They call it FREE-YO.

It’s tax day, bitches.

Did you use your extra time wisely? If not, drown your sorrows in frozen yogurt at Marble Slab locations between 4 and 7pm. It’s free, which is a good thing, since you probably just cut up your credit cards.

If you feel pretty good about your tax situation, Mitt Romney, please show your appreciation for your immense good fortune by donating at least $1 to the Boys & Girls Club of America. They’ll put your name up on the wall, which as we at In This Economy well know, is a fabulous way to self-promote. And you’ll need all the help you can get.

Being a hippie can save you a few bucks on Earth Day. Just grab your hippie travel mug and drag your hippie ass to Starbucks and they’ll fill it up for free. Check the facebook page for more info.

If you aren’t a hippie but still want free coffee, you can ask for your free stuff in a ceramic mug instead and drink-in. Or you may purchase a travel mug at a 20% discount. Hooray!

Either way, be careful, the beverage you’re about to enjoy is extremely FREE.

It’s that time of year again.

Time to visit your local Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop and get a cone’s worth of one of their delicious ice cream flavors. They have that one that tastes like Jerry Garcia and that other one that tastes like Stephen Colbert and that other new one that tastes like Jimmy Fallon.

They have it all, so go HERE and find your local B&J shop. Oh, and Free Cone Day is from 12-8, so make it a part of your lunch plans now!

Do it!

When: TOMORROW, Thursday, April 7

Where: Jimmy John’s locations in north Texas

What: $1 sandwiches!!

Why: Customer Appreciation Day… or something. I heard it on the radio this morning.

one buck. one sandwich. one day only.

Needless to say, in this economy a dollar saved is a dollar earned or a dollar spent on a formerly five dollar sandwich. It’s fuzzy math but this time it works in your favor as Jimmy John’s, purveyors of “Gourmet Sandwiches Your Mom Wants You To Eat” serves up its famous sammies at a buck a piece. Tomorrow only, so get in to your local JJ.

Which brings up an interesting point.

JJ. I get it. Jimmy John’s. But JJ is awfully close to VJJ, which brings to mind that particular body part, awfully close to a food item. Not great. So, Jimmy John’s website, I do not want to make this location “My JJ.” I have already determined that particular location, and it is currently undisclosed to the general public and/or local sandwich shops.

Thanks a ton, breadwinner.

That all being said, I’m still going to scoot over to a JJ tomorrow and grab a sandwich for a buck.

Not sure what to order at Jimmy John’s? I recommend:

• The Bootlegger (#14)
• The Hunter’s Club (#10)

white or wheat (both are fab)…loaded with onions, sauce and spices, cut in half and served with a pickle, cut in quarters.

NOTE: Historically, at Jimmy John’s, if you order all of that, one thing will inevitably be wrong, but it’s hard to predict which one.

Good luck and enjoy!

Freebie Flyer

Dinner plans? Didn’t think so. Head to your local Jersey Mike’s (a favorite of the entire ITE team) and donate at least a buck to Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer for a FREE regular sub. Drocolate recommends the #13 Mike’s Way.

Enjoy, and HURRY!

Starbucks is turning 40. And they’re celebrating with cake. Balls.  Cake balls and other miniature desserts that they’re sharing with all of us. Happy FREEkin’ birthday to Starbucks!

I know, right?

Here’s the deal:

These new “Petites” are tiny sweets being introduced by Starbucks who apparently laughs in the face of the healthy trend. They look goooood. I wanna try one. So I’m going to scoot over to a Starbucks and do exactly that on my way to Austin in fact this Thursday. Right on time. Just head to their Facebook page for this promo and RSVP. You have to buy a drink to get your freeb, but a tall coffee is like $2 so it’s all good.

Enjoy!

freebz

Oh, and feel free to follow breadwinner while she’s at SXSW Interactive this weekend. On Twitter or posterous. Go!

NOTE: The following post comes from ITE guestblogger FakeBritishAccent.

Now, look. I understand that, by way of my prior posts, it’s really easy to see me as this boozing lothario with a penchant for sleight-of-hand seduction and borderline 12-step-program drinking habits.  And you know what? You’re pretty close. Pretty close.

But I would now like to take a moment to bear my soul to you, the reader. Why?  Because contrary to what I would love to believe, girls aren’t exactly attracted to a lifestyle like that. So it’s now my job to offer up the sensitive side of me. Because I do have a heart. A very, very vulnerable one.

