Thoughts on the Entertainment Book

A copy of the 2008 Entertainment Book came into my possession this afternoon. No one gifted me the item; I purchased it myself, just to take advantage of a significant discount in an upcoming expense. Otherwise I would never have bothered: I’ve heard that the quality of the deals therein depend upon your geographic region, many individuals complain that the ratio of useful items is grossly misproportioned, and that the savings, in and of themselves, aren’t really worthwhile.

Upon examination of its contents, I must affirm the veracity of these statements. Some claim these books offer better deals in other regions — this is not the case here. My copy contains too many BOGO coupons for junk/fast-food and eateries that fall outside my purview (in distance and taste). As a healthy lifestyle — part of which involves dining out as little as possible, if at all — dovetails with my current outlook on frugal living, I don’t see an opportunity to put those KFC coupons to use. The same goes for the other commodities listed in the book. I look for used items when I purchase music and books. I don’t play mini-golf, nor am I going to drive thirty miles to the advertised batting cage to use the coupon for one free token. And I do not foresee an occassion to use any of the discounted car rental coupons this year. We’re striking out here.

I did detatch a few coupons that might be useful at some point. But utilizing the bulk of these coupons would involve paying more out of pocket for goods and services that I do not need and would ordinarily not consider. The ends do not justify the means. So, what to do with the rest of the book? It does have proper heft to make a lovely doorstop…