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Posts Tagged ‘internet’

  1. Another Outpost in the Post-Cable Universe

    April 6, 2014 by admin

    We recently ditched the cable bill, in favor of streaming shows from the internet.  Our primary choice for television content so far has been Netflix, which connects seamlessly with our Nintendo Wii.

    But Netflix has its own limitations in content.  They don’t carry everything.

    One of the benefits of releasing ourselves from cable TV is that we are no longer  chained to a single pathway for content.  A reliable and fun secondary source has turned out to be Youtube!YouTube1-1024x408

    Not only can you program your own music lists to create your own home version of MTV.  You can also load up full episodes of various television shows.

    Did we mention YouTube is totally free?

    We like this option for older shows not carried by Netflix, be they comedies like The Young Ones, or the Facts of Life or documentaries like the Day The Universe Changed.  YouTube also hosts a number of original shows available only on the internet like the strange and hilarious They’re Made Out of Meat.

    Check it out next time you are drawing a blank in your searches for new shows.

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  2. New Musical Express

    April 4, 2014 by admin

    images-1New Musical Express, once the go-to magazine for news about the hottest bands in the UK, is now host to a great website that includes tons of news articles, retrospectives, free album streaming, and free downloadable Mp3s.

    NME (as those “in the know” call it) is one of the largest online music magazines these days!  And did we mention the free music?

    Only trouble is, freebies aren’t grouped together into one single part of the site.  So the best way to find the many free tunes is to head over to NME, and type ‘free mp3’ into the search window and marvel at all the posts that pop up.

    Just today we found remixes of Roxy Music, 19 free songs from London-based record label Something In Construction, and songs from The Weather and Seven Saturdays.

    Although NME is a UK magazine, the music reviews and downloads are not all British bands- indeed the last two bands noted above are from Portland, OR and LA, respectively.

    So put NME in your bookmark file, and check in regularly.  You are bound to find some great new music (along with keeping up to date on the latest in music news- like Kate Bush doing live shows! )250px-Nme_cover

     

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  3. Bluey Gets a Gameboy

    March 28, 2014 by admin

    We are huge fans of the unplugged universe.  We love going outdoors, creating art projects, playing board-games, and jigsaw puzzling.  And then there are the endless options of building with legos, tinkertoys, kinex, blocks, playmobile, etc.IMG_1641

    So we have been careful all along to limit the exposure our kids have to TV, computers and video games.  We don’t want our kids to get sucked into a premade world and forget that they can create their own experiences.  We don’t want our kids exposed to images and sounds more shocking and intense than appropriate for their age.  We don’t want them to forget how awesome it is to run around outdoors and see the natural world up close.

    But at the same time, we understand the usefulness of knowing how the plugged-in world works.  We don’t want to raise kids who can’t surf the net, or who can’t deconstruct the real purpose of advertising that flies at them.  We need to teach our kids how to use the wired world as a tool for information, communication, and for fun.

    So we are finally allowing Bluey to explore some electronics and gaming.

    His starting place?  Bluey has inherited his sisters’ old Leapfrog (which he calls his Gameboy), and a small handful of non-violent and/or educational games.

    This system allows him a chance to learn that there should be limits to how much time you spend on video games.  Since the games remember where you are, you don’t need to ‘finish this level’ or whatever.  When time is up, it’s up.  Your game will be there when you get back.

    So far, although Bluey is excited by his video games, they remain a tiny segment of his daily life.  They haven’t taken the place of reading, and creating, and running around outdoors.

    We’ve taken a big step, but we think it’s in the right direction.

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  4. Free on iTunes

    February 28, 2014 by admin

    itunes-logoAs you know, we are big fans of free and legal music downloads.  We search regularly for opportunities to sample new songs and find new artists to listen to.

    One of the places we head to frequently is the ‘Free’ section at the iTunes store.

    You may already have an iTunes/AppleID account, but don’t forget to make a regular stop at the “Free” page.  As one of the largest sources of online music, iTunes is able to host free downloads from the major label artist you have already heard of and may already like.  The free songs rotate regularly, so check back often.

    Tip: You can also download videos, TV shows, books and movies from the free section.

    Kelly Clarkson, Zola Jesus, Kellie Pickler along with other top artists and up-and-comers have had free tunes up on iTunes recently.  So make a point to stop by, see what they’ve got to fill out your playlist a bit more.

    Maybe you’ll discover some great new music.

