Monday, April 27, 2009

Bar and Grill Restaurants part II

In Part II of my post about bar and grill restaurants, I thought I would share how I feel about a few more restaurants in my neighborhood.

Outback is probably my favorite out of all of the bar and grill restaurants. I love their pork chops. Yummmmmmmmy. They are seasoned so well and then grilled to perfection. They also have hot wings which are fried chicken drummettes in spicy flour. These are served with blue cheese dressing which has big chucks of blue cheese in it. For my side item, I like the hot sweet potato with cinnamon sugar and butter. That is like a desert in itself. For the salad, I like a departure from the normal boring iceberg lettuce and tomato wedges. They have a blue cheese pecan salad that is served with a vinaigrette that complements all the salad's flavors. The only word for it is "AWESOME". It is a little expensive to eat here and that is probably why I spend most of my time fantasizing about the food instead of actually eating it. To order pork chop (half portion) sweet potato (as a side) and blue cheese salad will cost $15. I get take out so that I do not have to leave a tip. I think that spending that close to $20 on one meal for one person is a bit much (especially since we are in a recession).

Fatz Café has calabash chicken (their version of chicken strips) and a great cobb salad. I do not have a lot to say about Fatz because I have not been there in a while. The reason is this. I love bread and they are the only restaurant that consistently served bread that is very greasy. They have these little poppy seed rolls that are apparently deep fried. It is not that I am against deep frying anything (I love it) but I think the people at the Fatz in my neighborhood do not understand when they are supposed to take the rolls out of the fryer. When the bread soaks up that much grease, it goes from yummy to yucky quicker than a Lamborghini at a drag race.

Appleby's used to be the place for me to go every weekend for a great salad. I suppose that new management of the restaurant chain decided that they needed to update Appleby's image and try a barrage of different ideas. That resulted in new menus that tossed out all that used to work and added food items that were blasé. For example, they introduced pasta bowls. Ummmm, no. Why pay $10 for a bowl spaghetti with teriyaki sauce when the local Chinese restaurant does it 10 times better? The good thing for me is that they did not lose the blackened chicken salad. It is a salad with tomatoes, boiled egg, cheese, and grilled chicken. The bad thing is that every time I go to Appleby's I have to search the updated menu to find the salad before I can order. I do not like the garlic bread that serve with the salad. They used to give plain bread and that was fine with me. But now...I suppose that is a plate enhancement. And as for the riblets, they still serve those but I do not think they are a good as they used to be. Once I did try the spinach-shrimp salad they have on the menu. The garlic from the salad stayed on my breath through numerous peppermints and a tooth brushing. I like to enjoy my food but I do not want it to stay with me for so long after I eat.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Milk Screen- home alcohol-in-breastmilk test


For the mom who cares enough to breastfeed but not enough 2 stop drinking alcohol.
Or maybe this is used by Health Services before they take away the alcoholic mother's baby.
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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

What I like to eat: Bar and Grill restaurants

I was hungry and thinking about what I like at the different restaurants in town.

Ruby Tuesdays

They have an awesome salad bar. Iceberg, romaine, and baby greens are the lettuce options. Topping include tomatoes, boiled egg piece, ham, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded parmesan cheese, blue cheese, shredded beets, carrots, raisins, and dried cranberries. There are a lot more items on the bar, but I cannot think of all of them right now. My favorite thing to order is the turkey mini combo. It comes with two turkey mini burgers, baked potato (or fries), and salad bar. I usually fill up on the salad bar and take the burgers home for another meal.

Chilis

Many people say they like the baby back ribs. But I order the honey-chipotle chicken crispers plate. It comes with fries (or loaded mashed potatoes) and corn on the cob. I wish they served baked potatoes (less calories than current options).

O’Charleys

I love the rolls, especially when they are hot out the oven. When served with a side of loaded baked potato soup, it is a yummy appetizer for lunch. This is not the most figure friendly lunch because of all the carbs involved, but is alright every once in a while. I usually order chicken tenders tossed in chipotle sauce or the club sandwich.

Upcoming post: Outback, Fatz café, Appleby’s

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

2009 Spring storm



There was a tornado on Friday night.  There was a louding wooooooo-ing sound and then the power went out. The rain was pouring as if the sky was going to fall. The thunderous claps sounded as if someone was throwing furniture from the roof onto a hardwood floor. 
The next day, the sun was shining brightly as the bad weather had passed. But the aftermath was evident. 
Trees were broken like toothpicks and power lines curled up like dental floss. 
Awesome display of nature's power.

