I recently wrote about how I make roughly $10 in Amazon Gift cards by using the Microsoft Rewards system. Mostly getting those points via searching things on Bing. It’s an easy habit and the few extra bones each month is nice.
Often times there are Sweepstakes where you can use your Points to win $5k or $10k even but the last few months of 2024 they are upping the game and having a $1,000,000 Sweepstakes. A million bucks. A million smack-a-roonies.
One lucky winner gets $1,000,000 (USD) plus 10 winners receive $10,000 (USD).
You can get up to 200 entries, by doing various tasks in Bing/Microsoft, or by purchasing some products(boo). Below are some of the ways you can get entries.
100% PURE BEEF Beef Burgers. 100% PURE BEEF Beef Burgers. 100% PURE BEEF Beef Burgers. 100% PURE BEEF Beef Burgers. 100% PURE BEEF Beef Burgers. 100% PURE BEEF Beef Burgers. 100% PURE BEEF Beef Burgers. 100% PURE BEEF Beef Burgers. 100% PURE BEEF Beef Burgers.
Beef.
Turns out if you get a nice burger from a local restaurant once a week at $13 (+drink(or two) and tip), that money adds pretty quick!
Luckily I found these frozen burgers at Aldi a few months ago. At about $12 for the entire bag, with cost of the bun and other toppings, I’m eating ~$2.00 burgers at home. Those are savings you can take to the bank. And also, arteries you can be assured are being clogged.
Listen, we (Americans) eat too much red meat. It’s killing us all, slowly. Including me. With the ease it is to cook these, how cheap, and ultimately a satisfying dinner, I often try to switch out these 100% PURE BEEF Beef Burgers with the frozen Turkey Burgers Aldi’s sometimes carries, or frozen chicken breasts. Both can be classed up a bit, easy to make, and are also the “burger” handheld form, which can’t be beat.
Alright, so the preparing and toppings…
Burger: Largely follow the instructions on the bag to cook in oven. 400 Degrees. I place the one or two burgers in a aluminum foil “pan” I create so the juices are easy to clean up, and don’t need to clean the sheet pan. Roughly 7 minutes on one side, flip, about another 6-7 minutes. THEN flip again, and put cheese on burger, for roughly another 1 minute in the oven. Check on until cheese as melted as you’d like. I actually typically put diced onions on the burger and then the cheese on top of that, so the cheese melts around the onions. Very good.
Toppings: As noted above I’ll go with some cheese (swiss or provolone usually), diced or not-so-diced raw white onions, tomato slices, mayo on the side of one bun, and ketchup on the other. If I’m feeling especially unhealthy, and I have them on hand, I’ll put a layer on each end of Kettle chips, for that extra crunch texture.
Rating: 3.5/5. Not bad. Tastes about what you’d expect from any frozen burger. Class it up with your bun and topping choices, and you’re having a good time. And remember, moderation!
Every year Ben & Jerry’s puts out their top flavors of the year based on sales. You can see that list here: https://www.benjerry.com/whats-new/2023/12/top-flavors-2023. But America is wrong. These are actually the best flavors ranked, by me, Mike.
See my rankings 1-10 below, with the top flavor sold from the Ben & Jerry’s list in ().
1. Americone Dream (Stephen Colbert’s) (8)
The Best! The Caramel swirl. Oh! The chocolate covered waffle cone. OH BABY. This is my go-to flavor in my once-per-month pint of Ben and Jerry’s.
2. Chocolate Fudge Brownie (5)
So chocolatey but oh so good. This one I can take in only short bursts, which is good because it slows down my consumption of it!
3. Half Baked (1)
Would definitely be ranked 2, maybe even 1, if it weren’t for those damn “cookie dough” chunks. nasty!
4. The Tonight Dough (Jimmy Fallon) (6)
Would be one higher if it wasn’t for Jimmy Fallon’s goofy face and name on the pint.
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5. Phish Food (7)
This flavor is grooooooovy, man. 🙂
6. Milk & Cookies (10)
How have I never actually had this flavor before?! Cookie chunks (two kinds) sounds so much better than awful “cookie dough”.
7. Strawberry Cheesecake (4)
I have not yet had this flavor, but cheesecake (in moderation) is a top tier pie/cake and strawberry is a top tier berry (in all amounts), so I’m excited to give it a try this year.
8. Cherry Garcia (2)
Not a cherry fan (flavor is usually good) so sadly putting this near the bottom.
