Dental Floss Recycler Named 'Cheapskate of the Year'-2nd Place Man Cools Soft Drinks in Toilet..

Philadelphia Inquirer and Ananova ^ | March 25, 2002 | Ananova Wire Staff

[codebreaker]

A Pennslyvania pensioner who cleans and reuses dental floss has been named the Cheapskate of the Year.

Peter Nowak washes a strip of floss and sterilses it with alcohol after each use for 14 days.

He beat off competition from a man who cools soft drink cans in his toilet tank to win the First Annual Philadelphia Inquirer Cheapskate contest.

The newspaper says the 300 entries had to be 'eye opening,' 'clever,' 'detailed,' and 'legal.'

[codebreaker]

Any freeper ideas for a 'trophy?'

And as for the 'legal' question I'm sure the health department has something to say about that..

[codebreaker]

Runners up were the man who goes to strangers funerals for free food and a family who plugs the shower drain to use the water to flush the toilet.

[lexington minuteman 1775]

now if he sterilzed his dental floss by dunking it in his toilet bowl while he grabbed a coke......THAT would be a cheapskate.BWAHAHAHA!

[codebreaker]

The health implications are mind boggling.

[codebreaker]

Wouldn't the funeral home people catch on after a while, or is this doofus going to private homes?

[marktwain]

What a tease. These people give a couple of useful hints, say that they had maybe 300, then tell us of only a couple more... and thats it!! I am sure there were dozens of usable techniques!

[codebreaker]

I'm going to the Philly Inquirer to find out.

[billorites]

I'm no cheapskate, but...

Cooling beer in the toilet tank is the only way to chill a brew when on the road and staying in a motel.

May not be pretty, but the tank is the "clean side" of the appliance. Besides, I just run the cans under the tap for a second, dry 'em on one of those cheezy motel towels and party on.

You don't think less of me, I hope?

[OldEagle]

It says toilet TANK. That is the part that stores FRESH water for flushing. The problem is that it would likely be at room temperature.

[codebreaker]

You mean in a hotel without a mini fridge?

[codebreaker]

Can't see how the water would be that cold except in winter.

[waterstraat]

I think the guy with the cans in the toilet should have won. Does he remove them before each use?

[Atlas Sneezed]

The toilet tank water is as cold as the water from the tap, if it gets used regularly. Just flush, lush, and dip to chill to ~55 degrees in most parts of the country. If you live in Phoenix, the technique is not recommended.

[dighton]

Inspiration for Mean Sods everywhere.

[Still Thinking]

I get free ice from the ice machine at the hotel, and mix with water in the bathroom sink. Insert brew cans. Much more effective.

[ErnBatavia]

My nomination: The guy that saves up those little condiment packages (relish, catsup, etc) from his McDonald's lunches and then gives them out on Halloween...

[Petronski]

I'd tote a few gallongs of free ice, fill the bathtub with cold water and ice and put the brew in there. Be sure to shower first.

[piasa]

Mix the ice in with the water in the tank instead...

Remember what Bill Clinton does in sinks? A hotel sink is about the least sanitary thing you can find in a Hotel, besides the remote control. The toilet tank, on the other hand, is probably the cleanest.

: )

[Still Thinking]

Thanks for the visual. I think I'm cured.

[UnBubba]

My brother is the cheapest person you will ever meet.

For example, he only puts the hot water heater on for 15 minutes a day (right before a shower). He never pays for a newspaper. He goes to the 7-11 late at night and takes the torn up copies (the first couple of pages) for free. He doesn't buy food. He goes to other people's houses for free meals.

He hasn't purchased clothing or household items in over 10 years. He lets his renters pay all the bills.

Yeah, you guessed it, he's a low life..