Sunday, June 30, 2013
What Happened To My Russians?
I considered my post as a good thing for you. Hope I didn't make you upset.
Picky
I have found that a lot of the young people now are very picky. Not picky however on their own actions but for what they want. Epicureans if you will. My faithful old American Heritage dictionary defines Epicurians as "devoted to the pusuit of pleasure, fond of good food, comfort and ease. hedonistic".
In fact when I was at the dentist three weeks ago I skimmed through an article in Time magazine about just that. They are living with parents, a parent or gaurdian longer. They are not motivated to move up in the employment world. Part time is good enough. Seeking full time employment that may entail a sizable effort is beyond the pail. As long as we have our smartphones, money to buy prepared food, and a job that doesn't take up too much of our life or energy.
It took a thousand years to perfect an agrarian lifestyle. Within the last twenty years we have reverted to hunters and gatherers. My generation is probably the root of the problem. Spoiled by Depression Generation parents who were determined that their kids weren't going to go through what they did. A serious economic depression, World War 2, Korea and Vietnam. My generation was not going to have to go through these hardships.
So we for the most part had things that previous generations only dreamed of. Luxuries, choices, easy food (groceries not gardens and farm animals). Get married. Get divorced. No big deal. So what if there may be a kid or two envolved. Grandma and Grandpa will surely help. I have my own life. Got to get back out there. Have some partying to do. I can't let all this previous stuff hold me back. After all I have my life. These were not options to most previous generations.
This created an economic boom for certain sectors. Divorced. Now two homes, automobiles and jobs are needed. So that makes twice as many appliances, license plates, insurance policies, electric bills, telephone bills etc. Plus courts and attorneys made a mint too. Bars and clubs too. Because if I have a life I sure am not going to spend it at home with my kids. In many cases the courts and attorneys made money again. I made money too. As every fresh divorcee needed a sporty car.
In the best case scenario the wife had a slug (ex) who paid the child support. She could get a little job and carry on. Easy credit let the ex husband to keep on spending. Children figure this out at a young age. Ping Ponged between the parents for custody weekends. Let's see, I can milk mom for this. I can milk dad for that. Then I can tell dad mom is out and about. I can tell mom daddy bought a new car and has a neat young girlfreind.
Many years ago if you got a girl pregnant you got married. Hopefully before she started showing. In many cases there was what was called a shotgun wedding. You are responsible for your actions and will carry on as has to be.
Now this clever next generation has it figured out. As in their childhood the McDonalds Happy Meal is no longer cutting the mustard. Let's see. I can get pregnant. Get Section 8 housing, a free phone (which I think they are getting an upgrade), WIC, SNAP (food stamps), utility assance, Medicad and carry on.
I think there should be a limit on benifits. Everybody can make a mistake. If a low wage earning family has another child their boss don't automatically give them a raise in pay. They have to learn to live within the income they already have. No free stuff. Well you have one. Figure out how to make it on the same amount with two. Bet you won't have three!
I think that as a nation we need to step up to the pump. In the old days only the winners received the trophy. Losers did not get anything. And do not get offened. Political correct is incorrect. Correct is correct.
In fact when I was at the dentist three weeks ago I skimmed through an article in Time magazine about just that. They are living with parents, a parent or gaurdian longer. They are not motivated to move up in the employment world. Part time is good enough. Seeking full time employment that may entail a sizable effort is beyond the pail. As long as we have our smartphones, money to buy prepared food, and a job that doesn't take up too much of our life or energy.
It took a thousand years to perfect an agrarian lifestyle. Within the last twenty years we have reverted to hunters and gatherers. My generation is probably the root of the problem. Spoiled by Depression Generation parents who were determined that their kids weren't going to go through what they did. A serious economic depression, World War 2, Korea and Vietnam. My generation was not going to have to go through these hardships.
So we for the most part had things that previous generations only dreamed of. Luxuries, choices, easy food (groceries not gardens and farm animals). Get married. Get divorced. No big deal. So what if there may be a kid or two envolved. Grandma and Grandpa will surely help. I have my own life. Got to get back out there. Have some partying to do. I can't let all this previous stuff hold me back. After all I have my life. These were not options to most previous generations.
This created an economic boom for certain sectors. Divorced. Now two homes, automobiles and jobs are needed. So that makes twice as many appliances, license plates, insurance policies, electric bills, telephone bills etc. Plus courts and attorneys made a mint too. Bars and clubs too. Because if I have a life I sure am not going to spend it at home with my kids. In many cases the courts and attorneys made money again. I made money too. As every fresh divorcee needed a sporty car.
In the best case scenario the wife had a slug (ex) who paid the child support. She could get a little job and carry on. Easy credit let the ex husband to keep on spending. Children figure this out at a young age. Ping Ponged between the parents for custody weekends. Let's see, I can milk mom for this. I can milk dad for that. Then I can tell dad mom is out and about. I can tell mom daddy bought a new car and has a neat young girlfreind.
Many years ago if you got a girl pregnant you got married. Hopefully before she started showing. In many cases there was what was called a shotgun wedding. You are responsible for your actions and will carry on as has to be.
Now this clever next generation has it figured out. As in their childhood the McDonalds Happy Meal is no longer cutting the mustard. Let's see. I can get pregnant. Get Section 8 housing, a free phone (which I think they are getting an upgrade), WIC, SNAP (food stamps), utility assance, Medicad and carry on.
I think there should be a limit on benifits. Everybody can make a mistake. If a low wage earning family has another child their boss don't automatically give them a raise in pay. They have to learn to live within the income they already have. No free stuff. Well you have one. Figure out how to make it on the same amount with two. Bet you won't have three!
I think that as a nation we need to step up to the pump. In the old days only the winners received the trophy. Losers did not get anything. And do not get offened. Political correct is incorrect. Correct is correct.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Duck Inn
It has closed now but there was a favorite bar I loved. It was called the Duck Inn. It was owned and operated by Hoyt Stone. He gave me the oppurtunity to purchase it from him in 1982. For $285,000. Owner financed. Should have taken him up on that deal.
It was a nice little neighborhood bar in the east side of Evansville, Indiana. The lunchtime food trade was excellent. As they had a "plate lunch" every week day. In my off-times I would even help them in the kitchen. The Duck Inn had a three-way liquor license. They could sell beer and wine. Also package liquor and by the drink. Also a Sunday license. In Indiana this is a big deal. You had to gross over $300,000 in food sales to be open on Sundays. Of which there is no carry-out on Sundays. Which I consider fair. Indiana is a really cool, low profile state.
The lunch crowd would be awsome. With very good food at a resonable price. No more than $5 out the door. Burgers, fries, fish, schrimp, chicken, pork chops. You name it. It also became my santuary. As I graduated from college in 1982. A bad economy.
I would meet with my freinds there early in the morning. They had WTBS on the TV. We would watch Hazel, Green Acres and I Dream of Jeani waiting on the 10:05 movie to come on. What a good time.
It was a nice little neighborhood bar in the east side of Evansville, Indiana. The lunchtime food trade was excellent. As they had a "plate lunch" every week day. In my off-times I would even help them in the kitchen. The Duck Inn had a three-way liquor license. They could sell beer and wine. Also package liquor and by the drink. Also a Sunday license. In Indiana this is a big deal. You had to gross over $300,000 in food sales to be open on Sundays. Of which there is no carry-out on Sundays. Which I consider fair. Indiana is a really cool, low profile state.
