Disqus - Latest Comments for eddir_rb

Re: More Than Mary - Frequent Flyer FAQ's

eddie_rb — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:24:08 -0000

I find that while everyone's list depends on where they are and what airlines service their home airport. On the other hand, my home airport is a United hub, and I hate them! They and US Air never seem to appear on anyone's list.

Virgin America and Frontier are definitely strong, but I think JetBlue floats to the top just from the number of cities they serve. I like the fact that JetBlue waived bike transport fees for those headed to the Livestrong Challenge ride in Austin, TX at the end of October.

But I think Southwest gets an honorable mention from the sheer value, and lack of fees! But one royal pain is the 'standby' policy (i.e. only Business Select, their highest fare, get to go standby), so if you snagged a cheap fare, you have to pay the price differential to jump early

Nice list, Mary!

Re: More Than Mary - There’s a new chip in town! - RiceWorks You see,...

eddie_rb — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:32:27 -0000

Also, inexpensive as Costco sells these

Re: Toyota Pirus v. (Mercedes Benz) Smart ForTwo, Which is Greener ?

eddie_rb — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:52:06 -0000

If you are looking purely at carbon footprint, this is a good comparison. However, you have to consider the negative environmental impact of the Prius batteries, which would probably swing things towards the Smart.

The Smart and the Prius represent two different lifestyles. Mayor Fenty of DC chose the Smart over the Prius because it's easier to find parking.

While it's very pricey, have you considered going full electric, with the Tesla Model S or the Mini E?

Re: *Courtesy of Smart Car

eddie_rb — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:28:34 -0000

First off, with regard to Mary's transparency policy, it's been posted for months. It makes sense that companies like Smart and Nutralite would reach out to blogger audiences like MTM. Personally I applaud the openness.

However, I have issues with the actual topic at hand ... i.e., the Smart car itself. I take issue with "Like SmartCar, their mission is to make an global impact on people and the environment, not just sell products". I hate to tell you people, but driving a Prius or a Smart has nothing to do with the environment, but more to do with retaining a non-sustaining lifestyle. In the late 70's and early 80's, we had similar issues with the price of oil, and we turned to more fuel-efficient cars. In the short term, the demand for oil dropped, but in the long term, fuel-efficiency led to the surburban sprawl we are dealing with today.

Consider two families with the same disposable income, one with an SUV, and the other trades in their SUV for a Prius. In the short-term, the Prius family pays out a premium for their hybrid, but pays less for fuel, and their carbon footprint is reduced. In the long-term however, the Prius family begins to drive more and more (since they have available disposable income), and eventually has the same environmental impact as the SUV family. This has been proven time and time again in studies in the 80s and today. It's a variant of the Costco effect, in which bulk buying encourages consumption. In this case, greater fuel economy encourages more driving.

Mary, you look good behind the wheel of the Smart, and unfortunately LA is not a city that encourages less driving. But don't buy into the environmentally friendly crap. The truth is, if you had a car that had half the mileage, you could only go half as far in a city that requires a lot of driving.

Re: More Than Mary - The first of my video blogs on my hunt for a car...

eddie_rb — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:34:19 -0000

First off ... do not go to a used car lot! Generally, most are rip-offs in that they are reselling cars that they get wholesale. In other words, these cars have issues. They were trade ins and/or lease returns that the dealer felt had to much wear and tear to sell themselves. Unfortunately, 'certified pre-owned' are decent cars that come with a price. Houston has a few CarMax dealerships which are generally a happy medium, if you are not comfortable with shopping private sales.

Second, car choice is all about lifestyle. As you know, most people in NYC don't have cars, but LA is a much different story. I can tell you from experience in DC (which is second only to LA in traffic congestion), sitting in an uncomfortable gas guzzler in traffic is not where you want to be. Evaluating your anticipated daily commute is a big part of the decision. How much stuff you need to carry is another part of it as well.

Before you buy ... figure of what the insurance cost is! So many young drivers get lured into cars that they can't afford to insure.

As for brands, I agree with the Mini Cooper suggestion. Not only sporty, but actually very safe! I also strongly recommend Audi. Don't laugh but a used A4 is a great car and not as costly as you think.

Good luck on your hunt!

Re: More Than Mary - This morning I ran the Katy trail to get a little...

eddie_rb — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:10:57 -0000

I think one thing we have to consider is the 'other road'. It is certain that Mary could be an office worker in a city somewhere, but what I find interesting is that she's chosen a different path. Successful or not time will tell, but she has tried her hand at fashion design, spinning instructor, blogger/podcaster. She's even pulled away from the NonSociety group to shift to different topics.

Seriously, who hasn't considered the idea of what if I leave the job/home/etc and do something different? Personally, I'm thankful she's letting us see from her experience what's on the other side of that fence.

It just seems strange that people are faulting Mary for choosing to be both open and different. I agree with Kelly Y's comment that many other entries end up with no comments (I put a like indicator from time to time), but when we poke into these lifestyle differences, we feel the need to comment (either positively or negatively)

I think we are missing the real message here, in that Mary engages in physical exercise to deal with stress. I think exercise is an excellent way to spend time putting things mentally into perspective, blow off steam, etc. If we're going to really examine what's here, I'd have to ask, are we finding enough personal time for ourselves?

