That's a statement that applies to the whole country, Hec.

java, one of the local businessman has been good at deflating the Walmart with reputable links. It's depressing, yet the immediate gratification factor for the larger area is huge. I'd much rather have a small grocery and several local businesses which could provide the same, but they don't have the startup and construction capital something like a Walmart does.

Traffic is so fucked.

Hooray shame! If Jamie Oliver won't shame the fatties, who will???

I'm not seeing that. I haven't seen the show, but I did watch his TED presentation which included some clips from the show. There are probably some faults in his approach, but I see a genuine interest in improving health and nutrition.

That's a statement that applies to the whole country, Hec.

Yeah, but they're based in Arkansas, and they grew first in the South. They may have a national presence now but they're Southern grown. Anyway, I'm not blamey about Southerners, I just think that as culturally entrenched as Wal-Mart is in the South, coupled with the shift from Southern Dems to Republicans there's a disconnect.

I was watching A Different World a few days ago (I seem to have gotten on an A Different World kick lately, and TVOne is very helpfully showing two episodes a night), and there was a scene where they were in a sociology class talking about homelessness, and one of the characters said that homeless people are lazy -- McDonald's is always hiring, and anybody who works there can eat there for free. Fast forward twenty years, and we've still got plenty of people talking about how poor people are lazy, with the fact that they eat at McDonald's held up as an example of their laziness.

I'm not seeing that. I haven't seen the show, but I did watch his TED presentation which included some clips from the show. There are probably some faults in his approach, but I see a genuine interest in improving health and nutrition.

There's a link to the first episode, plus some analysis of the show, here [link]

WalMart isn't evil, it's just got a very good business model. It secured its market by meeting the market. Now, we can argue the social impact of that to death, but in some places, it's been a godsend. I just don't think it's better than the alternative in my hood. But then, it's out played the alternative, unfortunately.

I just ... conflicting philosophies.

A new Aldi opened up near me. (The early rumor was a TJ's. I was sorely disappointed.) I finally got around to checking it out and yeah, things are cheap, but it's all crap processed junk food. 1/3 of the store was candy and chips.

Liese, just wanted to let you know that the Box o' Polish arrived safe and sound. Thank you!

Suzi and Stephanie, shout if you're available to go through the pretties this weekend. If not, we'll figure out something.

There's a link to the first episode, plus some analysis of the show, here [link].

Eh, reality TV seems to require some shock value. I'm less concerned about a TV show than this which addresses the issues more appropriately.