The lunch crowd would be awsome. With very good food at a resonable price. No more than $5 out the door. Burgers, fries, fish, schrimp, chicken, pork chops. You name it. It also became my santuary. As I graduated from college in 1982. A bad economy.
I would meet with my freinds there early in the morning. They had WTBS on the TV. We would watch Hazel, Green Acres and I Dream of Jeani waiting on the 10:05 movie to come on. What a good time.
Russians
I say that I like Russians and I guess they like me. As they are the second largest audience for my blog. Russia covers one-sixth of the world. Big country. Russia and the United States go back a long way. They dispatched a fleet to San Francisco in the Civil War. We bought Alaska from Russia.
I do however find it funny that Russia was our ally in World War 2. Then they became our "enemy". I guess China too. While our "enemies", Germany and Japan became best "freinds". Confusing to me. But I am not all that smart anyway.
For some reason the Germans had the edge on technology. America, Russia, England had some hot stuff in the twenties and thirties too. After World War 2 the East and West split Europe into two spheres of influance. There was a big race to grab the technology that Germany already had. If all this effort was put into bettering lives. How much time, money and lives would have been saved?
I would say that the average person in the world pretty much wants and does the same thing. I do not feel that any one group feels much different from another. Facts are facts.
As a kid in the sixties we where shown all these bad things about the East and the Iron Curtain etc. What a backward and ugly place it was. Well have you taken a good look at the US? Not too pretty either. Have you seen pictures of New York City in the sixties. A ugly mess. What did Moscow look like? Neat and clean or a mess too?
If you look at the old, old movies. Most of the directors, produceers, actors were from the East. Did you know that William Shatner (Captain Kirk) is Hungarian and Polish? Lenard Nimoy (Spock) is of Russian? Kirk Douglass and Burt Lancaster too.
How about music? Russia produced Tchaikovsky. The United States, Hank Williams. At one time most of Europes royalty were related. Ferdinard of Germany referred to his cousin Catherine in Russia as the slut of the north. They were all related. We as common people just need to be happyy with what we have and try to do a good job.
I used to work with a woman who was from Hungary. So I am thinking that they do not have cars, grocery stores, electric for the masses or much of anything. Some kind of Mideaval existence. She looked at me like I was some sort of an idiot. They had and did pretty much the same things we do.
Russia's KGB kept a tight reign on the public. Does the US not do the same thing? NSA, FBI. All coutries do. Bottom line is that we are not all that diffferent.
I do however find it funny that Russia was our ally in World War 2. Then they became our "enemy". I guess China too. While our "enemies", Germany and Japan became best "freinds". Confusing to me. But I am not all that smart anyway.
For some reason the Germans had the edge on technology. America, Russia, England had some hot stuff in the twenties and thirties too. After World War 2 the East and West split Europe into two spheres of influance. There was a big race to grab the technology that Germany already had. If all this effort was put into bettering lives. How much time, money and lives would have been saved?
I would say that the average person in the world pretty much wants and does the same thing. I do not feel that any one group feels much different from another. Facts are facts.
As a kid in the sixties we where shown all these bad things about the East and the Iron Curtain etc. What a backward and ugly place it was. Well have you taken a good look at the US? Not too pretty either. Have you seen pictures of New York City in the sixties. A ugly mess. What did Moscow look like? Neat and clean or a mess too?
If you look at the old, old movies. Most of the directors, produceers, actors were from the East. Did you know that William Shatner (Captain Kirk) is Hungarian and Polish? Lenard Nimoy (Spock) is of Russian? Kirk Douglass and Burt Lancaster too.
How about music? Russia produced Tchaikovsky. The United States, Hank Williams. At one time most of Europes royalty were related. Ferdinard of Germany referred to his cousin Catherine in Russia as the slut of the north. They were all related. We as common people just need to be happyy with what we have and try to do a good job.
I used to work with a woman who was from Hungary. So I am thinking that they do not have cars, grocery stores, electric for the masses or much of anything. Some kind of Mideaval existence. She looked at me like I was some sort of an idiot. They had and did pretty much the same things we do.
Russia's KGB kept a tight reign on the public. Does the US not do the same thing? NSA, FBI. All coutries do. Bottom line is that we are not all that diffferent.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Walmart
One of my favorite stores at this point in time is Walmart. For the most part they carry everything that I need. As far as groceries go I feel that I work at a better supermarket as far as quality, selection and service. But we are a supermarket. Not a big box store. That out of the way.
Most of the automobile things I need are availible at Walmart. Manitaniance items. Wiper blades, cleaning products. etc. I can get my oil changed and tires rotated while doing other shopping. As a bicycle commuter Walmart carries many of the basic products that are needed to maintain a bicycle. Over the past several years they have expanded their selction to be a viable choice for manitaining your bike. They do of course sell bicycles too. Bought a couple there several years ago. Did not really give them a chance to see if they would stand up as one was wrecked and the other stolen. I did however think that I seen the stolen one many miles from where I live. The reason I think it was my old bike was the tail light. Which I bought on Ebay and not seen in any local stores. So Walmart is good for basic car maintainance and many bicyle products.
Clothing. Having to wear dress clothes years ago I liked Lands End, Jos. A. Bank, JC Penny, Kuppenhiiemers and also Rodes (in Louisville), Bacrachs (Evansville and Chicago). Now without any need for dress clothes I can find everything I need at Walmart. Mostly undergarments, socks and work clothes. I can actually use their brand on work shoes now. As any shoe that is called slip resistant is accepted by my company. Getting them wet everyday causes them to fall apart quickly in my job. If I could keep them dry they may hold up better. As far as jeans, shirts, and other clothing I can still wear jeans from 1978. As I do not wear heavy clothes. My shirt and jean supply will probably last the rest of my life.
Hardware and tools. I have always liked Craftsman tools by Sears. I had a nice big Craftsman tool chest on wheels. Gave it to my neighbor when I moved to Florida. Have found everything I need to get my little jobs done at Walmart. Stanley tools I think. Not the best. But good enough. Having being able to find most of the hardware items I need. Good enough too. Sometimes you just have to go to Ace to find the little odds and ends.
Electronics. My last four televisions are from Walmart. Nothing special. Just TV's. Now they even have computers, phones and games. So many accessories, cleaners etc. Most everything I would have to go to Radio Shack for. Radio Shack used to be a favorite store. All the little stereo, electronic, musical things, wires, pliars, other tools, parts, speakers, recievers, tape decks (tape decks?), turn taples, CD players. All the stuff I liked. it had that Radio Shack smell. Radio Shacks Mach One and Minimus 7 speakers were amoung the best I ever owned. Now Radio Shack is just like another phone store. No need to go there any more.
Cleaning Products. Bathroom, kitchen, laundry, floor and other cleaning products. I like my store brand laundry detergent. I seems to do a good job. You can pay $10 for tide or $1 for an off brand. Tide may be much better. But $9 better? Somewhere in between is probably good enough. As Walmart is getting away from their Great Value and their prices have rised. My store is close on a lot of these prices. Walmart is losing ground on many of these staples. A Dollar Tree has many basic things that you can shop between my store and Walmart and come out ahead.
