Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Free Pizza, Complaints & the "Entitled" Mentality

“I didn’t get one of your free pizzas, I’m hurt! You scammed me. I’m calling corporate to demand you give me one!! You hear me!! I want my free pizza.”

Outrageous, isn’t it? Sadly, that is how the “tone” of a thread went today; at least that was how it was interpreted.

I’ve been reading the comments about Domino’s 1000 pizza code. They gave away 2000 pizzas on Facebook yesterday, and today (because I was prepared), I was able to get one of the codes to use for lunch.

Some of the complaints were:

1. Not enough pizzas

2. Some stores were not open

3. It isn’t for delivery

4. Some people were able to use the code more than once

5. There is no place to enter the code

6. Why am I paying $1 (more or less) for my free pizza?

**sigh**

Really? Has it gotten that bad that some of us feel we’re “ENTITLED” to a free pizza simply for nothing that has happened to us?

Apparently so.

Someone complained that they were going to call corporate. And one response was “really, you’re going to complain you didn’t get a free pizza?”

**HUGE sigh**

Is it just me, or are people getting dumber in batches? Is this what society is coming to?

I’m sure we all know (or we should) nothing free (or discounted) comes without limitations, exclusions and conditions. Most of the time it is in the “FINE” print. Yes, you have to read it. Yes, you have to research. This is nothing new.

I’m sure the picture states quite plainly what is required:




So, let me go over the points:

1. Not enough pizzas

It clearly states it is only 1000 people (uses), or at best 1000 pizzas!

Really, with over 8.3 million likes you expect that 1000 pizzas are going to stay around long? They’re not. And, also, places want to make money (and I’m sure the employees want to get paid).

They’re not doing it to feed everyone in America. 

Also, I have to wonder about people complaining about not getting a free pizza.

** Are they starving and haven’t eaten for days?  

** Are their kids going hungry?

** Are they just lazy?

** Are they just being selfish?

Why all the crap over the fact they weren’t quick on the draw to get a free pizza? Seriously, you’d think they were being unfairly prosecuted; they were losing their home or being killed.

Sorry, but I don’t equate losing a free pizza as a major world problem, life changer or a disaster.


PROOOOOOOOOOBLEM #2


2. Some stores were not open

There is an option to select a future time. If they don’t do it, oh well. I know this one quite well. Yes, I have the advantage of having worked there (it was OVER 6 years ago the last time I clocked in though) …

BUT … if anyone has ever ordered online, they are familiar with the website. People were ordering online or “timed” orders when I last worked there. The option has to be somewhere.

As far as ordering on a mobile phone, it doesn’t give you the option, so you have to understand there are limitations – plan ahead and know that.


3. It isn’t for delivery

**sigh** it is, but free isn’t the required amount for delivery, have to usually have over $8, which is stated in the picture and on the website. Helps to READ the rules carefully.



4. Some people were able to use the code more than once

I think it is wrong (and it likely is), but it wasn’t against the rules per se. It says 1000 requests and nothing “specifically” about one per person, per day. There is a VAGUE part about using multiple identities or email accounts. That is a grey area though.

One woman was able to get four (4) free pizzas, but not for herself. She ordered some for family, and her husband’s co-workers.

I’ve seen the time my mom and I shared a computer, but she had her own email account. So, would it be fair if I got one and she got one? Yes and no. That’s a fine line.

There are times she’s not familiar with online ordering and I’ve had to place her order for her. It doesn’t mean she is not entitled to it … she’s just not familiar with the whole process.

Here are the rules though:



5. There is no place to enter the code

There is a place in the checkout, below the “order summary”. You have to add your items, and then hit checkout. As with anything, investigate it, familiarize yourself before. This isn’t rocket science.


6. Why am I paying $1 (more or less) for my free pizza?

While I didn’t have to … some states do require businesses to collect sales tax on the pre-coupon/promotional price. Some states preclude businesses from giving away food in contests, so they have to charge something (even a $1). Don’t ask me why, but I know there are laws about contests, lotteries, misc that have to be followed.

