Away for the week, but wanted to make sure we keep this post up as the school year gets underway ... Here are some of the background notes re: getting the most bang for your back-to-school buck. We're all over this in our house, starting with a vocabulary lesson on NEED vs WANT! This exercise alone is a windfall. We'll keep this post up & continue to update it with some of the best, most current offers.

LET'S TALK THROUGH SOME OF THE ONLINE OFFERS YOU'RE SEEING FROM SOME SPECIFIC ONLINE STORES ...

Online sales for GAP a full 21% over this time last year. They have a new web strategy where you can shop at all three of their big brands – GAP, Old Navy, & Banana Republic (+ their new shoe store piperlime.com ) on one site – it's four stores and one checkout. You can buy as much as you want and get FLAT RATE SHIPPING of only $7. If on the other hand you were to drive to 3 or 4 different stores looking for something – it's easy to start doing the math on how much gas you might burn through.

$7 FLAT RATE SHIPPING SOUNDS LIKE A PRETTY GOOD DEAL ... WHAT ABOUT FREE SHIPPING OFFERS ... ARE THERE MANY OF THOSE OUT THERE RIGHT NOW?

Absolutely. We usually only see this many offers around the holidays, but e-tailers know their most effective online promotion is FREE SHIPPING. In some cases you have to meet a minimum purchase amount (say $50) for the free shipping to kick in; or free shipping may only apply to certain items/categories.

Some current offers – keep in mind some of these offer change daily, so check back often:

- JCPenney.com – free shipping on all orders $99 and up.
- Target.com – free shipping on kids clothes when you spend $50 or more. Free shipping on select dorm room furniture.
- Zappos.com – huge online shoe store – free shipping & free return shipping 365 days a year.
- Kohls.com – free shipping when you spend $75 or more.
- Walmart.com – free shipping "site to store." Still a good option since it keeps you from running in circles in Walmart and by shopping online you know right away whether they have the sizes, styles, items you're after.

- Website freeshipping.org currently has free shipping promotions listed for over 800 online stores. Some offers require a coupon code, others again may require you to hit a certain purchase amount.

YOU SAY EVEN WITH FREE OR FLATRATE SHIPPING, IT'S IMPORTANT TO DO THE OVERALL MATH ... EXPLAIN THAT?

You have to take the total cost of your online purchase – that's merchandise + any shipping costs and weigh that against what it would cost you to drive to the store – or multiple stores.

You can use sites like MapQuest.com to plot out trips before you hop in the car, so you know exactly how far you're going and if you're taking the fastest route.

If you drive an SUV, live 15 miles from the mall and you're getting 15 miles to the gallon – at $4.00+ a gallon – multiple trips to the mall are not your friend. That's when it may pay off -- and the total cost may be cheaper -- to have items sent to your doorstep.

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EVEN THOSE WHO MAY NOT BE BUYING ONLINE ... THEY CAN BENEFIT BY USING THE INTERNET TO LAY OUT A GAME PLAN FOR THEIR SHOPPING TRIP?

Sure. For every purchase made online, many more are influenced by researching products first. And, you can take it a step further by knowing instantly if the items you're after are "in stock." That way you don't get in the car only to find out when you get there, they're sold out. CircuitCity.com, for example, has an inventory tracker, that will instantly tell you if an item is available in stores near you BEFORE you get in the car.

ANY TIPS FOR PARENTS WHO ARE GETTING THOSE NO SO SUBTLE NUDGES FROM THEIR KIDS AS TO WHAT THEY WHAT THEY WANT (OR NEED) FOR BACK TO SCHOOL ... YOU KNOW THEY JUST HAVE TO HAVE WHAT THE OTHER COOL KIDS HAVE, RIGHT?

- There's definitely a lot of negotiating going on between pre-teens, teens and parents.

- Have a game plan: Make a list, set a budget, and go online together with your son/daughter to do your shopping. We'll be following this drill in our house this w-end.

- There's going to be some give and take – maybe you agree to get them the one pair of designer jeans or shoes from Nordstrom.com and in return they're willing to spend the rest of the budget on a site offering deeper discounts like Target or Walmart.com.

