You are currently browsing the monthly archive for February, 2008.
Upcoming flick starring the one and only Steve Carell with Anne Hatheway. Based on Mel Brooks’ television show. Looks hilarious.
After looking at numerous bags, sleeves, cases, and covers for my Macbook, I finally decided to go with one.
The Applesac.
A friend of mine had purchased one, and recommended it to me.
Now before I pulled the trigger on the sleeve, I wanted to figure out what features were important to me. It came down to:
1. Durability I want it to last for at least as long as my laptop.
2. Protection It should protect my laptop from scratches, scuff marks, minor dings and dents, while riding on my bike.
3. Material The sleeve should be made from eco-friendly materials that are sustainable as well as landfill friendly.
After carefully looking at the Black Colcasac Applesac, it seemed to fit the bill.
The sleeve is made from hemp, which is quite sustainable and easy to harvest. The inside is lined with what seems to be sherpa fleece, which is pretty soft.
Now when I mentioned that I wanted protection, I wanted adequate protection to prevent scratches and dings. The Applesac is perfect for that. However it probably won’t save your notebook from a 6 foot drop.
According to the Applesac website, hemp is more durable than regular cotton. Upon receiving my sleeve, the hemp material did seem a little thicker than natural cotton.
The sleeve provides a very snug fit for the Macbook, which is a good thing, since you don’t want it shifting around on you. Since it doesn’t add much size to the Macbook, I can still throw it into my messenger bag with no problems.
Instead of using zippers, the Applesac utilizes velcro. There is also a pocket on the front, which can fit the powerblock or a couple of CDs.
All in all, I am really happy with my purchase. The sleeve that I purchased was priced at under $40 (incld. shipping and taxes), so you won’t break t he bank. And it’s environmentally conscious. My only gripe is that there aren’t any handles, just in case I wanted to use it as a stand alone carrying case. DIY anyone?
Many of us have started to carry around less and less cash.
I don’t do it by choice; I’m just always flat out broke.
Some banks have started to offer rewards for using debit cards. Washington Mutual offers a .03 cent reward each time you use your debit card. I know you’re probably thinking .03 cents??!? Yayyahh! Well not so fast junior, there is a cap of $250. So you better start buying a lot of unnecessary stuff so you can get the full $250.
On a serious note though, this is one of those things where it’s like why not get paid for something you already do? Bank of America also has a similar program, which might be more rewarding. Check it out if you haven’t already.
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=One too many lights!
I mentioned in one of my earlier posts that I have been trying to reduce my energy bill total to under $20.
One of the ways I have been trying to accomplish this is by employing a 3 light rule. We’re talking desk lamps, halogen lights, sconces, night lights, flood lights; basically any light source. Since I have such a small place, I have forced myself to not use more than 3 lights at any given time. Although given my tiny living space, even 3 lights can be a little redundant.
Of course your place probably needs a whole lot more lighting than my place. The moral here is to turn on only the lights that you need! If you have a similar strategy or completely different strategy feel free to share.
Damon Wayans once said in his show that he dreamed that one day white and colored laundry could be done together.I have been realizing that dream for quite some time now.
For some reason I have never had any problems washing both whites and colors together. I think most new fabrics don’t really bleed as much as they used to. Many of my clothes are purchased used anyways, so much of the bleeding has been done by the previous owners.
Not only do I save a bundle of change on my apartment’s coin-op machines, I save time as well. Couple this with some Tide Coldwater Mountain Spring after 7pm on a weekday, and you’ll truly be flexing your power. Oh, and make sure you have a full load before you actually do your laundry.
Edit: A reader also pointed out to promptly remove your clothes from the washer to prevent bleeding. I want to add to also remove your clothes from the dryer ASAP as well; as not to dry already dried clothing.
Cluttered desk bogging you down? It just might be time for you to re-design your desk space. Link
This is how you streamline your home in the 21st century. Courtesy of New York Times.
I should be back in full swing by the end of this week.
Wow, I just got my energy bill statement and was pleasantly surprised by my total.
One of my goals was to gradually lower my bill to under $20, and it looks like I am almost there.
Also, just a friendly reminder to change all of you bills to e-statements, so you can save some paper and stamps.
Sorry about the lack of quality posts as of late. Been busy with stuff yada yada, you know the story. Here is the first part of a mini-series that I am dubbing “if mr. rogers was a colorblind minimalist POV style.”
Although I am far from being the perfect minimalist, I have picked up some minimalist habits along the way. I have decided to compile a little Mr. Rogers type deal in black and white. You know how every time Mr. Rogers comes or leaves he has a few things that he always does? Well, this is what I do, only it’s in black and white. And it’s from my point of view.
If you can actually take anything away from this post, it’s that you should have a place for everything. That way you’ll know exactly where everything is, and your place will be free of clutter.
This is very very simplified. But it keeps things from getting out of control. When I need something, I’ll know exactly where to look.
Place my keys, ID badge, paper wallet and phone on my landing strip.
Put my one piece of mail on my landing strip to look at later.
Drop my bag on the bag stand.
Hang up my bike.
Slip my jacket on a hanger and put it back in the closet.
Lay my shoes down on the shoe rack.
Turn on television.
Plop down on sofa and enjoy some R & R.
When I first moved in.
How the same area looks now.
I was tired of flinging my bag on the floor every time I got home.
The space next to my front door seemed to be the most logical place for a bag stand.
I had some cinder type blocks left over from my “entertainment center,” so I just put them together and voila.
Cost about $3.
Congratulations to the New York Giants! I was watching this game, and was like my man Plax is going to get a touchdown in the closing minutes seconds, and he did!!! AWESOME GAME!!
And also the Cadillac ESCALADE they gave out was a hybrid! Woot woot!