9. Chunky Monkey (9)
As an on-off banana lover, I’d love to love this super fun-ly named B&J flavor but I loathe walnuts. NO THANKS.
10. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (3)
Cookie dough in ice cream is disgusting. What an awful, malting texture. You all need to Find God.
I started watching Taskmaster (UK) around Thanksgiving last year and now, about 5 months later, I essentially haven’t stopped. I’m on rewatch two. I love it so much I’m working on a ranking of the series for this site, as I do my rewatch.
Each episode starts with the prize task. Some of them are stolen pants, or subscriptions to cloud picture emails, or it turns out, some things you can actually buy online. Below is a list of the Taskmaster Prize Tasks that you can actually buy. Some of them quite cheap!
(these links are affiliate links where I will make pennies if you purchase something from amazon.com)
The Spinning Nose Elephant On A Bike – Bob Mortimer – S5E6
One of the silliest (and surprisingly cheap) little prize task prizes, is this little elephant on a bike where the top spins as the wheels turn. Bob Mortimer uses this prize twice, once with broccoli on it, and another where it’s a lil’ sausage. Both very funny (and cute!). Oddly this was a “best thing you’ve made yourself” task, which this is clearly not. ha. You can actually buy this for fairly cheap! $16 at the time of writing this: https://amzn.to/3vaHi1m
This is one of those clips that you truly hope is sincere, and it feels like it actually is. A fucking laminator lol. The reactions are great. I guess the category of “most magnificent stationary” makes it make some sense. Buy a similar lamintor here: https://amzn.to/490JDtw
50 Ways To See Through People [Book] – Lou Sanders – S8E6
Okay this one is actually less buy-able. It’s only used and *very* expensive. Still a pretty fun/stupid prize for the task of “The best see-thru thing”. See the options to buy used: https://amzn.to/43hdDAe
Cute Cat Toy With Eyes That Pop – Hugh Dennis – S4E5
In this series Hug Dennis’s prize tasks were hilariously bad and 6 out of 8 times came in last place. Good gag. In this episode for “the Cutest Thing” thing he brought in this cat with eyes that bulge out. I think Greg was a little harsh on him, but still funny. Buy a version here! https://amzn.to/3v5ZWaJ
You should really watch this clip below. The story of Phil haggling for the prize (a gag he did in every episode which was very funny), and then James Acaster’s outburst with Greg taking him aside. All very funny. The category was “the most confusing thing”. Buy similar boxes here: https://amzn.to/3ICDk4B
This is also from the “bring in the cutest thing” category that was also above. I think this is actually legitimately cute, but Greg was a little rascal about it. It’s Three Peas In A Pod! https://amzn.to/3PozJLf
Listen, this post a day thing gets hard when you [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]. I’m trying to make it at least 30 days. Getting close. BUT there will be some duds. There will be some bullshit. There will be some trash.
Welcome to dud/bullshit/trash city.
(These are affiliate links. I will get pennies on the dollar if you buy these duds, bullshit, or trash.)
I’m not a coffee snob, but a coffee snob enough to know that the Folgers sludge my mom drinks is bad. After a few years of trying better, beaned coffee, which I grind prior to putting into my French Press, this Stumptown variety has become my favorite.
I read this book over a year ago and I still can’t stop thinking about it. Care about climate change? Think about how oil executives [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]? You should read this book!
It’s not the best, but it’s what I use. That Stumptown Coffee up above, morning British black tea, nighttime chamomile tea, trying to unclog drains with hot water, my HB 1.7L Electric Tea Kettle has seen it all.
Twenty Twenty-Three (2023). What a year. We made it, gang.
I’m bad at “Best” lists. Too dumb. But I do get “obsessed” with things and will spend a night watching a Youtuber’s backlog, or binging a TV show until 3am, or actually read a twice a week newsletter, or finish a 1,000 piece puzzle in 4 hours.
Here are those obsessions. Join me in enjoying these.
About: Currently one of my main resources for better understanding the politics and media of today. They do live shows that last 2-3 hours Monday through Friday, and then also share shorter clips from the show on Youtube. Watch them roast Tim Pool, walk through a recent Google Antitrust case, and laugh at the ever laughable: Ron DeSantis.
About: Kendra’s videos are a very recent find, and I’ve nearly watched all of her videos already. Soothing voice, good jokes, and I love to learn about the built environments we live in (towns and homes). Check out her video on the 151 Architectural Digest videos she watched.
