Daily Deals for February 24 2014, featuring Painter X3

<Promo Codesp>It's time to save some of that hard-earned cash with our Daily Deals, featuring exclusive TUAW Deals, a handy list from Dealnews and our own handpicked iOS and OS X selections.

TUAW's Daily Deals

Become A Digital Artist With Painter X3 [On sale for $299, down from $429]

A complete art studio at your fingertips!

Whether you're an illustrator, concept artist, traditional artist, professional photographer, or designer, Corel® Painter® X3 will give you all the tools you need to unlock new artistic possibilities.

With hundreds of customizable brushes, paper textures and wet and dry media that look and feel just like the real thing, Painter replicates real-world art supplies more realistically than any other paint program on the market.

Plus, new features and Photoshop compatibility makes it easy for artists of all skill levels to learn and use Painter.

Save 30% on Become A Digital Artist With Painter X3 at TUAW Deals.

Griffin 3.5mm Auxiliary Audio Cable [On sale for $6.99, down from $25]

Ramp up your road trip playlist or DJ a spectacular house party with this essential cable, which connects any audio device to your speaker system of choice - car, home speaker system or portable boom box. This cord gives you the versatility for any situation!/p>

Save 72% on Griffin 3.5mm Auxiliary Audio Cable at TUAW Deals.

Deals from Dealnews

• StackSocial: [Mac Software] Name Your Own Price 8-Course Learn To Code Bundle for $10
• Other World Computing: [Computer Accessories] OWC Garage Sale: Deals from 50 cents on RAM, accessories, computers, more
• REI: [Laptop Carrying Case] The North Face Crevasse Laptop and Tablet Pack for $59 + free shipping
• ExperCom: [Mac Pro] Apple Mac Pro Xeon Quad w/ 28" 3840x2160 4K LED LCD for $3,442 + $17 s&h
• Monoprice.com: [Laptop Accessories] Foldable Laptop Stand for DJs for $25 + $9 s&h (updated)
• 1Sale.com: [iPad Accessories] Refurbished Logitech Keyboard with Cover for iPad for $19 + free shipping
• VM Innovations: [Headphones] VM Innovation, Sennheiser Headphones from $13 + free shipping
• StackSocial: [iPhone Cases] TaskOne Multi-Tool iPhone 5/5s Case for $65 + free shipping
• Best Buy: [Watches] MetaWatch STRATA Watch for iPhone 4S / 5 or Android for $90 + free shipping
• eBay: [Networking Cables] 50-Foot CAT5e Ethernet Cable for $4 + free shipping
• eBay: [Microphones] K700 Condenser Microphone for $46 + free shipping
• MegaMacs: [iMac] Refurbished Apple iMac Ivy i5 Quad 27" Desktop for $1,100 + $34 s&h

iOS Software Discounts

OS X Software Discounts

Note: All prices are USD and subject to change. Some deals may expire quickly. TUAW is not responsible for third-party deals and cannot guarantee availability or quality of any particular product at a specific price.

Know Which Online Retailers Offer Coupons Via Live Chat

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Can't find a coupon code anywhere? With the growing "live chat" customer service trend, many operators are trained to hand out Price Compare to polite shoppers that simply ask. I did the research and found a dozen of the most popular retailers that'll hand out a code via live chat to shoppers who play their cards right.

This post originally appeared on Rather Be Shopping.

Here is what I discovered (in alphabetical order):

Bass Pro Shops

One popular online store that readily hands out coupons via live chat is BassProShops.com, which is a huge shopping destination for hunters, fishermen, and outdoors-men. If you can't find a coupon the traditional way, be sure to pull up a live chat session and politely see if they have a coupon code up their sleeves. A few tips:

• Always be polite and courteous when asking for a coupon since your words are all you have when trying to score an online discount.
• [Customer service agent] Debi immediately hooked me up with a coupon code good for free shipping on my entire order. This coupon did exclude boats, but luckily I'm not in the market for a new boat!
• If live chat fails to bring you a coupon at Bass Pro Shops make sure to check out their Facebook page as they have currently have a couple coupons posted on their wall.

Birthday Express and Celebrate Express

If you're in the planning mode for your child's next birthday party or any other big shindig, be sure to hit up a live chat operator for a coupon at Celebrate Express.com or Birthday Express.com. Here's the skinny:

• Both websites use the same coupon codes so you can start the live chat feature from either site and the codes will work on both.
• Leslie hooked me up immediately with a coupon code good for 15% off your $75+ regular-priced merchandise total. Not a great coupon but certainly handy for larger purchases.

