This is the coolest thing since YouTube!
Songza is a music search engine and internet jukebox.
I just found out about this site this morning from one of my favorite sites: lifehacker.com
You type the name of a song that you want to hear in the search box. Up comes a list of possible links to hear the song. Click on the link and viola.... jukebox!
I spent the first hour of my day challenging the search engine with obscure and half forgotten song titles.
This is going to be hot, hot, hot. Say you "heard" about it first on Bobbi's Bargains!
Happy Listening! Click here to enjoy music, music, music.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Monday, September 10, 2007
Bargain Car and Truck Replacement Parts
A few years ago, my very nice brother-in-law accidentally came too close to our car while backing out of the garage (we were parked in the driveway.) Another inch to the left and he would have missed our car all together. However, as it was, he put a dent in the front door, the back door and pulled the chrome a little bit off both doors.
It didn't seem like too much damage. Seemed like any kid with a hammer and a tube of super glue should have been able to fix it. I certainly didn't want to send it to my insurance company and I refused to have my sister and her husband send it to their company. The hike in the insurance payments would have been ridiculous (the criminality of car insurance rates is another topic for another blog.) I said that I would get an estimate on getting it fixed. My brother-in-law insisted that he would pay for it. Deep down, I figured that I could swing the hundred or so bucks it would cost to fix. What would be the big deal.
So, I naively walked into a body shop to get an estimate. The guy looked at the car, went to his computer, did some math and presented me with an estimate for a little under $2000!!! What!!! Are you crazy? Did you actually look at this car? How could it POSSIBLY be that much money?
It turns out that we had to completely replace SIX components to the car!?!? BIG pieces.... like the entire doors - top and bottom! What? This is insane?
Well, I just KNEW there was a cheaper way. It was unthinkable that I, the queen of bargains, would even consider paying such a huge amount of money to fix a deep scratch and a couple of broken plastic clamps.
My hunt began.
I checked on the internet, went for a few more estimates, talked to friends and friends of friends. Couldn't really find anything much better. It was either live with the damage (which I would have if I could but the dangling chrome was dangerous. I had to get it fixed) or pay these exorbitant prices.
Finally, I figured out that I could check on Craigslist.com and found a guy who did auto body repair in the back alley of his house. I agreed to drive the car the two hours away, leave it overnight and come back for it. I was a big leery that the car would be gone when I came back to get it, but at that point there was little that I could do and I was just plain tired of trying to get this done.
We came back the next day and found out that the guy had NOT replaced the parts, but had filled the dents with some sort of "filler" and then painted and sanded the door. It really wasn't that bad.... it just wasn't what I had expected. To this day (a few years later) the paint still holds up.
The fixing of the chrome wasn't as good. Turns out that instead of replacing the broken clamps he had just glued the chrome back on. That didn't hold up very well in the Southern California heat, so we have had to reglue it a couple of times.
Nice story, Bobbi, but why are you telling us this?
Because I KNEW that there was a way to buy the replacement parts for MUCH cheaper. I just KNEW it. My bargain senses were tingling and I just knew that I was missing something and couldn't find it.
But.... TODAY, finally, the winds of bargain fate blew the location of the Bargain Car and Truck Replacement Parts my way.
It's called Pick Your Part, The World's Largest Self Serve Auto Recyclers with about a dozen locations in the Southern California area.
Essentially, this is an auto junk yard, with great customer service. The idea is that they will buy used and junked cars and trucks. They put them in a junk yard. You can go into the junk yard (you have to pay a $2 admission fee) and go find the parts you need. This might require some tools, so make sure you bring your own handyperson and some tools.... or your best batting eyelashes. Once you get your part separated from the car or truck it came into the junk yard with, take it to the front desk and pay for it. Prices for most items are listed online (a very nice touch) so that you will have some idea what it will cost.
You will save TONS of money. Of course, if you are the type that doesn't want to get their hands dirty or if you are concerned that the paint on the replacement part won't match exactly... then by all means, pay $2000 for $150 worth of replacement parts. But if you do, please don't tell anyone that you know me.
If you aren't in Southern California, then you can do an internet search for "recycled auto parts"+"the name of your town, area, state or country". If you can't find any place near you, you can contact a company in Minnesota that will ship the part to your front door - A-Abco Fridley's Recycled Auto Parts.
Hope this helps you. It surely made my day.
