Frugal Living: Oct 25, 2008

Saturday, October 25, 2008

22 new messages in 9 topics - digest

misc.consumers.frugal-living
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living?hl=en

misc.consumers.frugal-living@googlegroups.com

Today's topics:

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Bar soap
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/93325e4f8ba4a9eb?hl=en
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== 1 of 4 ==
Date: Thurs, Oct 23 2008 10:48 pm
From: "Nicik Name"

"Dennis" <dgw80@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:jqlpf41sun0n1dmnn13lq6hdo80s8f360j@4ax.com...
> On Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:08:26 -0500, Petepenguin@webtv.net (P T) wrote:
>
>>I wonder what other people do with the end of a bar of soap. Being a
>>frugal person, I get it good and squishy moist, and p-r-e-s-s it onto a
>>new bar of soap. I've been known to save the unused portion of a
>>mini-bar from a hotel, and do the same. Sometimes it doesn't look
>>pretty, but it's only soap.
>
> Woo hoo! A Keeper posting and a Recycle Soap Slivers posting in the
> same day!
>
> Can the Reusing Toilet Paper troll be far behind?
far behind?
>
> Dennis (evil)
> --
> "There is a fine line between participation and mockery" - Wally

== 2 of 4 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 8:51 am
From: art.shapiro@unisys.com (Arthur Shapiro)

In article <4079f994-c89e-4450-a6cd-fea12c61ff84@31g2000prz.googlegroups.com>, Seerialmom <seerialmom@yahoo.com> wrote:

>On a related subject; what's up with these shampoo bottles that don't
>have twist off caps (VO5 comes to mind)?

While the tops do pop off, with mild to moderate effort, why not just squeeze
the container and suck up some water?

Art

== 3 of 4 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 9:20 am
From: tin cup

P T wrote:
> I wonder what other people do with the end of a bar of soap. Being a
> frugal person, I get it good and squishy moist, and p-r-e-s-s it onto a
> new bar of soap. I've been known to save the unused portion of a
> mini-bar from a hotel, and do the same. Sometimes it doesn't look
> pretty, but it's only soap.
>
I thought everybody sold the remaining small bars to hotel chains. I
surprised there is enough left, after a drown proof shower to recycle
any further.

== 4 of 4 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 11:02 am
From: Seerialmom

On Oct 20, 12:11 pm, Dennis <dg...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> On Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:08:26 -0500, Petepeng...@webtv.net (P T) wrote:
> >I wonder what other people do with the end of a bar of soap. Being a
> >frugal person, I get it good and squishy moist, and p-r-e-s-s it onto a
> >new bar of soap. I've been known to save the unused portion of a
> >mini-bar from a hotel, and do the same. Sometimes it doesn't look
> >pretty, but it's only soap.
>
> Woo hoo! A Keeper posting and a Recycle Soap Slivers posting in the
> same day!
>
> Can the Reusing Toilet Paper troll be far behind?
>
> Dennis (evil)
> --
> "There is a fine line between participation and mockery" - Wally

I thought you said toilet paper roll...but then realized it was
"troll"...so n.m? :P

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Gas.
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/29c665c81bbb67da?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 3 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 1:15 am
From: "h"

"Seerialmom" <seerialmom@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:3a038543-d8bd-4ce4-a62b-f3f1c8b8e209@n33g2000pri.googlegroups.com...
On Oct 21, 4:07 pm, James <j0069b...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Filled up today. $1 a gallon cheaper than my last fill up. 16 cents
> cheaper per gallow than yesterday at a different Exxon station 15
> miles away.

>On the one hand I'm glad gas is going down; however on the other hand,
>from the perspective of someone who drives gas-stingy cars, I was
>hoping it would stay high long enough for people to ditch their
>humongous SUVs. But I know I'm in the minority on that thought.

Agreed. My car only gets about 26 MPG, but I drive less than 3,000 miles a
year, so gas prices are not a huge concern.

== 2 of 3 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 6:19 am
From: Brian Elfert

Seerialmom <seerialmom@yahoo.com> writes:

I read yesterday that gasoline demand is down some 6% even with lower
prices. Folks are using less gasoline right now.

