Our new favorite football player
When Sports Illustrated asked Ravens Linebacker Bart Scott about his cellphone ring tone, Scott responded, "Basic. I'm not giving a dollar to nobody."
And with that, Bart Scott becomes the official favorite football player of We Have Mixed Feelings About Sven Sundgaard. That's just the right way to respond.
Cheap Pop in the Twin Cities
As first sighted by A Bit More Humid, Target is currently selling four 12-packs of pop for 9$, then giving you a 5$ gift card for your troubles. I've already been there once; I will be there again. To me, there are three ways to approach this deal.
1. You are paying 9$ for four 12-packs and get 5$ for whatever you want.
2. You are paying 1$ for each 12-pack of pop.
3. The second time you do this deal, you are getting the four 12-packs for free.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Alone in my office laughing until it hurts
Via Moncrief Speaks, I've been able to laugh my face off at Joe Mathlete Explains Today's Marmaduke.
Marathons and Money
This weekend, October 1, 2006, is the Twin Cities Marathon. I am sure many of you have no interest in running or watching running, but you should be aware that Sven will be there. He is an avid runner according to his Kare 11 blog and is getting ready for the weekend. He is even getting his calf massaged tonight. Sven is also predicting good weather. So the question is considering our abnormal interest in Sven should we be attending his local events? We already try to watch his weather coverage and keep up on his blog, but is that enough? He is often involved in community activities as a host or MC. Maybe seeing him live will help us sort out our mixed feelings?
I am looking to attend a play or musical, but of course and continually trying to live cheaply. I am not sure if it will be possible to get off to cheap in this area. The Chanhassen Dinner Theatre is showing Grease and ticket are about $50-70 including a meal. Tickets at the Gutherie are also around $50, but nothing there I am too excited to see right now. Ordway is showing Chicago in January but tickets are also around $50 a piece or more. Anyone have any ideas for a good show at a smaller price?
I am looking to attend a play or musical, but of course and continually trying to live cheaply. I am not sure if it will be possible to get off to cheap in this area. The Chanhassen Dinner Theatre is showing Grease and ticket are about $50-70 including a meal. Tickets at the Gutherie are also around $50, but nothing there I am too excited to see right now. Ordway is showing Chicago in January but tickets are also around $50 a piece or more. Anyone have any ideas for a good show at a smaller price?
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
My Drug of Choice
No, it's not meth. Meth is gross, people. I am talking about American Idol. I am having a personal struggle, as I often do in the weeks preceding a new season of Americal Idol: do I get involved?
During season 1, we had a big group that got together every week to enjoy the novelty of American Idol (along with booze and fine company). It was awesome. I always remember that as I try to decide my fate for each new season. But here is the thing: that group aspect is gone. And the novelty long ago wore away. How many times can Simon Cowell creatively tell someone they suck and still be funny?
And yet, I still want to watch. I do this every season, and every season, I waste my life away, watching multiple episodes per week of a show it is predictable and somewhat boring, after the crappy people get weeded out. I haven't cared about who won in years, and I never have and probably never will buy a CD of anyone who has ever been a contestant on the show (I know what you may be thinking--"didn't you vote for Kelly Clarkson?" Yes, I did. But it was more anti-Guarini than pro-Clarkson).
I have come to this conclusion: either I am being brainwashed, or American Idol is like a drug (metaphorical or otherwise). I am helpless against it's powers. So, I have decided, after much deliberation, to commit myself to yet another disappointing season. Here were the deciding factors:
1. They held auditions in Minneapolis. I may very well see people I went to high school with or other people I know. That will make at least one episode worthwhile.
2. Although I always stress about keeping my evenings free certain nights of the week for shows that are on more than one night (btw, thanks for ruining my summer, Big Brother All Stars), with American Idol, it is never a problem. If you miss an episode, they will cover the results and highlights on Fox 9 Morning 'News' as if it were actual current events rather than a shameless promotion of another network show. Bastards! Sven would never do that.
For all these reasons and more, you know what I will be doing with my spare time this fall. It's a nasty habit, but I'm not ready to quit.
During season 1, we had a big group that got together every week to enjoy the novelty of American Idol (along with booze and fine company). It was awesome. I always remember that as I try to decide my fate for each new season. But here is the thing: that group aspect is gone. And the novelty long ago wore away. How many times can Simon Cowell creatively tell someone they suck and still be funny?
