5 Pirates Drown With Their $3M Booty

Ha ha ha. Hello karma, meet bitch. The fact that they got paid for their highjacked Saudi oil tanker upsets me. But really, they do it everyday. Why do you think the Nigerians keep kidnapping oil workers? They get paid at the end of the day. So do the Somali pirates.

Let me explain: ships sailing near the coast of Somalia (look it up on a map) frequently get boarded by pirates. This particular ship has been held for I think 2 months. The cargo (oil) at the time of boarding was worth $100M. At the time of release, probably half. So someone dropped $3M ransom on the boat. And the pirates took it and left. And then their boat capsized and 5 died. Die Bitches

Useless rumination about Somalia: The capital is Mogadishu (I think). In my before-before job, I would get lets just say correspondence from Americans working there. They called it "Browntown". Brown because of all the dust and the sand blowing through. It was a horrible place to live 15 years ago and I doubt it has changed. Go buy the book Blackhawk Down then rent then movie.

These are the same people who dragged dead American Soldiers through the streets.

Friday night Post

Tomorrow's SNL:
never mind they changed it. It's Neal Patrick Harris bitches!


I feel the need to ruminate on the internet shopping I do. I buy things that require no shipping and no sale taxes. So that, is always a better deal (unless you are playing the drugstore wars). I just bought 3 large Olay Body Wash for the walk away price of $6 each. That's cheap and easy. They will last, and stay good for, a year.

I just got my shipment of Mentadent toothpaste from Amazon. That will last a year. They don't go bad. After a year.

I have bought deodorant, perfume, razors and chili from the internet. They were all good.

I got an email from Petsmart today. I was thinking cha-ching! when I saw the subject line of free shipping. Details: Does not include dog food, cat food, cat litter, and.....a bunch of other stuff.

I once bought cat litter on the internet, I think from that place that went out of business...pets.com? I got 3 boxes for like half of what it would have cost me to drive to the store.

But now they say coupon doesn't apply to probably what is the top 3 things they sell. Huh, maybe they are on to me.

Blue Dog

When I frequented New Orleans, I got hooked on George Rodrigue's studio. He's the Blue Dog dude. In 1996 he made these pins. They were free, I think I grabbed a handful (maybe 5). I just paid $1100 for a print so this was a guilt free grab.

In 2000, with the whole Bush/Gore election crap, I decided to profit. I made around 30-60 dollars a pin. I still have one left, it has been in my kitchen drawer for 10 years.

I just saw one sell on ebay for $58. Should I sell or keep? Do I need $58? Rodrigue always does an inauguration print and I will definably buy that, so I can profit by selling it to the Obama freaks.

I need to change my address with them - I don't think they know I moved. And because you asked, here is my print. It is 21/75 and according to Rodrigue's website can be bought for $3500 - 10K dollars. I guess that makes it a smart investment. But it is still beautiful art - I bought stuff with the US flag before 9/11 made it cool. He did a 9/11 print too - I'm going to find it and post shortly...



Goddammit I just made myself cry again. I hate everything related to 9/11. Here is the link to the picture and his letter and donation. I fucking hate terrorists. If you are wondering why I didn't buy the print, I don't need to cry everyday of my life which I would if I had this sad fucking piece in my house.

Helen's Daily Rumination

How I Met Your Mother is the best show on tv. Followed by Battlestar Galactica.

Sorry I have nothing else.

Helen's Daily Rumination

I'll make this quick I'm watching High Fidelity on HD.

My family were fortunate enough to travel in the holidays. We went to Munich in 1990. My brother, Dad and I decided/realized we should go to Berlin for the new freedom and the taking down the wall.

It was so freakin cold. Really to this day I say Brrrrrrrrrrrlin cold.

We went through Checkpoint Charlie and were so disappointed we came back an hour later.

We went to a hardware store and bought hammers and chisels. really. We hammered the heck out of the wall and got some good pieces.

Here's my rumination: A woman, blond and foreign, walked up to my brother and started talking and pointing to the hammer.

He said, "It's a hammer, want to buy it?"

please correct me if my memory is wrong......

Homeland Security USA

Really? They made a TV show about this crap?

