Posts
JanuaryJan 2 Friday 09
Are Movies A Bargain In Tough Times?
Good Movies, Prices Help Hollywood In Recession:
"It's not necessarily that people rush out to see movies because the economy is bad, but because it's a bargain compared to other out-of-home entertainment it doesn't suffer as badly," said Patrick Corcoran, director of …
The Great Dairy Cow Bailout
As Recession Deepens, So Does Milk Surplus:
Mr. Van Groningen's company does not own the surplus milk powder, but merely stores it for the new owners: the taxpayers of the United States. To date, the government has agreed to buy about $91 million worth of milk …
Economy Causes Overcrowded Crisis At Pet Shelters Across America
Economy Causes Overcrowded Crisis At Pet Shelters Across America
"Shelters nationwide are being hit by the economic meltdown. Cash-strapped pet owners have inundated the SPCA with pets that they can no longer afford."
This is something I never thought of, but it makes …
Was Whole Economy A Ponzi Scheme?
Was Whole Economy A Ponzi Scheme?
"And it is in this way that we are all Ponzi limited partners: We too thought our retirement funds and houses were growing miraculously, though ours was an illusion fueled by debt rather than fraud, and we too made plans based on those …
DecemberDec 31 Wednesday 08
Members Of Congress Get Pay Raises Despite Recession
Members Of Congress Get Pay Raises Despite Recession: "The general public can't help but think that lawmakers are patting themselves on the back and padding their wallets for presiding over the worst fiscal-policy blunders in recent history," said Pete Sepp, vice …
DecemberDec 30 Tuesday 08
More People Chime In: Bad Economy May Be Good For Kids
Working Dad: Economy Will Test Parents, But Some Change Is Good: ""That kind of idea of a perfect parent as defined by their stuff; that era is over,' said Greg Allen, who runs one of the nation's most popular dad blogs, daddytypes.'I think there is going to be a lot of …
Books: Concept Of Frugality Makes Comeback
Concept Of Frugality Makes Comeback: "How, exactly, does a person go from living large to living within his or her means? The answer lies in "unhooking your thinking from consumer culture," say the authors of the classic personal finance tome Your Money or Your …
DecemberDec 29 Monday 08
Bad Economy Can Teach Kids How To Cope
Bad Economy Can Teach Kids How To Cope: "'We shield youngsters from so much adversity trying to keep them happy that we deprive them of the practice they need navigating rough waters," he said. "There's no other way to develop resilience except by facing adversity. It's …
Poor Economy Blamed For Rise In Shoplifting
Poor Economy Blamed For Rise In Shoplifting: "It's never been as bad as it is now," said David Malefsky, senior vice president at Cambridge Security Services, which works with several national chains. "When people start panicking, they revert to crime."
Quick, now's …
Thanks To Everyone For A Great First Year at Twoshirts.org!
We want to thank everyone for making it an incredible first year at Twoshirts.org. In 2008 we grew to 1450 members in 35 states who gave each other over 1300 free items, from baby supplies, to bicycles, to computers, to clothing.
DecemberDec 24 Wednesday 08
Blogging on Hold Until After Christmas
I just wanted you all to know that we'll be putting the blog on a "Christmas break" while we spend time with family and celebrate the season. The blog will be back online Monday, December 29th.
Merry Christmas and Happy holidays from Twoshirts.org!
Jason Coker
DecemberDec 21 Sunday 08
Guilty About Past Excesses, The Nation Is Renewing Its Frugality
Britain Stiffens That Old Upper Lip In Downturn: "Discount grocery stores, which have seen a surge in shoppers, have abandoned efforts to sell "premium" products, instead touting frozen vegetables--less spoilage--and sandwich bags for workers who can no longer afford …
Generosity Part Of American Heritage
Generosity Part Of American Heritage: "Brooks' research confirms that Americans are a nation of givers and that no developed country approaches us in giving. One comprehensive study from the '90s showed that per capita, Americans gave 3
Frugal Nation: Even DC Lobbyists Are Tightening Their Belts!
Frugal Nation: Even DC Lobbyists Are Tightening Their Belts! "The shift in attitude is palpable in the nation's capital. The lavish holiday parties hosted by lobbyists and think tanks are fewer and more modest this year."
Anybody checked the temperature in hell lately?
DecemberDec 19 Friday 08
The Science of Shopping: The Way The Brain Buys
The Science of Shopping: The Way The Brain Buys: "Scientists used to assume that emotion and rationality were opposed to each other, but Antonio Damasio, now professor of neuroscience at the University of Southern California, has found that people who lose the ability …
Why Do The Poor And Homeless Make Us So Angry?
In response to the e-mail I sent out yesterday highlighting our efforts to collect food and clothing for homeless teens in Oceanside, Ca, I received this response from a (now former) member:
"they can get jobs like most normal people !! dont send me your bull**** …
Bad Economy, Cold Weather, Send More Homeless Families To Los Angeles
Los Angeles County Shelters Brim With Families: "The key is to get away from the shelter during the day, the tired-looking 33-year-old said. Head to the park, to a friend's house, to any place where she can pretend, for a while anyway, that she is just another mom on an …
Research Confirms Giving Is Just Plain Good For Us
Research Confirms Giving Is Just Plain Good For Us: "Researchers have found that the act of donating to charity triggers the release of endorphins (the brain's feel-good chemicals), making givers feel glorious. According to a New York Sun article called "Why Giving …
Remember Layaway? It's Back In Style!
This Giving Season Takes Us Back To Layaways, Frugality: "My mother financed all of her Christmases this way, back in the day before everyone who walked and breathed had a Visa card. I admit I've never used it myself. I prefer charging and then paying off the bill each …
For Tips On Frugality, Look To India
For Tips On Frugality, Look To India: "Watching Americans try to make themselves frugal is like watching Mongolians try to make Bordeaux wine."
Ha! That gets my vote for the funniest line of the year! Great article, read the whole thing.