SARAH'S BLOG OF FUN: August 2013

Friday, August 30, 2013

AT&T U-Verse vs. Verizon FiOS: The Giants of Wireless Takes the Battle into a New Arena

**This is a guest post, not written by myself.**

Despite some speculations, television still is the leading source of entertainment and most people still spend most of their time in front of it. However, the rumors that internet is threatening the television industry is not entirely without basis. Many of our daily activities, both necessary and recreational, are done through the web. But television providers have already seen through this. Their solution to the internet's aggressive growth is to incorporate it into their TV service.

From analogue signals, TV's had recently switched into using digital signals. This means that TV signals are now being transported in a computer language. This allows for more data to be sent over the air or through cables. In a way, internet language and TV language are now the same. This enables TV service carriers to provide TV and internet services using a single fiber optic line. Examples of this service are AT&T U-Verse, Verizon FiOS, Comcast Xfinity, and so on.

Because of the services' great potential and affordable bundled services, many people are attracted to it. This has led to strict competition between the carriers; particularly Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-Verse. Thus, if you are looking to subscribe into this new brand of cable connection, you should carefully select your carrier of choice as a lot of choices are to be had and significant differences in services offered can be seen if careful comparisons are made.

On one hand, we have AT&T U-Verse. On the other is Verizon FiOS. Both offers the same line of services but have significantly different offers and service quality. In this article, we will be comparing the two in terms of the following criteria: Internet, TV, Telephone, Availability, Signal Reception, Customer Service, Bundled services price.



INTERNET
AT&T U-Verse – U-Verse offers internet packages that can range from the basic package of 3Mbps for $38 up to the premium of 24Mbps for $63. According to FCC surveys, AT&T U-Verse's internet connection has competitive speed and stability. However, it is not as remarkable as Verizon FiOS, Cox Internet, or Comcast Xfinity.

Verizon FiOS - FiOS internet offers ranges from 15Mbps for $54 a month up to 150Mbps for $199 a month. According to surveys, Verizon FiOS has the best internet connection (by far) in terms of speed and stability.

Comparison - In terms of dollar per Mbps and the maximum speed offered, Verizon FiOS tops over AT&T U-verse. In fact, based on the chart, AT&T has a lot of catching up to do with FiOS staying uncontested at the top while U-Verse is struggling to compete with other internet carriers. So if you are after high-end internet services, Verizon FiOS is the way to go.

TELEVISION
AT&T U-Verse - AT&T U-Verse offers 130 channels on its basic package. In premium, it can offer up to 430 channels with 145 HD channels that you can choose from a 170-HD channel line-up.

Verizon FiOS - FiOS offers 200+ channels for $64 in its basic package. The carrier can boast up to 380+ channels in it premium package and it is available for $89 per month.

Comparison - If you are going for a basic package, FiOS has an advantage as it offers more channels for a cheaper rate. However, if variety is your thing and you would like to have over 400 channels, then AT&T can live up to your expectations more than FiOS. In terms of the channel selections and content, AT&T U-Verse and Verizon FiOS are almost the same.

AVALABILITY AND RECEPTION
Since both AT&T and Verizon are based on fiber optic connections, both have the same set of pros and cons. Both enjoy clear connections with interruptions being very rare. However, both also have limited availability as a direct cable line is required to enjoy the service. Being too far away from the main line or the source can mean that you will be unable to subscribe into the service. Another disadvantage to this particular type of connection is that repairs can be troublesome.

However, although they share the same characteristics, there are still significant differences such as the size of the network and the broadcasting quality. In terms of both, there are some customer reports that suggest that FiOS is better and that U-Verse is suffering from "spotty" reception. However, these reports are still inconclusive and may merely be isolated cases.

CUSTOMER SERVICE
Unlike satellite based services, cable based issues are more complicated and cannot be solved by simple re-alignments. More often, cable issues (although they rarely happen) require cable replacement which requires professional skills and technical knowledge. And when it comes to this, customer feedback suggests that Verizon FiOS has better response time when it comes to repairs and maintenance requests.

