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Get 10 pounds of split chicken breasts or wings for $10 at Kmart Super Center this week. (Regular $1.49 a pound.)

Get a refurbished Dell desktop PC for $84.99 (not including $30 for shipping), according to Dealnews.

The Dell OptiPlex GX features an Intel Pentium 4 1.7 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 20 GB hard drive, CD-ROM drive, ethernet connection, and Windows 2000 Professional. A 90-day reseller warranty applies.

This looks like a pretty good bargain for casual computer users on a budget who don't spend a lot of time using their PC, other than checking their e-mail, surfing the Web, storing some photos and printing letters or documents.

A New York Times parenting column about the challenges of flying with children ("The Less-Than-Friendly Skies") mentions a survey by airfarewatchdog.com, which poses questions including whether you would pay more for a flight with no one under 13 and, if so, how much. You can vote here.

I'd be curious how you'd vote. Would paying more be a bargain if you didn't have kids on board?

Me? Count myself lucky, but I haven't had much of a problem with kids or babies. Of course I just jinxed myself.

I've had a few problems, however, with obnoxious adults. To the dude sitting next to me who had to crank up his portable DVD player so he can hear his movie, yes, you know who you are, ever heard of head phones?

Tomorrow's yard sales that were advertised in today's News & Record:

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If you plan on hanging onto your car a little longer than you had planned due to the economy, an independent Web site called RepairPal might be worth checking out. It offers online repair estimates and provides a list of repair shops within drivers' ZIP codes. Consumers can also rate the shops they visit. (The site was also one of Newsweek's "top picks" in August.)

Does it work? I tested it by entering info. regarding my 2002 Toyota Corolla. I had an air filter replaced at a Greensboro shop in June, so I matched the price RepairPal said I should pay versus what I did pay.

The result? The price I paid fell in the low-end of RepairPal's price range for the ZIP code I entered (27410), which was $36-$64. A color scale below that range tells you the price within that range you'll most likely pay at the dealership versus an independent auto repair place.

A similar Web site called DriverSide is still being tested.

Hardee's has unabashedly catered itself as the fast-food chain that thinks portion control is for sissies. Look no further than the "Monster Thickburger," which weighs in at 1,420 calories and has 108 grams of fat.

So I thought I would never see the day when Hardee's begins showcasing smaller, not bigger, portion sizes.

But that day has come, folks, judging by the latest Hardee's commercials touting its "Little Thickburger."

And you can blame the economy for Hardee's change of heart. That's because consumers' wallets have gone on a diet.

The price of the Little Thickburger? A leaner $1.99.

"The only complaint some people have ever had about our Thickburgers is that they were either too big or too expensive to order as much as they would like, particularly in this challenging economic environment," according to Brad Haley, Hardee's EVP of marketing for Hardee’s restaurants. "So, we created Little Thickburgers specifically for those people."

So does the economy mean you're eating less at fast-food restaurants or choosing cheaper items on the menu or both? Weigh in here.

Sue at Taking Stock mentions Carmax is having a $250 gas card giveaway. Submit a review of a vehicle at carmax.com for a chance to win. One winner will be picked each week for eight weeks. Submit your review through Dec. 1. If you include a photo, you will be eligible to win a $300 gas gift card.

Submit your review here.

Some retailers wary of the financial market upheaval are already cutting prices on toys as we approach the typically busy holiday shopping season.

"Retailers are focusing on value," Mae Anderson of the Associated Press writes. "Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and KB Toys have each cut prices already on popular toys — ranging from Mattel's Barbie to the Bakugan game — to $10 or less, and Target Corp. said it is offering $10 toys as well, ahead of the holiday season."

In addition to price cuts, KB Toys has broadened its value program, which offers promotions on new items each week, to include video games and DVD movies.

Meanwhile, trade magazine Toy Wishes unveiled its "Hot Dozen" toy list this week.

Beer lovers on a budget take note: Budweiser is $11.99 a case at Food Lion this week.

This comes as Anheuser-Busch keeps making more expensive brands of beer.

But we'll see if the shaky economy means consumers' beer selection will be more on the frugal side.

And we'll also need to keep an eye on the prices after the Anheuser-Busch sale to InBev. Will they go up, down or stay the same?

The first 100 Cici's Pizza customers in the door at 11 a.m. Monday at its new store at the Palladium Retail Center in North High Point get a card for a free buffet each month for a year.

They also get to eat for free that day.

Even if you don't score a free card, the $4.79 pizza buffet is still one of the best bargains in town.

If you're looking for a challenge, pro golfer Anthony Kim is your man. The latest issue of Golf Magazine mentioned Kim describing winning a pizza-eating contest with his best friend. He ate 21 pieces of CiCi's pizza at one of its Dallas restaurants.

I've put a dent at the buffet, but 21 slices? Wow. But I know I can beat Kim hands-down regarding who would have the most slices on the golf course.

RedBox, which has kiosks throughout the Triad, now has the smash hit Iron Man for rent.

All DVD rentals are still only a buck.

