Monday, October 31, 2005

Happy Halloweeeeeen



Safety first, guys and ghouls!!

If you're going trick or treating this year.. be sure to observe these safety clues:

1. Go in a pack... moms make sure your little ghoulies are in sight at all times (good old ACLU is allowing convicted child molesters and rapists to answer the door this halloween.. I don't trust ANYONE)

2. Inspect your stash... You never know what you're being given... candy... exlax.... candy corn from 1850?

3. If it's unwrapped, chuck it... You don't want to poison yourself this early in the game.

4. Keep your eyes open... Some dude wore his costume yesterday and opened fire here in NY... gotta love those wackos!

On a more positive note.. I happened to find .12 cents in the snack area in one building @ school. Some suckah dropped good old FDR and didn't feel like bending to pick it up so I did my civic duty as both a patriot and a capitalist:

I waited until he left and put it right in my pocket ;) One penny was hiding beneath the soda machine and the other one was patiently waiting for me right underneath this keyboard... COME TO ME MISTER LINCOLN!!

"UNHAND THAT PENNY OR THE ARM COMES OFF!!!!"

So I finished term paper number two for Spanish Independent Study and now it's off to write four critiques... I love school.

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The origin of Halloween (from this page)

Ever wonder how we began celebrating Halloween?Here is an interesting story that tells how Halloween began.
The origins of today's celebrations on October 31st and November 1st marked the beginning of the new year.During this time, the crops were harvested to prepare foodfor the long, dark winter.
October 31st also marked the eve of the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-en).
Samhain was a joyful harvest festival that marked the death of the old year and the beginning of a new one. The day itself was atime for paying homage to the sun god Baal who had provided the people with the ripened grain for use in the upcoming winter.
The Samhain festival marked the transition from life to death, and because the lives of the Celts were deeply intertwined with nature, the death of the world around them became associated with human death. During this time, it was believed that the veil between the worlds of the living and the deadwere thinnest, and the living were able to communicate withtheir deceased loved ones. Of course, if the spirits wereable to travel between the worlds on Samhain, so too couldhostile spirits. To scare these bad spirits away, the Celts carved faces into potatoes and turnips and lit them with candles. They also dressed up in ghoulish costumes and paraded around their neighborhoods.

The word Halloween actually has its origins in the Catholic Church. In the 7th century the church celebrated All Saints' Day in May, but by the 9th century the date had been changed to November 1st. Another name for All Saints' Day was All Hallows'Eve, which was later shortened to Halloween. In the 10th century the church named November 2nd as All Souls' Day in memory of all dead souls. Halloween, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day come so close together and are so similar that in some countries they tend to merge together.
Halloween didn't become widely celebrated in the United States until the 1800s. Irish immigrants fleeing their country's potato famine began settling in the U.S.,and brought many of their customs with them. At the time, the favorite pranks in New England included such benign tricks as tipping over outhouses and unhinging fence gates.Because the New World had an abundance of pumpkins, whichwere more suitable as lanterns, they replaced turnips and have become a major symbol of modern Halloween.

Trick or Treat : The custom of trick-or-treatingis thought to have originated with a 9th century Europeancustom called "souling." On November 2nd, All Souls' Day,early Christians would walk from village to village beggingfor "soul cakes," made of square pieces of bread with currants.The more soul cakes the beggars would receive, the moreprayers they would promise to say on behalf of the donors' relatives who had passed away.
Bobbing for Apples: When the Celts were absorbedby the Roman Empire, many rituals of Roman origin began.Among them was the worship of Pomona, the goddess of the harvest. Pomona was often portrayed sitting on a basket of fruits and flowers. Apples were the sacred fruit of the goddess, and many games of divination involving them entered Samhain customs.

Jack-O-Lanterns: Irish children used to carve out potatoes and turnips and light them for their Halloween gatherings. As legend has it, these "lanterns" commemorated Jack, a shifty Irish villain so wicked that neither heaven nor the Devil wanted him. Rejected by both the sacred and profane, he wandered the world endlessly looking for a place to rest,his only warmth a glittering candle in a rotten potato.

Sunday, October 30, 2005

FAQ about The Changepot

I've received alot of questions as to why I'm doing this so I have decided to answer a few q's directly on this blog for your viewing pleasure:

Q: Why are you going through all the trouble to document money you find on the floor? So you found five cents... big deal?

A: Found money is money that has already been taxed, scrutinized and pretty much left in the dark. We Americans spend SOO much money on garbage that we're used to this tiny little charge when we buy drinks. Quite simply, I want my money back. From this moment forward, I vow to collect every penny I find regardless of risking the almighty finger pointing (wow she's a cheapo) and name callings... you should too.

Q: Ok so you got a few bucks in change.. whoopteedoo. What next?

A: The irony is.. I started recycling cans earlier this year. I managed to save a nice wad of cash from recycling, cutting down bill costs and paying myself first by stuffing this money in envelopes I collect from stupid credit card offers and various snail mail spam "gimme money" donation letters. I joined a website called savingadvice in which I update my financial blog weekly. All this since March 2005. I am happy to report that I have accumulated triple digits in savings.

