tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16605122229544667012024-03-24T00:10:08.929-07:00The Brainchild of Miranda LaneThe Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-48660416912321029482012-09-16T18:40:00.001-07:002012-09-16T21:25:30.964-07:00SNL 38th Season Premier ReviewThe 38th season of Saturday Night Live kicked off this week with guest host Seth MacFarlane. Overall, it was a mediocre offering, with the same sorts of tired, low-risk comedy sketches like the "Sex over 50" show where the hard-of hearing producer sits in for the regular show's expert. The sketch about the <a href ="http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/drill-sergeant/1417080" target="_blank">studdering sergeant</a> was a bit predictable, but well played nonetheless. However, it was aired so late in the show that many in the audience likely misses it.
The show was not without it's topical references, including an appearance by <a href ="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangnam_Style" target="_blank">Gangham Style</a> South Korean rapper PSY, and impressions of Clint Eastwood with the RNC empty chair and the Honey Boo Boo Todlers & Tiara's duo. The best part of the show for me, however, was when Seth MacFarlane appears as swimmer Ryan Lochte at the Weekend Update Desk.
<iframe id="nbc-video-widget" width="560" height="315" src="http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/widget/widget.html?vid=1417078" frameborder="0"></iframe>
<i><a href = "http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/weekend-update-ryan-lochte/1417078" target ="_blank">It feels so weird to be dry!</a></i>
The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-90917460912348631332012-02-16T10:16:00.000-08:002012-02-16T10:27:58.743-08:00Zemandi vs iWriterHaving worked as a content provider through both <a href="http://www.zemandi.com/" target="_blank">Zemandi</a>and <a href="http://www.iwriter.com/" target="_blank">iWriter</a>, I have experienced both to be able to compare them fairly. Both have very similar terms, concerning how much writers get paid and how often they receive their payments. iWriter, though, has several features which make it my preferred place to go when I am looking for these types of writing assignments.<br /><br />First off, Zemandi is not a scam. There is a lot of kvetching out there in the cybersphere about Zemandi. I have experienced some of the same frustrations myself, but I can say that I have always been paid for my work for them, and most of the complaints I've seen online do have policies and explanations clearly posted on Zemandi's website.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Zemandi pros</span><br /><br /><LI> Writers have a default of eight hours to complete an assignment (iWriter only gives you 2 or 3 hours). You can request an extension if you need more time, as well.<br /><LI> Zemandi frequently offers bonuses during peak weeks, to incent workers to write more<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Zemandi cons</span><br /><br /><LI> Writers are not able to view any of the assignment details prior to accepting it. The assignment you get could be shorter or longer than what you wanted and might not be on a topic you know much about. You pretty much get whatever is next in the queue. And if you decline the assignments too frequently, you'll have to re-qualify as a writer.<br /><br /><LI> The only contact writers have is with support - writers are not able to get in touch with the content requestors directly, when they have questions or need clarifications. (In fact, it's not clear from the website where the clients interested in buying content through Zemandi submit their requests.)<br /><br /><LI> As a writer, there is no clear way of tracking your rating (and thereby your rate per article). In practice, it seems the only way to earn more is to write more. To increase your earnings on Zemandi, the emphasis is on quantity, rather than quality.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">iWriter pros</span><br /><br /><LI> Writers are able to view the assignment details - and approval percentage and content requestor ratings and comments left by other writers - prior to accepting an assignment. You have the ability to pick an article which is the length and topic you want.<br /><br /><LI> You are able to contact the requester if you have questions, and you are able to rate the requester as well.<br /><br /><LI> You can easily track your progress toward a higher rating. Higher rated writers have access to higher paying assignments. On iWriter, content requesters compete for the best writers by offering higher rates for their assignments.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">iWriter cons</span><br /><br /><LI> Writers only get two or three hours to complete an assignment.<br /><br /><br />Both Zemandi and iWriter pay via Paypal, but they will only make a payment when your account balance is at least $20. Paypal also charges you a tranaction fee every time either of these websites transfers money into your account.<br /><br />Zemandi processes payments weekly. With iWriter, you have the option to be paid weekly, bi-weekly or twice a month.<br /><br /><br />As an aside, if you're looking to writing and other "mirco-tasks" and get Paypal payments sent to you more frequently without being charged the transaction fee, try <a href="http://www.clickworker.com/become-a-clickworker?utm_source=121772&utm_campaign=CW4CW&utm_medium=email">clickworker</a> . <span style="font-style:italic;">Note, the author receives an incentive when people sign up and earn via this link.</span><br /><br /><br />The amount you earn per article on either site is comparable. Zemandi pays $2.25 for a 450 word article. iWriter offers $2.43 for a 500 word article.<br /><br />Considering that both sites allow writers to produce content for other people's websites and offer similar rates and payment terms, signing up with either can help you supplement your income by writing articles. But when you weigh the pros and cons of both Zemandi and iWriter, clearly the better overall experience for content authors is with iWriter.The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-33448195308183444062011-04-03T16:39:00.000-07:002011-04-04T15:42:41.908-07:00Remember when SNL only had one guest?On Saturday night, April 2, 2011, Elton John was scheduled to be both the guest host as well as the musical guest. It's a job not easily done and my hopes were high as the opening monologue was strong - both in terms of the writing as well as John's delivery. <br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" id="dmlkZW9faWQ9MTMxNzU3NQ==" width="512" height="354" align="middle"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/5-0/swf/DirectWidget.swf?CXNID=1000004.10045NXC&widID=4727a250e66f9723&configXML=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbc.com%2Fservice%2Fvideowidget%2Fparams%2FdmlkZW9faWQ9MTMxNzU3NQ%3D%3D%2F" /> <param