Soul Thumping

The Amazon Price Check App vs. Brick-And-Mortar Hullabaloo...My Two Cents

Earlier this morning, Poseidon forwarded to me the New York Times opinion article written last week, "Amazon's Jungle Logic" by Richard Russo.  This opinion piece is in response to the infamous Amazon app, Price Check, that seems to be causing so much uproar, most notably from small/local bookstores.  I also read a few other articles on the subject today (between XML code changes and researching error messages...you know, my day job "stuff"), and I understand the clamor and the Amazon "backlash," but I also understand Amazon.

I don't claim to be an expert, but as a reader of books and habitué of all things internet, I'm right down the middle on this one, and here are my thoughts on the matter (worth probably 1/2 cent).

Some Background

The Amazon Price Check app (which I do not have by the way) gives customers the ability, while shopping at any brick-and-mortar store, to scan the barcodes of items also sold by Amazon.com, to get instant price comparisons between the store and Amazon.com.  What shopper wouldn't love this?  Of course, the issue under scrutiny is that Amazon's promotion of the Price Check app gives customers $5 off (up to $15) purchases made through the app at Amazon.

 

The Controversy

There are, as I see it, two major bones of contention with Amazon's new app and I'm spouting off on both:

1.  Many view this is as an ingenious (others might say insidious) strategy for gathering price data from competitors.  This concept is nothing new folks.

A friend of mine who got his MBA back in 1991 started his new job, with a very well known company (no longer in business by the way), as a price gatherer--though I don't know what the actual professional term was for this position way back when.  His duties required him to drive around the southeast to visit the retail stores of his company's competitors, check their prices on certain items, and report back.  His company would publish coupons in local papers for consumers to cut out, take in, and rake in.  The only difference I see in the Amazon Price Check app promotion and the days of yore couponing?  Technology.  Technological advances since the early 90s allow Amazon to save gas and staff salaries, and consumers who want to spend less (including not paying sales tax) do the leg work.

 

2.  As I mentioned earlier, it appears that small mom-and-pop book stores are the most offended with Amazon and their Price Check app.  I'll say one or two things about this.  First, the Amazon Price Check promotion does not include book sales, or so I've read...again, I don't have the app and won't be downloading it.  The melee could simply end here, but of course, it doesn't.

I like, no I love going to small independent book sellers in our area and that won't change.  As long as books are still printed on paper, I'll be perusing the shelves.  Why would I do that when the book prices are sometimes more than Amazon's prices and I have to pay local sales tax?  Because I can't "browse" the shelves of Amazon.com in person.  Book stores are like candy stores to me.  I like looking at the book covers, seeing the artwork up close and personal, thumbing through the pages, and more importantly, people watching.  I can't (and don't really want to, honestly) people watch on Amazon.  I'm not a coffee drinker, but believe it or not, some civilized folks actually enjoy a nice cup of coffee while reading in the comfort of a local book seller's brick-and-mortar establishment while listening to some cool beat music from the past.

For those worried about your favorite independent book stores closing up shop due to the likes of Amazon, don't, and I highly recommend this Forbes blog post, "Amazon and the Starbucks Effect" by E.D. Kain.  Kain has actually written a few posts on the topic of the internet and future of local businesses, and in another blog post, "The Future of Local Business is Selling an Experience" he says, "That’s the future of local businesses – a multi-faceted experience that goes beyond the product itself."

 

Kain summarizes this entire issue better than I ever could in yet another blog post, "Shop everywhere. I do. I shop at Amazon regularly. But I wouldn’t dream of spying on my local bookseller for the behemoth in the market."

As demanders of the latest and greatest, we have only ourselves to blame.  If the technology exists, and can exist (and there is no going back now), businesses, both Herculean online entities and local retailers will use the technology they can afford to do what they've always done:  vie for our business.  We require they court us and woo us with something, whether it be an experience or a coupon...be careful what you ask for.

