We have a few theories about the whole concept of “eating out.” They vary widely. But strangely have a similar common denominator. Can you figure out what it is?
One of the most cited reasons for eating out or “ordering takeout” is usually “I don’t have time,” or “we are too busy to cook…”
Here’s an interesting statistic:
So…
Continue reading ““Eating out.” Why?”
Trigger warning: The following article contains common sense and challenges the beliefs of most lemmings roaming the planet.
Too bad the global conditioning is hard to overcome…
There are a lot of organizations that exist for the purpose of pointing out government corruption, abuse, waste, conspiracy, oppression and brutality. And that is a very valuable service: showing people all the nasty things that those in power are up to. However, while there have been people screaming “Look how bad this is!” for centuries, righteously condemning various misdeeds of “the powers that be,” most of those people have focused on the symptoms of authoritarian power, instead of on the underlying causes.
Most of the world (the political left in particular) was blindsided by the results of the 2016 election.
To say that some are having a hard time coming to terms with the words “President Trump” and what the next 4 to 8 years will bring, would be an understatement.
Those who told you that a Trump presidency was impossible were quick to remix their pre-election narratives, framing the Donald as something of a Hitler 2.0 and attempting to position themselves as leaders of a new resistance. Self reflection is still off the table.
“Hope everyone has a happy new year in 2017!”
There – the obligatory statement.
While true, we get more mystified by the compartmentalization of our lives. Anniversaries in particular. I guess the only thing that might be right is that the calendar dates (month, day) are the same – and you have a chance for similar weather…
Why is “reflection” over an annual period – more pronounced?
Shouldn’t every day – or even every minute or second be an opportunity to reflect, remember, and improve? Or is it easier just to look back once a year, and start anew?
I am sensing something happening in the information sphere called the interwebs recently.
But first a quick reference. I recall something in some middle-eastern religious book that talked about infiltrating a society (acclimating, appearing benign) – then “waiting until the right moment” to pounce. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.
Also along the lines of a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
This isn’t about that group of people.
It’s about the “thing” stupidly labeled as the “Alt-Right.”
Slick marketing and branding are in full force these days. But getting beyond the packaging should be in everyone’s best interest.
We’ve noticed this more often as of late. Almost ALL things (food products, gadgets, doohickeys, you name it) have high-end packaging. Well-designed logos and GOBS of “feel good” marketing mumbo jumbo plastered over every product on the shelves.
Maybe it’s time to STOP paying attention to this garbage once and for all. Entirely.
With the exception of either “emergency” things like repairs, or “bare essentials” like fuel or commodities like perishable food – there is no reason to pay more than you should. Never pay full price for anything!
When you look at many of these stupid holiday season sales events – it should open the eyes of EVERYONE who has paid more for said products in the past.
Everyone should be asking – “wait a minute – maybe I should always wait for these blockbuster events to buy anything like this!”
Why don’t all of us do that? To postpone a purchase until a known “mega sale” comes?
Is it urgency? Hardly ever.
Is it instant gratification? Sometimes.
Is it marketing manipulation? Usually.
We got a Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link air purifier a few weeks ago, and we’d like to share our experiences from the latest new device from the company that revolutionized the common home vacuum back in the late 1990’s / early 2000’s.
And since their vacuums literally disrupted the market, they’ve released many other innovative products, including Hand Dryers (best I’ve ever tried), Hair Care (blow dryers), high-end LED Lighting, “Air Treatment” (i.e., fans and purifiers), and more.
We reviewed one of the early Dyson Air Multipliers over six years ago – with mixed results. You sort of had to “re-think” the status quo to understand what it was all about.
Most of our practical Christmas Gifts posts last week were things you can “buy” either at a store or online. Ready to go, and ready to gift. Just “wrap and roll!”
But we feel some of the best gifts you can give to anyone are things you built or made yourself.
Something about putting the time (other than driving to the store or clicking a few buttons) and especially the effort into creating something that didn’t exist before has more meaning.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Here’s a “search” for the TBPoogle file:
Say you won a very significant lottery. Powerball, or whatever. Maybe 50 million. Maybe 100 million or more. The exact number is irrelevant. You have come into a substantial amount of money. Life-changing.
I’ve been thinking about this way too much – but I for one would absolutely want to remain anonymous after winning.
In some states (like Connecticut) you can claim the winnings as an LLC – so that your identity is protected. Other states, like New Jersey – a human being with a first and last name has to collect the winnings. Not sure which other states have which rules.
So say you won the big jackpot in NJ – and wanted to maintain that privacy?
I’ve seen many great ideas shared here on TBP. From Stucky’s DIY projects, and more. Some overall good advice – to excellent advice. Amongst some of the mud-slinging. But that’s free entertainment – not liberal trolling.
Back in the day – people either experimented themselves – or had conversations with real people. Some would often chime in with REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE and advice.
Today – most of us head to a search engine skewed results “algorithm” seeking something either to confirm our bias – or send us in a particular direction in a quest for “answers.”
Can we go back to the old way?
That is why I am suggesting “TBPoogle.”
We have had mixed opinions over the years on the whole organic movement. One of our main points against (specifically in regards to “packaged goods,”) is that other than some words and logos – you have no true way of knowing (chemically) what is inside.
You have “blind faith.”
Maybe the word “organic” itself is enough to make people believe (and pay 3x more) for this magical food (which still has pesticides!) Also – because of the “fanatical” ways people get about organic food products. Borderline cultish. But do you ever wonder why it’s impossible to find FRESH organic pizza anywhere?
Why hasn’t that “movement” made progress into the pizza world?
Continuing our Practical Christmas Gifts category – are products we love (and use): LED Flashlights.
While everyone and their brother thinks they have good flashlights on their stupid mobile phones – nothing beats a nice CREE LED flashlight. They come in all sizes for all situations.
Let me run down three today. For various budgets and situations.
Continue reading “Practical Christmas Gifts 2016: Let there be light”
Around this time of the year – we enjoy sharing what we feel are more thoughtful presents to give people. Part of our ongoing Practical Christmas Gifts category.
And understandably – books almost always make our cut. Why? Because they work without electricity and enrich the mind in ways “apps” or other mindless media can’t.
So here are a few that might fit someone on your list this year.
Below is a “plea” (or better yet a desperate cry for attention) from a local area resident. She had some kind of verbal interaction at a cheap hair salon over at Newport Mall in Jersey City recently. She has since organized a “silent march” this weekend to protest what she is claiming was a “racist” incident. See our commentary afterward.
