BREAKING NEWS: Kathleen Sebelius

ABC News is reporting,

An administration official tells ABC News that this evening, President Obama asked Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to serve as his Secretary of Health and Human Services, and she accepted.

The President will formally announce the nomination on Monday afternoon at the White House.

OK, this wouldn't be DebtFree4ever.NET if I didn't add commentary. Heck, even my old political blog was done in much the same format. Even though, this is political in nature, my post is my financial. As you would expect from this particular blog.

In December, she said that she had removed herself from consideration from a Cabinet job, citing Kansas' budget problems that needed her attention. But, now it is February and Senator Tom Daschle is out as the Secretary. So once again, the Governor who could never come up with her own plans, but certainly could veto everything else, is said to be going to Washington. She even vetoed the legislatures approval of a private industry coming to my great state and creating jobs.

So with that, I wish her well. Perhaps her Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson will sign this years bill, to bring those jobs to Kansas.



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BREAKING NEWS: Paul Harvey Is Dead

I just received word that radio host Paul Harvey died today. At this time there is no further details. I will report more, when I know more. For now, all ABC news is saying is...

Radio Host Paul Harvey Has Died

http://www.wthr.com/global/story.asp?s=9924272

Chicago - ABC Radio Networks says broadcasting pioneer Paul Harvey has died at the age of 90.

Network spokesman Louis Adams says Harvey died Saturday at his winter home in Phoenix, surrounded by family. No cause of death was immediately available.

Harvey was a news commentator and talk-radio pioneer whose staccato style made him one of the nation's most familiar voices.

He was forced off the air in 2001 because a virus weakened a vocal cord. But he returned to work in Chicago and was still active as he passed his 90th birthday.

Known for his resonant voice and trademark delivery of "The Rest of the Story," Harvey had been heard nationally since 1951, when he began his "News and Comment" for ABC Radio Networks.

(Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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Interesting - The Shoebox

For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but
one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said
she would not recover.
In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took
down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside.
She agreed that it was time that he should know what was
in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls
and a stack of money totaling $95,000.
He asked her about the contents. 'When we were to be married,'
she said, ' my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage
was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you,
I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll.'
The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two
precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two
times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with
happiness.
'Honey,' he said, 'that explains the dolls, but what about all of this money?
Where did it come from?'
'Oh,' she said, 'that's the money I made from selling the dolls.'



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Giveaway: Free Concert Tickets

To the readers in Topeka, KS I would like to announce that I will be conducting a drawing for a pair of free tickets.

What: Kelli O'Hara/Topeka Symphony
When: Mon March 23, 2009 7:30 PM
Where: TPAC
Contest deadline: March 15, 2009
To enter, you may respond to this post.

If you respond at this blog, tick the box to be updated of any follow-up emails. That way you will be sure to see when I make the announcement.

You may also send your name and phone number to my email address.

Thanks
Kevin S. (aka the Prince of Thrift)



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A New Way To Stay on Top of What's New Here

Tuesday, I created a fan page on Facebook. You can follow us on Facebook by clicking the button to the right. By becoming a member of the fan page, you will get a heads up of new announcements, before they are announced here. In addition, you will be able to interact with other members, For example, there is currently two discussion board topics that have already been started. One about how much debt that you have, and the other ask for your ideas on Traveling on the cheap. So why not join the fan page and get in on the discussion. Let's make this a lively community. Oh and don't forget to friend me on Facebook as well.






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Anyone Remember This Guy???

The other day, I was remembering a financial adviser that was all over late night TV when I was kid in the 80's. A guy who suggested one way to get rich was to cut out the costs of insurance. Basically, becoming self insured. However, I couldn't remember his name. Then a couple days ago, Dave Ramsey was answering a callers question, and happened to mention Charles Givens. Finally, I had a name, and the research into this guy began.
The first thing I found was that he died in 1998 (July 12th).

During his rein he wrote 3 best-selling books:

1. Wealth Without Risk (1988)
   
2. Financial Self-Defense (1990)
   
3. More Wealth Without Risk (1991)
   

Charles J. Givens was a self-styled financial planner, investment educator, and investment guru who once appeared in infomercials on late-night television to tell the world about the fortunes he had made and lost, free seminars run by his associates, and the Charles J. Givens Organization. He died in 1998, but one of his organizations, International Administrative Services Inc. (IAS), lives on.
- http://invest-faq.com/articles/warn-givens.html

The article continued,

Givens offers quite a bit of helpful advice but contrary to the titles of his books, his ideas can be extremely risky. For example, some of his suggestions about insurance, especially dropping uninsured motorist coverage from one's automobile insurance, may leave people under insured and vulnerable in case of an accident unless they are very careful about reading their policies and asking hard questions. On the other hand, some people are arguably over-insured, which is why Givens makes these recommendations. These people could certainly benefit from reading their policies carefully and asking the insurance agent some hard questions, but wholesale advice to drop coverage is risky.

