Saturday, February 28, 2009

Bad Business

Let me start by saying that I am not a Capitalist. You're shocked, I know. But in all seriousness, I think Capitalism has done more damage than good. And among the long, long list of bad is, in my opinion, that it has given business owners, both large and small, a sense of undue power over the customer.

Case in point:

I recently ordered a product from a small, independent company. I was told that the product would take "about three weeks" to be completed and shipped. I hadn't heard anything from them for about two and a half weeks so I dropped a quick email to check in with them, yes in all truth to see that they hadn't run off with my money (I was a little sketchy from the start as their website hadn't been updated in copyright for nearly three years). So I just basically said hi, still here, could you give me an update on the product.

The reply email came shortly thereafter (they so far have been pretty good about communication). But it was so short and rude that I had to blog about it to get out my frustration.

They said,

"Hi. It was actually 16 days ago."

And then they proceeded to copy and past their last email to me which said that the product would take "about three weeks."

You know what I want to say to these bastards??

"Well the last time I checked, 16 days ago IS 'about two and a half weeks', jerk. Give me my product and FYI, I will NOT be returning for more business NOR will I recommend your company to others."

Rrrrrrrrr!! I am steaming right now! I can't believe the rudeness of these people. I know how many damn days it's been - I too counted them! And I wasn't accusing them of being late, only asking for an update. &$%&%$^* ##$%!!!!

They WON'T be getting any more business from me or a (positive) referral. I am not sure if I will send said email to them, though. In today's information age, one just never knows if something like that won't come back and bite them in the arse.

So. Why am I blaming this on Capitalism and not the people behind the counter? First off, Capitalism was created by the people behind the counter and it (the Capitalist philosophy) really all comes down to our incessant greed. But also because this is seen all the way up the scale of business. I don't need to layout details to you fine people about events in our recent past that showcase this finery, I know.

And yes, I know that Communism and Socialism ultimately don't work well, either. I know that the Marxist Utopia is impossible, and that, well, never mind. It's really just frustrating.

Hey. I wonder if even saying the words Communism and Socialism on a blog will get Big Brother watching me? Ha.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Let Me Be As Plain With You As I Possibly Can...

August 31, 2010 will be a beautiful day.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Children Are Our Future

I am really happy. Not only was President Obama's speech tonight marvelous and moving, but we also went to a really great info night at what we hope will be our eldest daughter's Charter School. We love the idea of a smaller school where the staff and students know each other well, the students also have a lot of say in this particular school about what their electives can be as well as their student leadership is all volunteer, no voting for the most popular kids and the rest feeling less-than. They also have a really great volunteer program for the students including volunteering at the local animal shelter, she's gonna LOVE that one! There's an animal rights club, a pool table, a science camps, cool field trips, dances, carnivals, and just some really awesome stuff. They also do pre- and algebra - this is so very important!! I know! They adhere to state standards and use state approved texts, each student has a laptop (and we've just bought her one of her own). We couldn't be happier. Plus, she can still walk to school as it's so close. I think this is going to make all the difference in the world in regards to her self esteem, academic performance (and future academic performance), and even her social life - she'll be around kids who have involved, caring parents like us. There's also required parent volunteer time, this we really like. At the elementary they're both at now, we've gone in once a week (sometimes more) for every year they've each been there (since kindergarten) and many times we just end up doing the grading work the teacher would rather not do when s/he goes home. At this school you can volunteer your real talents (I want to teach a creative writing class and Hubby wants to organize a science project).

This should be great. We're so excited!

Monday, February 23, 2009

IT'S BAD FOR YA!

Another great moment in the life of the late/great George Carlin. Click links after this section to watch all 7 of the series. And remember, IT'S BAD FOR YA!

Selling Out To The Man

Today I want to tell you about some of my absolute favorite non-dairy (and one non-huevos) products. And let me further preface by saying that I am a sorry slave to my tastebuds. Even though I am passionate about animal rights (Commie!!), I still want to be able to do so without compromising flavor (I get the impression that animal-friendly food manufacturers are rather savvy to this point because nearly every time I go into the health food store, there's something new, trying to make a particular condiment or drink, etc. taste more like it's non-animal-friendly counterpart.) So, it's really a great time to start moving into a healthier, more compassionate diet, if you're so inclined. (Sermon over.)