name="quality" value="high" /> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /> <embed src="http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/5-0/swf/DirectWidget.swf?CXNID=1000004.10045NXC&widID=4727a250e66f9723&configXML=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbc.com%2Fservice%2Fvideowidget%2Fparams%2FdmlkZW9faWQ9MTMxNzU3NQ%3D%3D%2F" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" width="512" height="354" align="middle" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><br /><br />However, while John is not known for his acting, it would have been nice to see him play someone other than himself. Even when he was a character in the sketches where he appeared, that character was still loosely based on him. I really was looking forward to seeing him play it straight (pun or otherwise). Instead, <a href = "http://www.businessinsider.com/carmelo-anthony-saturday-night-live-2011-4" target = "_blank">Carmelo Anthony showed more range</a>. And while it was a surprise to see the unbilled big names like Tom Hanks aboard, it did seem like he was pinch-hitting for the otherwise one-note performance of John, since Hanks appeared in a number of different sketches showcasing his comedic acting brilliance. The only true cameo of the evening, then belonged to Jake Gyllenhall, and it's a shame they didn't utilize him more. Anyone who saw <a href = "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsHAW_k5I4Q" target = "_blank">Gyllenhaal on Jimmy Kimmel</a> the other week likely laughed a lot more during that appearance than during the entire SNL episode. <br /><br />Finally, the most disappointing part of this week's SNL was the lack of screen time for the female members of the cast. Even when they had <a href = "http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/elton-visits-the-queen/1317531/" target = "_blank">a sketch with the Queen of England, it featured Fred Armisen in drag</a>. Maybe with a more regal Helen Mirren as the host, the ladies will get more screen time in the next offering.The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-70370029481735916722011-03-29T21:02:00.000-07:002011-03-29T21:06:03.052-07:00The new series "Body of Proof" premiered as a mid-season replacement on ABC in the spring of 2011. Dana Delany plays medical examiner Megan Hunt, a character who is a mix of the main characters from "House" and "The Mentalist" as a keen physician whose knack for observation helps her solve crimes. I will say that it is refershing to see a female as a lead as a smart, character-driven role in this sort of show. And if the formula hits its stride and finds an audience (like the aforementioned "House" and "The Mentalist" have), it could have several successful <br />seasons. However, what you may not realize is that this network show is not being filmed in Philadelphia, despite the fact that the show is set in the city of Brotherly Love. <br /><br />"Body of Proof" is in fact filmed in Rhode Island. They started shooting in the summer of 2010, and each episode employees about 280 extras, and requires a crew of 175 - all of whom are local hires. That's great news for the people of Rhode Island, since the work is going to them. But it's not so great news for the talented cast and crew in the Philadelphia area would would have been interested and available to work on the show in the very city where the fictional events are supposed to be taking place.<br /><br />The reason they are filming in Rhode Island instead of Philadelphia? Two words: Tax credits.<br /><br />Maybe if Pennsylvania had gotten it's budget in order sooner rather than later, Philadelphia would have had a fighting chance of getting the production to call the city home. Tax credits have worked for PA in the past, but when they didn't get renewed right away, it interrupted the pipeline in the film-planning process, forcing production companies to look elsewhere.<br /><br />Philadelphia has lured several major movie productions to film in the city, most recently "Limitless" and "How Do You Know." And if you don't remember hearing about them when they were filming, it's because their working titles were "Dark Fields" and "The Untitled James L. Brooks Project" respectively.<br /><br />Films are great opportunities for local cast and crew when they are in town, but they are temporary. After a few months, the production packs up and us locals are suddenly available again for other work... like another film. <br /><br />However, with no productions slated to come to Philadelphia anytime soon, local actors might consider traveling to Pittsburgh (where the film "Perks of Being a Wallflower" starring Emma Watson is set to shoot) or New York City (which has productions of both movies and TV shows currently in production).<br /><br />TV shows have the potential to offer continuing work for cast and crew provided they get renewed for another season. When "Hack" was on-air, it lasted for three seasons from 2002- 2004, and unlike "Body of Proof", it was filmed entirely in the city of Philadelphia.<br /><br />But filming at TV series in the location the story is set is more the exception, rather than the rule. The recently canceled "Cold Case" did most of their filming in Los Angeles and Burbank, but they would bring some of the principals to Philadelphia once or twice a season to shoot some key scenes at the actual Philadelphia locations, rather than relying solely on establishing shots to make the show appear as if the story is taking place in the area. Although, don't let that fool you, either. I remember working on the show as a background player at a shoot that took place at Girard College, but the location in the storyline was supposed to be the University of Pennsylvania. So sometimes, even when the production is shooting on location, they still need to find a substitute.The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-88713337964803993462010-08-24T00:02:00.001-07:002010-08-24T00:03:40.870-07:00Long time, no postI haven't posted on this blog in quite a long time, but now I'm renewing my efforts to post more often. I signed up for clickbank today (free) and I anticipate posting some articles and reviews of some of the products (mostly e-books) they have to offer. So stay tuned!The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-29485431360137396422009-02-23T19:52:00.000-08:002009-02-23T19:53:00.565-08:00The fun-to-crap ratio, or fun:crapFor any given situation, there exists a fun:crap ratio. As there will always be crap, we eliminate the danger of division by zero which could occur should the ratio be inverted, as in crap:fun when fun = 0.