Links To Pass The Time
Here’s a list of a few resources for free music, audiobooks, ebooks, etc:
- Archive.org – Free Books, Movies, Software and Music
- Arte Concerts – Live performances, weekdays at noon (eastern)
- Avery – Free Printing Templates – Design & Print Online
- Bensound.com – Royalty-Free Music
- CBC Kids – Games for kids
- The Free Music Archive – Royalty-Free Music
- Facebook – Free music and live performances
- CBC Gem – Free television programs, film, news and documentaries
- Google Play – Free Apps
- Hoopla Digital – Rent Books, Films and Music via your Public Library for Free
- ici.Tout.tv – Free On-Demand Television and Film in French
- iTunes podcasts – Free podcasts
- Jack Box Games – Multiple player party games
- Jamendo Music – Free music streams and downloads
- Librivox – Free Public Domain Audiobooks
- Loyalbooks – Free Public Domain eBooks and Audiobooks
- Musopen.org – Royalty Free Music and Sheet Music
- Music Together – Live performances brought to you by Ontario Live
- National Film Board of Canada – Various short films, documentaries and animation
- Ontario Feeder Cam – Watch birds live or on replay. Relaxing.
- Open Culture – Free films, Audiobooks, eBooks, Textbooks & more
- Overdrive – Rent Books, Films and Music via your Public Library for Free
- Plex TV – Free movies
- Project Gutenberg – Free e-books
- Soundcloud – Free music and podcasts
- Spotify – Free music via app
- Tubi TV – Free ad-supported Movies and Television Programs
- TVO – Documentaries and current affairs programs
- TVO Kids – Educational programing and games for kids
- Youtube – Free music and live performances
- Vimeo – Music videos, documentaries and short films
- WWE – Free access to Wrestling archives
Free previews are also available to new customers from Netflix, Disney+ and other streaming services. And I may add additional links in the next few days.
Enjoy. And be safe.
Loyalty Program Update and Tips
Air Miles has decided to cancel their plans to expire points that are five years old. And although that news is good, members may now need to keep an eye on the amounts they need to redeem for rewards.
Apparently the company that owns and operates Air Miles, LoyaltyOne, has stated in a document for stockholders (Form 8-K – Alliance Data dated December 1st, 2016) that they may adjust these amounts :
“LoyaltyOne will adjust the value proposition to collectors to offset the lost economics resulting from a reduction in the breakage rate estimate and to maintain, as closely as possible, the economics of the AIR MILES reward program prior to cancellation of the expiry policy“.
I like Air Miles and will continue to collect them. But unfortunately I can’t use them to pay for music downloads anymore and have been using up my miles on groceries, theatre tickets and gas.
They do offer turntables, headphones, speakers and other electronics to members that collect Dream Rewards. But I chose the Cash Rewards program because it’s more convenient for me. And if ever I want a reward offered on the other program, I can simply take the money I would have spent on my groceries, theatre tickets, gas, etcetera and save it to purchase the reward elsewhere.
From time to time gift cards are discounted at grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations, so you could always buy those with your savings instead and save more.
With a bit of research you can find better deals, especially at this time of the year. And nothing stops you from using cash back rewards programs like eBates.ca and cash back credit cards to save more.
In regards to cash back credit cards and purchases made on credit cards via the rewards programs, it is always more advantageous to pay those amounts in full, before their high interest starts gobbling up your savings.
If you are able to pay these in full, you can always maximize your returns by using a cash back credit card on your eBates.ca purchases. And there are also bonus points offers out there.
For example, Air Miles collectors can purchase gift cards at participating Shell gas store locations can get up to 50 Miles by purchasing them in five separate visits this month (click here for details). These cards can then be used on purchases either for bonus Air Miles (via airmilesshops.ca) or a cash rebate from eBates.ca.
Unfortunately neither Netflix or iTunes is on eBates.ca but you may want to also take advantage of several offers on gift cards for those film and music download services this week.
Participating Rexall stores are giving 55 bonus Air Miles on $60 Netflix gift card purchases until December 8th, 2016 whilst participating Shoppers Drug Mart stores are giving 3000 bonus Optimum points on $50 iTunes gift card purchases until December 9th, 2016. Consult your local flyers for details.
In regards to other loyalty programs, note that Esso Extra reward point members can redeem 4,500 Points for $25 gift cards at Esso Gas locations (which includes card for Indigo and Cineplex) and Aeroplan members can redeem 3,500 Miles for a $25 iTunes gift Card or 13,000 miles for a $100 Indigo gift card or 68,500 miles for a $500 Best Buy gift card.
It should be noted that Aaroplan had decided to cancel their plans to cause their points to expire in 2013 and that Private Members Bill 47, the Protecting Rewards Point Act, is expected to pass in the Ontario Provincial Legislature next week.
Paypal Gift Card Offer
Canadian who use Paypal can enjoy a 10% discount on $25, $50 and $100 iTunes gift cards until December 22nd, 2016 (11:59pm Eastern) by clicking here. Enjoy.
Gift Card Offers
Select Real Canadian Superstores are offering 10% discounts on $30 iTunes gift card multi-packs until March 17th, 2016. Consult your local flyer for details.
While you’re at your local store look for specially marked Coca Cola products offering the Buy 1 Get 1 Free Movie Offer for Cineplex Cinemas. This offer starts on the 7th and ends on June 30th, 2016. Details can be found clicking here.
Free Music Gift Card Reminders
I’ve received an email from Stouffers Rewards today saying their points program will be ending on September 1st, 2016, when all points will become null and void.
$25 iTunes gift cards can be obtained by redeeming 18,000 points until that date so mark your calendars and make sure you redeem your points before September 1st.
BTW, you also have until March 16th, 2016 to Roll Up The Rim To Win online for free music downloads from Universal Music – They’re giving away 50,000 three download packages but i’ve only managed to win coffee for myself and a friend, three times. 🙂
Gift Card Offer : Real Canadian Superstore
Select Real Canadian Superstores are offering coupons for 10% off $50 iTunes gift cards, which can be found in their latest flyer.
This coupon will expire on August 27th, 2015. Check your local flyer for details.