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Free carry-out lunch at Hong Kong Cafe on Labor Day


Yes, Virginia, there is such a thing as a free lunch. Philip Leung, an owner at Hong Kong Cafe, 2 South Mills Street, sent us an e-mail to tell us that, “Every year on Labor Day we do a free lunch customer appreciation special. This year is our 19th anniversary special “Lunch On the House” It will be served on Monday, September 6th from noon until 2 p.m.

What’s for lunch? Leung says, “This is a pretty fast in and out type of FULL Chinese lunch service including egg roll. It’s delicious and we open an outdoor area to serve as many as possible during this promotion. It’s a great thing for us, we only hope to get our menu in the hands of as many Madisonians as will show up!”

Here’s a basic summary of the “rules” for this special Labor Day Event:

Doors open at 12 noon.
Free Lunch served until 2 p. m.
Lunches will be carry-out only.
No Purchase necessary.
One entrée per person.
No need to place order in advance.

On your behalf, we asked a couple of follow-up questions and learned that there will be several entrée choices, including a vegetarian option.

Please remember, this free carry-out lunch event is only at the Downtown Hong King Cafe location, 2 South Mills Street. And please remember to say “Thank you” to Leung and his staff when you pick up your lunch on Monday.

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Huge discount on Naked Bath + Body products


Need some custom-blended handmade soaps, body lotions, and foot care products? You may want to check out the current Jasmere offer: $50 vouchers for Naked Body + Bath products are just $19 (a 62% discount).

According to Jasmere, “Naked Body + Bath started off as a spa in Houston, Texas specializing in custom blends of lotions, scrubs, salts, crèmes and cleansers. Always striving for the natural (a.k.a. “naked”) version of every product, they have the most delicious and pampering concoctions ever to come out of Texas! Their devoted customers love to pick and choose colors and fragrances to get a customized product like no other.”

Jasmere, like Groupon, is an effort to leverage collective buying power to lower prices. Unlike Groupon, however, Jasmere’s deals are not local: Jasmere seeks out lesser-known specialty retailers that deserve national attention, and offers a new deal daily. Jasmere co-founder Katrina (Emmerson) Kugel is “a proud Madison native (West Class of ‘87, UW ‘91).”

We’ve read the information about this product and how this offer works on the Jasmere site and it seems very thorough: This continues to be a site worth watching for little luxuries (and other things we don’t need but just have to have) at substantially discounted prices.

Jasmere offers are usually only available for 24 hours. This offer will expire at noon (EST) on Friday, September 3rd.

This offer has expired

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Send for a free “Man Day” T-shirt from Early Times


Early Times Distillery wants to give men an opportunity to declare a “Man Day,” during which a guy “shall be exempt from engaging in any and all unmanly activities.”

To assist males in this endeavor, they’re offering them an opportunity to download and print some Man Day Passes and a FREE Early Times Man Day T-shirt (while supplies last). If you or the man in your life wants one of these shirts, here’s how to claim one: Fill out an online form with your name, address, email address, gender, and date of birth (you must be over 21); then click on “Continue” to tell Early Times your reason for declaring a Man Day.

Your t-shirt will be mailed to you in 2-3 weeks. Don’t worry about size, there’s only one available: XL.

Thanks to Deb Nies (who has blogged about “Fifty Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Children Do”) for forwarding us an email about this offer.

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BOGO admission coupon for Old World Wisconsin


Return to Wisconsin of the late 19th century, when waves of immigrants came to America’s heartland in search of a better life when you visit Old World Wisconsin near Eagle in Waukesha County.

Adult admission is $16 per person, but during the month of September, you can print a BOGO coupon (PDF) for one complimentary adult admission with the purchase of another adult admission of equal or lesser value.

Thanks to Deb Nies for this tip.

Coupon offer expires in 27 days, 4 hours, 52 minutes

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Learn all about chili peppers next Wednesday evening


Learn all about chili peppers at the next Wednesday Night at the Lab, held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on September 8th, in Room 1111 (the auditorium) at 425 Henry Mall (the Genetics-Biotechnology Center Building).

David J. Baumler Ph.D, an avid chili pepper enthusiast, will provide an overview of the evolutionary and historical science behind these remarkable plants during his presentation.

According to Baumler, “Chili pepper plants are grown on almost every continent on Earth and have evolved to range in color, shape, size, sweetness, and heat level.”

Baumler will guide you through a descriptive photo journey of his personal collection of over 70 varieties, including some of the most ancestral and hottest in the world.

Wednesday Nite @ the Lab is organized by the Wisconsin Alumni Association. Programs are free and open to the public,

Note: There is FREE parking in Lot 20, 1390 University Avenue. Lot 20 is a three-level parking structure on the right side of University Avenue, just before Henry Mall. Lot 20 is attached to the Genetics/Biotechnology Center. Park on the top level, and you can enter the building without going up any steps.

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A chance to win two free tickets to Madison Opera


Madison Opera is having a “Facebook Fan Drive” and they’re giving away a very nice prize. Here’s the deal: “The person who gets the most new people to “like” our page on Facebook between now and the start of single ticket sales on Sept. 11th will win two orchestra-level seats to ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ in November (a $156 value!). When encouraging your friends to “like” Madison Opera on Facebook, be sure to ask them to post your full name on our wall so we know who sent them!”