== 3 of 3 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 7:07 am
From: George

Seerialmom wrote:
> On Oct 21, 4:07 pm, James <j0069b...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> Filled up today. $1 a gallon cheaper than my last fill up. 16 cents
>> cheaper per gallow than yesterday at a different Exxon station 15
>> miles away.
>
> On the one hand I'm glad gas is going down; however on the other hand,
> from the perspective of someone who drives gas-stingy cars, I was
> hoping it would stay high long enough for people to ditch their
> humongous SUVs. But I know I'm in the minority on that thought.

I am also amazed that GM has needed to buy a clue for so long. They got
into their current situation mostly because of hanging onto and pushing
piggy fluffed up trucks as single occupant vehicles. Now they have a
commercial touting that the piggy fluffed up escalade truck will be
offered as a hybrid. It doesn't matter how you power it, the larger it
is the more energy it takes to move it. They just can't get away from
making fluffed up trucks for use as single occupant "cars"

==============================================================================
TOPIC: I think I'm throwing in the towel - house reappraisal
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/e3e20997903e48b2?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 4:58 am
From: Chris

OhioGuy wrote:
> I thought I'd follow up by letting you all know the results of
> yesterday's meeting.
>
> I showed up at approx 3:35 in the afternoon for my 3:45 appointment.
> I finally got to see the appraisal specialist at about 4:25.
>
> I had found 4 duplexes within 3 to 4 blocks of OUR duplex, all of
> which had sold in the past 6 months. 3 sold between $30k and $40k,
> while the fourth sold for $50k. I took pictures of the exterior of all
> of them to show they were in similar condition to our property.
>
> Then I also showed him interior pictures of some issues at our
> property that I believed negatively impacted the value.
>
> We bought our current property 5 years ago for $46k. Currently they
> value it at ~$51,700 for tax purposes. It was going to go up to $67,860.
>
> After talking to them yesterday, they agreed that the new appraised
> value would only go up to $54,000 - not $67,860! Yay!
>
> So this means that instead of going up 31%, my appraised value should
> only go up 4.5% instead, and it means my taxes will stay very
> reasonable. I should end up saving about $330 a year.
>
> Of course, that is only if they don't end up raising the tax rate
> itself! In any case, I'm a pretty happy guy right now!

Good for you! Sorry I didn't see your post before, but you did what I
did for my property tax hike. Took pictures, pointed at comparable homes
,also gave them an idea of how many homes were empty (unsold) and for
how long in my immediate neighborhood.

In my case they did not jack up the value at all, quite a change from an
almost 40% increase they had suggested.

The sad reality is that counties are strapped for money. The feds are
letting much less income tax trickle down and the cost to provide
services (roads, school, etc) is going up. However homeowners are not
much better. Something has to give.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: shoe soles
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/5686a6ae36818499?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 3 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 8:16 am
From: E Z Peaces

Seerialmom wrote:
> On Oct 21, 6:59 pm, E Z Peaces <c...@invalid.invalid> wrote:
>> Footwear often has a tread that might provide better traction in mud but
>> also brings dirt into a house. I'm much more concerned with traction on
>> wet wooden steps or a wet garage floor of sealed concrete. I've owned
>> shoes and boots that had aggressive treads but were dangerous on wet
>> surfaces. Tires have ratings for traction on wet roads. Why don't shoe
>> soles have similar ratings?
>>
>> Static electricity is another problem. Polyurethane soles are popular,
>> but without an additive, polyurethane is such a good insulator that the
>> wearer may get static shocks. I would certainly avoid such shoes when
>> buying gasoline. Why don't shoe soles have static-drain ratings?
>
> Oh so is THAT why I'm constantly getting the zaps these days? BTW...I
> make a point of discharging myself on the car door before taking the
> gas pump nozzle.

Nowadays, the typical scenario is that somebody gets back in the car
while the tank is filling. Car manufacturers often cut corners by using
upholstery that will let a person build a charge as he exits. If the
person's shoes don't drain the charge, there could be a spark when he
again touches the nozzle.