<br /><br />The situation is good when the fun:crap ratio is greater than 1. Ideally, it should be 2 or more. <br /><br />When, however, the ratio is less than or equal to 1, the crap is canceling out the fun and the situation is bad.The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-1330793832679848682009-01-24T13:04:00.000-08:002009-01-24T13:05:43.204-08:00My own DunkachinnoI likely didn't spell that one right, but with Dunkin Donuts bringing back the Dunkachino, a blend of coffee and hot chocolate, I decided to make my own delicious concoction at home. I took some Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate Hot Chocolate mix and instead of using milk or water, I made it with fresh brewed hot coffee. Simply heavenly!The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-6787259362861180022008-12-24T13:49:00.000-08:002008-12-24T13:57:54.818-08:00Saying "Excuse Me" does not give you carte blanche OR "Merry Christmas, Bitch"I was at the mall on Christmas Eve, about to buy a Powerball ticket from the machine in the Customer Service store, when a woman walked into the store after me with tickets in her hand, said "Excuse me," and butted right in front of me to get to the machine. I tried to strike a balance between being polite and sticking up for myself when I told her, "I was about to buy a ticket." Her snuffy reply was "I <i>said</i> 'Excuse me'!" I looked at her dumbfounded, like somehow saying "Excuse me" makes butting in front of someone OK. It's not even asking for permission, it's actually a command. And it doesn't even contain the word "Please". Then she breaks eye contact, but sarcastically says, "It's Christmas. Merry Christmas to you, Bitch!"<br /><br />Needless to say, I did not stick around to buy said Powerball ticket. In fact, the few times I've attempted to buy a ticket at that particular machine I've been thwarted somehow or another. Perhaps the universe doesn't want me to spend my dollar on the lottery there.The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-52986908554226619412008-12-22T12:05:00.000-08:002008-12-22T12:42:16.932-08:00Law of Attraction Reading ListWhen I was reading my personal blog last night, I found the entry with my 2008 New Year's Resolutions. One of them was to blog more often - here. Well, that really didn't happen, did it?<br /><br />Instead, I thought I would share some of the books I've been reading over the last 12 months, all of which are related in part to the Law of Attraction. Here they are, in no particular order:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0446696153?ie=UTF8&tag=colleeobriena-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0446696153">Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=colleeobriena-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0446696153" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Joel Osteen<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fentity%2FRhonda-Byrne%2FB001ILM8OQ%3Fie%3DUTF8%26%252AVersion%252A%3D1%26%252Aentries%252A%3D0&tag=colleeobriena-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957">The Secret</a><img src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=colleeobriena-20&l=ur2&o=1" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Rhonda Byrne<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0446199745?ie=UTF8&tag=colleeobriena-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0446199745">Law of Attraction: The Science of Attracting More of What You Want and Less of What You Don't</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=colleeobriena-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0446199745" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Michael J. Losier<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442950315?ie=UTF8&tag=colleeobriena-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1442950315">Creative Visualization</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=colleeobriena-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1442950315" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Shakti Gawain<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591792878?ie=UTF8&tag=colleeobriena-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1591792878">Alchemy of Abundance: Using the Energy of Desire to Manifest Your Highest Vision, Power, and Purpose</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=colleeobriena-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1591792878" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Rick Jarrow, Ph.D.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%255Fb%255F1%255F20%26field-keywords%3Dthe%2520master%2520key%2520system%2520by%2520charles%2520f.%2520haanel%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dstripbooks%26sprefix%3DThe%2520Master%2520Key%2520Syste&tag=colleeobriena-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957">The Master Key System</a><img src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=colleeobriena-20&l=ur2&o=1" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Charles F. Haanel<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008MNVQ?ie=UTF8&tag=colleeobriena-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00008MNVQ">The Circle: How the Power of a Single Wish Can Change Your Life</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=colleeobriena-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00008MNVQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Laura Day<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062512668?ie=UTF8&tag=colleeobriena-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062512668">The Cube: Keep the Secret</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=colleeobriena-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0062512668" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Annie Gottleib and Slobodan Pesic<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1561708178?ie=UTF8&tag=colleeobriena-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1561708178">Secrets of Attraction: The Universal Laws of Love, Sex and Romance</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=colleeobriena-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1561708178" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Sandra Ann Taylor<br /><br />Enjoy!The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-82885104390361525672008-01-18T06:55:00.000-08:002008-01-18T07:03:50.180-08:00Focus Group UpdateLast night it was rather snowy and slushy during my commute to the focus group, and they weren't able to get in touch with me before I arrived to tell me that they decided to cancel due to the weather. So guess what? I got $50 just for showing up! They also were kind enough to send me off with some snacks, bottled water and a sandwich - since I had to turn back around in the messy weather and drive home. I should hear soon about when they will reschedule - so I have the opportunity to earn the $75 for actually giving my opinion when they hold the focus group again.