Monday, April 13, 2009

My new fave female singers

I love all different types of music. I listen to different online radio
stations channels all the time. But, for me to add singers to my IPOD I
have to really love the artist. I bought all the songs off of Amazon.com
and these latest acquisitions reflect how I have been feeling these
days.
These female singers all have different, not too depressing, sounding
voices. The music is some what up-tempo, bit not too fast. The genres
range from electronica to trip-hop. Nothing sounds like candy pop or
heavy metal or R&B or country. If you like listening to the music that
you hear on the car radio, you probably will not these songs. Or you
might feel like I did when I first hear them. They invoked such emotion
that I felt like I identified with the songs immediately.

Mirah - Generosity
Laura Gibson - Spirited
The Blow - True Affection (this is a group but I make the exception
because the lead singer is a girl)
Sia - Breathe Me

Countries I would like to visit--- check

I found a list of places I said that I would like to go on vacation. I
made this list like 5 years ago. I am happy to say that I have almost
been to all my vacation destinations. Yea! I guess I need to think of
some places to visit.

Mexico Cozumel - Been there several times, saw the ruins, laid out on
the beach, and did my part for the tequila industry. Wooo Hooo.

Dominican Republic Santo Domingo - Planning to go this year. I am so
VERY excited

Cayman Islands Grand Cayman - Been there, was not impressed. The people
acted like I was doing them a favor by visiting. And the USD is weak
when compared to GC money. In the stores, I was constantly converting
prices and saying to myself why it was not worth buying. On the plus
side, I did visit Hell, Grand Cayman, the turtle farm, and the Tortuga
Rum Factory. Pineapple and Mango rum are awesome.

Belize Ambergris Caye - Need to go but every trip to Belize seems to
stop in Belize City. One of these days, I want to do the tourist trip to
Belize.

Virgin Islands St. Thomas - I heard that USVI are nice and St Thomas has
good beaches.

Bahamas Nassau - Been there lots of times and done all the tourist
stuff: The Atlantis, Queen Anne staircase, laid out on the beach, and
toured the island. If I get to go again, I would like to go to the
botanical gardens.

Monday, April 06, 2009

Ten qualities a good friend should have

I was in a reflective mood.

We are for the most part are very social beings. This means that we want
and need friends. Being a friend takes work and a lot of effort. A good
friend will be there for you to celebrate the good times and cry with
you during the troublesome times. I developed my list of 10 qualities I
think a good friend should have. These days, it is harder and harder to
find those rare people who truly possess all the qualities listed below.

1. Loyalty
2. Empathy
3. Honesty
4. Self-control
5. Patience
6. Thoughtfulness
7. Courage
8. Good listener
9. Selflessness
10. Humility

When you find some one like that, do whatever it takes to cultivate a
lasting friendship. Let me know what your top 10 qualities are or leave
comment on my list.

Become a coupon savvy shopper

We all have to look for ways to save money. Here are my 3 tips to help
you become a savvy coupon shopper.
And the tips do work. I save $40 yesterday at Bi-lo supermarket using my
coupons with store sales. Wooo Hooooo!

1. Check the sales papers and circle the items which you have the
coupons. Attach the coupons to the sales paper so that you do not have
to search for the coupon at the store. (You can also print coupons from
coupons.com). When you go to the store, you do not have to waste time
looking for the coupon.

2. When there are BOGOF (buy one get one free) items, check to see if
you have 2 coupons for those items you can use for those items. The
store scanner notes that 2 items were scanned and therefore the 2
coupons are valid. So in the end you will get 2 products for less than
the price of 1.

3. Check clearance products aisles and see if you have any coupons for
those products. This only works if the product does not have the
product's original bar code marked out.


BEWARE, saving money is addictive. You might get to the point where you
do not want to pay full price for anything!

Friday, April 03, 2009

Dumb questions at work

A lady asked me, "Why do you keep calling products from Mexico imports?"
I said, "Because Mexico is another country. Import products come from another country into the US."
Then she said, "Mexico is not considered another country."
At that point, I stopped the conversation because I did not want to risk an aneurysm.

