The Whitey Stuff

Happy Christmas yet again!

2010-12-25T18:42:00.001+11:00

A happy and frugal Christmas to all. My best advice this Christmas is to save power by cooking individual fish fingers using a hair straightener - and I just happen to have an unused one right here!

I admire the style of Tim Franklin

2010-08-27T08:13:00.002+10:00

The youth of today are right on the money - "he's hot and has good glasses".

Radar is a man for all times.

Frugal hotel security

2010-06-21T09:29:00.001+10:00

From The Mercury today:

HOBART pub and business owners are using dummy security cameras in a bid to save on security costs.

The frugal practice is thwarting police investigations and leaving attack victims feeling deceived.

Looks like frugality is catching on, just not always in a good way.

Money saving tip for June

2010-06-15T14:17:00.000+10:00

Save money on your electric clocks - only put the batteries in when you need to know the time.

Free food

2010-06-06T13:40:00.004+10:00

From The Mercury yesterday.

Now, I just can't see how this qualifies as news. It is not as if it is a new occurrence. Given that most weddings are on the weekend that always leaves Monday to Friday when you need to find at least a free afternoon tea. And you get leave from work to attend.

Human Nature extend Vegas run

2010-05-14T14:34:00.000+10:00

Oh no! Will they ever return?

AUSSIE band Human Nature will spend another two years in Las Vegas after signing a deal to extend its show's run.

The show, Smokey Robinson Presents Australia's Human Nature - The Ultimate Celebration of the Motown Sound, has been playing at the Imperial Palace since mid-2009.

Its run has now been extended to May 2012.

Human Nature - made up of Toby Allen, Phil Burton, and brothers Andrew and Michael Tierney - performs at the Imperial Palace six nights a week.

"The guys in Human Nature not only have incredible voices but also deliver a dynamic show every time they are on stage," says Imperial Palace president Rick Mazer.

"Their talent is undeniable and their passion for the music and sound is contagious."

The group has also begun recording a new Las Vegas-inspired studio album set for release in Australia through Sony Music later this year.

Another birthday

2010-05-12T12:29:00.002+10:00

Another year older.

Thanks to compound interest, another year of frugal savings.

I think Mrs Whitey has forgot to give me a present. I thought that she was happy with the four reams of photocopy paper and box of staples I gave her on her birthday. Maybe not.

Exercise without leaving your desk

2010-04-13T14:17:00.000+10:00

From the ABC website ...

Tasmania's public servants could soon be getting their 30 minutes of daily exercise without leaving their desks.

University of Tasmania researchers have teamed up with the police department to trial a new computer program that prompts desk workers to do short bursts of exercise throughout the day.

Lecturer Scott Pedersen says many office workers are sitting for up to eight hours a day and are missing out on incidental exercise.

"The desk chair is what's really hurting everyone," he said.

" It's people doing an amount of sitting - it doesn't matter how much excerise they do during the day, it's that sitting for eight hours a day, so we're trying to put physical activity back into the workplace.

"What we're thinking is the whole idea of the Tasmanian push to get your 30 minutes a day, it doesn't have to be 30 minutes continuous, that's what the literature's been showing is that it can be broken up into short bursts all over the day so what better time than during your eight hour work day."

Office worker Miranda Walsh admits some colleagues may be tempted to hit the ignore button.

"There's probably a couple but I'm sure once they get started they'll get used to it," she said.

"It's really easy."

If the trial's successful the program will be introduced throughout the state public service.

Yet another example of The Mercury professionalism

2010-03-06T20:04:00.002+11:00

It has been a while but I am still around. The public service never rests just because there is an election on (but we do manage two extra coffee breaks).

Anyway, good to see Rita get a good mention in The Mercury about food blogs - why they never mention me I just don't know. But in rehashing the same story over the last couple of years it it great to see that cutting edge journalism means reporting that the Hobart Restaurant Bitch hasn't blogged since 2007. Now, that really is news.

Literacy in The Mercury

2010-01-20T09:43:00.003+11:00

From The Mercury today:

Teachers in boycott bid

DAMIEN BROWN

January 20, 2010 06:10am

TEAHERS have threatened to boycott literacy and numeracy testing unless the publication of league tables is outlawed.
The Australian Education Union federal conference yesterday unanimously passed the recommendation to boycott the implementation of NAPLAN in May "unless satisfactory measures are introduced to stop the future creation and publication of league tables".

Who would have thought The Mercury would make a spelling mistake in the first word of the article?

WIN TV frugality

2010-01-08T10:12:00.002+11:00

Good to see WIN TV aren't wasting money employing people to type in their interviewee's name.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T20:58:00.001+11:00

Merry Christmas to all. Just finished wrapping the wife's Christmas present. I took the advice of the Sunday Tasmanian and used the latest Telstra white pages, crossed out the names of the people we don't know and gave it to her as an address book. Value for money!

Possibly a third miracle

2009-12-21T21:56:00.002+11:00

Thanks to (the soon to be) Saint Mary MacKillop, one of my many wishes came true and I was fortunate enough to receive the Human Nature box set as an early Christmas present.

I am sure even the pope would be impressed by this.

Close call, but managed to save $1.50

2009-12-14T16:29:00.002+11:00

Many thanks to Australia Post for agreeing to deliver envelopes without postage stamps.

With seconds to spare as I sprinted down the footpath, I managed to intercept Mrs Whitey just before she posted three Christmas cards to her friends. After a brief discussion I took the envelopes home and steamed off the three 50 cent stamps. They still should be fine for next year.