I don't know why but I watched it tonight. There was nothing else on. Here is my opinion of federal law enforcement hierarchy, in order:

FBI
USSS
DEA
Customs
Immigration
ATF

and before I forget: US Marshalls

Don't get me wrong I am not slighting anyone who works for any of those agencies. I think anyone who enters govt work has an honorable and noble, yet misguided, profession.

I have already posted about how Bush should pardon the 2 Customs guys who shot a drug smuggler in the butt and are now in jail. (Or was it immigration, I get CBP and ICE mixed up after DHS was formed)

But also, the border folks are notorious for being corrupted by the drug smuggler folks.

Watching the show, there are 2 instances where alarms go off and everyone draws there guns and run to the car, only to find it was a false alert. It makes them look silly.

I believe in stopping terrorists, drugs, and illegal immigrants. The belly dancer thing did come across as looking for eye candy or the show. However the pulling off the street about a million dollars in coke was good.

I didn't like the show and makes Homeland Security look stupid for the most part.

Helen's Daily Rumination: The Iskender Doner

When I had a trip in Ankara, Turkey, I found myself with a 3 day weekend. I flew to Istanbul randomly. I was crossing the street of a random block of a random neighborhood (near the shops) when I hear my name. It was a guy I worked with who I hadn't seen in a long time, possibly years.

He was there on vacation too, not posted or assigned there. So I canceled my $30 a night hostel (yes I am frugal but it came with a private bath) and stayed with him at the hotel on the Bosporus River. I can't remember the name but definitely 5 star. His name was Herb. And yes it was platonic.

To this day I still say, when asked, my favorite food ever: The Iskender Doner. It is lamb on cut pita bread smothered in tomato sauce and butter. Go to your nearest Turkish restaurant and buy one now. I loved it so much my last night in Ankara, I went to another restaurant and bought the dish again.

I stayed at the Hilton in Ankara. I think it has since been attacked by terrorists. I hate terrorists.

Sanjay Gupta is your next Surgeon General

I learned one thing by typing that headline: I have no idea how to spell Surgeon. And yet, I can spell Sanjay Gupta.

I think this appt is ok. What does the SG do anyway? Tell us not to smoke and drink? I'm being serious I have never actually researched the position. This guy is probably pulling in 7 figures for CNN and TV and will take a major paycut. Interesting. I wouldn't do it. He's kinda a hottie in the interweb world. I like watching his bits in the morning.

I'll post later on the stupid appointment of what's-his-name to the Director of CIA. He has no Intelligence experience. Yeah, that will work out. The appointment even pissed off the head of the Intelligence Committee (Diane Feinstein?) because she wasn't consulted. Nice start, B!

Kathy Griffin in her infamous New Year's Eve stint with Anderson Cooper said he could give her a pap smear anyday. Sanjay, not Anderson. Anderson wouldn't know what to do with the female body part....

How do you Give Tax Cuts to People who Don't Pay Taxes?

Don't let this $300B tax cuts, "credits" fool you. It's called welfare. Take my money and give $500 to someone else who doesn't even pay taxes is welfare, transferring wealth, not a tax credit. And they probably won't even make them prove citizenship. And they probably never voted.

At least make them prove they are registered to vote before they get their free money.

Helen's Daily Rumination

My discussion of Lone Star Comics got me thinking....you must really be interested in my life so I will give you a rumination a day, but I will keep the details sketchy because they may be classified.

When I was posted in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic One of my bosses would always drive and we would go to dinner on occasion. The point is he was driving.....

There is no 4 way stop in DomRep. You would just flash your brights several times at every intersection and hope/assume any oncomers would stop, or slow. It scared the crap out of me everytime.

And, when you wanted a waiters attention, you would clap 3 times. Seriously, lift your hands in the air and clap three times. They would bring you a beer or coffee or want to know how they can help.

Columbus landed in Santo Domingo, DomRep when he tried to find America. Which is why it is called the island of Hispaniola (Haiti is the other country on the island. I wonder why I was there). Another useless trivia fact.