Groceries. With the demise of the Great Value products I see that my store is close in price with many of the basic staples that one would buy. Our store bland products are high in quality and beat most other name brand prices. Our two fors and buy one get one free offsets most better prices at other chains including Walmart. Without Great Value our house products are just as good of better then name brands and saves money.
Meats. I do not buy too many pre-packaged meats or cheeses. I usually get them from the deli I work at. I can estimate the amount I will need. If I can get it close I cut down on waste and have fresh products. Buying as I need. I also like our meat department. I can see the people cutting the meat. For the most part it doesn't come in already packaged.
Produce. Nothing too stellar here. Just a decent selection and not anything special price wise. It seems most produce prices have and are rising.
Household, kitchen, bath, small appliances. Seems to have all the selection that I want or need. A as good as of price. Better than the mall stores.
Customer service. I am not the king of Siam. I do not expect anyone to tumble for me. It is a mixed bag at Walmart. I have seen people run if they think you may have a question or concern. Today I have two people ask me if I needed help within three minutes. Maybe they thought I was shplifting or something. But they did ask if I needed any assistance (maybe because I was limping).
Credit. Walmart gave me a credit card. Has came in a pinch. My company does not extend credit. Why open up Pandora's Box?
All in all it is was it is. I can find a lot of things that I cannot at my own store. In the beginning Walmart came to my little hick town in southern Indiana. It was something new. They sold these cheap jeans that I could wear to work. DC's I think. Cheap two dollar watch. Eventually ran off a lot of local mon and pop business. Then they are a monster.
I work at a better grocery store. But we do not sell clothing.tools or bike parts. Why are people always cutting on Walmart. They are good for what they do. I do not see them being mean to their employees. Maybe they are behind closed doors. If they don't want to work there then quit. I do not see them a a bad guy in retailing. If you have an issue with Walmart or any other store. Do the old fashioned thing. Don't go there any more. Go some where else.
Most of the automobile things I need are availible at Walmart. Manitaniance items. Wiper blades, cleaning products. etc. I can get my oil changed and tires rotated while doing other shopping. As a bicycle commuter Walmart carries many of the basic products that are needed to maintain a bicycle. Over the past several years they have expanded their selction to be a viable choice for manitaining your bike. They do of course sell bicycles too. Bought a couple there several years ago. Did not really give them a chance to see if they would stand up as one was wrecked and the other stolen. I did however think that I seen the stolen one many miles from where I live. The reason I think it was my old bike was the tail light. Which I bought on Ebay and not seen in any local stores. So Walmart is good for basic car maintainance and many bicyle products.
Clothing. Having to wear dress clothes years ago I liked Lands End, Jos. A. Bank, JC Penny, Kuppenhiiemers and also Rodes (in Louisville), Bacrachs (Evansville and Chicago). Now without any need for dress clothes I can find everything I need at Walmart. Mostly undergarments, socks and work clothes. I can actually use their brand on work shoes now. As any shoe that is called slip resistant is accepted by my company. Getting them wet everyday causes them to fall apart quickly in my job. If I could keep them dry they may hold up better. As far as jeans, shirts, and other clothing I can still wear jeans from 1978. As I do not wear heavy clothes. My shirt and jean supply will probably last the rest of my life.
Hardware and tools. I have always liked Craftsman tools by Sears. I had a nice big Craftsman tool chest on wheels. Gave it to my neighbor when I moved to Florida. Have found everything I need to get my little jobs done at Walmart. Stanley tools I think. Not the best. But good enough. Having being able to find most of the hardware items I need. Good enough too. Sometimes you just have to go to Ace to find the little odds and ends.
Electronics. My last four televisions are from Walmart. Nothing special. Just TV's. Now they even have computers, phones and games. So many accessories, cleaners etc. Most everything I would have to go to Radio Shack for. Radio Shack used to be a favorite store. All the little stereo, electronic, musical things, wires, pliars, other tools, parts, speakers, recievers, tape decks (tape decks?), turn taples, CD players. All the stuff I liked. it had that Radio Shack smell. Radio Shacks Mach One and Minimus 7 speakers were amoung the best I ever owned. Now Radio Shack is just like another phone store. No need to go there any more.
Cleaning Products. Bathroom, kitchen, laundry, floor and other cleaning products. I like my store brand laundry detergent. I seems to do a good job. You can pay $10 for tide or $1 for an off brand. Tide may be much better. But $9 better? Somewhere in between is probably good enough. As Walmart is getting away from their Great Value and their prices have rised. My store is close on a lot of these prices. Walmart is losing ground on many of these staples. A Dollar Tree has many basic things that you can shop between my store and Walmart and come out ahead.
Groceries. With the demise of the Great Value products I see that my store is close in price with many of the basic staples that one would buy. Our store bland products are high in quality and beat most other name brand prices. Our two fors and buy one get one free offsets most better prices at other chains including Walmart. Without Great Value our house products are just as good of better then name brands and saves money.
Meats. I do not buy too many pre-packaged meats or cheeses. I usually get them from the deli I work at. I can estimate the amount I will need. If I can get it close I cut down on waste and have fresh products. Buying as I need. I also like our meat department. I can see the people cutting the meat. For the most part it doesn't come in already packaged.
Produce. Nothing too stellar here. Just a decent selection and not anything special price wise. It seems most produce prices have and are rising.
Household, kitchen, bath, small appliances. Seems to have all the selection that I want or need. A as good as of price. Better than the mall stores.
Customer service. I am not the king of Siam. I do not expect anyone to tumble for me. It is a mixed bag at Walmart. I have seen people run if they think you may have a question or concern. Today I have two people ask me if I needed help within three minutes. Maybe they thought I was shplifting or something. But they did ask if I needed any assistance (maybe because I was limping).
Credit. Walmart gave me a credit card. Has came in a pinch. My company does not extend credit. Why open up Pandora's Box?
All in all it is was it is. I can find a lot of things that I cannot at my own store. In the beginning Walmart came to my little hick town in southern Indiana. It was something new. They sold these cheap jeans that I could wear to work. DC's I think. Cheap two dollar watch. Eventually ran off a lot of local mon and pop business. Then they are a monster.
I work at a better grocery store. But we do not sell clothing.tools or bike parts. Why are people always cutting on Walmart. They are good for what they do. I do not see them being mean to their employees. Maybe they are behind closed doors. If they don't want to work there then quit. I do not see them a a bad guy in retailing. If you have an issue with Walmart or any other store. Do the old fashioned thing. Don't go there any more. Go some where else.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Did I Give Up My Manhood Geting A Compact Sedan?
As several years going by as a bicycle commuter I have lost interest in automobiles. At best they are an appliance. Nothing else. Like a refrigerator, washing machine, etc. I have and see people that have the car make the person. Or a car that projects a facade that an individual wants to project. Like clothing to a certain extent.
Several months ago I traded in a 1989 Cheverolet S10 Blazer 4x4 I bought new in 1989. I traded in a 1982 Volvo 240. I held on to the Blazer for all these years. Having several cars and motorcycles in between. Used Honda Accords, '87 BMW 320, Ford Taurus. Then after getting tired of repairs started buying low end Chevy S10 pickups. You know, 4 cylinder sticks etc. Basic with warranty. Good enough.
Did the middle age crisis thing. Got a new Mazda Miata. A really great car. Thought that was going to make me the mac-daddy that every girl would want to go for a ride in. Just like the Harley-Davidson (not)!
