Category: Consumer

#EndRobocalls

#EndRobocalls

Posted on by Jack

Don’t you just hate it when you are busy doing something and the phone rings. You drop what you are doing and run to the phone but it is just a recording to tell you about your big chance to buy something or claim a prize in a contest you never entered.

These moments are brought to you by Robocalls. They are more than a bother. Sometimes people actually respond to them and end up losing money. It must be enough people to make it worthwhile for these scammers.

Consumers Union (a division of Consumer Reports) is running a campaign to end these calls before they reach your home (#EndRobocalls). They have an online petition and information at https://consumersunion.org/end-robocalls/.

If you agree, please sign the petition. No guarantee this will end them but at least it could. This is your chance to make your voice heard. #EndRobocalls.

Ireland flights on sale

Ireland flights on sale

Posted on by Jack

Most of us with an interest in Irish genealogy (or those who just want a nice vacation) frequently look at plane flights to Ireland. Usually the rates are high if you would like to go during the usual tourist season.

If you see a good rate on a flight to Ireland often there is some sort of exclusion like “good on flights during February”. We were very surprised a few nights ago when we saw Ireland flights on sale. The best prices were New York to Shannon but decent enough prices for flights with other origins and destinations.

So check out the Aer Lingus sale on Ireland flights as well as their offers to elsewhere in Europe. There may be a reasonably-priced vacation in your future.

Medicare explained brilliantly

Medicare explained brilliantly

Posted on by Jack

This is a review of Medicare For Dummies which was much better than expected. In fact, it was very good but I did have low expectations when I first saw the book.

Many years back my job involved computers and programming. I don’t remember the exact story so this will be a bit vague. For some reason I need to learn quickly about some commonly used program. I figured since I knew nothing about program X, most books or webpages about X would be way over my head.

So I figured I would start with the “Dummies” book and progress after I got the basics. It turn out badly. I didn’t really learn anything useful and felt insulted and frustrated in the process.

This book is much different. Continue reading “Medicare explained brilliantly”

Time Warner-Comcast merger and customer satisfaction

Time Warner-Comcast merger and customer satisfaction

Posted on by Jack

I saw an article in this morning’s paper, Survey puts Time Warner-Comcast merger in a harsh light.

It was very disturbing news when you consider how large this new company will be. I had previously written about the Time Warner-Comcast merger and was a bit concerned about the dominant size of the company in both cable TV and internet.

The survey shows that Time Warner is the worst in customer satisfaction and Comcast is second worst. It remains to be seen how customer satisfaction will be in the combined company but I would not be too optimistic based on past results.

Amazon-Hachette Feud

Amazon-Hachette Feud

Posted on by Jack

Given the unpleasant aspects of the Amazon-Hachette Feud and the resulting consumer problems with delays buying books by many best selling authors published by Hachette you’d think consumers would be finding alternatives to Amazon and competitors would use this as an opportunity to increase sales.

You would think internet competitors such as Barnes and Noble or local independent book stores would advertise that they stock and can deliver Hachette titles.

For example, Michael Connelly has a thriller featuring Detective Harry Bosch which is available for pre-order. I am on their mailing list and did get an email about the pre-order but there was no mention of the Amazon-Hachette dispute and how Barnes and Noble had no problem with delivery of Hachette titles.

James Patterson and David Baldacci currently have best sellers and are published by Hachette. Thousands of titles are published by Hachette. Is this not a tremendous business opportunity for Barnes and Noble, other internet competitors, and your local independent book store?

Quick update on Amazon Prime

Quick update on Amazon Prime

Posted on by Jack

I previously mentioned my experience with Amazon Prime in a post which seemed only appropriate since I have it mentioned in my sidebar.

I did renew for 1 year. I buy enough things off Amazon than I figure the 2 day free shipping alone will be worth it. I have borrowed a Kindle book for free and that works fine but they could have more choices and make it a bit easier.

I have tried the video streaming several times and that is easy and works well. I have watched several videos including season 1 of The Americans and am in the process of watching season 1 of Orphan Black.

I think it is a fantastic deal.

Not so Urgent, Caller-ID to the rescue

Not so Urgent, Caller-ID to the rescue

Posted on by Jack

Today another call that I chose not to answer. Caller-ID said “Urgent” and gave the number as 760 204-3179. It was so urgent they didn’t bother to leave a message.

With caller-ID I usually don’t answer calls from unfamiliar numbers. If it is important, they would leave a message. If they do leave a message it is usually to speak with a customer service rep, or lower my electric bill, vote for someone in an election I can’t vote in, or something else stupid.

Phishing email says Amazon.com but it is NOT

Phishing email says Amazon.com but it is NOT

Posted on by Jack

This morning I received an email asking me to confirm my Amazon account because of suspicious activity. The email said it was from Amazon.com but the address said e-server.com rather than Amazon.com.

The confirmation link did not point to Amazon. I thought this was a phishing email and Amazon confirmed it when I contacted them (not using the link in the email, of course).

So if you get something similar, do not click on the link in the email.. Continue reading “Phishing email says Amazon.com but it is NOT”

Upgrading your Smartphone

Upgrading your Smartphone

Posted on by Jack

If you are thinking about upgrading your smartphone or maybe considering moving up to a smartphone, it might be a good idea to invest a few dollars in a book that can tell you what the new phone can and can’t do. And of course if it does something, you’ll want to know how. Continue reading “Upgrading your Smartphone”

Find a credit card

Find a credit card

Posted on by Jack

Just a short note today as I was totally surprised by this. I was looking a something else entirely on Amazon.com. I often buy books there but also a variety of other items.

Today I was looking and noticed they had a credit card category and wondered about it. So I looked and saw a sort of one stop credit card center which lists a variety of cards and their features, including customer reviews on some cards. Easy to look by type of card or various features including type of reward (if any). I prefer cash rewards but others may prefer travel rewards or points toward various gifts. Some cards include an Amazon gift card.

If your in the market for a credit card or even thinking that a rewards card might be useful, have a look at the Amazon credit card page .