Ho Ho Ho...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Here's a treat from Revolutionary Girl Utena. Also, here's a funny vid if your holidays weren't so jolly.

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Now playing: Utena - Dance Wheel Revolution (Rinbu Revolution)
via FoxyTunes

Saving Some Green!

Times are hard these days. Although gas prices have gone down, it may not last for long. Sales are everywhere. Every company and stores are fighting for your attention and money, but their prices and even shipping haven’t done much to pique my curiosity. Though, I have been eying this Nikon digital camera, but that’s for another time. Anyway, here are some green ideas to help tie down those dollar bills flying outta your wallet.

1. Replace your light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs (compact fluorescent light bulb). They have 60-watt bulbs that use only 30-watt energy. The only slight drawback is that there is a 2 second delay when you turn it on and it may not be as bright as you need, but I don’t even notice.

2. Ask for a Belkin's Conserve Surge Protector this Christmas. This hot "green" item kills those “Phantom Power”. You know, those electronics that suck energy from your home even though they’re turned off or on standby. J&R Music/Computer World and Amazon.com has ‘em for $38.28.

3. Sign up for store free rewards programs. You shop there, so you may as well get points and money back for it. JC Penney, NY&Co and even Best Buy has 'em.

4. Quit smoking. I know, I know. It easier said than done, but there are tons of programs to help. Plus, if you buy a pack a week, you’ll have over $30 a month to spend elsewhere. Plus plus, you’ll lower your CO2 emission.

5. Cut out those extra fees. Stop paying for those things you don’t use or even want like a magazine subscription, gym membership, etc. Shop at sites that offer free shipping or that will send your item to the store for pickup (free shipping for those who don’t need their items right away). Some payment service will charge a 3% fee for using your credit card. Well,… don’t ☺. Find other alternatives like using your checking account routing or paying by check.

Do you have some easy money saving tips? Drop a comment today!
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Now playing: Alvin & the Chipmunks - Witch Doctor (Remix)
via FoxyTunes

Tunes Tuesday - This Is the Worst Christmas Ever!

This weeks Tunes Tuesday is “This is the Worst Christmas Ever!” by Sufjan Stevens. It’s a holiday folk song to kind of go with the season. Not every holiday comes with happy family memories, gifts under the Christmas tree or Menorah, and joyous tales of old Saint Nick. Remember, some people are forced to spend this time dealing with bizarre family members. Makes you wanna down a whole bottle of your aunt’s spiked eggnog.

Any who, I came upon this artist a long while back on a newsblog. After some researching, I found this song. If you don’t listen to the words you might think it’s just another Christmas song. However, lyrics like “Shoveling snow in the driveway”, “Our father yells, throwing the gifts in the wood stove” and “My sister runs away, taking her books to the schoolyard” prove otherwise. I’m sure someone out there can relate.

This song comes from Stevens’ Michigan album that was released back in the summer of 2003. The Michigan native himself began writing his debut solo album while attending school at Hope College. He plays a variety of instruments including the piano, guitar, drums, banjo, oboe, and English horn. Sufjan, which I found out means “comes with a sword” in Persian, is currently working on his 50 States Project. He intends to write an album for each of the 50 U.S. states though some people wonder if he’ll be committed enough to finish his project. He’s already completed his home state and Illinois. Keep your ear to the ground, ‘cause he just may write his next album about the state you live in (Cross your fingers New Jerseyans).

If you like this song (for either the lyrics or music) then you might also like “Romulus”. It’s a nice, lilting tune that talks about being ashamed and embarrassed by family.

If you’ve had a crappy holiday, leave a comment. Let others know they’re not the only ones dreading the months of November and December.

FYI – the Tunes Tuesday and Tech Thursdays will be every other week alternating. So next week will be a tech review.

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Now playing: Sufjan Stevens - Romulus
via FoxyTunes
Now playing: Sufjan Stevens - That Was the Worst Christmas Ever!
via FoxyTunes