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Comments on news stories of today 4/2/09

http://www.newser.com/story/55009/ex-law-order-star-leave-bristol-alone.html
I am not a political person, but I even I cannot believe that she said that Repubs have class and do not judge other people. Has she watched any news on Fox? The majority of their programming is based on judging those who do not believe like they do.
I do not really think that people care so much about Bristol Palin. Everyone knew that guy was not going to marry her from the beginning. That was something they said in hopes of seeming like they had high moral standards (even though abstinence would have been the real high moral way to go).
It seems to me that Repubs think everyone is buying whatever they are selling. When teen pregnancy happens to a Repub family, then everyone is supposed to praise the girl. If teen pregnancy happens to anyone else, well... the loose morals of the parents are to blame since they raised a tramp.

http://www.newser.com/story/55035/stressed-americans-still-spending-less-poll.html
Why is this news? If a person is out of work with bills to pay, who thinks they will be heading down to the mall to buy more clothes they cannot afford? I have been very disappointed in the mall offerings. Lots of overpriced ugly clothes. No good sales or clearance prices. I have a job and wanted to spend some money in the mall. But after seeing what was there, I thought that I might better dust off the sewing machine and buy a few patterns!

http://www.newser.com/story/55043/hollywood-trims-star-deals.html
Hollywood stars making millions per movie do not have my sympathy when I have to work hard EVERY DAY to pay my bills. It is about time that movie stars are paid according to performance. And maybe this will help screen writers to write better scripts too. There are too many movies that are coming out lately that have dismal box office reviews. Why? Simply put, they are crap.
I have been helped to determine what movies are worth my time and what would be a waste by searching for the movie spoiler. Once I read what happens in the movie (which takes 5-10 minutes), I decide if it is worth $8 and 2 hours of my time. For the most part, the movies fail my criteria. And some of the other movies I am willing to spend the time but not the money. I will put those movies on my list to rent.

http://www.newser.com/story/55093/stimulus-deadline-looms-for-skeptical-sc-gov-sanford.html
All I have to say about this is "Why is Sanford being such a mule?" Thousands of teachers and other state workers will lose their jobs if the state does not receive the stimulus money. Why is this even an issue?
He should be saying, "Thanks. Where do I sign?"
I guess that is a politician for you. He is trying to do what is best for himself so that he can further his own career.

http://www.newser.com/story/55087/10-recession-expenditures-to-shut-up-about.html
This article is telling rich people how not to gloat about being rich. I wonder if this will carry over into the television. So many realities shows are based on lavish life styles of rich people. For example, "Platinum Weddings" is all about extravagant weddings where no expense is spared. The flower budgets are $50k, wedding dresses are $10k, and wedding cakes are $5k. What is a bride to do?
And MTV "Sweet 16" and "Quincenera" programs are all about brats getting their every wish for their birthday part. Again, the shows are all about sparing no expense. Whatever the brat wants, no matter the cost, they will get. Will MTV decide that they do not want to flaunt that in these economic times?
Who knows, MTV might have to start playing music videos again. **GASP**

http://www.newser.com/story/55114/surfing-on-company-time-boosts-productivity.html
For all those companies who do not want their employees surfing the net...HA! I need a little internet time to prepare me to be more productive. Bet they did not see that one coming.

ARROGANCE is so Annoying!!!!

In these hard economic times, you would think that people who have jobs
would be appreciative of that fact. Why is it that people are still as
overconfident as ever? Some people with jobs are acting as if they are
irreplaceable. They have a position and NO ONE ELSE could do what they
do.
NEWS FLASH!!!!! That is not the case.
I had the most annoying exchange with a guy who is an engineer and acts
as if he is only at work to do 1 thing. If anything else needs to be
done, oh well. Never mind the fact that it is something that he is
responsible for doing. He is "paid too much" to do what he deems to be
menial tasks. He actually said that. Just to add context to the
situation, I do not report to this man. I am not in his department.
There was a barrage of emotions rushing through me because I could not
believe that he was trying to absolve himself of a responsibility by
making statements as if I was the culpable party. I felt like going off
on him, but I knew that would do nothing to help the situation. I need
my job. I had to step back and analyze the situation. This guy was
unbelievably arrogant by implying that I should do the things that he
did not want to do because he felt that he was above it.
Why was I wasting my time trying to convince him of the value of doing
what he should be doing anyway?
If the task is not done, it is his fault. Not mine. I want things to run
smoothly in the company. I do not want to lose my job because the plant
closed down. I do not have the energy to worry about things out of my
control.
My only hope is that something happens to this guy to take him down a
notch. Soon or later it is bound to happen. People who are so full of
themselves are in for a rude awakening when they are made to realize
that the world does not revolve around them.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Why I will not buy a mercedes in Tampa FL

Last October 11, 2009 I went the Dale Mabry Mercedes dealership in Tampa Florida. I was so disappointed with the treatment that I received that location. I know that the country is in a recession and every sales person has to be aggressive to make sales. But that is no excuse for the strong handed way I was treated there.

