I had a rebout of the flu and it knocked me flat. Finally feel alive again, but it's a long road. I have kid and Hubby on regimen of goldenseal, echinacea, elderberry, and Vitamins C and D. So far, no symptoms. That's great news!
Ventured to Wally World yesterday where I proceeded to spend most of my check: teas, coffee, gummy Vit D for Kid, soups, canned fruit (for Kid who would eat 1-2 a day if allowed), more fever reducers, spices, hand cleaner, protein bars, canned ham, chafing dish fuel, 10-lb bag of potatoes, and more. While I was there, stubbed and broke the pinky toe on my right foot (I did the left foot in August) and after I got home, burnt myself on the crockpot. I was really dizzy. Side effect from lingering flu.
Hubby went to Sam's Club and got powdered cow's milk. I ordered 2 canisters of powdered rice milk from Amazon.com. From Honeyville, I ordered more powdered eggs, dried blackberries and dried blueberries.
I think we're set.
Whether a tornado, floods, economic collapse, or even a zombie apocalypse ... this blog will help you prepare. ... by Author V.P. Lawrence #survivalcookingliving // Instagram @survivalcookingliving
Showing posts with label Rant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rant. Show all posts
When Is CornBread Not CornBread?
... Cornbread isn't really cornbread when you have 2 cups of wheat flour or bisquick to 2 tablespoons of cornmeal. I just don't understand it!
I was reading a blog that I follow when I have a moment, and it had a recipe for "Best Corn Bread". The ingredients included 2 cups of bisquick and 2 "heaping" tablespoons of corn meal. To me, that's a pan bread with a little corn meal thrown in.
I'll post a cornbread recipe shortly. A REAL cornbread recipe.
Sorry... had to vent!
I was reading a blog that I follow when I have a moment, and it had a recipe for "Best Corn Bread". The ingredients included 2 cups of bisquick and 2 "heaping" tablespoons of corn meal. To me, that's a pan bread with a little corn meal thrown in.
I'll post a cornbread recipe shortly. A REAL cornbread recipe.
Sorry... had to vent!
Off-Topic: Rant about AIG - again
Saw this on my yahoo e-mail sign-on page yesterday:
AP - Joining a wave of public anger, President Barack Obama blistered insurance giant AIG for "recklessness and greed" Monday and pledged to try to block it from handing its executives $165 million in bonuses after taking billions in federal bailout money. "How do they justify this outrage to the taxpayers who are keeping the company afloat?" Obama asked. "This isn't just a matter of dollars and cents. It's about our fundamental values."
Saw this on today's yahoo sign-on page:
AP - Senate Democrats vowed Tuesday to all but strip AIG executives of their $165 million in bonuses, as expressions of outrage swelled in Congress over eye-catching extra income for employees of a firm that has received billions in taxpayer bailout funds.
Here's a link to AIG's homepage: http://www.aig.com/Home-Page_20_17084.html and here's their contact information: Contact AIG by email or phone Call M-F 6am-8pm ET USA: 1-877-638-4244 Worldwide: +1-908-679-3150
I realize that a lot of people depend on AIG for life insurance, auto insurance, retirement services, relocation, investments, etc. I get that, and I get that it would be horrible for AIG to go out of business.
I also realize that according to some, the bonuses mentioned above were promised, and therefore, AIG is contractually obligated to give out those bonuses. Question: can't the people who are contractually obligated to receive the bonuses... REFUSE THEM? I'm thinking that even if they can't refuse the bonuses, it would really behoove these executives to return the money to the company. Some way. Some how.
Come on, AIG. Do the right thing. Stop wasting MY money.
As for everyone who does business with AIG, look into moving your business elsewhere. If clients disappear, AIG will be forced to close its doors. Yes, I'm also thinking about the employees like secretaries, accountants, file clerks, maintenance, etc. - the people who really run the company. Wouldn't it better for them all to look for new jobs now, or for a nice competitor of AIG to hire all the employees carte blanche.