Silk Soymilk French Vanilla Creamer. After some years of diligent searching, I just didn't bother trying to find a non-dairy creamer anymore because frankly, they all sucked. They were either greasy, lumpy powders or grainy, gross liquids. But then Silk Soymilk walked into my life, and she hasn't walked out since. Let me tell you, this creamer is, well, creamy, and delicious and there's no funky "soy aftertaste". I even love their regular milks for cooking, cereals, and just about anything one would need milk for (they also have some really great, new products that I can't wait to try). Hey, and it's really good for you, fair to the growers, and our environment (Pinko!!) Highly recommend!

Next on the menu is Rice Dream Carob. Now some people do not like carob, it's one of those things you either love or hate. I happen to love it, but for those of you that like chocolate instead (for the record, I do like chocolate too, I just happen to really like the different taste of carob), they have you covered. Rice Dream really is like a dream. Their products are yummy, again creamy, and just all around delish. Mostly I just get the chocolate-flavored drinks for the times when I'm craving something sweet to drink other than juice, but one could certainly use the regular rice milks for cereals, cooking, etc. They also have a temptingly decadent array of dessert items that are really good, like their Supreme Vanilla Gingersnap "ice cream". They also have Soy, Almond, Oat, and Hemp Dreams for those so inclined. (Whew!)

Last but certainly not least is Follow Your Heart's Grapeseed Vegenaise. Now again, non-dairy and egg-free mayonaises (like my new word?) that actually taste good have been so hard to find that I again thought I would just have to live without one. But a couple years back I read on a vegan blog I really liked (I'd link but they're no longer running the site) that the best mayo alternative was indeed the Grapseed Vegenaise. So I thought I'd give it a try. Lo and behold, it tastes pretty darn good! For this variety, I add it in my cooking recipes (potato salad, etc.) and sandwiches. Really good stuff.

So that ends today's demonstration on animal-friendly products, please join us again for our next episode on compassionate living called "7 Ways to Skin a Cat". (Waiting for PETA's call any minute now...)

Sunday, February 22, 2009

A Month of Sundays Would Suit Me Just Fine

I got my wish today. It's a quiet, rainy Sunday with nary a responsibility looming. Well, I do have some responsibilities, like the dishes and working on my two soc. papers. But other than that, it's sheer bliss.

As I type, I am eating some of last night's yummy leftovers and am watching the steady onslaught of rain quench the thirsty earth (we've all been waiting for the rain to come this season, because if we don't get enough, we'll have a water-rationing drought to endure this summer).

These are the days I live for, though too few and somehow seem to pass all too quickly, they're a time of restoration for my soul, really. In just a bit here, I'll make a piping hot cup of tea, I'm going to scrub my bathtub and draw a hot bath, adding some of this delightful stuff, lighting my oh-so-delightful beeswax candles, and will be enjoying my soak at long last.

Happy Sunday to you all. Do something nice... just for you.

namaste

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Carrot Apple Muffins

I realize that this post isn't going to be half of what it would be were it to have pictures, but alas, I don't have a printer down here that will take my camera card (whatever those things are called).

This afternoon I made Carrot Apple Muffins, really with the intent of having them for dessert after our fab dinner that I'm actually about to cook, but then I remembered that I had saved another recipe for an Apple Coffee Cake instead. So I made the muffins, gave five to the neighbors (as a "thank you" for helping me with my vast and seemingly endless computer problems), and put the remaining dozen in the bread box for breakfasts and just to munch on as a healthy snack.

The muffin recipe can be found here, courtesy of Simply Recipes.

I discovered Simply Recipes a few weeks ago and have really been enjoying what I've found and made. To my surprise, so far everything's been simple and tasty - huh, imagine that! I've oft avoided cooking from recipes for fear of elaborate and complicated hours spent in the kitchen only to have a mountain of dishes afterward. But, alas, these have been mostly simple, with ingredients I rarely have to go out to the store for too, which is a big bonus in my eyes.

Another Stab

Well, I thought I'd give the ol' blogging thing another try. I figured it like this: I love to write, and I read at LEAST ten blogs a day (OK, maybe not that many, but close!). So WHAT THE HECK was I doing without a blog?! I mean, HELLO???

So, here I am. At the beginning of what I hope is a successful run at... running a blog.

Welcome and Enjoy!!
 
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