Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Catching up
A few items for your consideration:
My next chair:
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Cowbell Hall of Fame
I was listening to some Beatles the other day, the Love album specifically, which does a cool job of meshing some of the group's hits. One of the seamless selections was "What You're Doing" and "Drive My Car," both of which have "significant" cowbell augmentation.
So it occurred to me: some of the greatest songs ever recorded have included that percussive prop, yet it gets little, if no, respect. Think of it: in elementary school orchestras around the country, they always give the cowbell to the kid who has no discernible musical talent, but he can keep a beat.
Thank heavens for Saturday Night Live and Christopher Walken, who finally gave the cowbell a degree of dignity.
Herewith, my choices for the Cowbell Hall of Fame, commentary primarily from Songfacts.com:
So it occurred to me: some of the greatest songs ever recorded have included that percussive prop, yet it gets little, if no, respect. Think of it: in elementary school orchestras around the country, they always give the cowbell to the kid who has no discernible musical talent, but he can keep a beat.
Thank heavens for Saturday Night Live and Christopher Walken, who finally gave the cowbell a degree of dignity.
Herewith, my choices for the Cowbell Hall of Fame, commentary primarily from Songfacts.com:
- "Walk This Way," Aerosmith
- "What You're Doing," The Beatles
- "Drive My Car," The Beatles
- "You Can't Do That," The Beatles
- "Love Shack," B-52s
- "Frankenstein," Edgar Winter Group
- "Honky Tonk Women," The Rolling Stones
- "Jive Talkin'," Bee Gees
- "Funkytown," Lipps, Inc.
- "Rapper's Delight," Sugar Hill Gang (see also)
- "Black and White," Three Dog Night (Sorry, no video)
- "Brick House," Commodores
- "Play That Funky Music," Wild Cherry
Friday, March 02, 2007
IBN Days 26-28
Monday, Feb. 26: Working out at lunchtime also presents the opportunity not to spend. Although I did stop at the Pathmark for a yogurt. While there, I saw some knock-ff cereal on sale for a buck a bag. What the heck. So I ended up spending about $5 all told.
Tuesday, Feb. 27: Evn though it was a late night, and I sometimes buy some fast food for dinner, I am redoubling my Weight Watchers efforts, so I bypassed the burger joints, saving some more bread. I did go to Barnes and Noble to see about getting a book (with a gift card), but thought better of it. Ended up purchasing a green tea drink concoction for $3.23.
Wednesday, Feb 28: Since the cereal was pretty good, I stocked up. The bill totaled $8.01. I also had a car payment ($250), a medical bill ($24) and a subscription to Sports Illustrated, which I consider a busienss expense ($29.95).
Sometimes I feel guilty about my guilty pleasure in magazines. They're extremely fungible, read and tossed out (for the most part) after a brief period (hopefully in the recycling) and one can find most of them at a good local library. But then there's the driving to the library (fuel consumption) and the comfot factor of reading at one's leisure
All in, this month with limited purchases was not that difficult. Although I was not a fanatic about it, owing to having a teenager in the house. More on the 'quality of life' factor later.
Monday, February 26, 2007
NBI Days 23-25
Being sick is great for not spending any money.
Feb. 23, Friday: Had to cover a story at my synagogue for the paper, so we agreed that I wouldn't come to the office. Only spent $15 for gas, otherwise I was pretty well-behaved.
Was pretty much out of it on Sat., Feb 23, so nothing there.
Feb. 24, Sunday: groceries, $161.91.
I hate buying pet food. Between the dogs (about $13) and the cats ($10, plus $4.50 for litter), 
that's almost 20 percent of the total tab. Similarly, I object to paying for toilet paper and other paper goods, garbage bags, foils and plastic wraps, and laundry items.
that's almost 20 percent of the total tab. Similarly, I object to paying for toilet paper and other paper goods, garbage bags, foils and plastic wraps, and laundry items.I also splurged on some herbal team that purports to help supress the appetitite. That was 
about $9 for 36 servings, so when you break it down, it doesn't seem that horrible.