Wine

2009-12-03T11:00:00.002+11:00

Queen Adelaide would have been better.

Cheap eats in Perth

2009-08-27T09:06:00.004+10:00

If anyone is planning on a trip to Western Australia, here are some restaurants that the city council has found interesting:

Perth restaurants.

(I had to update the link as the pdf document disappeared.)

Good chance you can get a discount if you mention this list.

A bargain if suitable

2009-08-14T11:34:00.001+10:00

Could be worthwhile changing your name!

Australia's first CD

2009-07-08T16:38:00.002+10:00

The things you learn from TV!

I try to avoid having the TV on the commercial channels in case the wife sees something that she wants to spend money on, but last night I was watching Talking About Your Generation and one of the questions was what was the first CD made in Australia. It's was the great Farnsey's Whispering Jack in 1986. How about that?

And I can't believe that Farnsey didn't make a farewell appearance at Michael Jackson's big bash.

Michael Jackson Memorial Service

2009-07-07T16:18:00.002+10:00

I know I will be up at 3am tomorrow to watch the Michael Jackson Memorial Service.

I may have to sleep in and miss the morning from work, but I am sure they won't mind.

It has been reported that 17,500 people will be attending the service. I am sure that John Farnham would get a bigger crowd than that. I hope I am around to attend.

Celebrating three years of The Whitey Stuff with Radar

2009-06-29T15:06:00.003+10:00

That's right - it has now been three years since the first post on The Whitey Stuff.

And what better way to keep everything fresh and up to date with some details from the rsvp.com.au website on Radar. Thanks for the heads up from one of my many admirers.

Radar is 44 years old and has a social personality - so ladies, time to log on and make a friend.

For many years now I am proud to say I have been the owner of a very successful business but realise that out there is a life to be had and a life to be shared. I understand now that I need to have a life outside of work as silly as it may sound. I know that I am a fun-loving person with a great cross-section of friends around the country. I have been blessed with my job which has taken me all over Australia in the past 20 years. My friends tell me I have a somewhat of a dry sense of humour but also a great personality. On occasions I love doing things on the spur of the moment whether it be jumping in the car and going for a long drive and staying somewhere overnight, or a planned holiday within Australia or overseas. I understand a lot of people say this, but I say it with conviction, and having worked in the music industry most of my life music has been a passion for many, many years. From Sade through to the big hits of the 70s and 80s. At times I believe there is nothing better than sitting down with the right lady and watching a great movie, like a top comedy or great drama. Most importantly life is no where near the same if you cant share your thoughts and feelings with that one person you care most about in your life. But like any relationship in its infancy I believe it must start with a friendship and grow. I am more than happy to travel anywhere in Australia to meet that someone special and this is something that doesn't have to happen yesterday or next week. I have learned that time talking and getting to know a person slowly and properly is the only way go. I have put a lot of thought into being a part of RSVP over the last 12 months and have friends in Melbourne and Brisbane who either have rock-solid relationships or have made great lady friends via RSVP.

By Demand

2009-06-15T20:22:00.001+10:00

Don't miss out. Tickets are on sale as of today.

And don't forget is is all by demand - http://www.farnhambydemand.com/.

Farnsey is only back because we all demanded it!

More on Farnsey

2009-05-28T09:13:00.001+10:00

It is now in The Mercury that Farnsey is coming to Hobart, so it must be true!

MUSIC legend John Farnham has announced he will include Hobart in his comeback national tour later in the year.
"I'm tired of being retired,'' Farnham, 59, said as he made the announcement of an new National tour that includes Hobart at Sydney's Lyric Theatre.

Huge news!

2009-05-27T12:49:00.001+10:00

Farnsey is back! The rumours are true. And he is on his way to Hobart!!!

From The Age:

Australian music legend John Farnham has announced he's making a musical comeback with a national tour later in the year.

"I'm tired of being retired," Farnham, 59, said as he made the announcement at Sydney's Lyric Theatre.

Farnham said he was inspired to get back into the business after performing his hit You're The Voice with Coldplay at the Sydney Sound Relief concert this year.

"When I walked off stage I was two foot taller," he said.

Farnham also plans to work on an album of new songs.

"The difficulty is finding grown-up songs - I don't want to sing 'ooh baby'," he said.

"I'm not going to hurry this."

His tour called John Farnham Live By Demand will kick off in Sydney on September 3 before going to the Hunter Valley, Hobart, Brisbane, Perth, The Barossa Valley and Melbourne.

Farnham has been in retirement since 2007, after performing live at the Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony in Melbourne in 2006.

Speculation surrounding the singer's retirement has circulated since 2002 when he announced his Last Time tour.

A disgruntled fan who had purchased tickets for the tour lodged a complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission after Farnham announced he would tour again, with singer Tom Jones in 2005.

The consumer watchdog decided not to take action.

Lack of birthday presents

2009-05-12T13:30:00.001+10:00

As I have always viewed frugality as a one-way street, I have been very disappointed with the lack of presents so far. Hopefully they are in the mail.

Giving to charity

2009-04-19T09:28:00.002+10:00

Good to see that Radar promotions is still thriving despite the GFC and Radar is doing well enough to afford an environmentally friendly car.

... which brings me to giving to charity. It is something I have thought about and and have often woken up in a cold sweat after a terrifying nightmare. Seeing a recent Radar Promotions advertisement where Radar mentions all the charities he supports made me realise that by watching and admiring him, I am really also supporting those charities.