Woops - Obama's First Pullout

Obama's appointment for Sec of Commerce just pulled out. Who's next? How can Rohm stay in with the debacle of the Illinois Governor indictment? There is no way Rohm did not talk to the Governor on a frequent basis about who B's replacement would be....

"New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, tapped in December by President-elect Barack Obama to serve as secretary of Commerce, has withdrawn his name for the position, citing a pending investigation into a company that has done business with his state.

"Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact," he said Sunday in a report by NBC News' Andrea Mitchell. "But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process."

What's up, Israel? No word from B yet on that...

I'm going to buy free stuff from CVS. I'm learning how to play the drugstore wars....never pay for toothpaste, toilet paper or deodorant again!.

We Have A Cat-OFF!!!!

Whose is cuter? I need to learn how to get votes.... Vote on the right!!!!

I think Xena, the black and white, has more form, more control in her curl. Her tail is tight and the left hand is properly shielding the eyes. She is definitely a pro at this kitty pose...

I think the Orange One, is young, has some great potential, but look at her ear. it it tucked back like she has been staged, or posed. She even has a fake smile like she knew the pic was being taken.

Xena is in a natural stupor, see her cat brush by the remote. That is a happy and cared for cat. Not that the Orange one is not, but this is not a kiddie pageant....This is the real deal...


ETA: this post is cat approved:

Bitch can turn on a dime and then sleep afterward.

Israel Invades Gaza: This is big shit, folks

I try not to get political because you can hit Drudge for that. but this could mean something. Do you think it is a coincidence they did this a couple of weeks before B's Inauguration? Hmmm? You think they may be testing his (lack-of) international experience?

story

Frugaldad: 75 ways to save money

I just found this website thanks to Slate. I hope I don't violate anyone's copyright, email me if I do . My comments after each suggestion, because I am Helen Brakewater and know all (that's a pun. haha).

1. Switch to cloth napkins. I’m not sure why it took a down economy for this one to dawn on me, but cloth napkins are a great alternative to paper napkins, which increase waste and add to our non-food budget.

- I pick up extra napkins when I pick up food / starbuck's / pizza etc. This is a good rec for a family not a single person like me. We are talking saving pennies a year? And I wash all my linens in hot water which costs money.

1. Just say no to social events, or agree to meet after dinner. Peer pressure can wreak havoc on your financial plans. It’s never fun to turn down a chance to go out with friends, but there are ways to say yes without spending a fortune.

- No. This is getting close to asking for an itemized bill. You always split the bill equally, the first way of getting asked OUT of a social group is to say, "I only had a salad and no liquor".

1. Scale back the cable. We’ve been living the last six months with only basic cable, and don’t miss any of the expanded cable channel offerings. Cable bill went down from $40 to $12 with this move alone.

- If that makes you happy. I like my SHO and HBO shows.

1. Look for a value internet package. While I was scaling back on cable service I asked our cable provider for a cheaper rate on internet service. They told me about a little-advertised “value package” which costs half the normal monthly rate for reduced speed. Since I mostly surf the web and check email I barely notice, but I saved about $20 a month on our internet service.

- I live on the internet but I agree I am on like the medium level. so good idea.

1. Diversify your income. Look for ways to increase your income outside of your full time job. Do you have a hobby that you could make a small business? Could you spend some time working online surveys (many of these survey companies are scams, but the one I’ve linked is not. I’ve been a CashCrate member for over a year now)? Could you add some freelance work in the same line of work you do full time?

- I did the erewards and got free subscriptions to a couple of magazines. and I recommend bzzagent which works well to getting free stuff by posting your opinion and getting people involved.

1. Hang up the land line telephone. If most of your calls are to other cell users in the same network, consider canceling the land line and using a cell phone exclusively.

- I want to but my cell is a work phone so I have to keep landline for personal calls. And the alarm system.

1. Have a no-spend weekend. Sometimes it takes a break in the routine to get spending under control. Try to go an entire weekend without eating out, shopping, or ordering something online. It won’t solve all your spending problems, but it’s a start.

- Good idea for a family. Not me. I have to eat and I don't buy food at the grocery store.

1. Carpool a few times a week. Take turns carpooling with a coworker, especially if they live close to you. Pick them up and take them home this week, and next week allow them to return the favor. You’ll both cut your driving time in half.