As long as the vehicle's tires will drain static, there shouldn't be a
problem when a person puts the nozzle in. The nozzle should be
grounded, so any charge from the person would be drained when the person
touched the handle, before fumes were present. (A few years ago there
were tires that insulated too well to drain static. I don't know if
they still sell them. I think that might cause a spark when a person
put the nozzle in.)

I've had lots of shoes with polyurethane soles, but only one model has
caused static problems. A soap film will drain static, so I can remedy
the problem by wiping soap around the edges of the soles. If I walk
across wet grass, my protection will be gone.

== 2 of 3 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 8:43 am
From: Dennis

On Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:16:30 -0400, E Z Peaces <cash@invalid.invalid>
wrote:

>Nowadays, the typical scenario is that somebody gets back in the car
>while the tank is filling. Car manufacturers often cut corners by using
>upholstery that will let a person build a charge as he exits. If the
>person's shoes don't drain the charge, there could be a spark when he
>again touches the nozzle.
>
>As long as the vehicle's tires will drain static, there shouldn't be a
>problem when a person puts the nozzle in. The nozzle should be
>grounded, so any charge from the person would be drained when the person
>touched the handle, before fumes were present. (A few years ago there
>were tires that insulated too well to drain static. I don't know if
>they still sell them. I think that might cause a spark when a person
>put the nozzle in.)

That must explain all those fires and explosions at gas pumps that we
keep hearing about.

Dennis (evil)
--
"There is a fine line between participation and mockery" - Wally

== 3 of 3 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 1:53 pm
From: E Z Peaces

Dennis wrote:
> On Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:16:30 -0400, E Z Peaces <cash@invalid.invalid>
> wrote:
>
>> Nowadays, the typical scenario is that somebody gets back in the car
>> while the tank is filling. Car manufacturers often cut corners by using
>> upholstery that will let a person build a charge as he exits. If the
>> person's shoes don't drain the charge, there could be a spark when he
>> again touches the nozzle.
>>
>> As long as the vehicle's tires will drain static, there shouldn't be a
>> problem when a person puts the nozzle in. The nozzle should be
>> grounded, so any charge from the person would be drained when the person
>> touched the handle, before fumes were present. (A few years ago there
>> were tires that insulated too well to drain static. I don't know if
>> they still sell them. I think that might cause a spark when a person
>> put the nozzle in.)
>
> That must explain all those fires and explosions at gas pumps that we
> keep hearing about.
>
>
> Dennis (evil)
> --
> "There is a fine line between participation and mockery" - Wally

http://www.firefighterhourly.com/firefighter_hourly/2008/09/gas-pump-explos.html

It's dangerous to fill a gas can in the back of a truck because the can
could have a charge, especially if there's a plastic bed liner.

Two safety rules are to put a can on the ground for filling and not to
get back in your car while your car's tank is filling.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: ot: Democrat: Obama's grandma confirms Kenyan birth
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/8e80385d4cd9e3d1?hl=en
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== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 8:33 am
From: "AllEmailDeletedImmediately"

http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=78931

== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 1:43 pm
From: E Z Peaces

AllEmailDeletedImmediately wrote:
> http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=78931

Right. When Obama was Hillary Clinton's opponent in the primaries,
Clinton supporter Philip J. Berg filed suit for Obama to prove his
citizenship. His only evidence to the contrary was a rumor that an
unknown Obama relative who may no longer have been living had said he
was born in Kenya. Obama filed to have the suit dismissed. Berg calls
that an admission that he's not a U.S. citizen.

To answer speculation, Obama posted a scan of his birth certificate.
Some bloggers pointed to artifacts as proof it was a forgery. So
factcheck.org scanned a genuine birth certificate and found that the
scan had the same artifacts.

Then factcheck.org found an announcement of Obama's birth in the August
13, 1961 edition of the /Honolulu Advertiser./

http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/born_in_the_usa.html

==============================================================================
TOPIC: vacuum cleaner new
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/2e8cc394cc50a344?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 8:51 am
From: "john d hamilton"

This photo shows the black very thin plastic type filter that sits facing
the fan on a household Hitachi CV-SF8 vacuum cleaner.