It helps to look at the receipt you’re emailed or your “order” summary to see what the charge is for. Call the store to make sure, and check online or call the state.

In the end, free food is nice … it’s great. But, it is a gift. Some are lucky to get it, others aren’t. You’re not guaranteed it. You have to be fast, and you have to follow the rules.


The only time you should “call corporate” is if there are continual issues with the store that cannot (for whatever reason) be resolved at the store level. These issues might include delivery issues, poor service, poor quality, and the store’s overall operations. Not being able to use or “win” a free pizza/product is NOT a corporate concern.

Now, if you go to the store after redeeming the code and the store wants to charge you – indeed, call corporate.

Some stores are franchises, and some are corporate. Franchises can elect not to participate or to limit online ordering.

And, they are only liable for ACTUAL out of pocket expenses (meaning you have to pay). Not getting a free pizza is not an out of pocket expense.

With that said …

I enjoyed my free lunch … which might end up being tonight’s dinner as well!





Monday, June 24, 2013

Return of the Twinkies ... What Can/Have We Learned

"Luke Skywalker has returned to
his home planet of Tatooine in
an attempt to rescue his
friend Han Solo from the
clutches of the vile gangster
Jabba the Hutt.

Little does Luke know that the
GALACTIC EMPIRE has secretly
begun construction on a new
armored space station even
more powerful than the first
dreaded Death Star.

When completed, this ultimate
weapon will spell certain doom
for the small band of rebels
struggling to restore freedom
to the galaxy..."


Oh wait ... that's something else. Sorry, skip that! My bad!

Anyway ...

The heralded return of the much loved and often maligned snack cake (along with quite a few other Hostess treats) is/are returning on July 15, 2013! 

Last November when I heard that Hostess was closing and my favorite snack foods were going to be gone … forever … I did what anyone would do:

I PANICKED!

After a few tears and wondering what had happened to the world I live in, I went to the nearest gas stations, 7/11 stores, and other places hoping to see a Twinkie. I didn’t. I did fine some pink snowballs, and pies, donettes and some Home Pride bread.

(my last stash of Hostess goodies on November 18, 2012)


I carefully doled out the goodies until they were gone. It was a sad day when I ate the last fruit pie :(

Now, to have them back is somewhat of a miracle. It’s a second chance to experience the good things in life.

But, this teaches a few lessons:

1. Be grateful for what you have – you can easily lose it

            Snack cakes, love, ANYTHING


2. What we want, we don’t often get

            The unionized workers went on strike causing the situation, they lost their jobs. Some have been hired back, but are non-unionized



3. MODERATION – Seriously!

            I loved the cakes, pies and donettes; often eating them until I was burned out on them. There were times I stated that I didn’t want to see another one (almost got my wish too; thankfully it wasn’t for long).

            As a result, I had passed up an opportunity to get some Twinkies prior to the announcement. Never again! I am going to definitely take the time to stop and enjoy my snacks, despite my new goal of getting more exercise to lose weight.


4. Anything is possible!

            We often think that some things are just impossible, and in certain cases they are. But, when you want something bad enough (losing weight, to make a relationship work, realize dreams …) nothing can stand in your way.


5.  Faith can move mountains … or at best bring Twinkies back from the dead!

            I know, this sounds silly. And, I’m sure some religious people would have my head.

            Has anyone considered we sometimes learn lessons with things and tools that are important to us?

            For example: I loved (and still do) Twinkies, Cup Cakes, Ding Dongs, Ho-Ho’s, Fruit Pies … and, after November 2012 – **poof ** they were gone from my life. I felt that a piece of my childhood (and a “constant”) was gone.

            But, it wasn’t just the snack cakes I lost. It was faith in humanity. It represented the greed that was consuming the nation. It brought out the vile comments of fat kids and Twinkies. It showed how bad our society is.

            In short, it was a lesson in evil.

            With the return of the products – I see there is hope, there is good, and to be appreciative of what I have. I can’t have everything, and wanting one thing might lead to losing another.

            Can you follow that? I hope so.

