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I'm still figuring out a lot of this new media stuff - like I have created my own Facebook page, and Twitter account, but I haven't figured out how to use them (or more importantly, why),  and I am still getting the hang of text messaging. But on the Bar Abilene website, I found the invitation to "Text the word "Brunch" to 39649 for a SPECIAL BRUNCH OFFER!"  Curiosity got the better of me - and so I did, and found out that if I bring a non-perishable food item along for their $15.95 Sunday champagne brunch, I get my choice of $3.95 off my bill, or a free Bloody Mary. Reservations are required - call 612-825-2525, and use code FS1.

Bar Abilene also reports that their Happy Hour special now includes everything on the menu, half-off, from 4-6 p.m. Monday to Friday. (Note to geezers: Thinking of it as Happy Hour does sound better than thinking of it as the Early Bird special, doesn't it?) At any rate, it's a pretty good deal -  it knocks the price of most of the margaritas and burgers down to under $5, and you can get the fajitas - your choice of chicken, beef, shrimp or Portobello mushroom - for under $8.

Speaking of non-perishable food items, the Red Stag is collecting them, too, to donate to the Salvation Army, now through December 20.  Bring in a can or box, and they'll give you a wooden nickel; good for a free drink anytime. The eco-friendly supper club in Northeast also has its own Cheap Date night: on Tuesdays, they offer two special entrees, a bottle of wine and dessert for $32. That's only $4 more than the Cheap Date Special on Monday nights at the Red Stag's sister restaurant, the Bryant Lake Bowl, (two special entrees, wine or beer and a round of bowling, but no dessert) - and the Red Stag is a lot nicer.