<br /><br />While I was there, they shared with me their business card and website info - I think I had a different link in my last post. So here's the info. And yes, this is legit. No, I don't get any incentive for posting this, but if you would like to share the wealth and <a href = "https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=miranda_lane%40excite%2ecom&item_name=Miranda%20Lane%20Thank%20You%20Donation&no_shipping=1&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&lc=US&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8">donate to Miranda Lane</a>, it will be gratefully accepted and appreciated.<br /><br /><b>Receive cash for participating in:</b><br /><ul>Taste Test<br />Product Evaluations<br />Telephone and Online Surveys<br />Focus Groups</ul><br /><br /><b><a href = "http://www.jraopinions.com/">www.JRAopinions.com</a></b><br /><b>1-877-JRA DATA</b><br />(1.877.572.3282)<br /><b>To Register!</b><br /><br />JRA<br />J.RECKNER ASSOCIATES, INC.The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-34102545952460975032008-01-17T09:29:00.001-08:002008-01-17T09:37:20.375-08:00Focus Groups - the truth thru the hypeI'm on file with several focus group companies in the area. The two that called me this week were <a href = "http://www.schlesingerassociates.com/"><b>Schlesinger Associates</b></a> and the other is <a href = "http://www.reckner.com/"><b>JRA or J. Reckner Associates</a></b>. Every now and again they call me to participate in focus groups. Different companies want consumer opinions - sometimes on existing services and products, sometimes on new products, and sometimes on their competitors. The sessions sometimes are one-on-one, usually taped and done in a room with a two-way mirror so the clients can watch. They usually last an hour or two and you leave with a check or cash and sometimes if it's in Center City they'll even re-imburse you for or validate your parking. Pay ranges from $75 to $125 per group.<br /> <br />They call every now and again, and I do a pre-qualifying survey on the phone. I don't always get in based on that survey, but I get in maybe once or twice a year. I've participated in groups about banking and toe-nail fungus (that was with Focus Point, I think, at 17& and JFK, but I can't find their website... maybe it changed. Anyway, they haven't called recently, but I think they focus mostly on medical conditions and I guess there's not much wrong with me). One time, I was called in to talk about perfumes, and was the alternate - so I got to show up, eat, and then was sent home with a check and validated parking after 15 minutes when it was clear that everyone else had shown up on time! <br /> <br />So tonight it's about beverages... or bottled water... I don't remember. Like I said, two companies called me this week and I only got into one of them. <br /><br />I hope that helps explain some of the truth about all those internet ads that hype Focus Groups. You really can make up to $125 an hour, but maybe only an hour or two per year. <br /><br />The links to the companies above do not contain affiliates; however, if you would like to <a href = "https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=miranda_lane%40excite%2ecom&item_name=Miranda%20Lane%20Thank%20You%20Donation&no_shipping=1&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&lc=US&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8">donate to Miranda Lane</a>, it will be gratefully accepted.The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-92096746068865381982008-01-14T09:29:00.001-08:002008-01-14T09:29:56.412-08:00Unitards and High Waisted ShortsOne word: <br /><br />Why?<br /><br /><br />Sorry, random banner ad. So resulting random post.<br /><br />That is all.The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-18786291125964752592008-01-10T08:21:00.000-08:002008-01-10T08:32:12.888-08:00How Much is Fitness Worth?Featured on <a href = "http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/">Rachel Ray</a> today in her "Human Lab" were a pair of MBT Sport Shoes, which are said to be designed to help you walk more upright and tone your legs and glutes. MBT stands for <b><a href = "http://www.swissmasaius.com/Default.aspx?lang=en-US">Masai Barefoot Technology</a></b> and there are many places which offer the sneakers online. However, the price-tag is around $250! Now, I freak out when I had to pay $75 for a pair of <a href = "http://www.easyspirit.com/">Easy Spirit</a> sneakers. (I usually try to get them on clearance or on sale or at an outlet, but rarely do they have my size.) Yes, my <a href = "http://www.rascalfitness.com/">new gym</a> is supposed to open up next week and I'm really excited about being able to use the treadmills, but it looks like I'll be doing it in my new under $100 sneakers. I bet those $250 are nice, though. Maybe I'll have to treat myself for them eventually, but for now, it just seems silly to pay that much for a pair of sneakers I'll wear at a gym which will cost me only half that in membership and monthly fees!The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-9243449373589312172008-01-03T14:07:00.000-08:002008-01-03T14:16:10.384-08:00Everyday eleganceOver seven years ago, when I visited Ireland, I bought two grapefruit bowls from the Waterford Crystal factory. At the time (and currently) I don't really eat grapefruit, but I thought they would be the perfect size to enjoy ice cream out of.<br /><br />Well, that was three apartments ago and in my moving and downsizing over those years, they landed at my parents house to be stored. Recently, I asked my mother if I could have them back, but I would always seem to remember sometime after I had entered the turnpike heading back to my own place.<br /><br />On New Year's Day, as I was putting on my coat and saying good-bye to my parents after dinner, my mother remembered them so I could take them with me. Surprisingly not only did I have the two grapefruit bowls, but I also had two matching accent plates as well. <br /><br />So, rather than keep them in storage for some special occasion (and then forget them), I thought I would enjoy them regularly. Last night, I baked a cake (for no particular reason other than I had all the ingredients) and ate a piece (OK, two pieces) off of the crystal accent plates. <br /><br />Since they are lead crystal, they are heavier than my usual plates, so I figured I burned some calories or briefly worked some arm muscles while I held it up and ate off of it. <br /><br />My point is this. Enjoy elegance everyday. Don't put fancy things away so that they can be enjoyed someday later. Make "someday" today!The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-66811639204834555642008-01-02T11:36:00.000-08:002008-01-02T11:48:37.413-08:00Writers strike and my showsIt's January 2, 2008, and the late night TV shows are to start airing new episodes tonight. David Letterman will be the only one to have his guild writers with him, as he owns his show and negotiated his own agreement with the WGA. <br /><br />I looked up Wikipedia to see how long the daily soap operas could run. I knew they have scripts several months in advance, but the strike has been on since November 5, 2007. According the <a href = "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effect_of_the_2007-08_Writers_Guild_of_America_strike_on_television">this Wikipedia article</a>, the soap operas only have scripts thru January 2008. So maybe we'll be looking at daytime TV reruns soon, too.