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Home > Smart Spending > Archives > 2009 > February
February 2009
Free and Cheap Entertainment in Atlanta: Evolving, Inventing and Growing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia gardening expert and AJC columnist Walter Reeves will discuss his latest book at Barnes & Noble in Buckhead Feb. 28. Photo: John Amis/Special
There’s a strong streak of the new in this week’s free entertainment options, from the fresh dance works getting their first spin at Emory University to unprecedented musical instruments making their debuts at Georgia Tech. There’s plenty of comforting familiarity on the menu, too, with gardening tips from trusty expert Walter Reeves to concerts of choral favorites. Check out a few of the many complimentary Atlanta events happening during the next week.
DANCING ABOUT EVOLUTION
Part of the “Emory Evolving Arts: New Works Festival,” “The Evolution Project” includes “How The Human Got its Big Head,” faculty artist Lori Teague’s new work, and “Big Eater (Heart of Glass)” by New York choreographer David Neumann. Free bu reservations are required. 8 p.m. Feb. 27- 28. Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, 1700 N. Decatur Road N.E., Emory University, Atlanta. 404-727-5050, .
ROCKING IN THE FREE WORLD
Scion Rock Fest offers hours of metallic mayhem headlined by Atlanta’s rocking eight-legged beast, Mastodon. This is Mastodon’s only scheduled Atlanta gig before releasing a new album called “Crack the Skye,” the quartet’s second for Warner Bros. The bill for this free show also includes Neurosis, High on Fire, Boris, Torche, Harvey Milk, Kylesa, Zoroaster, Withered, and loads more. Noon Feb. 28. Free tickets by visiting Web site. Masquerade Music Park, 695 North Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-577-8178.
CUTTING EDGE SOUNDS
The Guthman Musical Instrument Competition is a showdown among six finalists, inventor/musicians who’ll perform in a variety of genres. The new instrument judged the most innovative will bring its inventor a $5000 prize. 1-3 p.m. Feb. 28. Free. Georgia Tech Center for Music Technology, Couch Building, 840 McMillan St., Atlanta. 404-385-3942.
ONE TO GROW ON
Georgia’s gardening guru Walter Reeves will discuss his book, “Georgia Gardener’s Q&A: 501 Answers to Frequently Asked Questions,” to get our green thumbs ready for the growing season. The AJC columnist and “Lawn and Garden Show” host on WSB radio will be at Barnes & Noble in Buckhead at 7 p.m. Feb. 28. Free. 2900 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-261-7747.
LIFT YOUR VOICES
The Atlanta Sacred Chorale and artistic director and conductor Eric Nelson host Emory Community Choral Festival. This annual concert brings together several metro Atlanta choruses, including Atlanta Schola Cantorum, Atlanta Young Singers of Callanwolde and the Gwinnett Choral Guild. 8 p.m. Feb. 28. Free. Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, 1700 N. Decatur Road N.E., Emory University, Atlanta. 404-727-5050.
The following day is “Our Voices, Our Songs,” a faculty recital that kicks off Women’s History Month. Teresa Hopkin, soprano, and Deborah Thoreson, piano, present a program featuring female characters, perspectives and composers. 5 p.m. March 1. Free. Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, 1700 N. Decatur Road N.E., Emory University, Atlanta. 404-727-5050.
“TRAIN” TO KENNESAW
Kennesaw State University’s Faculty String Trio & Friends performs a program that includes Steve Reich’s “Different Trains.” 8 p.m. March 2. Free. Kennesaw State University’s Bailey Performance Center, 1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw. 770-423-6650.
WALKING FOR ART
There are three big art walks over the next few days, beginning with today’s Castleberry Hill Fourth Friday Art Stroll. There will be simultaneous receptions at various art spaces in this former meatpacking district. 7-10 p.m. Feb. 27. Gallery Stokes 261 Walker St., Atlanta. 678-770-7812.
On Feb. 28, eight galleries offer talks and special events during the inaugural Westside Arts District Walk. Check Web site for specific times and locations. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 28. Most galleries are free. Emily Amy Gallery, 1000 Marietta St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-877-5626.
