Processing fees are hilarious

Undoubtedly everyone comes across processing fees.  I, for one, find them hilarious.  Lets take Ticket Master for example, they sell tickets to concerts, sporting events, pretty much any event that allows online ticket purchases, essentially they have a monopoly on the ticket market.  


As an example of a typical markup, a ticket to see Britney Spears in 2004 cost $56. In addition to this, Ticketmaster levied fees of $4.10 (processing charge), $3.50 (facility charge) and $9 (convenience charge), a total of $16.60, almost 30% of the ticket's original price.  I would expect a markup of that percentage at a retail store, Ralph Lauren, Landry's (our local bike shop) but an online property, where do they get the balls to charge 30%.  How much overhead could they have?


and this is why its hilarious....


I received an email today with the title below:



Dear Smith,
Congratulations! You are now registered for 2011 Ford Ironman Lake Placid!!!

5 minutes ago I hit a little button on Active.com 
"click here for something awesome"
So I did and instantly I feel like this picture then I realize I am sweating, my eyes are dilated and i am overcome with a feeling of concern that I can only explain as...what. did. I. just. do....



Fortunately the feeling of concern was only momentary due to the message at the end of the email.
---->P.S We also wanted to tell you about a Processing fee $115.00...Love, Active.com

.....Hilarious...

Today is the last Saturday until Thanksgiving I will be in Boston.  I start a 10 week event run, so I decided to make the best of it. 

10am - Whitney and I met Sam Rosenhotlz and Mike Shinall for a great 50 mile loop out to Concord Ma.  Meet Sam (pictured below)  He is a beast and will crush you with his bike.

Needless to say we were not riding easy.  Mike and I desperately tried hold off his sprints for the 8 town lines we passed and were unsuccessful in all of our attempts.

Carolyn did a great 15 miler (running) yesterday, followed by a group swim when I got home from work. 



Earl was a bust and bowling should be an Olympic sport.

So I guess its official...Ironman LP 2011 HERE WE COME!!!