<br /><br />Surprising to find in that same article was the news that The Daily Show and The Colbert report would start airing new episodes on January 7, 2008 - without their guild writers. This <a href = "http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2007-12-27-comedy-central-strike_N.htm">USA Today article</a> stated, <i>In a joint statement, Stewart and Colbert said: "We would like to return to work with our writers. If we cannot, we would like to express our ambivalence, but without our writers we are unable to express something as nuanced as ambivalence."</i><br /><br />What is TV coming to?<br /><br />Though I am currently a non-union on-camera actress, the fact that production stopped on so many TV shows have stopped production is not good news for one who wants to work. However, I support the writers as they have very reasonable demands. Though how long is this going to continue if the studios are strong-arming their shows back into production without WGA members?<br /><br />Hopefully, it's simply a matter of time before a settlement is agreed upon. Until then, we may have to suffer thru some less desirable television programs.The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-41333189226741034152008-01-01T18:15:00.000-08:002008-01-01T18:50:13.316-08:002008 and Resolutions - and ala carte religionYesterday, Anderson Cooper of CNN announced his New Year's Resolution was to <a href = "http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/anderson.cooper.360/blog/2007/12/whats-your-new-years-resolution.html">blog more</a> - at least once a day. I figured that was easy enough for me to do too, particularly because I'm not nearly as busy as Anderson Cooper appears to be (not to mention my earlier intention to make money from this particular blog, so more content should increase my income potential).<br /><br />I usually post many times a day on LiveJournal, though most of those are deemed "friends only". This is public, and is for a different audience. So I already blog a lot, and though not necessarily daily, it's pretty darn close. I also journal offline, usually at the laundrymat, so there's at least once or twice a week I'm writing as well. The point is to post an entry HERE at least once a day.<br /><br />And why not go with something controversal: The Bible.<br /><br />I still have the Bible I used in High School. I was raised Catholic and went to a Catholic High School, though now I do not consider myself part of the church. Maybe if I had a family I would feel differently because the whole church community thing seems to center around raising children. The two main reasons I am not a member of the Catholic Church are for their stance on homosexuals (being homosexual is OK, but if you decide to actually express yourself as a homosexual and have homosexual sex that's a sin); and their stance on women being priests (a priest has to represent the person of Christ in body, and that's actually Dogma thanks to JPII). <br /><br />Although I do not feel that I have been called to a priestly vocation, I am a woman, and I can't in good conscious be a member of a community who marginalizes me by insisting my only legitimate roles are either that of a virgin or a mother. (I'm also not so zealous to protest or work from within to try to overturn church doctrine, either). <br /><br />Although I myself am heterosexual, again, I don't feel it moral to say that those who's sexual attractions are different than mine are prevented from expressing physical love for another - ever. The Catholic Church's stance on sex is that unless it's within the context of marriage and open to conception, it's a sin. Needless to say, I'm for gay marriage. And I believe in birth control, but that's another story.<br /><br />So on to the Bible. Most Catholic Churches, I believe, would not be classified as "Bible Based". Yes, they include the reading of scriptures in their Masses, though in the Catholic education I've been blessed enough to receive (which taught me so well it allowed me to question the faith itself and reject it) always took the Bible in context. Yes, it's the inspired word of God, but it's not to be taken literally. If anything, it's a piece of literature, subject to criticism and study and must be viewed in the context of the life and times in which it was written.<br /><br />So anyway, that's really just background info. Lately, I've found several cable channels who broadcast <a href = "http://joelosteen.lakewood.cc/site/PageServer?pagename=JOM_homepage">Joel Osteen's</a> sermons on Sundays. If it weren't for CNN, I wouldn't even be aware of him. But he was in an interview about his new book and he may as well have been preaching the Law of Attraction or selling <i>The Secret</i> for all of his talk of Abundance. I kind of liked hearing that God wanted me to live an abundant life, so I tuned in. Who wouldn't want to go to a church where they tell you that God wants you to be rich, right?<br /><br />For the most part, his sermons are positive. Yes, I'm sitting in my living room in a comfy recliner watching and listening to him, but even when I used to go to Church and sit in those uncomfortable pews, I don't remember many positive sermons. Usually, I remember hearing all about what NOT to do... and after all that Catholic schooling, there was a bunch of stuff they told me was wrong that I wanted to try myself and come to my own conclusion. Sometimes negative campaigning works, but sometimes I just want to hear some good news. It's why I watch a lot of cartoons and very little news. I like to stay informed, but I also like to be happy.<br /><br />The thing that really struck me, though, was at the beginning of his sermons, Joel leads his congregation in a chant / prayer where they all hold up their Bibles. At the end, he says to "Get yourself into a Bible-based Church." Hmmm... that was somewhat disappointing for me, as I'm no Bible nut (per above). And it seemed that it was just those book-ends of his preaching that emphasized the Bible that much. Sure, he had some references to Bible stories in his sermon, but he also had several modern-day stories and examples to try to make it relevant today. So you can imagine my disappointment when I read on his website on the <a href = "http://joelosteen.lakewood.cc/site/PageServer?pagename=JOM_whatwebelieve">What We Believe</a> page where it says that the Bible is without error. <br /><br />So... I might tune in again on other Sundays to see what he has to say, but it seems I'll only ever really get the most out of his sermons if I pick-and-choose, which is sort of what I had been doing with my Catholic faith before I decided to stop considering myself a part of that community. <br /><br />The good news is that I'm strong and reasonable and can make my own decisions. Religion is a powerful thing, and the desperate and hopeless can easily be attracted to a cult. I prefer to think for myself.The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-84860590250527082562007-12-28T12:14:00.000-08:002007-12-28T12:34:55.846-08:00New pay-to-surfSince the <a href = "www.agloco.com/r/BBGP8197">AGLOCO</a> thing didn't seem to work out (I got a "Service Update" via e-mail this month - details below), I've downloaded the bar from <a href = "http://www.cashfiesta.com/php/join.php?ref=miranda_lane">CashFiesta</a> to try it out. They've been around since 2000, and they appear to have been paying out consistently, so I thought I'd give it a shot.