Jersey Daily Planet

Book Signing and Reading by celebrated author Debra Galant.

2008-03-17T16:07:00Z

Specifics

Tuesday March 18, 2008
7:30 pm
Barnes & Noble
Clifton Commons
395 Route 3 East
Clifton, NJ

"Fear and Yoga in New Jersey"

At the center of Debra Galant's new novel is Nina Gettleman-Summer, a stressed-out New Jersey yoga teacher. Nina should be calmly guiding her high powered students through their savasanas and their chakras. Instead she is worried about... everything: her new meditation fountain overflowed resulting in a dangerous mess that caused one of her more litigious students to slip and fall; her husband Michael's job as Newark Airport's meteorologist was outsourced to the Phillipines, and a hurricane is bearing down on her parents' home in Florida.

The last thing Nina needs is her suspicious mother Belle around, wailing about the weather and asking questions about Michael's job. To complicate matters, her teenage son Adam is showing a sudden interest in having a Bar Mitzvah – even though Nina, never a fan of her Jewish heritage, signed the family up at the local Unitarian Church. Which brings us to the heart of this very funny book. Nina's put her faith in feng shui and crystals while her husband passes the time chatting with the local Jehovah's Witnesses and Adam plots his religious coming of age, which he believes will net him a real life pot of gold. The Gettleman-Summers are poised for an awakening which, when it arrives, is deftly portrayed in Galant's classic screwball style.

- Wendy

Clothes shopping

2008-03-10T18:41:00Z

At some point I am going to have to find new employment. One of the most important things, when I start job hunting is the clothes I will need (my present job, as long as I look presentable its not a problem). USA Today (one of my favorite papers, has an article that gets into the benefits of spending a little more money on clothing, and in the long run it will pay off having quality garments. They do have a point. All the clothes I bought at high end stores, I must admit have lasted me for years.

- Wendy

Cheap coffee for Tuesday

2008-02-26T00:31:00Z

According to Media Post, Dunkin Donuts is offering a 99 cent latte tomorrow, Tuesday February 25, between 1 and 10 pm. Word is that is to take advantage of the 3 hour closing at all Starbucks, to train their personnel on proper procedures.

- Wendy

My new spending plan

2008-02-25T01:03:00Z

It hasn't been fun, right now I have a limited amount of money on hand and the prospect of any new money coming in is just plain uncertain at this point.

Here's something I did the other day. I had to meet with a prospective client at the Starbucks located in the Barnes & Noble store in Clifton (this is a bad bad place for me, it's happens to be my favorite place for impulse shopping). A nice perk about this was, when I bought my 'basic' coffee (I don't drink any coffee drink I have to use a foreign accent to order correctly), the Barista asked if I had a B & N card, apparently this Starbucks will give you a discount if you have the card. Now, this is the first time I have had 'take out' coffee in several months. So, I didn't feel so guilty, I forfeited my daily expenditure of $1.75 of newspapers I buy daily.

My newest plan for spending is, if I want something, I am going to put it on a list with the date I wanted it. The theory is that at the end 6 weeks, I will really know if I really need or want the item.

I also needed to pick up one item from the supermarket. I held off getting it, figuring if I go in for one item, chances are I will find something else to spend money on, so I can hold on that items purchase until I have a list and need to go to the supermarket.

Thinking about having a garage sale in the spring, clearing out some of this unwanted stuff I have hanging around this house, that I am not using.

- Wendy

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Get out of New York City Free for tomorrow Feb 24

2008-02-24T14:59:00Z

In celebration of the PATH train system, they will have free passage tomorrow Monday February 24 from 6 am to 11 pm according to the Associated Press. To view a map of the system which runs between Newark and 33 rd Street/WTC in Manhattan click here.

A tip; parking in Harrison is at a premium because of construction, so get there early. if you park in Newark, the fee charged by the Hilton Hotel (across the street from station) is cheaper then the open air lots in the vicinity.

- Wendy

At some point I am going to need to get away

2008-02-23T22:46:00Z

I like to travel and whenever I can I do. Last year I went to Florida and the rental cars prices were outrageous so I went to Priceline, bid low and got a low cost rental car. USA Today in their Travel section has an excellent article on the various resources out there to save a significant amount of moolah on travel.

Now I could take a trip, I have the air miles to get there, but no money spend once there. Back to watching the travel channel...