- By shopping online you can also take away some of the temptation of those impulse buys. By constantly reviewing your shopping cart, you can view the running total you're spending – that alone can help you stay on budget – there are no surprises at the register.

SWITCHING GEARS TO COLLEGE-AGE KIDS ... ONE OF THE BIGGEST BACK-TO-SCHOOL EXPENSES FOR THEM ARE OFTEN TEXTBOOKS ... BUT YOU SAY THERE'S LOTS OF MONEY TO BE SAVED BY BYPASSING THE COLLEGE BOOKSTORE?

The average college student spends $900 annually on textbooks. The price at the campus bookstore used to be the price you paid and that was that, but that's not the case these days – there's competition. And with a single hardcover book sometimes costing in excess of $100.00 new, if you can save 30, 40, 50%, why wouldn't you?

For those who plan to go this route, BestBookBuys.com is a good starting point. It's a textbook comparison shopping site that searches the Internet for your textbooks across dozens of textbook sites and thousands of independent sellers on eBay, Amazon.com's Marketplace and other sources.

Most textbook resellers also offer to buy back your used books. So you save on the front end and cash in a little bit on the back-end.

While college students are expected to plan to spend less during the back-to-school period, when you look at grades K-12, recent surveys indicate there will be an up-tick in online back-to-school shopping. Hoping to make online sales a "bright spot," major online shopping sites are luring back-to-school shoppers online with Web 2.0 strategies. We're seeing everything – from the launch of virtual worlds and online games – to the addition of serious teen star power to help move merchandise.

JCPenney is behind the launch of the online game DorkDodge. The game, targeted at college bound women, introduces them to the dorks they're likely to run into at college. The object of the game is to dodge the dorks, while making your way around the dorm and the college campus. The end goal for JCPenney: an interactive way to introduce their latest clothing line "Dorm Life." Personally, I've banned the word "dork" from our house & am surprised college kids go for this, but perhaps entering freshman get a kick out of it. Either way, interesting trend & we'll likely see more things along these lines, since games & social networking are "sticky" applications -- meaning they hold attention. No easy feat with ads aimed at young people.

We are heading to The Jonas Brothers Concert tonight. Gotta hand it to these boys. Can remember thinking they we're onto something when they opened for Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus) last Summer. Disney really knows how to keep kids in the pipeline. Demi Lovato will be opening tonight. Knew she was an up & comer when spotted her on the HOT SEARCH List. If you are a Parent or Grandparent ... memorize her name. She's slated to be "the next Hannah Montana." Just burnt Jonas Bros iTunes CD, so we can sing on the way to & from the show ... RELATED POSTS: Scoring Hannah Montana Tickets. Find more concert tours: HERE.

CBS sent me this story & asked if I had any "thoughts." Must say, it stopped me in my tracks. It's one of those moments when you think: "Wow, there is some really interesting data out there & some really smart people who can connect the dots." The first person thought of was visionary Ted Leonsis, whom -- and people who know me are somewhat exhausted by this -- I admire & adore. He is one of the few people -- along with my sister & a few special friends -- in my life who are truly gifted "connectors" as defined by must-read "Tipping Point," which is staple college graduation gift.

Here's the story re: being six degrees removed via IM & "thoughts" for whatever they're worth:

It was great being back on TODAY SHOW this weekend covering the phenomenon of gas prices sparking an increase in online shopping & how to play into the trend to get more bang for your buck. We've gotten a lot of additional suggestions re: sites offering free shipping and we'll work to keep building on the list of sites featured on the show today. Keep the suggestions coming ... ;) Here's the MSNBC story & VIDEO. Plus, we've got some additional rough notes below.



GAS PRICES SPARK RISE IN ONLINE SHOPPING. DRIVE OR DELIVER?

Running errands can mean running through a lot of gas. That's got a lot of Americans grabbing the computer mouse instead of the car keys. As reported in The New York Times, online sales are a surprising "bright spot" in retail with a number of big players -- GAP, Victoria 's Secret, JC Penney -- experiencing double-digit sales growth on their shopping sites.

