If you are like me who does not have an expensive mobile phone with data plans and want to access internet on the road and don't want to signup for a long term contract etc.
Boingo is a wireless service which allows you to access wireless on all Mcdonald's,T-mobile hotspot ,ATT hotspots etc for just $9.95 per month unlimited in North America.They do not have a contract and  you can disconnect it anytime.
If you go to signup on their website they charge $21.95 for a month.But if you search on search engines for coupons you can get it for $9.95 per month.
I signed up with Boingo with the following website http://www.retailmenot.com/view/boingo.com

posted at: 23:02 | category: /reviews | permanent link to this entry

Recently one of my cars needed an Engine Coolant Exchange and after calling multiple stores I found that the cheapest place for this service is @ sears.com.
Most of the other shops charge more then $70 but if you order online from Sears and then go the store the price is $59.99.
Check it out @ http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_09051011000P?vName=Automotive&cName=Services&sName=View+All

posted at: 17:58 | category: /deals | permanent link to this entry

Isn't it a pain to carry different chargers for different cell phones .Big phone makers in Europe have now agreed to a new standard called micro-USB  which will allow the phone chargers to be standardized.
I wish we have the same thing in US also.It amazes me , as to how far the US is behind other countries as far as cell phones are concerned.
The environment impact of this is pretty huge because imagine the number of power adapters which will be saved from the landfill.
It is a welcome move and I hope it gets extended to other devices like cameras/laptops/gps etc.
Read more @ http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10274953-94.html

posted at: 12:48 | category: /consumerwatch | permanent link to this entry

We needed some internet connectivity at airports ,and just for a couple of days or so.So we first called up T-mobile  for their Hotspot plans.But their hotspot plans are not offered to non T-Mobile customers.
Anyways so after searching a little bit more I found a service called Boingo which allows using Wi-Fi services throughout the world.
The best part is they don't have a contract and no termination charges.
Also since me and my wife both wanted to use the connections at the same time the  customer support told me that upto 2 devices per account can be connected simultaneously.
I have not signed up as yet but once I do I will post my experience with it.

posted at: 00:31 | category: /travel | permanent link to this entry

On June 20th we went to this helicopter show.My son enjoyed it alot.
The helicopters are parked very close to the audience and gives people a chance to look at these magnificent flying machines up close.
We stayed there the entire day .
The rescue efforts demonstrated by CHP or Fire department , lacked the fun , it was more of an infomercial at best.
Personally I feel that atleast the fire dept helicopter should have thown water from the helicopter on some audiences, maybe that could bring some life to the show.
The price for the show is very reasonable especially considering that it includes the price for the museum.
This place was extremely crowded as expected and there is no parking nearby so don't drive to this location to be dissappointed.
Either take public transportation.Caltrain setup a special shuttle from the San Carlos station to this event every hour.
Or park your car at the airport parking and then they provide shuttle to the event.
There is a lunch break from the show for about 1 hour or so and it is not sufficient to get food and eat.Lines are extremely long  for getting food.
I highly recommend carrying food and drinks yourself to avoid the long lines and expensive ripoff prices(fries for $5)
Carry your beach folding chairs as there is no place to sit there to watch the show and considering the show lasts for a couple of hours ,  kids would get tired standing all day.
Though I have to say the show lacks a "punch".Red bull flipping helicopter was probably the high point of the show.
So after spending a day there I would say that I prefer the blue angels show during the fleetweek much better then this.

You can go to Hiller Museum website for more information.

posted at: 15:36 | category: /sfbayarea | permanent link to this entry

We went to the fair yestrday and it was extremely crowded.
Parking lot was full and we got parking almost a mile walk in the parking lot.
Overall , I didn't like the fair as it was too expensive.The entry fee hardly covers anything.Every ride is minimum $3 for each ride.I find it very expensive.
Overall I'm not planning to go next year.

More info @ http://www.alamedacountyfair.com

posted at: 15:15 | category: /sfbayarea | permanent link to this entry