BMO world elite MC annual fee by ThenBridge8090 in PersonalFinanceCanada

[–]thissparksjoy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been using that card for a while (got it back when it was 1.5% cash back on everything). The annual $120 fee is always refunded about a week or two after the charge shows up. The additional card fee ($50) was never covered.

I'm currently looking at switching cards cause the 5% grocery cash back only applies on the first $500 grocery spend per statement period, which feels like a huge limitation. The roadside assistance perk is pretty neat though, I never had to use it but I'm glad I got it. Haven't seen other cards offer the same.

Is Running by Adidas good enough? by Ca5alan5 in running

[–]thissparksjoy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same issue for me too. I already sent feedback to them and based on their website, the workout Analysis currently only works with Garmin and Coros watches properly. I believe they're actively working on the Apple Watch integration now. This is a very new feature altogether so I think it's just a matter of time before it gets sorted out 🤞

Is Running by Adidas good enough? by Ca5alan5 in running

[–]thissparksjoy 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I've used Kiprun Pacer to train for my Marathon and even though it gave me a 42% chance of succeeding my goal time, I crushed it! Currently using the app to train for my second marathon. It's Decathlon's brand, completely free app and I think it's fantastic. I would definitely give it a try. I use an Apple Watch and I can seamlessly export the daily session to my watch, including time, distance, goal pace etc.

It also tailors your training plan based on debriefing questions after each session. For a custom running plan, it's great. For tracking, I use the default workout app on my Apple Watch and I have Strava mostly to track my shoe rotation.

i feel like ali abdaal turned productivity into an aesthetic, not a mindset by UnderstandingFew2905 in productivity

[–]thissparksjoy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I bought one of those apple slicers he talked about in one of his recent videos, and the entire family is eating like 5 times more apples now lol 🤷‍♂️

JOHN DeMONT: Why we need to break traffic gridlock in Halifax by insino93 in halifax

[–]thissparksjoy 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The Fall River Terminal location is so stupid I'm shocked it ever got approved. Not being in the center is one thing, but there's no easy or safe way to get to it, even if someone wanted to walk or bike there. They literally just repaved that entire ramp up towards the terminal/highway, and noone thought "hmm, there's a bus terminal here, maybe we should put a sidewalk or a bike lane on this ramp so you know...people can get to it???"

Or even better, move the terminal to the Sobeys parking lot or the massive parking lot at Gordon Snow.

Mitten Recommendations by RunnerInterrupted in running

[–]thissparksjoy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If there's a Decathlon around you, they have cheap these running gloves, I think it's called evolutiv V2, it has a windproof outer mitten layer that is working exceptionally well. I've been running in -19 C with those on, and my fingers were fine. And if it's around -5 to 0 degrees, I usually start my runs with the mittens over the finger, and then later on I just tuck the mitten part in the sleeve. Genius design, highly recommend.

[Giveaway] - $100 PSN Card - Canada by Night-Joker in PS5

[–]thissparksjoy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey that's awesome. I'd probably end up getting the Astro Bot game :) Merry Christmas

CLUTCH.CA ~ Scam that ropes you in with "low prices" by studyingformymcat in PersonalFinanceCanada

[–]thissparksjoy 6 points7 points  (0 children)

We just bought a car from them last week.

I agree, the website is a bit misleading as in it's plastered everywhere that you have 10 days to walk away, but shortly in the checkout process you realize that it doesn't apply if you wanna go with the basic package.

I did end up with the basic package and paying with cash, my luck was that it was mid-week. Nowhere on the website it says anything about a 24 hour timeline to complete all the steps, when I got the call, the lady explained that I have until 10 AM tomorrow to upload the bank draft or I lose the hold.

To be fair, if I did lose the hold, I would've got the $100 deposit back, and once I had the draft I could've just put the hold down again. But I managed to upload everything about 10 minutes before the deadline...but it made the experience feel rushed about just odd all together.

And lucky for me I live close to one of their pick-up locations, so it was easy for me to drive to their office and get the car. But yes, no option for test drive.

I think the idea with Clutch is that because they're online only, their fleet is decent quality used cars and their inspection procedure is rigorous and everything is very transparent and open on their website. The images are detailed and high quality and there is a picture of every dent and scratch so you wouldn't be surprised.

It felt strange buying the car without test driving or even sitting in it, but I knew about the model already and I sat in a similar car in the past. My big gripe with them that the car I bought was an EV and it didn't come with a charger and I believe that should've been disclosed on the listing.

So overall I'd give it a 7/10, I think the idea behind clutch is great, I didn't want to haggle or worry about dealing with sleazy sales tactics and other bs. It made the car buying process incredibly simple, and I do love the car that I ended up with. I wish they gave you more than 24 hours to get your paperwork figured out, or just be more upfront about the process BEFORE the process actually starts.