- Wendy

Hair cuts

2008-02-23T22:36:00Z

At some point in the future I am going to have to clean up my act. Being out of work, allows me the luxury to skipping on hair cuts (that's if you call not being able to afford something a luxury). Actually I don't pay for hair cuts. My friend Nancy, a well known beautician from Rutherford, who is now retired, cuts my hair for barter. It's called I cook dinner and provide good company and companionship, and she cuts my hair.

But I know not everyone has a Nancy, so here's a tip I can pass along that I used in my college days. Many cosmetology schools are looking for customers (victims - only kidding) for their senior students to gain experience on. Here's a website, which lists several cosmetology and beauty New Jersey schools, all you have to do is call to find out times, these discounted or free hair styling sessions are being held.

- Wendy

Blockbuster coupon

2008-02-23T01:13:00Z

Looking for something to do on this snow day?

Fill out this survey and as a reward Blockbuster Video will send you a $1.99 coupon for a rental. Cool.

- Wendy

A Salute to our Military

2008-02-22T22:19:00Z

Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks offers a free complimentary admission to members of active duty military representing all five service branches, active members of a reserve or National Guard unit, and/or up to three direct dependants.

Here's the scoop;

Valid for one complimentary single-day admission per person, per year, to one of the following Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks:
o SeaWorld Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio
o Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Williamsburg
o Sesame Place
o Adventure Island
o Water Country USA
Offer valid between 1/1/2008 and 12/31/2008. Operating days and hours vary by park. Please check with specific park for current operating schedule.

Click on the link here, if you qualify to apply.

You have to admire a company that does this.

- Wendy

Rental cars on vacation

2008-02-22T02:01:00Z

Sometimes it isn't a great idea to rent a car at your arriving airport. When researching rental cars, call around to car rental places in the vicinity of the airport, and some times you can get a better rate. When arriving at the airport, take a cab to the location. Another idea is many hotels offer a free airport shuttle take advantage of it, and rent your car locally the next day (thus you save a day on rental).

Also off site parking lots tend to be cheaper than on airport property. If you have handicapped plates, call ahead, many airports allow handicapped individuals to park in the short term (high priced lot) for the long term rate. You will need state issued ID.

- Wendy

How to save money when eating out

2008-02-21T22:40:00Z

Sometimes I just have to get out and have someone else cook my meal.   Reality is going out to eat is now considered a treat, where before it was the norm.   Here are a few pointers to save some money when dining;

Drinks - Do you really need that beer?   Dining out, it isn't unusual to pay 7 bucks for one. Try sticking to soda, and if you can consider water. Your after dinner coffee, consider making it at home, or have a Dunkin Donut treat on the ride home.

All you can eat Buffet- this is great if you are with a crowd, everybody gets a choice. Many places charge less if you come earlier than the traditional dinner hour.

If you can't finish your meal, ask to have your meal wrapped up. So your meal in reality becomes a 2 for 1 meal.

Consider lunch instead of dinner.   Most lunch menus are lower priced than dinner.

Skip the appetizer - do you really need it? This can increase the price of your meal by at least 5 bucks or more.

Check local newspapers for ads, some will be a dollar amount off, others have a 2 for one special.   Trick is to be the one who doesn't pay.

- Wendy

If you could buy one product that had lots of uses, what would that be?

2008-02-21T12:21:00Z

When I purchase something now, I really have to think, is this something I really need? Is it something I can do without? I only have so much money and I have to make it last as long as I can. So, a lot of consideration goes into every purchase I make now.

I came across a product that I don't have to give any thought about purchasing. This product, according to Wikipedia, developed in 1953, is one of those products that you can use for many different things. Water Displacement, 40th formula or better known as WD-40as originally developed to prevent corrosion, has come to be one of those must have things to have in the house.

Reader's Digest has a really interesting article on all the uses this product can do around the house.

- Wendy

From my friend Anthony a free event

2008-02-21T03:57:00Z

My friend Anthony hosts the Tony Mangia radio show broadcast out of William Paterson University. He sent me an 
invite for to this free event to be held on Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Every month WPSC 88.7FM brings in a local artist into its "Living Room" to hang out and perform, and invites its 
listeners to join in on the fun.
 
This month's featured artists will be The Waking Lights.
 
Everyone is invited to come out and meet the band and the WPSC DJs, AND stay for the FREE live PERFORMANCE.
This is all going down, Wednesday, February 27, 2008, in WPSC Studios, located in Hobart Hall on the William 
Paterson University Campus (300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470).
 
It all begins Wednesday night, with the MEET and GREET at 7pm and LIVE performance at 8pm. Space is limited 
so please  come early. You won't want to miss this!!!!
 