I hope they all appreciate it and provide me with a tax invoice.

Saving money on the wife's birthday

2009-02-02T17:25:00.004+11:00

This can be a dangerous time of year when it comes to spending money. After making it through the Christmas and New Year period and remaining well under budget there is alway the danger of splurging on Mrs Whitey's birthday and being forced to spend actual cash.

Unfortunately this year she insisted on a big night out. That can usually be accommodated, but this time Fitzies Cafe has been demolished and the China Diner was booked out for two weeks solid. With petrol back to $1.15 a litre, that left only the two restaurants within easy walking distance of Chateau Whitey, Lebrina and the more reasonably priced King Wah. Unfortunately Mrs Whitey insisted on Lebrina. Knowing the prices at Lebrina, I needed a plan.

Through coincidence of circumstances, it turns out Lebrina has a private room out the back and this can be hired separately, but only during the month of January. Getting Mrs Whitey to bring forward her birthday dinner was the easy bit, haggling down the room hire to just $100 on the basis that we would provide our own food and waiters was a bit trickier. After cutting and pasting from the King Wah take away menu, writing "Lebrina" on the top, everything was set.

I am sure none of the guests caught on and just assumed that all meals at Lebrina were served in plastic containers with a fork and spoon. Based on my culinary understanding Beef and Black Bean and Sweet and Sour Pork probably count as modern Australian. Another great money saver was decanting the Berri Estate Shiraz and passing it off as the world's best Shiraz from last year. The Fruity Lexia was a bit more difficult, but no outright complaints.

As I was able to change the prices on the menu to more properly reflect the venue, I had no trouble extracting $150 a head out of the guests, although there was one recalcitrant that won't be invited next year.

All up a clear profit of $1,322. So another wonderful birthday for Mrs Whitey.

Hip hip hooray!

One of Hobart's greatest citizens

2009-01-30T10:54:00.003+11:00

The office and home of the great man - Tim "Radar" Franklin of Radar Promotions.

Unfortunately I didn't get to catch a glimpse of the multi-talented Radar. He was no doubt spending quality time with his labradoodle and cleaning his glasses (or vice versa).

National Australia Day BBQ and Couch Exploration

2009-01-22T22:05:00.002+11:00

Don't miss out this Monday - Australia Day ...

An Australian Day tradition (at least for me and my family) - turn up un-announced to a friend, acquaintance or relative's place and help yourself to their BBQ. While you ask them to get you another beer from their fridge, go inside, sit on the couch and search for all the loose change and goodies you can find.

Don't miss out

2009-01-16T11:20:00.002+11:00

There are still bargains to be had at Les Lees. Don't wait to long or you could miss out on the best stuff!

Advertising frugality

2009-01-07T09:14:00.002+11:00

With the recession fast approaching, there has never been a better time to be frugal.

Obviously all the Hobart advertisers are cutting back, judging by the number of ads in the Tuesday Mercury (6 January 2009). Page after page without advertising!

Les Lees - sale now on

2009-01-07T09:08:00.002+11:00

Just a gentle reminder that Les Lees is always after your business. It is one of the few places that I shop at - I just love going there at sale time.

I was tempted recently by an advertisement for Rivers that had suits for $38, but fortunately I was able to find the equivalent level of quality at Les Lees.

2009

2008-12-31T21:23:00.001+11:00

Here's to a frugal 2009.

Good to see that the Taste of Tasmania security have stopped checking if people are taking in food. I now will be able to take the family tomorrow.

Merry Christmas to all

2008-12-24T14:27:00.000+11:00

Don't spend too much money.

Christmas thoughts

2008-12-24T14:24:00.000+11:00

From The Mercury,

No relief for busy police

December 24, 2008 09:01am

POLICE were busy last night with reports of men relieving themselves in public outside hotels across Hobart.

Tasmania Police said several people had been arrested and officers were working at full capacity to address anti-social behaviour.

An owner of one Hobart business said the number of men outside urinating was making it difficult for them to let children out of the building.

Police said the anti-social behaviour early in the night was as bad as New Year's Eve.

In many cases patrons were leaving pubs and clubs to smoke and were urinating while outside.

Police said last week there would be an increased police presence on the waterfront over the festive season.

Tonight, Christmas Eve, is expected to be especially busy.

Alcohol offences will be a focus of attention.

A frugal Christmas meal

2008-12-18T09:21:00.001+11:00

From The Age:

Are hard times threatening your Christmas dinner? Well then, Peru has the answer: guinea pig.

Officials in the coastal Peruvian province of Callao on Monday hailed the Andean rodent as a low-cost, low-fat alternative to a traditional turkey or roast pork Christmas dinner.

Guinea pigs can feed seven or eight for about $3.20, Callao official Mario Sanguinity told Associated Press Television.

"The idea is to give the people a tasty, economical option," he said.

The presentation included a live guinea pig dressed as Santa Claus and eight of its comrades laid out fried, broiled and roasted in traditional dishes from different regions of Peru.

Cheap and delicious. What more could you ask for?

Gourmet Deli

2008-12-08T09:49:00.001+11:00

What happened to the Gourmet Deli in the Elizabeth St mall?

Has it moved? Closed?

Get paid to receive telemarketing calls

2008-12-08T09:35:00.002+11:00

It's great to hear proposals to get rid of the opt out approach for the telemarketing do not call register and replace it with an opt in system.

The marketing companies will then need to come up with a way to encourage us to opt in - such as paying money.

