I really settled down in Vegas. It sounds like an oxymoron, but I think it's true.
I enjoyed going out to eat with my friends, trying new places, and going to events.
Dallas is different. It's fun, but I'm finding it hard to get used to. The girls are cuter, and more fun in college, but the atmosphere is hard to come by.
I'm back on the strip when I close my eyes. The smell of shrimp and
exhaust- a sea of people around me yelling and honking. The Bellagio
fountains shooting thousands of gallons of water 100 yards into the air-
Shania Twain blasting over the pool. I miss hot nights drinking yard-long margaritas. I miss salsa dancing, capoeira, and breakdance. I miss the distinct smells of different hotel lobbies. I miss going out after work to celebrate jobs well done. I miss camping in Utah, hiking Mt. Charleston, and driving the twisty roads of Lake Meade.
Everyone here seems to have the right mentality- girls, cheap beer and loud music. The formula is there. It just doesn't seem to be correctly solving my set of parameters.
I long for road-trips to California, bars with pianos, hanging with friends on the beach, or tearing down the slopes of some Sierra mountain.
I had this realization today as I ate a burger and drank a beer at the local Buffalo Wild Wings alone- watching some football game I had no interest in... It was Utah Vs. Colorado State, I think. The Utah place kicker was called out with seconds left in the 4th to tie up the game. He shanked the kick right of the posts. The other team began celebrating. He threw down his helmet on the sideline and walked by himself behind his team mates.
The camera shot over towards the winning team... and back to him.
Smiles and high fives on the other side... a frown; detachment.
Joy and accomplishment in white and gold... disbelief and frustration sweating from his furrowed brow, down his neck, and into his red, jersey covered, shoulderpads.
All alone, to take on the responsibility for the outcome of the game. Receding to the locker room by himself.
I've got friends and brothers here. We've struggled together, had fun, taken care of business, and spent a lot of time together. We've got good stories of our own. Still, we aren't living and breathing the same air. At the end of the day, I'm that place kicker. It's all up to me.
The bond is there. I'd do anything for them and they'd do anything for me... I just don't quite relate to any other one completely. Not yet, at least.
School life is a steady stream of academics and socializing. I don't go home, hang up my uniform and separate my lives like I did in the Air Force. There is a huge gray area in which personal choices are made. Throw a job in there, and priorities get really discombobulated.
In Vegas, I had it figured out like a game of black jack... it was a system.
Wake up, go to work, come home, play.
Dealer shows six. Stay no matter what. Dealer shows five. Hit no matter what.
Although I'm not winning every hand, I know I'll come out on top in the end. If the academics are taken care of, it's a whole lot easier to relax and enjoy other aspects of life.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
South Korea Pt. I
My friend in Japan suggested I write more about my experiences, before I start forgetting them. She reminds me of stuff all the time that just seems to have washed away from my memory bank. So, I'll do it here.
So, I lived in South Korea for a year.
After moving high schools four times- two public and one military-boarding in Texas, it became standard for me to know a new place just long enough to make an entrance, make friends with people that mattered to me, piss off people I didn't like, and move on into the sunset like a lone rider in one of those old Western movies. That was Texas for me. Moving, readjusting just long enough to get by, and jumping at the opportunity to mosey on out.
When I left for the Air Force, I was three days shy of 18. I found out I'd be doing metrology while sitting on a cold tile floor of a basic training barracks with 24 other recruits. I thought I'd be giving weather reports. I didn't know that metrology was the science of measurements. It didn't seem like there was a need for that.
After going through about nine months of physical training, electronics principles, and later Precision Measurement school in Biloxi, I learned that I'd be shipping out to a place called Osan, Air Base. My frequency waveforms instructor said it was in South Korea. Other instructors dropped stories once in a while of working their asses off, drinking away money, snowboarding, eating spicy food, and meeting Asian girls; sometimes Russians.
I thought back to my San Marcos Baptist Academy room mate. He was Korean. He hung out with the rest of the Koreans- moving from room to room, depending on the night, watching K-Dramas, listening to hip hop beats with far east words rhythmically following the bass notes, eating ramen, and giving each other haircuts. It was an interesting society for me, a guy who'd never been out of the country, to have moving in and out of my room throughout the week. One time he brought me back what looked like keychains, but weren't strong enough to be keychains. I said thanks, but I had no idea what to do with them. He informed me graciously that they were for my phone. I hadn't ever thought I might need a traditional Korean drum or a skirt hanging from my phone. I appreciated it nonetheless and returned the favor next time my mom sent me some cookies.
