TBB Mission: To Entertain, Educate and Inspire. Aim to at least do one well!
The ridiculous race is on to get readers to click on the SPG Amex 30k affiliate links! Make fun of them and enter to win two AA Admirals Club passes! Great odds!
If you like what you see here, please let others know by passing them a link to my blog, thank you!
TRAVEL
Breaking and Shocking News! Virgin America airline actually turned a profit in last quarter. You know the landscape has changed radically even when Virgin America makes money!
What are the two double landlocked countries in the world? Per this article by Gunnar Garfors on Media and Travel, they are: “Liechtenstein in Europe is surrounded by two landlocked countries; Switzerland and Austria while Uzbekistan in Asia is surrounded by five, all of them are stan countries (ending with “stan”). They are Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan”
Gunnar is on a roll with the World’s 10 Busiest Air routes:
Why do some people care so much about the food served by airlines?
Rapid Travel Chai does North Korea…again. The Military Parade
MILES/POINTS
Old timers at this know about how to get Star Alliance Gold by crediting mileage to the Greek airline Aegean. If you managed to make it, make sure you credit some flight activity to your account before 36 months go by because it appears that Aegean will indeed shut down your account. For the details on this deal see this concise post by DansDeals.
ON MY MIND
I am still going through all the pictures from the vacation…
ODDZ & ENDZ
Partially Blind Photographer Takes The Most Beautiful Pictures Of Storms
30 Smart Answers To Tough Interview Questions. Just in case any reader is interviewing…these are some great answers!
BLOG BUZZ
Note: This section is intended for long time readers and miles/points addicts who follow the blogs in this space. Readers not familiar with this crazy hobby could skip this section!
What is it with blogs posting news releases as is by travel companies (mostly hotels?). What is the point, I don’t get it!
I have no idea why a whole bunch of Las Vegas hotels started following my Twitter account yesterday!
Same old non stop pimping of the SPG Amex cards going on all around the blogosphere. Well, at least it is not the Chase Ink Bold/Plus cards; thank God I don’t have to read AGAIN that I can earn 5x points at office supply stores! These bloggers are so so helpful to help my family and my friends fly for free. I am seeing 11 ways to use spg points, 10 faq’s about the limited spg offer, etc. Even Johnny Jet is in the act too!
Frugal Travel Guy (the blog) is on daily credit card pitch #876 or it sure feels like it!
The Million Mile Secrets Friday interviewee had her “Welcome MMS Readers” post up hours before it was officially Friday:-)
Delta Points decided to answer questions (of course there are some pushing credit cards, come on!) and then had a second post with all loving messages from readers. I could do that here…but I won’t. I am not into that kind of stuff! Of course bloggers can post whatever they want in their own blogs and I am free to express whatever pops into my mind when I review them because, ya know, TBB reviews blogs!
You know that earning/manufactured spend (whatever you want to call it) is out of control when Marathon Man at Flyertalk says this: “I remember being shunned on here for being someone who admitted (posted) about being shut down by several things. Now it seems everybody is from something or another!” So true, so true:-)
PERSONAL FINANCE
What’s the biggest mistake investors make when evaluating a fund?
Investors make many mistakes when evaluating funds.
These include:
- Only considering funds that make it to “Top 10 Funds to buy now” lists that regularly appear in the media
- Judging the funds only based on past performance and/or Morningstar star ratings
- Selling the funds too fast when a manager hits a rough spot (it should be expected)
- Not giving high enough importance to the fund’s expenses
- Not looking into how a particular manager fared in both bull and bear markets
- Not looking to see if the current manager was at the helm for the entire 10-year stellar record
But by far the biggest mistake investors make when evaluating a fund, in my humble opinion, is performance chasing!
I have no AMEX affiliate links, no pushing for me. 🙂
Maybe you should place this at the very top of your credit card posts to avoid confusion;-)
Maligne Lake is gorgeous!!!
I have a daughter who is job-hunting; will pass along the interview link to her.
Cheers!
TWA44
The answers to those questions are very excellent!