Pretty good deal, although a co-worker and I agreed title availability at the self-service DVD machines, located at stores including Harris Teeter and Lowes Foods, can be spotty.

But here's how you take the guess work out of it: just search for locations and availability by ZIP code and pay for it online ahead of time with a credit card.

Then all you have to do is pick it up.

Lowes Foods is tripling the value of those manufacturer's coupons (limit 20 per day, up to .99 cents per coupon) through tomorrow.

Used to be when Apple unveiled a new laptop, the focus was on its bells and whistles.

"Now, however, economics and price are likely to get more attention than the company’s latest industrial design," according to a New York Times tech blog. "One site reported that the entry price of a Macbook laptop would fall to $799, potentially a drop of $300."

Today, Apple sent out invitations regarding next Tuesday’s press conference to announce its latest laptop computers.

Saturday's yard sales advertised in today's News & Record:

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YouTube is trying to catch up with other Web sites by offering full length shows.

You can now check out TV series like "MacGyver," "The Young and the Restless" and "Star Trek" through a deal with CBS. Playlist is here.

The cool thing? All free. The catch (of course!)? Commercials before, during and after each show.

But in today's economy, isn't that a small price to pay in exchange for it being free? Sounds logical, to borrow one of Spock's favorite words.

The first 50 customers at the Ben & Jerry's at the Shops at Friendly Center in Greensboro on Saturday will receive a certificate for a free scoop of ice cream each week for a year.

You can also enter a drawing to win a free Ben & Jerry's birthday cake.

It's all part of that ice cream shop's second-year celebration.

Other discounts and special events, which take place through Oct. 26, are spelled out here.

The restaurant industry is grappling with higher food prices, particularly beef, which means the bill is going to be a little tougher to swallow.

But instead of changing the menu lineup, what about focusing more on smaller portions, which, if I remember, was all the rage not too long ago.

If you can avoid getting an appetizer and dessert, which restaurants are banking on to offset the smaller price you'll pay for that smaller portion, your bill may be a little easier to swallow these days.

Have you tried the smaller portions, and if so, why? (Price? Dietary reasons? Both?) Or maybe you're not willing to part with the larger portions, no matter how much the menu price tag grows.

Kmart is doubling manufacturer coupons today through Saturday at its super center stores. Limit is $2 per coupon.

Buy a 57-ounce package of Stouffer's frozen lasagna for $8.99 at Lowes Foods and get a 2-liter soft drink, 10-ounce Dole salad mix and an 8-ounce loaf of garlic bread for free. (Regular price is $15.50).

Deal ends Tuesday.

A Web site called FreeShipping.org has a list of coupons regarding free shipping at places including Amazon.com, Sears, Target and Best Buy.

Buy two 48-ounce jars of Prego pasta sauce and get three free this week at Harris Teeter.

Ditto regarding 16-ounce packages of Mueller's elbow macaroni or spaghetti.

As noted in today's Short Orders column, tomorrow's your lucky day if your name is Ben or Jerry. That's because Ben & Jerry's at Shops at Friendly Center is offering more anniversary-related specials including a free scoop on Thursday for anyone whose name is Ben or Jerry. Just bring your ID. Or wear a tie-dye shirt and receive $1 off any purchase.

Bargain lovers (and who isn't in today's economy), mark your calendars.

The News & Record is holding a huge community yard sale Saturday, Nov. 8, in the building's back parking lot at Church & Washington Streets. More than 60 vendors are expected.

Takes place from 8 a.m. to noon. Rain date is Nov. 15.

Details here

Map and directions

Your optional entrance donation of $1 benefits the News & Record's Newspaper in Education program and United Way of Greater Greensboro.

Questions? Call Jaye Webb at 336-373-7294 or send an e-mail.

Co-worker Robert Bell passed along this appetizing deal: Taco Bell is giving away a free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday as part of a World Series promotion.

If a base is stolen, which happened last night, the restaurant chain will give away a free taco.

As mentioned at Taking Stock, Big Lots is now featuring an online "Deal of the Day."

The deals are posted about 8 a.m. with limited quantities available.

Latest deal: i834 8.0 megapixel Polaroid camera for $79.99. Looks like a pretty good bargain compared to what it's selling for elsewhere.

Tomorrow's yard sales advertised in today's News & Record.

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The first 150 customers who arrive at Macy's tomorrow get a $15 gift card as part of the department store chain's 150th anniversary celebrations.

Best part? No mile-long list of stuff you can't use it toward, something retailers often include in coupons or discounts.

"There are no exclusions" regarding the gift card, according to the ad.

High fives.

Ribbon-cutting birthday celebration starts at 9:45 a.m. and will include 150 cupcakes.

Co-worker Betsi Robinson wanted to share her recent experience with her daughter shopping at a thrift store in Greensboro:

My daughter Caroline, a chip off the old block, loves the thrill of finding a great bargain.

Home from college for fall break, she and I spent a recent Saturday morning making the rounds at our favorite consignment and thrift shops in town.