So my only fossil fuel burning ride reverted to the '89 Blazer. I was comfortable with that. It was clean and looked good. My father helped me get it in good mechanical condition. I got it looking new. Everything worked. Just like new. Didn't even drive it much. People however put that Blazer with me. Everytime I would stop somewhere they would say that is nice. What year is it? Then I would break into a pride in ownership speech.
As time went on little things started failing. The radio. The power windows. The air conditioning. The heater core. It got to the point where the thing thing would still roll, but with these problems. I do not have the cash to fix all these problems. So I thought I may need to try to buy something different.
Getting on the internet finding a small sedan. Ending up with a Nissan Sentra. Good enough. the first day I drove it to work eveerybody wondered what happened to my Blazer. I just can't picture you in a small car. fact is I like my small car. got an automatic so my mother could drive it if need be.
In fact I like a small car. Not a big stud truck. The trucks that I had were small and not big stud trucks. But when you have a truck, any truck people want you to help them move things or borrow it. The small car takes that out of the picture. Just a ride when I need it. Cheap to insure. Cheap on gas. No big stud mobile.
Are you personifyed buy your ride?
Several months ago I traded in a 1989 Cheverolet S10 Blazer 4x4 I bought new in 1989. I traded in a 1982 Volvo 240. I held on to the Blazer for all these years. Having several cars and motorcycles in between. Used Honda Accords, '87 BMW 320, Ford Taurus. Then after getting tired of repairs started buying low end Chevy S10 pickups. You know, 4 cylinder sticks etc. Basic with warranty. Good enough.
Did the middle age crisis thing. Got a new Mazda Miata. A really great car. Thought that was going to make me the mac-daddy that every girl would want to go for a ride in. Just like the Harley-Davidson (not)!
So my only fossil fuel burning ride reverted to the '89 Blazer. I was comfortable with that. It was clean and looked good. My father helped me get it in good mechanical condition. I got it looking new. Everything worked. Just like new. Didn't even drive it much. People however put that Blazer with me. Everytime I would stop somewhere they would say that is nice. What year is it? Then I would break into a pride in ownership speech.
As time went on little things started failing. The radio. The power windows. The air conditioning. The heater core. It got to the point where the thing thing would still roll, but with these problems. I do not have the cash to fix all these problems. So I thought I may need to try to buy something different.
Getting on the internet finding a small sedan. Ending up with a Nissan Sentra. Good enough. the first day I drove it to work eveerybody wondered what happened to my Blazer. I just can't picture you in a small car. fact is I like my small car. got an automatic so my mother could drive it if need be.
In fact I like a small car. Not a big stud truck. The trucks that I had were small and not big stud trucks. But when you have a truck, any truck people want you to help them move things or borrow it. The small car takes that out of the picture. Just a ride when I need it. Cheap to insure. Cheap on gas. No big stud mobile.
Are you personifyed buy your ride?
Monday, June 17, 2013
Haircut
Do you go to a barbershop or salon to get your hair done? I do not. Saves me $20 per month. In the old days I would faithfully go to George Green's on Tippieconoe off Green River Road in Evansville Indiana. George was the bomb. Sometimes he would cut (or style) my hair. Or I would get the current hottie that he had working with him.
Even when I moved to Louisville I would drive to George to get my hair cut. Usually made about a hundred dollar plus trip. But I did get to visit a few friends so it was worth it. I haven't developed that relationship with any one barber here. So I just cut my own hair. Not much to work with anyway. As I am old and ugly.
I was going to Walmart to get a haircut. $20 a pop spending upwards to thirty minutes waiting to be in the chair for five minutes. Two haircuts will easly pay for an electric hair clipper. If you are not worried about being too fancy you will save time and money.
Even when I moved to Louisville I would drive to George to get my hair cut. Usually made about a hundred dollar plus trip. But I did get to visit a few friends so it was worth it. I haven't developed that relationship with any one barber here. So I just cut my own hair. Not much to work with anyway. As I am old and ugly.
I was going to Walmart to get a haircut. $20 a pop spending upwards to thirty minutes waiting to be in the chair for five minutes. Two haircuts will easly pay for an electric hair clipper. If you are not worried about being too fancy you will save time and money.
Everything Electric (electronic)?
I am truely amazed at the infrastructure we have. All the things that we take for granted. I am thinking about gasoline, electric and even mail.
Everywhere you look. Everywhere you go you see cars, trucks and motorcyles. They all use fuel. You would think that with all those vehicles you would see a constant stream of fuel tankers on the road. But I hardly see them. Do you?
As I buy a lot of stuff on Ebay. I am truely inpressed with the US Postal Service. When I see that something is being shipped Fed Ex or UPS I think a slow pain. Will take forever. The same goes for shipping with these venues. Slow and expensive. USPS is the best in my book for shipping, receiving, cost and service. When I sell things on Ebay it is worth the trip the the Post Office.
Then comes electricity. It has been around for a long time. Actually since the 1840's or 1850's when they started using telgraphs. The railroads started using electric signals in the 1870's. Big cities started getting electifyed in the 1880's and 1890's. A contrast to rural areas. When my father was born (at home) they still used kerosene for light. Coal for heating and cooking. They had no telephone. Still made it. Food had to either be fresh or preserved. Meats were fresh, smoked or pickled to be preserved. Vegatables were either fresh or canned. Canning means cooking them to a point that they could be put in a Mason jar to be used at a later date. Not many vegatables growing in the northern winter. There was also cold weather crops to dine on like cabbage. Even as late as World War 2 people survived on cabbage. As the United Kingdom when Germany had them cut off from most trade.
Now elctricity is almost everywhere. Your TV and computer have to have elctricity to work. Bottom line. As does your refrgerator. The microwave and stove too. I really have to hand it to the power companies to keep up. In the land line days the telephone companies relied upon storage batteries to make their system work. They used power off the grid to keep the batteries charged. Therefore when the household current was disrupted you still had telephone service. Most had their own generators to maintain the charge in the event of power failure.
Like money, most of us need electricity. Everybody can't just burn wood or coal for things. So ultimately electricity is a greener method. But do you have to use so much electricity? You can probably cut back somewhere. I remember one time twenty years ago I faced my humidifier into my de-humdifier to watch them fight it out. A great laugh at the party that was going on but a great waste. My electric bill runs between tewnty-five and fifty dollars a month. Others that live in the same size apartment have reported a hundred dollars and up. For the same space. Why?
At one time everything was hand or mechanically operated. All the old great buildings were made in this way. The next great thing will be mechanical devices. You can buy an electronic watch for a dollar. A Rolex or Cartier costs thousands. They are mechaical. At one time clocks, can openers, drills, screwdrivers, hammers, watches, bikes, shavers, sweepers, irons, toys, games, phonograghs (record players or sound systems), mixers, dusters, pencil sharpeners (what's a pencil sharpener?), dictionaries, encyclopedias, other books, tablets, lighters, grills etc. You get the picture.
So be green. Drive your gasoline powered Suburu to the market. Get some organic vegatables. Don't use plastic bags.
Everywhere you look. Everywhere you go you see cars, trucks and motorcyles. They all use fuel. You would think that with all those vehicles you would see a constant stream of fuel tankers on the road. But I hardly see them. Do you?
