I ran into this video at a forum a few days ago. I like it. I think it’s a good way to make money seem more real.

I’ve been doing something similar to this for years for my entertainment purchases. I weigh the total time I’ll enjoy it vs. the price. For example, spending $9 on a CD/MP3s has the potential to entertain me for many many hours, while seeing a movie in the theater will only entertain me for 2-3 hours. The music is usually a better value, thus I generally only go see movies I’m really excited about in the theater.

I do wonder if perhaps this is why video games have grown so popular. The price is often high, but the total hours of entertainment potential are also high, quite possibly less than a dollar an hour if it’s a good game with replay possibilities.

Anyway, to further play with this concept, if Jon and I wanted to fly down to Texas for the Renaissance Fair, we’d be looking at over 3 complete Rock Band 2 sets just for airfare. That could also be translated to about 8 weeks worth of groceries. Or, roughly 250 20oz. bottles of Mountain Dew.

If I build a computer, it’ll probably cost about the same as 45 belly dance lessons at The Cassandra School. Or more than 200 pints of Ben & Jerry’s. Fascinating! *grin*

First off, the Muppets rule. They’re awesome. If I had to pick a few defining pop culture influences on my life, the work of The Jim Henson Company would appear near (or at?) the top of the list. From Tale of the Bunny Picnic to A Muppet Christmas Carol, Fraggle Rock to Labyrinth, my childhood and even adult life have been seriously colored by the Muppet world. I just love all of it. The creativity and talent, the ridiculous humor, every last thing about it is wonderful!

I think, if I were a Muppet, I’d probably be a cross between Red Fraggle, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, and Scooter. I’d have some strange mix of Red’s optimism, Bunsen’s experimental nature, and Scooter’s side-kick/behind-the-scenes persona. I know, it doesn’t sound like the most cohesive of character traits, but I think it actually sums me up relatively well.

Last week I went to see David Bazan play at The Turf Club. I’ve been listening to his music for a long time, but seeing him play live as Pedro the Lion a couple of times in the early 2000’s really cemented me as a life-long fan. His religious fall-out since that time makes him all the more fascinating to me, so I was really glad I got to see him play again. (I’m a religious doubter/skeptic. Maybe I’ll write about that another day.)

Before David’s amazing set, I really enjoyed being introduced to Wye Oak, a Baltimore, MD duo. When I’m hearing something for the first time, and it’s really good, it can be intoxicating. I feel flushed and my heart beats louder in my chest. My eyes open wider, as if I can somehow absorb more of the experience that way. I probably look like I’m about to have a heart attack or something, heh.

Here’s a taste for you. I wish it lived up to the live show, but alas…