We happened upon one we’d never been to – Carolina Thrift on Wendover Avenue – and did we ever hit the jackpot!

Caroline needed some new clothes for winter, and for a grand total of $51, she walked out with four skirts, two pairs of pants, two sweaters, a dress, denim overalls and a beaded belt to pull all of her new outfits together!

Everything we found was in good condition, and with names like Ralph Lauren, Gap and Liz Claiborne on the labels, we felt like thieves! Best of all? The money we spent, according to a cashier, goes to support Vietnam vets.

Any experiences you'd like to share? Tell us here.

PC buyers may get better deals soon as computer companies try to avoid getting stuck with a pile of unsold inventory on Dec. 31, according to an AP article.

The News & Record has a section today (beginning on A6) called "Thrifty Living," a weekly feature that includes a good number of coupons and money-saving tips.

One column that you might want to check out mentions consumers who have managed their money well can take advantage of some really good deals right now on everything from used luxury cards, stocks (well, duh), and appliances including flat-panel HDTVs.

Not that everyone else is giving out high fives and saying pinch me, but those in the service industry - bartenders, waiters, hairstylers, valet attendants - have a particularly rough time when the economy goes down the tubes.

Not only are they getting fewer customers these days, their tips are smaller.

Have you changed your tipping habits due to the economy? Or do you tip them the same amount, of course depending on how well they do their job, because fair is fair?

A weekly e-mail newsletter sponsored by the News & Record highlights some of the best deals out there.

Plus news and columns about looking for deals and saving some dough. The free newsletter will be sent to your inbox every Wednesday.

Sign up here.

A couple of retailers are set to reward you for enduring long lines at the polls and endless candidate ad spots, so says Carl Wilson in today's Short Orders column.

Highlights of this week's grocery deals:

* Brewskies (Bud Light, Yuengling, Miller Lite) on sale at Food Lion for $12.44 a case.

* Folgers coffee on sale at Lowes Foods for $3.99 (limit 2) Thursday from 4 until closing.

* 2-for-1 deal on Progresso soup at Harris Teeter.

* 2-for-1 deal on Pepsi 12-packs at Harris Teeter.

* 2-for-1 deal on marinated turkey tenderloins at Lowes Foods.

Deals expire Tuesday.

Co-worker Robert Lopez is working on a story on how to live richly in hard times – without spending a lot of money of course.

Maybe going to a really nice restaurant and having just a salad? Or having a club soda at a nice bar. Going to free museums, that sort of thing.

Any ideas? He'd love to hear from you. Send him an e-mail. We'll also share some of your ideas here.

Latest issue of Game Informer magazine mentions Microsoft has seen a 100 percent increase in sales after announcing price cuts for each of its three versions of its Xbox 360 video game system. The cheapest system is now $50 less than Nintendo's hugely successful Wii, which costs $250.

That shouldn't come as any surprise. Just look at what a price cut did for Sony regarding its rival Playstation 3 video game system last year.

In 2007, U.S. sales of the PlayStation 3 more than doubled weeks after the company had announced its cutting the video game console's price by $100.

I suspect this trend will continue, even more so, because times are tough and parents are going to have a tough time as it is buying gifts this holiday season.

Now, if only they'd drop the price on video games. If you're making more money from ads, the least you can do is cut the price, right?

Browsed the aisles of one of those seasonal costume stores in Greensboro but spending $30-$50 for something you wear only once seemed a little steep.

And I can't ask my mom to make me one 'cause, well, I'm a wee bit too old to ask and that would be just plain weird. But she made some killer costumes back in the day (I was Batman and my brother was Robin. Yes, the perks of being the older brother - you don't have to play the side kick.).

Anyway, the choices for bare-bones costumes include thrift stores and those stores that advertise everything for a buck. Then my wife came across a Web site devoted to those among us who don't want to spend that much (or anything) on costumes.

Here's one from the list: "Put a sign that says "Go Ceilings!!!!" on your shirt. What are you? A Ceiling Fan! Cheer to help the effect."

Can it be any cornier? No.

But guess what? You don't have to wear a mask or heavy, sweat-inducing clothes. Me like.

Other suggestions for costumes on the cheap? Please share.

Companies that sell everything from organic dog treats to couture-inspired pet toys say business is up even as economic indicators show shoppers are pinching pennies during one of the worst downturns in decades, according to an Associated Press article.

Fiona Tavernier, whose Lollypadoodle business near San Francisco sells wool stuffed dog toys, told the AP her business is going strong.

"I think they're buying nice dog collars instead of remodeling their kitchen," she said.

"You know, for some families, the pet comes first," said Carol Perkins, president and co-founder of Harry Barker, a Charleston, S.C.-based pet toy company whose sales are up 40 percent this year.

Is this also true in your household? Or maybe you've come up with some clever ways of cutting corners but are still able to spoil your pet. Share your tips here.

Tomorrow's yard sales advertised in today's News & Record:

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Sue over at Taking Stock mentions some Friday freebies including getting a free Chex Mix bar, Dunkin Donuts coffee sample and other goodies.