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=11rxdm0&s=4

Immediately behind this sits a plastic frame with a nylon fine mesh filter
and sitting in this frame is a black high density sponge filter. (doing a
search on this sponge filter, it's called a Mesh-Urethane filter).

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=6gv5tl&s=4

This Mesh-Urethane filter is on the *right* side of this photo, the black
one on the left is the reverse of the very thin plastic type filter referred
to above.

This Mesh-Urethane filter really restricts the air flow. Its a bit better
when I wash it out under the tap with soap and water but soon seems to clog
up again. I find it works quite well if I relace it entirely with a piece of
soft tissue toilet paper, and keep changing the paper and all the debris
that builds up behind it.

Now the question here is what exactly is this very thin plastic type filter
(if indeed it is actually a filter) doing? It's the one on the left in the
second photo. It seems to have microscopic slits in its surface, but when I
wash it, it wont pass water through it, which surely it would if its some
kind of filter? It's a thin flexible piece of plastic sheet, and seems
really strong. Almost like a sheet of carbon fibre.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Kenmore Electric Range - Oven & Burners Not Working - Repair Guide
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/82725107305a7b07?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 8:57 am
From: E Z Peaces

Paul Michaels wrote:
> This past weekend the oven heating element and stove top burners on
> our Kenmore electric range stopped working.
>
> I did some quick online research and learned that the problem was most
> likely due to a faulty 220V power connection. The appliance was still
> getting 110v power because the clock/timer display and LED lights were
> still working on the oven control unit.
>
> I spent about 30 minutes checking and tightening all of the
> connections and afterwards the 220v power supply was restored and the
> range started working properly again.
>
> I took pictures of the whole procedure and created a quick guide to
> help out anyone else who may be experiencing the same problem with
> their range.
>
> Here's the photo album -
> http://www.paulstravelpictures.com/Kenmore-Electric-Range-Burners-Oven-220V-Repair-Guide
>
> Don't forget to unplug everything and turn off the power before you
> begin! I hope this saves someone the expense of having to call a
> repair technician. Good luck.
>
> Cheers,
> Paul Michaels
> Ft. Lauderdale, FL

It reminds me of the time my dryer sometimes wouldn't start. I spent
hours checking for resistance in the dryer's switches and connections,
for mechanical drag, and for an electrical problem in the motor. Last,
I checked resistance from the plug to the motor. The problem was in the
plug, which was simple and cheap to replace. The drop in voltage
wouldn't have appeared except when I was pressing the start button.

If you have more trouble, you could start by checking for 220 V between
red and black at the terminals where the power cord connects to the
range. If it's missing, you could slide the plug out slightly to check
for voltage on the blades.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Smallest Houses Ever?
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/1e9f74832b10815e?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 5 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 12:34 pm
From: ukie

I found this site through reading a news article yesterday. I thought
some folks here might get a kick out of it.
It's a guy who builds and sells tiny little houses. I've always
daydreamed about living in an Airstream trailer or maybe a converted
train car, but these homes seem pretty cool too (as long as you're not
claustrophobic):

http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/

== 2 of 5 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 12:46 pm
From: Al Bundy

On Oct 24, 3:34 pm, ukie <U.Betcher...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I found this site through reading a news article yesterday. I thought
> some folks here might get a kick out of it.
> It's a guy who builds and sells tiny little houses. I've always
> daydreamed about living in an Airstream trailer or maybe a converted
> train car, but these homes seem pretty cool too (as long as you're not
> claustrophobic):
>
> http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/

"A man who owns little is little owned."
I thought it was interesting too. The owner I saw is a builder and I
suspect he may be trying to make a point to generate sales. Maybe not
because he has built many homes under 300 feet. I'll simply say I
favor the idea of simplification. I have too much extra stuff around.
Every time I get rid of something, I find a need for it. But I will
keep working on the reduction plan.

