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Stop patent trolling, boycott Marshall!

December 21st, 2010

marshall texas patent attorneysStop patent trolling, boycott Marshall! That’s right, don’t go to see the Christmas lights or visit the Fire Ant festival this year. I mean, people like Sheryl Crowe do it right? Remember, she was the one to tell us how she only uses two squares of toilet paper per sit down in order to save the trees.

Or what about the freedom fry idea? Oh you remember, when France questioned our invasion of Iraq, we decided to boycott using “French” as a label for something. So, if we are to stop the unethical business performed by “patent trolls” we should boycott Marshall, because, well, they are the reason for it, right?

Well, before you cancel that yearly trip to check out the lights, let’s think about it a little more. The increase of patent infringement cases that has taken place in Marshall has been a little… disturbing, but the practice by patent trolls of utilizing bought patents to sue for patent infringement long before the good citizens of Marshall were found to be favorable to these types of cases.

The increase of cases in Marshall has taken place the past 5 to 6 years, the termology and practice of patent trolls can be traced back to 1993. No, to blame Marshall and the people that serve on the juries of these cases is like blaming the rich guy for having a nice car to be stolen.

Bad people do bad things because they are bad, not because they are tempted into it by ideal circumstances. So, sorry Cheryl, we will have to save the boycotting idea for something else.

Sam’s Club in Tyler

January 19th, 2010

Sams Club
2025 SW Loop 323 Tyler
903 526 0958

Ok so there are only five of us in our house but I still LOVE my Sams club membership. So do countless others who don’t own businesses – I’ve even noticed a very large contingent of people my grandparent’s age who love a visit there each week. So when you have to pay an annual fee to shop there (about $40) what is the attraction?

Well, I’ll make my way around the store. Firstly – the automotive section. I recently had a great deal on 4 Michelin tires and got $70 off for buying a set.

Then there is the photoshop. Digital prints and gifts can be uploaded on line and picked up at your next visit, saving on shipping. There is also a range of cameras and accessories.

Sams is worth checking out for large purchase home items like TVs, appliances (washing machines etc) and electronics. Their prices are competitive. Office and catering equipment are equally good value. Sams stocks a few items of furniture (more is available online) which is always solid and made to last. We have found that mattresses and bedding are a good buy here too. They have seasonal items like patio furnishings, yard equipment and even swimming pools.

Sams also has office consumables, cleaning equipment and catering supplies. I buy printer paper, diapers for the baby and toilet paper to last a few months. Oh and cat food!

I love looking at the clothes at Sams. Big minus for me is that there is nowhere to try on clothes so you have to take a risk and return items if they are not right. However they do have great brands at very low prices. A hint – if you see something you like, buy it. There is quite a fast turnover of products and the same stock won’t be there next time you go. I have Calvin Klein pants, Levi jeans and Esprit tops that I bought at a fraction of the usual retail price. There is a good range of sportswear and equipment too.
You can buy books, CDs, DVDs and video games at Sams, plus magazines at reduced rates. They have a small range of great toys. They also have a florist. A friend of mine will only buy flowers from Sams for weddings as she says they have the best variety and are always super fresh.

Onto groceries. Sams stocks the better quality brands of products plus their own Members Mark which is good value. Obviously, they are in catering sized packages which may not suit everyone. The produce section is a draw for me – I love their fruit and veg. They also have the cheapest milk and dairy products in town. Their fresh pizzas, rotisserie chickens and cheesecakes are heavenly. They also stock gourmet items and a good variety of cheeses and meats. The catering packs of chicken breasts and burgers are great for familes.

Finally, I am told that some people go to Sams just for the pharmacy and health food supplements. There are also good deals on toiletries.

I have suggested many a reason to go to Sams. There is one other. You can have lunch at Sams. I don’t just mean in their cafe where you can buy pizza slices, hotdogs, sundaes and drinks – I mean you can snack as you go round the store. Yes, Sams is big on free samples! Especially handy if you need to keep kids quiet as you shop, there are lots of things to try with no pressure to purchase. It is the only supermarket that my kids love to go to with me!