President Obama: We expect you to handle this.
UPDATED March 18 2009 at 6:15 AM: Can American Taxpayers bring a class action lawsuit again AIG for misuse of taxpayer funds?
AP - Joining a wave of public anger, President Barack Obama blistered insurance giant AIG for "recklessness and greed" Monday and pledged to try to block it from handing its executives $165 million in bonuses after taking billions in federal bailout money. "How do they justify this outrage to the taxpayers who are keeping the company afloat?" Obama asked. "This isn't just a matter of dollars and cents. It's about our fundamental values."
Saw this on today's yahoo sign-on page:
AP - Senate Democrats vowed Tuesday to all but strip AIG executives of their $165 million in bonuses, as expressions of outrage swelled in Congress over eye-catching extra income for employees of a firm that has received billions in taxpayer bailout funds.
Here's a link to AIG's homepage: http://www.aig.com/Home-Page_20_17084.html and here's their contact information: Contact AIG by email or phone Call M-F 6am-8pm ET USA: 1-877-638-4244 Worldwide: +1-908-679-3150
I realize that a lot of people depend on AIG for life insurance, auto insurance, retirement services, relocation, investments, etc. I get that, and I get that it would be horrible for AIG to go out of business.
I also realize that according to some, the bonuses mentioned above were promised, and therefore, AIG is contractually obligated to give out those bonuses. Question: can't the people who are contractually obligated to receive the bonuses... REFUSE THEM? I'm thinking that even if they can't refuse the bonuses, it would really behoove these executives to return the money to the company. Some way. Some how.
Come on, AIG. Do the right thing. Stop wasting MY money.
As for everyone who does business with AIG, look into moving your business elsewhere. If clients disappear, AIG will be forced to close its doors. Yes, I'm also thinking about the employees like secretaries, accountants, file clerks, maintenance, etc. - the people who really run the company. Wouldn't it better for them all to look for new jobs now, or for a nice competitor of AIG to hire all the employees carte blanche.
President Obama: We expect you to handle this.
Senators: Yes! Absolutely STRIP these AIG executives of their bonuses and anything else you can.
Just my uninformed opinion, but I'm furious about AIG. Aren't you? VikkiUPDATED March 18 2009 at 6:15 AM: Can American Taxpayers bring a class action lawsuit again AIG for misuse of taxpayer funds?
Survivalism, According to "Medium"
Did anyone else watch "Medium" last night? It started out kinda cool - "Allison" had a dream about a post-apocolyptic world where she was missing and her family were trying to make do. Then, as the show progressed, it appeared that the alleged mission of the show was to make all "survivalists" look like we have bunkers and hidden areas so we can store illegal items and kidnap helpless children. Seemed like that to us.
Attention producers of MEDIUM (like you're really gonna read this blog!):
We people who prepare for the worst and hope for the best...
We people who may build a bunker just in case that worst happens...
We people who store survival supplies (and NOT just backpacks filled with energy bars)...
We are NOT mental cases and criminals. We are sensible people following what we believe is a good path.
Because of YOU...
...people are going to stop preparing because of the new perceived-image brought on by your show. Did you even consult with people who prep? People who build bunkers and store in them with water purification methods, seeds, gardening tools, dehydrated food, books and more like that?
Stop following the money.
Tell the truth.
Attention producers of MEDIUM (like you're really gonna read this blog!):
We people who prepare for the worst and hope for the best...
We people who may build a bunker just in case that worst happens...
We people who store survival supplies (and NOT just backpacks filled with energy bars)...
We are NOT mental cases and criminals. We are sensible people following what we believe is a good path.
Because of YOU...
...people are going to stop preparing because of the new perceived-image brought on by your show. Did you even consult with people who prep? People who build bunkers and store in them with water purification methods, seeds, gardening tools, dehydrated food, books and more like that?
Stop following the money.
Tell the truth.
Beware of Best Buy and their Return Policy
I recently read an e-mail forwarded to me about Best Buy. Here's an excerpt:
= = = =
BEST BUY, MY FOOT ... Best Buy has some bad policies.....