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  5. Netflix

    February 7, 2014 by admin

    IMG_1415

    This TR Family has a tendency to end up at the finish line well after most people are already celebrating.  We take out time.  We wait until we are ready.  We are methodical and like nothing better than closely examining all aspects of any decision.

    So it is only this year (2014) that we join the vast majority of our friends in saying goodbye to cable TV.  We couldn’t be happier with our change to internet TV via Netflix.  And for those that are still debating the switch, consider the following:

    • We now have an extra $75 per month.  Seventy Five dollars.  It is a ton of money for our budget conscious family.
    • You will never have to watch another commercial.
    • You aren’t tied to any viewing schedule.
    • There is no contract.
    • You can set up separate lists for each member of the family, making it easier for each person to find an enjoyable and appropriate selection.

     

    We have had a very positive experience moving to Netflix.  But it might not be for everybody. We suppose that if you are sports obsessed, you might not be happy with it.  Netflix doesn’t offer “live” programming.

    Also, since using Netflix there’s always something you like on TV, this means you can’t use ‘there’s nothing good on’ as your primary reason to turn the TV off and do something else.  So you may need to find new reasons to limit TV time for your family or yourself.  We suggest a simple: “That’s enough TV for now, let’s do something else.  Your shows will still be available later.”

    Give Netflix a try.  You can always go back to cable.  But we bet you won’t!

    Category Advice & Reviews | Tags: ,, | 1 Comment

  6. Shout It Out

    January 22, 2014 by admin

    imagesOne of the reasons that we began ThriftyRambler was to build upon our community.  We hope to encourage conversation, thought and support amongst our readers.

    Here at ThriftyRambler, perhaps like you, we are always looking for new ideas and improved ways of doing things.  So we are regular readers of the vast content of the web, always seeking people who can put their ideas into words that make sense to us.

    In that vein, we wish to draw attention to some people we’ve met on the internet who are out there doing intriguing things.  We believe they are uber-cool, and hope you that you think so, too.  Check them out and see how they impact you!

    Instagram:

    • madcitymom–  This Madison mom captures a lot of cool places in our town that we haven’t yet discovered.
    • man_from_farm– This Russian farmer and gardener posts beautiful and funny pictures of life on a Russian farm.

     

    Twitter:

    • Katie Austin @madisontraffic– Katie Austin helps us navigate our midwestern city with ease with regular updates on construction, accidents and weather.
    • Madison On The Cheap–  Sales, freebies,and cheap event notices will keep you following this feed.

     

    Facebook:

    • Roost Realty–  Roost posts about all aspects of buying homes, not houses.  They are dedicated to their community and working to make it a better place.

     

    Google+:

    • Toddlers on Tour– This Australian mom offers real experiences and advice for travels with kids, whether down the road or to a different continent.
    • Lauren Markman– Lauren’s parenting oriented blog, “ididntlisten,” is funny and insightful.
    • Visit Flyover Country–  Adam Sommer writes travel pieces for Visit Flyover Country, a blog devoted to midwest points of interest.

    We’ll do this again in a few weeks with more of our favorites!

    Category Advice & Reviews | Tags: ,, | Comments Off on Shout It Out

  7. See You In The Funny Pages!

    April 9, 2013 by admin

    Rex Morgan, M.D.

    Rex Morgan, M.D.

    We grew up reading the funnies every morning and it is a cherished part of our childhood memories (thank you Newark Star-Ledger!).  But over the past twenty years, the amount of comics that newspapers print has declined.   The ones that are lucky enough to make it to print are now smaller.  Many people are also getting their news from on-line sources, and no longer have a subscription to their local newspaper.  The free, on-line versions typically don’t include the funnies.

    But the trials of Mary Worth and Prince Valiant go on!  Do you have to leave your beloved comic characters behind just because you don’t get a newspaper delivered?  Of course not!!

    Whether you are unable to subscribe to a daily paper, or the one you get doesn’t carry your favorite titles, there are online sources for almost every comic being produced today.  In fact, many sites offer classic tales that are out of publication!

    We use these sites to keep up with Funky, Rex, and their pals:

    GoComics:  GoComics has hundreds of titles to choose from, including editorial artists.  You need to set up a free account to use this site, but it’s well worth it.  When you enroll, you’ll create your own mini comic page of all your favorites that will update every day.  In addition to great current comics like Get Fuzzy, GoComics features many extinct comics like Calvin&Hobbes, Bloom County, and Liberty Meadows.  It is a great online source for the classics.

