Groupon has a HUGE money saver today (1/17/12). Get a 1 year Wednesday – Sunday subscription to the Orlando Sentinel, for just $20.00! Newstand price for the Sunday paper alone is $1.79 PER COPY!

Go HERE for more info.

The Fine Print

• Expires Jan 23, 2013
• Limit 2 per person. Limit 1 per order. Shipping address and email address required at time of purchase. Valid only for new subscribers or those who haven’t received home delivery in the past 30 days. Valid only in select service areas.

Q: You are staying at the Daytona Beach Hilton Ocean Walk and when you are checking in the oh so not even happy to have a job front desk employee, but one that really does a great job checking people in asks if you took a cab to the hotel or not. Not if you plan to valet or self park. I ask why does it matter if I took a cab or not. She replied that if I took a cab then she would not have to explain the various parking options. Made sense when you think about it. But, I happened to drive and then she asked if I was going to valet or self park? Self-park, I replied. Having been at the groundbreaking for this building over two decades ago, I knew there was a lot diagonally across the street. She said it costs $10.00 a night to park there. No problem, and she told me to swipe my room key to get the entrance gate to go up. Got my free meal vouchers and upgraded room because I am a member of HHonors, and off to park my car. Parked and then went to my room. Uneventful so far. Then I remembered that I left something in my car, and instead of taking the elevator down, I did what I usually do, I took the stairs down, 16 stories.

As I approached the parking gate, I noticed that the EXIT arm was in the UP position. Made a mental note and went back about my business, played on the beach for a while, had dinner, and walked past the parking lot, and noticed that the EXIT arm was still up. When I got back to the hotel I left the valet person know, and they replied that it is usually like that. “Well doesn’t that mean anyone can park there?” I asked. Looking at me like I was an idiot the girl behind the glass replied “ah, yeahhhh”. Decided to let someone else that might actually care. Found a security person who told me pretty much the same thing. I asked him then why is the hotel charging people to park there. Because they are trained to charge for parking was his reply. I asked to see the hotel manager on duty. There wasn’t one. I asked for the resident manager, “we don’t have one” was his reply. I decided it was a lost cause and figured I will wait until I check out to bring it up again.

Fast forward to the next morning. I did what I came to Daytona to do, and my job at the speedway was done before the sun rose. I came back to the hotel for brunch. Guess what I saw when I came back to the parking lot? If you said the EXIT gate was down, well you are wrong amigo.

I took a couple of photos, because you know you can never have enough photos of an EXIT gate to a hotel parking lot. They are at the bottom of this post, enjoy, it is some really nice urban landscape photography, Ansel Adams would be proud. If you have no idea who Ansel Adams is, ask your parents.

So, after I had brunch, went back to the room, gathered my things, I went to check out. GREAT! Guess who was at the front desk, does this person ever go home? Though I knew I did not have to go through the charade of actually checking out, I wanted her to ask if everything was OK or not. I asked her why I paid $10.00 to self park in a lot that has the EXIT arm in the UP position. “Because you self parked there and that costs $10.00 per night”. Yes, that is true, but what does the hotel do if someone just parks there and does not tell you? “That’s dishonest and no one does that.”, was her terse reply. “Are you sure” “Yes, this is a Hilton and we do not do business with dishonest people.” I was caught off guard by that statement. As if they know the actual business that every one of their guests is involved with.

I gathered my wits and when she asked me again if everything was ok or not with my stay I slid her my bill and said that it will be better when she refunds me my $10.00 for parking. “But that is dishonest sir.” I’m not lying about wanting my $10.00 back. You know the gate arm is broken and that you are pretty much letting anyone park there for free.” Now, I would like my money back. She refused, no manager was on duty, and the resident manager was at church. Hey, at least she admitted to what I already knew to be true, almost all Hilton Hotels have a resident manager that actually lives on the property.

I figured that instead of leaving a voice mail on the RM’s machine, I would instead make sure that everyone knows how to get FREE parking at the Daytona Beach Hilton Ocean Walk. BTW, they DO NOT issue parking passes, which means that they have no way of looking at a car and knowing if that car belongs to someone staying at the hotel or not.

Yes, in the photo is a booth, which from what I understand is only used when there is an event at the Ocean Center, Peabody Auditorium, Spring Break, Bike Weeks, and Speed Weeks.

During brunch I DID in fact encounter an employee that actually LIKED his job, even said so. His name is Joseph and works in Doc Bales’ Grill. His very professionalism made my entire stay and if I owned a hotel, Joseph would be the person who at that moment I would want my employees to be like. Maybe he was in a great mood, maybe he really is a great person, have no idea, but I do know, he appears to work hard and it showed.

