Some things just work as advertised. One of those things is the Quixx Repair System Headli… more
Archive for the ‘Money’ Category
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Now Performing at Birthday Parties, Windows 8!
By Daddy Clay Monday, May 13th, 2013
Note: I was recently invited by The Motherhood Team to be part of a group of bloggers invited to learn more about the Microsoft Store. We received a briefing from company execs, were encouraged to visit a store and to write up a post on our impressions. Mine follow.
To describe my experience at the Microsoft Store at the Domain in Austin, Texas, it might be easier to start by outlining what I didn’t feel.
I didn’t feel like I was imposing on anyone.
I didn’t feel like my playlists were lame.
I didn’t feel like there was a clock ticking in the background.
I didn’t feel like my tattoos weren’t ironic enough.
I didn’t feel like it was a problem that my jeans are “relaxed fit.”
I didn’t feel like an idiot with an insatiable desire for expensive products so unquenchable that I would take any attitude that service personnel dished out, endure lines or waits or whatever herd management was on offer, or need to wander around desperately trying to make eye contact with someone wearing the latest in square rimmed spectacles in order to get my questions answered. Read the rest of this entry »
DadLabs Car Reviews: 2013 Mazda3 SKYACTIV
By Daddy Clay Thursday, April 11th, 2013
Ever start seriously dating somebody, only to discover that they have an even more attractive younger sibling?
That’s the dynamic I was afraid of when a the bright red 2103 Mazda3 with SkyActiv was delivered to my driveway for review.
You see, my daily driver is a 2011 Mazda3. No SkyActiv. Grey. And not recently washed.
Would this new iteration make me fall out of love?
I can tell you why Mazda3 owners are such a devoted lot — the car consistently delivers great driving fun for the buck without sacrificing practicality, and the 2013 continues in that vein. The steering feel and handling make you feel completely connected with the road. The brakes are predictable and grippy. The acceleration isn’t neck snapping, but it’s still fun. Read the rest of this entry »
The Gadget Guilt Loophole
By Daddy Clay Friday, December 14th, 2012
Do other dads have a love/hate relationship with buying electronics? I crave gadgets, love them all equally — phones, laptops, tablets, game systems. What guy doesn’t enjoy unboxing the latest digital gewgaw? At those moments I’m the poster boy for childish glee.
Am I the only one that compulsively hits the refresh button on the delivery service web page? Out for delivery! I almost squee.
And unlike cars, I get little satisfaction from nursing utility out of well maintained, older hardware. I want the new stuff. Read the rest of this entry »
Formula None
By Daddy Clay Thursday, November 29th, 2012
The echoes of Formula One are still ringing in Austin this week, and it has me thinking about college tuition.
A couple weekends ago, in a tune up for the big race, the track operators at The Circuit of the Americas organized an event that encouraged participants to speed around the 3.4 mile track as fast as they wanted to. On foot.
Billed as the “Formula Run” the race looked to me like the perfect way to get a great look at the track and facility without shelling out the big bucks for a weekend pass. It was also the ideal event to lure my son into running a race with me. Read the rest of this entry »