As I buy a lot of stuff on Ebay. I am truely inpressed with the US Postal Service. When I see that something is being shipped Fed Ex or UPS I think a slow pain. Will take forever. The same goes for shipping with these venues. Slow and expensive. USPS is the best in my book for shipping, receiving, cost and service. When I sell things on Ebay it is worth the trip the the Post Office.
Then comes electricity. It has been around for a long time. Actually since the 1840's or 1850's when they started using telgraphs. The railroads started using electric signals in the 1870's. Big cities started getting electifyed in the 1880's and 1890's. A contrast to rural areas. When my father was born (at home) they still used kerosene for light. Coal for heating and cooking. They had no telephone. Still made it. Food had to either be fresh or preserved. Meats were fresh, smoked or pickled to be preserved. Vegatables were either fresh or canned. Canning means cooking them to a point that they could be put in a Mason jar to be used at a later date. Not many vegatables growing in the northern winter. There was also cold weather crops to dine on like cabbage. Even as late as World War 2 people survived on cabbage. As the United Kingdom when Germany had them cut off from most trade.
Now elctricity is almost everywhere. Your TV and computer have to have elctricity to work. Bottom line. As does your refrgerator. The microwave and stove too. I really have to hand it to the power companies to keep up. In the land line days the telephone companies relied upon storage batteries to make their system work. They used power off the grid to keep the batteries charged. Therefore when the household current was disrupted you still had telephone service. Most had their own generators to maintain the charge in the event of power failure.
Like money, most of us need electricity. Everybody can't just burn wood or coal for things. So ultimately electricity is a greener method. But do you have to use so much electricity? You can probably cut back somewhere. I remember one time twenty years ago I faced my humidifier into my de-humdifier to watch them fight it out. A great laugh at the party that was going on but a great waste. My electric bill runs between tewnty-five and fifty dollars a month. Others that live in the same size apartment have reported a hundred dollars and up. For the same space. Why?
At one time everything was hand or mechanically operated. All the old great buildings were made in this way. The next great thing will be mechanical devices. You can buy an electronic watch for a dollar. A Rolex or Cartier costs thousands. They are mechaical. At one time clocks, can openers, drills, screwdrivers, hammers, watches, bikes, shavers, sweepers, irons, toys, games, phonograghs (record players or sound systems), mixers, dusters, pencil sharpeners (what's a pencil sharpener?), dictionaries, encyclopedias, other books, tablets, lighters, grills etc. You get the picture.
So be green. Drive your gasoline powered Suburu to the market. Get some organic vegatables. Don't use plastic bags.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Preparing Inexpensive Meals At Home
Our spending on food is one of our larger expenses. As it should be. You know, food shelter and clothing. The amount you spend on food can have a large swing depending upon how and where you eat. Also of course what you eat. Do you eat at home all the time and packing your lunch for work? Do you eat out all the time? Do you mix it up?
Our focus here is on home cooking. Even as I cook for a living I like to cook at home when I can. This will be a meat and potato thing. Not vegatatrian. As I am not one. That may be a good direction to go in in the future. Just like I need to quit smoking!
As far as I can tell most meats have simular nutritional values. Not exact, but close. Your premium cuts of beef have the best taste. That is why they are premium. Heat and eat. Good taste. The lower priced cuts (notice I didn't say cheap) are lower in fat content. Making them tough if you cook them fast like on a grill. Have you ever heard the addage, tougher than a two dollar steak?
When our store has a sale on London broil, sirloin, round steak or chuck I will usually buy it. They are usually packaged in larger portions than I can use at any one time. Then cut them into 8 ounce cuts. Cutting them with the grain. Put them in freezer bags. This is a modular approach. Take out as many 8 ounce portions as needed.
The key to making this meat tender is marinading, dry seasoning and slow cooking. A little planning ahead is needed for a wet marinade. I have found that dry works and a little wet too from freezer to skillet. Take the meat form the freezer. Put it in an iron skillett on low heat with a lid. Apply your wet or dry seasoning. You have to give youself some time. But not as long as you may think. Again this is for beef.
Pork, chicken and seafood have a simular process. But I found these work best is completely thawed out.
Side dishes are easy too. Potatoes can be baked, fried or boiled. Again seasoning is what brings out a different taste in potatoes. Even the instant mashed taste good in a pinch. Side vegatables come fresh, frozen or canned. I tend to waste fresh unless used quickly. A side salad I make with cucumber, tomatoes and onions is good. I will last about a week. Slice the onions, tomatoes and cucumbers. put them in oil and apple cder vinagar. Put in fridge for a while. A nice side.
Most of these things can be done while you are doing something else. After preparation you do not have to sit and stare at them while they are cooking. Again cook slow and season. You will be rewarded.
Our focus here is on home cooking. Even as I cook for a living I like to cook at home when I can. This will be a meat and potato thing. Not vegatatrian. As I am not one. That may be a good direction to go in in the future. Just like I need to quit smoking!
As far as I can tell most meats have simular nutritional values. Not exact, but close. Your premium cuts of beef have the best taste. That is why they are premium. Heat and eat. Good taste. The lower priced cuts (notice I didn't say cheap) are lower in fat content. Making them tough if you cook them fast like on a grill. Have you ever heard the addage, tougher than a two dollar steak?
When our store has a sale on London broil, sirloin, round steak or chuck I will usually buy it. They are usually packaged in larger portions than I can use at any one time. Then cut them into 8 ounce cuts. Cutting them with the grain. Put them in freezer bags. This is a modular approach. Take out as many 8 ounce portions as needed.
The key to making this meat tender is marinading, dry seasoning and slow cooking. A little planning ahead is needed for a wet marinade. I have found that dry works and a little wet too from freezer to skillet. Take the meat form the freezer. Put it in an iron skillett on low heat with a lid. Apply your wet or dry seasoning. You have to give youself some time. But not as long as you may think. Again this is for beef.
Pork, chicken and seafood have a simular process. But I found these work best is completely thawed out.
Side dishes are easy too. Potatoes can be baked, fried or boiled. Again seasoning is what brings out a different taste in potatoes. Even the instant mashed taste good in a pinch. Side vegatables come fresh, frozen or canned. I tend to waste fresh unless used quickly. A side salad I make with cucumber, tomatoes and onions is good. I will last about a week. Slice the onions, tomatoes and cucumbers. put them in oil and apple cder vinagar. Put in fridge for a while. A nice side.
Most of these things can be done while you are doing something else. After preparation you do not have to sit and stare at them while they are cooking. Again cook slow and season. You will be rewarded.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Wasting Money - What Is Wasting Money?
The great old film actor and comedian W.C. Fields said in an interview that he wasted half his money. He said " I spent half of my money on women, booze and gambling and wasted the rest". So I guess waste is in the eye of the beholder if you take his point of view. May his point of view is correct. After you satisfy your commitments. What you do with any (if any) is up to you.
Whether you make your own money, hit a lottery or are a trust fund baby. You have to have money. Or at least a negotiable instrument. So you take your money. Make you basic needs and if you are lucky have some left. A lot that would go into that decision are your liabilites (children, debt). Your lifestyle. How long do you plan to live? I see older people that look good and in good health. I see younger people that look very rough. Then there are the ones in the middle. Where do you fit?
How much money you have to deal with makes all the difference on where you live, what you drive (if you do), how you dress, what you eat, how you spend your leisure time, habits, and whatever you what to add to the list. In other words what you do with your disposible income is your business. Do you want to live a long time with a lot of money in the bank? Hobbing into the store and doctors office. Do you want to be a James Dean and live fast?