Daytona Beach, FL Sunday, October 30, 2011. Pay the Daytona Beach Hilton their $10.00 for overnight parking OR go in through the exit? Which would you do. BTW, they know that the arm is stuck in the open position. Photo: Mark E. Lepow

So, the morals question is this, do you admit to parking and pay the $10.00 or jet park there knowing that the hotel doesn’t have a clue as to who should be parking there or not?

Leave your answer in the comments.

Tampa: $25 for an Oil Change, Tire Rotation, and Balancing at Bob Lee’s Tire Company in St. Petersburg

Miami: $12 for $25 Worth of Barbecue and Drinks at Bar-B-Que Beach Bar and Restaurant in Miami Beach

Jacksonville: $25 for a One-Visit Pass to Delta Sky Club ($50 Value)
When I used to fly almost weekly (Domestic), I would prefer to fly on Delta, and would book Delta (or JetBlue if the fares were within a few Dollars of each other). Via an American Express card that I had I would get complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club (any many other airlines clubs) and several times this little perk made cross country travel a bit more pleasurable. Especially if there was a long delay before departure. Of the perks you can enjoy, FREE WiFi, comfy chairs, couches, FREE Snacks/Food/Drinks (really good stuff usually) and being treated by Delta employees as a human and not a problem that they must deal with.

For $22, you get a one-visit pass to any Delta Sky Club (a $50 value) to use on the day of your travel, regardless of what airline you fly. The club offers 50 locations worldwide, including a lounge in the Miami International Airport.

Unlike most Groupon offers, this one will expire on 12/31/10.

Even if you don’t live in these areas, you can still purchase them and send them as gifts to people that can take advantage of them. Just make sure that they use the Groupon before the expiration date (usually 6 months from the date that it was purchased).

For $22, you get a one-visit pass to any Delta Sky Club (a $50 value) to use on the day of your travel, regardless of what airline you fly. The club offers 50 locations worldwide, including a lounge in the Miami International Airport.

Unlike most Groupon offers, this one will expire on 12/31/10.

Tampa: $10.00 for $20.00 Worth of Handmade Confections at Schakolad Chocolate Factory

Miami: $25.00 for a Royal Haircut and Manly Manicure at Miles & Lyle Luxury Barbershop in Aventura

Jacksonville: $6.00 for $12.00 Worth of Sweet Treats at A Sweet to Eat Bake Shop

Even if you don’t live in these areas, you can still purchase them and send them as gifts to people that can take advantage of them. Just make sure that they use the Groupon before the expiration date (usually 6 months from the date that it was purchased).

Tampa: $12 for $25 Worth of Japanese Cuisine and Drinks at Joto Japanese Restaurant

Miami: Yoga and Pilates Classes at Green Monkey. Choose from Three Options.

Jacksonville: $35 for a 90-Minute Group Beginners’ Surfing Lesson at Jacksonville Surf Training ($65 Value)

Even if you don’t live in these areas, you can still purchase them and send them as gifts to people that can take advantage of them. Just make sure that they use the Groupon before the expiration date (usually 6 months from the date that it was purchased).

Tampa: $33.00 for a Rear-Orchestra or Mezzanine-Level Seat to a Musical at the Straz Center ($67.50 Value). Choose from Two Shows and Multiple Dates.

Miami: $22.00 for a One-Visit Pass to Delta Sky Club ($50.00 Value)

When I used to fly almost weekly (Domestic), I would prefer to fly on Delta, and would book Delta (or JetBlue if the fares were within a few Dollars of each other). Via an American Express card that I had I would get complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club (any many other airlines clubs) and several times this little perk made cross country travel a bit more pleasurable. Especially if there was a long delay before departure. Of the perks you can enjoy, FREE WiFi, comfy chairs, couches, FREE Snacks/Food/Drinks (really good stuff usually) and being treated by Delta employees as a human and not a problem that they must deal with.

For $22, you get a one-visit pass to any Delta Sky Club (a $50 value) to use on the day of your travel, regardless of what airline you fly. The club offers 50 locations worldwide, including a lounge in the Miami International Airport.

Unlike most Groupon offers, this one will expire on 12/31/10.

Jacksonville: $15.00 for $35.00 Worth of Gourmet Coffees, Teas, and Gifts at Joe’s Coffee House Online

Even if you don’t live in these areas, you can still purchase them and send them as gifts to people that can take advantage of them. Just make sure that they use the Groupon before the expiration date (usually 6 months from the date that it was purchased).