Downtown’s First Thursdays Art Walk is up next. A self-guided stroll that brings guests to several downtown galleries and an artist’s studio. 5-8 p.m. March 5. Start at the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library, Central Branch. 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta. 404-658-1877.
Read other money saving tips at Your Money, and see a list of all of more upcoming free and cheap events.
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Many happy (tax) returns using computer software?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This time each year, I dig into my folder stuffed with receipts, documents, notes, bills, copies of checks, credit card statements and used napkins. (How did they get in there?)
Then I sort them, jot down data from them, cram them back into the folder … and turn it all over to my income tax preparer.
She does fine work but charges a pretty penny — 150 of them per hour, to be precise. So, my annual tax-related ritual includes this question: Can I perform this overwhelming task myself on income tax software?
Far as I can tell, three similarly named software products share billing as the most popular. You’ve got TurboTax, TaxAct and TaxCut.
Have you tried any of these? Thumbs-up or thumbs-down?
Sampled any programs besides the Big Three?
Each seems best-suited to a straightforward, simple return. If so, that deters folks like me, with my money-sucking hobbies (slow racehorses and stupid stock transactions).
Will any of these products work for those of us unable to file simple returns?
I sure would like to give the software a stab. I’m just afraid it will cause a mess with the IRS, which not even those used napkins could clean up.
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Spring into yard sales, but be prepared
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Spring is just around the corner. Well, maybe two corners. (I don’t care what the meteorologists say. My bones tell me it’s been a colder-than-normal winter.)
That means yard sales, when homeowners haul out their junk — er, expendable household items — and unload them to bargain hunters.
Are you a yard sales seeker? What is the appeal? Feel free to share here a funny or educational shopping experience.
For the newbies, here are a few tips.
First, compile a list of needs. That doesn’t mean you won’t grab something spontaneously — wow, look at that cool stuffed deer head! — but it will help you prioritize.
Load up on dollars and change, plus bills of every denomination. In this credit/debit card world, currency rules at yard sales.
Check the wording of the yard sale notice. If you see “collectibles” and “antiques” in there, it may be a higher-priced sale than usual.
Arrive early, before the best stuff is snatched up.
Be ready to haggle — politely. There is a difference between a low offer and an insulting one.
Bring cards with your contact info. Ask the seller to call you at the end of the day if an item you covet seems overpriced. By closing time, its cost may be dropping like the sun.
If you plan to hit several sales, minimize your time commitment by mapping out a route. Here’s a website that lists sales in metro Atlanta. And another. One more:.
Oh, yeah. If spring is not around the corner, but two or three corners, bring a warm jacket. Maybe you’ll find sellers unloading space heaters.
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Free and Cheap Entertainment in Atlanta: Guitars, Gullah Culture and Great Novels
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There are two chances to catch South Georgia native Shaun Hopper and his astonishing guitar skills in Decatur this weekend. Photo: Alisha McKellar.
The things we love are even better when they’re free. Whether you’re looking for music, movies or Mexican art, you can get it for nothing this week in Atlanta. Let’s check out a few fun and free things happening around Atlanta during the next week.
A REAL GUITAR HERO
Shaun Hopper is a phenomenal young guitarist from South Georgia who crafts gently breathtaking acoustic instrumentals. There are a couple of chances to see him play this weekend, both in the Decatur area and both completely free of charge. Unlike many preternaturally talented guitarists, Hopper is never flashy. It’s immediately obvious how proficient he is on his instrument, but it’s not because he’s showing off. It’s because he creates and plays beautiful tunes that reach in and wrap themselves around your heart. He’ll be joined by singer-songwriter Trey Broussard. At 8 p.m. Feb. 20 catch them at Java Monkey (205 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-378-1852) and at 6 p.m. Feb. 21 at Lattétude (501 Dekalb Industrial Way, Decatur. 404-298-8787).
COMPLIMENTARY CULTURE
Mexico City native Jeanne Saade Palombo’s evocative art is influenced by Egon Schiele, Lucien Freud and Francis Bacon. Naomi Silva Gallery presents a show of new paintings by Palombo, along with a show of works by new gallery artist Jason Myers. Opening 7-9 p.m. Feb. 20. Free. 75 Bennett St. N.W., Space M-2, Atlanta. 404-350-8890.
