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Some Good CyberMonday Deals

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 07:10:00 AM EST
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I'm shopped out, but in case you are still going, CyberMonday starts today. Prices will fluctuate throughout the day at most sites, but here's a few that will stay the same until Dec. 7:

  • How about a Panisonic 32" LCD HD TV that for $499? It's a 720 as opposed to 1080p (and I don't buy their "retail price" of $2500., but 720 probably all you need in a 32".

If you found any great deals, let us know (not the link, unless you can put it in html format, but the store and the item.)

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    Some Good CyberMonday Deals | 46 comments (46 topical)

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    I'm not sure what a "deal" is anymore. (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by Fabian on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 04:30:08 AM EST
    After my dishwasher pretty much died and the repairman said manufacturers are cutting corners on household appliances to cut costs, I'm getting leery of laying out cash for big ticket items I don't need.  A dishwasher is under "don't need".  Electronic toys are also under that category.  Now if I can find two kid proof cameras, I'd buy them.  Both kids are utterly fascinated with digital cameras.  It's no surprise that they are visual learners.

    hmmm.  Not sure what I am.  Probably not primarily visual since I prefer to listen than look.

    vtech kidizoom digital camera (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by evilgenius on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 05:59:27 AM EST
    Funny you mention kids digital cameras.  Amazon has their cyber monday deal on kids toys, and the Vtech kids digital camera is on sale.  It's 20 bucks cheaper than Walmart, and gets great reviews for a kids camera.  I just bought 2 of them because I'd been eyeing them at Walmart but didn't want to spend the $$.  At 40 a piece no ship, it's a good deal.  Especially since unlike the other kids digitals you don't need a computer to view the pics, just plug it into the tv.

    eg

    Parent

    Haven't needed to shop Vtech for awhile (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 08:17:55 AM EST
    When Josh was younger though everything Vtech was terrific, when it left here it still worked and was  passsed on to other kids.

    Parent
    Vtech is good in my experience. (none / 0) (#19)
    by Fabian on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 11:27:57 AM EST
    I'd use the cameras as reward/motivation.

    Don't want them to get too used to them.  My oldest was struggling with drawing a soccer ball, complete with the pentagon/hexagon patterns.  After about six tries he finished it.  I love his art.

    Parent

    Some manafacturers are cutting (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by Radix on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 11:51:17 AM EST
    corners, not all though. Bosch or Miele still maintain high standards.

    Parent
    I got my suit (5.00 / 3) (#11)
    by CST on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 09:27:35 AM EST
    Thanks for the tips everyone, I ended up using Nordstrom and they hooked it up.  No I am not a prosecutor :)

    Very cool (none / 0) (#16)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 10:19:41 AM EST
    A success story!

    Parent
    Yay! thanks for reporting back (none / 0) (#17)
    by ruffian on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 10:38:57 AM EST
    I'm sure you look fabulous!

    Parent
    Has anyone acquired a digital picture (none / 0) (#1)
    by oculus on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 01:52:11 AM EST
    frame.  You know, the kind where you can do a continuous slideshow?  Any advice?  Thanks.

    I have 2 (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 02:29:30 AM EST
    Last year I bought a 7" at Costco for 80 bucks.  This year, I bought a 10.4 inch frame for $100, again at Costco.

    Both were SmartParts frames.  Both work great, plug into USB port on computer, or use a USB flash drive or SD card to download pics.  Both are 800 x 600 resolution, which is fine for displaying pictures on a small screen.  Both were black Friday deals.

    I tested the 10.4 inch frame on our Kill-o-watt watt meter, and it uses about 13 watts (same as a compact fluorescent screw in light bulb), so energy isn't a big problem.

    You can pay more and get better quality, but these are nice.

    I've heard that some of the brands of frames tend to freeze in slideshow mode.   I don't know which brands those are.

    As for the tiny 320 GB drives, I buy hard drives and mini external E-sata drive holders and build my own external drives.  Direct E-sata interfaces are much faster than USB.  Many of the newer laptops have E-sata ports.  Mine does.

    Parent

    Thanks. (none / 0) (#12)
    by oculus on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 09:44:31 AM EST


    Parent
    Everything's OK (none / 0) (#3)
    by NonCompassionateLiberal on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 03:33:44 AM EST
    Let's buy stuff.

