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.

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

WHEEEEEEE

The book by Ellen Ruppel Shell called "Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture" is a really good look into it, sarameg.

I second that recommendation.

When I worked at a summer program for kids, the rule that the staff all agreed to enforce was that each kid must have at least one vegetable and no more than one dessert at lunch and dinner. But this was at a college cafeteria, so if they got one vegetable and tried it and didn't like it, they could go up and get something different. At a public school cafeteria, a kid who tries something new and doesn't like it has no other options, so that's wasted food, wasted money, and a hungry kid. (By far the most common vegetable choices at the summer program were carrot and celery sticks with a ton of ranch dressing. And after a few days, we had to clarify that the "one dessert" rule meant actually ONE dessert and not "as much dessert as you can fit on one dessert plate.")

The kids at the summer program were also fascinated by the soda machines, and they'd try to mix the different sodas together to get different colors, or layers of color. At first the rule was "You make it, you drink it," but then we realized that this was leading to a ton of over-caffeinated kids, so we mostly ignored it unless someone was doing something ridiculous, like taking four cups of soda.

I'm around, Nicole. Will send an e-mail.

Fell asleep at my desk, just woke so decided no more work today. Had a weird dream with funny dialog that I'll share in care it entertains you.

Me: (waiting in Doctors office as he walks through the door) Hi Doc, you look kinda down.

Dr: Well my last patient shot himself in the head.

Me: I'm so sorry. I take he's ...

Dr: Worse. A Cauliflower.

(After some discussion, the DR. hands me a prescription

Me: An anti-depressant? Are you sure this stuff will work for me?

Doctor: Well, I certainly hope it works better for you than it did for the last patient.

Me: The Cauliflower?

Doctor: Yeah. Come to think of it I hope it works better for you than it has for me...

I take the prescription, and walk out of the building shaking my head. As I walk out I hear a single shot ring. I hear the sound of running feet for a few seconds followed by a scream that sounds suspiciously like the receptionist in the building I just left. I hear the wail of an ambulance approaching.

Me: (looking at the prescription doubtfully) I do believe I'm going to get a second opinion.

This just made me laugh until I cried. Marines doing the cha cha slide: [link]