    San Jose Mercury News: SJMN carries many currently produced comics, many of which are not available on GoComics.

    Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: MJS uses a service called Comics Kingdom to provide its comics online.  This service provides comic content for many online papers.  You’ll find this a good place to seek out syndicated comics that you haven’t found elsewhere.

    If there’s a specific title you need, that isn’t on one of these mentioned sites, you can always search for it online.  Most comics have some sort of online portal.

    Stay up-to-date with your comic friends!

    Category Rambler Ramblings | Tags: ,, | Comments Off on See You In The Funny Pages!

  8. You Spin Me Right Round

    October 25, 2012 by admin

    If you’re like us, you love music.  One of our great secrets is www.spinner.com.  A fabulous source of music news and free mp3s.

    Spinner definitely focuses on the indie/alternative end of the music spectrum, which is just great for our punky, twee-girl loving family.  We grew up straining to bring in WLIR on our New Jersey radios, so Spinner is right up our alley.

    Tip: Don’t confuse Spinner with SPIN Magazine.  Although the names are similar, Spinner is your go-to for up-and-coming bands.  SPIN will keep you updated on the more corporate end of the music spectrum.

    Unlike some other big music websites, Spinner doesn’t hide its mp3 collection.  In plain sight, at the top of the main page, you’ll see the ‘MP3 of the Day’ link.

    Click on the mp3 link and you’ll get to not just the latest mp3, but a backwards rolling collection of months and months of free mp3s.  Spinner offers advice on what each band ‘sounds’ like, or is related to.  But you don’t have to take Spinner’s word for it.  You can listen to every song before you download it, if you like.  Or just grab them all and see which ones resonate for you.

    These are not bands you’ll hear very often on the radio (unless you have a good college station nearby.)

    While you are grabbing all those free mp3’s, check out the rest of Spinner’s extensive website.  You can stream full albums by tons of artists, read about strange music legends, and scan the Spinner “Top Songs” lists.  Catch up on your music news and tour info, or even listen to Spinner Radio.

    Search through the site and report your favorite finds back to us.  Right now, we’re off to check their list of the best sad songs.

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  9. Follow Me

    October 18, 2012 by admin

    ThriftyRambler (TR) would like to thank their loyal followers for discovering us and checking in with us.

    As we approach our 6 month anniversary, we wanted to send a reminder that you can also find us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/ThriftyRambler.  Don’t forget to “like” our page, as then you will be updated regularly about TR in your own news feed.  Our Facebook profile also includes periodic links to news articles and other tidbits that provoke further thought on topics covered by TR.

    We also have a Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/Thriftyrambler, if that’s a more convenient way for you to keep up to date.

    Our Pinterest page includes many links to recipes and home solutions that you may appreciate.  Remember to follow our boards, if you are a Pinner!

    We’d love to see your comments on what we’ve written- either on this blog or at the Facebook page.  Thanks again and we look forward to continuing this journey with you!

     

     

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  10. Believe In The Freedom Of Music

    October 1, 2012 by admin

    You may feel that you get enough junk in your email account- do you really want to subscribe to even more newsletters?  We find that some of them are totally worth it.  The following collection of music newsletters will provide you with updates on the current scene, but more to the point, they usually include some free mp3s.

    These are Free mp3s, not sketchy illegal downloads.

    Spin.com:  Spin will sometimes send you several newsletters a week, and about once a month they attach a link or promo code to download some current tunes from current bands.

    AllScandanavia:  As we’ve mentioned previously, allscandnavia.com does a pretty good job of keeping you up to speed on musical movements in the northlands.  And their website carries the MusicAlliance mp3 files.  But their weekly newsletter is also worth getting.  It features links to ten or more bands from the north and typically, about half of those have downloads attached.

    About.com: Punk:  We subscribe to several newsletters from about.com, but the Punk page, run by Ryan Cooper posts the most frequent free downloads, usually several a week.  It’s a simple way to keep up with the punk scene.

    Spinner: Unrelated to Spin, Spinner offers a free mp3 of the day and a look into the indie music scene.  Many of the featured artists are unsigned, self-signed, or on small labels. But you’ll find bands you’ve heard of, as well as new treasures, by following their newsletter and picking up a few new songs a week.

    Category Thrifty Tips | Tags: ,, | 1 Comment

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