    It is our patriotic duty to buy... (none / 0) (#18)
    by kdog on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 11:04:19 AM EST
    or so I'm told...the less you actually need the purchase the better!  God Bless America!

    Me and family decided to scale back this year, instead of everybody buying everbody a present, we're just buying for the kids and doing a grab bag style-thingy for the adults, one gift each.  The materialism has gotten outta hand, it is not what Christmas is supposed to be about, no matter what the boob-tube tries to tell you.


    Parent

    How (none / 0) (#4)
    by cal1942 on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 03:43:38 AM EST
    do you get a post time stamped 7:10 AM EST.

    It's only 4:41 AM EST now.

    1080p a must for PCs at 32" width (none / 0) (#7)
    by BobTinKY on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 07:20:08 AM EST
    As the size of your widescreen goes up the need for 1080p does as well.  1080p is not necessary for television viewing but you will want it if you plan to have your large widescreen TV double as a computer monitor.

    1080p is not required for (none / 0) (#28)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 02:17:33 PM EST
    use as a TV monitor.  We record hi-def TV onto media center and play on our 1080i TV.

    However, 1080p IS required to see the full enhancment of Blueray for hi-def DVD.

    Parent

    I'm not much for shopping today (none / 0) (#9)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 08:34:28 AM EST
    in our more modern traditional sense.  Husband and I have decided this year that we will no longer participate in Black Fridays because it has caused its own form of insanity.  We have decided we aren't going to be part of or promote that kind of behavior in our culture and we are going to broadcast our decision to do so.  I have a ton of chores to do today to prepare for the Holidays and I'm still uninspired this a.m.  This is a link to one of my favorite etsy artists though and I'm hoping to get something from the "Once Upon a Time" series for Christmas from hubby.  Sent him link days ago.  This artist likes to use vintage watch movements in their jewelry designs and the prices in my opinion are very reasonable.  Christmas order deadline is the 7th in the states.  The deadline has passed for International orders.

    Some CNN talking head is yakking about (none / 0) (#10)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 09:07:49 AM EST
    door busters that we can all take advantage of today.  I think I'm done with busting doors, thanks all the same.

    Parent
    Uhhh, MT, I hate to point out (none / 0) (#13)
    by oculus on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 09:48:14 AM EST
    --jewelry counts as shopping!  But--fun stuff.

    Parent
    I'm not shopping TODAY though :) (none / 0) (#15)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 10:15:18 AM EST
    I'm dragging out trees and ornaments and I have to get dog food today. I can't stomach this doorbuster theme any longer.  Guess what, the retailers attained their goal.  Doors got busted and then people died.  I'm pretty sick of corporate America as I know it to exist today and I'm thinking I'd rather give my money directly to some small someone who provides me with a product that recycles alongside providing me with a piece of fascinating, wearable, durable art.  I know some of the polymer clay artists on etsy (ummmm, not exactly a "green" medium but it has been my latest artistic fascination for 7 years now) and they are pretty simple kind decent peaceful folk not looking to swim in money, just live in harmony.  I think I'll focus on feeding them instead of the doorbuster monster when I'm shopping this season.  I'm gonna send my adopted mom and mentor who has bred and shown Shepherds for about 30yrs and lives in Florida some of the homegrown orchids from etsy growers too this Christmas.

    Parent
    Taking advice on getting a pup. (none / 0) (#20)
    by Fabian on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 11:39:03 AM EST
    Found a breeder "only" 4-5 hours away.  I'm looking at Kuvasz which are part of the livestock guardian breed continuum.  (There are LGD breeds that aren't "official" including one from Afghanistan.)

    I know I should do one visit before I decide whether to get a puppy from them.  What should I be looking for?  (I have a list from the 'net, but all input is valued.)

    Parent

    Saw This (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by squeaky on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 12:03:34 PM EST
    And thought of you. Something to round out the pack.

    Parent
    No livestock allowed here. (none / 0) (#29)
    by Fabian on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 02:24:54 PM EST
    Or I'd have a few laying hens by now.

    Love the equines though!