It didn't seem like too much damage. Seemed like any kid with a hammer and a tube of super glue should have been able to fix it. I certainly didn't want to send it to my insurance company and I refused to have my sister and her husband send it to their company. The hike in the insurance payments would have been ridiculous (the criminality of car insurance rates is another topic for another blog.) I said that I would get an estimate on getting it fixed. My brother-in-law insisted that he would pay for it. Deep down, I figured that I could swing the hundred or so bucks it would cost to fix. What would be the big deal.
So, I naively walked into a body shop to get an estimate. The guy looked at the car, went to his computer, did some math and presented me with an estimate for a little under $2000!!! What!!! Are you crazy? Did you actually look at this car? How could it POSSIBLY be that much money?
It turns out that we had to completely replace SIX components to the car!?!? BIG pieces.... like the entire doors - top and bottom! What? This is insane?
Well, I just KNEW there was a cheaper way. It was unthinkable that I, the queen of bargains, would even consider paying such a huge amount of money to fix a deep scratch and a couple of broken plastic clamps.
My hunt began.
I checked on the internet, went for a few more estimates, talked to friends and friends of friends. Couldn't really find anything much better. It was either live with the damage (which I would have if I could but the dangling chrome was dangerous. I had to get it fixed) or pay these exorbitant prices.
Finally, I figured out that I could check on Craigslist.com and found a guy who did auto body repair in the back alley of his house. I agreed to drive the car the two hours away, leave it overnight and come back for it. I was a big leery that the car would be gone when I came back to get it, but at that point there was little that I could do and I was just plain tired of trying to get this done.
We came back the next day and found out that the guy had NOT replaced the parts, but had filled the dents with some sort of "filler" and then painted and sanded the door. It really wasn't that bad.... it just wasn't what I had expected. To this day (a few years later) the paint still holds up.
The fixing of the chrome wasn't as good. Turns out that instead of replacing the broken clamps he had just glued the chrome back on. That didn't hold up very well in the Southern California heat, so we have had to reglue it a couple of times.
Nice story, Bobbi, but why are you telling us this?
Because I KNEW that there was a way to buy the replacement parts for MUCH cheaper. I just KNEW it. My bargain senses were tingling and I just knew that I was missing something and couldn't find it.
But.... TODAY, finally, the winds of bargain fate blew the location of the Bargain Car and Truck Replacement Parts my way.
It's called Pick Your Part, The World's Largest Self Serve Auto Recyclers with about a dozen locations in the Southern California area.
Essentially, this is an auto junk yard, with great customer service. The idea is that they will buy used and junked cars and trucks. They put them in a junk yard. You can go into the junk yard (you have to pay a $2 admission fee) and go find the parts you need. This might require some tools, so make sure you bring your own handyperson and some tools.... or your best batting eyelashes. Once you get your part separated from the car or truck it came into the junk yard with, take it to the front desk and pay for it. Prices for most items are listed online (a very nice touch) so that you will have some idea what it will cost.
You will save TONS of money. Of course, if you are the type that doesn't want to get their hands dirty or if you are concerned that the paint on the replacement part won't match exactly... then by all means, pay $2000 for $150 worth of replacement parts. But if you do, please don't tell anyone that you know me.
If you aren't in Southern California, then you can do an internet search for "recycled auto parts"+"the name of your town, area, state or country". If you can't find any place near you, you can contact a company in Minnesota that will ship the part to your front door - A-Abco Fridley's Recycled Auto Parts.
Hope this helps you. It surely made my day.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Free Food - Wild Food Plants
Believe it or not, there was a food supply before McDonald's. Hard to believe, but true. Not only was there food before the Big Mac, but there was FREE food. And, that food supply still exists. It is right outside your door. If you know which plants are edible and how to prepare them you can survive in the wild.
Here is a wonderful place to start: Sunny Johnson's Wild Food Plants website.
Her site includes short videos that show you what the plants look like, how to harvest them and how to cook them.
Unfortunately, it seems that Sunny has lost her videocamera, so it might be awhile before there are more videos. I hope she gets a new one soon, because I love the ones she has done so far. I'm planning on making False Dandy Balls for next Sunday Brunch.
Here is another lovely site to help you grow your own edible plants: How to landscape with edible plants.
For more sites and books, just search the term "edible plants" in your search engine.
Warning: some plants are poisonous. It is important that any plants that you eat are positively identified and you know they are safe to eat. For more information on how to do this, click here.
Now, go weed and eat.
