Drew Lawson wrote:

My standard advice for all lawn problems is to rip it out and plant
a garden.

That would depend on the particular property... if you live on a
postage stamp sized city lot you can do that. But I don't need a
larger garden, my vegetable garden is probably larger than your entire
lot.

I develop more disdain for grass with each time I have to mow.

I find mowing very relaxing with A/C, AM/FM Stereo, Power Steering,
Cruise Control, etc., very comfortable:
http://i59.tinypic.com/1e6jb5.jpg
http://i60.tinypic.com/vzel9h.jpg
http://i60.tinypic.com/ei8kd0.jpg