And yet, I still want to watch. I do this every season, and every season, I waste my life away, watching multiple episodes per week of a show it is predictable and somewhat boring, after the crappy people get weeded out. I haven't cared about who won in years, and I never have and probably never will buy a CD of anyone who has ever been a contestant on the show (I know what you may be thinking--"didn't you vote for Kelly Clarkson?" Yes, I did. But it was more anti-Guarini than pro-Clarkson).
I have come to this conclusion: either I am being brainwashed, or American Idol is like a drug (metaphorical or otherwise). I am helpless against it's powers. So, I have decided, after much deliberation, to commit myself to yet another disappointing season. Here were the deciding factors:
1. They held auditions in Minneapolis. I may very well see people I went to high school with or other people I know. That will make at least one episode worthwhile.
2. Although I always stress about keeping my evenings free certain nights of the week for shows that are on more than one night (btw, thanks for ruining my summer, Big Brother All Stars), with American Idol, it is never a problem. If you miss an episode, they will cover the results and highlights on Fox 9 Morning 'News' as if it were actual current events rather than a shameless promotion of another network show. Bastards! Sven would never do that.
For all these reasons and more, you know what I will be doing with my spare time this fall. It's a nasty habit, but I'm not ready to quit.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Cheapness, Politics, and Cold
I’ve mentioned that in order to pay my $118 speeding ticket, I intend to give up unnecessary spending, even if it means sacrificing many pleasures and going hungry much of the time, until I make it up. In six days, I’ve already not spent $18 dollars. This might be something I need to keep doing. I’m trying pretty hard to spend between two and five dollars a day on meals.
Does anybody else think that St. Paul is an extremely political town? For months it has seemed that every other property posts signs for either Fletcher or Finney, two candidates for Ramsey County Sheriff. SHERIFF! Some properties inexplicably feature signs for both Finney and Fletcher. The race we are following most closely is Amy Klobuchar and Mark Kennedy for U.S. Senate. Let’s home that Mark Kennedy’s attack ads are a sign of desperation. Frankly, we don't like any political advertisements--they merely get in the way of watching commercials for products we'll never buy.
We would have signs up in our yard, but alas, we think that would cost us some money. We support with our votes, not with our dollars, lest we no longer have a yard to not post signs in.
And yes, I’m the nasty villain responsible for Possible Flurries and Partly Cloudy and Pleasant living in a cold house. When they can’t sleep at night out of fear that they will not be able to afford the house they are living in, then they will appreciate the cold. Soon I will be weatherproofing the windows, anyway: I have the caulk. I just need a caulk gun.
Does anybody else think that St. Paul is an extremely political town? For months it has seemed that every other property posts signs for either Fletcher or Finney, two candidates for Ramsey County Sheriff. SHERIFF! Some properties inexplicably feature signs for both Finney and Fletcher. The race we are following most closely is Amy Klobuchar and Mark Kennedy for U.S. Senate. Let’s home that Mark Kennedy’s attack ads are a sign of desperation. Frankly, we don't like any political advertisements--they merely get in the way of watching commercials for products we'll never buy.
We would have signs up in our yard, but alas, we think that would cost us some money. We support with our votes, not with our dollars, lest we no longer have a yard to not post signs in.
And yes, I’m the nasty villain responsible for Possible Flurries and Partly Cloudy and Pleasant living in a cold house. When they can’t sleep at night out of fear that they will not be able to afford the house they are living in, then they will appreciate the cold. Soon I will be weatherproofing the windows, anyway: I have the caulk. I just need a caulk gun.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Crappy Weather
So it feels like it has been raining for weeks. When will it stop? Sven give us some hope please!
Not only is it rainy but cold. And for those of us who are trying to live cheaply (or those of us who live with people who are trying to live extra cheaply) the cool weather leaves a difficult choice. Either turn on the furnace and start paying for heat, or keep the house very cold, save the money and pile on the blankets. Well I am living in the latter... I am at my parents for the weekend and planning on bringing back sweaters, blankets, and slippers to combat the cold. Of course as soon as I do this it will get nice out
Of course the term 'Crappy Weather' used in my title is purely my opinion. Using terms like this is exactly the reason Pacifist Viking hates weather men and me
Not only is it rainy but cold. And for those of us who are trying to live cheaply (or those of us who live with people who are trying to live extra cheaply) the cool weather leaves a difficult choice. Either turn on the furnace and start paying for heat, or keep the house very cold, save the money and pile on the blankets. Well I am living in the latter... I am at my parents for the weekend and planning on bringing back sweaters, blankets, and slippers to combat the cold. Of course as soon as I do this it will get nice out
Of course the term 'Crappy Weather' used in my title is purely my opinion. Using terms like this is exactly the reason Pacifist Viking hates weather men and me
Saturday, September 23, 2006
SURVEY SAYS...