This FREE event is brought to you by WPSC 88.7FM, North Jersey's Independent Radio.
   
BRING YOUR CAMERAS, BRING YOUR AUTOGRAPH BOOKS, and ANY ODD OBJECTS YOU WANT THE BAND OR 
THE WPSC DJs TO AUTOGRAPH... WE'RE OPEN TO ANYTHING.. LOL

-  Wendy

Pizza Hut coupons

2008-02-21T02:12:00Z

Pizza Hut is one of the few places that I worked at, that I still really enjoy their food. I enjoy it even more when I have a coupon I can use. Here's a link, where you can print out coupons for your local establishment.

- Wendy

Saving money on energy at home

2008-02-21T01:53:00Z

Here's a few things I am doing to cut down on my utility bills at home.

To start with I am in the process of replacing my light bulbs with the newer compact florescent bulbs, which can save 75% over the traditional light bulb. They also last longer (so I am not buying new bulbs as soon) and are a step towards making the United States less dependent on foreign oil. Turning off lights and other electric gadgets when not in use, is also an excellent idea.   Popular Mechanics magazine has an article where they compare the different types of light bulbs available today.

I've re thought "do I really need to use that electric can opener, juicer, and electric knives". For decades folks lived without these things, so can I.

I have lowered the temperature on my hot water tank from 140 degrees to 120 degrees. Not for nothing, I can't tell. Washing the majority of my clothes with cold water makes them last longer and the colors don't fade as quickly. A low flow shower head, uses less water (2-3 gallon vs. 8-10 gallon per minute) and when it comes to hot water useage, these savings will add up quickly.   Hang shirts up to dry, less to put in dryer, less energy used.

Insulating windows, the attic will keep heat loss at a minimum.   Venting the air from radiators makes them more efficient. Radiators are made to fill with water, air in a radiator prevents it from filling to capacity. Insulate your pipes, to keep the hot water in them hot.

Cleaning those dust monsters off the coils on your refrigerator. It will work more efficiently.

Purchase new appliances with a Energy Star rating. You may also be eligible for rebates.

Keep your thermostat down, if you get chilly, put on a sweater.

I have PSE&G for gas and electric, call them and they will do an energy audit for free.   What you will get back is a listing of things you can do around the house to reduce your utility bills. If you don't have them, call your local energy provider, I'm sure they provide the same service.

- Wendy

Thinking of buying a house?

2008-02-21T01:21:00Z

AOL has a page with all sorts of neat financial tools, that can help you determine how much you can afford to spend on a house, calculate mortgage payments, 15 year vs. 30 year mortgage.

So if you are looking to buy or refinance, this might be a good place to play around.

- Wendy

Dining coupons

2008-02-21T00:46:00Z

I came across this web site Restaurant.com where you can purchase coupons for dining places at a discounted price. For 3 bucks you can buy a coupon for 10 dollars. A $25.00 coupon can be purchased for $10.00. One tip on searching, limit the mileage from your zip code. I who resides in North Jersey got a lot of returns when a 15 mile radius was entered.

I would recommend, calling the establishment before your purchase coupon to insure they still accept them.

- Wendy

Sometimes war can be a good thing

2008-02-21T00:34:00Z

Verizon Wireless announced the other day a flat rate plan with unlimited long distance, and minutes. Now Sprint and AT&T what Verizon is offering. So now may be the time, to review your plan usage and see if this can save you some money. Another tip, Verizon offers Government employees and discount of around 15%. Always ask your cellular carrier is they offer any discounts.

I recently got rid of my long distance on my land line, I figured I have the cell phone for that, and to be honest I don't really use the land land that often, its main use is for receiving faxes.

- Wendy

Cheap Laptop

2008-02-15T12:51:00Z

You normally see these deals on Black Friday, but Pathmark is having a 4 day sale on a computer laptop for $299.00. The sale starts today 2/15/2007 and runs for 4 days. I don't have the details on exactly what this machine is, but if you are only using a machine to access the internet, this could be an option. They do require an additional 20 dollar purchase, which isn't hard to do at a supermarket.

- Wendy

We have a long weekend, here's some free or almost free things to do

2008-02-15T12:42:00Z

It's good to know there are other like minded folks out there, who enjoy freebies. The Fun New Jersey website has a listing of some stuff you can do for free. With the long weekend coming up, this is definitely a page to check out.

The Freebie In New Jersey website also has a listing of freebies.

- Wendy