 

--Fortuitous Observer

2011 Christmas Gifts for Kooky, Fun, Intelligent Women

I swear, October isn't even here yet and the Christmas faeries are already stuffing thoughts and ideas into my head!  Last year I composed a brief post about Christmas gifts for intelligent women, and hopefully I helped a few people with gift buying ideas for 2010.  In anticipation of the 2011 holidays, I've already charged ahead and created my "2011 Christmas Gifts for Kooky, Fun, Intelligent Women" post to help out those early shoppers, and perhaps jump start those pesky procrastinators (I lump myself into the latter category):

Meliciously Yours tshirts make my list again.  These soft vintage tees with Victorian inspired designs make me feel empowered and feminine when I wear them (no, unfortunately, that is not me in the picture).  When I wear these tees out, I nearly always have women asking me, "Where did you get that shirt?"  That's easy!  Go to the Melicious Tees site and order one (or two, or three) for yourself or the hip, bright chick(s) in your life (or if you are in the North Carolina, South Carolina area, a few boutiques along the coast sell them).  I personally like the new 'Innovator' design.  Meliciously Yours is also a proud sponsor of Girls Rock NC, a non-profit organization that provides music and arts programming for girls ages 7 - 17!

The Emwave Pc Stress Relief Biofeedback Heartmath System is on my personal Christmas list this year.  Yeah, I know it sounds a bit like science fiction, and a few years ago I would have gone so far as to say this is a bit "flaky" but I use this device from time to time in my therapist's office and she recommends I get one for myself, so Poseidon, if you are reading this...just want you to know what you can add to my Christmas list for 2011.  This little contraption guides you to achieving more creative energy levels and reducing your anxiety and stress levels.  Hear that intelligent gals everywhere?  This little gadget helps reduce stress!  I can personally vouch for it's effectiveness (ok, its effectiveness on me...I don't want hate emails later).

What woman doesn't love shoes (there may be some out there who just don't get shoes, and I call them freaks)?  Poetic License is one of my favorite shoe brands because they come in some wacky textures and colors, yet classic enough to wear to work.  The Poetic License Jeweled Expression flat is a sensible, yet funky shoe for the intelligent belle.  Not too high, just right.  Even my batty little bunions don't scream quite as loudly as they could in Poetic License shoes.  Try Endless.com when shopping for Poetic License shoes because they seem to be cheaper than other online shoe sites.  I know in my area, Belk carries this line, but they usually have only a handful of styles.

Another item from my 2010 shopping list that is making a repeat performance is the B&N's Nook Color.  Now, I still haven't purchased one of these myself because I worship paper books and I'm not ready to part with the feel of paper on my fingers and all of that nonsense.  But, my sister does own one of these now and it is super handy and super cool.  I think I mentioned last year that my mother-in-law has the nook (not the one in color), and she still loves it.  As a matter-of-fact, a few weeks ago her power was out, she had no lights for hours, but she could still read!  For now, ladies (and gents), I'm sticking with the old-fashioned kind of book, but I recommend these, especially great for travel.  You can read, surf, or just look distinctly smart while carrying it around.

Last but not least, everyone should visit Maylee's Garden on Artfire.com.  Poseidon and I buy her handmade laundry detergent and it is fantastic!  The scents are incredible, most notably the nag champa.  My other favorite is patchouli lavender (though I think patchouli is sometimes difficult to get because the patchouli crop demand is still greater than the supply, so sometimes she may be out).  We always buy our laundry detergent from Maylee's Garden rather than local stores because the essential oils and scents make the laundry smell spectacular (I'm not just saying that).  You actually use much less of Maylee's detergent than you do store-bought suds, so the price is well worth it!  She often sends a sample pack of a new scent with our order, which is an added bonus.  Maylee's Garden also has soaps, perfume oils, and she even makes a shampoo bar specifically formulated for dreadlocks (I've never tried it because, well, I don't have dreads -- not yet).  Please do visit her site.  Her products would make great gifts for moms, mother-in-laws, sisters, cousins, aunts, daughters, friends, (ok even men), etc.