So check this out: I’m a pretty passionate guy. And generally, that passion is channeled through a number of avenues – music, literature, fashion, etc. That said, during this time of year, all of those other avenues take a backseat to what really makes me tick: the silver screen.

I love movies – especially the great ones. But here’s the thing:  I could never, and will never, be a film critic. It won’t happen. It won’t happen, because I have ovaries. I am affected by movies in the same way that a pre-teen girl is affected by Tiger Beat Magazine.  I cry. I become emotionally invested. I obsess. I get angry. I bargain. And I accept. It’s sick, dude. Really, really sick.

That is, until days like this. For today, friends, is the 83^rd Academy Awards. And you know what? I fucking love this day.

Every year, AMC Theaters hosts the Academy Best Picture Showcase, where you pay $60 to see all ten Best Picture nominees on the big screen one last time before the Big Dance. I have done this every year for the past four years in an attempt to be as well-informed as I possibly can be, and this year was no exception. I have to say: 2010 was an outstanding year for movies. Some of the most prolific, soul-stirring performances I have ever seen were delivered by Hollywood newcomers and screen veterans alike.  And the product of these performances? Ten absolutely brilliant, dynamic films, each of them leaving me begging for more.

I would like to give you my opinions and predictions for tonight’s awards…now.

Toy Story 3

I want you to think back to the last movie you saw that made a tear involuntarily fall from your eye. Got it? Okay, take that moment – the emotions, the build-up, and multiply it by six million. The result is how I reacted over the last ten minutes of Toy Story 3. I was having a manic fit in the movie theater. The two strangers on either side of me must have felt real comfortable as they turned to see The Amazon River flooding out from underneath my 3-D glasses. Seriously, though: This movie was wonderful. There is something to be said about a cartoon that affects every demographic the way it affected me. Loved it.

127 Hours

James Franco delivers one of the most powerful performances I have ever seen in a 90-minute setting. The absolutely jarring true story of Aron Ralston, the devil-may-care outdoorsman, and his shockingly close brush with death in the Moab Desert, was portrayed by Franco with such a gutteral vulnerability that it was tell-tale Danny Boyle from the word Go. Channeling the cinematic genius present in his 2008 dynamo Slumdog Millionaire, Boyle captures an angle of self-reflection that would have otherwise gone unnoticed had Michael Bay touched it. This was an excellent film, well-deserving of the nomination.

The Kids Are All Right

I have to say: going into this movie, I had very little interest in what, on the outside, looked like some political play on homosexual relationships and the taboo nature that goes along with them. But it only took about ten minutes into the film for me to extinguish that line of thinking. This story of a lesbian couple (a ridiculous Annette Bening and a never-better Julianne Moore) and their two kids (the guy from Zathura and Alice In Wonderland’s Mia Wasikowska), speaks volumes about how, gay or straight, black or white, young or old, relationships are fucking tough. When Laser and Joni (the two kids…I know…) devise a covert plan to track down and meet the previously anonymous sperm donor responsible for knocking up the Moms, the straight shit hits the gay fan. Enter Mark Ruffalo. Homeboy delivers as the whimsical, albeit roguish sperm donor who is seemingly unaffected by the disarray that ensues as a result of his entrance into this family’s world. Two thumbs are also way up for Bening as the neurotic Type A Mom who is most affected by Daddy’s arrival. Wonderful film.

True Grit

We all have our favorite actors and actresses, right? Well, Jeff Bridges is mine. I have seen every movie he has ever been in. It’s unhealthy. But back in April 2010, when I watched for the first time the trailer for this Coen Brothers remake of the Charles Portis novel, I almost did a backflip.  Bridges kills as the freewheeling loose-cannon Rooster Cogburn, but the surprise of the film was first-timer Hailee Steinfeld, delivering a startlingly accurate portrayal of Mattie Ross, the now fatherless 14-year-old girl on a mission to track down her father’s killer, the coward Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin – holy shit good). Remake Schmemake. This was amazing.