Our friends at Publix Supermarket happens to be having a B1G1 FREE sale right now on Right Guard 2.8 or 3oz sizes, $2.79 each. So, when you combine the coupon and the sale, you pay only the SALES TAX on TWO Right Guards.

To make this deal even more sweeter, SOME on the Right Guards have peelies on them, which mean you now have INSTANT OVERAGE to use towards purchasing something else.

$18.00 Ticket to Tampa Bay Storm Arena Football Game Plus Hot Dog and Soda or Beer ($54.35 Value). Choose from Two Dates. (War on I-4  (Preds vs Storm) IS INCLUDED!)

For more information about this deal, click either the Groupon logo, or HERE.

Arena football enthusiasts can’t properly behold a glorious halftime show in a crowded living room, because there’s always someone standing on the coffee table getting his forehead rhythmically slammed by the ceiling fan. Catch the game in comfort with today’s deal: for $18.00, you get a plaza-level ticket (a $46.35 value including fees) to a Tampa Bay Storm arena football game plus a hot dog ($3.50) and choice of soda or beer ($4.50). Choose from two games:

• Saturday, July 24, vs. Alabama Vipers at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 31, vs. Orlando Predators at 7:30 p.m. (One of the oldest rivalries in the AFL)

This offer expires on July 14, 2010.

1 Year Subscription to Orlando Magazine for just $8.00, a 60% SAVINGS off the regular price of $20.00.

For more information about this deal, click either the Groupon logo, or HERE.

Groupon likes to inject a tad bit of humor into their listings, here is some of what their comic relief in regards to Orlando Magazine, “More than a monthly supply of engaging information, magazines can also be fanned across a coffee table to conceal almond-butter stains or rolled into a handy device to stun tarantulas. Amass a stockpile of spider-boppers with today’s Groupon: $8 for a year’s subscription to Orlando magazine (a $19.95 value), the award-winning monthly journal of life in the City Beautiful.”

I read Orlando every month, and though I have never subscribed (but have purchased many copies at bookstores, etc), I might just break down and shell out the $8.00 and become a subscriber.

This offer expires on July 14, 2010.

Just click on the above city’s link that you wish to purchase AMC Movie Tickets for.

Some of the info that you need to know:
Up to $12.50 value for only $4

Good at any AMC®, Loews®, Cineplex Odeon, Magic Johnson, and Star theatres, excluding Canadian theatres. Subject to surcharge for 3D, IMAX®, alternative content, and premium services and locations. No photo copies allowed. Valid seven days a week.

For more information, click on either of the above banners or here.

If you have purchased a print from Canvas People, please share how your experience went.

For today only (March 23rd), GameStop.com is having a 20% OFF sale on all of their IN STOCK Sony PS3 games.

To head over to GameStop.com, simply click on the logo above or any of the links.

ORLANDO, FL - (March 9, 2010) – The next “Walmart Foundation $5 Day” at the Orlando Science Center will be Sunday, March 14. Thanks to the generous support of the Walmart Foundation, all guests to the Science Center on that day will enjoy exhibits, films and live programs for the significantly discounted price of $5. General admission fees are usually $17 for adults and $12 for kids (ages 3-11).

“Walmart Foundation and Walmart Stores continually look for opportunities to give back locally,” said Steven Daniel, Walmart Market Manager for Central Florida. “We have been very pleased with the response of the last two Walmart Foundation $5 Days at the Orlando Science Center. The previous events provided families with a full day of engaging fun at a greatly reduced price. These are the types of community programs we are proud to sponsor for our Central Florida neighbors.”

During this day of reduced admission prices, guests can enjoy the newly arrived Frogs, an exhibit featuring over 80 live frogs and toads representing 20 species from around the world. A variety of hands-on exhibits let you discover fascinating facts about frog anatomy, their behavior, and most importantly, the role that frogs, as amphibians, play in measuring the ecological health of our environment. Guests can continue their day of exploration with Science in Toyland, where they can use classic toys to learn scientific principles. Visitors will also be able to enjoy exhibits like the hurricane simulator in Science Park, the orange grove in KidsTown, and the live reptiles on display in NatureWorks.

“We have really enjoyed participating in Walmart Foundation $5 Days. The attendance at the earlier two events has been incredible. More than 4,000 people came out each time to the Orlando Science Center to explore and discover together,” said JoAnn Newman, president and CEO of the Science Center. “Walmart Stores are a very generous community partner that enables us to make this special offer possible.”