10 “faqs”. Good job, George. I have to admit that I’m glad I’m not reading about the Southwest card now. That seemed like it kept getting extended.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks. I am sure the Southwest card will be back:-)
“Please, keep supporting Daraius’ site to thank him for all the research he makes, to keep everyone in the loop. I consider his blog the Target store of blogs in this industry: unpretentious, good quality, wide appeal, a little bit for everyone”
-Facepalm. She actually meant Walmart 😀 except even Walmart doesn’t sell stolen goods.
These bored housewives are the next wave of “travel” bloggers. She started in July for crying out loud. What is happening to this hobby….
I think my cat is thinking about starting a blog “Miles for Cats”…smh
Speaking for the bored housewife points bloggers of America, (BHPBA), I find that comment offensive ;).
That kind of drivel offends even me. As an MMS interview alum (July 2012), ones like this bring us all down. Ugh.
Question for you alums. Do you guys “make research” in the background for the professor? Or are the Drew Macombers just a few uncredited exceptions?
I have explained the TBB stance on this subject before.
It is da internet. Drivel is everywhere.
I still think a blog “Miles for Cats” is the only niche that has not been filled by now. Word on the blog street is that TPG’s dog will have his own blog “Miles for Miles”…get it?;-)
Marathon man! Please read my post “The opportunist, the hoarder and the survivalist” I have written it just for you!
Not personally. I barely have enough time to fill my own space. Not that I wouldn’t consider a guest post if asked, but I’d want credit and backlinks.
I don’t mind bored housewives. But I sure despise stupid and ignorant ones plying their wares as if they had the first clue of what churning/MS was about. MMS stooped too a new low with that twat’s interview, and that’s pretty difficult.
I disagree. The ultimate low in the Friday interviews was the one about two months ago where that guy’s website was just a page full of affiliate cc links, nothing else. MMS should take a few minutes to check out the interviewee’s site before agreeing to do the interview. But, hey, free content!
George, what’s up? I thought you liked me! 🙁
@Paul Ouch, never been called a twat before! Let’s see, I graduated at the top of my class from the top high school in the city of half a million. Which is why I was selected as 1 of only 50 teenagers from former Soviet Union to be an exchange student and come to USA. I have placed 2nd in a prestigious competition, which is why I was admitted to the top university in the country on a full scholarship. I may be a bored housewife, but I am no twat.
@ AgendaGuy Just found this post! Hilarious stuff! I am actually the bored housewife, you referred to. I admitted as much in the interview BTW. I have started in July, yes, but have been doing churning for 10 years. I am BAD at IT stuff, that much is true. If you look at my posts, you will see, I am no idiot, though. Check it out! I recommend “The opportunist, the hoarder and the survivalist”, for a bit on Marathon Man 🙂
I needed 2 naps to get through that interview
These interviews can be so uneven!
@ Kathy That’s harsh, but I can kind of understand!
Holy moly…
———-
‘We never made a lot of money, in fact we just recently qualified to be called “middle class.” But staying out of debt (crucial) and driving beater cars, we were able to afford amazing vacations with the help of miles and points.’
‘It is impossible to provide travel for 4 people and fly my parents over from Europe regularly while putting 23,000 dollars on credit cards per year.’
‘I was shut out from credit card applications because of the new law.’
‘Since its crucial for me to be honest in this hobby, I applied using just my little interest from CD’s. I was denied of course, but got approved in the end. ‘
———
Such statements show the risks people are taking to gain points…. If you can’t afford it stay home, my dear!
Yep, this is case in point! And no wonder these big banks can afford to keep throwing at us all these big bonuses!
I am staying home. I am a SAHM!
The Marathon Man is a phenomenal earner of miles. I think that guy forgot more about miles than most know. Certainly a person who isnt afraid to push the limit.
MM is a legend!
And he has been banned for life by more than one bank/card issuer as well. And kicked out of at least one private off-FT community.
Part of why he is a legend perhaps? hehe
Hahaha thx for the mention/comments! Alls I am is a guy who knows nothing else but miles and points. Heck I even sent my plumber and his daughter to Costa Rica and back in C using stray miles so they could visit family and he built my basement full bathroom for it. Some say it’s hard to find a good plumber… Now mine wants me to have more projects every other month! And all his friends too
You Sir are an FT legend! I got my web designer hooked on miles too it appears:-)
Pay her with point too? Or use bitcoins?
