The Curmudgeon Speaks

The Curmudgeon dipped a toe into the 21st century this week. I bought a Kindle 3G.

Comcast has just jacked up their cable TV rates here in Marin, for the umpteenth time. Because of rate increases and a promotion expiration, my bill went up 15%! So why not save some money on their high-speed internet service?

Critics of morally bankrupt fiscal behavior are wasting their time sniping at Goldman Sachs.

For truly scuzzy manipulation, look no further than the State of California.

Our local boater's supply store, West Marine in Sausalito, always used to support our small, all-volunteer yacht club. When we held our annual salmon derby (back when there were salmon), they always contributed one of the prizes. They knew us and took care of us.

Well, all that's changed.

Turbo Tax takes an astounding amount of tax preparation drudgery off your shoulders.

Too bad it's so eager to take an unnecessary $30 out of your pocket that it misrepresents its features.

The Curmudgeon has two gripes today against CVS stores. For one thing, they attack when I'm weakest - before my morning coffee.

Remember the old days, when treasured photographic memories sat in photo albums that gathered dust, and you never looked at them?

Today's digital photos are easier than ever to take. Yet so many of them languish as piles of JPEGs on hard drives.

But it doesn't have to be that way. Here are some ways you can enjoy your memories every day - including a hot bargain!

Looking for a pocketable camera this holiday season? Your timing is perfect, and I've got a great deal to recommend. (Updated March 19, 2010)

As the "Friendly Skies" become increasingly unfriendly, frequent fliers need every break we can get.

Ask me anything about my purchases, expenses, or finances over the past 20 years. I've got the answer. That's why I'm a big fan of Quicken.