I didn't really see the Koreans as a social group I'd ever interact with. Why would I ever go to the other side of the world? And why would anyone attach a flimsy artifact to their cell phone? Texas had everything my small mind needed.
So, I never messed with those guys. I never tried to get them riled up or become their friend. They were this neutral group of kids that didn't want to be there just as much as I did. I respected that and we got along.
Before going to Seoul, I had this image in my mind of a third world country with dirty streets where they eat dogs and girls try to marry service members to get back to the U.S.
I got to Korea, and directly outside the base it seemed as if my premonitions might have been true. The streets were dirty, knockoffs were being sold in the back of shops, there was a nasty old lady asking people "you wanna go?," and there had to be at least a hundred grungy bars jammed into three small blocks. I didn't know what to think.
I was underage. The higher ups had succeeded in putting this holy fear in me that if I even touched a drop of alcohol, I'd get kicked out of the military. So, I stayed away from the bars.
I started going to this off-base church with a coworker. The people there were really nice. We'd hang out for hours after service, studying the Bible, all the while being assaulted with new foods, smells, words, and cultural intricacies only a tight knit family would offer- not to mention getting to the church was an adventure in itself. So, I learned, traveled, snowboarded, studied the Bible and ate a lot of kimchi with my brothers and sisters. I got to go to a wedding, a retreat in the mountains where I slept on a real futon for the first time (it's just a mattress on the floor... but, the floors were heated.) beautiful orchard full of softball sized apples, and learned to navigate the streets away from base (where I found the real Korea to be a lot like a freer-market America). I studied the language with a linguist friend and learned to read the songs during worship. About six months in, I had learned so much that I realized the differences between their worship style and my own were not just cultural. It was a cult. Their god was a woman I had met at the retreat in the mountains. I still have a photo of me standing with her. Nice lady; just not my god.
I can still read and speak basic Hangul. To this day, I meet Koreans, introduce myself in their language, shake hands with my left exposing my right wrist, and use honorifics when appropriate.
It was kind of a bitter sweet experience... I lost a lot of faith in religion after having to pry myself away from the family I had made there. It brought me to question whether or not Jesus himself could have been this guy that everyone just made out to be something greater than the teacher we know he was. I think that all boils down to faith. It's just hard to believe in something when you've experienced the collective power of a misguided group of people first-hand. All in all, the experience was invaluable. I wouldn't have traded it for the world.
Supposedly, blogs are meant to be short. I'll save more stories for later.
So, I lived in South Korea for a year.
After moving high schools four times- two public and one military-boarding in Texas, it became standard for me to know a new place just long enough to make an entrance, make friends with people that mattered to me, piss off people I didn't like, and move on into the sunset like a lone rider in one of those old Western movies. That was Texas for me. Moving, readjusting just long enough to get by, and jumping at the opportunity to mosey on out.
When I left for the Air Force, I was three days shy of 18. I found out I'd be doing metrology while sitting on a cold tile floor of a basic training barracks with 24 other recruits. I thought I'd be giving weather reports. I didn't know that metrology was the science of measurements. It didn't seem like there was a need for that.
After going through about nine months of physical training, electronics principles, and later Precision Measurement school in Biloxi, I learned that I'd be shipping out to a place called Osan, Air Base. My frequency waveforms instructor said it was in South Korea. Other instructors dropped stories once in a while of working their asses off, drinking away money, snowboarding, eating spicy food, and meeting Asian girls; sometimes Russians.
I thought back to my San Marcos Baptist Academy room mate. He was Korean. He hung out with the rest of the Koreans- moving from room to room, depending on the night, watching K-Dramas, listening to hip hop beats with far east words rhythmically following the bass notes, eating ramen, and giving each other haircuts. It was an interesting society for me, a guy who'd never been out of the country, to have moving in and out of my room throughout the week. One time he brought me back what looked like keychains, but weren't strong enough to be keychains. I said thanks, but I had no idea what to do with them. He informed me graciously that they were for my phone. I hadn't ever thought I might need a traditional Korean drum or a skirt hanging from my phone. I appreciated it nonetheless and returned the favor next time my mom sent me some cookies.
