Comments on: 27 Frugal Uses for a Dead Phone Book http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/ Common sense advice on money saving tips, how to get out of debt, high interest savings accounts, cd rates, money market accounts, mortgage rates, money management and more. Fri, 24 May 2013 16:44:48 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Thad P http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2537972 Thad P Fri, 30 Mar 2012 03:46:41 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2537972 Wow. Sitting on the yellow pages! That brings back wonderful memories from my childhood...visits to my grandparents and using their Atlanta area phone books to sit up tall enough to eat at the table! Great list of things to do with these anachronisms. Wow. Sitting on the yellow pages! That brings back wonderful memories from my childhood…visits to my grandparents and using their Atlanta area phone books to sit up tall enough to eat at the table!

Great list of things to do with these anachronisms.

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]]> By: Mark http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2533422 Mark Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:34:49 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2533422 He's off getting a divorce and spending the money he got paid for selling this blog. He’s off getting a divorce and spending the money he got paid for selling this blog.

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]]> By: Raymond Martinez http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2533172 Raymond Martinez Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:58:23 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2533172 My roomate in college used to use phone books to build his drumming muscles. He was a music major and he had to maintain steady percusion chops so he would do this on phone books because he said "the phone book makes you work harder." My roomate in college used to use phone books to build his drumming muscles. He was a music major and he had to maintain steady percusion chops so he would do this on phone books because he said “the phone book makes you work harder.”

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]]> By: average guy http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2531212 average guy Wed, 28 Mar 2012 04:32:26 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2531212 Phones have their own books?? With at least one color, not doubt!? Anyway, more seriously, about this: >>You might need to find the number for a business or medical facility in your previous town. Yes, years ago when my father, retired in Florida, needed more care and we went down to visit him to help, but we could not stay indefinitely. Taking home a local phone book was very helpful, as we could find resources that were local to him. We could call establishments local to him, and make arrangements, etc. Good use of the paper edition then. Phones have their own books?? With at least one color, not doubt!?

Anyway, more seriously, about this:
>>You might need to find the number for a business or medical facility in your previous town.

Yes, years ago when my father, retired in Florida, needed more care and we went down to visit him to help, but we could not stay indefinitely. Taking home a local phone book was very helpful, as we could find resources that were local to him. We could call establishments local to him, and make arrangements, etc. Good use of the paper edition then.

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]]> By: Kacie http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2531162 Kacie Wed, 28 Mar 2012 04:10:29 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2531162 I was entertained by this post. You know how some eople give a compliment, "she could sing the phone book, and it would be beautiful,"? Well, I thInk Donna can write about phone books and it canne entertaining and humorous. I was entertained by this post. You know how some eople give a compliment, “she could sing the phone book, and it would be beautiful,”? Well, I thInk Donna can write about phone books and it canne entertaining and humorous.

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]]> By: Slccom http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2530862 Slccom Tue, 27 Mar 2012 23:59:03 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2530862 You can class it up with Contact paper. You can class it up with Contact paper.

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]]> By: Slccom http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2530842 Slccom Tue, 27 Mar 2012 23:54:40 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2530842 Not in the trunk -- behind the passenger seat. When you need it, you let your passenger figure out where you are going. Not in the trunk — behind the passenger seat. When you need it, you let your passenger figure out where you are going.

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]]> By: Bareheadedwoman http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2530802 Bareheadedwoman Tue, 27 Mar 2012 23:25:01 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2530802 in a former life, use to use phone books in art classes specifically because it was a resource people readily donated, and the consistency of the sheets made it a great weight for paper mache and artisan papermaking. in a former life, use to use phone books in art classes specifically because it was a resource people readily donated, and the consistency of the sheets made it a great weight for paper mache and artisan papermaking.

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]]> By: Donna Freedman http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2530582 Donna Freedman Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:26:13 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2530582 Interesting to learn of the therapeutic uses of phone books. There's probably no shortage, given that so few people actually use them as directories these days. And thanks for your kind words. Interesting to learn of the therapeutic uses of phone books. There’s probably no shortage, given that so few people actually use them as directories these days.
And thanks for your kind words.

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]]> By: Russell http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2530462 Russell Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:01:20 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2530462 Phone book pages are also great for drying out your running shoes after you go running in the rain. Stick a couple wadded up pages in your shoes and the paper will absorb the water, rather than the fabric of the shoes. Leave the paper in for several hours, then just take it out. Phone book pages are also great for drying out your running shoes after you go running in the rain. Stick a couple wadded up pages in your shoes and the paper will absorb the water, rather than the fabric of the shoes. Leave the paper in for several hours, then just take it out.

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]]> By: Teresa http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2530392 Teresa Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:37:11 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2530392 Like Sara, I have used them in obstacle courses ( along with glue gunned egg cartons). I work with children with special needs ( mobility/gross motor). They can be stacked for walking over/around, helps with stretches and stability. Donna, I am really enjoying your writings here and other places. I can identify with many of your experiences. Glad I read the second part of this post. I am always amazed at the topics you generate.Just passed on the info about Airbnb to my adult children that I had pulled off a posting of yours on Frugal Cool. Like Sara, I have used them in obstacle courses ( along with glue gunned egg cartons). I work with children with special needs ( mobility/gross motor). They can be stacked for walking over/around, helps with stretches and stability.