<br /><br />The toolbar shows two ads at a time, and they are usually the annoying blinky ones, so it's not always easy to ignore. Plus, you've got to click on Pedro to wake him up more often than I'd prefer. Well, his name is really "Fiesta Boy" but I call him Pedro, When he's sleeping, you're not earning any points. He tends to sleep a lot, particularly when I'm blogging. Even though the internet window is open, I suppose it appears that I'm not surfing. <br /><br />On the down-side, they've a complicated points earning structure, and points-to-cash formula I'm not even going to try to explain. I just know more points is good. Plus, it appears that you need to request a pay-out yourself - they don't automatically send you the money once you reach the minimum payout. Oh, and the minimum payout is $50. Since I've only been doing it for a few weeks, I don't know how quickly or slowly that will happen, but again, more points are better.<br /><br />They do have bonus offers which are supposed to get you more points or cash. I will say that when I reported a problem with one of these offers, the support was very quick to respond and fix the issue, so that was very encouraging. It does seem like somebody is minding the store. <br /><br />So, if you're willing to give it a try for two months or so and see what happens, I would only ask that you please sign up using my referral link: <a href = "http://www.cashfiesta.com/php/join.php?ref=miranda_lane">CashFiesta</a>. And come back here to comment on your experiences, good or bad. I'm curious as to how everyone else finds their service.<br /><br />And remember, a tried-and-true site full of free-cash offers with only a $10 minimum payout and automatic checks sent to your door (that is, you don't have to request a check once you make the minimum) is available on <a href = "http://cashcrate.com/2714">CashCrate.com</a>. I've been a member for over two years now and I love getting that unexpected check in the mail. You earn cash for submitting your info to free offers - and there's full disclosure as to what is required before you even click on the offer. Pick the ones you like, skip the ones you don't and refer your friends to earn 20% of your first level referrals and 10% of your second level referrals.<br /><br />And here's the scoop on the <a href = "www.agloco.com/r/BBGP8197<br />">AGLOCO</a> thing. Even though they haven't updated <a href = "http://blog.agloco.com/">their company blog</a> since October, I did get an e-mail from them dated December 12th. The contents are below. Make your own conclusion, but I've since uninstalled my toolbar.<br /><br /><i>We would like to update you on the status of AGLOCO's operations. We continue to believe in the AGLOCO concept, but our revenue is currently not sufficient to give Members a meaningful distribution. And though there are increases in membership, the resulting revenue is not enough to support operating costs. As a development team we are unable to continue to use our savings to fund the operations. If any Member would like to pursue continuing the operations of AGLOCO, you may contact us at agloco1@live.com . <br /> <br /> We would like to thank every Member for supporting our effort to bring a piece of the Internet directly to the user. We hope that we can find a way to keep the operations going.<br /> <br />AGLOCO Development Team</i><br /><br />Again, if you're interested in the pay-to-surf, I ask that you try <a href = "http://www.cashfiesta.com/php/join.php?ref=miranda_lane">CashFiesta</a> and report back on your experience.<br /><br />Also, if you simply want cash for your interest in free online offers, then go to <a href = "http://cashcrate.com/2714">CashCrate.com</a>. <br /><br />Either way, please sign-up using the referral links above. And if you have a positive experience, by all means, refer others!The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-60085063087909377022007-11-12T15:22:00.001-08:002007-11-12T15:34:00.052-08:00Curvy Girls ARE SmarterI am not usually a fan of Fox News, but that's where I found <a href = "http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,310636,00.html" target = "_blank">this story</a>. According to studies at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of California, Santa Barbara, women who have waists smaller than their hips score better on cognitive tests then their leaner counterparts. The study also found that the children of curvy women also do well on cognitive tests. The link to the article on <a href = "http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article2848055.ece" target = "blank">The Sunday Times Online</a> points out that it's not about weight, but body shape. "Such women are not necessarily skinny. What is important is that their waist should be smaller than their hips, with the ideal ratio being between 0.6 and 0.7"<br /><br />Thank you, Fox News, for reporting on this on a day when I needed to be reminded that curves have their benefits.The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-73731285056511555612007-11-11T13:03:00.001-08:002007-11-11T13:12:34.175-08:00What the hell, people?!I woke up this morning and made the mistake of turning on news radio. What did I hear? There was a shooting at my old college campus! No, it wasn't some massive madman running wild through the school. In fact, there were no injuries. But darn it, when I went there, the scariest things involved illnesses, not bullets. I'm glad I'm not in college now, or have any children of my own attending. Talk about a crazy time to be attending.<br /><br />Links to<a href = "http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=local&id=5754836" target = "_blank">the news story by the local ABC affiliate</a> and <a href = "http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/pennsylvania/20071111_ap_shotsfiredafterfightsbreakoutatvillanovauniversitydance.html" target = "blank">an AP article published on philly.com</a> indicate the shooting incident occurred early Sunday morning after an on campus dance in the student center had ended. Public Safety was on the scene to break up the fight in the parking lot, where the shots were fired. No injuries were reported. The campus was on lockdown overnight, and the order was lifted later Sunday morning. <br /><br />My favorite part of the AP article is their describing Villanova as "the private Roman Catholic school in a wealthy Philadelphia suburb." As if they imply <i>we expect shooting at somewhere like Temple University, but never at Villanova!