How good is that! I could get paid to listen to rubbish on the phone at home, just like I do at work.

Cheap airline seats

2008-11-26T11:24:00.002+11:00

From The Age:

Obese have the right to two seats: court
Canada's largest airline is trying to figure out which obese and disabled passengers will be eligible for additional seats at no charge after the country's Supreme Court rejected an appeal by the airlines.

The Canadian Transportation Agency issued an order last January requiring Air Canada and other domestic airlines to make additional seats free to disabled or obese passengers who need extra room.

So, can I get a fat friend to book a seat and then sell it to me and Mrs Whitey? A new avenue for half price travel.

Rationing toilet paper

2008-11-17T12:36:00.002+11:00

From The Age:

QANTAS was forced to ration water, biscuits, nappies and toilet paper - four sheets a person - to passengers who spent more than 24 hours on a flight diverted from Sydney because of a storm.

Qantas are way too generous. I am sure it would have only been three sheets on Jetstar.

My Melbourne Cup tip

2008-11-04T10:40:00.001+11:00

After a detailed scan of the form guide, and based on what I would say if anyone called Guy asked me to lend him some money, my tip for today's race is ...

Number 15 - Guyno.

Breaking news - the Les Lees logo

2008-10-30T13:54:00.003+11:00

How about this for a scoop - even before I have seen it on Radar Promotions advertisements (even though I am sure it can't be far away).

What a great logo for a great shop.

US Vice Presidential Frugality

2008-10-28T09:55:00.002+11:00

From the ABC website:

Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin insists she is a "frugal" spender, and has denied having a $US150,000 Republican Party clothes budget for her and her family for the White House campaign.

"If people only knew how frugal we are," she said, after political ethics campaigners lodged a formal complaint over the Republican National Committee's (RNC) expenditures, which were first reported this week.

I can only say how grateful I am that Mrs Whitey doesn't agree with this definition of frugality.

Les Lees update

2008-10-22T10:43:00.002+11:00

Just browsing through the programme for the Hobart Show and I noticed an advertisement for Les Lees that features a new logo. Very exciting.

I googled to try and find an image of this to show everyone and I couldn't find one but I was amazed to discover there is now a www.leslees.com.au website, but unfortunately it is under construction. I will have to check back every day to see when it is up and running.

I did find a five star review of Les Lees on www.truelocal.com.au:

Jenk (54) 16/12/07 Jenk
Joined 16/12/07

54 Reviews | 1 marked helpful They did the suits for my sister's wedding and I've never seen more attentive and caring staff in a clothing store. They didn't just want to fit your clothes, they wanted to take you all the way to the event. It was a really nice change. Top service, over and above what was required!

Great to see the rest of the community supporting this great business.

Government handouts

2008-10-15T12:02:00.002+11:00

Good to see the Commonwealth Government handing out billions of dollars - keep it coming my way.

However, I was very disappointed to see that the State Government has put a freeze on recruiting new public servants.

We have been flat out for the past few weeks. With planning meetings for the AFL grand final office activities and now advance preparations for the Melbourne Cup it has been a real stretch. Our tea lady hasn't been replaced since July and now it looks like we will be waiting forever.

The amount of time I spend getting a cup of tea is really cutting into my productivity.

Melamine

2008-09-30T09:40:00.001+10:00

Sounds like an interesting ingredient for cooking.

How much does it cost?

Frugal Friday - Spicy Carrot and Lentil Soup

2008-09-19T10:43:00.003+10:00

This one is not really frugal enough but is delicious.

Spicy Carrot and Lentil Soup

Ingredients:
1 cup of Red Lentils (washed)
1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves of Garlic (finely chopped)
1 Red Pepper (finely chopped)
3 Carrots (finely cubed)
1 tin of Chopped Tomatoes
1 teaspoon Spanish Smoked Paprika
Half teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Half teaspoon Black Pepper
Half teaspoon Ground Coriander
1.5 Pints Swiss Marigold Vegetable Stock
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
200g Cubed Pancetta (or some Smoked Bacon Rashers, very trimmed)

Method:
If you are using Pancetta, first fry it off in the pan in its own fat, then remove and drain off the fat. Then add a little olive oil and cook the Onion, Red Pepper, Garlic and Carrots until the Onion is transparent and the Carrot is beginning to soften.

Add the dried spices and ensure that everything is nicely coated, and then stir in the Red Lentils and add the Chopped Tomatoes. Mix the ingredients, and when it’s up to temperature, add the stock and bring to a simmer. If you are using Bacon, you should add it to the soup at this point so that it cooks with the Lentils. Simmer for about 30 minutes until the lentils are cooked. Finally, puree half the soup before serving. If the soup is too thick for your liking, add a little more stock.

Found on www.icookfood.com.

Tested and tasted by me.

Frugal tips from an amateur

2008-09-15T10:34:00.002+10:00

Whilst I admire the effort that Paul has put in, his tips are still very basic. Not that I have bought his book to see if he has any better ideas.

Frugal Friday - Potato Bake

2008-09-05T11:10:00.002+10:00

Having recently found a couple of dented can of soup at the Coles skip bin and a heap of potatoes, I can recommend the following recipe.

Potato Bake

1 can chicken soup

Cup of milk (not too far past the use by date)

Cup of shredded cheese (or something vaguely yellow)

Tablespoon butter (or a bit more of the vaguely yellow stuff)

Pepper to taste

6 potatoes

In 30cm x 20cm dish mix soup, milk, butter and half of cheese. Peel potatoes and slice. Put into mix as you slice so they don’t go brown. Put rest of cheese on top. Put in moderate oven for 1-1.25 hours.