I am waiting for the first loyalty program to award bicoins…you know it’s coming!
Marathon man! Please read my post “The opportunist, the hoarder and the survivalist” I have written it just for you!
TBB, I just booked my first international award flight (insert shameless plug here http://wp.me/p37kyW-ik) which now qualifies me as an expert on award bookings. I’m going to launch a new blog and change my name to Professor of Pimpology. On my new site I will be shamelessly promoting my new award booking service (again because I am an expert now) and promote credit cards like nobody’s business. 11 ways to use SPG points? I’ll show you at least 31 (one for each airline partner). As a Professor of Pimpology I also know the best way to earn money is make other people do it for me. So as a side business I will also be forcing other bloggers to give me their money. I will probably start out with the small fish, I’m looking at you Jeff and Grant, then work my way up to the big dogs, Gary! As for you TBB, you better better start earning!
Scott
Prof. of Pimpology
Frequent Flyer University
You will fit right in;-)
42.
That’s the answer to life the universe and everything.
Ok:-)
http://youtu.be/aboZctrHfK8
Ok, there was clearly an increased bonus on the BA Visa, or at least some nudging by Chase to the bloggers
Now MommyPoints is pimping it, and regurgitating basic information in an attempt to push it (did you know a way to get Avios was by opening a British Airways Visa?)
Still wasn’t as shameless as Gary’s post though
MileValue sure seems to be much quieter than the other bloggers on the SPG Amex. Not a single post of coverage! I’m sure it’s for noble reasons!
This is what I go through every day:-)
That is because MV doesn’t have AMEX SPG links. simple.
BTW if MMS is Nordstrom (see blog entry), TBB is?
MM, long time no hear! How are the Cardinals doing?
if MMS is Nordstrom, TBB is … Dollar General. No, I kid I kid, TBB dont get all “Angries” on me. Maybe not Dollar Genral maybe more Bergdorf Goodman
I think Buzz is Banana Republic.
>>>>>>>>>>>>I think Buzz is Banana Republic.
Major lol….I am rolling on the ground, can’t stop laughing, please call ambulance, 911….
best laughs I had lately!
Gracias!!!!
I will take Banana Republic before Dollar General any day, for the record.
How about CVS, maybe I can get an extra discount there;-)
TBB is the junk yard dog keeping those that want to stray honest…..
This is great…as long as you are not referring to my looks.
If you are, remember, I know where you live buddy:-)
My only suggestion for the MMS interviewee is that she stop reading Daraius and start reading slickdeals and fatwallet. Keep reading FT, but with a grain of salt. As we start a family we’re thinking about value and savings first and about travel deals second. There are sign-up bonuses for $ too. I kinda liked her use of miles for her parents (who I’m just gonna guess are Ukrainian). She also has a lot to learn still. See, e.g., her headline post from yesterday:
Close, but no cigar.
I admire Marathon Man’s “I’m going to take this deal to the limit within the letter of the T&Cs, and damn the torpedoes” approach, but I admire it from afar. Don’t have the same risk tolerance.
Yesterday’s comment about the undersold MegaDo was funny and insightful, but I’ll opine that one of thinsg that turns me off about the event is that it seems so clubby – with the same people signing up to hang out together again – and I have no intention of paying money to join that club. I’m also not an aviation or luggage geek.
Also from yesterday: I look forward to embarrassing my kids when they’re teens, and I’m glad that you enjoyed that and the trip so much.
Bogleheading: the biggest mistake that people make in choosing a fund is in selecting one with an active manager or, worse, managers. ETFs for my average family with our average incomes, average house, average neighborhood, average pets, average jobs, and average intelligence.
Putting $30K spending on the BA Visa for the joy of watching your fuel surcharges go farther? As the kids today type, LOL!
You should pen a column “Harvson3’s Wisdom”. Seriously…
I agree with pretty much all you write…again and again.
I thought the interview was from Belarus?
Right on MM, MegaDO & Bogleheading, BA $30k companion!