About: I love the weather. Ryan’s videos got me into the world of Amateur Meteorologists on Youtube. (See my list here!: 6 Amateur Meteorologists To Follow On Youtube). Weekly weather updates, live streams during severe weather, and more!
About: Want to laugh while you are crying and in a state of existential dread while thinking about earth’s climate? Climate Town is the place for you. Parking. Dress Like Sexy Idiots. Food Waste.
About: City Nerd visits cities and reviews how you move through them. And also does lists of cities based on how livable, walkable, affordable, etc. they are. Check them out!
About: I love seeing little tiny homes, “hippies” building sustainable homes, and the like. More people should live these ways.
Podcasts
[Tech] Tech Won’t Save Us
About: Want a look into the Tech industry from people with actual souls? Start listening to Tech Won’t Save Us today! https://www.techwontsave.us
[Horror Movies] With Gourley and Rust
About: I can listen to Matt Gourley and Paul Rust talk about anything for 60 to 180 minutes, but I’m glad they decided on Thriller/Horror movies that are typically “cozy”. It has helped me get into these movies more, which has been fun to listen along when I have easy access to one of the films via streaming. https://shows.acast.com/with-gourley-and-rust
[Climate] Climate Denier’s Handbook
About: What lies do Climate Deniers use to push their bullshit, and how can we counteract those points? Climate Denier’s Handbook is here to help. Listen on Youtube or find links to your podcast player of choice: https://www.youtube.com/@DeniersPlaybook
About: Oliver’s photo based art is some of the most interesting and accessible art I’ve come across the last few years. He does sales every month or two (or three?) through his own website, doing 1 of 1 prints, starting as low as $200. I was lucky enough to get one a couple of years ago, and check out his new work each time he emails the new link/password. Follow him on Bluesky to get on the list. https://bsky.app/profile/bakoon.bsky.social
[Painting] Kelly Einbinder (@keinbinder)
About: Kelly is an Instagram friend whose art I am in awe of every time she shares anything new. It has it all: animals, chaos, violence, dreams, and color. Follow them on Instagram and consider supporting their work. https://www.instagram.com/keinbinder
[Painting] Andrew Pope (@andrewppope)
About: Another long-time Twitter/Instagram friend who looks to have been spending quite a bit of time in the studio this year. I can’t wear my T-shirt based on one of his paintings out of the house without getting a compliment on it. Give him a follow on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/andrewppope
[Knitting] Kendall Ross (@id.knit.that)
About: As I get more and more into textile based art, I’m finding new gems constantly. Kendall Ross’s knitted sweaters with poems (for lack of better term) on them, are colorful and fun. Also parrot some of my own insecurities about my own art. Follow on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/id.knit.that
As a newish (15 months) resident of Chicago, I decided I should start becoming part of the city and part of that is more than just taking shots of Malort. Block Club Chicago has been vital for staying up to date with things such as elections, migrants being bussed in from Texas, and openings and closings of resturants/cafes in my neighborhood. https://blockclubchicago.org/
[Social Media] Bluesky
Bluesky has been a good replacement for Twitter, although I had a good 4 months between quitting Twitter for good, and getting in to Bluesky, and using neither was a much better existence. Why then am I on Bluesky? Leave me alone. https://bsky.app/profile/mikeeschmee.com
[Sports] ESPN Chicago Cubs Page
I decided to get into the Cubs a third of the way through last season, and when I couldn’t catch an illegal stream, or get myself over to the stadium for a cheap ticket, I’d watch the play by play stream on the ESPN website. https://www.espn.com/mlb/team/_/name/chc/chicago-cubs
Movies and Films
[Disaster Porn] The Day After Tomorrow
Anyone else that works from home put on movies they have seen fifty (50) times on while they work? This is one for me. Maybe my most rewatched Disaster Porn movie.
[Political/Newsroom/Lawyer Thrillers] All The President’s Men/Three Days of The Condor/The Firm
Making copies. Making phone calls. Figuring out why people also in the CIA want to kill you. Movies! I couldn’t get enough of these three films this year. Probably watched each at least 3x each. With leads like Dustin Hoffman, Paul Newman, and Tom Cruise, it was hard not to, hubba hubba.