Dress Barn

For those who love to shop for bargains at DressBarn.com you're going to want to get well acquainted with their live chat feature. Here are a few tips:

• I got the impression that my operator, Laurel, had a big list of coupon codes at her disposal. I say this because she said "Try PRES14″ as if she had other codes up her sleeve if for some reason it didn't work.
• So if you're buying more than one item, or any sale items, ask the Dress Barn operator for a coupon that better fits your online order. I think you'll be happily surprised with the results.

Eastbay

For those of you not familiar with Eastbay.com, they sell athletic footwear, apparel, and training equipment. They are known for their amazing selection but tend to also be on the expensive side so you'll always want to shop with an Eastbay coupon code. Here is how I scored one from live chat:

• I was having trouble viewing their website and asked my operator, Dan, if they had any current coupons. He told me they did and it was viewable during step four of the checkout process.
• I told him I couldn't see it on the website and he was able to tell me the coupon code needed to collect 20% off.
• This is a good strategy for any website you're having trouble using as many retailers will give you a coupon for your inconvenience.

Footlocker

I can only assume that the Foot Locker live chat operators are sitting at their desk wearing a stripped ref shirt with a whistle around their neck.

• My Foot Locker live chat buddy, Aaron, hooked me up with a free shipping on $75 or more coupon code. Not great, but if you shop regularly at Foot Locker you already know that most of their shoes are priced above $75.
• I tried to get something better out of Aaron, like 20% off, but he did not have another coupon for me. He said that later in the month he'd have a 20% off coupon, but nothing right now.
• I asked him if better Footlocker coupons typically come out later in the month and he confirmed this to be true.

Home Depot

Next, I hit up Jen via live chat at The Home Depot.com and asked her for a coupon code. She was unable to provide one but she did offer a pretty cool service that is worth sharing.

• I told her I was doing a kitchen remodel and looking for a coupon for a new dishwasher. The washer was already on sale for close to 25% off and no additional savings were available but she was incredibly familiar with the washer and was able to answer all my questions. Very handy if you are doing a big remodel and have a bunch of questions.
• Jen was by far the most helpful live chat operator I have ever talked to in terms of product knowledge. Well done Home Depot.

J.Jill

I was really impressed with the live chat operator at J.Jill.com, who ironically was also named Jill. I wonder if they only hire gals named Jill? But anyways, she really went beyond the call of duty.

• First, Jill hooked me up with a free shipping coupon and then she dropped the 411 on where to find the best deals. She told me J.Jill was offering their entire "Sale and Outlet" section for an additional 30% off for a limited time. No code needed.
• I love when live chat operators tell me where they most savings can be found on that particular day.
• Also be sure to follow J.Jill on Twitter as they are known for dropping exclusive coupons on their feed on a weekly basis.

L.L.Bean

L.L.Bean is known for their quality clothing and outstanding customer service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee. These days they always offer free shipping on your purchase but rarely have other coupons. Your chances increase greatly if you use their live chat feature as they want you to finalize your purchase today. Here's the best strategy:

• Be polite, maybe even compliment them on how happy you have been with prior L.L.Bean purchases. In other words, butter them up a little then ask for a coupon to help you save a little money today.
• I was able to get a 10% off coupon code to apply to my purchase. Not huge savings, but well worth the few minutes it took to get my discount.

Lands' End

There is little doubt the live chat feature at Lands' End will pay off for you in one way or another. Here is the direct link to a Lands' End live chat operator. Here is your best strategy for savings:

• By being polite and direct I was able to score an online coupon for 30% off all merchandise with free shipping on $50 or more.
• Lori, my live chat operator, was very receptive to helping me save some money and she had excellent knowledge of Lands' End sizing and styles which was a very nice bonus.
• If you can't find a Lands' End coupon always open up a live chat session and politely ask for one. Chance of success: 95% at the very least.

Office Depot

I opened up an Office Depot live chat session I was not very confident that I would get a coupon code as they can be pretty tight about handing them out. But my buddy Bobbi delivered the goods. Here is your best strategy:

• I simply asked for a $10 off $50 or more coupon and was given it right out of the box, next time I will amp it up and ask for a 20% off coupon. I got nothing to lose.
• Also, it is worth noting that over the years I have received tips that the Office Depot Facebook page is also a great resource to score a coupon when 'Live Chat' doesn't deliver the goods.