Q: now That's what I'm talkin about.. cold hard cash! How much have you saved, if I may be so bold as to inquire?

A: Four thousand dollars which is currently deposited and collecting interest.

Q: How can I start on my own savings plan?

A:Okay so you may not be into the recycling aspect. Instead of doing this, try this approach:



1. Electricity: BULBS Do you use the energy saver bulbs as opposed to the standard? I lowered my bill considerably with that alone.

2. Cable: Call and threaten to cancel the service.. they will lower your bill to keep you.

3. Credit Cards: For the cards you can afford to close, call the cust svc and negotiate with them directly. Tell them to close the account and tell them you're under hardship and would like to work out a deal while you still have some room to do good on your debts. If you play it good enough, not only will you be able to do a payment plan.. you could get a rate reduction for hardship alone.

4. Groceries: CLIP CLIP CLIP! Coupons are a blessing.. doubled coupons are even better!I also use ONE credit card that gives me 5% back of all my groceries. It may not seem like much at first but I have just recently cashed my second check in the amount of 90.00.. a free 180 bucks for doing what I do ANYWAY is unbeatable in my eyes!! I don't use my card for anything else except food and gasoline. When I make the purchase, I put the money to pay the bill in an envelope and when the bill comes, I go pay directly at the bank.

Hope this helps!

So... if you're up for grabbing the change in the street or picking up a few bottles once in a while.. do your thang! People won't laugh if they see the bankroll you can get from these little ventures ;)

What my free money looks like for the month of October...




Okay so I haven't been updating as much as I should.. I've been inundated by schoolwork and the usual business. Today I got a chance to take a stroll (3 miles).. it's good to get the senses running by some brisk excercis :) I found thirty five cents- a quarter and two nickels not too far from it. I have found change during the time I didn't update but instead of detailing them here.. i'll just add it to the total in the changepot. I have taken a pic and will update it so you all can see it first hand.
Here is the makeup for October:

78 pennies
11 nickels
24 dimes
7 quarters

Grand total: 5.48 ... Not bad for money people throw AWAY.

Sunday, October 23, 2005

Murder Buggers.


I'm sitting here... updating my blog... watching hubby watch poker on ESPN... he is playing some golf game on PSP... I'm gassy.... found five pennies... actually, he found it.... I just took it... he snatched them up..... at the drive thru... at White Castle... the smell is still on him.... and in my truck... yuck....... I really.....should...finish......writing.....my...term.........paper! PROCRASTINATION SUCKS.


Total today: $0.05

Friday, October 21, 2005

Tick... Tick... Tick......................BOOM!


Friday. Usually a day of joyous celebration... bleah!
It's raining. The bills have decimated my checking account... and I got a B- on a term paper I worked hard on.
Am I pissed?
Nah... I found a nickel and six pennies in the snack lounge at school today (all in all a pretty good score). I'll be going out later today so I may find a few more lincoln friends... who knows :)

Currently I am working on a play that deals with much subtext and insinuation... just the right tone for a dreary October afternoon. I'm still in the mental composition stage.. many things I witness in daily life will somehow find its way into this play, I am SURE of it!


Good night all.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Plain Gold Ring (La Belle Reve)


::Sigh:: I wish hubby would get me a new wedding band... the one I wear currently chafes my skin and it looks utterfly grooooosss. Anywhoo... yesterday I attended the first official meeting of "See Me" with the editor-in-chief and a few guest writers/photographers. I have assumed the title of business manager/writer. Dontcha just looove college :) it makes ya feel so important! But seriously folks.. we're on the verge of something new at CSI.. something bold.. exciting.. and engaging for folks of ALL ages- not just the young leftist who can't seem to come up with words beyond the four letter expletives. GO COLLEEN!

As for moolah.. I found a total of 12 cents in the oddest of places! The first penny was carelessly discarded at the pump of a nearby gas station. I picked up cold mr. lincoln and put him in my baggie (sometimes the change I find has to be uhm.. disinfected lol). When I got to school, I caught the familiar glint of change underneath the snack machine so I did what a typical college frugalite would do... I dropped my pen under the machine and proceeded to investigate underneath it for my prized plume. VOILA! Out popped my pen and a shiny dime. My man... come to mama!
The last penny was hidden in the extreme corner of a staircase in building 5S. Mr. Lincoln is a little dirty.. but it's all good.. just needs a little ketchup is all.



Ode to Brando:
Funny how a carefree life costs so much to maintain. Even as a brutish rapist, Brando was sexy... quel dommage. How many of you have found your own elysian field? :::sigh::
The sun is finally rising here in the perfumed corner New York City borough that is Staten Island. The sky is drenched in fruit punch drunk puffiness .. and my thoughts remain as eclectic as the chinese bag lady that pushes her lifecart of clinking cans and bereft bottles.. deposits, deposits... deposits. Good morning beautiful. Welcome to America.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

A tribute to lady day...










Nothing better than a little Billie to grace the pages of a reclusive Krabby Chick.