We’d like you to participate because (1) half of the Madison on the Cheap team loves opera and wants to win some free tickets; and (2) both of us would be pleased to demonstrate to the Madison Opera that our loyal fans are interested in the arts.

So if you want to send Nadine to Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” and Izzy the Intern into a paroxysm of joy (because he will be rewarded with Babcock Hall chocolate ice cream if MOTC wins), “like” Madison Opera on Facebook and post our name (Madison on the Cheap) on their wall.

Of course, there’s nothing to prevent you from using this opportunity to win the Madison Opera tickets for yourself…

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Atlas Improv performance at Electric Earth Café


Looking for some inexpensive entertainment on Saturday? Perhaps you should consider improvisation.

Atlas Improv Co. will perform Theatresports at 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 4th at the Electric Earth Café, 546 West Washington Avenue.

Not familiar with Theatresports? Here’s a description from Atlas: “In this classic short-form format, two teams of improvisers face off in a series of games and scenes in competition for the approval of audience judges. You’ll have a blast yelling suggestions for and maybe even participating in this fast-paced, hilarious show.”

Tickets to see Atlas Improv Co. cost less than most movie tickets: They’re $6 for general admission and $3 for students with a valid i.d. Tickets may be purchased at the door or reserved in advance with a credit card by calling 259-9999. Reservations are strongly recommended.

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Free screening of “Million Dollar Baby” on Friday


The Alicia Ashman Library, 733 North High Point Road will present “Million Dollar Baby”at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, September 3rd as part of its summertime celebration of the career of actor/producer/director Clint Eastwood.

“Million Dollar Baby,” which starts Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, and Hillary Swank, is the story of a hardened trainer’s quest for atonement as he trains an underdog female boxer who wants to become a professional.

This film series is free and refreshments will be served, but registration is required.

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Enter our giveaway contest and you may win a $25 gift certificate to Claddagh Irish Pub in Middleton


“It’s always about food,” insists Izzie the Intern. That’s why food is going to be the focus of our next few giveaway contests.

If you want to win a $25 gift certificate for Claddagh Irish Pub at Greenway Commons in Middleton, you’ll want to enter this Madison on the Cheap giveaway contest.

This is a Restaurant.com gift certificate and it does not have an expiration date – although we suspect the winner probably won’t wait too long to use it. We chose Claddagh Irish Pub because we like the food and the atmosphere – and because we know that gift certificates for this establishment usually aren’t in stock too long at Restaurant.com and are rarely available near the end of the month when prices are very low.

This $25 gift certificate is good with a minimum purchase of $35 and is valid for food only. It may be used Sunday-Thursday (excluding holidays and special events).

If you’d like to enter this giveaway contest, here’s what you’ll need to do: Continue reading Enter our giveaway contest and you may win a $25 gift certificate to Claddagh Irish Pub in Middleton

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Free Kindle download of “The Bake Sale Murders”


Amazon.com is currently offering Kindle users a free download of “The Bake Sale Murders,” the 13th Lucy Stone mystery by author Leslie Meier. The digital list price is normally $5.59 and a paperback edition sells for $6.99. There is no information about when this offer expires; but it won’t last forever, so download now if you want a copy.

Thanks to Jenn at Cities On the Cheap for this tip (via Twitter).

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Free Energizer batteries for 30,000 Facebook fans


Be among the first 30,000 people to “like” Energizer batteries on Facebook and they’ll mail you a coupon for a FREE four-pack of Energizer Recharge AA batteries (up to $13 retail value).

This offer is limited to the first 30,000 participants
willing to give Energizer access to their Facebook information (i.e., install an app) and fill out a form with your name, address, e-mail address, and date of birth.

Never mind: The FREE coupons have already been claimed. If you “like” Energizer now, they’ll just give you a $1 off coupon.

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$12 for $25 worth of food & drinks at La Cazuelas


We’ve been posting links to Groupon on the left hand sidebar of Madison on the Cheap for a couple of weeks now, but once in a while one of their deals merits special attention — especially, according to Izzy the Intern, if it involves food.

Today’s Groupon deal for Madison is “$12 for $25 Worth of Mexican Cuisine and Drinks at Las Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant,” located at 15 North Butler Street in Downtown Madison. If you haven’t been to Las Cazuelas yet, check out the review from Eating in Madison A to Z.

Most weekday offers from Groupon are only available for 24 hours, and this one is no exception. You’ll need to grab it before midnight tonight. Continue reading $12 for $25 worth of food & drinks at La Cazuelas

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Free screening of Kurosawa’s “Rashomon” Friday


UW-Madison Cinematheque will present a free screening of director Akira Kurosawa’s film, “Rashomon,” at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 3rd in Room 4070 of Vilas Hall, 821 University Avenue.