AFFORDABILITY
AT&T U-Verse - On its basic triple bundle for $89 a month, AT&T U-Verse offers 130 channels, 3Mbps internet connection, and 250 minutes worth of calls. Its premium package costs $161 a month and has 430 channels, 12Mbps internet connection, and unlimited calls to anywhere in the USA and Canada.

Verizon FiOS - The basic Verizon FiOS package costs $84 per month. It includes 15 Mbps internet, prime HD channel package, and unlimited calls. Its premium package costs $100 per month and it includes 380 channels, 25 Mbps internet, and unlimited calls.

Comparison - If you are going for a basic package, then Verizon FiOS offers much, much more than AT&T U-Verse. For the same price of $89, you will be getting more TV channels, unlimited calls (as opposed to 250 minutes), and 5x the internet speed. On the premium package, FiOS offers cheaper rates that are almost half the competition's rate. With this you will be getting 380 channels (less than U-Verse), 25 Mbps internet (which is twice as U-Verse's), and an unlimited telephone connection.

Aside from the TV channels, there is no reason why you should not go with FiOS over U-Verse. FiOS is cheap and can be made cheaper using Verizon fios promotion codes. Aside from being cheaper, it also offers better features and the same (if not better) level of customer service.


**This is a guest post, not written by myself.  I was compensated for this post**

Monsters University Back In Theaters For This Holiday Weekend!! #MonstersU


You read that right!!  Monsters University is back in theaters for the holiday weekend!!  If you haven't seen it yet, this is the perfect time!!!





“Like” MONSTERS UNIVERSITY on Facebook: http://facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity 

"Follow" Disney/Pixar on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DisneyPixar

Visit the website: http://www.Disney.com/MonstersU

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY is now playing in theatres everywhere!





1 NEW Official Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Logo

DISNEY•PIXAR
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/disneypixar

Genre:Comedy/Animation
Rating: TBD
U.S. Release Date:                    June 21, 2013
Voice Talent:                             Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Alfred Molina, Dave Foley, Sean P. Hayes, Joel Murray, Peter Sohn, Charlie Day, Nathan Fillion, Bobby Moynihan, Julia Sweeney, Aubrey Plaza, Tyler Labine, John Krasinski, Bonnie Hunt, Beth Behrs and John Ratzenberger.
Director:                                   Dan Scanlon
Producer:                                  Kori Rae
Composer:                                Randy Newman

Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer.  The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right.

Screaming with laughter and oozing with heart, Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”), produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”) and features music from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and award-winning composer Randy Newman  (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Toy Story 3”). The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013, and will be shown in 3D in select theaters.

Mike Wazowski’s (voice of Billy Crystal) lifelong dreams of becoming a Scarer are derailed during his first semester at Monsters University when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), and their out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program.

Notes:
?       “Monsters, Inc.,” originally released on November 2, 2001, was nominated for four Oscars®: Best Animated Feature Film, Best Original Score, Best Sound Editing and Best Original Song—“If I Didn’t Have You,” for which it won.
?       “Monsters University” will hit U.S. theaters nearly 12 years after the original “Monsters, Inc.” theatrical debut.
?       Billy Crystal is known worldwide for his film roles in “When Harry Met Sally…,” “City Slickers,” “The Princess Bride” and “Analyze This”; his 2005 Tony®-winning Broadway show, “700 Sundays”; as a cast member of “Saturday Night Live”; and as the nine-time host of the Academy Awards® ceremonies.
?       John Goodman’s current film projects include Ben Affleck’s drama “Argo,” which premiered at the 2012 Toronto Film Festival; the Robert Zemeckis thriller “Flight,” which premiered as the closing-night film at the New York Film Festival; and Clint Eastwood’s sports drama “Trouble with the Curve.”
?       Helen Mirren won international recognition for her work on stage, screen and television. For her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in 2006’s “The Queen,” she received an Academy Award®, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award® and BAFTA Award for best actress. She was also named best actress by a multitude of critic’s organizations from Los Angeles to London.
?       Oscar®- Grammy®- and Emmy®-winning composer/songwriter Randy Newman contributes his unique musical talents to his seventh Disney•Pixar film. The 20-time Oscar nominee’s wins include “If I Didn’t Have You” for “Monsters, Inc.” and “We Belong Together” for “Toy Story 3.” He will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2013.