It makes perfect sense when you consider online shopping has always been about three things: Selection, Price & Convenience. The selection is bigger than ever, the prices are competitive, and -- when you factor in gas -- the total cost of ordering something online could be lower and convenience just paid for itself. Bottom line: Consumers don't want to take the risk of spending time & gas driving around running errands if they don't need to.

So, can you really get a "net" savings by hitting the net? We "road tested" a few examples to steer consumers in the right direction. The power move and one of the most effective online promotions online is two words: FREE or FLAT-RATE SHIPPING. Generally, there are four models:

* Flat-Rate Shipping

* Free Shipping with Purchase Minimum

* Free or Discounted Shipping on Select Items

* Always FREE

Working with these models and assuming a current average gas price of approximately $4 per gallon, we set out to see whether it's better to drive and pick up some items or whether it actually pays to have them delivered. You've got to adjust the math based on the distance from wherever you'd need to pick something up and you can get the exact mileage and even the cheapest route on sites like MapQuest.com. That number could affect your decision, so adjust accordingly.

EXAMPLE # 1 = GAP (GAP.com) FLAT-RATE SHIPPING

One of the best examples right now is this promotion from the GAP .... You can shop at all three of their big brands -- GAP, Old Navy, & Banana Republic + (their new shoe store) on one site & and buy as much as you want with FLAT RATE SHIPPING of $7. (Learn More | Gap)

Consider this math: If you drove to two out of the three stores and they were each 10 miles away (20 miles round-trip) @ $4 a gallon assuming 20 miles per gallon, you'll pay roughly $8 to get the exact same items you could have delivered to your doorstep.

VERDICT: DELIVER!

EXAMPLE #2: BARNES & NOBLE (BN.com) FREE SHIPPING WITH PURCHASE MINIMUM
Books were one of the first things sold online and it's assumed they're usually pretty affordable on the shipping side. Sometimes it depends on how many you're buying. And you may think more is going to cost you more, because of weight, but it really often has to do with hitting a certain spending threshold. Here's an example -- and you see it a lot -- of how reaching a certain spending threshold can really change the math.

When we went to buy one book at $13.50, the standard shipping was $3.99 or 30%. That might be worth a drive. When we added a second book and crossed the $25 total mark, shipping was FREE. Now, you're still spending more overall, but you may be getting more for your money than if you get in the car. In fact, that second book just might be a gimmie for giving up gas. So, maybe check your calendar ... Think ahead: Is someone's birthday coming up? Might this be the time to grab something to give later?

VERDICT:

ONE BOOK = DRIVE!

TWO BOOKS = DELIVER!

EXAMPLE #3 CIRCUIT CITY (ciruitcity.com) TIP: CHECK INVENTORY ONLINE

If you're the kind of person who likes to touch and feel something, before you shell out the cash, you're not alone. In fact, it's estimated 70% of people research purchases to some degree online before they make a purchase in store. If you fit the profile, you could take advantage of the ability to "Check In-Store Inventory Online." At least you'll know if the store you are heading to has the item "in stock." This can save you from driving to three different Circuit City locations and burning gas only to find out they don't carry what you're after or it's sold out.

So, if you're seeking a specific digital camera, you'd type in your zip code -- and they'll tell you the nearest location addresses with the approximate mileage of the closest store with the item in stock. You can buy it online and have them hold it for you for in-store or you can read the reviews, get some additional information and then pick the shortest path. So, the verdict is drive, just don't drive in circles and without a clue if the item will be there when you get there.

VERDICT: DRIVE

EXAMPLE #4: ZAPPOS.COM
ALWAYS FREE OUTBOUND & RETURN SHIPPING

Commerce studies indicate one of the things people struggle most to find in both selection and size, are shoes. In fact, about one in three sales are lost at stores due to someone's size not being in stock. With a whopping three million items, to say Zappos.com is well-stocked, would be an understatement! And this is the biggie ... they have free shipping & free returns 24/7 365 days a year.

VERDICT: DELIVER!

EXAMPLE 5: HOMEDEPOT.COM FREE SHIPPING ON SELECT ITEMS

You may be surprised a circular saw may not be worth driving in circles to go get. We've all done it, made multiple trips to Home Depot in a day. If there is something specific you need, you could buy it online this week at work & it'll be there for you free of charges when you start back up with chores next weekend.