A look at International Administrative Services Inc's Website boasts about their founder:

It began with a dream. Charles J. Givens, Jr. was 18 years old and bagging groceries for $0.85 an hour when he wrote down a dreams list identifying 188 dreams he was determined to accomplish. Among his many remarkable achievements, over 180 of those original 188 dreams have been reached.

Charles Jr. was born on February 5, 1941, and grew up in Decatur, Illinois, graduating from MacArthur High School in 1959. On his 16th birthday, his aunt sent him an old guitar and unknowingly launched his musical career. He became a Central Illinois celebrity with his band "Chuck Givens and the Quintones" during the Rock & Roll era of the '50s and '60s.

He attended Millikan University in Decatur and the University of Tennessee before moving to Nashville. A fire destroyed his music studio, equipment and master tapes, and with no insurance to cover the loss, he learned what it meant to lose everything. He realized that in order to control your future effectively, you must first let go of your past. "Where I is, is where I is -- but where I'm going is up to me" became his motto.

They even boast about all of his appearance's:

Charles J. Givens appeared as a featured guest on almost every major national television talk show, including, Oprah, Larry King, Phil Donahue, Joan Rivers, Geraldo Rivera, CNN, the Home Show, the 700 Club and the Today Show.

The Charles J. Givens' Money Strategies newspaper column has been carried in 500 newspapers in 48 states and his radio broadcasts and interviews have been heard throughout the country.

However, they don't tell you about the lawsuits or questionable activities.

He would arrive at lectures in a chauffeur-driven, white limousine trimmed with gold. His mantra was: ``Be all you can be.'' He charged people $400 to $900 to learn his secrets of becoming wealthy.

In the 1990s, his companies were the targets of dozens of lawsuits and investigations, many of them focusing on his alleged misrepresentations and the stringent refund policy covering his instructional materials.

A California jury in 1996 said Givens defrauded 29,000 customers in that state. He was ordered to refund them $14.1 million and was ordered to stop misrepresenting the success of his moneymaking strategies.

``Givens lied about his past,'' said John W. Jeffrey, an attorney for the plaintiffs. ``The way he made his money was not by using the strategies he sold but rather by selling the strategies themselves.''

A month after the verdict in California, Givens' company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. He lost control of the business in 1997.

A judge approved a plan to repay creditors 25 cents on the dollar. To protect himself from creditors, Givens transferred most of his assets to limited partnerships, frustrating lawyers who tried to collect for their clients.
- http://www.newbusinessnews.com/story/07149801.html

Oh and don't forget:

Later that year, he settled a fraud and deceptive trade practices lawsuit filed by Florida's attorney general by agreeing to refund $175,000 to 135 disgruntled customers and paying the state's investigative costs.

So, as with so many of the get rich quick schemers, his money really came from selling the idea rather then putting the ideas in practice. His ideas are some great ideas, but not if you are not ready for them.
For example, his website talks about the insurance, which so many of us remember from the 80's.

Almost any risk can be covered by insurance, but only a few coverages are good values. Always weigh the potential financial risk with the cost of the premium to insure that risk.
For example, if raising a deductible on an automobile collision policy from $500 to $1000 cut the premium by $200 annually, you would save $200 every year by accepting $300 more net risk ($500 minus the $200 yearly premium) -- not a bad risk to take. If you go two years without a collision claim, you are ahead of the game. In this example, paying $200 annually in order to insure $300 (net), is not a cost-effective use of your premium dollar after the second year.

As you can see it is a great idea. However, it isn't if you don't have the savings built up to cover the deductible if you should ever need it. Right now my insurances tend to have a $500 deductible. It will stay there, until I can build my emergency fund to a point where I can raise it to $1000. Which would mean $2000 in reality ($1000 for home and $1000 for auto).