about $9 for 36 servings, so when you break it down, it doesn't seem that horrible.Whenever I finish the shopping, I always wonder "where's the food?" I see fruits and vegetables, sure; bread, milk, juice, eggs; cold cuts; pasta and sauce; cookies and ceral. But for some reason, that seem to count.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
NBI: Days 20-22
Tuesday, Feb. 20:
Since we got out of work so late, and I was feeling under the weather and didn't
feel like making anything when I got home, I broke down and bought a Wendy's special burger (I won't go into the lurid anti-nutritional details): $5.11. I suppose I could have waited til I got home, but I was also a bit under the weather, which made me weak and vulnerable. Since I've been on Weight Watcher's, I've been pretty good about avoiding fast food outlets, which saves money in itself. WW, by the way, costs $39.95 a month. Necessary? Probably not, if I had more will power, but I imagine this falls into the same realm as therapy. Necessary for some, not for others.
Wednesday, Feb. 21:
Took the day off since my daughter was still on President's Day/week/month break.
We spent most of the time visiting friend's whose younger son was having
his tonsils removed. I took my daughter and their older son out for lunch ($16.86) and a snack ($4.14), neither of which were "necessary," but it was a nice thing to do.
As I mentioned in a previous post, I wonder how Levine would have fared had she had kids to consider.
Thursday, Feb. 22:
The day isn't over yet, but I thought I'd mention...
After my WW weigh-in this morning, I learned I gained 3 pounds since my last v
isit. Since I get a monthly pass, which saves a few bucks, I find I don't go each week (I wonder if they count on that). I'm still down 13 pounds from when I started, but I'm about 6 pounds heavier than my best weight to date. Still have a ways to go to get down to my target, and with the warm weather setting in, which is moe conducive to exercise, I think its very doable.
Anyway, in an attempt to get back on track, I bought some WW products at the local supermarket (groceries are OK, even though I probably could have done without them): 2 yogurts, one box of muffins, almonds and sparkling water, for a total of $8.41.
Since we got out of work so late, and I was feeling under the weather and didn't
feel like making anything when I got home, I broke down and bought a Wendy's special burger (I won't go into the lurid anti-nutritional details): $5.11. I suppose I could have waited til I got home, but I was also a bit under the weather, which made me weak and vulnerable. Since I've been on Weight Watcher's, I've been pretty good about avoiding fast food outlets, which saves money in itself. WW, by the way, costs $39.95 a month. Necessary? Probably not, if I had more will power, but I imagine this falls into the same realm as therapy. Necessary for some, not for others.Wednesday, Feb. 21:
Took the day off since my daughter was still on President's Day/week/month break.
We spent most of the time visiting friend's whose younger son was having
his tonsils removed. I took my daughter and their older son out for lunch ($16.86) and a snack ($4.14), neither of which were "necessary," but it was a nice thing to do.As I mentioned in a previous post, I wonder how Levine would have fared had she had kids to consider.
Thursday, Feb. 22:
The day isn't over yet, but I thought I'd mention...
After my WW weigh-in this morning, I learned I gained 3 pounds since my last v
isit. Since I get a monthly pass, which saves a few bucks, I find I don't go each week (I wonder if they count on that). I'm still down 13 pounds from when I started, but I'm about 6 pounds heavier than my best weight to date. Still have a ways to go to get down to my target, and with the warm weather setting in, which is moe conducive to exercise, I think its very doable.Anyway, in an attempt to get back on track, I bought some WW products at the local supermarket (groceries are OK, even though I probably could have done without them): 2 yogurts, one box of muffins, almonds and sparkling water, for a total of $8.41.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
NBI Days 16-19
Friday, Feb. 16: Nothing spent
Saturday, Feb. 17: $1.34 on cat food. Hey, the cats have to eat, too.
.60 library fine. I never feel bad about having to pay these. I figure it goes to a very worthy cause and whatever the fine, it's still cheaper than buying the book.
$1.50 for a danish. Not a necessity, but once in a while don't we deserve a little treat?
I actually got a small refund when I exchanged an extension cord for my digital tape recorder for the proper one. And I didn't have to pay a late fee at the video store, so I saved a couple of bucks there, too.