When I entered the dealership I made it clear to the salesman that I was not looking to buy a car that day. I told the salesman that several times.

He asked me what would my budget before if I did decide to buy. I repeated what I said before. I was not looking to buy a car. I did not know what my budget would be as I had not set one. I just wanted to see what was available and the price ranges.

But he was insistent on showing me the C-class cars.

Okay.

Fine.

The C-class cars look nice. They are MERCEDES! That is a given.

He asked me if I wanted to test drive the car.

No. Again I repeat what is becoming like a song’s refrain “I am not here to buy a car.”

Fine.

He asked me for my name and phone number for their database. He said that he would be in trouble if he did not get that information.

I gave that to him. I was trying to get him to leave me alone.

He asked me if I wanted a drink of water.

Fine.

“Follow me,” he said, “and I will get it for you.”

I followed him, naively thinking that he finally got the picture and I would be able to peruse the car lot in peace.

I felt comfortable and started looking at the brochures that were on display.

Then the salesman asked for some more information. What job did I have? What was the budget for a car?

WHOA!” I said, “Let me make this clear: I DO NOT WANT TO BUY A CAR TODAY.”

He puts his hands up like I am overreacting. He said that he wants to have the information on file in case they get a car in stock that I might like.

I said that I was not in the market for a car. When I am in the market, I will come back and request assistance then.

Then the manager came over and blocked my exit.

He was trying to explain why it was in my best interest to give the information the salesman requested.

At this point, I was at the point of a panic attack. I felt frantic. I felt claustrophobic. My main priority was to get out of there.

While these people were pushing my buttons, I had an inner war going on. I could have begun shouting at them to leave me alone, but I did not want to seem like the “crazy black person”. At the same time, I felt my blood pressure rising and my heart racing.

I did not know what to do.

How did it get to this? I just wanted to look at the cars.

Why were they pressuring me?

Why couldn’t they leave me alone?

Why are they cornering me as if that will change my mind?

My friend who was waiting for me outside saw what was happening to me through the window. He came inside, pushed the manager out of the way, and guided me out of the dealership.

What a relief. Disaster averted.

It was such a harrowing experience. I have been to Subaru, Toyota, Nisan, Suzuki, Ford, Honda, and Lexus dealers. I have never had anything like that to happen to me. Maybe those strong arm tactics work with other people. But I do not like to be pushed into making a purchase I did not want to make.

This occurrence seriously affected me. It happened months ago, but even now as I write, I relive a little of the stress that I felt on that day.

The Stupid Test 36% but it should be call the CLUMSY test

The Stupid Test

Directions: Mark which things you have done, then calculate your score by counting the number of questions you marked. This test is out of 100 questions which means that the number you get as your score is also your percentage.

1. [ ] Forgot to put the lid on the blender, turned it on, and had everything fly out

2. [ ] Gotten your head stuck between the stair rails

3. [X] Broken a chair by leaning back in it

4. [X] Had gum fall out of your mouth while you were talking

5. [X] Choked on your own spit while you were talking

6. [] Had people tell you that you are blond when you're not/or had had people tell you that your blond highlights are going to your head

7. [] Been caught staring at your crush by your crush him/herself

8. [X] Have looked for something for at least 10 min then realized it was in your pocket and in ur one hand

9. [X] Tried to push open a door that said pull

10. [X] Tried to pull open a door that said push

11. [ ] Have actually believed someone when they said that they knew how to make a love potion

12. [ x ] Have hit yourself in the process of trying to hit something else

13. [X] Have tripped and fallen UP the stairs

14. [] Have actually exploded marshmallows in the microwave

15. [ ] Have gotten gum stuck in your hair

16. [] Had gum fall out of your mouth while trying to blow a bubble

17. [ ] Have had the juice from a mini tomato squirt out and hit somebody else when you bit into it

18. [] Have had your drink come out your nose because you were laughing so hard

19. [X] Have called one of your good friends by the wrong name

20. [ ] Have skinned your toe because you were playing soccer or kickball with flip flops on or you were barefoot