- Gas is at a buck and a half again so, no. I hope I get the company car back.

1. Check your vehicle’s tire pressure each time you fill up. Things like under-inflated tires and dirty air filters can reduce your gas mileage. Pick up an inexpensive tire gauge and check the pressure while filling up.

- A good idea for safety purposes. Most new cars have a "low tire" warning.

1. Change your driving habits to save on gas expenses. Cut out “jackrabbit” starts and heavy braking.

- no.

1. Do not buy new cars - Buy a used car, and drive it until the wheels fall off. My grandfather has driven two vehicles in 34 years! Sam Walton drove a twenty year-old pickup truck right up until the time he died. Don’t tell me it can’t be done. Remember, a new car is “used” the minute you drive it off the showroom floor.

- Yes, see the post about the millionaire next door. I'm good with a car every 8 years, though, not 20.

1. Consolidate errands into one trip. If you have to get out try to consolidate all of your errands into one trip away from home, instead of driving back and forth several times from store to home.

- Ok. don't we do this anyway? I hate errands and get them done during work hours. THat is what lunch is for.

1. Ride a bike for short commutes. I’m fortunate to live about 5 miles from my employer, so I occasionally commute by bike. If you happen to live close to stores, consider riding a bike for small errands. Take along a backpack, or put some panniers on your bike to carry things back home.

- Not in this heat or climate

1. Unload the trunk, and remove unused cargo racks. Added weight in the trunk reduces gas mileage, as does the added wind drag from an unused cargo rack.

- pennies.

1. Wash your own car. Our town has one of those automated car washes and for $9.00 you can get “the works.” Essentially, it is a wash, wax and application of tire shine. I’m pretty sure I can do it for less. Better yet, employ the kids and let them earn a little extra money this summer.

- I like washing my car

1. Bank “found” money in a separate account. With any income above your normal earnings, bank the amount in a separate checking or savings account and use the money to pay down debt, build up savings, or offset increased expenses. Overtime, tax refunds (and stimulus checks), gifts and similar windfalls belong here.

- I know where all my money is and I have no debt only my mortgages. Which doesn't count by definition.

1. Eat like a kid again. Eat off the same plates your kids eat off, which will force you to eat smaller portions. Your wallet and your waistline will thank you.

- I eat like a kid everyday. I love Mac n Cheese.

1. Drink tap water. I don’t have the inclination to run a cost comparison between an ounce of Coca Cola and an ounce of tap water, but I’m fairly confident tap water is infinitely cheaper.

- Yes. I do that not to save money but I like the water here.

1. Eat less meat. I’m about as far from vegetarian as you can get, but I recognize that my carnivorous habits cost me big at the grocery store. We’ve recently started having breakfast for dinner (eggs instead of meat), and substituting things like pinto beans (a great source of non-meat protein) in meals instead of meats.

- No. I love meat. Meat is good. I will do the next thing:

1. Look for manager meat specials. When you do buy meat, check the manager’s specials area for meat that is about to pass the “sell by” date. The meat is still perfectly good, but freeze it immediately if you don’t plan on cooking within the next day or two.

- Yes, see above.

1. Look for a used freezer to stock up on meat specials. Many times people relocating can’t take the extra chest freezer with them and advertise it on Craigslist or the local newspaper. If you can find a good used one stock it full of manager meat specials to reduce your food budget.

- I don't eat that much meat. no.

1. Don’t be afraid to buy generic. Forget brand loyalty when trying to save money. When we buy ketchup, we look for the lowest unit price, regardless of brand. Same with other foods and household supplies. There are a few exceptions, but for the most part generic items are just as good as name brands.

- Yes.

1. When in the store, look high and low for deals, literally. Marketers know that eye-level is the place most people tend to shop, so they put the items with the highest margins right in front of you. Better deals are usually found on lower shelves.

- Good idea. don't shop often at stores however.

1. Cherry-pick coupon deals. Combine coupons with store sales to maximize savings. Our local Kroger store recently had mayonnaise 2/$4. We found a coupon for $0.50/1 that doubled to $1.00, so we picked up a mayo for $1.00. Don’t use a coupon to buy something you don’t need.