I didn't really see the Koreans as a social group I'd ever interact with. Why would I ever go to the other side of the world? And why would anyone attach a flimsy artifact to their cell phone? Texas had everything my small mind needed.
So, I never messed with those guys. I never tried to get them riled up or become their friend. They were this neutral group of kids that didn't want to be there just as much as I did. I respected that and we got along.
Before going to Seoul, I had this image in my mind of a third world country with dirty streets where they eat dogs and girls try to marry service members to get back to the U.S.
I got to Korea, and directly outside the base it seemed as if my premonitions might have been true. The streets were dirty, knockoffs were being sold in the back of shops, there was a nasty old lady asking people "you wanna go?," and there had to be at least a hundred grungy bars jammed into three small blocks. I didn't know what to think.
I was underage. The higher ups had succeeded in putting this holy fear in me that if I even touched a drop of alcohol, I'd get kicked out of the military. So, I stayed away from the bars.
I started going to this off-base church with a coworker. The people there were really nice. We'd hang out for hours after service, studying the Bible, all the while being assaulted with new foods, smells, words, and cultural intricacies only a tight knit family would offer- not to mention getting to the church was an adventure in itself. So, I learned, traveled, snowboarded, studied the Bible and ate a lot of kimchi with my brothers and sisters. I got to go to a wedding, a retreat in the mountains where I slept on a real futon for the first time (it's just a mattress on the floor... but, the floors were heated.) beautiful orchard full of softball sized apples, and learned to navigate the streets away from base (where I found the real Korea to be a lot like a freer-market America). I studied the language with a linguist friend and learned to read the songs during worship. About six months in, I had learned so much that I realized the differences between their worship style and my own were not just cultural. It was a cult. Their god was a woman I had met at the retreat in the mountains. I still have a photo of me standing with her. Nice lady; just not my god.
I can still read and speak basic Hangul. To this day, I meet Koreans, introduce myself in their language, shake hands with my left exposing my right wrist, and use honorifics when appropriate.
It was kind of a bitter sweet experience... I lost a lot of faith in religion after having to pry myself away from the family I had made there. It brought me to question whether or not Jesus himself could have been this guy that everyone just made out to be something greater than the teacher we know he was. I think that all boils down to faith. It's just hard to believe in something when you've experienced the collective power of a misguided group of people first-hand. All in all, the experience was invaluable. I wouldn't have traded it for the world.
Supposedly, blogs are meant to be short. I'll save more stories for later.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Rush-In Auto Body
I mentioned in a previous post that the repair company I used did shoddy work.
I test drove it, looked everything over(which was sketchy, because the guy pointed to some other part of the engine just as I began inspecting the radiator hose... almost as if to distract me), and signed the papers. I'm not an automotive mechanic, so I didn't know what half the stuff I was looking at was... but, the car performed well when I test drove it. After handing over the check, I got behind the wheel and headed to meet a friend for lunch. Coolant leaked out once I got to the Pei Wei near Cowboy Stadium. Called up Dan and he said it was probably just overfilled. He said if anything else is wrong, bring it back by the shop and they would take a look at it on Monday-but, it was Saturday and I had things to do. Yeah? Okay, well... I guess it might not be so bad, I thought to myself. I let it piss out coolant all over the spot I parked in, had a great time catching up with my friend, came out, started it up, and drove a couple miles. WHITE SMOKE! Either there was a free magic show going on under the hood, or I was f*%ked. It turned out that I was f*%ked. The red engine overheat light of death came on. That light that tells you your entire car is going to melt together and you will be stuck with payments on a wheeled modern sculpture.
Texas freeways are ridiculous. They put these damned barriers up along the entire length of the road to make things safer for you when your car breaks down and rolls to a stop in the middle of 70 MPH traffic. So, I started her up and rolled. Started her up, and rolled. Started her up and rolllllllled all the way down a hill and finally to the off ramp. I almost made it to the Ford dealership, but I didn't.
Just when my faith in humanity and mechanics was taking a dive off a cliff, a policeman came and pushed my car out of the road and into the parking lot of a Mexican restaurant. A Hyatt hotel van driver stopped to ask what the problem was. I relayed that my big hose had popped off the radiator.
He took action, "I'll go get you a tool to fix that!" and drove away.