Enjoy

You can also put some diced bacon in if you want to splurge!

Names that are not frugal

2008-09-02T14:01:00.002+10:00

Looking across the water at the US Presidential elections, I was surprised by the names given to the children of Sarah Palin, the Republican Vice President nomination.

Her children are Track, Trig, Bristol, Willow and Piper.

I think Sarah and her husband Todd will find it very difficult to pick up cheap birthday presents, such as mugs with names on them, for Track and Trig.

They should be luckier with Buffy the Vampire Slayer toys for Willow.

The end of public service bans

2008-08-27T10:20:00.002+10:00

We are all back and working flat out again.

It is quite a relief that I can stop reading The Advocate and I know all I need to know about school musicals in Burnie and pensioners in Ulverstone.

Finally the tea and coffee cannisters have been refilled so I can clean them out every Friday afternoon. We can answer the phones after 3pm. We can move important documents from out desk to the out tray. The wheels of government will turn again.

I wonder who will call in sick tomorrow?

Lawnmower cleaning

2008-08-20T15:45:00.001+10:00

Save money on cleaning your lawnmower.

Don't do it like this.

Public service bans coming to an end

2008-08-18T16:01:00.001+10:00

We have run out of things not to do.

It is getting hard to make it through the day. I have even taken to reading The Advocate (someone else's copy, of course).

Frugal baby names

2008-07-30T19:45:00.002+10:00

Good to see forward thinking from some parents.

In the birth announcements on Saturday there was a notice for Shakoda, a sister for Shakaya. There were also notices from her niece Shakira and cousin Shakylah.

This is obviously a thoughtful and well planned exercise. They will be able to abbreviate each name to "Shak" and reuse birthday and Christmas cards.

Inspirational stuff

2008-07-24T09:15:00.001+10:00

I hope I can still think as smart as this when I am a pensioner.

PARAMEDICS responding to emergency Triple-0 calls in Sydney's west are instead being used as de facto taxi drivers to local shops.

Older residents are the main offenders - using their pensioner entitlements to secure a free ride in an ambulance instead of paying a taxi fare to go shopping, ambulance sources have confirmed.

An ambulance ride to Mt Druitt Hospital costs $290, but the fee is waived for pensioners and other entitlement card holders.

Paramedics have watched in horror as patients miraculously recover from headaches and other feigned ailments to go shopping across the road, The Daily Telegraph reports.

"You get them to the emergency department and they walk out the door. They are the same patients, you know who is going to do it," a source said.

"Once the ambulance (crew) has cleared paperwork, they leave and see the person crossing the road and going to the shopping centre. An ambulance is an instant free taxi with a pension (entitlement) card."

Rats found in McDonald's restaurant

2008-07-23T11:11:00.001+10:00

From The Mercury:

A MCDONALD'S restaurant which had rats in the food-handling area has joined a NSW government list of "named and shamed" establishments which have breached food laws.

The McDonald's at Jilliby on the NSW central coast, which was fined $660, is one of eight new additions to the Government list.

Poor rats.

Spending money on pets

2008-07-22T10:22:00.003+10:00

Just how much money do people spend on their pets?

Way too much on pet clothes and food.

Whatever happened to pet rocks?

More public service bans

2008-07-18T09:32:00.002+10:00

The state public service is on a go slow campaign at the moment.

I hope no one has been inconvenienced.

Discount services

2008-07-14T11:22:00.002+10:00

From The Sunday Tasmanian yesterday - if anyone is considering these services then please call me instead. I will beat these prices by $5! $10 off for pensioners.

Saving (making) money in New Zealand

2008-07-08T10:18:00.002+10:00

You have to admire the initiative!

From The New Zealand Herald:

Shopkeepers are being fleeced by counterfeit $100 notes featuring a sheep in a tiara in place of the Queen.

Police in Rodney District, north of Auckland, say the crude forgeries were accepted by at least three businesses last November and another case emerged last month.

The latest victim is a Silverdale landscaper who even helped the offender load some rocks he bought with the note into his car.

A local man was charged with last year's offences and fined $100.

Sergeant Mark Smith, from Orewa police, said the man usually used a fake note to buy a low-value item. In one case he bought batteries for $2 from an Orewa shop and left with $98 change. The notes all bear the serial number BK99580630 but the most distinguishing feature is the sheep's head in the transparent window where the Queen is normally found.

"They still seem to be floating around, which tends to suggest there are a few out there," said Smith.

"It's obvious people are not checking notes. This is a friendly reminder they need to check the legitimacy of money."

Police said they were following strong lines of inquiry.

Frugal Friday - Crispy Potatoes

2008-07-04T14:48:00.003+10:00

A great companion dish to go with home made chicken nuggets - or a meal on its own for a family of four.

Ingredients
1.2kg King Edward or pontiac potatoes (or whatever else is cheap or can be dug up if you live near a farmer), peeled, thinly sliced
80ml (1/3 cup) extra virgin olive oil (can substitute lard if cheaper)
2 garlic cloves, crushed (onions if cheaper)
1 lemon, juiced (only 9 cents at Island Markets - bargain!)

Method
Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
Place potato, oil, garlic, juice and seasoning in a large bowl, toss to combine. Layer potato in the dish (don't make layers too deep, as potato won't become crispy). Bake for about 45 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, until golden.

Cheap and delicious!