I know it is a short list, but it's been a busy year (new job, gallbladder removed, house on the market, etc.) and I personally haven't seen much in the way of anything intensely new or exciting screaming "BUY ME, DAMN IT."

Before closing, I just want to add a word or two (or a few) about gift cards.  Gift cards may seem boring and dull, and some may even say "tacky," but they are usually much appreciated, so if you have to wimp out and you just can't summon any imaginative shopping juice from the creativity gods and none of the above ideas are "just right," then gift cards are a sensible choice.  I recommend Sephora, Amazon, or a local day spa (if you are in the Raleigh, NC area or GA, TN, FL, or KS, I highly recommend Natural Body Spa).

 

--Fortuitous Observer

Here Lies Dorothy Parker

Today I feel like quoting one of my favorite authors ever, Dorothy Parker!

"That would be a good thing for them to cut on my tombstone: Wherever she went, including here, it was against her better judgment."  -Dorothy Parker

Love it!  Enough said!  Enjoy your day everyone!

--Fortuitous Observer

If Only I'd Chosen a Smaller Book to Put in My Shorts

Zeus and I had dinner this past weekend with R, M, and D, and R was telling us a funny story about when she was 4-years-old and she got a spanking from her father, and she told him that must never happen again (yes, at the age of 4 she doled out some sage words of advice for her father, which is what makes the story so funny), and it made me recall a particular spanking I received from my father when I was around 6 or 7 (I can't remember exactly).

I had done something (I can't remember that either...honestly) and my mom told me that she was going to have my dad spank me when he got home from the store.  I knew I didn't want a spanking, and I also knew she was too mad to plea bargain so I waited nervously for him to return.  Through my anxiety, I was somehow able to have an epiphany that would save me.  I had seen a sitcom not too long before this incident in which a child was in the same situation I found myself to be.  This child decided that a spanking would hurt less if he put a book in his pants before getting the spanking.  His dad would be hitting the book and not his bottom.  How clever!  I was going to do that.

Fortunately, we had a large selection of books.  Unfortunately, I chose a huge reference book, thinking it would be thicker, therefore, I would feel the spanking less (I was only 6 or 7 remember).  So, I put the book in my shorts and waited for my dad to come home, feeling almost sorry for him that he would be giving me a spanking that wouldn't bother me.

Dad arrived home, mom told him what I did (I still can't remember what it was...honestly), and I was sitting in the kitchen awaiting my fate.  He came in, told me he had to give me a spanking, and I believe I almost smiled as I turned around as if to say, "Go ahead, give it all you got."  Of course, he saw the book in my shorts, and I heard him laugh, just a little, enough to know I'd been caught, and he told me to take the book out, so I did, and even though he found it a little amusing, I still got the promised spanking.  The spanking didn't hurt, but I included the obligatory cries and I-hate-you yells, then it was over.

I realized later that my mistake was in the book selection.  Had I chosen Winne the Pooh or even Little Women, I may have actually gotten away with it, but I also knew if I tried that again, my father was not going to be amused twice, so I left those antics to the make believe children on the sitcoms...

--Fortuitous Observer

A Lesson in Charm

"Many a woman is attractive until she talks.  Then a shrill voice or a nasal twang or a deadly drawl may completely spoil the picture."  This comes from a great book I just finished reading titled, "Better Than Beauty, A Guide to Charm."  Now, let me explain why this book is so great.  It is an entertaining read because it was originally published in 1938 (and republished a few years ago).  Though I found this book to be completely humorous, it is supposed to be a serious book, teaching all women in 1938 how to be charming.  While most of the information is timeless and still applies today, I found myself laughing out loud a number of times!

Ms. Valentine and Ms. Thompson, the authors of the book, asked some important men about town back in the day what they felt the worst offensive against grooming that women committed and the number one was the runaway bra shoulder strap!  That makes me a good grooming violater.  For some reason, no matter what size bra I buy, or how tight I make those damn straps, my shoulders were not meant to hold up straps.  I can't tell you the number of times I've been caught digging through my shirt like I was digging for buried treasure, trying to recapture a slipped bra strap.  I truly apologize to all men out there who have been a witness to this.  However, in our defense, you have to admit that the manner in which we can maneuver that strap back onto the shoulder is nothing short of an acrobatic miracle!