Here is a wonderful place to start: Sunny Johnson's Wild Food Plants website.
Her site includes short videos that show you what the plants look like, how to harvest them and how to cook them.
Unfortunately, it seems that Sunny has lost her videocamera, so it might be awhile before there are more videos. I hope she gets a new one soon, because I love the ones she has done so far. I'm planning on making False Dandy Balls for next Sunday Brunch.
Here is another lovely site to help you grow your own edible plants: How to landscape with edible plants.
For more sites and books, just search the term "edible plants" in your search engine.
Warning: some plants are poisonous. It is important that any plants that you eat are positively identified and you know they are safe to eat. For more information on how to do this, click here.
Now, go weed and eat.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Broadway - Cheap Tickets
A fantastic little web site for those of you going to New York City with a limited budget and hopes of seeing some Broadway plays: www.talkinbroadway.com/boards/
This site lists all the shows on Broadway and their policies regarding "Rush" and "Standing Room" tickets. These are day-of-the-show ticket sales that average around $25. Some of them require a Student ID.
The entire web site of TalkinBroadway.com is a great resource for any Broadway fan.
This site lists all the shows on Broadway and their policies regarding "Rush" and "Standing Room" tickets. These are day-of-the-show ticket sales that average around $25. Some of them require a Student ID.
The entire web site of TalkinBroadway.com is a great resource for any Broadway fan.
Free "Shakespeare in the Park" - Central Park, New York City
For the last 50 years, Summertime in New York City has meant free "Shakespeare in the Park" at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park.
Every community that I have ever lived in (and I've lived in quite a few) offered free concerts during the summer months. Most notable is the free "Shakespeare in the Park" in Central Park - the heart of The Big Apple. (Thank you, Linda, for reminding me of this.)
You can pick up your free Shakespeare in the Park tickets on the day of the performance beginning at 1 pm at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park or from 1 to 3 pm at The Public Theater Box Office, 425 Lafayette Street.
Tips to remember when getting free Shakespeare in the Park tickets:
1. You will need to line up between 8 am and 10 am to have the best chance to get a ticket. Some people line up as early as 6 am.
2. Tickets are giving out on the same day as the performance.
3. Tickets are given out starting at 1 pm
4. Bring a chair to sit on, an umbrella for shade and something to entertain yourself if people watching won't be enough for you. (see #8 below)
5. One person = one ticket
6. There is no saving space in line for someone.
7. Tickets are reserved seats, so if you want to sit with someone, you need to stand in line with them.
8. Remember - GETTING the tickets is part of the experience. Come prepared to enjoy the first part of the show. It's entitled, "waiting in line in Central Park." If you are from "the sticks" you are sure to see some things they "don't have at home."
If the above tips don't sound like fun to you, you CAN buy a ticket to the show for $150.
For soothe.... go forthe... enjoyth.
Every community that I have ever lived in (and I've lived in quite a few) offered free concerts during the summer months. Most notable is the free "Shakespeare in the Park" in Central Park - the heart of The Big Apple. (Thank you, Linda, for reminding me of this.)
You can pick up your free Shakespeare in the Park tickets on the day of the performance beginning at 1 pm at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park or from 1 to 3 pm at The Public Theater Box Office, 425 Lafayette Street.
Tips to remember when getting free Shakespeare in the Park tickets:
1. You will need to line up between 8 am and 10 am to have the best chance to get a ticket. Some people line up as early as 6 am.
2. Tickets are giving out on the same day as the performance.
3. Tickets are given out starting at 1 pm
4. Bring a chair to sit on, an umbrella for shade and something to entertain yourself if people watching won't be enough for you. (see #8 below)
5. One person = one ticket
6. There is no saving space in line for someone.
7. Tickets are reserved seats, so if you want to sit with someone, you need to stand in line with them.
8. Remember - GETTING the tickets is part of the experience. Come prepared to enjoy the first part of the show. It's entitled, "waiting in line in Central Park." If you are from "the sticks" you are sure to see some things they "don't have at home."
If the above tips don't sound like fun to you, you CAN buy a ticket to the show for $150.
For soothe.... go forthe... enjoyth.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Thift Shop Finder
Finally.... someone made the website that I always hoped would be created ... an online national Thrift Shop Finder! The website is called, "The Thrift Shopper." (www.thethriftshopper.com) There are already over 7300 Thrift Shops listed. Just a few clicks and you can have a listing of charity based thrift shops in your area. The listing includes store name, address, hours, telephone number, affiliated charities, and a link to a map. Who could ask for more? Well... there IS more... an online magazine, a forum, classifieds, etc. Get ready for a fun web surfing time on this one.