Sharing the love

2008-06-27T14:44:00.002+10:00

Always willing to share, if anyone wants two free light globes, then here they are at Green Energy Watch.
I am generous to a fault.

Saving on trouser wear and tear

2008-06-25T15:18:00.002+10:00

From The Age article on Todd McKenney's arrest after being found in a Sydney park:

Later in his record of interview McKenney told police he had been to a party on Anzac Day eve at an apartment in McLeay Street, Potts Point, and had danced so much that he began to overheat and had taken his pants off to continue dancing.

McKenney, who has pleaded not guilty to the charge and has been on police bail, allegedly told arresting officers that it was while his pants were down someone at the party must have put the drug into his pocket.

I always take my trousers off when dancing as all the rubbing together of my thighs wears holes in my trousers.

Not pretty, but very cost effective.

Cruel comments about Celine Dion

2008-06-23T18:56:00.004+10:00

Celine Dion's version of AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long" has been rated the worst cover song ever.

What a cruel thing to say. Poor Celine must be appalled to hear the result of this Total Guitar poll.

An even more disgraceful aspect of the poll - they didn't rate Farnsey's version of "Help" as the best ever cover version.

Chicken nuggets

2008-06-19T10:37:00.002+10:00

As a treat I promised the kids some chicken nuggets from KFC.

What a rip-off. I never realised that they were so expensive.

Instead I picked up a couple of KFC boxes from the tables and then went to the supermarket, brought a chicken schnitzel that was on special because of the use by date, went home and cooked the schnitzel and chopped it into nugget sized pieces.

They never suspected a thing.

Stair wear

2008-06-12T09:38:00.002+10:00

I have been very disconcerted to discover that there are signs of wear on the internal stairs at home.

Obviously everyone is walking in the one spot and not evenly distributing the wear and tear.

I have imposed a new rule at home - Mrs Whitey and Whitey Jr must now only walk on the left hand side and the two girls on the right hand side. That should increase the lifespan of the stairs by some years.

Working harder and smarter

2008-05-30T14:53:00.002+10:00

The was an air of panic at the office when a rumour spread that public servants were expected to work harder and "burn the midnight oil".

Fortunately it was Kevin Rudd making the comment so it only applies to Commonwealth public servants.

Had me extremely worried for a few minutes.

Time for a coffee break.

Restaurant X

2008-05-28T10:00:00.003+10:00

I received this email where people complain about the service at Restaurant X.

As long as it's cheap what are they complaining about? I don't see anywhere where they actually had to pay.

On Saturday night we decided to go for drinks down at Grape – this was all good, then we thought ‘ lets go somewhere we haven’t been to for ages, something different and maybe out of town” so we thought of the restaurant @ Restaurant X. We drove out there and I had this really funny feeling but thought I was being too sensitive! We arrived and the waiter/owner showed us to a small separate dining room ( I had only been in the large one before- so I thought this is a little weird) anyway when he opened the door there was another couple and no one else and only three small tables anyway.
It was such a confined space that I thought we needed to chat to the other couple otherwise it would be weird. We sat there waited for our menus- and felt like we had arrived at faulty towers! I asked about the heating and he said “ its not cold- you’re not cold so I will not put the fire on! I thought oh dear this is a bad sign.

Little did I know what was ahead for us?

We opened the menu and there was a clause stating everyone must switch their mobiles off. So we did. We then had our main course- with him coming in and out of the room not saying anything and slamming the door behind us- I just kept thinking how strange it was- the other couple was laughing and we were too. He then came to get our plates and I said to complement his chef as the meal was really nice he said “ why would I do that- she just gets a big head and there is no point!” then he slammed the door again.

I then wanted to make a call on my mobile – so I asked the other guests if they would mind and they were laughing and saying no that’s fine- tell your friend you’re dining at faulty towers but with a really posh couple from overseas. We all started to laugh then he came into the room, and started yelling at me that “didn’t you read my rules- you cant use your phone in here!. So I said fine I’m going outside and he said “too right you are!. I thought at this stage thank god I’m tipsy because it’s not annoying me as much as usual.

I went outside then moments later Stuart came out with all our stuff. I said “what’s going on? And he said we have just been thrown out because you used your phone. I couldn’t believe it. Then Stuart had his back to the door he came out, grabbed Stuart against the door and pushed him on the ground. Stuart hit his head and didn’t move for a moment and he had his knee on his chest, preventing him from getting up. I started yelling at him “what are you doing, have you gone mad? Then he said “you were leaving without paying- you weren’t going to pay! I said you threw us out- what did you think we were going to do?

He then yelled at me to get inside and pay. I kept asking him “do you know what you have just done, do you understand? We will be phoning the police you know and he said phone whoever the f***k you want. We then rang the police, who went to talk to him and he was really aggressive and told the police officer you have 2 minutes in my kitchen and then get out!

We spent the rest of the night at the station making statements, forensic photographed Stuart. He is being arrested today and we will be going to court in a few weeks time! I still cant believe what happened. Since then I have emailed the Tourism Industry council, and made a bad restaurant review in the Australian food & wine guide. I really think he is insane and hope to tell everyone I know!

Discount calimari

2008-05-27T14:27:00.002+10:00

Looks pretty tasty! I am sure the kids will love it.

Public service work bans

2008-05-22T12:18:00.000+10:00

It has been tough going this week with the work bans in place - no unpaid overtime and no answering the phone after 5pm.

As I no longer come in on the weekend to replenish my home stationery supplies that had already cut out my only overtime claims.

