How many times have you held onto a check for weeks because you didn’t have time to stop by the bank and deposit it? Since I rarely make trips to the bank, I tend to keep them for a long time. I do everything online now…well, almost everything. Checks still present a pesky problem. I have to go to the bank (or find an ATM) to deposit them. It’s so archaic!
Now there’s a bank that’s making that inconvenience a thing of the past. USAA recently introduced a brilliant new feature for its iPhone banking application, a check deposit feature. Customers simply enter the dollar amount, take a picture of both side of the check with their iPhone, and click send. The image goes into USAA’s deposit-taking system just like any other check. Everything is handled electronically. It’s so cool! And it’s about time someone figured out how to do it.
Now I just have to wait for my bank to offer it too! For more info and a demo, check out the video below.
Rehearsals continue for Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite at McKinney Repertory Theater. The first performance (March 5) is only a few weeks away, and we’re starting to do full run-throughs with the entire cast. Since the play is a group of 3 independent acts, we haven’t had much interaction with the rest of the cast — until now. It’s fun having everyone together and being able to enjoy the performances of the other fantastic actors in the play.
We had our first “off book” rehearsal this evening, which means that all lines must be memorized and no scripts can be used on stage. It seems that these are always the worst rehearsals as it’s terribly difficult to keep your energy level up and stay in character while trying to recall a line. You lose the momentum of the scene and have to work hard to get it back. So, we muddled through our acts and managed to get in a few laughs as we completely botched some of the lines. Thankfully, we have a patient director who has a good sense of humor!
We’ll do it all over again tomorrow night, and I’m hoping my lines will become more permanently etched into my brain so I can concentrate more on acting and less on memory recall!
Below are a few rehearsal pictures I captured with my mobile phone:
Rehearsing in MPAC’s Noble Hall. Gary was standing in for “Sam” from Act I.
Getting ready to practice on the main stage.
Our awesome director doing what she does best…directing!
Don’t know what to get your loved one for Valentine’s Day this year? Tired of the standard fare? Looking for something more creative than flowers and candy? Well, nothing says love like a big fat hug, and this year you can send a hug that lasts forever to your special Valentine.
The Hug-E-Gram consists of two soft plush cotton arms with cartoon hands that are held together by an elastic band. They are stuffed with a polyester fiber to create a soft and cuddly hug. You can even add your own voice message to personalize the Hug-E-Gram. It’s almost as awesome as a snuggie (and for those who are wondering…yes, that’s sarcasm)!
Check it out in the video below.
Okay, okay, I know…it may not be the best gift ever, but it’s definitely a unique gift your loved one will never, ever forget.
And a word to the wise, if you order it for your Valentine, you may want to have some candy on hand as a back-up gift, just in case.
I went to sleep in Texas last night, and when I woke up, I thought I’d been transported to Colorado! Everything was blanketed underneath a heavy coating of snow — a treat for those of us who live in North Texas. We normally get ice and sleet, and on those rare occasions when we do get snow, it’s only a light dusting. But not today! By mid-morning, we had three inches of snow on the ground. It was a pretty sight to behold.
Tonight, we broke the all-time record for snowfall in North Texas! It’s astounding. The previous record was 7.8 inches. We easily surpassed that record by early evening, and the snow is STILL falling. It really does feel like I’m in Colorado, not Texas — it’s fantastically bizarre! So much for global warming, huh?
Now if only there were some mountains nearby, I’d strap on my skis and go for a run!
For Dallas locals, here’s another reason to watch the latest Hollywood flick at Studio Movie Grill. The theater chain is the first in the Dallas area to introduce reserved seating. Moviegoers at the Dallas, Arlington, Plano, Lewisville and Addison locations can now select their seats online before leaving home.
No more waiting in long lines to grab a good seat. No more early arrival times. You pick your seat, arrive when you want, and avoid the hassles of open seating. I love the idea! Why didn’t they start doing this sooner? It will greatly improve the moviegoing experience, especially on opening weekends. If I didn’t love Studio Movie Grill (SMG) before, I certainly do now. This is brilliant!
Does it sound too good to be true? Are you wondering if there’s a catch? Not really, but there is one thing I need to mention. You must purchase a $12 gift certificate online if you want to reserve your seat in advance. Considering the fact that you are probably going to spend more than $12 on food and beverages during the movie anyway, this shouldn’t be an issue for most people. After all, one of the reasons you go to SMG is to eat while watching the show. You just buy the gift certificate online as part of your ticket package and then use it to cover your dining expenses for the evening.
Studio Movie Grill has been testing the new system during the past month, and so far it’s been wildly successful. I haven’t tried it yet, but I can’t wait to do it.
Here’s to no more fighting for the best seats in the theater…whahoo!
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For Dallas locals, here’s another reason to watch the latest Hollywood flick at Studio Movie Grill. The theater chain is the first in the Dallas area to introduce reserved seating. Moviegoers at the Dallas, Arlington, Plano, Lewisville and Addison locations can now select their seats online before leaving home.