Re: More Than Mary - TIME TO BE AFFORDABLE - Nixon Watches for Men ...

eddie_rb — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:25:02 -0000

I notice that the site www.whiskeymilitia.com (one of those one deal at a time sites like Woot) offers Nixon watches from time to time

Re: I Kindly Ask For A Little Respect

eddie_rb — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:20:18 -0000

There is a big, big difference between comment/opinion and criticism/personal attacks, and it appears many people forget that.

If Mary posts on her blog she invites comment/opinion on the subject matter. For example, I'm interested when she posts playlists she listens to during workouts. She spins, I cycle, so there's a synergy there. If I don't happen to care for a specific artist, and I post a comment to that effect, that is appropriate. I'm interested in her workout routine, and if I think I can constructive say there's a better way to accomplish her goal, I can say so. But to generally criticize the amount of time she spends in the gym, her appearance, etc., without focus would be inappropriate and off base.

I think we forget that it takes a lot of courage to get out there and put facets of your life in public view. I think bloggers like Mary add value because of the small details and opinions they offer. I may not often go to Houston or NYC, but at least I have an idea where to grab a drink or a bite out.

Also, she has never failed to respond when I've asked her opinion via e-mail. Her replies are very thoughtful, usually helpful, and always sincere.

There seem to be many of you asserting the right to (trying for a nice word here) 'heckle' bloggers like Mary. Personally, even if I found Mary's posting disagreeable (which I don't), I certainly can show respect for the effort. I think that's what she's asking for here.

I also agree that there will be times when a post rubs people the wrong way. It seems to come up quickly on the topics of money and lifestyle. For example, I can't figure out my friends' fascination with men's watches. It tells time, so why do I need to spend $5K to do it. But I'm not going to go out of my way to admonish someone wearing a Rolex or a Patek Phillipe, just because I think it's a waste of money.

Being a guy, I don't wear make-up, and a t-shirt and jeans w/ flip-flops does me just fine most days. Being honest, I don't get much out of 80% of Mary's blog. But it's that 20% that makes it worthwhile. For example, I used to buy a CD if I knew it had three good songs, but I don't go into a tirade just because I don't like the rest of the album.

Keep the faith, Mary!
Eddie

Re: I'm a little hurt

eddie_rb — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:15:04 -0000

Mary, first let me say that I do appreciate the e-mails and notes back and forth, and advice of gift questions, etc. A big and sincere Thank You!

Having seen some of posts and videos around Christmas time, I suspect you were brought up told that sending a note acknowledging a gift was the courteous thing to do. I would probably agree with that sentiment. Unfortunately, many people don't, and as you can tell from their reaction, don't like being told that they are being rude.

However, I suspect that what's underneath is a bit of insecurity peeking out. You split out from NonSociety to do your own thing, and your probably wondering if it'll be a success. I think what you're doing is honest and sincere blogging, and perhaps we should chalk this up to your honest intentions. You are who you are, but sometimes even friends (and fans) can disagree.

On a positive note, the number of reactions from this post has to make you realize that you do have a fan base, that is tuned in and visiting your blog!

Cheers!

Re: It's Not All About Being Skinny

eddie_rb — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:16:17 -0000

Bravo Mary!

As you pointed out, this is about how you feel. You're happy about your physique, meticulous about what you wear, etc., and willing to share. But at the end of the day, if you feel good about yourself, that sends a positive message to everyone around you.

It's not about having a bikini body vs. enjoying a slice of pizza, it's about what makes you happy. However, choices have consequences. Having a bikini body will cost you in hard work and time. Enjoying pizzas requires that you get subject to being judged on your looks if you're curvier. But as I guy, I'll tell you that regardless of how you look, if you're not a positive person, it's a turn-off.

In any case, I find your blog to be generally inspiring. Thanks for sharing!

Re: PRODUCT ENDORSEMENTS

eddie_rb — Tue, 12 May 2009 19:40:43 -0000

I just don't understand how much clearer you need to make this. I really think that your policy sets a good standard for bloggers.

Re: Will Plan B Become Teens' New Plan A?

eddie_rb — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:36:44 -0000

I'm going to take dings here as a guy.

First, let me say that I think choice is an absolute right. I would never reverse Roe vs. Wade, etc. However I think we have a big problem with abortion and teenage pregnancy. The reasons fall back to educational and social failures.

I think Mary brings up valid points, and not just for 17 year olds. Sexually active teenage girls do not have good access to birth control. Carrying condoms, either boy or girl, requires an even higher degree of forethought. Abstention generally requires a degree of discipline and willpower usually lacking in teenager awash in hormones.

Safety is another issue. Nature designed teenagers with the ability to have kids, even though they are still maturing. That's not the same as saying that it's safe to pump them with hormones to prevent pregnancy or reverse a mistake.

At the end of the day, we need to accept that our kids will become sexually active, and that as parents we need to actively educate and talk to them about sex. Pumping a message of pure abstinence results in uneducated teens becoming pregnant, and questionable non-coital activity (i.e. sexting, demands for oral sex, etc.).

But IMHO, any limiting of access to reasonably safe birth control is a step backwards

Re: More Than Mary - Quinoa Wishes & Flaxseed Dreams — Nutritionista...

eddie_rb — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:43:46 -0000

Kashi meals are great for when you just don't have time to cook, but want something decent to eat without overstuffing yourself eating out. I always have a few in the freezer!