This article is re-posted from March 22, 2007
When I first wrote the article, I only received two comments. Both comments was positive for this guy. Never Again Debt said,

I credit Charles Givens with putting me on the path to wealth. That was back in 1987. Givens taught me the power of saving. I read his first book, Wealth Without Risk and still have the copy.
I started saving $5 a week. Each time I got $25 together, I would buy a US Savings bond. Till I had thousands of them. Then I started investing in American Century Mutual Funds because of Givens.
As with all financial guru's, when people don't make the easy money they think they should have, they sue and try to ruin you.
Charles Givens advice worked for me. I am sorry to hear of his demise.

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American Express pays some customers to close accounts

Now there is a deal that I would love to have. A credit card company is offering some of their most "at risk" customers to cancel their credit cards (and pay them off by April 30). In exchange for doing this the credit card company, will pay them $300. This is the same company that Dave Ramsey seems to hate the most. The one he calls, "American Excess."
The LA Times is reporting today,

American Express Co. is paying some cardholders $300 each to close accounts so the lender can reduce the risk of defaults as the recession deepens.

People who got the offer to "simplify" their finances must pay off their entire credit card balance by April 30, according to New York-based American Express.

Enrolling in the program cancels a customer's account and may lead to the forfeiture of reward points or rebates, the company said.

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Happy Pancake Day Everyone!

When I arrived at the local IHOP, the parking lot was packed. However, when I entered the line was shorter then it is on other occasions (last time was my 40th birthday - July 13, 2009) that I eat at this location. There was still a number of open tables. I was a little surprised, but then again I wasn't. I mean, unlike, the free Grand Slam Day at Denney's, this promotion is going until 10 PM tonight. Which means the customers aren't as pressed with time constraints. Then again, Denney's had two locations locally and IHOP only has the one location.

I arrived about 7:20 AM and I was leaving about 7:50 AM. The pancakes, as usual, was awesome. Normally, when I come, I get the hash browns, eggs and bacon (or sausage) to. However, today I am going the frugal route. The free pancakes and water.





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Free Short Stack All Day Today

If you missed my post last night. I will re-post it. I was reminded yesterday that it is Shrove Tuesday and that means Free short stack day at IHOP. The folks at the International House of Pancakes do this every year. I and a friend went a year ago and will be there at 7 am (or shortly there after) this morning. If you are in Topeka, come on out to the one location in town and get those free pancakes. For everyone else, get to your local IHOP and support the Children's Miracle Network. And remember, the wait staff still needs to be paid, so don't forget to leave a tip.

It is going to be a great day tomorrow. That is if you like free things.

Mardi Gras means more than beads and parades; since 2006, it's also meant free pancakes at the International House of Pancakes (IHOP). This February 24, 2009, IHOP will serve up their famous pancakes for free to visitors between the hours of 7am and 10pm.
- Digital City

There is a catch though. All they ask is that you consider making a donation to the Children's Miracle Network. So why not go out to your local IHOP and get some free grub (a free short stack), while helping out your local Children's Hospital. Oh and don't forget to tip the wait staff.

I will try to let you know more about my visit later today. Perhaps I can even go in for breakfast this morning and dinner (after work) late tonight (right before the 10 pm cut off time).
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Free Pancakes Tomorrow

It is going to be a great day tomorrow. That is if you like free things.

Mardi Gras means more than beads and parades; since 2006, it's also meant free pancakes at the International House of Pancakes (IHOP). This February 24, 2009, IHOP will serve up their famous pancakes for free to visitors between the hours of 7am and 10pm.
- Digital City

There is a catch though. All they ask is that you consider making a donation to the Children's Miracle Network. So why not go out to your local IHOP and get some free grub (a free short stack), while helping out your local Children's Hospital. Oh and don't forget to tip the wait staff.


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Thoughts on Blogging

When I started this blog almost three years ago, I had big dreams. Especially, when it soared to become one of the top 100 personal finance blogs within a few short months. A position, it held by reader count until late last year, when it lost some of that share. My hope during the height of that time, was that the blog would become one of the top 100 of all blogs.

Like Daniel Lyons, in his article in the current issue of Newsweek, I soon realized that it just wasn't going to happen.

