October 21, 2013

Checked out the new neighborhood Walmart grocery store, today.

I boycott Walmart and, with extremely few exceptions, I have done so for decades. But, out of curiosity, I decided to check out their new local grocery store just to see what they offer and how the prices compare to where I usually shop.

The prices weren't any lower, really. Selection was okay. They do offer certified humane, free-range (not just "un-cooped&quot eggs but they run $3.89 for 10--not even a full dozen!

The big "take-away," though, came from my chat with the cashier who told me that her Walmart paycheck qualifies her for WIC assistance. In fact, she wouldn't be able to adequately feed her children without WIC.

So, nothing has changed: Walmart under-pays their workers and we make up the difference. I don't have a problem with helping poor women and their children. I do have a problem with a multi-national behemoth like Walmart not paying their employees a living wage.

So, free-range eggs be damned, I will continue to refuse to enable those fuckers.

October 7, 2013

A family member's Marine fiance didn't get his discharge payout.

He was told that this was due to the shutdown. He will have to wait to receive it before he can come home.

Don't let the anyone get away with saying that the shutdown isn't hurting soldiers. That's a lie.

Say it with me: The Republican shutdown is affecting Americans who agreed to stop bullets for us. It's an epic and shameful breach of promise.

September 3, 2013

When and where did the tradition of Labor Day begin?

According to the folks at www.curious.com:

Happy Labor Day! While most Americans consider Labor Day a homegrown holiday, it actually originated after an American machinist witnessed a national Labour Festival celebration in Toronto, Canada in 1882. It wasn't until 1894 that it became a U.S. holiday. On the heels of the deadly Pullman Strike where federal troops killed over thirty strikers, President Grover Cleveland quickly pushed a Labor Day bill through Congress to try and mend fences with the labor unions. The public didn't buy it, however, as Cleveland failed to even win his own party's nomination, losing the Democratic primary to William Jennings Bryan, largely on populist themes.

August 4, 2013

Has this ever happened to you? Is it a TSA thing?

My family member checked a run-of-the-mill black suitcase through, from Tucson to Dallas, non-stop. When he checked it in at the airport ticket counter, nothing was attached to the bag that would distinguish it, in any way. It was secured with a TSA-approved lock.

When he arrived at Dallas and got to the luggage area, he watched a suitcase like his, but with a red bandanna tied to it, circle the carousel four times before he realized that it had to be his. And it was, in fact, his suitcase. I don't know if it's relevant but his bag arrived right next to a bag of the exact same make, model, and color but one size smaller. The smaller bag was not similarly festooned with a bandanna. He asked a baggage area employee to remove the bandanna from his suitcase. I'm not sure why he felt this was necessary--maybe, because it creeped him out.

Anyway, nothing seems to be missing from his suitcase (he did a brief inspection before putting it in his rental car) but who would have tied a bandanna to his luggage and why???

July 14, 2013

Does anyone remember seeing this old house in Kansas City, Kansas?

I took the picture at least 23 years ago. I don't remember exactly where the house was but it appeared to be abandoned, at the time. Maybe it's not there anymore. I wish I knew. There's something eerie, desolate, about the place. It must have stories. I wonder who built it.

April 7, 2013

Rachel Maddow was in Tucson, tonight.

Centennial Hall at the UofA was packed. I don't believe that one seat was empty. Rachel spoke about her book, Drift, then she answered audience questions that had been pre-selected from an email solicitation that went out to ticketholders.

She's an amazing force.

March 25, 2013

Vegan tofu scramble--any suggestions to change it up?

I sauteed the following ingredients in EVOO:

chopped chard
shredded carrots
black beans
corn
chopped onion and garlic
chopped pecans
chopped red bell pepper
Italian seasoning
tofu (duh)

Then, at the end, I seasoned the whole thing with Teriyaki sauce. All ingredients were fresh except for the corn (frozen) and the beans (canned).

I had it for dinner, tonight, and I'll probably take some to work, tomorrow, along with some tortillas from a little market just north of downtown Tucson.

I think this is one of those dishes that can be endlessly experimented with. What would you add, take away, or change? I'd love some suggestions.

March 17, 2013

Here's a picture....

There is a Spanish or Mexican term for a man who ravishes a beautiful woman and carries her away. Or maybe he rescues her. Or maybe the connotation of the term lies somewhere between "ravisher" and "rescuer." But, for the life of me, I can't remember the word. Any guesses? Here's a picture that illustrates what I'm talking about.

February 16, 2013

Help, please! What's a reasonable alternative to Verizon cellular phone service?

They've held me hostage long enough and I'd like to switch. I need unlimited (if possible) talk, text, and data for me and my son. I'd consider moving over to Credo, if the reception is adequate in my area (Tucson/Southern Arizona) and if the coverage is decent enough to use while traveling.

Any local experience and/or suggestions?

February 10, 2013

Thank you for the heart...you know who you are!

If you reveal yourself via PM, I will keep your secret.