OFFICIAL BOILERPLATE:
Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer.  The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right. Screaming with laughter and oozing with heart, Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”), produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”) and features music from future Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and award-winning composer Randy Newman (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Toy Story 3”). For more information, like us at facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity, and follow us on twitter.com/disneypixar. The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013, and will be shown in 3D in select theaters. For more information, check outdisney.com/MonstersU.


This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links. Follow on Bloglovin

Are You Ready For Back To School?



**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was compensated for this post.**

Yesterday my son Ben started 2nd Grade!!  I feel old now!!!  I have a child who is almost 8 years old!!!

Every year the school supply list for Ben gets more expensive.  In Kindergarten it was crayons and markers.  1st Grade was crayons, markers, glue, colored pencils, sharpeners, and more.

This year it was everything above and rulers, notebooks, and more throughout the year.  Trying to find everything is a challenge.  Keeping it together for school and keeping kids out of it is a challenge as well!!

Besides all of the items the school wants you to bring, you need to get them new clothes, sneakers, backpack, lunch box, etc.  

There are a lot of things to get and things to do too!!

Getting the kids back on a school sleep schedule is in itself tough.  My boys got to stay up until 9 pm each night and they would sleep in.  Now with school back they need to go to bed at 7:30 pm and get up at 7:30 am.   

Are you ready for Back To School??  Take this quick quiz with Ashley Tutors and your kids, and let me know!!  I just took it and we are Totally Prepared!!

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was compensated for this post.**



This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links. Follow on Bloglovin

Friday Giveaway Link Up 8/30/13

Have a great Holiday weekend everyone!!!


 
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links. Follow on Bloglovin

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Disney's Super Buddies Review And ~~Giveaway~~

Download Super Activities
**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was given a once in a life time all expenses paid trip to LA compliments of Disney and a copy of the DVD for review.**
Watch the fur fly as a new breed of super hero is born in Disney's fun-filled epic adventure. An ordinary day at Fernfield Farms turns extraordinary when Budderball, Mudbud, B-Dawg, Buddha, and Rosebud discover mysterious rings that grant them each a unique super power. Before you can say, "Buddies, assemble," the pups unleash their amazing abilities and race to the rescue when a shape-shifting bully from outer space threatens the planet. But can they succeed in kicking major tail without revealing their new secret identities?
I was so excited when I found out that not only was this movie coming out, but I would get to meet some of the puppies not once but twice!!!

My boys love the buddies movies.  We own everyone!!  When I told them that I would get to meet some of the buddies when I flew to California, they were excited for me.  They had a list of questions I was supposed to ask the doggies!!

On my last day in California, Disney took me to the Walt Disney Studios and I got to meet Rosebud!!!





I was star struck!!!  We are huge dog lovers in this house, and any chance I get to play with a puppy, I take!!!

We got to speak with Rosebuds trainer as well, and learned quite a bit about the puppies.  One fact I liked is that the dogs are trained with dog food as a treat instead of things like my doggie gets (bacon and chicken!!)  That way when they all eat the same treat, they listen to their trainers and do not jump to the one who has the best treats!!

Each puppy is trained for about 3 weeks before they take to the set, and they only work on the movie for a couple of weeks before they get too big to continue.  At any given time each character has two puppies that play it!! 

Oh and in case you were wondering, all the puppies are adopted to loving homes (very quickly I might add!!)  I asked if I could be put on a waiting list, and the trainer said they are taken long before a list could even be made!!

You can watch our full interview below!!


I was also very lucky when I got home to get an invitation to head to the Boston Children's Museum and meet Rosebud and B-Dawg!!!  This time I got to bring my boys!!  They were so happy to get to meet the puppies!!

Unfortunately while we waited for our turn to see them, Rosebud had to take a break, but we did get to meet B-Dawg!!



The boys were a little sad that they couldn't play with the puppy, but they got over that pretty quickly when we told them we got to explore the museum and watch the movie on the way home!!