</i> People with guns are everywhere, and sooner or later they use them.The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-19725887373439328642007-10-23T11:25:00.000-07:002007-10-23T11:32:31.117-07:00YouTube to the rescueI am a Comcast subscriber and I also like to watch CNN Headline News. However (and I've written Comcast about this), Comcast News Network INTERRUPTS Headline News at :25 and :55 to insert some boring interview topic of their own - like they don't have enough channels they already own they have to interrupt something else! The response I got from my e-mail complaint was that they never actually interrupt real news - just the human interest stories at the end of the half hour - yeah, the ones they tease the whole half hour to keep you watching only to have them yanked for some boring Comcast Newsmakers spotlight that can barely hold my attention. I will say that I lodged the complaint a while ago and was surprised at the swift and relevant response from Comcast.<br /><br />Anyhoo, I was flipping thru and the story they were teasing was about Marie Osmond on <i>Dancing with the Stars</i>. They wouldn't tell you what happened to her in the promos - and of course, that story on CNN Headline News went up at five minutes to the hour so I never got to see the story. <br /><br />I found it on <a href = "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyBWNdg-zwY" target = "_blank">YouTube</a>. It's much more dramatic that her dance partner doesn't catch her, because she makes a really big thump when she hits the floor. The Headline News promos made you think she went nuts or made some out-of-character comment. Nope, she just fainted.<br /><br />But if it weren't for YouTube, I wouldn't have seen it. Stupid Comcast.The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-28671721824202693222007-10-17T05:42:00.000-07:002007-10-17T05:58:40.269-07:00My sorta free popcornYesterday, my sorta free popcorn from Dale and Thomas Popcorn finally arrived. I ordered it on Wednesday, the 10th. My confirmation e-mail said it would be shipping on Thursday, the 11th. It was only going from NJ to PA, so I expected it by Monday, the 15th. On Tuesday morning, I replied to the confirmation asking for some more information. My credit card had already been charged (yeah, for free popcorn they ask you to pay for shipping and handling - I'll get into that later) and I wanted to know if it had even been sent out or could be tracked. I got no response. When the package arrived, it had a UPS shipping label on it and when I check the tracking details, turns out the origin scan is for Monday the 15th at 9:47 PM! It didn't even get to a UPS facility until MONDAY NIGHT! I know UPS doesn't shop ordinarily on Saturday and certainly not on Sunday but why did Dale and Thomas tell me they would ship on Thursday - but it not actually ship until Monday? How fresh is this product, then. Did the confirmation mean that they only made it on Thursday, but they let it sit in their warehouse for four days before they saw that it made it's progress to me? Or are they so overwhelmed with orders for their sorta free popcorn that they simply can't handle the load? Hell, I could have gone to one of their locations and picked up a bag for full price on my own TWICE in the time it took them to ship me my sorta free product.<br /><br />The reason I say it's "sorta" free is this: <br />If you go to <a href = "https://www.daleandthomaspopcorn.com/freepopcorn/default.aspx?channel=TV" target = "_blank">MyFreePopcorn.com</a> they'll send you two bags of their flavored popcorn for free - plus shipping and handling.<br /><br />First it's just the fine print on the TV ad (<small>+shipping</small>), then at the top of the web page it says they only ask for $2.95 for shipping and handling per bag. When you scroll down, you're choices are for two different "combos" - where you can choose for them to send you two bags... so that's where the $5.90 comes into play. Unless you live in NJ - apparently there's tax on shipping in NJ. <br /><br />Sneaky, yes? Slowly upping the ante for you to pony up for their free popcorn.<br /><br />Yeah, I did it. Because, well, gourmet popcorn sent to my door for under $6. I had never had it before so I thought I would give it a try. Now that it's finally arrived, I will say you get a decent amount of popcorn shipped to you - plenty to share (though I have no intention of doing so). The chocolate one was OK - not as great as I expected it to be. Almost too sweet it hurt my teeth. Now the butter toffee walnut - yowsa, that's good! More than half of that is gone. <br /><br />So it's an interesting marketing tack - sending sorta free product to try to drum up sales for the holidays. However delicious I found their one flavor sample, however, I will not be throwing them any of my future business because this experience shows me I can't trust what they say. I expected my product to ship earlier based on their communications and when I questioned it, I got no answer. Based on that, how can I trust that any other orders I would consider for birthday or holiday gifts would arrive on time at all? I can't. So thanks for my sorta free popcorn. I will enjoy eating it now that it's finally arrived. But that's the last of Dale and Thomas Popcorn I'll be paying for.The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-52056693220936248362007-10-13T15:33:00.000-07:002007-10-13T15:51:49.566-07:00Does this Jeff Paul system really work?I'm sure you've seen the infomercial for the <i>Shortcuts to Internet Millions</i>. If you haven't, check out a five minute clip on <a href = "http://youtube.com/watch?v=XVhEprAlBgY" target = "_blank">YouTube</a>. Maybe it's because I'm a heterosexual woman, but I don't take anything that Kelly and Tina say seriously as long as they are wearing those low-cut shirts. Not that their scripted claims hold any creditability regardless of their wardrobe (or lack thereof). <br /><br />I've searched the web, and I can't find one positive, independent review at all. There are plenty of ones which call it a <a href = "http://bu.bulicio.us/business/shortcuts-to-internet-millions/" target = "_blank">scam</a> and a <a href = "http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/115/ripoff0115777.htm" target = "_blank">ripoff</a>.<br /><br />Prove me wrong. I'd love to make tons of money on the internet without doing much work at all. Heck, if you want to <a href = "https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?