VERDICT: DELIVER!

EXAMPLE 6: OFFICE DEPOT (OfficeDepot.com) FREE SHIPPING $50 AND UP

Office Depot offers free next day shipping on orders of $50 or more if you are in a "local delivery" area, usually within 20 miles (Office Max & Staples offer same deal). To see whether your address is in a local delivery area, look at your shopping cart total (upper right-hand side of the homepage), if your order is over $50 and you are in a local delivery area, a `Free Delivery' notice will appear in the Shopping Cart. If there is an amount listed after "delivery" in your shopping cart, then your address is outside of our local delivery area and you will incur the delivery charges shown. Is my zip code within a local delivery area?

If you're running a home business or working from home, this may be the way to go ... because every minute you're out of the office and on the road, can cost you. "Free Delivery" is not offered on items 70 lbs. and up or orders totaling more than 70 lbs.

VERDICT:

DELIVER!

DRIVE IF YOUR TOTAL ORDER WEIGHTS 70+ LBS.

Will these types of offers continue?

Retailers are pulling out all the stops to court consumers and fine-tuning their marketing models to spark both online and in-store sales. All indications are consumers can likely look forward to continued incentives heading into the all-important back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons.

Forget, CSI. Do you know about DSI? A recent AP-AOL Health Poll reveals the reality of "debt stress." Debt stress is the toll owing money takes on the body – from insomnia and severe anxiety to muscle tension, digestive problems, high blood pressure and even heart attacks.

According to the survey, the average level of debt stress experienced by American adults is significantly higher than found in a similar survey by the AP in 2004. At the root of it – economic uncertainty, including a big downturn in the real estate market, coupled with the increased cost of living (skyrocketing food and gas prices), Americans are currently carrying $957 billion in credit card debt.

It's fun to be back on WPIX CW in NYC ... Here's some of what we're covering ... With the economy on shaky ground, more Americans are pulling out all the stops to stretch their dollars further. This includes haggling for lower prices on everything from cars, to new flat screen TVs, furniture, home improvement products ... even clothing. But did you know, your mouse may be one of the best bargaining chips of all? It's called "e-Haggling."'

THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ALL OF US ... WE BUY AN ITEM AND THE VERY NEXT WEEK THE PRICE DROPS OR IT GOES ON SALE . BUT IT'S NOT GAME OVER?

www.priceprotectr.com

Most retailers offer what are called "price protection" policies, where they promise to refund a portion of your purchase price, if the product you bought drops in price within a certain time frame after you buy it. A typical period of time is 30 days. At PriceProtectr.com, they watch prices so you don't have to; if an item drops in price after you purchase it, they'll notify you by email so you can get a refund of the difference. To use the service, just enter the URL for the item you purchased.

AND THERE'S A SITE THAT WORKS IN SIMILAR FASHION FOR AIRFARES?
www.yapta.com – "Your Amazing Personal Travel Assistant"
All major airlines offer what is called the "guaranteed airfare policy," which means you're eligible for a refund if the fare price decreases. Plug your email address and itinerary into Yapta.com (before or after you book) and it will alert you if/when prices drop. Even after deducting any change fee that may be levied by the airline, if the $400 round trip ticket you purchased is suddenly $200, you might have $150+ bucks headed your way – usually the money comes by way of a travel voucher you can use on a future trip.

ONE OF THE LATEST WAYS TO E-HAGGLE IS WITH OUR CELL PHONE?
Wireless E-Haggling: At wap.aol.com/shopping there's a mobile comparison shopping tool where you can compare prices on nearly 12 million products right on your cell phone, while you're in the store. Try showing that to the salesperson ... it could move the needle in your direction.

SHOPPING FOR A NEW OR USED CAR ... ALSO POPULAR ONLINE ... SOME TIPS THERE FOR GETTING THE BEST DEAL?

75% of car shoppers start their search online ... and spring/summer is a popular time to buy a new set of wheels. Your best bet is to start out on a major autos site like autos.aol.com ... Once you find the make/model you're after, your next move should be to email the dealer for an anonymous no obligation price quote. Chances are, they're going to give you a competitive price ... after all, they want you to show up to the lot on Saturday. On the other hand, if their price seems a little high to you, email back and let them know ... Tell them you're also waiting on quotes from other dealers. If they want your business, they'll likely respond with their best price.