Normally, I would not share this with others, however, since this could happen to you or your friends , I decided to share it. If you purchase something from, Wal-Mart, Sears etc. and you return the item with the receipt they will give you your money back if you paid cash, or credit your account if paid by plastic.
Well, I purchased a GPS for my car, a Tom Tom XL.S from 'Best Buy'. They have a policy that it must be returned within 14 days for a refund!
So after 4 days I returned it in the original box with all the items in the box, with paper work and cords all wrapped in the plastic. Just as I received it, including the receipt. I explained to the lady at the return desk I did not like the way it could not find store names. The lady at the refund desk said, there is a 15% restock fee, for items returned. I said no one told me that. I said how much would that be. She said it goes by the price of the item. It will be $45.00 Dollars for you. I said, all your [sic] going to do is walk over and replace it back on the shelf then charge me $45..00 of my money for restocking? She said that's the store policy. I said if more people were aware of it they would not buy anything here! If I bought a $2000.00 computer or TV and returned it I would be charged $300.00 dollars restock fee? She said yes, 15%.
I said OK, just give me my money minus the restock fee. She said, since the item is over $200.00 dollars, she can't give me my money back!!! Corporate has to and they will mail you a check in 7 to ten days.!! I said 'WHAT?!' It's my money!! I paid in cash! I want to buy a different brand..Now I have to wait 7 to 10 days. She said well, our policy is on the back of your receipt.
I said, do you read the front or back of your receipt? She said well, the front! I said so do I, I want to talk to the Manager!.. So the manager comes over, I explained everything to him, and he said, well, sir they should of told you about the policy when you got the item. I said, No one, has ever told me about the check refund or restock fee, whenever I bought items from computers to TVs from Best Buy. The only thing they ever discussed was the worthless extended warranty program. He said Well, I can give you corporate phone number.
I called corporate. The guy said, well, I'm not supposed to do this but I can give you a 45.00 dollar gift card and you can use it at20Best Buy. I told him if I bought something and returned it, you would charge me a restock fee on the item and then send me a check for the remaining 3 dollars. You can keep your gift card, I'm never shopping in Best Buy ever again, and if I would of been smart, I would of charged the whole thing on my credit card! Then I would of canceled the transaction. I would of gotten all my money back including your stupid fees! He didn't say a word! I informed him that I was going to e-mail my friends and give them a heads up on this stores policy, as they don't tell you about all the little caveats.
So please pass this on. It may save your friends from having a bad experience of shopping at Best Buy.
= = = =
We buy things from Best Buy pretty often. Have to admit, I've never read the back of our receipt, and didn't know about their return policy. Wasn't sure the above was true, so I went online to http://www.bestbuy.com/ to look up their return policy myself. It IS true. Here's an excerpt from their own website (link: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?type=page&contentId=1218031738832&id=cat12098):
= = = =
Online Return Policy
You may return merchandise purchased at BestBuy.com if it meets the guidelines below. Not all products are returnable to the store. If you would like to return a major appliance, TV, accessory or furniture delivered via special delivery, please call Customer Care at 1-888-BEST BUY (1-888-237-8289).
Guidelines
You may return merchandise to a Best Buy store within the U.S. or by mail to our return center. All returns must be made in original condition and include all accessories. You will receive a credit for your purchase only if it meets the criteria below. We do not offer merchandise exchanges.
14-Day Return Period
Fourteen days from the date merchandise was received, refunds are available on computers, monitors, notebook computers, projectors, camcorders, digital cameras, and radar detectors.
30-Day Return Period
Thirty days from the date merchandise was received, refunds are available on the remainder of our products (see exceptions below).
Exceptions
The following items are not returnable:
-Labor and/or installation services
-Items that are abused
-Opened computer software, movies, music and video games
If the original item is opened and is damaged or defective, or if an incorrect item was shipped, you may receive credit for these items. ... Any merchandise missing the original Universal Product Code (UPC) cannot be returned. If the item is damaged or defective, please see details below.