FRESH “AIR”
The third NeoPhonia New Music Ensemble concert of the 2008-2009 season is titled “Air.” It includes compositions by Toru Takemitsu and Elliot Carter along with other works for brass and woodwinds. They’ll be performed by student members of the ensemble along with special guest artists duoATL (flutist Nicole Randall and guitarist Brian Luckett) and GSU faculty member and clarinetist Ken Long. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20. Free. Georgia State University Kopleff Recital Hall, 10 Peachtree Center Ave. (at Gilmer Street), Atlanta. 404-413-5901.
SHRED IT
Shred Fest 2009 is a quarterly event that gives participants the opportunity to securely dispose of personal documents such as tax forms or pay stubs. Limit of five boxes or 200 pounds of paper per vehicle. 8 a.m.-noon. Feb. 21. Event will end early if the recycling center runs out of space for more documents. Free. Roswell Recycling Center, 11570 Maxwell Road, Alpharetta. 770-442-8822.
A TASTE OF THE COAST
Sallie Ann Robinson, author of “Gullah Home Cooking the Daufuskie Way,” preserves recipes that reflect the West African-influenced Gullah culture of her childhood on Daufuskie Island off the coast of South Carolina. She’ll sign books and shares stories and food. Part of the Roswell Roots celebration of Black History Month. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 21. Free. Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. 770-640-3855.
BOOKS ON THE BIG SCREEN
Emory University’s Great Novels and Great Films Series explores the relationship between film and literature. Films will be introduced by Salman Rushdie. In White Hall. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23: “The Leopard.” 8 p.m. March 2: “Wise Blood.” 8 p.m. March 16: “Great Expectations” (1946 film). Free. Emory University, 1380 S. Oxford Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-727-6123.
Read other money saving tips at Your Money, and see a list of all of more upcoming free and cheap events.
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Fast-food restaurant deals: No sign of slowing down
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The fast-food deals have come fast and furious.
A free “Grand Slam” breakfast offer (normally $5.99) at Denny’s on Feb. 3 draws 2 million customers across the continent.
Metro Atlanta Steak n Shakes drop the price of their steakburger ($2.49 or thereabouts) to 15 cents on the morning of Feb. 13, then bump it to 75 cents through March 29.
McDonald’s gives away a cup of coffee (generally beginning at $1.09) for the rest of the month.
It’s called seizing the moment. As cash-strapped Americans cut back on dining out, the more affordable chains are drumming up attention with special promotions.
Did you do Denny’s, where some outlets reported two-hour waits, or Steak & Shake? Was it worth the effort?
The chain’s strategy: Lure the hungry and caffeine-needy through the door and hope the prices will catch their eye.
Dairy Queen pitches the new Sweet Deals, mixing and matching menu items for $5 or less. Moe’s Southwest Grill repackages its Joey Jr. kid’s meal for adults, which goes for $4.99. Wendy’s lowers the tab on three sandwiches to 99 cents. Quizno’s and Boston Market are among others on the bandwagon.
Even Starbucks, where cost is rarely a factor for customers, rolls out a $3.95 combo snack on March 3, which promises savings of up to $1.20 on items bought individually.
Be forewarned that, with many deals, the cheaper price is accompanied by smaller portions. So you might have to order an extra side to fill up.
Has the economy driven you to the drive-thrus and parking lots of such eateries? What do you think of the deals and the updated meal plans?
Certainly, the offers are providing us with (fast) food for thought.
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Thinking mattress sales on President’s Day
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It is President’s Day, when families bond by piling into the car and go check out mattress sales.
The connection between this holiday and comfortable sleep is unclear. But we are so inundated by TV and print ads that we cannot help but think Simmons Beautyrest and Sealy Posturepedic instead of Lincoln and Roosevelt.
What is your theory on the mattress stores treat President’s Day as if it’s pre-Fourth of July for fireworks?
It might not surprise you that these sales might not be what they seem.
The mark-up on mattresses over wholesale price is massive. As a result, so-called sales occur regularly, not just on Prez Day. So, if you get caught up reading Washington’s biography all day, there will be more opportunities to save.