Winter’s Bone

Uhm, underdog of the year. I loved this. Before I saw it, I heard a lot of people moaning and groaning about this film being nominated for Best Picture. Little did I realize at the time that those people probably didn’t see it, because there was nothing estranged to me about this movie. Granted, this probably influenced me a little differently, because I’m still not entirely sure that Winter’s Bone wasn’t filmed in the bad part of my hometown, but that doesn’t make it any less good. Jennifer Lawrence offers up one of the coolest performances of the year as 17-year-old Ree, forced to raise two younger siblings and an all-but-checked-out mother in the dirt-poor Ozarks. But when word gets out that her father posted the house and land on bond to skip jail and his meth charge, Ree must track down her father before his court date, or she and her family are sent to the streets (in this case, the woods). I stand by the fact that if this movie would have been a little bigger at the box office, she would have a legitimate chance at the statue. And a stellar performance comes from John Hawkes as the touch-me-and-I’ll-break uncle Teardrop, Ree’s only benefactor in this painfully relevant tale.

Black Swan

Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman. Doing it. Both of them deserve trophies.

Inception

I mean, what’s to say about Inception, except that it’s likely to be totally snubbed this year in all major categories (arguably, it already has been, as Christopher Nolan is nowhere to be found for Best Director)? Expertly cast, incredibly filmed, and the visual effects make me prematurely ejaculate every time. Sorry for partying.

The Social Network

(Author’s Note: This is likely going to be one of the creepiest reviews you have read about this movie, okay? Okay.)

I was staunchly against this movie before I saw it, because I wanted True Grit to win Best Picture. I didn’t see it in the theaters, not because I didn’t get around to it, but actually because I refused to back down. I mean, it’s Facebook. How could a movie about Facebook win anything? And why would it? And why would I even give a shit about this?

But then I folded and rented it on Blu-Ray. And at 7 p.m. that night, I watched it. And then at 9 p.m. that night, I watched it again. And then at 11 p.m. that night, I watched it a third time.

What locked me into this movie was the screenplay. I’m going to say this, and I’ll back it up: The Social Network is the most well-written movie I have ever seen. Aaron Sorkin is my kind of badass.

And there is something to be said for the acting in this film, as well: Jesse Eisenberg as the asshole Mark Zuckerberg delivers one of the fiercest performances of the year, and as much as it pains me to admit it, Justin Timberlake was damn good, too. You can’t take your eyes off of how dynamic he is as Sean Parker. But my “Hell Yes” goes to Andrew Garfield in this one. Garfield ponies way up as Eduardo Saverin, the initial backer and co-founder of Facebook, and, ultimately, the real sob story of the film. Watch his last scene and tell me he didn’t get snubbed for Best Supporting Actor.

Over the course of the weeks after I had first seen The Social Network, I continued watching this film, because it was important that I soak up and catch every minute detail. Everything, from the acting to the score to the cinematography. This film moves at such an unbelievable rate of speed that you’re likely to miss something if you look away.  It’s a good thing you can’t.

The King’s Speech

Full disclosure: I didn’t see this movie until last night, because, much like my stance on True Grit, I didn’t want to see the only movie that can and probably will beat The Social Network. But last night, I gathered my strength and did it. And I’ll say this: I’m really glad I did, for two reasons: 1) It was heart-warming and incredibly charming, and 2) It wasn’t better than The Social Network. I loved Colin Firth, and he will win the Best Actor statue, but 99% of the reason why I loved this movie was Geoffrey Rush. Amazing. But that’s all I’ll say. The sad part is that The King’s Speech will likely win Best Picture due to the Academy’s proclivity toward movies like this one.

The Fighter

Christian Bale makes this movie. Wahlberg was great, and Melissa Leo was insanely good. But Christian Bale turns what would otherwise be a so-so film into a Best Picture Nominee.

Okay, so here are my official predictions. Free of charge.

Best Picture:

Will Win: The King’s Speech

Wish List: Social Network

Best Actor:

Will Win: Colin Firth

Wish List: Colin Firth

Best Actress:

Will Win: Natalie Portman

Wish List: Jennifer Lawrence

Best Supporting Actor:

Will Win: Christian Bale

Wish List: Andrew Garfield (snub)

Best Supporting Actress:

Will Win: Melissa Leo

Wish List: Hailee Steinfeld

Best Director:

Will Win: David Fincher

Wish List: David Fincher

Judge me at will. I’m going to go back to being an asshole now.

mmmmmm butter pecan syrup

Yet again, National Pancake Day is upon us. In just five short days it will be here, and just like Christmas it always comes along before you know it, and it leaves you fat and bloated. Trust me; you will want to be prepared. So on Tuesday, March 1, be sure to wear your stretchy-pants, or Pajama Jeans, and saunter on over to your local IHOP to secure your free short stack. Just be sure to note the legal disclaimer. This is not all-you-can-eat, folks. And it’s a marathon, not a race. Aaaand they do ask that you make a donation to a kids charity or something, but I’m sure it’s optional. So you can choose to help a child in need or just … help yourself to free pancakes. Up to you. In this economy, I’m sure nobody would blame you.