We're all over the "Curbing Summer Brain Drain" beat ... Nielsen Media did intriguing study indicating "screen time" is up across-the-board. Screens = TV, PC & Mobile Devices (a.k.a. cellphones). Personalize it for a second & is easy to believe + a telling trend. As a parent, think you've got no choice but to play into it ... My eight year old son likes to watch skateboarding clips on YouTube .... He literally asks, "Can I do You Tube." "Doing" video online is apparently typical for his age.

Here's excerpts from the study:

News

July 8, 2008
Nielsen Reports TV, Internet and Mobile Usage Among Americans
The Nielsen Company today released the first comparable U.S. figures showing video and TV usage across the 'three screens' – Television, Internet and Mobile devices. Nielsen's findings show that screen time of the average American continues to increase with TV users watching more TV than ever before (127 hrs, 15 min per month), while also spending 9% more time using the Internet (26 hrs, 26 min per month) from last year.
Read More Download PDF

"Web video is changing the definition of the Internet for those under the age of 24. Those under 24 use the Internet less than older users but spend a greater percent of time viewing video. For instance, children 2-11 spend relatively little time on the Internet – just 4:58 vs 38:47 for adults 35-44. But much more of their time is likely spent watching video than checking email or traditional websites." Burbank concluded.
(See Table "Time Spent in Hours:Minutes May 2008 " in Full PDF Download version of release.)

Sat in traffic all morning. All could think about was home much time & gas was being wasted. Ironically, every story on the radio was about gas prices and area road planning. Turns out, there are some new online applications might prove useful on this front. You can even find out where construction is underway, as lots of orange hardhats & one lane, can be a huge factor with summer road trips. Plus, in my world, if you're due at a TV Bureau at a certain time, being punctual is make or break ... Here's hoping we all find these 3 SITES TO AVOID TRAFFIC useful.

Then, again, as discussed on WSJ RADIO, you could have THIS commute in you live in Japan. UNBELIEVABLE!

3 Best Ways to Avoid Traffic

Nobody likes to sit in traffic. Searches for the word "traffic" are up 44% on AOL Search so drivers are clearly looking for help.

TrafficLand: You really can do just about everything from your Facebook page these days, and getting live video feeds of the roads on your daily commute is no longer an exception. Just go to Facebook and search for "TrafficLand" to add the application to your profile.

MapQuest Traffic: MapQuest just announced a new feature called Current Traffic that lets users overlay traffic conditions, including crashes, construction and slow speeds, on top of their route map with one click. Perfect for travel on new routes when you want to be sure to arrive on time.

TrafficGauge: If you're traveling to a new city and not sure of the traffic patterns check out TrafficGuage. This one's not free – it's as low as about $1.99 a month – but this one uses real-time data to guide you around traffic in 20 major cities right on your phone.

We pulled in a lot of "hardware" this weekend at BMX Moto Races. My youngest son literally said, "If I got a trophy, it would change my whole life." We'll have to work on perspective, but it was a glorious moment. It doesn't hurt when there are only three people in your Moto age group, but we'll keep that to ourselves;) My nephew Ben also scored a big one. Here are some of our personal pictures and links to find BMX tracks & races in your area. The sport is coming to the Olympics, so if your kids aren't asking to do this yet, get ready!

There are two leagues, which don't quite get yet, but if you're just starting out, it's really about finding dirt piles with a starting gate, announcer & an awards ceremony ... CONGRATS to a few of my favorite racers -- Nice going guys!

BMX Race Track Directory

Sent from my iPhone

With gas prices currently at record highs, many of us are changing our driving habits ... carefully picking and choosing where and when we take to the roads ... some folks have even gone as far as re-routing road trips and summer vacations. Another interesting trend being driven by sky high gas prices – an up-tick in the number of college students enrolling in online courses. According to a recent AP article, while online enrollment has steadily grown for years, college administrators say the recent spike in gas prices – to more than $4 a gallon most places – is fueling a surge in students seeking to take classes without the cost of commuting.