The second faux paux that men considered a grooming offense while this book was being written is the peeping slip.  I think I own a slip or two but I rarely wear them, and I think they are extremely short, and at 40, I'm not wearing miniskirts so much anymore, so I don't really worry about this one.  I have seen women walking ahead of me with hanging slips, and I'll admit, I don't think much about it.  Maybe men are more annoyed at this than women.  According to Ms. Valentine and Ms. Thompson, "You can't look charming with dangling underware, so watch your slip!"

And, the number three grooming offense (again, according to men in 1938) is the overstuffed purse.  Who do they think they are?  First, I'll bet there are very few ladies out there who aren't guilty of this little sin.  It just happens.  Purses are our catch-all if you will.  But, how many times has a man asked you to carry something in your purse for him?  I know it happens to me!  Maybe our purses wouldn't be overstuffed if we didn't have to carry their junk around.  Currently though, I am only carrying a very small purse with just the necessities, like my wallet and check book and my cell phone, and one of my cat's collars (I don't know why, don't ask).  The authors give us a quote from one of the men they interviewed about overstuffed purses:  "No matter how neat a woman looks, a sloppy, over-filled handbag is a dead giveaway.  I know her bureau drawers are a mess.  And I suspect her mind is, too."  I'm not sure if this man was married at the time, but if he was, I am quite certain that he slept out on the fire escape that night, snuggling with a cold blanket a pigeon.

I would love to see some comments from men on what you find to be a woman's worst grooming habit, or from women on other womens' worst grooming habit!   Tell me!

--Fortuitous Observer

You can buy this book from if you are looking for an entertaining, light-hearted read!  If you click the link I included, you should find it under Apartment --> Bookstore.  If you enter "Affiliate10" in the promotion code box, I think you still get 10% off of anything you order from them.

The Idiot Homeowner, Gardner, etc.

I just bought my very first house in September of 2008, so I've been a homeowner for nearly 8 months.  I know nothing about owning a home, except that I'm responsible for everything, and I don't have to throw away money paying rent anymore.  I know nil about home repairs, property taxes, lawn care, landscaping, pest control (except the insects that my cats maul, leaving them near death and in pain flailing about on my floors each morning), trash collection, leaf collection, keeping the driveway clean, etc.  I've lived in urburbia for the past 16 years or so.  I had "people" (a.k.a. landlords and maintenance staff) who took care of such things.  Now, it's just me.  I'm solely responsible.  I've discovered something:  I am an idiot.

I wouldn't give myself the title of idiot unless I was sure it fit.  I'm sure.  From the very beginning, before I even closed on the house, I should have realized that I was in over my head.  When I was checking rates for homeowners insurance and they asked me what kind of pipes were in the house, I said, "I don't know, round ones."  I wasn't trying to be funny.  I honestly believed that to be a helpful, sufficient answer.

Once I signed the papers and moved in, the first thing I wanted to do was paint.  I bought primer, brushes, rollers, paint, etc. and thought I was all set!  It turns out that when priming, you don't actually have to put a solid coat of primer on the wall, and, you should either go side-to-side or up-and-down, not both.  My brother informed me of that after paying a visit to my home while I was out of town for work to check on my cats.  I'm glad I wasn't there when he saw it because his laughter would have been entirely too much for me to handle.  I'm sure he is still laughing about it now...several months later.

A few weeks after moving into my new house (after the painting fiasco), several of the electrical outlets stopped working.  I searched the attic for chewed wires because of the plethora of squirrels who congregate on my property.  I searched the crawl space, sweeping past spiders and other creepy-crawlies I couldn't identify, looking for chewed wires there.  My cousin Anthony (thanks Anth) put the idea of squirrels in my head.  Turns out, a breaker had tripped.  I swear, I looked in the box and saw nothing.  I called electricians and they simply flipped the breaker, and left with a check for $65.00.  Oh, but they did tell me this happens to a lot of people.  Yeah, sure it does, but I appreciated them trying to make me feel like less of a dumb ass.

