Despite assurances to the contrary, it still feels like this economy of ours lacks the pizzazz, the robustness and the jazz hands-edness that previous fiscal eras had in spades. They had champagne for breakfast and we have Donaghy Estates sparkling wine. They had gold-plated diapers and THE Bruce Dickinson and we have Jimmy Fallon manning The Tonight Show. They had Escalades for Everyone and we have Cash for Clunkers.

Just because we don't have the drunk-sailor spending capacity that those jerks did five years ago, doesn't mean we can't have a good time. We just have to … Read More

Hey hey. Good news. Over at the New York Times, super sourpuss Paul Krugman thinks the economy may have cratered. Mr. Brightside warns that before we all buy jet skis and charter flights to Monaco to realize things are still grim. Saving more and spending less is a pretty good policy. But dating, mating and the whole relating shebang are tough to do without spending dough. That's when you gotta get creative. 

This time around, technology is your buddy (unless they took you job!). Try creating a blog with your spouse or your new (or old, … Read More

Good news: the economic big brains (except for Dr. Doom(s), Nouriel Roubini and Marc Faber) think the market is heading for a rebound and that typically precedes a general rebound by 12-18 months. Bad news: joblessness has hit 9.5%. While the statistics and methodology for determining joblessness borders on pseudo-science, it's a bad sign indeed. So people will have to continue drinking powdered water (just add water) for the time being. But how do you keep the relationship (the old ball and chain) fun during these times of woe? "Be creative and keep your peepers peeled" is how.

Our pahtnahs (sound … Read More

You know what's a real bummer? When the economy is depressed and the only fiscal Prozac we've been prescribed is time-released, baby (Did you only an estimated 11% of the "Stimulus" dollars will be disbursed in 2009, per the Congressional Budget Office?). But, we're humans so we do what men and Muppets do best: persevere. We take joy (not just solace) in small pleasures and learn from the situation (note: savings have increased over the last year and spending actually increased in May 2009, hopefully a portent of good things). But, for now, we have to make romance on … Read More

Sometimes the stock market increases 15% year over year. Sometimes we bump up interest rates because growth and inflation and moving too quickly. And sometimes ordinary people buy unaffordable houses with strange loan products because the home is guaranteed to double in value (in a short, short time). That sometime is not today. While the country's fiscal vitality is showing signs of a perk up (except for a certain symbolic flagship auto manufacturer, that is), us ordinary Toms are having a tough go of it.

Rather than cry in our Mad Dog 20/20, we can make our own fun. We don't … Read More

Yo, Hope you had a tolerable Monday and that you're favorite flicks totally rocked ass at the Academy Awards this weekend. Speaking of the Oscars, did you see Mickey Rourke's grill? Did he catch that fake chomper on the discount? Whatever metal is in there appears to predate stainless steel. So, if the stars are skimping on dental work, what's the likelihood that you're going to be able to blow a bunch of money on a nice date? Slim and none, and slim's gotta be home for supper soon.

With that in mind, our homies over at Lemondrop … Read More

If Hollywood is to be believed, dating is a grandiose practice replete with lavish meals, fine wines, and front-row seats to the Broadway show (or opera or concert or art opening) of the season. For those of us who don't make millions, though, such refined romance is just that: the stuff of movies.

Living on a budget doesn't mean you have to sacrifice romance—just change how you envisage it. All that stuff Richard Gere and Julia Roberts do is quite nice, of course; but romance, which is simply the passionate affection that lovers feel for each other, can grow … Read More

We live in an age of intricate technologies, 24/7 entertainment and sensory overload—so why is it so tough to think up creative dates? Of course, early in a relationship, you're so smitten that even dinner at Denny's seems exciting. But when you've done the ho-hum and the humdrum—dinner, a movie, bowling—you crave new ideas to keep things interesting. Here are ten ideas for great—and mostly cheap—dates that will not only entertain but allow you to get to know your mate in a whole new way.

Stargaze. Few activities are as romantic as gazing up at the stars together, and you can … Read More