Remodeling Again.

Last year the Wal-Mart I work at replaced all the meat cases, the dairy cases, and the bunkers,(the small cases that are usually between the wall and the grocery aisles.) At that time I questioned the wisdom in not replacing the frozen food cases. After all, those cases were just as old as the others. Logic never has been a strong suit with those who make these decisions. The cases were left. In the last four months the ice cream case has gone down three times. Starting tonight,over the next two weeks, all the cases will be replaced. The new cases are the state of the art, energy efficient models. I saw some of them last fall when I went to Illinois. They are very attractive looking. I realize most people wouldn't find them as interesting as I do. Ever since I started working in retail, I find things like fixtures and displays fascinating. If you hadn't figured out yet I am a little odd, you haven't been paying attention.


Kosuke Fukodome celebrated his birthday by hitting a three run home run and driving in five runs. The Cubs broke their losing streak with a 10-3 win over the Cardinals. I am glad Harry Carey is not around with Fukodome on the team. The way Harry butchered names, WGN would probably lose their license from the FCC.The Cubs are in Arizona tonight to start a series with the Diamondbacks.


Venus is the second closest planet to the sun.
Today's question is Grade 2/Science.

True or false? Sleet is a form of precipitation.

I knew this one. 83-16.

Sunday Smiles.

I needed something to smile about. The Cubs sure aren't giving me any reasons. Albert Pujols hit a grand slam and the Cardinals beat the Cubs 8-2. I will be sending the traveling trophies to my friend on Tuesday. We always find a funny greeting card to send it in. I won't get a chance to pick one out before then. Hopefully the Cubs will break their four game losing streak today.

The Return Of Nine Year Old Arsonist.

Well, he's back. He obviously hasn't learned anything, but then neither has his parents. While sitting in a van at a convenience store he was observed lighting a piece of paper and blowing on it, making the flames get larger and smaller. Once again he was arrested on the charge of reckless endangerment. The news article doesn't state it, but I am going to assume the man he was with was his father. That man should also have been charged with neglect. You have a boy who has burned down a store, and then he is left alone in a van with an ignition source. What was that man thinking? The boy should have been with him. He obviously has some kind of issues that need to be addressed now. To leave the boy alone is simply irresponsible on that man's part. I had figured the boy was already being treated, but I was obviously wrong. Hopefully now the proper people are paying attention and the boy will get that help.

I do want to respond to Winthrop J. Quiggy's questions about the previous story. The manager of the Dollar General did find the fire and tried to put it out, but it was too late by then. The building itself was an older building and did not have a sprinkler system. I tried to find out what the fire code is, but it is a PDF file and I am having trouble opening it. As soon as I get it open I will mention it again. It was a small store and I assume did not do much business. They only had seven employees.

I'll keep an eye on this story and talk about it whenever I find an update.


The Cubs lost their third straight game last night, falling to the Cardinals 4-3. They had rallied after being down 3-0 and tied the game, but lost it when Ryan Ludwick singled in the eighth to drive in Albert Pujols. The play again this afternoon.
Historians divide China's time into dynasties.
This weekends question is Grade 3/Astronomy.

What planet is the second closest to our sun?

I knew that one. 82-16.

Hungry?

If you are hungry here is a burger for you. This one can be found at a ballpark. The West Michigan Whitecaps, who play in Grand Rapids, are offering this. It consists of five one-third pound burgers, a cup of chili, five slices of American cheese, salsa, nacho cheese, Frito's, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and if you want them, jalapenos. They use a pizza cutter to cut it into four pieces. The price is $20. Don't forget to save room for dessert. They have chocolate-covered frozen bananas.

The Cubs-Cardinals game was rained out. It has been rescheduled as part of a day-night doubleheader to be played on July 12.
Winthrop J. Quiggy was right. September is the last month alphabetically.
Today's question is Grade 5/History.

In which region did the Maya, Aztecs, and Incas live?

• A) Africa
• B) Asia
• C) The Americas

I knew this one. 78-15.

The Traveling Trophies Stay.

The Cubs beat the Cardinals 7-5 yesterday when Aramis Ramirez hit a two run home run with two out in the bottom of the eleventh. Cardinals pitcher Dennys Reyes normally would not have pitched to Ramirez, but Tony LaRussa didn't have many other options since Reyes was the sixth pitcher he had used. The two teams meet tonight with Ted Lilly pitching for the Cubs against Todd Wellemeyer. According to the rules my friend and I set up with the traveling trophies in case of a tie they stay where they are. Hopefully the Cubs will win again tonight, but regardless they stay here at least until next weekend, when the Cubs go to St Louis.

Saturday Smiles.

Today I get to use my picture. The Cubs tied the series by beating the Cardinals 8-7. Alfonso Soriano hit a two run home run in the eighth to give the Cubs the win.



Travis was right. Jonathan Swift wrote Gulliver's Travels.
The weekend question is Grade 2/Spelling.

What month comes last alphabetically?

I knew this one. 77-15.

Ruining A Reputation?

A video posted by a couple of Domino's employees on YouTube has gotten them fired, arrested, and according to this article, their actions have damaged Domino's reputation.

First, the video. These "geniuses" had the bright idea to make a video of them allegedly making some sandwiches for delivery. A man was shown sticking cheese up his nose, "breaking wind" over some salami, and adding some additional "nose sauce" to the sandwiches. His female accomplice did a play by play on the video. The video has since been removed from YouTube, but it probably exists somewhere. Of course they deserved the firing. The arrest I am not so sure about. The charge is distributing prohibited foods. I really don't think they distributed this food. If they did they deserve jail time, but if not, stupidity really isn't a crime. If it was we all would have a record, some would have a rap sheet that would make War And Piece look like a short story.

As for Domino's reputation, how could you hold them responsible. They had no idea that this was going to happen. It is not in the training manual. I have worked for Taco Bell, Arby's, Wendy's, and Krystal's. Not once during any of the interviews was I asked "If given the chance, will you do disgusting things to our food and then serve it to our customers?" There is no way to predict that people will act outrageously. They have been fired. Domino's did what any responsible employer would have. They are blameless.

I got an email today from someone who wants to advertise here on my blog. It was from an Asian Travel Agency. Maybe I should do it. I am sure that everyone who reads this would love to plan a trip to Asia.

I have another picture I was hoping to use, but unfortunately the Cardinals beat the Cubs 7-4 yesterday. Chris Duncan had three hits, including a home run, and drove in three runs. The Cardinals had twelve hits against five Cubs pitchers. Hopefully the Cubs will reverse that today. Carlos Zambrano will be pitching against a rookie, P.J. Walters, who is making his major league debut.




Travis knew that a Triceratops had three horns on its head.
Today's question is Grade 4/Literature.

Who wrote the book Gulliver's Travels?

• A) Robert Louis Stevenson
• B) Jonathan Swift
• C) Shel Silverstein

I knew this one. 76-15.