For two years I was obsessed with trying to turn a blog into a business. I posted 10 to 20 times a day to my site, The Secret Diary of Steve jobs, rarely taking a break. I blogged from cabs, using my blackberry. I blogged in the middle of the night, having awakened with an idea. I rationalized this insane behavior by telling myself that at the end of this rainbow I would find a huge pot of gold. But reality kept interfering with this fantasy. My first epiphany occurred in August 2007, when The New York Times ran a story revealing my identity, which until then I'd kept secret. On that day more then 500,000 people hit my site-by far the biggest day I'd ever had-and through Google's Adsense program I earned about a hundred bucks.
- Daniel Lyons, Techtonic Shifts, Newsweek (Feb. 16, 2009)

For me, I guess the epiphany was when I was writing for the local dailies online paper in their blog section. It was during this time I noticed that my reader count was going down. Not only that, I even lost some of my Google PR (page rank) ranking during this time. Something that was very disappointing to me.

I also realized that the New York Times, New York Post, Washington Post, LA Times or any other major paper was going to call little ole me in Topeka, KS. Heck, I would be happy with just 500,000 visitors in a week or even a single month, let alone a day. The most visitors, that I got in a single day was, if memory serves me right, between 300-400. Why the surge? I had seen a story on HGTV about a woman who was living in an 84 square foot house. I went to my computer, found the video and wrote up a blog post on it. Apparently several people seen the same story, because the next 2-3 days I had people coming in from the search engines with such search results as "84 sq ft home," "84 sq ft house," and similar renditions of the search.

Still, even though, I am not going to replace my job with this blog, it would be nice to see twice as many daily visitors and/or to see more comments.

Still, I will hang in there. I will post about my personal struggles and my successes in my world of personal finance. I will also continue to post make comments about articles from mainstream media and other bloggers that I find interesting.

I will use the hotel business center and post about my trip to New York, from the big apple. Perhaps, I can even get an interview with the folks of Fox Business' (FBN) "Happy Hour." That could be an interesting story to write up for my you my readers. It would also be nice to meet and talk to former President Clinton and see if he can help me with the political fight I have been fighting for some 18-years. Although, I am sure that is just a pipe dream. It is nice to dream. Isn't it?

Overall, I enjoy blogging, and even though, I am not able to blog as much as I once did, will continue keeping you up to date and hopefully, just hopefully encourage you in your effort to become debt-free as well.



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Recycling Clothing, Re-Inspired

Yesterday, I found this great YouTube channel, that has a couple of people talking about being total Thrift Shop freaks. Check it out, if you are interested. I certainly could learn more from these two. Perhaps I might meet them, when I am in the New York area in April (it might be an interesting interview for a blog post).




I especially like their numerous videos that discuss making new clothes out of clothing found at the thrift shop. If Ryan, Corinne, Lindsey or Meg, see this, I would like to say welcome, and great job.

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Welcome KevinsView.com

I would like to announce that I have officially merged KevinsView.com into DebtFree4ever.net. The site was hardly getting any visitors and I was spending most of my time working on this site and it's 100 or so daily visitors. Hopefully, it will bring in more visitors as the will be automatically forwarded to the DebtFree4ever.net address.

To those that have been visiting the last few weeks from that address and to the others who will be visiting, I would like to say welcome.

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Planning a Trip Continues - Paying in Advance

Since I reported last week, that I had purchased my first airline ticket in 8-years, I have been actively planning. I have decided that the Thrifty thing would be to avoid using the Grey Line Tours. Instead I will purchase day passes and ride the subway. I have already purchased my ferry tickets to Ellis and Liberty Islands, so that I can see the Statue of Liberty. I have also purchased tickets to the FDR museum and home in Hyde Park, NY. Not only that but my hotel room in Brooklyn, NY is already funded.

I have also looked at getting tickets to the Empire State Building, but they are $20.45 and so I have not made those reservations. If you are in the New York area and know of free things to see, I would be interested in learning of those. I am also considering checking out the Brooklyn Bridge, it is my understanding it has a great view of the city skyline and Lady Liberty.

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Check in the Mail

When I opened my mailbox yesterday, I found only one piece of mail. Surprising since there was no mail Monday, that I didn't have a huge box full. That one piece was even more surprising. I had figured it would take longer. However, I received a check for $15.64. The check being from the county for my 7 hours I sat down at the courthouse for jury duty. The check included $10 for the jury service and $5.64 for mileage. The mileage was figured automatically from the center of each respondents zip code. I will be depositing that check today, to help pay one of my bills.


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Trump Is An Example of Why Debt Is Bad

Donald Trump's casino group is expected to file for bankruptcy, the Wall Street Journal said, less than two weeks before the new Celebrity Apprentice starts. This is among Trump's most embarrassing failures.

And that's saying a lot.