Shutterfly

I was really impressed with the customer service Shutterfly.com live chat employee "Sweety" gave me. Here is how it went down:

• After I asked her if she had any coupons I could use, she asked me to make sure my order was in my virtual shopping cart so she could take a look at it and find the best coupon for me. Pretty cool.
• After I placed my photo-book in my cart, she took a look at it and came back with the very generous offer of a $10 credit on my photo-book on top of the 25% off site-wide offer Shutterfly was already offering.
• Tip: Make sure you add the maximum number of stuff you want to order in your cart, open a live chat session and start negotiating the best coupon you can get.

Snapfish

For those of you not familiar with Snapfish, similar to Shutterfly, they specialize in taking your photos and turning them into amazing prints, gifts, and cool books and calendars. Your order total can add up pretty quickly so be sure to hit up the Snapfish live chat feature and ask for a coupon code.

• I simply asked for a coupon code, nothing specific, and my buddy "Shashank" hooked me up with a 30% off coupon. I couldn't help but think of Morgan Freeman as I collected my savings.
• They typically allow you to stack coupons so feel free to politely ask for a free shipping coupon as well. They often have a free shipping coupon on $25 or more.

Have you had any success scoring a coupon code at other online retailers using their live chat feature? Let us know in the discussion below.

Ask For a Coupon | Rather Be Shopping

Kyle James is the founder of Rather Be Shopping, a website updated daily with the best online coupon codes, printable coupons, and bargains that we can find to all your favorite online stores.

Editorial: Make sure taxpayers get the best deal for prison plan

The Republican majority of the Utah House - including many members who make all or part of their living by buying, selling and developing real estate - really wants to move the state prison off all that yummy land in Draper and turn it over to the private sector. Really, really.

The good news is that they want the prison site so badly that they are at least promising to give the people of Utah something very valuable indeed in return. And that is not just a shiny new prison, which will probably sit somewhere to the west of the Wasatch Front, but what sounds like a comprehensive reform of the whole Utah correctional system.

That's the Discount deal the taxpayers are likely to get. But we should make sure to hold our brokers, er, representatives accountable for following through on their offer.

The House Republican caucus gave its blessing Thursday to House Joint Resolution 19. That's the measure that ratifies the conclusions of the state's Prison Relocation and Development Authority - the initials of which are also the brand name of a very expensive purse - in finding that the prison that sits on some 700 acres near the Point of the Mountain should find a new location and the current site be turned over to the market forces that have already transformed the area into a sea of bricks, glass and concrete.

The vision, of course, is that the land will go back on the local tax rolls and create a boon in economic activity.

The dark side of that view, of course, is that we might think we are just moving a storage yard. But we're moving a prison, with custody of a few thousand souls who must not simply be housed and fed, but treated, educated and prepared for a re-entry into society with, hopefully, the skills they will need to survive inside the law.

That requires more than even the newest bricks, beds and security cameras. It requires programs, experts, volunteers, medical care and a minimum of separation from families and other support systems that are always crucial in helping inmates make it on the outside.

The good news is that HJR19 makes careful and explicit note of all that. It sets out that the planning for a new prison include consideration of all those factors, including that every effort should be made to reduce, or at least slow the growth, of the number of people Utah incarcerates.

That, plus a demand that the sale and development process for both the new prison and the old site be as transparent as possible, could still make this a good idea.

But the people of Utah need to stand guard to make sure that happens.

New V2 Cigs Coupon Codes Released During the Largest Sale of the Year

LOS ANGELES, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 01/30/14 -- ECigBuzz, known primarily for providing trustworthy e-cig reviews online, has released exclusive V2 Cigs coupon codes during a one day sales event. V2 eCigs has teamed up with leading review website ECigBuzz to offer the biggest discount on their products available anywhere online. Shoppers looking to save 65% can use the Amazon Deal Online "ECIGBUZZ15" and for 40% discount on flavor cartridges use "ECIGBUZZ10" until the 30th of January, and it even works in combination with any official promotions.