While waiting for my Hyatt hero, I walked over to the Ford dealership. The mechanics were just getting off of their shift. I made the offer of $20 to anyone who could tell me what all was messed up and prescribe a remedy. They took a look at it and said it was the hose and maybe the fan. Hyatt driver came back with the pliers, the mechanics put it back on and tightened the clamp the way it should have been and told me not to worry about the money.
Allllright. All is not lost. I know a little bit about what's going on with my car and it's fixed.
I put a little water in my coolant container and drive off in confidence.
The overheat light comes on again. I roll to a stop, look through my manual, and deduce that it is the fan. No hot air is blowing out my ducts. I guess that's how you know it's the fan.
So, I start it up and rolll one more time to get the hell out of the way. I roll off onto the shoulder after the barriers and come to a stop right under a sign that says, "Dallas 17 Miles."
At this point, my phone was nearly dead. A red battery symbol was flashing at me telling me, "You better make up your mind quick about what to do, or you'll be really screwed!" So, I called a tow truck. Ate the $150 bill and had the driver take me and my rolling sculpture home.
The electrical work and radiator hose were put together haphazardly. The heat, radiator fan, and horn didn't work. The improper connections they made killed my battery after sitting at my house for the night.
Other than coming down with strep throat at the same time all of this was happening, missing my first homecoming(and my fraternity winning first place honors), and shelling out every last dime I had to reconcile my poor decision, things turned out pretty well.
I live about a block away from a little shop run by an honest Latin guy. I pushed my car over and he went through all the problems Rush-In Auto Body left me with. He guaranteed the work he did. I've been driving around for a week and everything is running well. The best $225 dollars I ever spent. I have other things to worry about and I need a car to take care of them.
Rush-In Auto Body is not trustworthy. They didn't even cover my deductible. That was the main reason why I gave them my business. I'm going to take them to small claims court (championed by Ralph Nader and his experience with the airline industry) to get my $500.
Their address is:
2707 S. Cooper St. Suite #105
Arlington, TX 76015
According to my research, they went by the name "Five Star Auto Body" for a while.
Anyway, the world outside of the military can be a little daunting. The cool thing about this whole experience was that I knew deep down, that all of these were temporary setbacks. The greatest lesson I learned from the Air Force was this: Don't give up and things will turn out alright.
They did.
The civilian world is full of crooks and liars. You don't know who to trust. When you do find someone that will do a job well, be loyal to them. I know Paul at Autos Electricos on Maple and Kings will have my business as long as I live in Dallas.
This terrible shop in Arlington will get what's coming to them eventually.
I test drove it, looked everything over(which was sketchy, because the guy pointed to some other part of the engine just as I began inspecting the radiator hose... almost as if to distract me), and signed the papers. I'm not an automotive mechanic, so I didn't know what half the stuff I was looking at was... but, the car performed well when I test drove it. After handing over the check, I got behind the wheel and headed to meet a friend for lunch. Coolant leaked out once I got to the Pei Wei near Cowboy Stadium. Called up Dan and he said it was probably just overfilled. He said if anything else is wrong, bring it back by the shop and they would take a look at it on Monday-but, it was Saturday and I had things to do. Yeah? Okay, well... I guess it might not be so bad, I thought to myself. I let it piss out coolant all over the spot I parked in, had a great time catching up with my friend, came out, started it up, and drove a couple miles. WHITE SMOKE! Either there was a free magic show going on under the hood, or I was f*%ked. It turned out that I was f*%ked. The red engine overheat light of death came on. That light that tells you your entire car is going to melt together and you will be stuck with payments on a wheeled modern sculpture.
Texas freeways are ridiculous. They put these damned barriers up along the entire length of the road to make things safer for you when your car breaks down and rolls to a stop in the middle of 70 MPH traffic. So, I started her up and rolled. Started her up, and rolled. Started her up and rolllllllled all the way down a hill and finally to the off ramp. I almost made it to the Ford dealership, but I didn't.
Just when my faith in humanity and mechanics was taking a dive off a cliff, a policeman came and pushed my car out of the road and into the parking lot of a Mexican restaurant. A Hyatt hotel van driver stopped to ask what the problem was. I relayed that my big hose had popped off the radiator.
He took action, "I'll go get you a tool to fix that!" and drove away.
