What have you bought for yorself lately?

[fatandfast]

Pentax B-7 and a new crepe pan

 

[lostintime]

A new Panasonic LCD TV, because my Sony tube TV's power supply died prematurely, and it cost more to fix it than was reasonable . No more Sony's..... most things I've bought of theirs have failed prematurely. The Panasonic has by far the best viewing angle of any LCD I've seen, it's as good as tube TV's.

I've lived without one for about a year, but finally decided to get a new one as I bought it with Amazon's Gold Box deals of the day.

While I'm glad to get rid of 100 lbs. of dead weight, with an HDTV, the mix if HD and SD programming is sometimes maddening, as SD content from DISH looks worse than it did on a tube TV. OTA broadcasts are stunning. Maybe I'll get DISH HD in time for the TDF.

 

[Buffalo Soldier]

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f4/5.4
Canon EF 50mm f1.8

 

[Anonymous]

The Great and Mighty Internet

Makes anything possible

It is a Japanese pickle Press for fermenting things on your kitchen counter top. Arrived last night

 

[ravens]

While I'm glad to get rid of 100 lbs. of dead weight, with an HDTV, the mix if HD and SD programming is sometimes maddening, as SD content from DISH looks worse than it did on a tube TV. OTA broadcasts are stunning. Maybe I'll get DISH HD in time for the TDF.

I hear DISH, especially their cust svc, is bottom of the barrel. Your thoughts?

I am waiting for a better interface for hdtv and streamed content so I can watch youtube and torrents directly on the tv without the burning of cd and praying the file is able to be read by my dvd.

Besides, these damned tv's are still too small for my taste (really). Vizio is coming out with a 72" lcd/led this year (I know mits has an 82", but it's deep and not very bright). what's the sense of 1080p if it isn't on some ridiculous sized screen???

bought a new pair of new balance 622's today - on sale at ****'s- and picking up my new orthotics on Tuesday. (It's getting very painful to walk.) It's the little things....

 

[JessyBurke]

Shopped for 2 new dresses and a pair of swimsuit yeasterday.

 

[tubularglue]

for my shyt bike, bought at noon today
smells like victory

 

[ImmaculateKadence]

About two hours in the ER and a new helmet.

 

[lostintime]

I hear DISH, especially their cust svc, is bottom of the barrel. Your thoughts?

DISH customer service can be pretty bad, but it isn't always. It's like a lottery.... you never know who you're going to speak with or their level or knowledge as it pertains to the issues one needs help with.

I've had best success with phone reps who are American, and speak plain American English. These are usually labeled as "tech support" people. Getting directly to these reps can be maddening though, as DISH's first line of reps is usually the foreign speaking English reps who, if you can understand them, often don't have any real experience with the equipment, they sit in front of a lcd screen iputing what the customer says into a database and waiting for it to come up with an answer.

If this seems like dim prospects ..... don't assume DirectTV or your local CableTV provider will offer you better service. It is of my belief from my research into TV providers that they all do a poor job with customer service. I've considered many times dropping all pay TV.... and some day might..... but for now I've learned to educate myself as much as possible about using DISH equipment. But frankly, it seems like it's either I have to reset the receiver or it needs replaced.... for which one must go through the lengthy dog-and-pony show with DISH to get it replaced.

Make sure you always get a service plan with DISH, this covers your equipment, as it will eventually fail. We've had each of our 4 receivers replaced multiple times over 7 years.

Since the customer is often treated so hastily, and these companies' attempts to hold you financial hostage if you wish to terminate early from the "contract" ..... one must ask how much is it worth? Heck, my Father nearly made himself ill with stress from dealing with DISH and the way they manipulate charges on the monthly bill. I had to call them and say I was him to get it worked out. All this has taught me one thing though .... TV is just TV. I can live with it, I can live without it.

I realize all the HD content can be great and all, but it seems to me there is a hidden cost in the madness of dealing with those who provide it. It isn't like stuff happens every day with DISH though. Far from it. It's been much more reliable than cable TV, for which we get channels 2-13. The signal only goes out for brief times during a heavy cloud clover from a storm, then come right back. When out cable goes out, it can be hours or days.

So yes, I would recommend DISH with reservations. Just know you're not going to get prompt, knowledgeable service right away .... be patient.... and eventually it'll get worked out. I've asked their cust. service people what is the biggest problem for them dealing with Americans ..... and they all say "Americans want their service, and they want it now." I've noticed if I'm patient with them, they are better able to serve me, as opposed to giving them a hard time.... which serves no one.

BTW .... My opinion.... there's better choices than Vizio. I really like my Panasonic LCD. Though they don't make them really big, the quality of the image and the viewing angle is outstanding.

 

[JessyBurke]

About two hours in the ER and a new helmet.

Oh god...you shopped at the ER!

 

[ChrisE]

Well I can't say what I paid money for recently because I might go on probation.

I bought a jacuzzi for myself recently. I think that is rated G for now.

 

[Tugboat]

Going out this evening to pick up a Canon 1D MkIII body. Funnily enough my GF actually encouraged me to get it so she's got nothing to complain about when I decide to upgrade some of my glass to suit!

 

[pedaling squares]

Shopped for 2 new dresses and a pair of swimsuit yeasterday.

tinypic.com

 

[ImmaculateKadence]

Oh god...you shopped at the ER!

Yeah and they're expensive! Could have used that money to replace the shifter I scratched

 

[ravens]

went to the nahbs show in Richmond with my son, a huge treat, see photos link elsewhere in the forum. it was a special day I'll never forget. I added 200 photos to the pool, now they are up to almost 1600 photos
http://www.flickr.com/groups/nahbs2010/

it was quite a splurge, tank and a half of gas ($50), 350+ miles of driving, $8 parking, $5 canvas bag, $25 admission, $25 on food and bevs

I also picked up new orthotics yesterday, $135, they last 3-5 yrs.

 

[craig1985]

Lunch today at work. I guess a coffee tomorrow.

 

[JessyBurke]

Recently bought a pair of shoes.

 

[mherm79]

bought myself a bike torch - still waiting for it to arrive.

summer is ending and it's becoming a bit tricky riding on the bike trail without lights.

 

[craig1985]

Lunch.


...............

 

[Anonymous]

Not just for me

Bought it for the business. But it may get some personal use as well

 

[pedaling squares]

Recently bought a pair of shoes.

Recently? Hell, my wife buys shoes like I buy cappuccini. Recently in my house means within the past hour.

 

[mr. tibbs]

Am buying Final Fantasy XIII in one hour at the vidya store's midnight release party. Also just bought Street Fighter IV.

Hmm. Maybe all these video games are a bad sign for how my spring is going to go...

 

[knewcleardaze]

Recently? Hell, my wife buys shoes like I buy cappuccini. Recently in my house means within the past hour.

She's doing her part to keep the economy chugging along, lol.

 

[JessyBurke]

Recently? Hell, my wife buys shoes like I buy cappuccini. Recently in my house means within the past hour.

Darling I was talking about a pair of shoes for biking. But if it were for casual wear or occasions I usually shop for it almost every other day

 

[krebs303]

Tile for the bathroom remodel