If you're considering enrolling in an online course, a.k.a., "e-learning," here's a little bit of what you need to know before taking the plunge.

The traditional college student really has become the exception, not a rule. Fewer than 20 percent of students enrolled in U.S. colleges are full-time undergraduates, ages 18 to 22, living on campus and having face-time with professors. The rest of America's college crowd includes part-timers who likely also hold jobs, are working parents and may be serving in the military – all seeking advance education &/or degrees however they can. Usually, they've got their eye on career changes or advancement.

Popular with moms: Online learning is particularly popular among women. Moms with children under 10 years old are one of the fastest growing groups of e-learners. The most common time for them to log-in, in the evening, between 8pm – 11pm, after the after the kids are asleep.


According to University of Phoenix Online, the average student is 34 years old and the student body is 62% female. University of Phoenix pioneered online learning, establishing their first online campus over 15 years ago. Currently, they have over 150,000 students attending courses online. Stunning stat.


Popular distance learning degree programs include: Graduate and undergraduate business and management programs, followed by information systems and technology degree programs. "Helping careers" such as nursing and education are also attracting an increasing number of online students.


While the bulk of coursework often consists of written assignments and essay exams, other testing can be done via a secure log-in procedure. And uploading files and attachments is the cyber-class version of passing assignments to the front of the room.




Another site worth checking out is ClassesUSA.com. They have partnerships with over 100 accredited schools and they make it easy to request information from these schools re: more than 1,600 accredited degree and certification programs.

OK, so not really ... But this is one viral video joke you have to see to believe ... And it's one you can play on your friends ... For all of you who played it on me, thanks for the laugh;) On web site www.news3online.com, you can arrange for an email to be sent out naming you or a friend in a video report as the "virtual unknown" being given a grassroots push for the Presidency.

Here's my version thanks to friend Paul who runs Home Front Communications, the fantastic production company we work. My friend Mary from Atlanta also has one. Perhaps we should run together on the ticket;)

If you're wondering how all this is possible ... well, it's really not. The newscast is carefully crafted, using canned video with a series of live text elements. While the reporter and those interviewed never mention my name, they don't have to. It's splattered all over the video. Try sending it out to your friends and see what kind of reaction you get.
In the end, the viral joke is actually a marketing tool for PalTalk, an interactive video community with "thousands of live video chat rooms and dozens of regularly scheduled video chat shows."

It's time for "The Online Buzz" ... on CNN, in Phoenix (ABC), Denver (NBC), Detroit (FOX), etc., etc.
Here's some of what we're talking about this week on TV & Radio Stations across the country: Help Your Kids Fight Summer Brain Drain, Make Your Next Trip a "Staycation," and Save Money at the Pump. It's the Exclusive inside Scoop on What's Bubbling up Online ... Hear It Here First!

Go Online to Combat Summer Brain Drain: The kids are home for summer break and school is the last thing on their mind – bad news, since research shows kids can lose up to three months of learning over the summer. The Internet is full of resources parents can use to help combat summer brain drain. The trick is steering kids in the right direction. Not all websites are constructive and kids can "waste" a lot of time online if their cyber-enthusiasm isn't properly channeled.

KEEP THE KIDS READING - bookadventure.org
Nothing beats a trip to the library, but sometimes you end up walking in circles trying to decide what books to check out. On BookAdventure.org (a site by Sylvan Learning Center), children (K-8) can create personalized story lists from over 4,000 recommended titles. Kids click to check the boxes with topics they are interested in, i.e., animals, art, fairy tales, history, sports. The idea is to then print the list and bring it with you to the library.


Once they've read the books, kids can take quizzes and earn prizes for comprehension. The prizes are sent out by site sponsors and as you might expect, include books, bookmarks, etc. Gotta love it. I read all summer once just for stickers.

BRAIN GAMES - KOL
"Brain games" are great for younger kids, ages K-3. On KOL, there are lots of free resources: word finds – the ones you're used to seeing where you circle the words with a pen or pencil – they've gone virtual; there are also memory match games, word puzzles, concentration, etc. And while trying to solve the games, kids are working against the clock to score points, so it adds another element.