Trump is no stranger to bankruptcy. Tuesday's expected Chapter 11 filing will be the third time the casino group — just that one Trump division, among several — has gone bankrupt. But this time is especially humiliating because this is the same company that went bankrupt in November 2004, in the midst of the fourth season of The Apprentice, the reality show in which Trump "fires" people who don't meet his business standards of constant failure and mammoth debt accumulation.
Gawker.com

After the last bankruptcy, people were talking about his two bankruptcy's, and some of his defenders were quick to say that he didn't file bankruptcy twice, but just one of his company's. Well now it's a third time, and frankly it doesn't matter that it's one of his businesses. He still owns the business and it's him that makes the decisions. Therefore, it is him that has filed bankruptcy. Perhaps, he should sell Trump Entertainment and focus on the businesses that he purportedly is not losing money on.
No matter, his financial situation, I would still like to meet him, when I am in New York, and hopefully get some advice from one of America's most notable billionaires. Perhaps advice, I can write up as a post on this blog.

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First Real Vacation in 8 Years

I have not taken a real vacation since April of 2001. No plane flights. No distance traveling. All because of finances. Well, this year, I will be taking two days of vacation time and four days of actual time (counting Easter Sunday, when the store will be closed and my regular day off), and going yo New York.

The plan is to travel on Sunday and get checked into the Sleep Comfort Inn. On Monday, I plan to to take the train North to Hyde Park to see the FDR Library and Museum. Then once I get back to New York that afternoon, I plan to head over to the taping of Fox Business Networks "Happy Hour" over at the Waldorf Hotel. Then on Tuesday, I am considering using the hop on hop off tour by Gray Line to see some the hot tourist spots, like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and Ground Zero. That is, if it isn't possible to get into some of those spots on Sunday afternoon or early Wed morning before I leave. My biggest concern with the Gray Line tour is the $88 charge for the service.

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Week In Review

Yesterday, I got my new mattress off of layaway. It was so nice to actually sleep on a mattress and box springs for a change. So much nicer then that futon. Of course now I need to get some sheets and blankets so that I can get out of that sleeping bag.

The new err used dryer I bought in June or July last year crapped out on me. The drum has fallen and a metal band that belongs behind it is hanging inside...needless to say it is chewing up my clothes. I'm back to trying to air drying them. Which is cheaper, but not as fast...not sure how much it will cost to repair.

I am selling the bar and 3 bar stools in my dinning room. I simply need the space, but I also need the cash. So far I have had 4 people come by and look at it, with the "possibility" of returning today. Another person has called and wants to come from Lawrence to look at them. I am advertising them for $75 or best offer, the reason that price is because the local paper will run the classified for 4 days for free if the single item is $75 or less. Hopefully, it will see today.


***Update --- I accepted a $50 offer on the bar and bar stools****

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Obama Is Right - At Least Partially

You know I heard on the news that people were questioning President Obama's thinking the other day, when he said, he wanted to cap CEO pays. Now, I do have to say I also agree with the naysayers, when they say that the Government have no business getting into regulating how much private business pays anyone, including the CEO's. However, when the Government is handing out billions of dollars, it does have a right to say how, those that accept it, spend it. That includes putting a cap on the CEO's, including their bonuses.

Donald Trump, probably said it best on his blog:

Last night I was on the air with Larry King who always has incisive questions. He asked me if Obama was right or wrong to go after these executives with salary caps--and I said he’s absolutely right. Billions of dollars are being given to banks, and once you start using taxpayer money, it’s a whole new ball game.

It’s not a game I’m enjoying watching. The banks are trying to shore up their balance sheets. They’re supposed to be loaning out that money and they’re using it for other purposes, so it is a real mess.

It's important to remember that this is a worldwide problem. Mr. Trump even mentioned this in his blog post. Despite those that want to blame the good ole USA, every country is experiencing this problem. Had we listened to John McCain and others in the Congress two years ago, perhaps it wouldn't be as bad for us, at least in this country, but we chose to listen to Barney Frank and his ilk, that told us everything was OK. We now know, that they were wrong about Fannie and Freddie. McCain was right when he warned us two years ago we needed to do something about these now bankrupt government backed business and their frivolous purchasing of bad loans that they would never collect on.

The concept of bailouts is a two-edged sword. If they didn’t do the bailout, we would be in depression No. 2, and maybe it would be just as big as depression No. 1, so they really had to do something. We don’t really know if it’s going to work for quite some time. If it’s really wrong--and it could be wrong--we’re going to really have a mess in two years.