The new V2 coupons can be viewed here: http://www.ecigbuzz.com/coupons/v2-cigs-promo-code/

V2 Cigs has been awarded the number one position among the popular e-cigarette brands reviewed by ECigBuzz. The company has succeeded in maintaining its slot in the top 10 list, which is a clear proof of its manufacturing quality that manages to counter competition from its fellow brands, relentlessly. V2 has a robust standing in terms of reputation. ECigBuzz helps consumers in making the right choices by offering objective assessments of the pros and cons of each e-cigarette brand through its regular reviews.

Speaking about the innovative V2 eCigs, a company spokesperson commented, "The V2 Cigs electronic cigarette is a revolutionary alternative to traditional cigarettes. V2 electronic cigarettes offer an authentic smoking experience without the smoke, ash and odor produced by tobacco cigarettes."

The first V2 Cigs coupon code is ECIGBUZZ15, which provides a 65% discount on starter kits. So, if a user is making a switch from the traditional cigarette, this could be a great way to save as much as possible on kit purchases. The V2 Cigs promo code for the second offer is ECIGBUZZ10, which provides for a stellar 40% discount on flavor cartridge purchases. For both offers, the discount codes need to be entered at checkout and the savings are then deducted from the total purchase amount.

For smokers who have already switched to e-cigarettes, these V2 coupons hold the promise of comprehensive savings on one of the most coveted e-cig brands. And for those who are still contemplating a switch, this could prove to be an opportunity like no other.

About ECigBuzz:

ECigBuzz is an online e-cig review, news, and opinion site.

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Published January 30, 2014 – Reads 175
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Syndicated stories and blog feeds, all rights reserved by the author.

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Promo Code for Motley Crue Tickets: Customers of QueenBeeTickets.com are Enjoying Deep Savings on Motley Crue Tickets for Sale by Using a Promotional Code

GERMANTOWN, Wis., Jan. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- A Coupon Code for Motley Crue tickets can be found at QueenBeeTickets.com, enabling customers to obtain seats for the group's "Final Tour" at very reasonable prices. The musicians have come to the decision to retire, and hard rock music fans will be eagerly seeking Motley Crue tickets for sale.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140131/MN55000)

The members of the group have signed a contract claiming that they are breaking up and will tour one last time. Each musician has plans that he will put into action once the tour has wrapped up. In the meantime, music fans can find Motley Crue tickets for sale that will give them one last chance to catch a live performance. This is an opportunity that should not be passed up, especially when a promo code for Motley Crue tickets will bring the price of seats down even lower.

Shows in the United States and Canada will take the performers through North America from the 2nd of July until the 21st of November. Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver are on the tour schedule for Canadian fans who are interested in attending a final show. U.S. residents in a number of locations from coast to coast will also have the same chance to obtain tickets for an upcoming event.

Throughout the band's 33 years in the music industry, the group has released nine albums with over 100 million copies selling around the globe. Since the musicians have developed a huge following of devotees who have enjoyed their music over the years, tickets may sell out quite rapidly for final events. When the road trip concludes, the band will no longer tour as a group, and each member will go his own way, executing whatever plans he has in mind.

QueenBeeTickets.com has many Motley Crue tickets for sale that customers will want to obtain. To take advantage of lower prices, patrons can use a promo code for Motley Crue tickets that will bring about instant savings.

Media Contact: Andrea Pedersen, QueenBeeTickets.com, 262-422-9800, sales@queenbeetickets.com

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

SOURCE QueenBeeTickets.com

Published January 31, 2014 – Reads 130
Copyright © 2014 SYS-CON Media, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
Syndicated stories and blog feeds, all rights reserved by the author.

Our Turn: No plans to kick the planning habit

Milestone birthdays matter. At least, in the world according to Pinterest, some parents and myself.

Guilty of whipping out the paper cutter more often than necessary, I've been known to design invites to parties of three, so imagine my enthusiasm as my husband's birthday nears.

Whether it's the result of my history in the hospitality business or the remnants of my third-grade passion to become "an artist," when I hear the word milestone, I immediately start planning a menu or choosing a location.

Unfortunately, when my husband hears "milestone" he thinks about mortality, death and the disappearance of his wife, who can be found either in the craft room or discreetly using up all the printer ink.

Each year I assume "no surprises" and "no big crowds" — knowing my better half would always choose intimate and small to a lavish celebration.