    Parent

    The breeder's facility should be clean, and the (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by Angel on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 12:24:58 PM EST
    adult dogs and puppies should be clean as well.  You don't want an overcrowded facility and you don't want the pups or adult dogs in unsanitary conditions.  The pups should be playful and happy and the adults shouldn't bite.  Your instinct will tell you whether or not the breeder is a good one so go with that.  You'll be either comfortable or uncomfortable so don't discount your gut.  The breeder should answer all of your questions to your satisfaction.  And you shouldn't get a puppy from a breeder who doesn't require that you take the pup to a veterinarian within 72 hours of purchase. The pup should be old enough to leave the mother (smaller breeds generally need to be older before you take them home - 8 to 9 weeks is a good average.  Six weeks is too young).  The breeder should offer you a written guarantee that they will accept return of the pet should an undisclosed or unknown genetic, non-injury, disorder is present prior to the pup's first birthday.  Also, if you get a pup, please get it microchipped.  A good breeder will offer this service, or you can have it done at the veterinarian's office.  Good luck!

    Parent
    We usually don't have pups leave until (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 12:30:45 PM EST
    they are 9 weeks for their mental/emotional health and well being too. And if the breeders had more than one litter on the property and they didn't show or weren't professional handlers or something along those lines, I would feel a little suspicious.  I know a lot of people who show and most usually only have a couple of litters a year.

    Parent
    We've never been interested in getting a pup (5.00 / 2) (#26)
    by Angel on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 12:37:35 PM EST
    before 9 weeks.  They aren't mature enough at that age, IMO.  And any breeder worth their salt will keep a pup for you and not try to make a hard sell about taking it any earlier.  If they do, that's a red flag.  Means they're in it for the money and not concerned about the well-being of the pup.  We got both our pups from a well-known breeder a couple of hours from here.  She shows her dogs and you can just tell by the way she handles her business that it's all about the pups.  You couldn't give her a million dollars for one of her pups if she didn't think you were the right person for one of her dogs!    

    Parent
    You want to see both parents if available (5.00 / 2) (#24)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 12:25:40 PM EST
    If it was a vet assisted affair you want to ask for Dads owners contact information and if you like what you are seeing you will want to touch base with his owners.  Since this is a large breed are both parents OFA'd and if not are you paying a premium price because lack of both parents being OFA'd should mean a little less than top dollar.  You want a three generation pedigree if this a papered dog (doesn't have to be an AKC certified pedigree that the AKC will charge you lots of money for, but if both parents are registered you want at least a three generation run down of whose genes are here and most serious breeders have a five gen already printed out for you). If you are paying for a registered dog you do want that to be an AKC registration or Canadian since different home grown organizations are popping up all over and they will "register" whatever you have if you have the fee.  If it is CKC registered that does not always mean Canadian either since some rocket scientist started the Continental Kennel Club and many people think that they are getting an animal registered with the Canadian Kennel Club. If you are buying a registered animal you want papers in hand.....not a promise of papers - but the pup application for its papers right there before you, period.  If this is not a give away pup and once again you have a tidy little sum in hand you want a health cert from a Vet.  Costs between $30-$50 to have one done for breeders who use their Vets all the time.  Many breeders give their own vaccinations outside of rabies. Rabies vaccination can be extremely important if an event happens and I always rec that that is given and recorded by a Vet, I have been bitten breaking up a dog fight - stuff happens.  So that puppy buyers can feel safer too, parvo is no simple matter, my Vet will often throw that last parvo/distemper vaccination in there for me too when I get the health cert and so the buyers know they just don't have to take my word for it that they can become attached to this puppy and it is going to be fine.  You want a contract from the seller 100% guaranteeing this animals genetic health for about 24 months and in the larger breeds you want a breeder written and signed guarantee on hips and elbows.  If a large breed dog does end up with dysplasia it may need to be put down and you may need a replacement free of charge and reputable breeders have no problem with this.  This is your market right now.  Last but not least,  Diamond Natural Lamb and Rice has no corn, no wheat, no soy,(I'm having no allergy problems of any kind now - not even hot spots) and high quality protein.  Feed large breed pups adult dog food so that their skeletons don't grow too fast.  I feed my pups the regular Diamond Natural Lamb and Rice ($19.99 per 40lbs at Tractor Supply) and I feed my adults the Extreme Althete because they run around like nutcases all day ($29.99 for 40lbs) and I have never found a food this overall good for my dogs. Smaller stools like IAMS used to give us until they felt like they didn't need to worry about that anymore too.  You want puppies that will approach you and you want to choose a pup that will tolerate you holding it while it is on its back.  It doesn't need to be crazy about it, but if it starts acting ticked in an aggressive way.....not your pup.  Outside of that you want a puppy that responds to you in a way that makes you feek warm fuzzy.  People and puppies choose each other in amazing ways.