Our first commandment for all shopping: Compare. The mattress industry makes it difficult by selling “exclusive” models to selected retailers. Thus, going store-to-store for an apples-to-apples comparison can be frustrating, as this website addresses.
Stacking up prices on the Internet can be helpful, if not fully satisfactory. Make a list of mattresses in your price range, and see if you can spot the same product in the store.
Just don’t enter a place blind because you’ll exit dizzy. Some mattress peddlers are notorious for bait-and-switch tactics.
Also, determine the delivery charge before you buy. Stores offering decent deals might get you on the back end with such fees.
Have you hunted for mattresses on President’s Day? What is the appeal?
Can you share a favorite tip on purchasing a mattress?
One more question as we ponder the holiday tie-in with mattress sales: You think the Obamas will spend the day shopping for their new White house bed?
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Free and Cheap Entertainment in Atlanta: Movies, Music and Mad Magazine
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Chef and author Virginia Willis will be at Savor Gourmet on Valentine’s Day.
The things we love are even better when they’re free. Whether you’re looking for music, movies or food, you can get it for nothing this week in Atlanta. Let’s check out a few fun and free things happening around Atlanta during the next week.
GET MAD
The Spanish-American cartoonist Sergio Aragonés, known for his cartoons in Mad magazine since 1963 and more recently for his “Groo the Wanderer” comic books, is this year’s Jack Davis Lecture speaker. In addition to his work as an artist, Aragonés has acted on television and in movies. 5:30 p.m. Feb. 13. Free. Lamar Dodd School of Art, University of Georgia, 270 River Road, Athens. 706-542-1511.
ORGAN DONATION
It’s two times the organ. John Scott, director of music and organist for the St. Thomas Church in New York, will perform at Emory University’s Schwartz Center for Performing Arts. 8 p.m. Feb. 17. Free. 1700 N. Decatur Road N.E., Emory University, Atlanta. 404-727-5050. The following evening, Mickey Thomas Terry - professor, organist and director of music for the Howard University School of Divinity - will perform as part of the Harreld-James Organ Recital Series. 7 p.m. Feb. 18. Free. Sisters Chapel, 350 Spelman Lane S.W., Spelman College, Atlanta. 404-681-3643, .
SOUNDS OF LOVE
Members of Emory University’s voice faculty will join together for a mid-day concert of “Valentine’s Day Love Songs.” Noon Feb. 13. Free. Michael C. Carlos Museum, 571 S. Kilgo Circle, Emory University, Atlanta. 404-727-5050, www.arts.emory.edu. On Valentine’s Day, Jazz vocalist Carmen Bradford will sing as part of the Annual Emory Jazz Festival. The former member of the Count Basie Orchestra will perform with the Emory Big Band at the Emerson Concert Hall. 8 p.m. Feb. 14. Free. Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, 1700 N. Decatur Road N.E., Emory University, Atlanta. 404-727-5050.
BEE SWEET
Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne and the adorable Keke Palmer star in the 2006 film “Akeelah and the Bee,” the story of 11-year-old Akeelah Anderson and her participation in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. 1-3:15 p.m. Feb. 13. Free. Scott Candler Library, 2644 McAfee Road, Decatur. 404-286-6986.
TASTY TREAT
Atlanta chef and occasional AJC contributor Virginia Willis used to be kitchen director for Martha Stewart Living, so you know can whip up some phenomenal food. She’ll discuss and sign her cookbook, “Bon Appétit Y’all” 1-3 p.m. Feb. 14 at Savor Gourmet. There will also be a complimentary tasting of some of Willis’ dishes, and you don’t want to miss that. Free. 2355 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-869-0070.
EN FRANÇAIS
Kennesaw State University’s Francophone Film Festival will explore aspects of life in the French-speaking world. There will also be a question-and-answer session moderated by a faculty member following each film. All films in French with English subtitles. They’ll be chown in the Social Science Building Auditorium. All films at 7 p.m. Feb. 16: “Molière.” Feb. 17: “Dreams of Dust.” Feb. 18: “Before I Forget.” Feb. 19: “Terror’s Advocate.” Feb. 20: “Flanders.” Free.1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw. 678-797-2197.