As I have been spending more and more days in my small little apartment, I have once again gained appreciation for the fine TV that is day-time programming. When I was younger I remember watching The Price is Right, Family Feud, and other such fine game shows. As I got older I came to appreciate Soap Operas (Days of Our Lives was my favorite). However, lately as I have been watching the TV I have noticed a phenomenon that I am not sure is entirely necessary. The level of local news programming is getting to be a bit extreme. One station in particular is guilty of overkill, they have the pre-morning show news, the mid-day news review, the 4 pm news, the 5 pm news, followed by the national nightly news, which is then followed by the 6 pm local news, then there is a nice break and we are trated to the 10 pm news. Although this station isnt guilty of this, other local stations have a 9 pm news show, in addition to their 10 pm news show. So that is a total of 6 news shows on in one day!!! What is the point of all these news shows? I understand people are always coming and going, so they might not be able to get the news at 6 and/or 10, but 6 shows?!?!?! I am not saying news doesnt happen during the day, but in the few days that I have experienced this, nothing has changed from 4 pm to 5 pm. Here is my plea... stop the insanity, dont give us news constantly throughout the day. Isnt that what CNN or Headline News is for? I miss the good old days, when daytime television was more about game shows and crappy acting then it was about what is (or isnt) happening locally.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
People are talking about Sven
I was just searching the internet and found this other blog entry about Sven... (Don't ask how I came upon this) The comments to the entry are the most interesting part.
Check it out
http://www.pileofsassy.com/2006/04/20/why-isnt-anyone-talking-about-sven-sundgaard/
Check it out
http://www.pileofsassy.com/2006/04/20/why-isnt-anyone-talking-about-sven-sundgaard/
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
It's an enigma wrapped in a riddle
The real question I have: is Sven Sundgaard a cool guy, or is he an uber-dork? Seeing him on TV and reading his blog does not allow me any insight into this question. We all missed Sven last weekend, who is at some sort of conference and was replaced by the always entertainingly dressed Pat Evans. A while back he had a crazy striped shirt with no suit or tie; this weekend he had a shirt and tie decked out in purple (Viking supporter, or fan or Prince? [as a fan of parentheticals, I'm going to take this to the utmost extreme (I've always wondered if Prince, from Minnesota and obsessed with the color purple, is a Viking fan)]).
Anyway, here is one tip on how not to spend money.
Don't get a speeding ticket.
If you get a ticket for speeding 1-10 miles per hour on White Bear Avenue, you will have to pay $118. However, if you have a clean driving record, there's evidently a number you can call to try keep this ticket off your record. Let us never discuss why I know this.
However, IF you do get a speeding ticket, do not make it about a sacrifice of money: make it about a sacrifice of pleasures. For example, if you are typically really hungry after an evening class two nights a week and stop for fast food, don't. Go hungry until you get home. This could save you $5-6 a week, which goes a long way toward making up that $118. As the architect in The Matrix says, "There are levels of survival we are prepared to accept." In order to make up for a speeding ticket, just go hungry. Or, let's say you have a relatively cheap, enjoyable, but unnecessary hobby, such as collecting football cards. Instead of giving up $118 from what you have, consider the punishment a moratorium on buying football cards.
Anyway, here is one tip on how not to spend money.
Don't get a speeding ticket.
If you get a ticket for speeding 1-10 miles per hour on White Bear Avenue, you will have to pay $118. However, if you have a clean driving record, there's evidently a number you can call to try keep this ticket off your record. Let us never discuss why I know this.
However, IF you do get a speeding ticket, do not make it about a sacrifice of money: make it about a sacrifice of pleasures. For example, if you are typically really hungry after an evening class two nights a week and stop for fast food, don't. Go hungry until you get home. This could save you $5-6 a week, which goes a long way toward making up that $118. As the architect in The Matrix says, "There are levels of survival we are prepared to accept." In order to make up for a speeding ticket, just go hungry. Or, let's say you have a relatively cheap, enjoyable, but unnecessary hobby, such as collecting football cards. Instead of giving up $118 from what you have, consider the punishment a moratorium on buying football cards.
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