Restocking Fee
A 15% restocking fee will be charged on opened notebook computers, projectors, camcorders, digital cameras, radar detectors, GPS navigation and in-car video systems. A 25% restocking fee will be charged on special order products, including appliances. These fees apply unless the item is defective or damaged, you received the wrong item, or the fee is prohibited by law. (That means if you pay $100 for a GPS device, you will only get back $85! ... Vikki)
Missing Item or Damaged Product Fee
A missing item or damaged product fee will be charged for any product missing the original box, packaging material, contents, accessories and/or manuals (i.e., any product not in "like new" condition).
Damaged, Defective or Incorrect Items
If you return a damaged, defective or incorrect item by mail or to a Best Buy store, you will receive a credit. You may then choose to purchase a replacement item in the store or online. To make sure the store has your product in stock, call Customer Care at 1-888-BEST BUY (1-888-237-8289).
Personal Data
Please remove all personal data (e.g., computer or wireless phone data, videotapes), from any returned products. Best Buy is not responsible for any personal data left on or in these items.
Rebate Policy
Any product that was purchased when a mail-in rebate was available on the purchase is subject to having the amount of the rebate deducted from the refund amount. Unless noted otherwise, all rebates are limited to one per product, per household or address.
Promotional Items
Any product that is returned without a promotional item(s) included with the original transaction (e.g., buy a TV, get a free DVD player; buy a TV, get a free gift card; or buy a TV, get a DVD player half off), will have the value of the promotional item deducted from the refund amount.
= = = =
Just thought you'd like to know. Buyer Beware. Ask about return policies at every store, about restocking fees, and so forth.
Yeah, Circuit City is out of business and in closing their stores, are allegedly really ripping people off (jacking up prices to discount them) but... surely there's an alternative?
= = = =
BEST BUY, MY FOOT ... Best Buy has some bad policies.....
Normally, I would not share this with others, however, since this could happen to you or your friends , I decided to share it. If you purchase something from, Wal-Mart, Sears etc. and you return the item with the receipt they will give you your money back if you paid cash, or credit your account if paid by plastic.
Well, I purchased a GPS for my car, a Tom Tom XL.S from 'Best Buy'. They have a policy that it must be returned within 14 days for a refund!
So after 4 days I returned it in the original box with all the items in the box, with paper work and cords all wrapped in the plastic. Just as I received it, including the receipt. I explained to the lady at the return desk I did not like the way it could not find store names. The lady at the refund desk said, there is a 15% restock fee, for items returned. I said no one told me that. I said how much would that be. She said it goes by the price of the item. It will be $45.00 Dollars for you. I said, all your [sic] going to do is walk over and replace it back on the shelf then charge me $45..00 of my money for restocking? She said that's the store policy. I said if more people were aware of it they would not buy anything here! If I bought a $2000.00 computer or TV and returned it I would be charged $300.00 dollars restock fee? She said yes, 15%.
I said OK, just give me my money minus the restock fee. She said, since the item is over $200.00 dollars, she can't give me my money back!!! Corporate has to and they will mail you a check in 7 to ten days.!! I said 'WHAT?!' It's my money!! I paid in cash! I want to buy a different brand..Now I have to wait 7 to 10 days. She said well, our policy is on the back of your receipt.
I said, do you read the front or back of your receipt? She said well, the front! I said so do I, I want to talk to the Manager!.. So the manager comes over, I explained everything to him, and he said, well, sir they should of told you about the policy when you got the item. I said, No one, has ever told me about the check refund or restock fee, whenever I bought items from computers to TVs from Best Buy. The only thing they ever discussed was the worthless extended warranty program. He said Well, I can give you corporate phone number.