No one rings after 5pm anyway as the place is always empty by 4:30pm. Just pay me more money!

Visiting US Warship

2008-05-09T11:03:00.002+10:00

Interesting to see a change in the way The Mercury reports the visit:

THE visit of US warship USS Tarawa will pump more than $6 million into the local economy, the US Government says.
The 250m amphibious assault ship will bring 3000 sailors and marines to Hobart
tomorrow morning.

From what I can remember, previous ships always "injected" money into the local economy, now they are merely "pumping" it.

Vale Fitzies Cafe

2008-04-22T15:57:00.000+10:00

I know I am a fair bit behind the times, but I was very sad to see that the wonderful and wonderfully priced Fitzies Cafe is no more.

I have nothing but fond memories of many business lunches and get togethers with family and friends. There was nothing better than tucking into a discount frog-in-a-pond while listening to a piano player. The free music was my favourite.

So, time to find a new, but still cheap, cafe.

I am back

2008-04-18T16:30:00.003+10:00

It's good to be back.

I would prefer not to go into too much detail, but there was an over-reaction about the temporary borrowing of the petty cash tin.

My computer access is now somewhat curtailed but I will post as many frugal or Farnsey related issues as often as possible.

Cheers!

Footballers at a Lionel Richie concert

2007-12-04T14:37:00.000+11:00

I wasn't surprised to read about unruly behaviour by a group of North Melbourne footballers at a recent Day on the Green concert featuring Lionel Richie.

Surely anyone could forsee that the wild Lionel would have whipped the crowd into a frenzy and the footballers merely were caught up in the emotion of the day.

Imagine what would have happened if they went to a Farnsey concert!

The Great Debate

2007-10-22T15:32:00.000+11:00

I was very disappointed with the debate between John Howard and Kevin Rudd last night.

While they may have covered tax cuts, climate change and the war in Iraq, where was the rebate for frugalness? Where was the discussion of the arts? Where was the passion for not spending money???

I am heartened by one of John Howard's final act of government before moving to caretaker mode (although only just announced). He has granted $6m to the Bradman Foundation to build a shrine to The Don.

Surely the next logical step is to donate $12m to the Whitey Foundation so that I can build a shrine to The Voice.

Frugal Friday: Vegetable and Barley Soup

2007-10-19T11:58:00.000+11:00

I know it is not winter anymore, but there is still money to be saved by limiting your diet.

If you have a few vegetables that are on their way out, then this is a cost effective way to dispose of them and feed the kids at the same time.

Ingredients:
- 5 or 6 large potatoes, peeled and cubed, most diseased bits removed
- 2 leeks cut into round slices
- 3 carrots, roughly chopped
- 5 celery sticks, cut onto chunks, substitute with green carrots if cheaper
- 1 cup of dried pearl barley
- a few leaves of dark green cabbage, or anything vaguely green
- lot of water to stretch it out
- Salt and pepper to taste

Boil it up and dish it out.

Big news on the weekend

2007-10-15T15:52:00.000+11:00

Why would you call these antics?

All sounds very sensible to me.

Myer street party

2007-10-08T08:53:00.000+11:00

I didn't realise that they would have security at the Myer party in Murray St on the weekend.

I borrowed the Fire Warden helmet from work and thought that it would be enough to provide an entree to free food and entertainment. Not to be. Something about fire service only.

Very disappointing.

Update - Fitzies cafe

2007-10-02T09:21:00.000+10:00

I can confirm that Fitzie Cafe is open and has been unaffected by the Myer fire.

After a $5.95 lunch I can report that the food is exactly the same as it was 10 days ago.

Les Les latest update

2007-09-27T09:52:00.000+10:00

The main entrance for Les Les has now reopened in Liverpool St.

This is great news for all the snappy dressers of Hobart. Hopefully they can attract all the customers that used to shop at Myer. I will have to keep an eye out to see if I can notice a discernible change in the public's fashion sense.

Turn up your radio

2007-09-26T09:25:00.000+10:00

Les Lees will re-open this morning!

And to make it a great day, HO-FM are broadcasting live from Les Less through until lunch time today.

Come along and join in the fun.

Les Lees still stands!

2007-09-24T13:57:00.000+10:00

While it is very sad that the Myer store burnt down on Saturday, their prices have always kept me away.

I dashed down to Liverpool St on Sunday morning to make sure that everything was okay. The area was blocked off from Murray St, but I did breath a huge sigh of relief when I could see that Les Lees had escaped unscathed.

The Penny Pincher's Book

2007-09-21T11:54:00.000+10:00

I was interested to read a brief review of this book in last Thursday's The Mercury. I hadn't been to the library for a while so I had a lot of newspaper reading to catch up on.

Anyway, this British book is now available and is supposed to have good tips on saving money such as keeping candles in the freezer, using a pepper shaker for olive oil and turning old rubber gloves into rubber bands.

What caught my eye was the author's quote: "Penny-pinching is not about being a skinflint but is a way of life concerned with the world around us. Controlling your money will lessen your demands on the resources of the world."

What a load of rubbish!

It is all about being a skinflint. That is the whole point.

Pirates

2007-09-20T13:49:00.001+10:00

I am a day late for International Talk Like a Pirate Day, but here goes anyway.

Arrr, aarh ye scurvy dog. Walk the plank and pieces of seven.

Arrr.

Support for our farmers

2007-09-18T15:20:00.000+10:00

Good to see that the Commonwealth Government has declared all of Tasmania in drought.