- Yes coupons are great I rarely buy things full price.

1. Supplement pet food with meat scraps. Quality dog food is expensive. To make ours last a little longer we occasionally skip the dog food and give our dog meat scraps. Avoid meats with sauces or spices as it can upset their stomach, and be sure to remove any bones. Plain beef, chicken and turkey make for a great treat for our dog.

- No. I don't sacrifice the cat's happiness. I already lost one in 2007 because of tainted food.

1. Water down juices. When we open a new apple juice for our kids we pour up half in the old container and add about 1/4 - 1/2 container of water to each bottle. This makes each new bottle last a little longer, and dilutes the grams of sugar and calories per serving.

- If you have kids good idea. I do this anyway when I buy gatorade when I have the flu.

1. Shop at a farmers market for in-season produce. Few things taste as good as fresh fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, most of the produce you’ll find in a grocery store is grown elsewhere, particularly if it is out of season, locally. Figure out what’s in season and support local growers by visiting a farmers market.

- Contradictory advice. Farmer's market are expensive. It is expensive to live "green".

1. Avoid using the oven during the summer. Ovens heat up a house faster than any other appliance, adding to the strain on air conditioner systems. Plan meals that don’t require baking, or bake in the late evening and microwave the next night.

- I avoid using the oven year around.

1. When eating out, divide entrees in half and save the rest for a second meal. Ask for a to-go box as soon as your meal arrives and save half for tomorrow’s lunch. Restaurants are notorious for piling on portions, so this move will help you spread out the calories and cost of the meal.

- Good idea I always take boxes home for dinner because the meals are too big.

1. Avoid pre-packaged foods. The little 100-calorie packs are convenient, but you can accomplish the same thing by buying a larger package of chips or cookies and then dividing into smaller portions using Ziploc bags. The unit cost savings are significant.

- Nope. They are convenient.

1. Grow your own vegetables. Unless you plan to dig up the entire yard to plant rows of food, you probably aren’t going to be able to grow enough to live off. However, a square foot garden can produce enough for some great summer salads without adding to your grocery bill.

- Nope. I am lazy and this is hot and humid here. This is contradictory too because that sounds expensive.

1. Say no to fast food. Unless you hit the dollar menu exclusively, fast food can add up. Consider the cost of a combo meal for four people versus sandwiches, chips and drinks from home.

- Nope. Love it.But I should make more Turkey sandwiches.

1. Properly insulate your home. Especially important in the summer and winter months, when the extreme temperatures outside can affect your temperature inside and cause utility bills to skyrocket.

- Yep.

1. Use a drying rack or line dry heavy clothing. Pick up a drying rack or install a clothesline to dry heavy garments and towels. When nearly dry, place items in dryer with a dryer sheet for just a few minutes to complete the drying cycle, remove wrinkles, and soften clothes.

- Most my work clothes are wrinkle free so I dry them on a rack. And my workout clothes are drifit so I dry them on a rack. So yes to this one but not because of the savings.

1. Plant a tree next to your outside air conditioning unit. By shading your outside unit you may improve the operating efficiency of the overall system by 20%. Take care not to plant to close to the unit to maintain proper airflow.

- Never thought of that but mine is in the shade

1. Replace home air conditioner filter every month when in use. Manufacturers suggest changing your filter every 90 days, but I’ve found systems work better when changed once a month, especially in peak times like summer. Instead of picking up a top-of-the-line air filter, go for a medium grade filter and just buy more of them.

- Yes I am very guilty of that because I hate stores. will go tomorrow.

1. Switch to CFL lighting inside, and solar lighting outside. CFL bulbs use much less energy than incandescent bulbs, and give off less heat. Solar lights used to line pathways around your home run off a rechargeable battery that is charged up during the day by the sun, and lasts for several hours after dark.

- I have switched to all those bulbs. My outdoor lights stay on 24-7 and they haven't burned out in 6 months. Although Im talking about CFL not solar...