Look for my museum post soon!!

On the way home we (ok the boys and my mom who sat in the back) got to watch the movie.  I got to listen to it!!

All three gave two thumbs up!!  

The buddies learn that they have magical powers after discovering the rings of inspiron and must help another dog named Captain Megasis save the rings from an evil alien pig!!!  The dogs help out many people along the way from a candy store owner being robbed, to a little girl trapped in a burning building.

Ben Sr and I watched the movie after the kids went to bed, and we laughed and laughed!!  In true Disney fashion the humor was perfect and very family friendly.

This is a must have movie for any Buddies fan!!  A perfect stocking stuffer for Christmas (yes I am already thinking of the holidays!!)

How would you like to win a copy??  One lucky reader will get their very own copy of Super Buddies!!  

You can also enter my HUGE Disney movie giveaway here for another chance to win a copy, or you can purchase your own copy below!!

Good luck!!





a Rafflecopter giveaway
**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was given a once in a life time all expenses paid trip to LA compliments of Disney and a copy of the DVD for review.**

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links. Follow on Bloglovin

Ultimate Football Bar Package Giveaway

Make Our Own Network


It's that time of year again!!  Football will be in full swing before we know it.  You can start with a great party by entering to win this Ultimate Bar Package!!!

If you would like to purchase your own, you can use code SARAHSBLOG to get 15% off!!

Prize:
Best of Times Ultimate Personal Bar Package (A.L.L. Review)
ARV $698


Hosted by:
A Ladybug on the Go
and 
M.O.O.N.


"The Best of Times Bar is the ultimate piece of party equipment for entertainers from all walks of life. The portable bar is perfect for any occasion, and can be customized with a variety of interchangeable wraps."

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Costumes For Less Giveaway

www.makeourownnetwork.com


I am very happy to be involved with a terrific giveaway!!!  This is perfect for Halloween!!!


Prize:
8 Winners
ARV $25 each
Hosted by:
A Lucky Ladybug
and 
M.O.O.N.


"Costumes4Less.com® is a leading online retailer of Halloween Costumes & Accessories, Drama and Theme Party Costumes, Lingerie & Sexy Wear, Shoes and Party & Wedding Supplies. Our mission is to offer you the most pleasant online shopping experience by providing the widest selection of products, at best possible prices via our easy-to-use, full featured and secure web site."

ALSO

"We are serious about maintaining low prices without compromising on quality of products. That is why we offer this unique bonus program. If you find any of our products selling anywhere at a lower price, we'll more than match any competitor's price! We'll pay you 110% of the difference!!"




**If you are a company and would like to see your brand advertised in a M.O.O.N. event similar to this please contact MakeOurOwnNetwork@gmail.com


This giveaway is open to the Continental US only (because of shipping costs) and will end on September 10th, 2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

"Make Our Own Network" solely organized this event and I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are 100% my own and may differ from your own or even those stated in this post. Sarah's Blog Of Fun is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.


This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links. Follow on Bloglovin

Friday, August 23, 2013

Friday Giveaway Link Up 8/23/13

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend. This is the last one for us before school starts!!


 
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links. Follow on Bloglovin

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Terrific Eversave Travel Deal And ~~Giveaway~~


 **All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.**

We love to save as much as you do, so our team seeks out your favorite local activities, restaurants, spas and stores, so you can play, eat, relax and shop for less! From spa treatments to cupcakes, ski packages to yoga classes - we find the best deals and deliver them to you - in the form of a Save.

Sign up for Daily Save emails and you'll be the first to know when we have a great Save. Like the Save? Click and buy. Not interested? No problem. Just wait for the next great Save to come along!

If you like one of our Saves, share it! When one of your referrals buys their first Save, you'll get Save Rewards. You can also suggest Eversave to your friends using our referral page to Tweet it, Facebook it or email it.

We love saving as much as you do and are committed to giving you the best deals possible - and as many ways to save as we can. So become part of the Eversave family today and get ready to get your Save on!


I have been using Eversave for a couple years now, and I love it!!  You can score some terrific saves.  I have gotten things like books, and gift baskets for the holidays through them!!  