I do not even want to think of all the money I wasted. Or even what I waste now. But I should. At this juncture fairly comfortable would be the best outcome. I would really have to bear down to acheive this point.
Then there are the people who at a young age started saving. By themselves or part of a company plan that put them in a better position to save. They can build us a nest egg that will get them through the rest of their lives. While those of us who have not will continue to live hand to mouth for the rest of our lives. There is an old saying that goes "if I had thought I would have lived this long I would have taken better care of myself".
In most cases we have no one to blame but ourselves. Do you want to have fun and be wild when you are young? Do you want to scrimp and save during those years finding something to pass the free time in a more frugal fashion? Then live in a comfortable fashion later. You cannot have both. If you find that out soon enough you may come out OK.
If you have Social Security, a pention, some savings, and a small job you may make it. When you look at people you can pretty much size up how they lived. It is called cause and effect. Like any action. Reep what you sow. At any rate. It is a tough road. Make your own call.
Whether you make your own money, hit a lottery or are a trust fund baby. You have to have money. Or at least a negotiable instrument. So you take your money. Make you basic needs and if you are lucky have some left. A lot that would go into that decision are your liabilites (children, debt). Your lifestyle. How long do you plan to live? I see older people that look good and in good health. I see younger people that look very rough. Then there are the ones in the middle. Where do you fit?
How much money you have to deal with makes all the difference on where you live, what you drive (if you do), how you dress, what you eat, how you spend your leisure time, habits, and whatever you what to add to the list. In other words what you do with your disposible income is your business. Do you want to live a long time with a lot of money in the bank? Hobbing into the store and doctors office. Do you want to be a James Dean and live fast?
I do not even want to think of all the money I wasted. Or even what I waste now. But I should. At this juncture fairly comfortable would be the best outcome. I would really have to bear down to acheive this point.
Then there are the people who at a young age started saving. By themselves or part of a company plan that put them in a better position to save. They can build us a nest egg that will get them through the rest of their lives. While those of us who have not will continue to live hand to mouth for the rest of our lives. There is an old saying that goes "if I had thought I would have lived this long I would have taken better care of myself".
In most cases we have no one to blame but ourselves. Do you want to have fun and be wild when you are young? Do you want to scrimp and save during those years finding something to pass the free time in a more frugal fashion? Then live in a comfortable fashion later. You cannot have both. If you find that out soon enough you may come out OK.
If you have Social Security, a pention, some savings, and a small job you may make it. When you look at people you can pretty much size up how they lived. It is called cause and effect. Like any action. Reep what you sow. At any rate. It is a tough road. Make your own call.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Work Shoes
After many years of woking on my feet I know the importance of good shoes. If your feet do not feel good you will not feel good. If you can spend money on any part of your dress, make it your shoes. I have went with Shoes For Crews for a long time. This is what my company required. Now other brands are allowed. I have tried Sketchers because I bought them at a "deal" on Ebay. They have been good also. Not as slip resistant as Shoes For Crews. But OK. I have not found another brand as slip resistant as Shoes For Crews. Have had some durability problems with the lower end shoes. They did replace them. It takes some time. But I have more time than money.
I get my shoes wet and dirty. They look like crap. The heavier oxford type hold up the best. But they are heavy. The lighter ones are much more comfortable on a long shift. But do not hold up as well. We are now allowed to wear any brand that says slip resistant. So far I am sticking with SFC.
My day is hard enough as it is. A good fitting comfortable shoe helps.
I get my shoes wet and dirty. They look like crap. The heavier oxford type hold up the best. But they are heavy. The lighter ones are much more comfortable on a long shift. But do not hold up as well. We are now allowed to wear any brand that says slip resistant. So far I am sticking with SFC.
My day is hard enough as it is. A good fitting comfortable shoe helps.
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Obsessed With Management
Where I work one of the first things they told me is you can get into management. They told me with my experience and education I should be a canidate for management within six months. Oh boy, I thought. This will work. Move right on up. Start making money. Go right back to my overspending and wastefull lifestyle. Just get right on it. I see it happen everyday.
Well the fact of the matter is I am still doing the worst job in the worst department in the store. No one is really trying to knock me out of my position. No one wants the chore. But by the same token. I am on my fifth manager in five years. Not much life in that is there. One had a nervous breakdown. One stit her wrists. The other one kept falling down with episodes. And two stepped down including my last assistant manager.
I took the test under suggestion of the manager at that time. I passed the test. They didn't tell me I needed calculator that could work in the dark. So I done the math with a pencil and paper. Still passed. I kept on trying a couple times. Always got turned down. Like asking a crossed eyed girl to dance and getting turned down. You just give up. They seem to prefer good looking people and sycophants. Kind of leaves me out.
So at this juncture I am no longer interested in management for the company I work for. For the most part I beleive everything is driven by money. On the old A&E show Inspector Morse claimed all crimes were caused by love or money. There is no love in corporate America. So it must be money. They take these people and beat them to death for a year or so and then they are toast.
Think about where you are in your occupation. Can you make it on what you make? The more for less mentality has the compamies eating their managers to death. I am out for that.
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Well the fact of the matter is I am still doing the worst job in the worst department in the store. No one is really trying to knock me out of my position. No one wants the chore. But by the same token. I am on my fifth manager in five years. Not much life in that is there. One had a nervous breakdown. One stit her wrists. The other one kept falling down with episodes. And two stepped down including my last assistant manager.
I took the test under suggestion of the manager at that time. I passed the test. They didn't tell me I needed calculator that could work in the dark. So I done the math with a pencil and paper. Still passed. I kept on trying a couple times. Always got turned down. Like asking a crossed eyed girl to dance and getting turned down. You just give up. They seem to prefer good looking people and sycophants. Kind of leaves me out.
So at this juncture I am no longer interested in management for the company I work for. For the most part I beleive everything is driven by money. On the old A&E show Inspector Morse claimed all crimes were caused by love or money. There is no love in corporate America. So it must be money. They take these people and beat them to death for a year or so and then they are toast.
Think about where you are in your occupation. Can you make it on what you make? The more for less mentality has the compamies eating their managers to death. I am out for that.
All you have to do to catch the next article is subscribe. Worst case is that you have one more email to delete!
Day Going By Too Fast
Do you have days that just fly by? Even if you are not doing anything special. Just doing your chores. Living the frugal life. Not out spending wildly. Just hanging out. I know I do. The clock seems to move at a fast clip. Even without doing anything exciting.
What is exciting? Jumping out of an airplane. A theme park. A casino. Shopping at the mall. Riding a boat. On a motorcyle (not for transportation). These exciting things help keep the economy going. People with a lot of extra time and money can participate in these activities. By the time I have a day off I am usally worn out. Get the major chores done. Cook a nice (by my standards) meal at home and rest.
Chances are, everytime you walk out of the door you will spend money on something. At least I do. Not as much as in the past. But spending anyway. Obviously you cannot get by without spending anything. But a day around your home can be nice. Not spending much. Chances are you have food to eat and/or cook. Something. Check that pantry. Check the freezer.
Take a look around the rooms. What stands out as to needing done? Straighten things out. Vacum and dust. There is always something to do. Go through paperwork. Do you need paystubs from 1977? Go through your dresser. Weed out old worn things you not longer use or need. It frees you from some clutter. Organize your kitchen cabinets and drawers. Clean and square away your bathroom and cabinets.