1. Half the number of days your lawn is being watered. An established lawn doesn’t really need to be watered every day. In fact, daily watering can cause a shallow root system because grass roots don’t have to work hard to find water. Water once or twice a week, for a slightly longer duration and let Mother Nature help fill in the schedule with the occasional rain.

- I don't water my lawn. My water bill is never more than 10 bucks a month. seriously.

1. Use bathroom exhaust fan during showers and for 10 minutes after. Exhaust fans help carry moisture out of the bathroom from a hot shower. Don’t believe it? Run the exhaust fan during your next shower and notice how the mirrors don’t fog up.

- Good idea will start doing it. But again, in this part of country doubt it will help

1. Take a “Navy” shower. Get in, soap up, rinse off and get out. And put a low-flow showerhead on there while your at it.

- I think I have one of those low - flow. And what else do we do in the shower? Clean, wash, get ready for work....

1. Reuse bath towels. Sounds gross at first, but think about it - you are clean when you get out of the shower. Hang up towels after each use to thoroughly dry, and only add them to the dirty clothes pile after every three or four uses.

- I probably don't wash my bath towels enough. Do people wash them after every use?

1. Don’t run water when shaving or brushing teeth. While shaving pull up the sink stopper and pool a little water in the sink for rinsing your razor.

- I do not run my sink while brushing my teeth so yeah me.

1. Skip baths. Even though they are relaxing, baths require a lot of H20 and drive up your water bill. They also drain your home’s supply of hot water, forcing your hot water heater to replenish the supply, further adding to your utility costs.

- I have lived here a year now and the only bath I ever drawn was for the hurricane.

1. Bathe your own pets. Skip the pet grooming salon, pickup some shampoo at a pet supply store and wash them yourself.

- Cats clean themselves.

1. Skip the theater, subscribe to Netflix. Going to the movie theater is a great way to beat the heat, but it’s also expensive. Skip the theater, and sign up for an online DVD rental service. No late fees, and no gas used up traveling back and forth to the rental store.

- Or use PPV or www.watch-event.net I quit netflix 6 months ago

1. Avoid stores. Stay out of stores unless you have a list (mental or otherwise) of specific things you need to buy. Shopping out of boredom leads to impulse buying and can quickly blow a budget.

- Yes! I hate stores. and people.

1. Sunday paper only. Consider scaling back subscriptions such as newspapers to the bare minimum. If you are only going to get a paper once a week, opt for the Sunday paper, which usually includes coupons and weekly sales flyers from local grocery stores. Toss the other sales circulars - you may see something you want to buy!

- Or no paper. coupons are free on line. try www.retailmenot.com

1. Transfer existing debt using 0% balance transfer offers. If you have debt, make becoming debt free a top priority. Moving existing balances to 0% interest plans helps more of your payment go towards repaying the balance, and less towards interest. Beware of high upfront fees and go-to rates when considering your options.

- Better idea: get rid of all debt

1. Don’t renew the gym membership. Being healthy can save you money, but exorbitant fees and inflexible contracts make gyms a dangerous proposition. Take the money you would have spent at the gym and try to build one at home with used equipment.

- Better idea: buy your own gym and play soccer. (woops I typed that before I read about buying your own equipment: YES!)

1. Make your own Play-Doh. Kids can find many hours of enjoyment from a homemade play-doh recipe, and it’s a cheaper than buying it from the store.

- No comment

1. Try a home haircut. Mine is pretty easy since I buzz it short all over. Guys, you will still need someone to help you with the neckline, unless you are good with mirrors.

- No comment

1. Rediscover a local library. To replace the time previously spent watching television develop a reading habit, and support your local library while you are at it. Can’t find the book you are looking for? Don’t rush out and buy it. Many times libraries are networked and can request a copy of a book from another library.

- Great for families

1. Start your own “keep the change” program. Several banks are now running “keep the change” promotions where they round up your purchases and put the difference in a savings account. Problem is, these accounts don’t pay a great interest rate, and the program encourages increased spending. Create your own program by spending only cash and dumping the change in a coin jar. Make deposits into your own high-yielding savings account at the end of the month.

- I use credit card only and pay off every month

1. Put away the credit cards. Save cash for large purchases by creating a dedicated savings account specifically for the next item on your list. Make regular contributions to the savings account with each paycheck, and when the balance is high enough to pay for the item, pay for it with cash.