            In short, sometimes we learn lesson through things that we’re close to or interested in.


6. Being greedy causes you to lose in the end.

            Why did I bring this up?

            Simple. When the “death” notice was issued some people didn’t run to the stores to enjoy the treats – they went for the kill. They were going to take advantage of the people who (like me) miss the treats and cash in!
           
            Some people thought they could sell off the remaining Twinkies and be set for life, or at best make a few dollars to a few thousand. No joke! I’m sure anyone (like I just did) can scour eBay, Amazon and even Craigslist to find people selling OLD Twinkies for an outrageous amount of money.  Here are a few examples:


(Current listing on Amazon. That is $29.50 per box. But, the eBay ones are through the roof!)




(eBay example #1. Auction starts at $10, which is reasonable. The Buy It Now? $300. Are they insane? And, this is a current listing. Fresh Twinkies will arrive in 3 weeks -- July 15th)




(eBay example #2. Auction starts at $500. $500!!!! The Buy It Now? $800. Quick! Get these people some oxygen and a drug test! Are they insane? Again, a current listing.)

          
            I just wonder how they’re feeling now that the cakes they have are anywhere from 6-8 months PAST their sale date and the new ones will be out in 3 weeks?

            Who’s going to want to spend upwards to $800 for a 7-8 month old box when they can pay $4 for a fresh, new box of them? 

            I would only take the old ones if they were free. Other than that? NOT AT ALL. Not when there’ll be a FRESH supply in about 3 weeks for regular price (average is $3.99/10 count).  

            And no, Twinkies do not last forever. 45 days is their limit, has been. I found this out the hard way. A few years ago, I found a 3 month old Twinkie in the cabinet (I forgot it was there). Trust me, it was NASTY. Even if the filling was good, the sponge was tough and had a slight funky taste to it. I don’t want to know what the ones that “expired” in November taste like.

Twinkies (and the other goodies are returning, especially the fruit pies). Yay!!
Someone asked me “are they good?”

Good for nutrition? Not likely.
Good for the soul?  Maybe
Good tasting? DEFINITELY

I never had a problem with the snacks when I was younger. I ate them in moderation and got exercise. My weight has of course gotten worse in adulthood, but that is a different story entirely.

Perhaps the return of these treats is my reward for seriously considering a better eating habit (moderation and limitation), attempt to lose weight (it doesn’t hurt to try), and joining a gym (I just need payday to get here to pay for it).

That’s just my take on this whole “experience”.

Contrary to what Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas, Wall Street) said – greed is not good.

Now … is it July yet? :)



REFERENCES:

Associated Press. (2013, June 24). The sweetest comeback ever? Twinkies to return to shelves July 15 | Fox News. Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines | Photos & News Videos. Retrieved June 24, 2013, from http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2013/06/23/sweetest-comeback-ever-twinkies-to-return-to-shelves-july-15

Marquand, R. (Director). (1997). Return of the Jedi [Motion picture]. Multiple: Lucasfilm Ltd.

Stone, O. (Director). (1987). Wall Street [Motion picture]. USA: 20th Century Fox.


Screenshots were taken from Amazon and eBay. I hold no copyrights to those websites, but I do ask that if you want to share the images I cropped, please ask. Thank you.


Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Nutrition Labels and Falsehoods


Being overweight, I have a love-hate relationship with food.

Certain foods (good or bad) I love. Sometimes I HATE what that food can do, or how it makes me feel.

As I get older, I’m getting to the point where it is harder to lose weight (and I’m also not really concerned for “appearances” either). Genetics is another issue – a lot of my “ancestors” were big (but healthy) people, who (absent cancer, accidents and foul play) lived to be in their 80’s. They ate a lot of carbs, fried foods, and desserts.

But, I am trying to eat “as healthy as possible”, and sometimes I don’t always know what’s “right”. I’ve heard quite a bit of falsehoods – yes to carbs, no to carbs, low fat, some fat, high protein, low protein.

If it tastes good, it's bad. If you're craving it, it's bad. 

Phooey!!