Read other money saving tips at Your Money, and see a list of all of more upcoming free and cheap events.
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Don’t toss that empty printer cartridge; re-fill ‘er up
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If my inkjet printer were a car, it would be a gas-gulping hot rod. It chugalugs so much ink that I’m often running on empty.
For years, I replaced tapped-out cartridges with pricey new ones, unaware that the oldies could be refilled. Then a place called Cartridge World opened near my supermarket, and it has saved me beaucoup bucks since.
The other day, I reloaded my yellow and magenta for $6.99 apiece. A retail store that sells comparable new cartridges would charge me $5 more per.
Have you shopped at one of the 35 Cartridge World outlets in Georgia, most in metro Atlanta? How about another refill-‘er-up inkjet business?
Re-used cartridges also can be shipped to you by companies such as Atlanta Inkjet.
There is a recycling benefit to replenishing cartridges too. Not continuously tossing them out lightens your your trash load.
Have you encountered any problems with refills?
My only gripe: The ink in one cartridge recently leaked onto my hands. (I am typing these words with magenta-ish fingertips.)
Still, I’ll keep using these cartridges until they disintegrate. (According to Cartridge World, the black containers are good for up to eight uses, others more than 20.)
Refillable printer cartridges: an ink-credible concept, eh?
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Couples massage: an affordable Valentine Day’s treat
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nothing says love between paramours more than stretching out sans clothes in a quiet room filled with soothing music … and having strangers dig their elbows into the small of your back.
Couples massages are commonly offered at day spas, and some are pitching Valentine Day’s specials. You and your sweetheart relax on (separate) tables while a pair of masseuses do their thing.
Spa On Paces in Buckhead offers a $153 two-fer that includes fruit, champagne and wine. Eat, drink and be sedentary.
The Art Of Touch in Midtown tosses in a wicker basket gift with a choice of three types of massages beginning at $115. (There’s a fourth, called Barefoot and Pregnant, for the expectant missus and her mate.)
If you don’t mind handling some of the heavy labor yourself, Natural Body Spa provides a $120 rub-a-dub with instructions on how you can replicate it at home.
Have you splurged on a couples massage? What did you think? Got a favorite spa?
The best online source for those new to the guilty pleasures of a massage is SpaFinder, a clearinghouse for many metro Atlanta spas for easy price comparison. Last I looked, 74 were listed.
The couples massage is an unusual shared experience: no conversation, no eye contact. But you walk out in such a good mood that the rest of the day will hold great promise, romantic and otherwise
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Free and Cheap Entertainment in Atlanta: Harps, History and Art
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A sampling of the work you’ll see at the second annual Rail Arts District Studio Cruise in Decatur, Scottdale and Avondale Estates, which happens 5-10 p.m. Feb. 7.
Heavy metal harps and art of all shapes and sizes are on the budget menu this weekend. There’s no good monetary reason to stay home (and the weather reports look promising), because all of these events are free (except the very reasonable $5 you’ll pay to hear Metallica songs played on harps).
SIRIUS-LY COOL
Ensemble Sirius, a local new-music ensemble, will perform a program that includes works by Monroe Golden, Charles Mason, Dorothy Hindman and pioneering German electronic composer Karlheinz Stockhausen. The duo - pianist Michael Fowler and percussionist and Georgia State University professor Stuart Gerber - have a special connection to Stockhausen, receiving the composer’s stamp of approval after working with him from 1999 to 2001. See the AJC staffer Pierre Ruhe’s story on Gerber’s connection with Stockhausen, originally published in October 2008. Georgia State University Kopleff Recital Hall, 10 Peachtree Center Ave. (at Gilmer Street), Atlanta. 404-413-5901.
POST-GROUNDHOG JUGGLING
Groundhog Day has come and gone, but why quibble with free entertainment. The Groundhog Day Jugglers Festival — held each year on the first full weekend of February — will feature unicyclists, yo-yo experts, live music and, of course, jugglers. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 7; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 8. Free. Yaarab Shrine Temple, 400 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 678-937-0711.