Sunday, Feb. 18: Had to cover a high school basketball game so even though I spent money on tolls, it will be reimbursed.
In the evening we had dinner with our friends with whom we'll be going on a cruise in late summer (now that's certainly not a necessity). We ended up splitting take-out ($20). Unlike Levine, I have not told anyone of my "plan," so it's a bit awkward to just blurt it out.
Monday, Feb. 19:
$3.00 on two danish. Yeh, I know. but they're very good danish.
Saturday, Feb. 17: $1.34 on cat food. Hey, the cats have to eat, too.
.60 library fine. I never feel bad about having to pay these. I figure it goes to a very worthy cause and whatever the fine, it's still cheaper than buying the book.
$1.50 for a danish. Not a necessity, but once in a while don't we deserve a little treat?
I actually got a small refund when I exchanged an extension cord for my digital tape recorder for the proper one. And I didn't have to pay a late fee at the video store, so I saved a couple of bucks there, too.
Sunday, Feb. 18: Had to cover a high school basketball game so even though I spent money on tolls, it will be reimbursed.
In the evening we had dinner with our friends with whom we'll be going on a cruise in late summer (now that's certainly not a necessity). We ended up splitting take-out ($20). Unlike Levine, I have not told anyone of my "plan," so it's a bit awkward to just blurt it out.
Monday, Feb. 19:
$3.00 on two danish. Yeh, I know. but they're very good danish.
Friday, February 16, 2007
NBI Days 12-15
One of the problems with these "journals" is simply keeping up, esp. on a daily basis. So it's time to play catch-up.
Monday, Feb 12: Nothing spent, although I did go to Barnes and Noble. But I had a gift card, so it didn't count.
Tuesday, Feb 13: The office closed early today, fearful of the coming winter w
eather. So 
instead $20 for a perscription (a necesity), plus $1.50 for a candy heart for my daughter for Valentine's Day. Oh, and roses for the wife, $21.34 at the A&P. All necessities, I think all the men out there will agree. Would Levine? She devotes a chapter to the practice of gift-giving in which she claims things needn't be expensive to be appreciated. At the same time, she tells of her boyfriend's efforts to make paper animals for gifts, which don't seem to quite make it. In addition to the fact that they're not very good, they take a lot of time to produce. So what is the actual cost? In a college course of macro-economics, we learned about the economic cost of a thing. If you have a dollar to spend and you buy a candy bar for sixty cents, you don't have that sixty cents to use to buy something else. It's something I try to drill into my daughter's head, with mixed results.
Monday, Feb 12: Nothing spent, although I did go to Barnes and Noble. But I had a gift card, so it didn't count.
Tuesday, Feb 13: The office closed early today, fearful of the coming winter w
eather. So 
instead $20 for a perscription (a necesity), plus $1.50 for a candy heart for my daughter for Valentine's Day. Oh, and roses for the wife, $21.34 at the A&P. All necessities, I think all the men out there will agree. Would Levine? She devotes a chapter to the practice of gift-giving in which she claims things needn't be expensive to be appreciated. At the same time, she tells of her boyfriend's efforts to make paper animals for gifts, which don't seem to quite make it. In addition to the fact that they're not very good, they take a lot of time to produce. So what is the actual cost? In a college course of macro-economics, we learned about the economic cost of a thing. If you have a dollar to spend and you buy a candy bar for sixty cents, you don't have that sixty cents to use to buy something else. It's something I try to drill into my daughter's head, with mixed results.
On my way to play tennis that night, I was also going to stop at Amazing Hotdog for a snack. Necessary? Of course not, but I was a little depressed because I had to take the perscription so I thought a treat was in order. Unfortunately -- or perhaps not -- they were actually out of food. This isn't the first time it happened, which is surprising and annoying.
Feb 14: Amazingly, nothing spent today. Of course, being snowed in didn't hurt. My daughter was off from school and my office was closed. Unfortunately, Faith's was open, although she did come home a bit earlier. The weather prevented us from going out or ordering in, so we made do.
Feb. 15: Nothing spent. I find it's not to difficult not to spend on a weekday. I almost always bring lunch from home and if I go to they gym (a necessity at $22 a month?) I have no opportunity.