Nippy Titty Report-iddy


TRUE STORY:

As I was fetching my morning cup o' joe at the local DD (we islanders don't have the luxury of an au bon pain like SOME people i know), a woman caught my attention. She wasn't young.. i'd say about mid 40's easily. Miss to-do was wearing a black bra underneath a wrinkled white, long-sleeved shirt. Of course, judging from the state of her nipples it was 'nippy' outside (what a horrible pun.. spank me please).

Anyway, miss thang orders a vanilalata oocachaca latte tatta whatever the f***(i'm a plain jane french vanilla bitch myself). I swoop up my grub and am on my way out when suddenly I hear "F**K!!" and a slew of other curses fired in rapid succession. Miss know it all tried to grab her coochie toochie latty and donut in one hand while carting god knows what in the other... and spilled her drink.. all over herself.

The growing army of construction workers on the line behind miss thang immediately rushed to her aid. She was blotting her shirt with napkins gently when this young kid (couldn't have been more than 5) cried out "look mah, she got coffee on her titties!"

Don't ask why. That was the highlight of my day.
Oh... and I found thirteen cents in the parking lot of dunkin donuts.. GO MEEE

Monday, October 17, 2005

ING punks out...





ING raised the minimum amount to receive the 25.00 referral bonus from 1.00 to 250.00. Still not a bad deal considering the brick and mortar banks are offering less than 1 % interest.


PASS IT ON
Send your friends an email invitation to open an Orange Savings Account.
If your friend opens an account with at least $250, we will also deposit a $25 bonus in their new account and a $10 thank you bonus in your Orange Savings Account.

Your friend's initial deposit: $250 or more
Your Friend Gets 25 bucks
You Get 10 bucks

BUT if your friends initial deposit: Less than $250
Your friend gets A great account
You get A friend for life

If any of my readers are interested, I can refer you. Send an email to KBUNLIM@gmail.com with the heading ING OFFER and I will reply with the link so you can get your 25 beans :)
Here is a link to the ING website so you can read a little on it. Note: If you open it without my link, you won't get the $25. ING DIRECT

Drill Weekend- SCORE!!


Today I was handed a bunch of change by the ever vigilant hubby.. two quarters, five dimes, six nickels, and fourteen pennies. $1.44 in total! Turns out the mini marathon was profitable after all.. god bless those malfunctioning fanny packs! heheheh

Sunday, October 16, 2005

brooklyn hunt


I am deeply disappointed with Brooklyn Streets. Hubby and I got lost in Brooklyn today. All was not lost, however. I found three Lincolns on the floor while I was walking around. Hubby found 2 cents.. making our trek a whopping 5 cent journey!

Saturday, October 15, 2005

Saturday, October 15, 2005 Total for day: 0.07
Weather: Bright skies, no rain. Yay!

Today I went grocery shopping and found pennies everywhere. One by the arcade, one by the payout counter, one by the bread aisle, one in the parking lot. Hubby found two pennies in the parking lot by his job.

I had a very funny moment today. My daughter was confused as to why I made such a stink about a penny on the floor. As I formulated an answer in my head, I stumbled across a previous lesson taught by an old economics professor I once idolized. Each penny you find is like finding pieces to a missing puzzle. People are always looking for ways to capitalize yet they throw away money CONSTANTLY. Soda cans are a perfect example.

Thursday, October 13, 2005

My name is NOT susan.


Wednesday, October 13, 2005 Total for day: 0.06
Weather: Guess what... more rain!

! I found 0.02 cents in front of my house. We're hoping to take the girls out for a bit today. I am kicking myself because I should have picked up the dime I saw underneath the snack machine. There are many clever ways to pick change up off the floor heheh.

Walking out of Staples today, we found a soaked penny. Hubby found 3 cents in the parking lot at work (they drop lots of change there.. eheheh)

I bought pretty black pens today- these will be my pens of choice. Every writer has a set of favorite pens... mine happen to be the Pilot G2s.

@--->---------

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

No dice today.

Have you seen this krab? Don't touch his money (or his food)

Wednesday, October 12, 2005 Total for day:
Weather: Dreary, Flood watch. Rain all day.

Right now I'm setting up the blog because I was so distracted by TV last night. No money found.. yet.

Monday, October 10, 2005

Dreary Tuesday

Tuesday, October 10, 2005
Total for day: 0.39
Weather: Dreary, Muggy, Bleah. Rain storm a-comin!
I found 0.10 cents on the floor in the campus parking lot and 0.05 cents by a candy vending machine in one of the campus buildings. Hubby found 0.12 cents at a starbucks parking lot ( today smells like a good change day lol)
I’m not sure if I should document recyclable cans on this website considering they are .05 cents each and I do turn them in monthly… hmmm.. I’ll discuss it with the powers that be later on today.

Update: Hubby found .12 cents in the campus parking lot when he went to night school... woohoo!

Sunday, October 09, 2005

Happy Columbus Day!

Total for day: 0.07
Weather: Rainy.
Fourteen Hundred and Ninety Two… Columbus sailed the Ocean blue…
Happy Columbus Day!