ART AT THE END OF THE LINE
Out where the eastbound MARTA line ends, within shouting distance of DeKalb Farmer’s Market, sits the Rail Arts District. This weekend, the arts groups in the area are having a Studio Cruise. Visitors can start at any location and pick up a map showing the other locations, or just grab a copy of the map online. The participating groups are located at four stops, each a two-minute drive apart, with plenty of parking available. 5-10 p.m. Feb. 7. Free. MudFire Clayworks and Gallery, 175 Laredo Drive, Decatur. 404-377-8033.
HARP BANGING
Have you ever wondered what the booming rock of Metallica would sound like played on a harp? Well, here’s your dream show. The duo Harptallica — harpists Ashley Toman and Patricia Kline — has an album with versions of 10 Metallica songs, including “Master of Puppets,” “Welcome Home (Sanitarium),” “One” and “Enter Sandman.” 7 p.m. Feb. 8. $5. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-875-1522.
THE BEST IN BLACK HISTORY
Roswell has some of the best Black History Month programming in the metro area under the banner Roswell Roots. Among the highlights are exhibits celebrating poet and playwright Langston Hughes and a show at City Hall called “Legends and Legacies,” which focuses on the history of Negro League baseball. And most of it is free. You can find all of the events at the Roswell Roots Web site.
“Legends and Legacies” Exhibit. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Through Feb. 28. Free. Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill St., Roswell. 770-641-3705.
Langston Hughes Exhibit. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays; noon-3 p.m. Sundays. Through Feb. 28. Free. Roswell Visitors Center, 617 Atlanta St., Roswell. 770-640-3253.
Read other money saving tips at Your Money, and see a list of all of more upcoming free and cheap events.
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Dialing up a phone option: Is MagicJack really magic?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
While reclining on the sofa five days before Christmas to watch college football’s MagicJack Bowl on TV, I pondered two mysteries:
Why do we have a thousand and one college bowl games?
What the heck is a MagicJack?
A little research determined that it’s a simple device, sold by a firm of the same name, that provides local and long-distance phone service for peanuts.
The website promo makes it look easy. Plug the MagicJack into the USB port your computer, which must have Broadband Internet access. Then plug a (land) phone line into the other end of the gizmo.
The cost is $40 for the first year, $20 annually thereafter. Call-waiting and other luxuries supposedly work.
Have you given MagicJack a go? Or any similar alternative to the established phone companies?
If not, think it’s worth a try?
Web-registered complaints abound, particularly with tech support and customer service, but also with malfunctions. Of course, you will be deluged with far more gripes about the AT&T/BellSouths of the world.
I’m eager to sample MagicJack but am hesitant to experiment because my burns still are scabbing from an ill-fated cable TV/Internet provider switch.
I suspect we will soon be overwhelmed by inventive choices for phone service — much like the overwhelmed college football fan during bowl season.
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Valentine’s Day hotel packages: love at first sight, maybe not second
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This time of year, higher-end hotels tend to toss champagne, chocolates and breakfast between the sheets into a room offer and call it a Valentine’s Day package.
Be careful if you Google “romantic getaway.” Your laptop might overdose.
I’ve found a few that offer decent rates. But they try to play Cupid by listing inflated individual prices for the bubbly and sweets, then pitch the deal as, say, 32 percent off. Not really.
Still, it’s worth checking with your most convenient hotel to see if its V-Day price will allow you to reach the proper romantic mood or distract you over the bill.
The W in Perimeter includes an intriguing extra in its package: a “Jimmyjane game, tickler and sash.” Jimmyjane products, according to the sales pitch, are for folks who believe “naughty is nice, sexy is smart.” You can do further research yourself.
Which reminds me: If you think you’ve stumbled across a great romantic getaway idea, examine it thoroughly. I discovered a Marriott in Alpharetta with some rooms appointed almost entirely in pink — my better half’s favorite-by-far color.
We checked in, only to learn the promotion was tied to collector dolls and, thus, was geared toward young girls. Which meant, instead of champagne, a cookies-and-milk nightcap brought to the room. And separate beds.
We never could find the Jimmyjane game.