2010 marks the centennial of the birth of Akira Kurosawa, “easily the most widely recognized Japanese auteur of the 20th century.” During the fall semester, Cinematheque will offer retrospective of eight Kurosawa film, featuring “newly restored prints of renowned classics as well as a sampling of Kurosawa’s less well-known (but equally brilliant) contemporary dramas.”

UW Cinematheque programs are free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Arrive early to make certain you’ll have a seat.

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One-year subscription to Maxim magazine just $5


Amazon is offering an very low price for a magazine. A one-year (12 issues) subscription to Maxim is only $5 if you order by September 4th, 2010.

They say: “Maxim is the essential guide for today’s active male consumer. Every issue features fashion, sports, gadgets/gear, sex advice, music & movie reviews all in an entertaining and irreverent style where humor is a key element.”

We say: At this price, the magazine, which sells on news stands for $4.99 is about 42¢ per copy.

We also want to note that, unlike most of the magazine offers we post, this one involves auto-renewal. You need to make certain you cancel the subscription renewal before it kicks in next year; otherwise you could find yourself billed for another year at a much higher rate.

There is no shipping charge for this magazine subscription, but it is eligible for FREE Super Shipping; in other words, it counts toward that $25 threshold if you’re ordering other items.

Coupon offer expires in 1 day, 4 hours, 52 minutes

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Two printable coupons for SOYJOY nutrition bars


SOYJOY is currently offering two ways to save money on the purchase of their nutrition bars.

First, visit their website and print a coupon good for $1 off on the purchase of five bars. Then visit the SOYJOY Facebook page and print a “Buy 2 Get 1 Free” coupon.

There is no indication when these offers expire, so if you want to use these coupons, we suggest you print them sooner rather than later.

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David Stoler & T. Monique quartets at Jazz at Five

David Stoler


The David Stoler Quartet (featuring Stoler on keyboard, Charles Ledvina on bass, Leo Sidran on drums, and special guest Rich Perry on tenor sax) and T. Monique Quartet will perform at this week’s edition of the 2010 Jazz at Five Free Concert Series on the 100 block of State Street at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1st.

The first set begins at 5 p.m. and ends at approximately 6:15 p.m. After a 15-minute intermission, the second set starts at 6:30 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m.

Now in its 17th season, organizers say: “The series has consistently provided exceptional free concerts in a stunning locale – the 100 block of State Street, where State Street meets the Capitol Square. When the sun is shining, and the music is flowing, there is no better place to be than State Street.”

You may stand or bring your own chair and sit while you enjoy the music. You may also rent a chair for $2. In addition, there reserved tables which organizers sell to support the event. Tables for four are $100 and tables for eight are $200.

Food and beverages are available on site and the Jazz at Five Beer Tent will be pouring from 4:30-8 PM. Alcoholic beverages must be consumed within the concert grounds. Carry-ins are not permitted by city regulations.

In case of rain on the day of the event, the concert will take place on schedule at the Overture Center Lobby, 201 State Street.

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Two printable coupons for Red Lobster Crabfest


Red Lobster would like to to participate in their Crabfest Celebration, so they’re offering two online printable coupons: one for $3 off any two adult lunch entrées and one for $4 off any two adult dinner entrées. The coupons expire September 23, 2010.

The Madison-area Red Lobster is located at 4502 East Towne Boulevard.

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Two-day Midvale Heights community garage sale


The Midvale Heights community is hosting a neighborhood garage sale from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday, September 3rd and 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 4th.

There will be over 70 garage sale locations. A map of the Midvale Heights community, showing the location of each sale is available for download as a PDF document, as is a list of addresses and descriptions of items for sale. There is also an interactive, online copy of the garage sale map.

Although you are encouraged to do some advance planning, organizers stress that there will be NO ADVANCE SALES and ask that you do not try to contact sellers in advance of the garage sale dates.

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Free screening of “Faubourg Treme” Tuesday


The South Madison Branch of the Madison Public Library will present a free screening of “Faubourg Treme: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans” at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31st.

The film takes viewers on a journey through three centuries of African American History in New Orleans. During slavery, Treme was home to the largest community of free Black people and a hotbed of political ferment. This film was largely shot before Katrina but edited afterward.

Dr. Richard Davis, an internationally performing musician and Professor of Bass at the UW Madison, as well as an activist for social justice and the healing of racism, will lead a post-screening discussion about the film

The South Madison Branch Library is located at 2222 South Park Street.

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“The Great Typo Hunt” presentation at Borders West


Armed with black markers, correction fluid, and chalk, Jeff Deck and Benjamin D. Herson set out to right some grievous wrongs — and they lived to write a book about it.

At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1st, Deck and Herson will be at Border’s Books West, 3750 University Avenue, to give a free presentation about The Great Typo Hunt: Two Friends Changing the World, One Correction at a Time, their rendition of “how we took a two-and-a-half month drive around the United States to fix typos in public signage.”

According to the co-authors, “Besides detailing the comical adventures of typo correcting, the book shows how the pursuit of typos led us to broader social issues, such as cultural homogenization, race relations, workplace repression, and education. There have been books about spelling and grammatical errors, and there have been books about quixotic road trips, but ours is the first to combine the two—not to mention the first book about fixing typos rather than complaining about them.”

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