Donna, I am really enjoying your writings here and other places. I can identify with many of your experiences. Glad I read the second part of this post.
I am always amazed at the topics you generate.Just passed on the info about Airbnb to my adult children that I had pulled off a posting of yours on Frugal Cool.

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]]> By: Traci http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2530192 Traci Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:48:46 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2530192 Most ridiculous article I have ever read. Seriously need some quality control here... Most ridiculous article I have ever read. Seriously need some quality control here…

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]]> By: El Nerdo http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2530052 El Nerdo Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:51:46 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2530052 I agree with his observations on the "me too" phenomenon but I don't agree with the narrow perspective of his generalizations. Not everyone can afford the same lifestyle, and people in diverse economic circumstances read this blog. While Tyler can buy and throw away a desk without threatening his family's financial future, other people can't, and just because they can't it doesn't mean they aren't trying to make the best of what they have. Struggling people also read PF blogs, write PF blog posts, and are trying to improve their lot in life. If you're looking for financial advice that's only tailored to the already prosperous, it's probably time to start subscribing to Forbes. I agree with his observations on the “me too” phenomenon but I don’t agree with the narrow perspective of his generalizations. Not everyone can afford the same lifestyle, and people in diverse economic circumstances read this blog.

While Tyler can buy and throw away a desk without threatening his family’s financial future, other people can’t, and just because they can’t it doesn’t mean they aren’t trying to make the best of what they have. Struggling people also read PF blogs, write PF blog posts, and are trying to improve their lot in life.

If you’re looking for financial advice that’s only tailored to the already prosperous, it’s probably time to start subscribing to Forbes.

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]]> By: Donna Freedman http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2529992 Donna Freedman Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:30:33 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2529992 I'm glad that worked. A former co-worker uses a stand-up workspace part of the time. I hope it's as ergonomically viable for you as it is for him. I’m glad that worked. A former co-worker uses a stand-up workspace part of the time. I hope it’s as ergonomically viable for you as it is for him.

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]]> By: Donna Freedman http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2529972 Donna Freedman Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:27:23 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2529972 Interesting. Thank you for letting us know. Interesting. Thank you for letting us know.

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]]> By: PB @ Economically Humble http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2529922 PB @ Economically Humble Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:07:49 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2529922 OMG, its great for garden beds... brilliant!!!! OMG, its great for garden beds… brilliant!!!!

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]]> By: bareheadedwoman http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2529662 bareheadedwoman Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:42:03 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2529662 which is why an intact pre-1940 sears catalog can be worth its weight in gold as a collector's item now...they all ended up in the human compost pile. which is why an intact pre-1940 sears catalog can be worth its weight in gold as a collector’s item now…they all ended up in the human compost pile.

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]]> By: bareheadedwoman http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2529652 bareheadedwoman Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:37:55 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2529652 because of worker safety laws, most mass distribution print (non glossy) in the USA is now made of soy ink instead of lampblack...which makes the papers safe to burn, use in the garden, litter box, etc. however, the lack of lampblack makes newsprint no longer the best for washing windows/glass because the glycerine in soy ink leaves more streaks. because of worker safety laws, most mass distribution print (non glossy) in the USA is now made of soy ink instead of lampblack…which makes the papers safe to burn, use in the garden, litter box, etc.

however, the lack of lampblack makes newsprint no longer the best for washing windows/glass because the glycerine in soy ink leaves more streaks.

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]]> By: Jen http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2529622 Jen Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:29:01 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2529622 Another use would be for composting. If newspapers can be used for composting why not phone books? I would just use the white pages, though, and recycle the covers and any colored print pages. Another use would be for composting. If newspapers can be used for composting why not phone books? I would just use the white pages, though, and recycle the covers and any colored print pages.

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]]> By: Beth H http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2529382 Beth H Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:35:54 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2529382 Thanks for the idea, Donna. I've been piloting a standing desk in my office. The only problem was that I could not get my monitors up to a comfortable height (I'm not a short gal.) After reading this, I happened to remember the 60 or so extra campus directories we have in our department. A stack of ten, wrapped in plastic to keep them together, has made all the difference. Thanks for the idea, Donna. I’ve been piloting a standing desk in my office. The only problem was that I could not get my monitors up to a comfortable height (I’m not a short gal.) After reading this, I happened to remember the 60 or so extra campus directories we have in our department. A stack of ten, wrapped in plastic to keep them together, has made all the difference.

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]]> By: Forty2 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2529142 Forty2 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:49:39 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2529142 I'd be wary of using any printed material as mulch for vegetable plants. Printer's inks contain pigments that can be toxic along with the oil-based carrier. So-called "green" soy-based ink still contains potentially-toxic pigments. I’d be wary of using any printed material as mulch for vegetable plants. Printer’s inks contain pigments that can be toxic along with the oil-based carrier. So-called “green” soy-based ink still contains potentially-toxic pigments.