While waiting for my Hyatt hero, I walked over to the Ford dealership. The mechanics were just getting off of their shift. I made the offer of $20 to anyone who could tell me what all was messed up and prescribe a remedy. They took a look at it and said it was the hose and maybe the fan. Hyatt driver came back with the pliers, the mechanics put it back on and tightened the clamp the way it should have been and told me not to worry about the money.
Allllright. All is not lost. I know a little bit about what's going on with my car and it's fixed.
I put a little water in my coolant container and drive off in confidence.
The overheat light comes on again. I roll to a stop, look through my manual, and deduce that it is the fan. No hot air is blowing out my ducts. I guess that's how you know it's the fan.
So, I start it up and rolll one more time to get the hell out of the way. I roll off onto the shoulder after the barriers and come to a stop right under a sign that says, "Dallas 17 Miles."
At this point, my phone was nearly dead. A red battery symbol was flashing at me telling me, "You better make up your mind quick about what to do, or you'll be really screwed!" So, I called a tow truck. Ate the $150 bill and had the driver take me and my rolling sculpture home.
The electrical work and radiator hose were put together haphazardly. The heat, radiator fan, and horn didn't work. The improper connections they made killed my battery after sitting at my house for the night.
Other than coming down with strep throat at the same time all of this was happening, missing my first homecoming(and my fraternity winning first place honors), and shelling out every last dime I had to reconcile my poor decision, things turned out pretty well.
I live about a block away from a little shop run by an honest Latin guy. I pushed my car over and he went through all the problems Rush-In Auto Body left me with. He guaranteed the work he did. I've been driving around for a week and everything is running well. The best $225 dollars I ever spent. I have other things to worry about and I need a car to take care of them.
Rush-In Auto Body is not trustworthy. They didn't even cover my deductible. That was the main reason why I gave them my business. I'm going to take them to small claims court (championed by Ralph Nader and his experience with the airline industry) to get my $500.
Their address is:
2707 S. Cooper St. Suite #105
Arlington, TX 76015
According to my research, they went by the name "Five Star Auto Body" for a while.
Anyway, the world outside of the military can be a little daunting. The cool thing about this whole experience was that I knew deep down, that all of these were temporary setbacks. The greatest lesson I learned from the Air Force was this: Don't give up and things will turn out alright.
They did.
The civilian world is full of crooks and liars. You don't know who to trust. When you do find someone that will do a job well, be loyal to them. I know Paul at Autos Electricos on Maple and Kings will have my business as long as I live in Dallas.
This terrible shop in Arlington will get what's coming to them eventually.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Wonderful Shows of Appreciation on Veteran's Day
2011 Veteran’s Day Free Meals and Discounts
Two notes before jumping in:
- Proof of Military Service. First, most companies require some form of military ID – including a U.S. Uniform Services ID Card (active/reserve/retired), Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Photograph in uniform, be wearing uniform (if your service permits), Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and VFW), DD214, discharge paperwork, or other form of identification. Other restaurants and companies may only require a photo of you in uniform, or go by the honor system.
- Participation. Second, always call ahead to verify locations, times, and participation. Many of the listed companies are franchises and may have different policies. We will do our best to keep this page updated as we find new info.
2011 Free Veterans Day Meals
Chili’s – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 6 meals. This offer is available during business hours on November 11, 2011 at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.
Special thanks to Golden Corral: To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 2.5 million free meals and contributed over $4.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization.
Hooters – Free Meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Hooter’s is serving up a free meal to military veterans all day on Veterans Day. Offer good for all veterans and active duty military personnel. Choose one of the new specialty items on the Hooter’s menu. Offer valid at participating Hooters only; open to all active duty and military veterans with valid military ID or proof of military service. Drink purchase required. For more information, visit, www.HootersVeteransDay.com.
Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees & veterans on Friday November 11th. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating.
The Outback understands commitment. For the past two years, The Outback, with the help of their patrons, has donated $2 Million to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization providing everyday and emergency support for active troops, wounded warriors and their families.
Subway – Free Six Inch Sub. Select Subway locations offer a FREE six inch sub to military veterans on Veteran’s Day. However, Subway restaurants are franchises, so this offer may not be available everywhere. Please call ahead.
Texas Roadhouse – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Offer varies by location; our local Texas Roadhouse is offering a free meal from opening until 4pm. Other locations may vary in offer, hours, or availability. Call ahead to your local restaurant for more information.