    Parent
    Wow (none / 0) (#27)
    by squeaky on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 01:39:46 PM EST


    Parent
    Knew some of this already. (none / 0) (#30)
    by Fabian on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 03:03:59 PM EST
    Kuvasz are checked for big dog problems like dysplasia and OCD, plus they have a couple of breed specific problems.

    I have no problem with a breeder not showing their animals because it is a LOT of work.  I do insist they have the parents cleared for the known genetic problems common to the breed, plus health assurances for the puppies.  

    Some breeders have buyers sign contracts promising to complete obedience training and have their dogs qualify for Good Citizen certificates within a year or two.  

    (Funnily enough, one of the many dog experts insists that a desirable puppy should follow you.  A Kuvasz will probably watch you to see if you are interesting enough to follow.)

    Parent

    I think it is a good idea to get a pup that will (none / 0) (#43)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 06:44:19 AM EST
    follow you too.  I consider it a requirement out of the herding breeds that the pups have a natural desire to team up with you and you are probably right that a Kuvasz will size you up first so having some of the pups choose to follow you is a good indicator of a pup you already have a connection with.  I spend a large part of my life being a little dog extreme and I try to keep that in mind when talking dogs :)  Since you have willingly crossed over into crazy about dogs land :) I'll just bring up the PAWS puppy test in case you haven't already taken a look at it.  The google will lead you.  I use this test at 7 weeks and it is shocking what it correctly indicates about who the adult the dog will be when the dog becomes that adult.  Another thing to consider when visiting and talking to breeders are the findings that a military program called Super Dog discovered (and for the record I found about Super Dog from other breeders and not camo people).  What the Super Dog program discovered was that human touch and stimulation when puppies are very very small - even before they open their eyes - increases the development of the pups nervous system and creates more intelligent dogs.  We can't leave the pups alone in this house anyway, even when they are really tiny Josh and I usually take one each in the evenings and rotate them out until we have loved the whole litter.  It amounts to about 15 mins of stroking them, touching their feet one at a time, and changing their positions and they can't see you yet or hear you yet but will snuggle into your neck and smell you intently.  When I read the findings of the Super Dog program I wasn't surprised since we had discovered the same thing happens to our children when they are tiny.  The more they are communed with the more neural connections they create.  I think it explains why touchy feely people raised a superior puppy long before the Super Dog program existed.  A touchy feely breeder not overly taxed for daily time is going to have pups with more neural connections.  Google super dog program too. A matured Kuvasz who gets to have pet store trips and has been to some parks and hung out in public with you enough to be desensitized to the hive we humans live in will probably get his/her Canine Good Citizen award with ZERO actual work/training having happened other than showing up for the examination.  I'm not overly fond of the pet store obedience classes, they are expensive, ineffective, and silly.  Some vets offer classes and our kennel club offers a class that costs $35 for six weeks and anytime you have a question just call anyone of the people you met from the club if you don't join the club, they will do just about anything to get you your answers or whatever help you may need facing a training challenge.

    Parent
    LGDs are not shoo ins (none / 0) (#44)
    by Fabian on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 09:04:09 AM EST
    for Good Citizen because they have either an admirable or annoying (depending on POV) tendency to be on their own agenda.  LGDs are not human centric in that they don't look to their humans constantly for guidance.  

    Plus every single LGD is born thinking they are the alpha dog.  They'll learn everything you teach them, even if you didn't mean to.  So you have to be very careful to be consistent with them.  You aren't the boss just because you think so.  You are the boss because they think you are trustworthy and reliable. (and because you act consistently like an alpha/dominant)

    Parent

    If you want to know (none / 0) (#45)
    by Fabian on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 11:35:20 AM EST
    "What is a Kuvasz?", here is a blog.

    What they describe is essentially my old dog, minus some of the guarding in public behavior.  (Oh, and he never retrieved.  Chased, yes.  Once it stopped moving, he lost all interest.)