We are in a situation that is trial and error. We’ve never dealt with this before. But I think Obama is doing the right thing and all of us must remain alert to what is happening.
- Donald Trump

I can tell you for a fact that the bailouts will fail. I don't know that we will find out in two-years, but we will eventually find out. The thing is we cannot continue falsely inflating the economy with money we don't have. To get the economy going again, we have to let it fail. Then learn to follow our grandmothers advice, "If you can't afford it, you can't buy it." The idea, despite what economists that lie to us about how great credit is; we will be better off, both personally and economically if we learn to save up for our purchases and not think that we have to have everything under the sun. That goes for our personal budget and our national budget (for any country). I don't know what is so hard to understand about that, it is just simple math. But then, if our Governments were doing simple math maybe they would see their stupidity. But, perhaps that is asking to much.


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A clean car and 4 Free Tickets

Today after work, I had a little time before the sun went down and since it was such an extraordinary winter day (70's) that I decided to wash my car. Man, you should have seen the dirt role off the car as I sprayed it with the hose. However, it is now nice and white again.

In addition, I won free tickets see the Topeka Symphony Orchestra, which will perform on March 23. When I arrived, they also gave me 2 tickets to this weekends boat show.

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Thanks WIBW-TV

In my local city, a TV station each week asks viewers to text "WIBW" to a certain number for a chance to win prizes. Last week they were offering tickets to a March 23 performance of the Topeka Symphony Orchestra. Well, I received a voice mail Thursday afternoon, that I had won 4 tickets to that concert.

Yes, It Really Is Free Today!

(Look at that beautiful food on my plate)

I arrived at one of the two local Denny's locations here in Topeka, at 6:10 am, and there was already a line going out the door. I was surprised to find an acquaintance, and who owns rentals in my neighborhood, to arrive shortly after me. He was unaware of the promotion, and since both of us were alone, we decide to sit together. Our wait wasn't very long, despite the line. By 6:15 we were seated, although, it was in smoking rather then non-smoking.

The reason for all the people, was a free Grand Slam. The offer is good all morning today 6am-2pm. I really encourage you to go and get your free meal. I ordered an Orange juice to go with my free meal. Boy was that a mistake...that glass of OJ cost me about as much a half gallon of OJ would have...$2.45. When I left I was sure to leave a tip, I mean just because the restaurant is giving away the food doesn't mean the waitress shouldn't get her pay.

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Free Meal (Grand Slam) This Tuesday

Hey all you singles (and even married families). This week there is one day, that you can truly eat out for less then eating in. Yes, you read that right. This Tuesday February 3, 2009 from 6 am-2pm, you can get a free meal from Denny's. A "Grand Slam" nonetheless. That's 2 eggs, 2 sausage, 2 bacon, 2 pancakes per customer. Absolutely NO carry outs and NO substitutions.

They just ran a commercial during the Superbowl to advertise this promotion. However, according to another blogger, the deal doesn't stop there.

PLUS every guest will receive a free coupon book with 8 coupons in it-- each coupon book has 4 BOGO coupons, 2 25% off coupons, 1 coupon for free dessert and 1 coupon good for a free order of pancake puppies.

Now, I have to wonder, what is are pancake puppies.

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Super Bowl Sunday

It is that time of the year, when much of the country turns their attention to the Super Bowl. Even though, I am not much of a Super Bowl fan, I am among them. Especially this year, when the team I have rooted for since the late 70's is one of the two teams.

A team that has more Super Bowl appearances then any other team. A team that has won 5 out of 6 of those Super Bowl appearances. And if you are among those watching, you seen the longest play in Super Bowl history, when this same team made a 100-yard interception return.

Once, the game over I will have to get to bed, because tomorrow, I have the possibility of losing a days income. Why? Because I have a jury duty summons, and my group has to report at 8:30 tomorrow morning. Which, even though, I would love to serve on a jury, my employer does not offer jury pay. So I will lose income for anytime, that I serve on the jury. Financially, it could be a bad thing for me. At such a crucial time, when I am so close to paying of the last of my debts. Not to mention, that I have a position, that depends on me being there.

Well half-time is over. Time to get back to the game and those Super Bowl ads. What was your favorite Super Bowl Ad? What did you think of the game?




update: Steelers win 27-23. Also though it didn't play in my area (because we don't have them here) Jack in the box seems to be the most searched for topic steeming from their ad "hang in there jack." The commercial apparently involves the founder of the fast food giant being hit by a bus.
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