Two months after moving in, my heat was no longer working (and it was cold and snowing).  Fortunately my soon-to-be-sister-in-law phoned her ex-husband, who happens to be an electrician (and lucky for me, they are on speaking terms) and he rushed right over to diagnose the problem.  He asked me where the heating unit was and I took him outside and showed him the outside heat pump.  He looked at me a bit strangely and said, "Umm, that can't be everything.  I need to see the actual heating unit."  I thought that was the heating unit, but I showed him the crawl space under the house that had other pipes and ducts, and bingo, that was it!  Hopefully he didn't share that episode with his other electrician friends.

It turns out the heating problem started with the thermostat shorting and melting, which melted other things, which caused the heat to stop working.  He bought me a new thermostat, the new kind that's programmable (of course, I paid for it).  He cut me a deal in the price I believe.  The next month, my energy bill went from $239 to $570!  Turns out I was using what is called auxiliary heat.  I was wondering what AUX meant on the thermostat.  Now I know.

When I mentioned to my boyfriend that I would like to put some more plants in the front yard, he suggested we go to a nursery.  I thought he meant to pick out babies.  He meant plants.  I'm not good with plants.  I've killed plants that other people have told me are impossible to kill such as aloe and cacti.  Yup, I've killed them.  I don't have a green thumb.  I don't even have a green finger nail.  I accidentally "broke" one of the rose bushes planted by the previous owner.  I touched the stem to look at it, and it snapped it.  The rose bush is dead.  I'm guilty.

Now that I've been here for 8 months, I'm finally comfortable with changing light bulbs, pulling the trash and recycling containers to the curb on Monday nights, and watering, but not touching my plants.  That's about it.  I did order the Gardening for Dummies and Home Maintenance for Dummies books.  They are on the book shelf in my study, gathering dust.

I thought being unemployed would give me time to do things around the house and learn to garden, but as it turns out, I probably shouldn't...

Visit this great blog I found for DIY information:  http://mydiyhometips.com/.  I spend a good deal of time there.

--Fortuitous Observer

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You Really Can't Judge a Book by It's Cover - Especially When It's Raining

We all need a swift kick in the pants sometimes.  I got mine one rainy Tennessee afternoon.  I used to live in downtown Nashville, and I enjoyed jogging every day from my apartment to LP Field (where the Tennessee Titans play) to do some laps around the field.  I always had my iPod with me, ear buds stuck in my ear, not paying too much attention to things, except where I was going, and dodging the many panhandlers that line the Nashville landscape.

On one of these jogs, after doing two laps around the field, I headed back to my apartment, crossing the pedestrian bridge over the Cumberland River, when it started pouring rain!  I was getting drenched, so I decided to duck under the awning of one of my favorite hangouts downtown, Broadway Brewhouse/Mojo's Grill, until the rain subsided a bit (which in Nashville can be 5 minutes or 2 hours).

Directly in front of me, while I'm waiting under the awning, is a pickup truck, I'm guessing a late S's model, possibly very early 80s.  This truck was so beat up and dented and rusty I couldn't imagine for one second that it actually ran.  I remember thinking, "This must belong to one of the many alcoholic street musicians, the sort who dropped out of high school to become a musician, only to find that Nashville is full of that type, and now they are stranded and practically homeless."  Just like most people, stereotypes pop into my brain (though most people swear they are above that...they're lying) without consciously realizing it.

With the rain still spilling around me, I continued analyzing the pickup truck, speculating about its owner, when I see two books on the dashboard through the windshield that smacked those stereotypical thoughts right out of my head:  Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" and "Existentialism & Humanism" by Jean-Paul Sartre.  Wow, the person who owns/drives this truck is no slacker.  He/she is obviously intelligent and I've already written him/her off as a throw away without even knowing the person.

The rain finally let up and I jogged the three blocks back to my apartment, ashamed, yet better for it!

--Fortuitous Observer