TEACH KIDS ABOUT MONEY WITH VIRTUAL ONLINE WORLDS - minyanland.com.
Already, over 8 million kids are members of virtual online worlds ... names like Neopets or Webkinz will ring a bell with many parents. My youngest son has two Webkinz dogs and he's lobbying for a real one!


Minyanland.com, a virtual online community, is using "infotainment" to help kids understand how to manage money and make financial decisions. Minyanland, a kid safe environment, is led by a cast of animated "Critters" like Hoofy the Bull and Boo the Bear. Get it? Over 100,000 kids currently use the site, developed in conjunction with the National Council on Economic Education.

Make the Most of a StayCation: Before buying a ticket across the country, why not check out what's in your own backyard- you may be surprised about the hidden hot spots your city has to offer. "Staycations" save time and money, which we could all use a little more of these days.

FINDING ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD - CityGuide
According to a recent MapQuest survey, over 1/3 say they've canceled vacation plans altogether this summer. Those really looking to cut costs are vacationing closer to home, opting to enjoy nearby attractions and festivities. There's probably a lot more going on in your area than you know ... Many people live within easy drive of attractions they never find time to visit. Related: Summer Road Trip Tips


CityGuide has an event finder feature ... You punch in the dates you're looking to do something and it shoots back a list of what's going on – from concerts and comedy shows to festivals and fireworks displays, museum attractions, sporting events ... what's happening at the local zoo ... on and on. Also on CityGuide, reviews for the best restaurants, bars, nightclubs etc., in your local area. Key tip: Pretend you're a tourist;) Related: Cast Your Vote for City's Best.

MAKE EVERY MILE COUNT - roadtripamerica.com
With gas prices sky high, every mile counts,and that has travelers going all out to make the most of their road trips. We know road trips are decreasing in distance – the ideal road trip is now less than 200 miles, according to mapmaker Ran McNally – so you want to make the most of it and catch all the attractions along the way.


Whether you're going by car, RV, motorcycle or by bike, RoadTripAmerica can help you plan a road trip close to home – they list cool places to explore by state, have suggestions on the best road food ... and one of the best places to frequent on the site are the forums or message boards ... Here, people exchange ideas, give advice on the best road trips in particular areas and offer suggestions for people who may be traveling to their local area. The "locals" always know best. Related: Virtual Vacations - GoogleSightSeeing.com

FIND THE CHEAPEST GAS - MapQuest.com
In cities across the country, going one block or one mile could save you precious pennies at the pump. As much as .30-.50 cents per gallon. If you're filling up a 20 gallon SUV once or twice a week, it adds up fast. TOTAL MONTHLY SAVINGS: Save 30 cents per gallon X 2 tanks per week = $48.


MapQuest.com's gas prices feature works by typing in an address or zip code and it returns gas stations with the lowest prices for up to a 50 mile radius. The stations appear plotted on a map. In a given area, prices can range by as much as 50 cents per gallon and are updated up to 7 times a day.

OTHER WAYS TO SAVE AT THE PUMP ...
Hypermiling.com - Hypermiling, changing your driving methods, acceleration, etc. to maximize your gas mileage.

AOL Autos Hybrids- And for those of us abandoning our SUVs or more fuel efficient car, you can also look on line for the best used hybrid vehicles.

Score the Best Concert Tickets: Summer is a great time to rock out with your favorite band, but finding great deals isn't always easy to come by. New sites allow fans to score exclusive and discounted tickets to the season's best concerts.

TRACK YOUR FAVORITE BANDS ON TOUR - TourTracker.com
Tour Tracker keeps music fans constantly updated on their favorite band or artists tours, while providing a platform to discuss everything from set lists to favorite show moments to places to meet afterwards. The free site is sponsored exclusively by American Express and offers concert goers special incentives to buy tickets, including discounts for American Express cardholders. I just purchased some Madonna tickets using American Express points. Am also hoping to get US Open Tennis tickets via American Express.

Today we're talking with Gordon Deal of the Wall Street Journal This Morning radio program which airs nationwide re: several of the web's hottest videos. These two are sensational. ENJOY!