Take a look at this save that went live today!!



I took a look at the list of Days Inn's and there are 1500!!!  You can go just about anywhere!!

This is a great deal for an upcoming fall vacation, or save it for a later date.  The save is good until September 25th 2014.  That's over a year!!!

A lot of the Days Inns offer swimming pools and breakfasts!!  For us, those are two must haves!!!

What I love the most is that you can buy more then one save.  For this one you can purchase up to 5 saves.  That is 10 nights for less then $500!!!  That is a fabulous deal!!

Eversave is also running terrific Tech Savvy deals right now as well.  Every deal today is less then $30!!  You can get things like iPhone keyboards, blue-tooth headsets, and even battery-extending iPhone cases.  The best part is that shipping is included!!!



Make sure you check out Eversave to see all the great deals going on now.  Some only last a couple days so check daily and often!!

Now I am very excited to be partnering with Eversave to offer one lucky reader today's Days Inn save!!!  That's right, I get to give one of you a 2 nights stay at any Days Inn you chose!!  Make it a stay-cation and stay close to home, or take a nice trip away!!  Your choice!!

Enter below and good luck!!!  Make sure you are an Eversave member, that is the only way to receive the voucher!!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.**


This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links. Follow on Bloglovin

Champlain Valley Fair Starts This Saturday!!




It's that time of year again in New England!!  Fair time!!  Every weekend from now until the end of October you can find a fair or two to visit.

One of our favorites is the Champlain Valley Fair which takes place in Essex Junction VT.  Since the first fair in 1923, the Champlain Valley Fair has grown and grown.  

With tons of exhibitions to see including a Bonsai Display, Art Displays, and the famous Sand Castle, there is something for everyone!!


Make sure you also check out all the life stock exhibits too.  We make it one of our first stops to visit the bunnies!!  


The fair has a lot of terrific free shows to see including the Racing Pigs, and a new addition this year called the Wild World of Animals!!  Last year we got to see Mutts Gone Nuts.  The fair always has such cute shows to see.


Oh and do not forget the food!!!  We hit Al's French Fries because they are just the best!!  There are also tons of great places to get Bloomin Onions, and pastries galore!!  

The one must go to stop is the Maple Sugar House.  That is where we were introduced to maple coffee and donuts!!  I am drooling already!!!


The Champlain Valley Fair is a lot of fun and well worth a visit!!  I hope to see you there this year!!  The fair runs from August 24th to September 2nd!!




This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links. Follow on Bloglovin

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Modern Dad On A&E Premieres Tonight!! #ModernDads



**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was given tickets for my family and I to attend the tour at Six Flags New England**

MODERN DADS features four stay-at-home dads who may be a little unconventional, but they get the job done. Banding together, their “guys club” is a tribe of suburban, child-rearing dudes who are just trying to do their thing… with a kid (or four) on their hip. This new series will follow their exploits as they navigate their lives; juggling the requirements and social expectations of being both a `modern man' and ‘modern dad’ while their significant others are off at work.

Don’t forget to tune in to the series premiere of MODERN DADS on August 21st TODAY at 10:30/9:30c.

The Modern Dads tour made a stop not to far from us, and we were invited to attend at Six Flags New England!!

My boys were very excited because this was the first time they had gone to Six Flags!!

As soon as we walked in the gate, the carousel was the first thing we saw, and of course we had to ride!!

Ben Jr is at that age where he wants to ride all by himself, and I am still at that age where my answer is "Ah no, you are too little!!"  Yes, then I realize he is 7 years old and I do have to let him grow up a little. 

We compromised and he rode by himself and we only stood behind him, not holding on to him for dear life!!

Then we hit the Modern Dad Trailer!!





This was really cute.  Inside they had couches and fun props for the kids to play with!!



 They also gave everyone souvenir photos to take with you!!



After hanging out for a little bit, we got to visit the rest of the park and had a great time!!



Make sure you check out Modern Dads on A&E.  It airs tonight at 10:30 est!!!

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was given tickets for my family and I to attend the tour at Six Flags New England**


This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links. Follow on Bloglovin
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