If your favorite, charity based Thrift Shop is not listed, you can add it. You can also rate the shops that you know. Help your favorite shop get some good publicity by posting a good review.
Don't forget to visit this site before you take a vacation. Make a list of Thrift Shops in your vacation destination. You can pick up local memorabilia for a fraction of what it would cost retail.
There is also a link to a syndicated cartoon strip that takes place in (of course) a Charity Thrift Shop - cute. It's called, "Heaven's Love Thrift Shop." (www.heavenslovethriftshop.com)
So, check out this site. Create a local list for yourself (including the maps). Stick the list and maps in your glove compartment. Then... when you find yourself in the area of town where the shop is, you can drop in and check it out. We must use our gas miles wisely.
Happy Thrift Shop Shopping!
If your favorite, charity based Thrift Shop is not listed, you can add it. You can also rate the shops that you know. Help your favorite shop get some good publicity by posting a good review.
Don't forget to visit this site before you take a vacation. Make a list of Thrift Shops in your vacation destination. You can pick up local memorabilia for a fraction of what it would cost retail.
There is also a link to a syndicated cartoon strip that takes place in (of course) a Charity Thrift Shop - cute. It's called, "Heaven's Love Thrift Shop." (www.heavenslovethriftshop.com)
So, check out this site. Create a local list for yourself (including the maps). Stick the list and maps in your glove compartment. Then... when you find yourself in the area of town where the shop is, you can drop in and check it out. We must use our gas miles wisely.
Happy Thrift Shop Shopping!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Learn to Play the Harmonic - Fast, Easy and Free
I have managed to fail to learn to play at least a half a dozen instruments this lifetime. That takes a great deal of ability.... especially considering the fact that I REALLY would LOVE to play an instrument. I have tried everything from the triangle to the piano, all to no avail.
BUT... TODAY.... FINALLY.... I found a web site that REALLY teaches you to play (drum roll, please) the HARMONICA!
Yes, indeed, today, for the very first time, anywhere on the planet, Bobbi played "Shenandoah" on the harmonica. Truly, it was so easy, I couldn't believe it.
This guy, Jack, has put together a website that shows you how to start playing the harmonica in minutes. It's like magic.
I have spent hours, in the past, trying to learn to play the harmonica. I couldn't figure out how to do it. I mean, how complicated could it be? But all I was ever able to do was make the same sounds that any three-year-old would make by blowing the air in and out of the instrument.
But, today... I clicked on the link. Read a few paragraphs, followed the instructions and voila!.... I am now a musician. Book me into Carnegie Hall.
So, if you have ever wanted to learn to play an instrument .... dig out the old harmonica that you have tucked in the back corner of your desk drawer and click here, to go to Jack's Harmonica Page. Within 10 minutes, you too, will feel like Bob Dylan. (Well, you might not FEEL like Bob Dylan, but you will be playing the harmonica as well as Bob Dylan and you will probably enunciate your words BETTER than Bob Dylan.)
Be sure to make a video of your first concert, upload it to Utube and send me a link.
BUT... TODAY.... FINALLY.... I found a web site that REALLY teaches you to play (drum roll, please) the HARMONICA!
Yes, indeed, today, for the very first time, anywhere on the planet, Bobbi played "Shenandoah" on the harmonica. Truly, it was so easy, I couldn't believe it.
This guy, Jack, has put together a website that shows you how to start playing the harmonica in minutes. It's like magic.
I have spent hours, in the past, trying to learn to play the harmonica. I couldn't figure out how to do it. I mean, how complicated could it be? But all I was ever able to do was make the same sounds that any three-year-old would make by blowing the air in and out of the instrument.
But, today... I clicked on the link. Read a few paragraphs, followed the instructions and voila!.... I am now a musician. Book me into Carnegie Hall.
So, if you have ever wanted to learn to play an instrument .... dig out the old harmonica that you have tucked in the back corner of your desk drawer and click here, to go to Jack's Harmonica Page. Within 10 minutes, you too, will feel like Bob Dylan. (Well, you might not FEEL like Bob Dylan, but you will be playing the harmonica as well as Bob Dylan and you will probably enunciate your words BETTER than Bob Dylan.)
Be sure to make a video of your first concert, upload it to Utube and send me a link.
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