- see above

1. Ask creditors to lower your interest rate. Creditors are feeling the crunch, too, and they recognize it takes more money to find a new customer than to retain a current one. If you are a profitable customer (pay interest), call creditors and ask for a lower rate. Tell them about all the 0% transfer offers you’ve been shredding for your garden!

- See above

1. Divide credit card minimum payments in half and pay that amount twice a month. Interest is calculated based on the average daily balance of your account for the entire month. By making a payment every couple weeks you are reducing that average balance and therefore reducing the finance charges assessed, as opposed to waiting until the end of the month to make a single payment.

- Good idea but the mortgage companies actually charge you for the benefit of doing this. bastards.

1. Don’t pay a dime for banking privileges. There are too many free checking options out there to pay one penny in fees for the right to write a check or use a debit card. Many banks and credit unions simply require direct deposit or a minimum number of debit card uses per month to qualify for fee-free accounts. If you can’t find one, try ING Direct.

- Yes. People pay for banking? I'm free for life.

1. Raise insurance deductibles. Assuming you have a proper emergency fund in place, raise deductibles on insurance policies. The difference in a $500 deductible and a $1,000 deductible on your car insurance policy can help reduce your monthly or semi-annual premiums.

- Yes I have 1000 on both cars.

1. Brown bag it. Can you believe how much a combo meal is at a fast food restaurant? And don’t get me started on dine-in restaurant tabs for lunch. You’re lucky to get out of there for less than $10-$12 including the tip. Multiply that times four or five times a week and we’re talking $200 added to your food budget each month.

- Yes if I weren't lazy I would do more often

1. Adjust your W-4 at work. The fastest way to give yourself a raise is to reduce the amount of taxes withheld from your paycheck. If you received a huge refund this year, increase the number of exemptions on your W-4 to reduce withholdings. Check the IRS website to calculate the number of exemptions required to break even.

- Yes I just did this in December! boo IRS!

1. Sign up for budget billing with utility company. This won’t necessarily save you money, but it certainly helps the budgeting process by smoothing out highs and lows in your utility bills. Most companies offer this “levelized billing” service after you have 12 months of history to compute an average.

- No I just signed up for "pay the value on the stock exchange". I can take the volatility and am tired of giving them my money. It can range from 10 cents to 20 cents per KW but I would rather pay the lower than the latter.

1. Use shredded credit card invitations as mulch in the garden. What a great way to put junk mail to good use! Run the mail through a shredder and use the clippings to mulch around your garden.

- No I toss them in the trash and monitor my credit report.

1. Buy generic ink cartridges for your printer. Ever stopped to calculate the cost per gallon of printer ink? Me neither, but I hate when my printer runs out of ink because it seems impossible to spend less than $30 or $40 to replace the black and color cartridges. Check out a generic cartridge reseller. The quality of ink is comparable to manufacturer’s ink, and many offer a dollar or two off if you recycle the old cartridge.

- No I don't print at home but at work.

1. Use a power strip to power down unused electronics. Electronics continue to use power even when they are turned off for LED displays, stop/start memory, etc. Reduce this “phantom power” drain by unplugging devices, or plugging them into a central power strip which can be powered down with the flip of a switch.

- Yes. But when I leave town I leave DVR on so shows can record. but I unplug printer, power strips, cell phones chargers, and coffee maker.

1. Figure out how to do things on your own, rather than paying an expert. This year I’ve managed to rescue a toy from the bottom of our guest bathroom toilet and unclog and empty an air conditioner drain line. With the help of the internet, or a good “how-to” book such as Save $20k With a Nail, you would be surprised how much you can do on your own and avoid expensive repair charges.

- I agree I google everything. But it is easier to pay a bug guy than buy all the chemicals and figure out what is safe.

1. Find new uses for old things. Not long ago my car’s check engine oil light came on, and the dip stick revealed I was seriously low on oil. I found a new use for an old milk jug by cutting away the bottom half and using the remaining top as a funnel to reduce spillage. This saved me a trip to the auto supply store to buy a funnel.