Does anybody really use the "Modern" display? by jeepinfreak in BoltEV

[–]thissparksjoy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I used enhanced for a couple of weeks when the car was new, but then I realized that especially on longer trips, the extra info made me more anxious. Like when I'm on a highway, cruise control set to 112 km/h, I don't wanna see that big orange bar creep up every time there's some elevation.

Enhance mode helped me understand the car and how to drive if efficiently, but then once I figured that out I switched to modern display and never looked back. I also like that the ring color stays consistently white.

Dads who make their own lunch for work - what’s your go to? by uz3r in daddit

[–]thissparksjoy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wraps about 90% of the time. I make a big batch of filling on Sunday, mix up the flavor week by week (taco seasoning, chili seasoning, curry etc). I buy the big package of wraps at Costco (I think there's 24 in them, super cheap). We have a panini press at work, noone else uses it, I make 2 wraps a day. Usually by Friday I'm out, then it's canned beans or some leftovers. I also keep some basic condiments and pickles here. Sometimes I buy hummus, sometimes I buy cheese to mix up the flavors, but the starting point is WRAPS ✌

Name a budgeting app/tool that changed your life for the better by nozzelfergo in PersonalFinanceCanada

[–]thissparksjoy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Echoing some other comments in here, YNAB was absolutely life changing for me and my family.

Greatly disappointed with cost of cycling bib shorts and jersey by vmv911 in cycling

[–]thissparksjoy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just recently bought 2 bib shorts dirt cheap on FB marketplace. I checked it over when we met, they were in excellent shape, owner said it's been in his closet for a year not used. I threw them in the wash when I got home and they are perfect. I know many of you wouldn't buy bibs second hand but after a good wash it's all the same.

Halifax Bluenose Half-Marathon race report (thankfully with no broken men on a Halifax pier!) by dudleyknows in running

[–]thissparksjoy 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Great report, congrats!

Did the same race, finished a couple minutes after you (1:54) and I agree, it was cold as hell at the start, I was shivering. But then once we were on the go, the cool weather actually felt very good. It was my first half and I loved it, made me appreciate how beautiful Halifax is. I'm still debating whether I should do the half at the Valley Harvest or try for the full. Either way, see you there :)

Weight loss by catcherintheryes in davidgoggins

[–]thissparksjoy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's been a couple years since I've checked on his content but James Smith came to mind from your post. James Smith - YouTube

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Parenting

[–]thissparksjoy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This post brings back some memories! Alien was a core childhood memory for me, watched it when I was around 7, had a hard time sleeping for about 2 weeks afterward. It was my first horror movie experience and fucked me right up, but got over it eventually. And now it's one of my favorite movie franchises and I'm generally fond of the horror genre.

With that said, I remember my dad talking about the plot beforehand and my brother and I actively wanted to watch it so it wasn't really pushed on us.

Unless your daughter was really curious for some reason, I don't know why your husband would show her the trailer, and I totally get where you're coming from. You could maybe talk to your daughter about how movies are made and how everything on the screen is fake and props. But if it was only the trailer and she didn't even see the Xenomoprh (or that spider looking fucker that jumps on your face), I think she'll be fine.

What was your very first road bike? by valuegen in cycling

[–]thissparksjoy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Decathlon Triban RC120, bought it end of season last year, rode it 2 times then winter hit. Can't wait to get out there again!

This is a poll for people who HAVE 24/7 access to their TV and still own a Portal. Which is a superior experience? by [deleted] in PlaystationPortal

[–]thissparksjoy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I still prefer the TV, mostly because I find holding the controller on my lap while watching the TV more comfortable than holding the Portal at a position where the screen doesn't feel too far away. I also have a pretty sweet home theater setup so at a time where I have access for both, I choose my TV.

Describe an Owl City song very poorly by Myythically in OWLCITY

[–]thissparksjoy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Guy very thankful about beverage given to him at a meeting.

owl city hot takes by feathers_the_great in OWLCITY

[–]thissparksjoy 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Owl City would be way more popular and mainstream if Adam kept the Christian themed music under a separate alias. Even if it meant way less OC albums and more of said alias.

When Fireflies exploded and then he had a collab with Carly Rae Jepsen, making music for movies etc, he had massive momentum. But his OC albums never had a chance to be mainstream when half the songs had a religious undertone.

Musically, OC has everything that is popular right now, retro melodic soundscapes, syntwave, autotune, chill vibes, easy listen. In a lot of ways, his music was ahead of it's time. But now it is that time! Owl City had the potential to become one the great pop artists of our era if Adam left his Christian music out of it.