The mall is a big, fat pain in the ass, and thank goodness for the internet. If you’re a late shopper like me, you will not be able to benefit from free Amazon shipping anymore. You can still use the net to your advantage, though. Amazon.com now sponsers Borders books, Toys R’ Us and even clothes, now. At worst, it’s a one stop idea shop. At best: No stores, no fighting for parking, no idiot clerks, no giving radioshack your life history just to buy batteries.

There are also many places to look for good prices on things. salescircular.com has all of the weekly newspaper circulars jammed into one website, allowing you to easily compare prices without even cracking the paper. Pricegrabber.com will get you the best prices on tons of items, and can calculate in the shipping costs to show you you the true best deal. Froogle was recently introduced by Google labs, and seems to work ok, too. And don’t forget that most retailers (walmart, kmart, bestbuy, staples, etc.) have online stores that allow you to check their inventory. Don’t fight those low tech weiners. Arm yourself with technology, make your list, and either have it shipped, or go get it for pickup. I didn’t include all the good geeky places to shop, because most geeks know where they are already, and non-geeks don’t care. Just in case I am wrong, you could look at thinkgeek.com to get you started…

If anyone out there is thinking of getting me something, I would rather that you donate the money to either the National Kidney Foundation or to the ACLU. I would appreciate it much more than any pornos, as when my kideneys fail, I don’t want the Nazi StormTroopers hassling me while I wait for them to grow a new one. Seriously. Life, and Liberty: now that’s a cool gift.

Then, if anyone wants to send me to the AVN awards for that whole pusuit of happiness thing …

Elimminate the stress. Gifts on the doorstep, Click click click.

Posted in Money