T.G.I. Friday’s – Buy one get one free Nov 11-14. At participating locations for anyone with an old or current military ID. November 11-14.
Home Depot and Lowes Coupon Updates
Update: Home Depot and Lowes 10% Military Discount Available Everyday.
Home Depot: The Home Depot(R) is offering all active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10 percent discount off their purchases in honor of Veteran’s Day. The offer is valid on purchases of up to $2,000 for a maximum of $200 and is available at The Home Depot stores, The Home Depot Design Center locations, Yardbirds and EXPO Design Center(R) locations. The 10% discount is available everyday for active duty and retirees, but not all veterans. Home Depot makes this offer available to all veterans on most military holidays. You can also find Home Depot discounts online.
Lowes: Lowe’s Companies, Inc. will offer all active, reserve, honorably discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10 percent discount on in-store U.S. purchases made during the Veterans Day holiday. The discount is available Nov. 7 – Nov. 11. The discount is available on in-stock and special order purchases up to $5,000. To qualify, individuals must present a valid military ID or other proof of service. Excluded from the discount are sales via Lowes.com, previous sales, and purchases of services or gift cards. Like Home Depot, Lowes offers this discount daily to active duty military members, but not to veterans. However, they extend the offer to military veterans on military holidays. You can also find exclusive discounts at Lowe’s.com.
Here ' s to the Heroes
Anheuser-Busch Parks. Anheuser-Busch Parks offers Active Duty Service Members free admission for them and up to 3 dependents to any of their parks once a year. Throughout 2011, members of the military and as many as three direct dependents may enter SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place parks with a single-day complimentary admission. The Here’s to the Heroes program is only available to Any active duty, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman. Eligible parks include: Adventure Island , Busch Gardens ( Tampa Bay or Williamsburg ), SeaWorld (Orlando, San Diego , or San Antonio ), Sesame Place , and Water Country USA. Not valid at Discovery Cove and Aquatica. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg , Va. is not included as part of this program. For more information and to register, visit: Free admission summary, and ticket application.
Historic Jamestowne – Free Admission. The National Park Service commemorates Veterans Day with Fee Free days at Historic Jamestowne November 11-13. Free admission for everyone. See events calendar.
San Jacinto Monument and Museum ( La Porte , TX ). November 7-13: Free admission to the theatre, Observation Floor, and (on November 12-13) the special exhibit to all veterans and their families. More info.
Bed and Breakfast for Vets
In the third year of the program, B&Bs for Vets has organized over 485 (and counting) participating Bed and Breakfasts and Inns across the US and Canada which will be offering veterans a free night’s stay on November 10th, the night before Veterans Day. This offer is available to both active duty military members and veterans with ID, but space is limited. Each Inn and B&B has at least one room available for this promotion and reservations must be made directly through the participating Inns and B&Bs. For more information visit B&Bs for Vets.
Free Hugo® Canes for Veterans.
Other Veteran’s Day Discounts
Here are some additional Veteran’s Day Discounts. In all cases, be sure to provide proper ID or proof of service. In addition, some of these stores are franchises, so verify participation before assuming the discount is in place.
- Free Car wash. Thousands of car washes around the country are offering vets a free car wash on Veterans Day. Find a list at Grace for Veterans, which helped veterans receive 101,537 FREE Washes on Veterans Day in 2010.
- Amazon.com – Discount “Veterans Day Honor” MP3 album download. This downloadable album includes 12 songs as performed by the military bands and ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces. Visit Amazon on Veteran’s Day to download the album.
- Netflix – One Month Free Trial.
- Sport Clips – Veterans Day National cut-a-thon and Help A Hero program. Sport Clips is the official haircutter of the VFW and will donate $1 from every haircut during the National Cut-a-Thon to VFW’s Operation Uplink, which provides free phone time to active-duty military personnel and hospitalized veterans. Sports Clips stores also offer a offer a Heroes discount which includes active and retired military. Find a location near you.
- Tim Hortons – all US locations are offering a free donut to all veterans (check out the Star Spangled donut!).
- $100 for opening new Chase Freedom VISA.
Jos. A. Bank Veteran’s Day coupons:
All Executive suits $177, 2nd $57 – Lowest prices this year for suits! You save $866 when you buy 2!