You can clean disk and defragment your computer. Run a securtiy scan. Remove any unused and unintended programs you may have. This will speed up your machine. Dust around your computer desk. Clean your screen. Play some old game on the computer you haven't used for a while. None of these activities you cost you any money. And you will get some things done you may or may not have been wanting to get to. At the end of the day you will have made progress. Maybe not Earth shattering. Not setting the world on fire. But progress. Chances are you have all the things on hand to accomplish these tasks. Not really spending any money on anything that you have not previously purchased. Cheap day off. Getting something positve done.
Not a tough decision for me today. As Florida is inundated with rain and wind from a tropical storm. As I walk to a coin laundry. I did the minimum amount of clothes I needed to. Now I am inside. Not going to go bike riding in the pouring rain unless I have to. Not bored a bit. I guess if you are tired you are not as bored as if you have a lot of pent up energy.
Bathroom done. Laundry done. Desk straightened out. Throwing out old magizines. closet clean. Wow. Might be time to take a hot bath. I always shower. I bought some Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Soap on Ebay. Might soak in it for a while. Take a nap. Get up and cook some food. Go to bed at a decent hour. And be ready to go at them tomorrow. As they will be ready and waiting.
What is exciting? Jumping out of an airplane. A theme park. A casino. Shopping at the mall. Riding a boat. On a motorcyle (not for transportation). These exciting things help keep the economy going. People with a lot of extra time and money can participate in these activities. By the time I have a day off I am usally worn out. Get the major chores done. Cook a nice (by my standards) meal at home and rest.
Chances are, everytime you walk out of the door you will spend money on something. At least I do. Not as much as in the past. But spending anyway. Obviously you cannot get by without spending anything. But a day around your home can be nice. Not spending much. Chances are you have food to eat and/or cook. Something. Check that pantry. Check the freezer.
Take a look around the rooms. What stands out as to needing done? Straighten things out. Vacum and dust. There is always something to do. Go through paperwork. Do you need paystubs from 1977? Go through your dresser. Weed out old worn things you not longer use or need. It frees you from some clutter. Organize your kitchen cabinets and drawers. Clean and square away your bathroom and cabinets.
You can clean disk and defragment your computer. Run a securtiy scan. Remove any unused and unintended programs you may have. This will speed up your machine. Dust around your computer desk. Clean your screen. Play some old game on the computer you haven't used for a while. None of these activities you cost you any money. And you will get some things done you may or may not have been wanting to get to. At the end of the day you will have made progress. Maybe not Earth shattering. Not setting the world on fire. But progress. Chances are you have all the things on hand to accomplish these tasks. Not really spending any money on anything that you have not previously purchased. Cheap day off. Getting something positve done.
Not a tough decision for me today. As Florida is inundated with rain and wind from a tropical storm. As I walk to a coin laundry. I did the minimum amount of clothes I needed to. Now I am inside. Not going to go bike riding in the pouring rain unless I have to. Not bored a bit. I guess if you are tired you are not as bored as if you have a lot of pent up energy.
Bathroom done. Laundry done. Desk straightened out. Throwing out old magizines. closet clean. Wow. Might be time to take a hot bath. I always shower. I bought some Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Soap on Ebay. Might soak in it for a while. Take a nap. Get up and cook some food. Go to bed at a decent hour. And be ready to go at them tomorrow. As they will be ready and waiting.
What Else Do I Have To Do?
When we are doing something that we need or want to do someone probably wonders why we are doing it. The real fact is that they really don't care what you're doing. As long as you are not obstructing them from what they want or need to do.
So as you are not breaking the law. Bothering someone else. They don't care. And why should they. So if I need to do my laundry. Why would anyone else care. If I need to vacum my carpets, why would anyone care. As long as I don't do it at three o'clock in the morning.
I no longer go to resturants or bars. I haven't had any one of them or anybody call me to ask why. They don't care. Why should they. Even though is has saved me money. I mess with my bicycles. As long as I am not making a noise or pestering them, no one cares. What else do I have to do? It may be something that I want and need to do. What else do you have to do?
As long as you are no forgoing any obligations. You should be able to do what you want. Hobbies or other pursuits you enjoy.
So as you are not breaking the law. Bothering someone else. They don't care. And why should they. So if I need to do my laundry. Why would anyone else care. If I need to vacum my carpets, why would anyone care. As long as I don't do it at three o'clock in the morning.
I no longer go to resturants or bars. I haven't had any one of them or anybody call me to ask why. They don't care. Why should they. Even though is has saved me money. I mess with my bicycles. As long as I am not making a noise or pestering them, no one cares. What else do I have to do? It may be something that I want and need to do. What else do you have to do?
As long as you are no forgoing any obligations. You should be able to do what you want. Hobbies or other pursuits you enjoy.
My Shopping Weakness
I admit. I love to shop. All of us really do deep down. From childhood we at exposed to ads. People around us and their actions. TV, radio, newspapers and magizines. How many times when you are flipping through a magizine are you spending more time on the ads than the articles. Or at least look at them first.
Are shopping is from need or wants basically. Then I would throw in bargins too. Our need shopping would of course be the grocery, medicine and clothing. Where do you shop for groceries? The least expensive. The highest quality. The closest. Or a mix of all three. Is it worth it to me to make a twenty mile round trip and two hours to save ten dollars? Not to me. I would however take advantage of the situation of I was in the area or passing by for some other reason. Do I need the highest quality? Nope, not me. I eat fairly Spartin anyway. Since I am on a bicycle most of the time the closest is proably the best deal. Especially since I work at a grocery and am there anyway. I just pick up a few things and throw them in my backpack and pedal home. No big loads obviously. By the same token, if I am at Walmart for something else I may pick up a couple of things that are cheaper. Spending a dollar a day equals $365 in a year! But in my store I see many people every day. For them they must need a lot often or it is a social thing for them.
Then we come to wants. My wants thing has been downgraded drastically over the years. But has not went away. I do not hit the malls. I used to have to dress nice. Now all I really need is pants, socks, shoes and undergarmets. Not bad. No drycleaners anymore. Can't tell you the last time I had a tie on . My wants thing hits me on Ebay, the internet and Walmart. It is just too easy to get on line or Ebay and punch up that deal on something I really need. Most of the time now it is a redundant purchase of something that I have multiple items of . This is a shopping weakness.
Then there are the bargins. Can't pass up a deal. This is when I hit the yard sales and thrift shops. But these venues can truly be a source of bargins if you find something that you need. And I have found things that I need at yard sales and thrift. stores. I have also bought some dumb things that I would never need or use. Just because they were a bargin.
A shopping habit can be as hard as any habit to break. Granted it is better than an additction. But it is an addiction too.
Are shopping is from need or wants basically. Then I would throw in bargins too. Our need shopping would of course be the grocery, medicine and clothing. Where do you shop for groceries? The least expensive. The highest quality. The closest. Or a mix of all three. Is it worth it to me to make a twenty mile round trip and two hours to save ten dollars? Not to me. I would however take advantage of the situation of I was in the area or passing by for some other reason. Do I need the highest quality? Nope, not me. I eat fairly Spartin anyway. Since I am on a bicycle most of the time the closest is proably the best deal. Especially since I work at a grocery and am there anyway. I just pick up a few things and throw them in my backpack and pedal home. No big loads obviously. By the same token, if I am at Walmart for something else I may pick up a couple of things that are cheaper. Spending a dollar a day equals $365 in a year! But in my store I see many people every day. For them they must need a lot often or it is a social thing for them.