21. [] Have put a sticker on your forehead, forgot it was there, and went out in public with it on

22. [ ] Have fallen out of a moving vehicle

23. [x] Have run into a closed door

24. [ ] Have almost shot someone with a real gun while trying to shoot something else

25. [ ] Searched for your cell phone while you were talking on it

26. [X] It has taken you longer than 5 min to get a joke

27. [ ] Have gotten your hair stuck in a blow dryer

28.. [] Have gotten your hair stuck in a fan

29. [X] Tripped on a crack in the sidewalk (in flip flops)

30. [ ] Said o'clock after saying how many min after the hour, example: 5:30 o'clock, or 6:15 o'clock

31. [ ] After someone told you that there was gum on the ground, you stepped in it

32. [] Put on a white shirt even though you already knew it was raining outside

33. [X] Have ever walked up to a stranger because you thought they were someone else

34. [] Ever been kicked out of a grocery store/off their property (in service)

35. [] Touched the stove, the curling iron, a hot pan, etc on purpose even though you knew it was hot

36. [] Picked out your change of clothes, took off the ones you had on and then accidentally put the old clothes back on

37. [X] Wondered why something wasn't working then realized it wasn't plugged in

38. [X] Put the cereal in the fridge, or put the milk in the cupboard

39. [X] Walked into a pole

40. [ ] Wore two different earrings or shoes on accident

41. [X] Put your shirt on backwards/inside-out without realizing it then left your house

42.. []Tried to take a picture of your/someone's eye with the flash on

43. [X] Gotten a ring stuck on your finger because you put it on even though you knew it was too small

44.. [] Walked out of the bathroom with toilet paper stuck to your shoe without realizing it

45. [X] Went to go do something/go get something, then when you got there forgot what is was that you were going to do

46. [] Picked up someone else's drink and drank out of it on accident when your drink was right next to it

47. [ x ] Fallen out of your chair while trying to pick something up

48. [x] Have poked yourself in the eye

49. []Have gotten in the shower with your socks still on

50. []Melted your hairbrush while blow drying your hair

51. [x] Have done enough stupid things to make a test

52. [] Have accidentally stabbed yourself with a pencil

53. [X]Have sung the wrong verse to a song without realizing it

54. [X] Have given an odd answer to a question because you didn't hear the question in the first place and didn't feel like asking what it was

55. [] Told someone you were the wrong age because you seriously forgot how old you were

56. [] Looked into an overhead light purposefully while it was on

57. []Got up early and got ready for school/work, then realized that you didn't have school/work that day

58. [ x ]Have tripped on a cord after someone told you to watch out for it

59. [x] Talked to yourself when you thought no one was around

60. [X] Have ever laughed at a joke that no one else thought was funny or a movie

61. [ ] done the Macarena to the electric slide or vice versa

62. [] Said funner then had someone make fun of you for it

63. [ x ] Have repeated yourself at least twice in the same sentence

64. [] Brought up an inside joke with the wrong person

65. [X] Didn't do the backside of an assignment because you thought that there wasn't one because you had already looked and forgot that there was another side

66. [] Did more work than you had to on an assignment because you didn't read the directions

67. [] Corrected someone's grammar/pronunciation then figured out that you were the one that was wrong

68. [X] Put something in a special place so that you would remember where it was, then forgot where you put it

69. [X] Put ice in your drink after the glass was full of liquid and had it splash out-

70. [] Told a lie then forgot what it was that you had said and got caught

71. []When wearing goggles, you pulled them away from your face and let go so that they would come back and snap you in the face

72. [ ] Forgot to make sure that the lamp was off before you replaced the light bulb

73. [] Ran into a door

74. [] Told someone that you hardly ever do stupid things, then immediately did/said something stupid

75. [] Told someone to watch out for something, then you were the one that ran into it

76. [] Have purposely licked playground sand

77. [] Have purposely and repeatedly flicked yourself with a rubber band

78. [] Gotten so hyper that someone actually thought you were drunk when you weren't.

