Has Paula Abdul ever said anything original IN HER LIFE!??!?!?!
That’s it.
April 30, 2008
April 24, 2008
Saving Money in a Sour Economy
I don’t know about where you live, but “consumer prices” here in the Southeast are waaaaay out of control. Gas is up about 50 cents a gallon in the last 6 months and about 20 cents a gallon in the last two weeks. Emails about boycotting certain gas stations to force lower prices (which will not happen) will be circulating again soon and the “lowest gas prices in your area” emails have started now. I’m more seriously than ever considering buying a (used) hybrid vehicle as I don’t see that gas prices are ever going to fall substantially. Perhaps back down to $3.00, but not lower than that.
Because of an argument with Sonya over grocery prices about a decade and a half ago I am the primary grocery purchaser in our family. We do pretty well for a family of five (until August when it becomes four) but have seen our grocery bill skyrocket over the last few months. Due to the water shortage in Georgia local water prices have risen about 8% for 2008. Building materials and supplies are up. I haven’t checked clothes lately, but we’re about to have to spend a king’s ransom to provide proper attire for our two youngest.
I think I inherited frugality from my Mother. As early as I can remember she was clipping coupons and looking for the grocery store that had the best prices. Gas, at 40 cents a gallon, was hardly a concern. Most any of my kids would bear testimony to my unwillingness to eat out, leave lights on, buy branded clothing and probably things I’ve forgotten. Thankfully, Sonya balances me though we’ve had quite a few “discussions” over the years.
Over the next couple of posts, I’m going to deal with practical, easy ways to save money. Much of it will have to do with a grocery buying strategy that can save up to 30% of your monthly grocery bill. Some of it will have to do with utilities and living expenses. Perhaps you’ve put some of them in practice, perhaps some will be new to you but it will be an exercise on how to squeeze blood out of a stone.
April 12, 2008
Need good advertising? Try these folks…
This sign is about 2 miles from my house. If you call now you can probably get your order by the end of the week. Hury-call todya.
April 11, 2008
Favorite Movie Scenes
I think my favorite scene from any movie is a simple but powerful scene in To Kill a Mockingbird. At the end of Tom Robinson’s trial, the courtroom has almost emptied as his defense attorney, Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck) picks up his papers and packs up his briefcase. Remaining attendants are only those seated the balcony (excepting his kids and neighbor Dill they were all African-Americans who were not allowed to sit on the main floor). As Atticus turns to walk out the door, all those in the balcony begin to slowly rise. In just a few seconds everyone is standing except for Atticus’ daughter Jean Louise (Mary Badham), better known as “Scout.” An elder African American man leans down and semi-whispers, “Stand up, Miss Jean Louise. Stand up-your Father is passing.” Unfortunately, I cannot find the clip online. If you don’t already on this movie on DVD, you probably hate your Mother, too. Get it here.
Another scene I really like is the singing of “La Marseillaise” from Casablanca. Another favorite movie, this scene puts me on the verge of tears every time I watch it. Some exiled French, holed up at Rick’s Cafe Americain, are being subjected to a terrible rendition the German anthem by some Nazi officers. A few measures into it, Resistance leader Victor Lazlo (Paul Henreid) instructs the house band to “play La Marseillaise…play it!” They do with stirring results
Last of my faves is one of the most powerful scenes ever committed to film. A scene that is as emotionally and physically exhausting for the viewer as it must have been for the participants. The original scene is 10 or more minutes long. This clip, missing the beginning, is a little over eight. Anne Bancroft as Annie Sullivan and the astounding Patti Duke as Helen Keller in the breakfast scene from The Miracle Worker.
What are your favorite movie scenes?