Feb. 16:
Gas, $15. I have to cover something for work on Sunday, plus I don't like being so low during such cold conditions.
Rachel's allowance, $10. When I was a kid, I got fifty cents a week. I remember one time I went to the bakey and to buy the newspaper for my mom. I was told to take my allowance out of the change. Instead of buying one baseball magazine for the fifty cents, I bought two, rather than wait until the following week. My mother was quite angry for this "transgression."
Maybe it's always been this way, but I don't think kids really have a grasp of money. In an economics class in college we learned about the economic cost of a thing, which basically says if you spend money on "A," you don't have that amount to spend on "B."
Although my daughter gets her allowance, plus whatever she makes babysitting or petsitting, her tastes are expensive. Maybe it's the area we live in or increased marketing
strategies, peer pressure, etc.
She was quite upset because she lost her digital camera at a neighbor's Super Bowl party and it hasn't turned up. I'm upset because it means that whoever found it has not been honest enough to return something that obviously doesn't belong to them. And we're not talking about a ball point pen that could easily be mistaken as one's own. So she is wondering what she's goign to do without the camera, as if it's a mandatory piece of equipment for teenage life. Granted she's a good photography for her age, but if she thinks her parents are just going to replace it, she's wrong (she originally paid for it from her bat mitzva money).
She put up a fuss, saying that she didn't know why she should have to pay for such things as cameras, or game consoles when none of her friends do. The response that a) we may not have the money that other families do to spend on such items; b) that we don't care what goes on in other families; or c) that we disagree with the parents who just buy the kids everything they want, works sometimes but I can see her point.
Monday, February 12, 2007
NBI- Day 11
Grocery day. And groceries don't really count, right? Like last week, I was pretty careful not to be impulsive (although I did buy three bagels of crunchy snacks. On the other hand, I didn''t buy cookies). Later in the day I went to the butcher, where I bought:
2 packages chicken breasts
1 3-pack of potatoe knishes
1 london broil
2 packages ground turkey
1 package "mingon steaks"
Totals: $42 and change, for a total grocery bill of $170 (the meat lasts for several weeks, so it can be "amortized.")
However, I was a bit frivolous: on the way back I bought a sugar-free blueberry turnover ($1.25) and stopped at a fast food place (less than $3). It's not even so much the money, as the activity, even though I know the food is not the best for me.
2 packages chicken breasts
1 3-pack of potatoe knishes
1 london broil
2 packages ground turkey
1 package "mingon steaks"
Totals: $42 and change, for a total grocery bill of $170 (the meat lasts for several weeks, so it can be "amortized.")
However, I was a bit frivolous: on the way back I bought a sugar-free blueberry turnover ($1.25) and stopped at a fast food place (less than $3). It's not even so much the money, as the activity, even though I know the food is not the best for me.
NBI --Day 10
My wife and daughter spent the night at grandma's house (grandma lives in town, but my daughter thought it would be fun). I brought over bagels for breakfast. I'm sure t
here's food around the house, so how far does (or should) "tradition" go in the NBI plan?
Bagels $6
here's food around the house, so how far does (or should) "tradition" go in the NBI plan?Bagels $6
I suppose it's too much to believe when someone tells you, "it's all right, don't get me anything," for a celebratory occasion. Valentine's Day, for example. If would come across as the buggest curmudegon if I said that I thought giving flowers was silly becaus ethey die so 
quickly and cost so much. The price of a decent boquet could feed a family of four, yad, yada, yada. But would it be "practical" not to go the floral route? What do you think?
Valentine's day gift - $35 (I bought the card last month)
quickly and cost so much. The price of a decent boquet could feed a family of four, yad, yada, yada. But would it be "practical" not to go the floral route? What do you think?Valentine's day gift - $35 (I bought the card last month)
NBI - Day 9
Feb 9 -- Received a review copy of Levine's book. Yippee! Now I can make notes. I used to be shy about writing in a book, as if they were holy relics. If I wanted to take note of something, I would use a post-it, but my philosophy has changed.
What better way than to write directly where you need to? It might even be fun, if someone else ever reads that particular copy, to see your comments.
