Kristen’s latest home run
…with a close play at home!
Post Secret
Not kid friendly but fairly entertaining. This blog publishes postcards received of people revealing their innermost secrets.
Just Brakes Austin Review
Last time I got an oil change at Lamb’s they told me I needed new brake pads on my rear wheels. They said I may not make it to my next oil change, said they were about 80% worn. It would cost just over $200 for them to replace them. I passed thinking I would get a second opinion or see if I could get it done cheaper. 1100 miles later, and after several weeks of nervous driving, I searched online for a brake place in Austin and decided to stop early this morning on my way to work at this Just Brakes store: Just Brakes on 183 N.
It was a rainy morning, traffic was bad but I was the only one there when I arrived at 7:20 (they open at 7:00). They were situated between a Lube & Oil place and a full service car repair shop. All three shared the same parking area!
Well turns out the store manager Jason said that Lamb’s probably exaggerated and that I wasn’t in dire need to replace the break pads. My car lease was up in two months and there really wasn’t any reason to spend even the $99 for all 4 wheels that Just Brake offers.
How refreshing to deal with an honest repair shop. Jason showed me the break pads and made me feel good about his assessment. He stated they find the problem in the car not the customer, which addressed what I’m sure he knows is a common fear people have of dealing with car shops.
If you search Google for “Just Brakes” you will notice some hits for consumer complaints or rip-off reports related to Just Brakes. You’ll find similar hits on other car shops like Brake Check. I read these reports with a grain of salt. I know that in ANY business there will be complaints and that the complainers are the most vocal. But still, it made me a little nervous this morning as I headed to Just Brakes without a reservation (Break Check advertises 20% off if you have an appointment!).
I am happy to report that I had a terrific experience with Just Brakes and am thankful that Jason was there to greet me.
The Outlaw Josey Wales 1976 (PG)
The Outlaw Josey Wales ***** Great movie all the way through. Terrific non-patronizing potrayal of American Indians. Chief Dan George is hilarious. I jokingly compare the story to Room On The Broom, one of my favorite kids books. Josey keeps picking up assorted folks along his travels. Near rape-scene with brief nudity.
Punch Drunk Love 2002 (R)
Punch Drunk Love ** A bit plodding. Interesting but not memorable. Adam Sandler plays a sort of sad sack who gets in trouble after signing up with a phone sex service.
Stand By Me 1986 (R)
Stand By Me **** This classic has some rough language and shows 13 year olds smoking. River Phoenix and Wil Wheaton are terrific. It’s on the low end of the R rating. Recommended.
Some Kind of Wonderful 1987 (PG-13)
Some Kind of Wonderful ***** One of my favorite John Hughes coming of age movies. I loved Mary Stuart Masterson in it. Eric Stolz was ok though he seemed kind of uninspired throughout except for the tense scene with his father where he finally showed some emotion. Good story and great happy ending.
Monsters vs Aliens 2009 (G)
Monster vs Aliens *** Animation was great, it was entertaining and funny. It did not rise to the level of The Incredibles. I didn’t think the story was that strong or engaging. I found the monsters so arbitrary and hard to really care about, except for Susan who wasn’t really a monster. Kids loved it, of course.
Paintball around Austin
There are three primary fields I know of around Austin. We’ve been to Hill13 the most because it is the most convenient to us. I have not been to Texas Paintball but I know it is a much larger place and a more expensive than Hill13. Some of David’s friends that have been there prefer Hill13. They particulary did NOT like crack house field at Texas Paintball. They actually quit in the middle because they were too intimidated at being “trapped” in the crack house. David and I visited Extreme PB years ago and liked it. We hope to return soon. Here are comparisons of the three fields:
Texas Paintball (No outside paint allowed)
Reviews: http://www.pbreview.com/fields/reviews/639/
Price: $41.95 (500 rounds) $15 field fee
Paint: $43 1000 rounds, $78 2000 rounds
Hill13 (Outside paint for personal guns allowed)
Reviews:http://www.pbreview.com/fields/reviews/2956/
Price: $40 (500 rounds). $12 Field Fee, $8 all-day air
Paint: $17 500 rounds, $30 1000 rounds, $57 2000 rounds. They charge $8 for allowing you to use your own paint unless you previously bought it there.
Xtreme Paintball (No outside paint allowed)
Reviews: http://www.pbreview.com/fields/reviews/2562/
Price: $40 (500 rounds, includes NXE Pack (pods & belt) )
CO2 Refill: $19,12oz $2 20oz $5 all-day
Paint: $35/$40 1000 rounds $60/$80 2000 rounds
Other field not visited:
Outlaw Paintball Field (Pflugerville)