- That is way too cheap for me. A funnel is a buck? A milk jug is a buck? Cheap bastard.

1. Cross train at work to make yourself more valuable. Make yourself more layoff-proof by taking on a new challenge, and adding to your skill set.

- I hope I am layoff proof. I speak Spanish, BTW

1. Look into 3-month supplies of prescriptions via mail order. Many employers now offer as part of the health insurance plan a 3-month mail order prescription plan. I only have one daily prescription for asthma/allergies, and the cost of a 30-day supply from a local pharmacy is $25. For the same cost, I can get a 90-day supply via mail-order.

- I don't take drugs.

1. Sign up for medical flexible spending account (FSA) at work. Estimate carefully as unused portions of FSAs are not refundable. At a minimum, account for the amount of your family’s health care plan deductibles plus any over-the-counter medical supplies you must purchase during the year. As an added bonus, FSA contributions are pre-tax, which lowers your taxable income for the year.

- Great idea for family. I just go to a dentist 3 times a year. And a personal checkup at work for free,.

1. Quit smoking. Besides being an incredibly unhealthy habit, smoking is expensive! Many pack-a-day smoker could easily trim $200 from their budget by kicking the habit. If you can’t find any other motivation to quit, use finances.

- I don't smoke.

1. Shop for clothes on eBay. Add”NWT” to your search query and find many clothing items listed as “new with tag.” These items can be purchased for a fraction of their retail cost.

- Love ebay. Buy most my stuff from there including Ralph Lauren bedding.

1. Buy wrinkle-free clothes to avoid dry cleaning bill. I have a golden rule about clothing purchases. I don’t buy anything that requires ironing. In some cases this means I pay a little more for “wrinkle-free” materials, but I save in the long run on the time and money spent ironing or dry cleaning.

- Yes, see way above about drying clothes. I DO NOT Iron.

1. Look for kids clothes at yard sales and thrift shops. Kids have a way of outgrowing most of their clothes before they “out use” them. For this reason, many times you can find excellent buys on clothing at thrift shops and yard sales.

- Don't have kids but yes yes yes

1. Look for furniture on Craigslist or Freecycle. Many times people buy a new sofa or coffee table and don’t have a way to get rid of the old one. They will list it on Craigslist for a reduced price, or on Freecycle for free in exchange for picking it up and hauling it off. If you need a piece of furniture, but are short on cash, check out one of these sites before even thinking of going to a furniture store.

- Yes Yes Yes .I buy and sell on Craigslist

1. Give IOUs and homemade coupons rather than expensive gifts. In tough times there is nothing wrong with a homemade card and an IOU as a substitute for expensive presents. One Valentine’s Day my wife gave me a decorative jar with little scraps of paper where she hand-wrote “50 Reasons Why I Love You.” It was one of the best gifts I’ve ever received, and cost less than $5.00 to make.

- That does not compute with me. But I'm single who knows?

Helen's top 10 posts

I've been going through all 428 posts of my blog to pick you the top 10. But you know what? I'm so smart and so articulate they are all good. We had a rough start but I really hit it during the American Idol posts. So read them all, but here are some of my favorites (not linked because I am so good I am lazy - but if you want copy and patse into the search this blog into the upper left corner you can probably find my awesomeness pretty quickly)

• Ike posts. Asshole jerkoff neighbor. what you get away with from neighbors and friends
• Nathan Robinson. Got 7 random posts thanking me. Thank you.
• AI David Cook doing Billie Jean - I had 1000 hits that night
• All my music posts because I have great taste in Music. learn it, love it.
• Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog - I want to spread the word of the genius of this project.
• All my anti-Obama posts
• All my anti-windfall profit posts
• The pictures of my cars, because they are sweet
• All pictures of my cat because she is a beauty
• The post about my IRS letter
• The post about my trip to NYC which explained why 9/11 hurts. still.
• ESPN Touching Them All - the softball player who tore her ACL but opposite team carried her to her home run
  
• All my anti-bailout posts
• Shark Follows Kayak - still a big hit
• My bruised toe
• My new Washer and Dryer

That's it. folks, basically all my posts are awesome because I am, awesome. Have a great 2009!