Enough there. What about breakfast?

Let’s start there.

Since there are just two of us (my mother and myself) in the household, buying BIG boxes of cereal is not a value. Our tastes vary from day to day, and those BIG boxes often go stale before we finish them. As a result, we tend to get the variety packs and the $1 “cups” at Wal*Mart (and sometimes on sale at Smith’s).

The choices are mainly “kid” cereals – Frosted Flakes, Corn Pops, Apple Jacks, and Honey Nut Cheerios. But, I did find one Special K variety (Red Berries).  At least they’re better than nothing.



(These are usually $1 at Wal*Mart)


Normally I don’t look at the labels. If it’s a “flavored” or “kid” cereal, I’ve been taught it’s BAD. If it’s “Special K”, it’s good ... right?

Not so!

I had the occasion to compare three of the cereals I bought: 

Special K (Red Berries)
Frosted Flakes
Apple Jacks

To be honest, I was quite surprised at what I found. What I thought was healthy … wasn’t as “healthy” as I thought. 

If by “healthy” we mean:

** Low Calories
** Low Fat
** Low Sodium
** Low Carbohydrates

Then, what I’m about to reveal might be a little surprising … 

The Special K disappointed me. Not just a minor disappointment, but a MAJOR one.









As you can see it came in with:

250 Calories
10 Fat
440mg Sodium
61g Carbs (that’s 4 servings based on a 15g per serving)

But, it’s “Special K”, part of a healthier diet, right?

Hmmm, well, let’s see what the Frosted Flakes’ label revealed:







220 Calories
0 Fat
290mg Sodium
53g Carbs

Wow!

I did not expect those results at all!! 

            Special K:                              Frosted Flakes:                                 Difference:

Calories         250                              220                                                      30
Fat                   10                                0                                                          10
Sodium          440mg                         290mg                                                150mg
Carbs              61g                              53g                                                      8g


Right off, it looks like the Frosted Flakes is not only tastier (in my opinion), but healthier (fact) than the Special K. No wonder Tony the Tiger says “they’re greeeeeeeeeeeeat!” … they certainly are! 

But, what about those Apple Jacks?





150 Calories
5 Fat
190mg Sodium
37g Carbs (two servings)

I am admittedly quite stunned on that revelation. That is not what I was led to believe, what I’ve read or what I’ve been told.

Doing a “side by side” comparison:

            Special K:                              Apple Jacks:                                      Difference:

Calories         250                              150                                                      100
Fat                   10                                5                                                          5
Sodium          440mg                        190mg                                                 250mg
Carbs              61g                              37g                                                     24g

Again, the “tastier” one is the healthier one.

While the Special K boasts more vitamin percentages – with vitamins and supplements (think Centrum) one can “compensate” for the missing values. The calories, sodium, and carbs are reduced ... and you're essentially having your cake and eating it too. 

If you’re like me – watching calories and carbs, the Special K is not what it seems. For me, while I LOVE strawberries … the Special K is not the tastiest choice. After all, I have to eat what I enjoy. If I don’t like it, I won’t eat it. At least, as it works out, the Special K isn’t the healthiest choice either. 

Now, let’s compare the Apple Jacks and Frosted Flakes:

             Apple Jacks:                          Frosted Flakes:                                Difference:

Calories         150                              220                                                      70
Fat                   5                                  0                                                          2
Sodium          190mg                       290mg                                                 100mg
Carbs              37g                             53g                                                      8g

Calorie, sodium and carb-wise, it seems the Apple Jacks are even better than Frosted Flakes. I would never have thought that! 

Now that I know that Frosted Flakes and Apple Jacks aren’t as bad as I thought … I think I’m going to be eating more of them. 

It just goes to show you that the nutrition labels are our friends in healthier eating. We can’t believe what we’re told, or what we read. But, we can believe what we see.

If you see someone buying Apple Jacks or Frosted Flakes, don't assume they're not eating healthy, because they are. Don't assume someone buying Special K is eating right either. 

I’m kind of glad I did my research … I was really beginning to hate Special K.