- All Traveler and Signature Suits $377, 2nd $97
- All Joseph & Signature Gold Suits $577, 2nd $197
- ALL SPORTCOATS, BLAZERS AND DRESS PANTS 50% OFF
- JOS A BANK VETERANS DAY SALE ORDERS $175+ SHIP FREE Valid: NOVEMBER 11, 2010.
- Valid: November 11, 2010
Regional Veteran’s Day Discounts
There have been multiple request to include local and regional
Veteran’s Day discounts. We are happy to include these in our list.
Please use our
Contact Page to send us the information. Please be sure to
include a link to the website so we can verify it and share it with our
readers. If a website is not available, then please use the company
e-mail address so we can verify the offer.
- America’s Incredible Pizza Company ( St. Louis and St. Peters , MO ). Free meal Nov. 11th. Call ahead to verify hours and locations.
- Aquarium of the Pacific ( Long Beach , CA ). Free admission for veterans, military personnel, police officers, and firefighters who show valid service ID on November 11, 2011. More info.
- Brevard Zoo ( Melbourne , FL ), Nov. 11-13. Free Admission to military veterans with proof of service. More info.
- Des Moines Botanical Center. Free admission November 11, 2011 for Veterans and their families. More info.
- San Antonio Symphony and the United States Air Force Band of the West. Free Veterans Day Concert November 13, 2011. More info.
2010 Veterans Day Deals:
The following is a sampling of some deals from last year. We are
working to confirm any discounts or freebies for 2011. At this time
please use the following entries only as reference until current deals
can be confirmed.
- Abuelo’s Mexican Food. Offers vary by location. Be sure to verify in advance.
- Barmuda ( Iowa ) – free meal. Barmuda is offering a free meal to all active duty members and veterans in all restaurants. More information.
- Big Lots – 10% off your entire purchase with valid military ID. more info.
- Boston’s Gourmet Pizza ( Denver area) – Free individual pizza. All military veterans and active duty military personnel can enjoy an FREE individual one topping pizza this Veteran’s Day 5-7 PM! There are two Boston ’s Gourmet Pizza & Sports Bar locations in the Denver area. The Highlands Ranch location is just off of C-470 and Broadway, at 53 W. Centennial Blvd. The newly re-opened Parker location is just off of C-470 and Parker Road at 19340 E Cottonwood Dr .
- Cabela’s. Cabela’s is giving their standard employee discount to all US military veterans, active duty military, Guard/Reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel on Nov. 11-12. Discount varies from 5% to 50%, depending on the item. (I received this information from an active duty military member who forwarded an e-mail that was distributed base wide, however, I have not been able to confirm this; please contact Cabela’s before assuming this offer is in place).
- Dollar General. 10% discount on entire purchase on Veteran’s Day. Offer good for all active-duty military, retirees, veterans, Guard/Reserve, & immediate family members. The coupon can be found in the store circular, or by asking an employe. More info.
- Meineke in ( Salem , MA ). Free Oil Change – Friday Nov 11. U.S. Military Veterans and active duty personnel will receive a Free Oil Change that includes standard oil and filter and a complete courtesy check at one of the two participating locations: 462 Highland Avenue , Salem , Massachusetts (978) 741-0335; 411 Broad Street – Route 1A, Lynn , Massachusetts (781) 592-0001.
- Sears 10% discount Thursday and Friday, Nov. 11-12. Sears is offering a “Salute to Local Heroes” discount to all military, veterans, police, firefighters, teachers, and hospital staff. Offer is good for 10% of regular, sale, and clearance prices. See this store flyer for more information.
- Sleep Number Stores. Free travel pillow to all active duty military & retirees now through Nov. 14. Find your “sleep number” setting, and get a free pillow – easy!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Auto Accident
If you get into an auto accident, never, ever, ever, ever, take your car to a place unapproved by your insurance company. I try to support small businesses. However, cars are so essential in American life that as many risks should be eliminated as possible when getting repairs done.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Personal Finances and the GI Bill
On my first day in micro economics, the teacher quoted a Rolling Stones song as a gee wiz on scarcity: "As that song goes- you can't always get what you want."
I raised my hand, "But, isn't it true that if you try sometimes,(pause) you just might find(pause), you get what you need?"
A lot of people thought that was funny. She agreed, but didn't laugh... I guess she hadn't heard the second half of that line.
The GI Bill affords enough money for housing and other needs. This is relative to where and how you live. If you can live at your means, you will be fine.