In addition to touring exhibits, guests can venture into the Dr. Phillips CineDome and witness the breathtaking visuals being projected on the massive eight-story screen. Visitors can sit down and enjoy the new film Amazon – A breathtaking look into the vibrant life along the Amazon River.  They can also witness Mystic India – where audiences experience India’s geographic and cultural diversity, amaze in the natural beauty of its land and architecture and celebrate in its spectacular festivals and spiritual wonders.

For more information on Walmart Foundation $5 Day on March 14, the general public can call 407.514.2000. For more information on Walmart, please visit www.walmart.com.

Most of their non-calendar items will be 75% off regular price AND wait, there’s more, they are also having a shipping special – all orders over $20 ship FREE.

Click here, on the image above, or any of the links on this page to see all of the products on CLEARANCE.

This is such a GREAT Amazon Deal of the Day for February 26, 2010.

I can already hear the ring side bell and trumpets blasting…

For JUST $37.99 (A $61.99 SAVINGS on the regular price and means you ALSO GET FREE SHIPPING), you get:

Special Features:
Disc 1: Rocky Blu-ray
Disc 2: Rocky 2 Blu-ray
Disc 3: Rocky 3 Blu-ray
Disc 4: Rocky 4 Blu-ray
Disc 5: Rocky 5 Blu-ray
Disc 6: Rocky Balboa Blu-ray
Disc 7: Rocky Anthology Bonus Disc
Feeling Strong Now! Game
Rocky Featurettes:
Three Rounds with Legendary Trainer Lou Duva
Interview with a Legend – Bert Sugar: Author/Commentator and Historian
The Opponents
In the Ring: Three-Part Making-Of Documentary
Steadicam: Then and Now with Garrett Brown
Make Up! The Art and Form with Michael Westmore
Staccato: A Composer’s Notebook with Bill Conti
The Ring of Truth
Behind the Scenes with John Avildsen
Tribute to Burgess Meredith
Tribute to James Crabe
Video Commentary with Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone on Dinah! (1976)
Stallone Meets Rocky
Rocky Anthology Trailers: Rocky Theatrical Trailer, Rocky Teaser Trailer, Rocky II Theatrical Trailer, Rocky III Theatrical Trailer, Rocky IV Theatrical Trailer, Rocky V Theatrical Trailer, Rocky Balboa Theatrical Trailer
Rocky TV Spots: Introducing Sylvester Stallone Critical Acclaim #1 Critical Acclaim #2

So before you go to another page, click on either the product image above or this one: Rocky: The Undisputed Collection (Rocky / Rocky II / Rocky III / Rocky IV / Rocky V / Rocky Balboa) [Blu-ray]

To SAVE an additional 3% on your purchase from OfficeMax, start at ebates.com

Among the items are:
OfficeMax Shredder, $79.99
Brother PT-1090 Labeler, $9.99
Norton AntiVirus, $24.99
Nextar Q4 GPS, $89.99
Toshiba Satellite Laptop, $579.99
EPSON Artisan 810, $179.99
FREE Twizzlers, WYP HP ink, a $7.99 value
Hammermill paper, Reg $44.99
Adelphia High Back Executive Chair, $64.99
Sierra Heights Computer Desk, $107.99
Samsung Color Laser CLP-315W, $124.99
Brother Laser HL-2140, $49.99
Magnavox DVD +/- R Discs, $17.99
eMachine 20″ LCD Monitor, $99.99
Kodak 8mpx M863 Bundle, $69.99
Olympus X-42, 12MP, 2.7″ LCD, $89.99

To place an order, simply click on the front page graphic above, or head over to the page here.

To get your 99¢ shipping special, just click the image above, or any of the links below to be taken to that department directly. All of the Macys.com links will take you to the Macys.com homepage.

Some of the depts. that are on Clearance from 20-75% Off are:
Women
Juniors
Plus Sizes
Men
Kids
Shoes
Handbags
Jewelry
Luggage
For the Home
Bed & Bath
Dining

From the Amazon Product Page
List Price: $249.00

Sale Price: $99.99 WHICH MEANS YOU GET FREE SUPER SAVER SHIPPING

Features:
4.3-inch widescreen touch display lets you view map detail, driving directions, photos, and more in bright, brilliant color.

Preloaded with detailed 2D and 3D City Navigator NT street maps, with over 6 million points of interest.

Voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions with spoken street names and HotFix satellite prediction.

Bluetooth wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker for hands-free calling.

NOTE: Model number on the box is 285WT because the traffic receiver is included; however, the model number on the device itself is 285W as the “T” in 285WT refers to the additional component.

If you would like to order one of these, click any of the links or the product image above.