<br />cmd=_xclick&business=miranda_lane%40excite%2ecom&item_name=Miranda%20Lane%20Thank%20You%20Donation&no_shipping=1&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&lc=US&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8" target = _"blank">donate</a> some money to me to make my wish come true, be my guest!The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-39436071606177225132007-10-08T18:49:00.000-07:002007-10-08T19:03:21.864-07:00First Ladies Traveling Exhibit - a review of sortsToday, I stopped by the <a href = "http://www.constitutioncenter.org/" target = "_blank"> National Constitution Center</a> in Philadelphia to see the First Ladies exhibit. I originally thought I'd go down last week, but it didn't officially open until Friday and then I thought it might be crowded today with it being a holiday, but it wasn't all that bad. It was $15, they offered no student discounts (I still carry around my grad school ID) and it included the "Freedom Rising" presentation and admission to their permanent exhibit on the Constitution itself "We the People," which was nice bargain, since you usually have to pay $12 to see just that, but I had already seen it last year - apparently there's no way to get an exhibit only ticket. It didn't appear that I was taking a seat in the theater away from anybody else, but once the woman heard I had been there before she tried to sell me on the membership for $35... I didn't think I'd be back twice more in the next 12 months seeing as this is the first exhibit I'd wanted to see since the place opened, so I said pass... even though they had this cute teapot ornament that said "first ladies" on it when you joined. <br /> I looked in the gift shop, and they didn't have anything like that. They did have expensive china patterns: cups, saucers, mugs, plates... mostly with flowers that were supposed to be the favorites of particular first ladies, but nothing that even resembled the cool official china patterns that you saw in the exhibit. Anyway, the exhibit was smaller than I thought it would be. I had seen most of it as a result of the <a href = "http://video.nbc10.com/player/?id=164096" target = "_blank">local news sponsor's teaser show on NBC-10</a> this weekend. They had some interesting artifacts and personal items I don't remember seeing before and a number of examples of the official china patterns, but I overheard more than one patron say that they expected to see more gowns on display. I guess this is just the traveling exhibit, and the rest must be on permanent display at the Smithsonian... or not, as it seems from <a href = "http://americanhistory.si.edu/" target = "_blank">their website</a> that the American History museum is under renovations until the Summer of 2008. Realizing that now, I really wished there had been more gowns on display, too.The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-34948524535125847082007-10-06T08:34:00.000-07:002007-10-06T08:47:24.839-07:00Do any humans work at eBay?For the first time in a long time, I wanted to buy a book off of half.com the other day. Now, I had to re-set my eBay password to log in (half.com is an eBay company) and I found out that my account was suspended. The links said that I could pay an outstanding balance or "find out more". I wanted to buy a book, not read a help file, so I clicked on the outstanding balance tag - hey, if it's like the library or Blockbuster video and I really do owe something and didn't know about it - I'll pay up and no harm, no foul - then continue with my original transaction. Only the balance was $0.00! It wouldn't even let me pay $0.00 - I thought maybe that would trigger it to unsuspend my account. Which left me the help file - I skimmed it and none of the reasons even applied to me. They stated that I should have received an e-mail about it. Yeah, whatever. E-mail is not guaranteed delivery and since I rarely use the account who knows when that happened if it did. They suggest contacting them - which leaves me to another online help featured where I pick my own answers - you guessed it - it's the same darn help file I already read which was no help to me at all. Sense some frustration here? A simple transaction for a book which was under $10 used is now taking up more than 10 minutes of my time. <br /><br />So the next alternative is their live help feature. Sure, I'll quick chat with someone and get this all straightened out pronto. First, the application terminates on me early. Great. Then I finally get in the queue and it says that there are seven people ahead of me and my wait time is approximately 15 minutes! I've already spent nearly that just getting to this point. No way am I waiting for this!<br /><br />So I dig a little deeper and figure out a way to send an e-mail to their customer service department. I've got to go thru the same darn help file twice, but finally there's a link to send them a real text e-mail via an online form.<br /><br />A short time later, I get an e-mail reply. It's the text from THAT SAME DARN HELP FILE AGAIN. I'm fuming now. Do they think I'm stupid? As if they keep sending me the same information over and over and over again that I'll finally say "OH, RIGHT - I get it NOW! Sorry it didn't make any sense the first seven times you send me the same text." That's simply insane. <br /><br />I decide I want no more of this crap ever, and I log into eBay - with my new password - and click on the link to close my account. Guess what - I can't close it if it's suspended and they want me to go back to online help!<br /><br />Now I'm totally convinced that eBay is the evil empire for taking up so much of my time and giving me the run-around when all I wanted to do was buy a book on half.com. I don't even want to take the time to re-register under another e-mail address I'm so pissed off at this point. I feel bad for the seller, as it's not their fault, but I'm taking my business elsewhere. I fire off a reply to their canned e-mail saying as much.<br /><br />Back in the day, I used to be a very good half.com seller. Then eBay came in and bought them. That's about the time I got out. I still had the account, but I've got to tell you the last time I bought something off of half.com was last spring. I've never bought anything off of eBay and after this experience, I'm certainly not going to start now. <br /><br />Several days have passed and I still keep getting the automated canned responses requesting I do the very things I say I have already tried. I keep sending back in all caps CANCEL MY ACCOUNT IMMEDIATELY! What a customer service nightmare!The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1660512222954466701.post-91545332348546402772007-10-05T12:48:00.001-07:002007-10-05T12:49:29.873-07:00Great Mystery Shopping companyI've worked for several mystery shopping companies in the past and I can highly recommend <a href = "https://www.imyst.com/register.asp?ref=64815">imyst</a>. If you're going to sign up, I respectfully ask that you use the <a href = "https://www.imyst.com/register.asp?ref=64815">link</a> provided, as they do have a referral program.<br /><br />Happy Shopping!The Original Miranda Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081225310895002512noreply@blogger.com0