Search Results for: blog get smart 2008

How NOT to Help Your Kid Get Into College

Here’s some news that will help ease the guilt of all you parents who desperately want to give your children a leg up on the stiff competition that faces them on their journey to institutes of higher education. So you occasionally help out with your student’s science projects or you maybe drafted a few of his research papers and had him pass it off as his own. Not good. But, definitely not as bad as what Caroline Maria McNeal did to help increase her daughter’s chance of getting into the college of her choice. The overzealous (see: desperate) mom, who … Continue reading →

How Green was 2008: Analysts Versus Reality

Back in the beginning of 2008, or even at the end of 2007, analysts were predicting a banner year for going green in the home. Homeowners were said to be very conscious of reducing the energy footprints of their homes and avoiding using common chemicals that may be unhealthy. Even publications such as the Old Farmer’s Almanac got into the act with green predictions saying that there would be a rapid transition to green building. They quote the American Institute of architects that say that 90 percent of home owners would pay an extra $5,000 for an energy-efficient house. The … Continue reading →

How Green was 2008

Many analysts predicted that 2008 was going to be a green year in terms of the home. More people would adopt materials and practices that saved energy and were good for the environment. My own New Year Resolutions for the beginning of the year included being more green in our home. But then we had a downturn in the economy. So did everyone live up to the expectations? Yes and no. Let me start with my own home. We live pretty frugally and normally try to avoid waste whenever possible by reusing items. We do recycle quite a bit and … Continue reading →

Frugal Month in Review: October 2008

“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot October has come and gone, but we can still enjoy fall and the celebration of Thanksgiving and all of the great joys of the season. Take a look back at all of the ways to save money that were featured last month. October 1st Frugal Halloween Costumes It is fall and Halloween is approaching fast, are you ready? What do the kids want to be? You can make some great homemade costumes … Continue reading →

Frugal Month in Review: September 2008

Now that September is come and gone and the kiddies are settled back into school and regular routines, it is time to welcome the fall. Still, there is plenty of good stuff that went on in September, including a bunch of ways to save money. September 1st Frugal Living Week in Review: August 25th Through August 31st Food and back to school are the two things on my mind this week. I e-mailed my son’s teacher ahead of time to ask about additional supplies that she might need for the classroom. She said that she usually asks parents for antibacterial … Continue reading →

The 2008 Emmy Rundown

After an opening from Oprah, the 60th Annual Emmys kicked off and lot of stars found themselves taking home the coveted statue last night. In a different twist, last night’s show was hosted by five reality hosts – Ryan Seacrest (“American Idol”), Tom Bergeron (“Dancing with the Stars”), Heidi Klum (“Project Runway”), Howie Mandel (“Deal or No Deal”), and Jeff Probst (“Survivor”). (Photo source by Alan Light is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0) Who took home the big win last night? AMC’s critically acclaimed “Mad Men” won Outstanding Drama Series while “30 Rock” won Outstanding Comedy Series. Personally, I … Continue reading →

Hancock (2008)

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Let me begin this review with the fact that this is not the movie that is advertised in the previews. The first 30 minutes, yes, the rest of the movie? Not so much. Secondly, despite the fact that it’s PG-13 and it’s about a ‘reluctant superhero’ – this is not a movie for little kids at all. In fact, I think 13 really does stretch the youngest age for the film. That said; let’s take a moment to talk about Hancock. The Man We meet Hancock and get to know him in the first 30 minutes of the film. He … Continue reading →

Frugal Living Month in Review: June 2008

What a happy month is June, filled with the renewal of spring and the promise of summer. In the last month, we have shared so many ideas for frugal living and saving money. This past month has seen some pretty big increases in food, gas and other items (look for an upcoming post about strawberries increasing more than 100 percent). Now more than ever, it is important to save money where we can. This is why I decided to do a month in review. June 2nd Frugal Living Review: May 26th Through June 1st Garage sale shopping has got to … Continue reading →

Get Smart (2008)

Would you believe … that this is a great movie with a fitting tribute to the original series, but a refreshing look at intelligence and comedy all in one package? Get Smart is a fun film that combines intelligence, sight gags and physical humor blend together to create an entertaining film that doesn’t take itself seriously and doesn’t ask the audience to either. Popcorn Humor I enjoyed the original series when I was a kid. It was fun and it was funny. Barbara Feldon was easy to admire and aspire to as the smart, savvy and beautiful Agent 99. Agent … Continue reading →

Want to Start a Family in 2008?

Many childless couples worry they can’t afford to have children. Looking at cost estimates in our current economy of $200,000 to $500,000 to raise one child for 17 years it is no surprise. Certainly having a child is a huge expense, but so is buying a home or saving for your retirement. If you sincerely want children, don’t let cost hold you back. Instead, use smart money management and good budgeting to allow you to invest in your bundle of joy. While most families don’t think ahead about money matters when they have kids, it is certainly beneficial to do … Continue reading →