But in spite of his lower-than-average expectations, I still wake up at 3 a.m. with the perfect "small meets big" celebration idea only to forget it by 8. I rally friends who will never be included for ideas, ask restaurants for their availability without confirming reservations and likely hassle my mother-in-law with incessant emails.

Consumed with planning, he can see determination on my face as the day nears. I'm no longer listening, but instead heating up my hot glue gun and trying to book a theater in which he can watch his birthday "video card."

If "gift-giving-anxiety" is a thing, I have it. I thrive on the successful gifts so much that every birthday is outdone the next year. A trip to the beach turns into a weekend away, lunch includes a show and likely a hotel stay afterward. Dinner is a three-course meal paired with the perfect brew and ended with a three-tier cake.

Regardless of the year we're celebrating, the outcome is never that small, so the awareness that "this birthday matters more than most" causes an all-new pressure for planners like me, whose calendars are marked with more exclamation points than numbers.

And so imagine my surprise, and eventual satisfaction, when my mortality-obsessed husband came clean about my non-surprise plans for 14 people.

Too much, too many.

"Guest of honor" is a cardstock crown my man never plans to wear.

No sooner had he confessed before my early morning wake-up calls ceased. No longer stressed by concerns about my checking account or whom I may have left out, instead plans for possible chinese chinese new year cards food were made, friends were alerted via email, and my husband's face began to show less concern and more acceptance, with what might even be a hint of enthusiasm.

But, while I quieted his Aquarian concern and we reached a Gemini-friendly compromise, one twin agreed while the other secretly wondered if I would still have time for paper invitations, now that we had finally come to an understanding on the nature of the celebration.

Surely, a follow-up to the email request is called for; after all, this is a milestone birthday.

Just two. Two, real paper invitations, hand-written addresses. A keepsake, for my sake, not his.

Amazon denies reports it is in early stages of streaming pay TV service

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Amazon would not be not the only service attempting to chip away at the monopolies cable companies have on distribution.Simon Dawson/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Amazon has denied a report that it plans to roll out a pay TV streaming service that will feature live programming from several media companies, according to USA Today.

The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that Amazon had approached at least three media companies, citing people familiar with the matter.

Amazon now offers on-demand TV shows and movies free to customers who are members of its premium shipping service, Prime. A move toward such online streaming would add live television channels to the on-demand video service and come as a challenge to cable- and satellite-television service providers.

If the service did come into fruition, the world's largest online retailer would join the ranks of several other companies trying to own the living room with TV programming piped through the Internet. Intel attempted a similar move, though it scrapped its ambitions and sold its project to Verizon on Tuesday for an undisclosed sum.

The venture would also add to the growing number of services popping up that are eating away at the profit margins of legacy distribution companies like Comcast and Time Warner.

Television giants tend to be reluctant to make distribution deals that might upset long-standing partners whose fees and payments have fueled industry growth.

Companies like Netflix and Hulu have seen their customer base grow by 4 percent in the past two years, while TV subscriptions have dropped 6 percent, according to research from the NPD Group. Google's YouTube and Microsoft are also working to step up their streaming-video program services.

It's not just cable companies that have their backs against the wall. The four big broadcast companies have waged an all-out war on the streaming service Aereo, which uses digital "antennas" to broadcast local TV channels without paying the companies the traditional lucrative retransmission fee.

Aereo's customers, instead of paying cable companies a sizable monthly fee, pay the service as little as $8 a month for access to local channels and a collection of syndicated programs, movies and children's programming. The company also offers limited Spanish-language channels.

The Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether Aereo has the right to operate without paying the broadcasters. So far, lower courts have sided with Aereo.

Verizon, meanwhile, announced on Tuesday that it is buying Intel Media for an undisclosed price. The chip-making giant intended to deliver movies and TV programming to customers via the Internet cloud, but the project never got off the ground.

Verizon said the acquisition "will accelerate the availability of next-generation video services" delivered to devices, including mobile phones and tablets.

The deal includes intellectual property rights and other assets for Intel's OnCue Cloud TV platform. Verizon will also offer to keep the 350-person Intel unit, which will continue to be based in Santa Clara, Calif.

Al Jazeera and Reuters

Cable companies have struggled to keep their subscriber base in recent years, as more people opt out over costly cable bills, poor customer service and subscriber-fee disputes between the distributors and media companies - like the recent feud between Time Warner and CBS - that leave millions of customers without access to channels they have paid to receive.