But, please, no guns. Or bitch fights. Thanks.

Wow. I just realized that those are actually both links to shit about Denny’s. So, just don’t go to Denny’s. IHOP is safe, y’all. Carry on.

Enjoy!

Follow breadwinner on Twitter. It’s free March 1st and every day.

Oh, Facebook. You’ve given us so much. Then you’ve taken it away. Then you’ve messed about with it continuously until we found ourselves dizzy with info-confusion. You’re a drug. And we love you. Facebook, will you be my valentine? Because today you’ve really done it. You’ve placed a little, everything bagel-flavored cherry on the top of our free love fest sundae.

Poke this.

Okay, Einstein Bros. Bagels is really the Cyrano de Bergerac behind our little valentine from Facebook. They really want you to “like” them. So if you do, in return they will give you a coupon for a free bagel and shmear (that’s Jewish for cream cheese, by the way). The catch? No, it’s not just that they make you say “shmear” out loud when you order at the counter, it’s that this bagel is thin. Like, diet-thin. But if you’re cool with that, a little less bagel and a light shmearing of low fat cream cheese, it can make a delicious breakfast.

Cupid's other arrow.

Enjoy!

Be breadwinner’s valentine on Twitter. She really loves chocolates. <hint>

What ever will Taco Bell think of next?!?!

In yet another response to the claims that their beef isn’t really beef, Taco Bell is conducting the “World’s Largest Taco Giveaway on Facebook.” What this means is that if you “like” them on Facebook (or just go HERE) you can get a coupon for a free beefy, beef-filled, beeferific taco from the Bell.

They’re planning to give away 10 million tacos. Yes, million. I predict at least 1,000 of them get sick as a result of the taco and wind up puking on the side of some road somewhere.

But who cares if they make you sick because they’re free! And beefy as all hell! Yum!

Tomorrow, January 18th, 2011 is the day the entire staff here at ITE lets out a huge, defeated sigh. It’s also, conveniently the day Governor Rick Perry is sworn in as Texas’ Governor for the 11th year. Dallas caterer Eddie Dean has been yet again chosen to serve the post-inauguration barbecue lunch for tomorrow in Austin.

I guess it’s not particularly interesting, but the sheer amount of food for the 10,000+ person lunch is kinda astounding:

600 Briskets

1500 lbs. Grilled Chicken Breast

1600 lbs. Jalapeno- Smoked Sausage

120 gallons Barbecue Sauce

360 gallons Potato Salad

250 gallons Cole Slaw

300 gallons Pinto Beans

10,000 Homemade Yeast Rolls

125 lbs. Butter

60 gallons Pickles

10,000 Mini Pies

10,000 Bottles of Coca-Cola Products

Only one roll per person?! WTF, Perry?

Here’s a promotional video for the lunch, featuring a very snooze-worthy dude talking about the event made even more boring by the juxtaposition of really edgy graphics and rock music. Huh?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IO0o7VMw4s

The BBQ lunch is free. But it’s sold out. Like Rick Perry. Ah, there’s my point.

Follow breadwinner on Twitter. She will NOT be live-tweeting from tomorrow’s festivities.

Thanks to the lovely Dallas Observer’s CityofAte for this here tip!

I need to make this quick, so I’m just gonna skip the “We heart free shit” drill and cut right to the chase.

The aforementioned FREEB

Speaking of chase, you don’t have to do much to catch this particular freebie. Just head to this site and reserve your free spicy breakfast chicken thang. But you have to act quick; this offer is only good through this Friday the 8th.

And now an aside from the author:
Damn, y’all, Chick-fil-A chicken sure is delicious. And when you put that chicken on a biscuit? Magic surely happens. I say “surely” because I’ve never tried it. Just like I’ve never tried …crack. And for pretty much the same reason. Except that with crack, I’m afraid of becoming addicted to something dangerous and expensive. But with chicken-crack-on-a-biscuit, I’m more concerned with becoming addicted to something that will make my ass gigantic. But you guys enjoy. Please. The end.

Be sure to chase breadwinner on Twitter, if you like.