What better way than to write directly where you need to? It might even be fun, if someone else ever reads that particular copy, to see your comments.
Too Much Stuff
In the spirit of NBI, here's one of my favorite Delbert McClinton Songs, in colaboration with Lyle Lovett, and John Prine:
Too much stuff
Big house, big car, back seat, full bar.
Houseboat won't float. Bank won't tote the note.
Too much stuff. There's just too much stuff.
It'll hang you up, dealing with too much stuff.
Hangin' out on the couch puttin' on the pounds.
Better walk, run, jump, swim. Try to hold it down
You're eatin' too much stuff, too much stuff.
It'll wear you down, carrying around too much stuff.
Hundred dollar cab ride, fogged in, can't fly.
Greyhound, Amtrak, oughta bought a Cadillac.
Too much stuff. Too much stuff.
It'll slow you down, fooling with too much stuff.
CHORUS: Well, it's way too much.
You're never gonna get enough.
You can pile it high
but you'll never be satisfied.
Rent a tux, shiny shoes, backstage, big schmooze.
Vocal group can't sing, won awards for everything.
Too much stuff. Too much stuff.
They just keep on going, rolling in all that stuff.
Got hurt, can't work, got a lot o' bills,
But the policy don't pay 'less I get killed.
Too much stuff. Too much stuff.
Just my luck, counting on too much stuff.
CHORUS
Running back can't score till he gets a million more
Quarterback can't pass. Owner wants his money back
Too much stuff. Too much stuff.
You know, you can't get a grip when you're slipping in all that stuff.
Women every which-a-way messing with my mind.
You know, I fall in love every day three or four times.
Too much stuff. Too much stuff.
It'll mess you up, fooling with too much stuff.
Too much stuff
Big house, big car, back seat, full bar.
Houseboat won't float. Bank won't tote the note.
Too much stuff. There's just too much stuff.
It'll hang you up, dealing with too much stuff.
Hangin' out on the couch puttin' on the pounds.
Better walk, run, jump, swim. Try to hold it down
You're eatin' too much stuff, too much stuff.
It'll wear you down, carrying around too much stuff.
Hundred dollar cab ride, fogged in, can't fly.
Greyhound, Amtrak, oughta bought a Cadillac.
Too much stuff. Too much stuff.
It'll slow you down, fooling with too much stuff.
CHORUS: Well, it's way too much.
You're never gonna get enough.
You can pile it high
but you'll never be satisfied.
Rent a tux, shiny shoes, backstage, big schmooze.
Vocal group can't sing, won awards for everything.
Too much stuff. Too much stuff.
They just keep on going, rolling in all that stuff.
Got hurt, can't work, got a lot o' bills,
But the policy don't pay 'less I get killed.
Too much stuff. Too much stuff.
Just my luck, counting on too much stuff.
CHORUS
Running back can't score till he gets a million more
Quarterback can't pass. Owner wants his money back
Too much stuff. Too much stuff.
You know, you can't get a grip when you're slipping in all that stuff.
Women every which-a-way messing with my mind.
You know, I fall in love every day three or four times.
Too much stuff. Too much stuff.
It'll mess you up, fooling with too much stuff.
Friday, February 09, 2007
NBI - Day 8
Feb. 8 -- Didn't spend anything this day.
I have to prepare a cheesecake for a weekend dinner. I managed to get around going to the stoe to buy the ingredients by asking my wife to do it. Is that cheating? After all, it was "necessary," an obligation I entered into before deciding to take the"NBI" challenge. So I'm guessing not.
And since this is taking place Saturday night, that eliminates the dilemma of either bringing dinner in or going out to eat.
I have to prepare a cheesecake for a weekend dinner. I managed to get around going to the stoe to buy the ingredients by asking my wife to do it. Is that cheating? After all, it was "necessary," an obligation I entered into before deciding to take the"NBI" challenge. So I'm guessing not.
And since this is taking place Saturday night, that eliminates the dilemma of either bringing dinner in or going out to eat.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
NBI - Day 7
RELAPSE!