79. [X] Have been so hyper you actually scared people

80. [X] Put duct tape on your body then pulled it off to see if it would pull your hairs out

81. [] Put duct tape on your hair/someone else's hair then pulled it off

82. [] Put a clothes pin/hair clip on your lip, figured out that it hurt, then did it again

83. [ ] Sat and wondered why men dress shirts have a loop on the back

84. [X] Made up a code name for someone so that you could talk about them to someone else and no one else would know who you were talking about

85. [] Have gotten a hairbrush stuck in your hair

86. [] Used the straw to blow the straw wrapper at someone

87. [ ] Shaved your tongue because you thought your taste buds looked weird

88. []When at a restaurant/cafeteria, you used your spoon to fling stuff at people-

89. [] Have flung forks at people in a restaurant/cafeteria

90. [ ] Sucked on a cup and got a hickey from it

91. []As you were writing, you moved your head back and forth with your pen/pencil

92. [] Have drawn finger puppets on your fingers then named them

93. [] Have wrapped someone in a roll of toilet paper

94. []Have used somebody else's toothbrush without even realizing it wasn't yours.

95. [X] started telling a story and forget what you were talking about or what happened in the story

96. [] when you saw a beware of dog sign, you told the owners to beware of the dogs not realizing they owned the dogs

97. [] You have spelled your own name wrong before

98. [] When lying in bed you look for pictures in the texture of the ceiling

99. [] Have used your calculator as a form of communication in class

100. [] Have popped a balloon in your mouth

Monday, December 15, 2008

Customs Border Patrol do NOT play

I work in import/export compliance. As a result, I signed up for notifications from Customs Border Patrol concerning their news releases. Most of the time, I get updates on changes in laws and stuff like that. Today I got an email about a major drug bust in Texas.
Agents doing their normal checks with the drug dogs found over 1700 pounds of marijuana that was hidden in the floor of a tractor trailer truck. The seized contraband has an estimated street value of $1.4 million.
When I read it, I was thinking that they are trying to win the war on illegal drugs. But then I stopped to wonder about all the other shipments that probably got through undetected. How many crooked officials look the other way? How many people are dying because of drug-related incidents?
And as I pondered all of this, I had to keep in mind that this system is like the shop that is going out of business. I cannot expect there to be any real successes in conquering the evil with the current situation.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/12132008.xml

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Samson from the Bible


A sister made a coloring book of Bible characters and while I was printing the pages for some of my friends' kids, I thought that Samson probably had awesome 6-pack abs. Why do all the strong buff guys end up with crazy women that ruin their lives? Delilah was a total witch for how she treated him. She should have been the first to give him some olive oil hair treatments to keep his hair long and healthy. Oh well, it is all ancient history now.
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Friday, November 07, 2008

Who cares about a recession? I say Aldi

Aldi is the place for me to do my shopping because I am all about saving money. No foo foo stuff here. I do not mind paying for my own bags. They do not have name brand products, but the quality cannot be beat on most stuff. For example, they got a clam chowder at a fraction of the cost that beats Campbells. And they have strawberry popsicles at half the price that are better than Dole. Who knew?

But do not take my word for it, see what the news outlets have to say.

 

In Tough Times, Aldi Promises Cheap Thrills

(Newser) – It may not stock Coke or tempt shoppers with fancy end-aisle displays, but bare-bones grocery chain Aldi fits these tough economics, reports Time. With Americans downgrading to cheaper stores, Aldi's generic, spartan approach is attracting customers eager to save a buck, or more, on a gallon of milk. The chain cuts costs by offering staples—ketchup, cereal, olive oil—in one brand in one size.

Aldi's well-tested European business model undercuts its competitors by up to 90%, eliminating frills like free plastic bags and payment by credit card while keeping in-store staff to a five-employee maximum. Targeting urban neighborhoods where real-estate costs favor Aldi's minimal spatial needs—no butcher here—the chain plans to expand by 100 stores over the next two years.

 

A

 

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Go Tennessee Volunteers


I am not a big football fan, but I like Tenn for some reason. I hope they win all their games or at least most of the games.
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Possible Penguin Conversation

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Black Friday Ads and Cease and Desist Orders

It is that time of year again. Everyone is getting ready for the biggest shopping day of the year. BLACK FRIDAY. Since the whole country is in a bit of a recession, there have not been many ads posted so far. I am hoping for retailers to have some crazy sales, especially on electronics. I want a GPS. The only leaked sales ad worth mentioning is Walgreens. They have one of those Bullet-like blenders for 9.99. I learned about the Bullet through an infomercial. You can make salsa in 5 seconds and smoothies in 10. I do not want to pay 60 bucks for the name brand version, but 10 dollars is my speed. Walgreens also has some $12 body butter for 2 bucks. That is worth a trip.