Bonus: The Ring, Arrival
Television (My Stories)
[Star Wars] Andor
The best Star Wars TV Show, based on a character from the best Star Wars Movie. Andor follows Cassian Andor as he is thrust into the early Rebellion. It includes a group of rag-tag weirdos, all very well cast. They infiltrate and sabotage against the forming/growing Empire. If only there was a modern day need/allegory for what happens in the show. The prison episode is especially good. Watch on Disney+.
[Irreverent] How To With John Wilson
Inexplicably the show that confronts what it means to be a human (especially in the Unite States/New York City) better than maybe any show ever. Please watch it on HBO Max/MAX.
[British] TaskMaster
The Brits: is there anything they can’t say that you have to rewind and turn up the volume to understand what the fuck they are saying? Taskmaster is a very fun comedian/game show, with 15+ series at this point, a lot of them free on Youtube (access to them in Plex with no commercials and the swears, is more ideal however). https://www.youtube.com/taskmaster
[Dad Show] Bosch
The ultimate Copaganda. Cop who kills a lot of people: good. The “real bad cops” are caught by the good cop who is still killing a lot of people. Etc. You get it. You gotta love the “L.A. is a character in the show” aspect though. My one complaint: Bosch doesn’t fuck enough. On Amazon Prime.
Bonus: Joe Pera, Mad Men,
Puzzles/Games
[Crossword] Daily Mini, The New York Times
What’s better than a crossword when you are dumb? A small crossword that is easy. A fun way to spend a minute on the toilet each morning as I try to beat my 17 second record. https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords/game/mini
I have done this puzzle about 6 times this year. I can do in roughly 4 hours (while watching TV shows and drinking). It’s a rare puzzle where I do not do the edge first because at this point I know where almost any piece I see (other than some of those white/tan ones) more or less exactly they go.
This has become the game of choice for my family when it’s game time. With it’s few and simple rules, it makes it easy for my ADHD/bad memory/aging family.
Set it, and forget it! That’s what I say when I sign up for an incredibly niche subscription box on Amazon.com for $47 per month.
Get one for yourself!
Or these could also be a fun monthly gift for the holidays coming up. You know ’em and you love ’em: Christmas. Xmas. Hanukkah. Winter Solstice. St. Nicholas Day. Kwanzaa. New Year. And uhhhhh, the rest.
About: Did you know they have weird flavored KitKats in Japan? Matcha, Sparkling Strawberry, and Soy Sauce!?. Crazy, right? You may get one in your first Tokyo Treat Subscription box which includes candies, ramens, snacks, soft drinks and more(!) from Japan.
About: Small dog? M e d i u m Dog? L A R G E dog? They have a Bark Box for any sized dog. Treats and toys and chews and probably more treats and probably more toys. If your dog doesn’t get excited enough when you get a package at your house, just imagine how excited it will get when it starts to hope that ever package is a Bark Box.
*We here at blobblob do not agree with nor endorse the stereotype of “Crazy” Cat Ladies. We love all Cats and all Ladies.
About: One cat? Six Cats? Kit Nip Box has you covered with their single or multi-cat boxes. Get monthly treats and toys for your little devils. Some of the proceeds are said to go to shelters as well.
The Comic Garage – Remember when Nerds weren’t cool? We used to be a proper country.
About: You can receive either 10 or 24 new comics a month, And can customize your boxes by choosing the superheros you like and your Rating Level (A, T+, T, PG, E).
A great gift for a comic loving nerd. 🙂 (nerds is cool now)
365 by Whole Foods Market, Sauce Chili Sweet Organic
About: Does it have way too much sugar in it? Probably. Is it “spicier” than you’d imagine? Yeah. Can I stop buying this and putting it on all sorts of foods? No.
About: My first time buying this Field & Farmer Caesar Dressing, I hadn’t noticed it was Plant Based, and at first I was PISSED.
I quickly was no longer “pissed” and was actually quite “pleased”. it’s good! The plant based Field & Farmer Caesar Dressing is good! I has been added to my dressing/sauces rotation.
About: DO NOT DRINK OR INGEST. I REPEAT. DO. NOT. DRINK. OR INGEST. ALL others on this list you can eat/drink. You SHOULD NOT drink this drain cleaner.
However, if you need to get that organic clog out of your sink/toilet give this “worm” a chance.
A mix of this and near boiling water did me wonders for my luscious locks that backed up my shower drain. (Use product as instructed.)
About: There is no better milk/cream substitute for your morning cup o’ joe than Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend. Just need a splash to get that perfect golden-brown.