For instance, I live in a loft style room on the border between a good part of town and a bad part of town. My drive to school is about 20 minutes long. I pay 400 dollars a month including utilities. That leaves me with roughly 1,000 left for car payments, auto insurance, renter's insurance, credit card payments, and food. In addition to that, I got a work study job on campus. I can bring in around 400 a month doing that plus it gives me some down time to do homework and review notes.
If I were to live right next to school, my rent burden would be up to four times as much! I'd have to use my income from work just to pay rent. I wouldn't be able to meet my financial obligations.
This Occupy Wall St. movement is a little perplexing to me. I don't quite understand how someone with $200,000 in student loans and a 4.0 from an Ivy League school couldn't get a job at Jack in the Box or Wendy's. It makes me wonder whether or not they just aren't applying for those types of jobs, because they think they are beneath them, or they really can't get anything. And if they can't get those jobs in the heart of NYC, why not ask friends or family around the country to see if there are any job openings elsewhere. As far as the huge debt load... There is a saying in Vegas- "If you are waiting in line, you're doing it wrong." If you aren't getting scholarships and awards with a 4.0, I'd suggest reevaluating where it is you go to school and find some place where you are appreciated more.
I have a friend I lived with in Vegas, who couldn't find a job, so he started his own operation working off of tips. He moved to New Orleans and New York City in the next two years. Each time, he found a way to make a living. He has no higher education, but he has no bills. He's free to do whatever the hell he wants. He does things his way.
One thing that people might not realize is that future employers look at debt. Positions with the government that require a security clearance are extremely wary of candidates with overbearing financial obligations. In their minds, they ask the question, "How can we trust a man/woman with such baggage? Can they be paid off to do someone else's bidding?"
The point is, I might not be able to live right next to campus, drop difficult classes to keep my GPA high, eat out every night, AND pay off my bills.... so, I don't.
If you are thinking of going to school on the GI Bill, don't worry. Live within your means and you will be fine.
Just remember: "You can't always get what you want; but, if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need."
I raised my hand, "But, isn't it true that if you try sometimes,(pause) you just might find(pause), you get what you need?"
A lot of people thought that was funny. She agreed, but didn't laugh... I guess she hadn't heard the second half of that line.
The GI Bill affords enough money for housing and other needs. This is relative to where and how you live. If you can live at your means, you will be fine.
For instance, I live in a loft style room on the border between a good part of town and a bad part of town. My drive to school is about 20 minutes long. I pay 400 dollars a month including utilities. That leaves me with roughly 1,000 left for car payments, auto insurance, renter's insurance, credit card payments, and food. In addition to that, I got a work study job on campus. I can bring in around 400 a month doing that plus it gives me some down time to do homework and review notes.
If I were to live right next to school, my rent burden would be up to four times as much! I'd have to use my income from work just to pay rent. I wouldn't be able to meet my financial obligations.
This Occupy Wall St. movement is a little perplexing to me. I don't quite understand how someone with $200,000 in student loans and a 4.0 from an Ivy League school couldn't get a job at Jack in the Box or Wendy's. It makes me wonder whether or not they just aren't applying for those types of jobs, because they think they are beneath them, or they really can't get anything. And if they can't get those jobs in the heart of NYC, why not ask friends or family around the country to see if there are any job openings elsewhere. As far as the huge debt load... There is a saying in Vegas- "If you are waiting in line, you're doing it wrong." If you aren't getting scholarships and awards with a 4.0, I'd suggest reevaluating where it is you go to school and find some place where you are appreciated more.
I have a friend I lived with in Vegas, who couldn't find a job, so he started his own operation working off of tips. He moved to New Orleans and New York City in the next two years. Each time, he found a way to make a living. He has no higher education, but he has no bills. He's free to do whatever the hell he wants. He does things his way.
One thing that people might not realize is that future employers look at debt. Positions with the government that require a security clearance are extremely wary of candidates with overbearing financial obligations. In their minds, they ask the question, "How can we trust a man/woman with such baggage? Can they be paid off to do someone else's bidding?"
The point is, I might not be able to live right next to campus, drop difficult classes to keep my GPA high, eat out every night, AND pay off my bills.... so, I don't.
If you are thinking of going to school on the GI Bill, don't worry. Live within your means and you will be fine.
Just remember: "You can't always get what you want; but, if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need."
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