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]]> By: Kevin http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2529042 Kevin Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:06:39 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2529042 I sympathize with Tyler, Bill. Once a blog gets as popular as GRS, it's inevitable that each time a new entry is posted, all the "me-too" finance bloggers race to get their comments in near the top. They usually don't even read the post (since that would take time, and risk letting another blogger take one of those coveted first few comment spots), they just post some inane junk, like "What a great post! It's just like I was saying the other day <a href="http://my.blog.example.com" rel="nofollow">on my own blog</a>, blah blah blah..." It gets annoying, and it's why I often just scroll straight down to the 10th comment or so and just start reading from there. I sympathize with Tyler, Bill. Once a blog gets as popular as GRS, it’s inevitable that each time a new entry is posted, all the “me-too” finance bloggers race to get their comments in near the top. They usually don’t even read the post (since that would take time, and risk letting another blogger take one of those coveted first few comment spots), they just post some inane junk, like “What a great post! It’s just like I was saying the other day on my own blog, blah blah blah…”

It gets annoying, and it’s why I often just scroll straight down to the 10th comment or so and just start reading from there.

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]]> By: Trina http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2528902 Trina Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:03:01 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2528902 There's nothing wrong with a funny, light-hearted piece once in a while. Personally, I get a little tired of the navel-gazing that goes on here sometimes. There’s nothing wrong with a funny, light-hearted piece once in a while. Personally, I get a little tired of the navel-gazing that goes on here sometimes.

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]]> By: LennStar http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2528382 LennStar Tue, 27 Mar 2012 07:46:08 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2528382 I have a little problem with your phone book uses. I don't know the US types, so I want talk about environment. BUT it could be bad to burn them (and inhale the smoke). I'm not talking about the paper but the ink. (phone books are the same as anthink alse printed) It could be bad. Just be careful. I have a little problem with your phone book uses. I don’t know the US types, so I want talk about environment. BUT it could be bad to burn them (and inhale the smoke). I’m not talking about the paper but the ink. (phone books are the same as anthink alse printed) It could be bad. Just be careful.

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]]> By: Becky+P. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2528102 Becky+P. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 05:48:53 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2528102 You could have added that you can cut the pages into squares and made crazy quilt blocks, or even paper shaped crazy quilt blocks using them as the base. It can easily be torn off later. You could have added that you can cut the pages into squares and made crazy quilt blocks, or even paper shaped crazy quilt blocks using them as the base. It can easily be torn off later.

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]]> By: Peter http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2527522 Peter Tue, 27 Mar 2012 02:13:49 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2527522 gotta admit - i agree with some that this article is a bit disappointing, in the least. gotta admit – i agree with some that this article is a bit disappointing, in the least.

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]]> By: imelda http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2527502 imelda Tue, 27 Mar 2012 02:10:44 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2527502 Yup - as Donna hints at, the Sears Roebuck catalog used to be primarily popular because its pages were so nice for butt-wiping. Not that *I* remember those days either, or seek to repeat them, but we shouldn't be so quick to dismiss frugal tricks that sound strange! Yup – as Donna hints at, the Sears Roebuck catalog used to be primarily popular because its pages were so nice for butt-wiping.

Not that *I* remember those days either, or seek to repeat them, but we shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss frugal tricks that sound strange!

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]]> By: stellamarina http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2527312 stellamarina Tue, 27 Mar 2012 01:32:51 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2527312 Written by somebody who does not remember, or even know of, a time without toilet paper. Written by somebody who does not remember, or even know of, a time without toilet paper.

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]]> By: Ino http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2527212 Ino Tue, 27 Mar 2012 01:05:25 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2527212 Boy, how I miss the good old days when JD's writing shaped and enriched this blog... The pangs of nostalgia get even sharper when I come across articles like this. And then the writer gets all defensive and inflates the number of comments by adding her own to every little remark... Tyler dared post his disagreement, and the article garnered 4 (!) knuckle-rapping comments. JD, where are you? Boy, how I miss the good old days when JD’s writing shaped and enriched this blog… The pangs of nostalgia get even sharper when I come across articles like this. And then the writer gets all defensive and inflates the number of comments by adding her own to every little remark… Tyler dared post his disagreement, and the article garnered 4 (!) knuckle-rapping comments.

JD, where are you?

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]]> By: Ally http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/03/26/27-frugal-uses-for-a-dead-phone-book/comment-page-1/#comment-2527002 Ally Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:27:37 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=128182#comment-2527002 Wipe your privates with dirty INK-covered paper? Some of the other suggestions were okay, but that one takes frugality to a frightfully un-hygienic and bizarre low. Wipe your privates with dirty INK-covered paper? Some of the other suggestions were okay, but that one takes frugality to a frightfully un-hygienic and bizarre low.

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