I get my information about the upcoming sales from http://bfads.net/ I laugh at the companies that demand that they not release their sales information. They want it to be a big surprise and so they threaten legal action http://bfads.net/Cease-Desist-Tally-SoFar-5

Companies that send Cease and Desist Orders usually do not get my business. I do not know what they are trying to prove, but I do not get it. To me it is all about saving time and money. I need a game plan for Black Friday. Everything opens at 6-7 and I do not have time to go get the sales papers to decide what I want to buy. I got to be ready when the doors open headed to the specific department to make my claim.

A

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Fake degrees

Iran got problems but you don’t hear about it on the CNN.

Degree from Oxford but its not legit? Waaa? If he believed that, then he probably gave his bank account information to help some “Nigerian prince” too.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7708431.stm

AMH

Saturday, November 01, 2008

My favorite cheese

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Monday, October 27, 2008

Going to NYC

I got a trip to NYC planned for December. I know it is going to be cold, but I am still excited. My friends and I will be going to Walkill and then SHOPPING in the city. I already know what stores I am going to. I want to get a new bag. Maybe a Dooney and Burke, but definately something that is different. There are too many Coach bags on the streets these days. I hate to look like a fashion follower.
I know what I am going to eat too (1) sausage dog with everything (2) pizza (3) Jamaican patty (4) coco bun (5) oxtails and rice. And that is just the first day!
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Moral of Day Picture- Be a better person

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Saturday, October 18, 2008

Cruise 2008


I went on a cruise last week. I saw so many overweight people that I had to take a picture. And I thought that black was slimming. No color is slimming when the person is 300+ pounds.
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Tuesday, September 30, 2008

10 years seems like forever

On October 7, it will be 10 years since my mom died.
I decided to write a poem to describe my morose feelings.

Losing Love

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Japanese fashion -

http://www.flyingczechman.org/gallery/harajuku/index.php?show=11
How is this fashion? I try to be open minded, but I don't get this look at all.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Photos and Multiply

I have just started posting to Multiply. I added my pics from Flicker. That went fine or so I thought. I accidentally uploaded my pics 2 times. So the folders are double. I cannot find out how to remove the duplication. And it is driving me crazy!!!!! IF anybody can tell me how to change it I will be so grateful.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Bronner Bros Hair Show


I met Adele Givens at the Bronner Bros hair show. She was cool. She loves her hair and tells everybody about the products that she uses to keep it looking good. Too bad I don't wear weave, I would have bought some of the products.
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Monday, August 04, 2008

Bronner Bros Hair Show ATL 2008

I went to the Bronner Bros International Hair show in Atlanta. Here Hair = Art. The models were strutting their stuff with style. Painted faces only accented the colorful weave and costumes. All of which added to the drama of the show.
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Thursday, July 10, 2008

comments from readers

I saw this comment and wondered what are these people smoking? Everything is a mess thanks in part to dubya and they still have confidence that he can fix it. So out of touch with reality.

Bush should take action now

Voters: e-mail, write letters and call. Tell President Bush that Congress is now in recess. It is time for him to step forward and appoint the judges we need to take care of business. Also, start offshore drilling and drilling in ANWR. Supporting these Arab terrorists by buying their expensive oil must come to an end.

By doing this, the voters will view the Republicans in a new light and more will be elected to Congress. You will catch it from liberals and the radical "greens," but the Republicans will get the votes from a grateful public who have to pay the price of gas. That is a lot of votes. We need to win this one bad.

John D. Matson

Tamassee

 

Sunday, May 18, 2008

King Creek Falls

By the river on the way to the main waterfalls
More by the river on the way to the main waterfalls
At the main waterfall- it was beautiful!!!!
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Friday, March 07, 2008

My poetry- reflections of my success...or is it?

My poem "Pain In Life" has been awarded their prestigious Editor's Choice Award because it displays an original perspective and unique creativity -- judged to be the qualities found most in exceptional poetry. This is from the website www.poetry.com. It would mean more to me if they would pay me. Instead they keep sending me letters to buy the book in which my poem will be featured. I feel like the book should be free since I have been awarded such a “prestigious” honor. And it makes me wonder how good was my poem? I thought it was poignant, heartfelt, and touching. But does everyone win the award so they can sell more of their books? Oh well, I will keep writing and maybe I will profit from my writings some day.