== 3 of 5 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 2:15 pm
From: Tony

One thing i like about those smallest houses is when i fart everybody in
the house gets to smell it... an added bonus!

ukie wrote:

> I found this site through reading a news article yesterday. I thought
> some folks here might get a kick out of it.
> It's a guy who builds and sells tiny little houses. I've always
> daydreamed about living in an Airstream trailer or maybe a converted
> train car, but these homes seem pretty cool too (as long as you're not
> claustrophobic):
>
> http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/

--
The Grandmaster of the CyberFROG

Come get your ticket to CyberFROG city

Nay, Art thou decideth playeth ye simpleton games. *Some* of us know
proper manners

Very few. I used to take calls from *rank* noobs,

Hamster isn't a newsreader it's a mistake!

El-Gonzo Jackson FROGS both me and Chuckcar

Using my technical prowess and computer abilities to answer questions
beyond the realm of understandability

Regards Tony... Making usenet better for everyone everyday

== 4 of 5 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 2:16 pm
From: Jeff

Al Bundy wrote:
> On Oct 24, 3:34 pm, ukie <U.Betcher...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> I found this site through reading a news article yesterday. I thought
>> some folks here might get a kick out of it.
>> It's a guy who builds and sells tiny little houses. I've always
>> daydreamed about living in an Airstream trailer or maybe a converted
>> train car, but these homes seem pretty cool too (as long as you're not
>> claustrophobic):
>>
>> http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/
>
> "A man who owns little is little owned."
> I thought it was interesting too. The owner I saw is a builder and I
> suspect he may be trying to make a point to generate sales. Maybe not
> because he has built many homes under 300 feet. I'll simply say I
> favor the idea of simplification. I have too much extra stuff around.
> Every time I get rid of something, I find a need for it. But I will
> keep working on the reduction plan.

Just a few ideas. IKEA has demos inside their store at living in
various small spaces, fully furnished with IKEA's goods, of course. The
smallest is about 160 sf, I believe. All seem very livable.

The second is that where I live, there's a group called the Mad
Housers that build small homes for the homeless. They come with a wood
stove made of 4 shop buckets.

http://www.madhousers.org/ajc20021016.htm

Lastly, I have a small trailer that has about 50 SF of floor space.
Not only did it tour the US with a family of up to 7 members, but it has
housed the occasional in transition friend. Although small, it is quite
a delight. You have to live partly outdoors in such a small space and
that can be invigorating.

Jeff

== 5 of 5 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 2:56 pm
From: "Rod Speed"

ukie <U.Betcherass@gmail.com> wrote:

> I found this site through reading a news article yesterday.
> I thought some folks here might get a kick out of it.
> It's a guy who builds and sells tiny little houses. I've always
> daydreamed about living in an Airstream trailer or maybe a
> converted train car, but these homes seem pretty cool too
> (as long as you're not claustrophobic):

And as long as you're a midget.

> http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Safeway's $5 fridays starting to look reasonalbe to me.
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/c76503e0fba30ed0?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 1:56 pm
From: James

Bought a rotisserie chicken today for $5. Comes out to be around $2/
lb. cooked weight. Considering how often I've burnt chicken on the
grill, this isn't too bad a deal. I've also bought their All American
Sub when it's $5. If you are willing to shell out $5 for a fast food
sub, this is a better deal. I've had a $5 footlong from Subway which
was much smaller.

== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Fri, Oct 24 2008 2:01 pm
From: George Grapman

James wrote:
> Bought a rotisserie chicken today for $5. Comes out to be around $2/
> lb. cooked weight. Considering how often I've burnt chicken on the
> grill, this isn't too bad a deal. I've also bought their All American
> Sub when it's $5. If you are willing to shell out $5 for a fast food
> sub, this is a better deal. I've had a $5 footlong from Subway which
> was much smaller.

Got a chicken today . Had part for lunch and the rest will be in a
salad for the weekend.

==============================================================================

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Frugal Living

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Saturday, October 25, 2008

22 new messages in 9 topics - digest