I had to have some bloodwork done this morning, so I didn't eat breakfast. Following the procedure I had an interview, for which I arrived about 30 minutes too early. With nothing to do, I went into a local CVS where I purchased a bag of Weight Watcher's candy for $2.66.
Then I wanted to buy a magazine that my library doesn't stock, so I went to a Barnes and Noble. While there I saw a few other items I wanted and justified, as Levine did, as "business related," meaning I intended to use them as
deductions at tax time and to try to get some freelnace work. Turns out the editor of Inside Pitch, a Mets magazine, is someone I used to sit next to when working as a STATS reporter at Shea. I also contributed a few reviews for his Web site. I also got a baseball book; for me anything baseball oriented counts as research material. Total cost: About $35.
In continuing to read Levine's book, I see where she "cheats" a bit, too. So I don't feel so bad.
Also, $3.60 for an overdue library book, ironically, Levine's.
I had to have some bloodwork done this morning, so I didn't eat breakfast. Following the procedure I had an interview, for which I arrived about 30 minutes too early. With nothing to do, I went into a local CVS where I purchased a bag of Weight Watcher's candy for $2.66.Then I wanted to buy a magazine that my library doesn't stock, so I went to a Barnes and Noble. While there I saw a few other items I wanted and justified, as Levine did, as "business related," meaning I intended to use them as
deductions at tax time and to try to get some freelnace work. Turns out the editor of Inside Pitch, a Mets magazine, is someone I used to sit next to when working as a STATS reporter at Shea. I also contributed a few reviews for his Web site. I also got a baseball book; for me anything baseball oriented counts as research material. Total cost: About $35.In continuing to read Levine's book, I see where she "cheats" a bit, too. So I don't feel so bad.
Also, $3.60 for an overdue library book, ironically, Levine's.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
NBI -- Days 5 and 6
Nothing spent on Feb. 5.
On Tueday, Feb. 6, I had to put gas -- a necessity -- in the Scion, or as we call it,
the toaster. I hit the empty mark on the way to work, and since I'm never sure exactly how much is left in the tank once the light comes on, and since it is so bloody cold, I figure it was time. For $19.75, I got just under 10 gallons of 87 octane (I told the attendant to keep the change. Big spender.)
Since I started working here at the NJ Jewish News two and a half years ago, I've toyed with the idea of biking, at least part way. Driving to some increasingly distant point and using pedal power the rest of the way. Of course the conditions have to be right: no rain, decent temperatures, and adequate lighting. The terrain is quite hilly in spots and I'm a bit uncomfortable about leaving the car unattended so far away. But it would save about six miles-worth of gas to start (out of a 32 mile round trip).
On Tueday, Feb. 6, I had to put gas -- a necessity -- in the Scion, or as we call it,
the toaster. I hit the empty mark on the way to work, and since I'm never sure exactly how much is left in the tank once the light comes on, and since it is so bloody cold, I figure it was time. For $19.75, I got just under 10 gallons of 87 octane (I told the attendant to keep the change. Big spender.)
Since I started working here at the NJ Jewish News two and a half years ago, I've toyed with the idea of biking, at least part way. Driving to some increasingly distant point and using pedal power the rest of the way. Of course the conditions have to be right: no rain, decent temperatures, and adequate lighting. The terrain is quite hilly in spots and I'm a bit uncomfortable about leaving the car unattended so far away. But it would save about six miles-worth of gas to start (out of a 32 mile round trip).Monday, February 05, 2007
No, really. Who wears this stuff?
Although I would never seek out a fashion magazine, one comes to my house almost every week in the for of the Feb. 4 New York Times Magazine.
This week in particular, a few outfits were submitted for consideration. Among them:
So my question is, simply, wh, besides models for a fashion shoot, would wear this stuff. And if no one is going to wear it, what's the point? Think of all the time, money, and resources spent on creating these clothes. Granted, I know nothing about fashion, but I know what I don't like.
This week in particular, a few outfits were submitted for consideration. Among them:
So my question is, simply, wh, besides models for a fashion shoot, would wear this stuff. And if no one is going to wear it, what's the point? Think of all the time, money, and resources spent on creating these clothes. Granted, I know nothing about fashion, but I know what I don't like.