Re Bogleheading: The key thing is that it works even better for the better than average folks too:-) But the Big Boys marketing machine will always get them to feel they are short changing themselves investing in this “average” way when instead they can shoot the lights out with more complex investments (alternatives, hedge funds, private equity, etc.). In the real world, those exist to mostly separate these “better than average” folks from their money:-)
And it won’t stop.
First, thanks for not calling me a bored housewife, twat and so on. I really mean it. Actually I have been reading Fatwallet and Bogleheads way before I found Daraius’ site. I mentioned in the interview, that I like to do my own analysis and that hasn’t changed. I don’t follow the crowd, never did and never will. Also, I read everything in this hobby with a grain of salt, because people respond to incentives. I will not be swayed by bloggers, just like i hope people don’t get swayed by my posts. We are giving opinions and some opinions are influenced by the “carrot”. It’s only human nature. As far as my definition of “churning”, I try not to make my posts overly complicated, since I am trying to reach people, who know nothing about this hobby. But you are right about one thing: I have much to learn. I make mistakes and mess up often. I would like you to read my posts at http://www.milesforfamily.com and provide suggestions, if you get a chance. Thanks in advance! Oh, and my parents are from Belarus.
can you bring back our troll.. I’m sure tearing apart his arguments was a lot of fun for your readers. Or has he given up on it?
Come on now, be nice. Screw it, who am I kidding, I miss him too:-)
“Miles for Cats” Please make sure your kitty put an RSS link — cause I will absolutely subscribe!
See Aug 9 post!
The question was for interview graduates and alums Buzz. Since you flunked school, you were unqualified to answer the question. But since you attempted despite the invitation, what is your stance anyways since we never knew what it was to begin with? In this industry you gotta pimp the same thing again and again!
If things were as simple as “this is the internet, drivel” your blog wouldn’t exist. Are you mocking your readership that they don’t know what this is all about? I thought the purpose was to educate and entertain. We know what it is about 🙂 Sorry you are uncomfortable with the question which was not even addressed to you.
My point was there is a LOT on the internet that is a bunch of crap. And people will comment and you can not stop them (unless you censor which make you a sissy blogger lol). So, some people get sensitive to some comments which may be perceived (sometimes correctly) as rude and disrespectful. They should not be so sensitive because, well, it is out of their control! So, I think making some points using a bit better language may come off as, you know, as more productive and may engage to some constructive dialog.
My readers appear to be more educated and I am absolutely NOT mocking my readership. I would NEVER do that!
I need to get some sleep…I am too tired. The Aug 9 post took a lot out of me, hope you like it!
Just got the Fairmont card, wife has had it since it came out. Have been intrigued with the two Canadian properties you recently visited… Any chance we can get some more photos or a breakdown/ review of them? And clearly nobody gets paid for Fairmont cards since its no annual fee now (1st year) and not a single blogger I know of has mentioned it.
Yes I am working on this trip report. I have MANY pictures to go through. I LOVED Lake Louise with the lakeview junior suite, the view is magical. The Baff Sprins property is very grand but much more ‘stuffy” I thought. I would choose LL before BF if time was limited.
You made a mistake going in the summer imo. Banff Springs is magical in the winter. The huge fireplaces roar and you can swim in the heated pools with the snow coming down after a hard day skiing some of the nicest powder you’ll ever see. You have to go back.
I can certainly imagine that to be the case. I was more interested in the hiking and having all areas accessible. I am not into skiing. I imagine it to be quite hard to make it there too! Maybe one day I will return, even though I do not like going back to the same place twice. But I WILL return to Lake Louise one day, hopefully with some grand kids.
Jeju-Seoul busiest air route – and I’ve never even heard of Jeju before?
I did not want to admit the same, I am embarrassed about it too!
Buzz – you’re gonna love this…
http://www.onlinetravelreview.com/2013/08/09/chase-reconsideration-line-phone-numbers-yes-banks-do-influence-some-travel-blogs-including-this-one-but-not-anymore/
Today was my first time exploring Alaska, what an amazing place! 4 more days in paradise before heading back to Ypsi.
Yep, had it in my Aug 9 post. Enjoy Alaska, I will get there one day!
My brother suggested I would possibly like this website.
He used to be totally right. This post truly
made my day. You cann’t consider simply how a lot time I had
spent for this information! Thank you!