    Having a Kuvasz in NYC is a helluva challenge, since they aren't really well suited to apartment life.  It can be done, if you have time in your schedule for a couple hour long walks every day.  

    There's a bit of a paradox involved with people who love LGDs.  We'll be happy to talk about how great our dogs are, but the minute someone says "They sound great!  Where can I get one?" we'll start talking about how demanding and tricky they are.  It's all true.  It's also why pretty much every reputable breeder will try to make sure buyers aren't some starry eyed romantics who know nothing about the breed.

    Parent

    What Angel Said.... (none / 0) (#37)
    by nclblows on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 08:18:04 PM EST
    And did you ever think of a rescue???  

    Parent
    I want what is between the ears. (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by Fabian on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 05:03:45 AM EST
    "Are most dogs just dumb or is my dog really a canine genius?" was a question I asked myself a lot.

    Both are true.  A myriad of poor breeding practices have led to a dumbing down of dogs and dogs with poor temperaments.  Plus, livestock guardian dogs are bred specifically for intelligence, independence and temperament.  This makes LGDs stand out.

    There are downsides to the LGD's natural temperament.  One is that they do poorly in shelter type situations.  Very poorly.  LGDs can go from home to home, but if they end up in a shelter or rescue with ignorant people (over 90% - I got absolutely no one who knew what an LGD was at one monthly shelter/rescue event) then you end up with an LGD who needs to be rehabilitated.  I've got two young kids and I don't need an unpredictable animal.  

    Breed specific rescues are an option, but even they charge about half of what I'd pay for a puppy with full certs, assurances and a return policy.  I want those assurances.  

    I know what I want.  I know exactly what I want.  I know that out there, people are breeding dogs to be exactly what I want.  I was incredibly lucky last time.  A co-worker had a mixed breed litter with known parents that were working breeds.  I picked the puppy with the shortest hair.  All I wanted was A Dog that wasn't stoopid.  I got so very much more and I want a dog just like the one I had.  

    Parent

    Check out Huff Post for a photo (none / 0) (#41)
    by oculus on Tue Dec 02, 2008 at 12:55:19 AM EST
    of the "rare" ring Barack Obama is buying his wife to say thanks for her support.  It is beautiful.

    Parent
    deal sites (none / 0) (#14)
    by Howard Zinn on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 09:57:57 AM EST
    check out FatWallet -- it's a message board for good deals.  I've bought all of my presents for the past 3 years on this site and saved a ton!

    Cheaper/Better Disk Drives (none / 0) (#31)
    by A DC Wonk on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 07:34:10 PM EST
    I hope nobody ran to get the disk drive in the article. You can get bigger/cheaper here.

    E.g., $65 for 500Mb (as opposed to, up top, $90 for 320 Mb)

    Yeah (none / 0) (#32)
    by squeaky on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 07:51:57 PM EST
    That sounded expensive.

    Parent
    But they aren't portable and tiny (none / 0) (#33)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 07:55:42 PM EST
    It's the portable one I was touting. At your link, the 500 mg version of the passport is $149. I'd rather have the 320GB for $90.

    Parent
    They Are Cheaper (none / 0) (#34)
    by squeaky on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 08:02:34 PM EST
    At the other website. $79.99 for 320gb 2.5'' hd


    Parent
    But (none / 0) (#35)
    by squeaky on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 08:10:57 PM EST
    You would have to supply your own firewire enclosure. That is an extra $38. if you do not have one already.

    Parent
    OWC Rocks! (none / 0) (#39)
    by andgarden on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 11:09:43 PM EST


    Parent
    I Agree (none / 0) (#46)
    by squeaky on Wed Dec 03, 2008 at 01:28:22 AM EST


    Parent
    Even Cheaper (none / 0) (#38)
    by squeaky on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 08:20:49 PM EST
    Here, $59. with $20 rebate.

    Parent
    well you should get it there because (none / 0) (#40)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 11:14:28 PM EST
    they sold out at the site I linked to...it was their #2 most ordered item of the day.

    Parent
    Eddie Bauer - Need a coat? (none / 0) (#36)
    by nclblows on Mon Dec 01, 2008 at 08:14:40 PM EST
    Check this out...  40% PLUS then 30% off, and free shipping on top of it....

    Some Good CyberMonday Deals | 46 comments (46 topical)

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