Then we come to wants. My wants thing has been downgraded drastically over the years. But has not went away. I do not hit the malls. I used to have to dress nice. Now all I really need is pants, socks, shoes and undergarmets. Not bad. No drycleaners anymore. Can't tell you the last time I had a tie on . My wants thing hits me on Ebay, the internet and Walmart. It is just too easy to get on line or Ebay and punch up that deal on something I really need. Most of the time now it is a redundant purchase of something that I have multiple items of . This is a shopping weakness.
Then there are the bargins. Can't pass up a deal. This is when I hit the yard sales and thrift shops. But these venues can truly be a source of bargins if you find something that you need. And I have found things that I need at yard sales and thrift. stores. I have also bought some dumb things that I would never need or use. Just because they were a bargin.
A shopping habit can be as hard as any habit to break. Granted it is better than an additction. But it is an addiction too.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Cookin', Cleanin' and Helpin'
When I thought about it, my job boils down to three broad catagories. Cooking, cleaning, and helping others (customers and co-workers). This is a broad description of my job and work. All of which can be broken down to an infinity. So when a customer or freind walks by and says "what is going on?". I can comfortably say "cookin' and cleanin' ".
So what are your primary tasks? For most of us we have a specific or many tasks with which we are expected to perform. This is our job description. This is what we do. There is always a lot of related chores that go with these. Unfortunately a job means work. " I just wanted a job, not work". An employer mostly does not hire you to pay you. They hire you to do work for which they pay you. Otherwise they would do it themselves or it would not need to be done. We all tend to forget that. We exchange our time and effort for money. That is the deal.
If we get lucky, we get benifits. Long ago employers decided that benifits retain good workers. So after a couple of generations we all feel entitled to these benefits. Like anything else we get used to this treatment. When it comes down to it, no one owes you anything (unless of course they do).
The bottom line is that with all the daily strife. The aching body. I have to consider myself lucky to be employed by a good company. I feel that they are as sincere as any large company could be. That does not mean that they will be jumping in bed with me. But if I make a decent effort, they may just take care of me.
So what are your primary tasks? For most of us we have a specific or many tasks with which we are expected to perform. This is our job description. This is what we do. There is always a lot of related chores that go with these. Unfortunately a job means work. " I just wanted a job, not work". An employer mostly does not hire you to pay you. They hire you to do work for which they pay you. Otherwise they would do it themselves or it would not need to be done. We all tend to forget that. We exchange our time and effort for money. That is the deal.
If we get lucky, we get benifits. Long ago employers decided that benifits retain good workers. So after a couple of generations we all feel entitled to these benefits. Like anything else we get used to this treatment. When it comes down to it, no one owes you anything (unless of course they do).
The bottom line is that with all the daily strife. The aching body. I have to consider myself lucky to be employed by a good company. I feel that they are as sincere as any large company could be. That does not mean that they will be jumping in bed with me. But if I make a decent effort, they may just take care of me.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Where Are Most Bicycles Made?
From what I can gather most all brands of bicycles are manufactured in the Orient. Regardless of brand name. Some of the higher-end brand names are still made in the USA and Europe. Also what I read in the bicycle magazines there are many custom builders that make bikes on their own. These would also be the higher priced units. None of which would ever be in my price range! It is however interesting to read about and look at pictures of these really super bikes. I have seen them at $10,000 and above. Even if I could afford one I do not think I would buy one. Maybe 2K, but not 10K!
From an article I read several years ago there are like three big manufacturers of bicyles. In this reading they are China and Taiwan. Now I beleive they are making them in Vietnam. I do not remamber the factory names but Giant is one that I remember. They also produce bikes in their name and I guess for most everyone else. My impressive fleet (sic) consists of a 1992 Trek 800 mountain bike that says designed in the USA, chromoly. An equally inpressive 1974 Schwinn Le Tour. Every part on it says Schwinn approved. As it was made in Japan. The Schwinn has to be utterly reliable. It still has most stock parts. Who knows how many miles it has but it still works. It is really a Panasonic. The only things that I have replaced is the tires and shifter cables (with a Bell universal kit). I did repack the headset bearings about four years ago. Other than that the chain, seat, other bearings and wheels have not been touched. After 39 years I guess I should perform some additional service. But it rolls well. The wheels weight a ton but did not go out of true. That is until I fell off a ladder on top of it putting the rear wheel out a bit. The spokes are so rusty I just stuck it on the ground and bent the wheel back by stepping on it. Hows that for a tough bike!
Then we come to my 1984 Raleigh Record. It is not a an English Record but a Taiwan Record. It was and is a wonderful bike. Suntour components. A twelve speed out of the factory. I let a neighbor ride it and he wrecked it. Sratched it up and made the rear wheel look like a potato chip. After many atempts to fix the wheel I gave up. I gave the rear wheel away to someone who needed the gears. I bought a 1977 Viscount at a yard sale for $10. After futile attemps to restore the Viscount I srippped is of the gear componants. Took the Raleigh to a different bike shop and had that cassette put on new ally wheels. By the way, the first and shop where I bought my newest bike looked at the Raleigh and said this is your racer? While at the same time showing me Raleighs and Treks made in China and Taiwan. At a high price.
I think that mine was just as nice as theirs. But I am not selling bicyles. Just riding them.
From an article I read several years ago there are like three big manufacturers of bicyles. In this reading they are China and Taiwan. Now I beleive they are making them in Vietnam. I do not remamber the factory names but Giant is one that I remember. They also produce bikes in their name and I guess for most everyone else. My impressive fleet (sic) consists of a 1992 Trek 800 mountain bike that says designed in the USA, chromoly. An equally inpressive 1974 Schwinn Le Tour. Every part on it says Schwinn approved. As it was made in Japan. The Schwinn has to be utterly reliable. It still has most stock parts. Who knows how many miles it has but it still works. It is really a Panasonic. The only things that I have replaced is the tires and shifter cables (with a Bell universal kit). I did repack the headset bearings about four years ago. Other than that the chain, seat, other bearings and wheels have not been touched. After 39 years I guess I should perform some additional service. But it rolls well. The wheels weight a ton but did not go out of true. That is until I fell off a ladder on top of it putting the rear wheel out a bit. The spokes are so rusty I just stuck it on the ground and bent the wheel back by stepping on it. Hows that for a tough bike!
Then we come to my 1984 Raleigh Record. It is not a an English Record but a Taiwan Record. It was and is a wonderful bike. Suntour components. A twelve speed out of the factory. I let a neighbor ride it and he wrecked it. Sratched it up and made the rear wheel look like a potato chip. After many atempts to fix the wheel I gave up. I gave the rear wheel away to someone who needed the gears. I bought a 1977 Viscount at a yard sale for $10. After futile attemps to restore the Viscount I srippped is of the gear componants. Took the Raleigh to a different bike shop and had that cassette put on new ally wheels. By the way, the first and shop where I bought my newest bike looked at the Raleigh and said this is your racer? While at the same time showing me Raleighs and Treks made in China and Taiwan. At a high price.
I think that mine was just as nice as theirs. But I am not selling bicyles. Just riding them.
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