Thursday, March 06, 2008

The people at Subway got me ALL aggravated

I was so aggravated at the people at the Subway in Greenville, SC that I wrote them this letter:

 

I visited Subway like I always do and ordered a pepperoni pizza like I always do. The lady fixing the pizza asked me what veggies I wanted on my pizza. I said olives and banana peppers. She told me that was $1 extra. I told her that I have never been charged extra for veggies. I could understand if I wanted extra meat, I know I would have to pay extra. I pointed to the menu board that said that .50 extra for "cheese, pepperoni, sausage, bacon". She shook her head and said all toppings are .50 extra. Since I was hungry and tired of arguing, I paid extra for the toppings. But I wanted to make you aware of this. Maybe this is an education issue for the people at this Subway, but I cannot understand if it is on the menu board why there is an issue. I know that $.50 seems like a minute amount of money, but it really bothered me that the lady overcharged me.

Sunday, March 02, 2008

Leap year 2008

What was I doing on Leap Year 2008? Going to Cyrus' wedding. Yep someone married him. Big surprise to all who know him. LOL

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Friday, February 29, 2008

My poetry

I wrote a poem titled "Pain In Life". I hope can feel the emotion that I tried to convey. If you are feeling it, forward to your friends and vote for me.
Thanks

http://www.poetry.com/voteforme/poemvote1.asp?PID=12742544

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Plane Trip

I went on a plane trip a few weeks back and I had to share my experience.
The air was HEAVY with a foul odor. It was a baby (I say baby but she was probably about 2) behind me stinking up the plane because she did #2 in her diaper and her slack mom did not want to get up and take her to the bathroom. I was so aggravated because the baby was a major BRAT.
Stinky and bad attitude- what a combination!
Then Brat baby started to cry because she could not walk down the aisle and the idiot mother is trying to reason with her. Brat baby cannot be consoled. She wants her way and she wanted it immediately.
I wish we could have kicked them off the plan. I have no sympathy. If you cannot control your kids, DO NOT FLY!!!!

Saturday, January 26, 2008

My cuz Artist Jordan has been making jewelry. I bought some pieces from him when I was in Belize. Hey, everybody got their hustle these days. I lovin' it.

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Saturday, January 12, 2008

doggie...you fail

I guess being in the doghouse is not the negative that it used to be. LOL

Thursday, December 06, 2007

Mom Faces Massive File-Sharing Fines After DOJ Sides With RIAA

Sux to be her.

She should counter sue for music being such low quality that it would push someone to resort to bootlegging it.

Too bad Johnny Cochran not alive. He could probably make that argument and win.

 


Mom Faces Massive File-Sharing Fines After DOJ Sides With RIAA
Justice Department prosecutors argue that Jammie Thomas' $222,000 judgment is in line with the U.S. Copyright Act.

URL: http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=204701201

The Minnesota mother who vowed to fight the Recording Industry Association of America after she was convicted of illegally downloading copyrighted music now has another heavyweight to contend with.
The U.S. Justice Department has sided with the RIAA and a jury's $222,000 judgment against Jammie Thomas for illegally downloading and sharing copyrighted music. The amount breaks down to $9,250 per song. The case, Capitol v. Thomas, was the first file-sharing lawsuit to make it to trial. It gained widespread attention because of that.
Thomas vowed to fight the judgment and appealed. Her lawyer argued that the damages were too steep and that the clause in the Copyright Act violates due process because it's "severe" and out of sync with actual damages. The clause allows fines up to $150,000 per illegally downloaded song.
In a court filing, DOJ argued that the law allows penalties to be steeper than actual damages.
The agency said that the damages awarded under the Copyright Act's statutory damages provision didn't violate due process and aren't so severe and oppressive to be disproportionate to the offense or obviously unreasonable.
DOJ has asked the court not to rule on the constitutionality of the damage clause of the Copyright Act, or to rule in its favor. To support its argument, DOJ has pointed out that it's impossible to know how many times a song has been shared once it becomes available on a file-sharing site.
After the ruling in October, Thomas, a single mother who said she earns about $36,000 a year, issued a rallying cry, promising to "be a thorn in the side of record companies" for the rest of her life. She voiced her protests in a blog, her MySpace page, and in media interviews.
"I will not be bullied," she said.
Her words seemed to resonate as critics of the RIAA gathered online to show support and donated money to help cover legal costs.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

The last few weeks


I saw a truck on fire at the gas station- Just the place for a fire...I don't know what took the fire dept so long (the station was right across the street- LITERALLY)


I made butter from scratch- Martha Stewart would be proud


Girls Night Out- Oh YEA!


Had good times at graduation party
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