The farmers should be able to use their handouts to invest in the proposed water pipeline from Tasmania to Victoria. Sounds like a win - win for everyone.

Mall queuing

2007-09-17T13:19:00.000+10:00

There was a long queue in the Elizabeth St Mall on Thursday, so thinking that there must be a good freebie on offer (why else would people queue up?), I joined the line.

After 25 minutes I got to the front and had Brendan Fevola autograph a John Farnham photo - it was the only thing I had on me.

I hope it will be worth plenty in years to come.

Unfrugal fashion

2007-09-13T11:29:00.000+10:00

I am not normally one to comment on female fashion, but this time they have gone too far.

Why do women need to wear a dress with jeans as well? What is going on here?

It seems to mean that the expenditure on jeans is not justified.

End of fashion comment.

Thought for the day

2007-09-07T09:20:00.000+10:00

From my desk calendar, "A smile costs less than electricity and gives more light."

Now, if I can only get the missus and kids to smile, I can remove a few light bulbs.

Beware of fake frugality

2007-09-04T21:20:00.000+10:00

In my never ending search of a bargain, I discovered Frugal Fashionista (http://frugal-fashionista.blogspot.com/).

I am always looking to save money without compromising by satorial standards. However in this case the site was more directed to Mrs Whitey. But the major problem was that everything costs an absolute fortune.

$10 for a handbag! What are they thinking?

Is this a joke blog or what?

Spring has sprung

2007-09-03T16:51:00.000+10:00

Time to turn down the heaters and save a few dollars.

I also get to chop off most of both sleeves of my worn out business shirts and return to the short sleeve fashion look.

Ten years ago

2007-08-30T09:32:00.001+10:00

Can you remember what you were doing on this day ten years ago? It was a day to remember.

Checking back on my receipts for that day I purchased a shirt and tie from Les Lees for $24.99. Fortunately these items are much cheaper now and I rarely pay more than $9.99 for both.

A tragic day.

Free tickets to Elton

2007-08-29T09:45:00.000+10:00

Thanks to my online promotion, I have been given free tickets (unfortunately at the back on the stands) to see Elton John at Aurora Stadium.

Everyone else can pay from $96 to $285 to see this great concert.

Enjoy!

More support for our farmers in the bush

2007-08-22T11:58:00.000+10:00

It's good to see anyone looking after our farmers. The bush should not be left behind.

The Women's Weekly is helping farmers such as Bryce (pictured) find a wife.

If you can help, do what you can.

Elton - I did it!

2007-08-21T08:20:00.000+10:00

As it says in print, "Big online campaign wins over promoter".

While they did not name me directly, I am sure mine is the online campaign they are referring to.

As far as I am aware, no one else has done anything.

Now, if they will just send me from free tickets.

It was 30 years ago today ...

2007-08-16T09:53:00.000+10:00

...since Elvis left the building.

A great man. Up there with Farnsey as one of the best.

To celebrate I will be watching a tape of Blue Hawaii that the missus recorded off the TV for me a few years ago.

I have been saving it for this very special day.

More on stamps

2007-08-15T17:17:00.001+10:00

One way to save money is to print your own. Getting the perforated edges can be a bit tricky.

One hint for making stamps more re-usable is to coat them with polyurethane so that the postmark is more easily rubbed off.

A great way to save 50 cents!

Chats

2007-08-13T15:57:00.000+10:00

On a slightly different note this week, I would like to talk about supporting the man on the land, the citizens in the bush - our farmers.

Times have been tough in the bush lately, no one could ever have guessed that this country would ever have droughts or flooding rains, and we need to do whatever can be done to help farmers.

The starting point should be potatoes. If a restaurant has chats (i.e. small potatoes) on the menu and they cost more than ordinary potatoes, then they are the ones that should be purchased. What may only be a few dollars to us may be worth many cents to those struggling in a muddy potato paddock.

The extra money that farmers receive for chats can be spent on useful stuff, such as WD40 and new tractors.

Think of our farmers and spend your money on those small potatoes.

(As an aside, when I say "we need to do" I really mean "you need to do".)

Elton John

2007-08-09T09:42:00.000+10:00

Do we want Elton John play in Hobart?

Vote now at this survey.

There is no mention if this is a farewell tour so we may or may not see him again.

Don't forget to comment that it needs to be a free concert.

Stamps

2007-08-06T14:42:00.000+10:00

It was a busy time on the weekend. I managed to save up 17 envelopes with 50c stamps where the postmark missed the stamp.

After a couple of hours of soaking them all in the bath I ended up with 17 stamps ready to be glued on and used again.

A triumph of recycling.

Another Radar fan

2007-07-30T21:45:00.001+10:00

One man who has always looked up to the talented Tim "Radar" Franklin is Peter West, the promotions manager at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.

I have long admired from afar Peter's career, from his great work with the Tasmanian Football League (years ago I remember saying he was the best man for the job) to his current role at the museum.

And now it turns out Peter has a new caravan: "We had a 1976 Franklin caravan, which we nicknamed Tim, so we have named the new one Tim II."

Peter reveals all in the latest Where the heart is column in The Mercury, complete with details and photos of his shed, snow domes, caravan and house ghost. I can sense a well deserved Pulitzer Prize for this expose.

Protecting Farnsey

2007-07-23T16:00:00.000+10:00

Good to see that Glen Wheatley is looking after Farnsey's reputation and keeping him out the media spotlight.

I am sure Farnsey always pays his taxes.