items in those little plastic dishes as you go through security always seemed to me to be a little unsafe. We have all heard stories of and maybe even experienced ourselves missing or forgotten watches, wallets, etc. Using my suggested method makes those a lot less likely. Try it; I think you'll like it.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Rush to See Captain Phillips
We recently saw what have to be the two best movies of the year. Both are thrilling, non-stop excitement. They are Rush and Captain Phillips.
Rush, which is directed by Ron Howard, is the story of the battle between two Formula 1 race car drivers, Niki Lauda and James Hunt, for the world championship. While there have been other movies which have tried to capture the excitement of Formula 1 racing (Grand Prix, starring James Garner, comes to mind), no movie, until now, has made you feel what it must be like to experience the thrill and the danger of driving at speeds in excess of 170 mph around treacherous curves and in the rain. Rush does that and more. The movie captures the personalities of the two men as they react to that danger and as they interact with one another in the face of unimaginable adversity..
Lauda (played to perfection by Daniel Bruhl ) is a rigid Austrian, who insists on going by the rules. On the other hand, Hunt is a playboy, who drinks champagne before a big race. Chris Hemsworth plays Hunt, whose wife, Suzy, eventually left him for the actor, Richard Burton, who was on leave from Elizabeth Taylor. Hemsworth is best known for his role as Thor in the Avengers' series.
If Ron Howard does not win the Academy Award for his direction of this movie, something is definitely wrong with the selection process.
Speaking of the Oscars, Tom Hanks definitely deserves a nod for best actor for his virtuoso performance as the real-life Captain Phillips in the movie of the same name. The docu-drama details the mostly true story of the capture of a merchant ship carrying relief supplies by Somali pirates off the coast of Africa. Hanks, it seems like, is in every scene and definitely carries it off better than any other actor could. Of course, this is why he already has two Oscars.
Rush, which is directed by Ron Howard, is the story of the battle between two Formula 1 race car drivers, Niki Lauda and James Hunt, for the world championship. While there have been other movies which have tried to capture the excitement of Formula 1 racing (Grand Prix, starring James Garner, comes to mind), no movie, until now, has made you feel what it must be like to experience the thrill and the danger of driving at speeds in excess of 170 mph around treacherous curves and in the rain. Rush does that and more. The movie captures the personalities of the two men as they react to that danger and as they interact with one another in the face of unimaginable adversity..
Lauda (played to perfection by Daniel Bruhl ) is a rigid Austrian, who insists on going by the rules. On the other hand, Hunt is a playboy, who drinks champagne before a big race. Chris Hemsworth plays Hunt, whose wife, Suzy, eventually left him for the actor, Richard Burton, who was on leave from Elizabeth Taylor. Hemsworth is best known for his role as Thor in the Avengers' series.
If Ron Howard does not win the Academy Award for his direction of this movie, something is definitely wrong with the selection process.
Speaking of the Oscars, Tom Hanks definitely deserves a nod for best actor for his virtuoso performance as the real-life Captain Phillips in the movie of the same name. The docu-drama details the mostly true story of the capture of a merchant ship carrying relief supplies by Somali pirates off the coast of Africa. Hanks, it seems like, is in every scene and definitely carries it off better than any other actor could. Of course, this is why he already has two Oscars.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Boomers Beware: Oreos Are Addictive
A study by researchers at Connecticut College announced today suggests eating Oreo cookies may be as addictive as snorting cocaine. The high sugar, high fat cookie that we love to tear apart and dip in milk appears to affect the same pleasure zones in the brain as both cocaine and morphine. The study conducted on lab rats has not been peer-reviewed but the findings appear to be consistent with other studies which have shown a link between consuming high carbohydrate foods and the release of dopamine in the brain.
Source: College study finds Oreo cookies are as addictive as drugs | Fox News http://fxn.ws/1giJbuS via @foxnewshealth
Source: College study finds Oreo cookies are as addictive as drugs | Fox News http://fxn.ws/1giJbuS via @foxnewshealth
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
No Surprise: Jerry Seinfeld is Hilarious
In a bit of a departure from our usual fare on this blog, I wanted to share with you our experience at the Jerry Seinfeld show here in Pittsburgh last Saturday night.
First of all, it was a miracle we were able to get any tickets at all. When the show was originally announced, the show was sold out quickly. Apparently happy with the response, a second show was scheduled. I called the box office and remarkable, tickets were still available for the second show. I gobbled up two for a total of $176, tax and handling fees included.. They were for middle of the left center orchestra. Not bad.
The show began with Seinfeld's warm-up act, a comedian whose name I could not hear when he was announced. He was very funny and I began to wonder if Seinfeld could top him. No need to worry. After about twenty minutes of the warm up act's non-stop jokes, Seinfeld appeared to a standing ovation. As I am sure is common where ever he goes, he paid homage to the city, pointing out that Pittsburgh is always ranked number 1 or near the top in almost every survey of the most livable cites, but then further pointing to the fact that "nobody believes that for a minute."
The next 75 minutes or so were similar non-stop observations about everything---and, of course, about "nothing." He joked that our lives all "sucked" including his own, but pointed out his sucked "a lot less." I was surprised at how limber he was as he danced around the stage. At 59, he appears to be at least twenty years younger.
It was a real tour de force and I would recommend you see him if he is visiting a town near you or even if you have to travel. It is well worth it.
For scheduling information about the tour, see http://www.ticketnetwork.com/tickets/jerry-seinfeld-tickets.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&gclid=CJe9q_Huh7oCFdSd4AodXhsAxg
First of all, it was a miracle we were able to get any tickets at all. When the show was originally announced, the show was sold out quickly. Apparently happy with the response, a second show was scheduled. I called the box office and remarkable, tickets were still available for the second show. I gobbled up two for a total of $176, tax and handling fees included.. They were for middle of the left center orchestra. Not bad.
The show began with Seinfeld's warm-up act, a comedian whose name I could not hear when he was announced. He was very funny and I began to wonder if Seinfeld could top him. No need to worry. After about twenty minutes of the warm up act's non-stop jokes, Seinfeld appeared to a standing ovation. As I am sure is common where ever he goes, he paid homage to the city, pointing out that Pittsburgh is always ranked number 1 or near the top in almost every survey of the most livable cites, but then further pointing to the fact that "nobody believes that for a minute."
The next 75 minutes or so were similar non-stop observations about everything---and, of course, about "nothing." He joked that our lives all "sucked" including his own, but pointed out his sucked "a lot less." I was surprised at how limber he was as he danced around the stage. At 59, he appears to be at least twenty years younger.
It was a real tour de force and I would recommend you see him if he is visiting a town near you or even if you have to travel. It is well worth it.
For scheduling information about the tour, see http://www.ticketnetwork.com/tickets/jerry-seinfeld-tickets.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&gclid=CJe9q_Huh7oCFdSd4AodXhsAxg
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