I called corporate. The guy said, well, I'm not supposed to do this but I can give you a 45.00 dollar gift card and you can use it at20Best Buy. I told him if I bought something and returned it, you would charge me a restock fee on the item and then send me a check for the remaining 3 dollars. You can keep your gift card, I'm never shopping in Best Buy ever again, and if I would of been smart, I would of charged the whole thing on my credit card! Then I would of canceled the transaction. I would of gotten all my money back including your stupid fees! He didn't say a word! I informed him that I was going to e-mail my friends and give them a heads up on this stores policy, as they don't tell you about all the little caveats.
So please pass this on. It may save your friends from having a bad experience of shopping at Best Buy.
= = = =
We buy things from Best Buy pretty often. Have to admit, I've never read the back of our receipt, and didn't know about their return policy. Wasn't sure the above was true, so I went online to http://www.bestbuy.com/ to look up their return policy myself. It IS true. Here's an excerpt from their own website (link: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?type=page&contentId=1218031738832&id=cat12098):
= = = =
Online Return Policy
You may return merchandise purchased at BestBuy.com if it meets the guidelines below. Not all products are returnable to the store. If you would like to return a major appliance, TV, accessory or furniture delivered via special delivery, please call Customer Care at 1-888-BEST BUY (1-888-237-8289).
Guidelines
You may return merchandise to a Best Buy store within the U.S. or by mail to our return center. All returns must be made in original condition and include all accessories. You will receive a credit for your purchase only if it meets the criteria below. We do not offer merchandise exchanges.
14-Day Return Period
Fourteen days from the date merchandise was received, refunds are available on computers, monitors, notebook computers, projectors, camcorders, digital cameras, and radar detectors.
30-Day Return Period
Thirty days from the date merchandise was received, refunds are available on the remainder of our products (see exceptions below).
Exceptions
The following items are not returnable:
-Labor and/or installation services
-Items that are abused
-Opened computer software, movies, music and video games
If the original item is opened and is damaged or defective, or if an incorrect item was shipped, you may receive credit for these items. ... Any merchandise missing the original Universal Product Code (UPC) cannot be returned. If the item is damaged or defective, please see details below.
Restocking Fee
A 15% restocking fee will be charged on opened notebook computers, projectors, camcorders, digital cameras, radar detectors, GPS navigation and in-car video systems. A 25% restocking fee will be charged on special order products, including appliances. These fees apply unless the item is defective or damaged, you received the wrong item, or the fee is prohibited by law. (That means if you pay $100 for a GPS device, you will only get back $85! ... Vikki)
Missing Item or Damaged Product Fee
A missing item or damaged product fee will be charged for any product missing the original box, packaging material, contents, accessories and/or manuals (i.e., any product not in "like new" condition).
Damaged, Defective or Incorrect Items
If you return a damaged, defective or incorrect item by mail or to a Best Buy store, you will receive a credit. You may then choose to purchase a replacement item in the store or online. To make sure the store has your product in stock, call Customer Care at 1-888-BEST BUY (1-888-237-8289).
Personal Data
Please remove all personal data (e.g., computer or wireless phone data, videotapes), from any returned products. Best Buy is not responsible for any personal data left on or in these items.
Rebate Policy
Any product that was purchased when a mail-in rebate was available on the purchase is subject to having the amount of the rebate deducted from the refund amount. Unless noted otherwise, all rebates are limited to one per product, per household or address.
Promotional Items
Any product that is returned without a promotional item(s) included with the original transaction (e.g., buy a TV, get a free DVD player; buy a TV, get a free gift card; or buy a TV, get a DVD player half off), will have the value of the promotional item deducted from the refund amount.
= = = =
Just thought you'd like to know. Buyer Beware. Ask about return policies at every store, about restocking fees, and so forth.
Yeah, Circuit City is out of business and in closing their stores, are allegedly really ripping people off (jacking up prices to discount them) but... surely there's an alternative?
RANT About Taxes, Money, and USA Government
As a single mom, 9 years out of 10, I'd get a tax refund. While I didn't like using the IRS as an interest-free savings account, better that than having to scrounge up money to pay taxes.
We got married on April 13, almost 2 years ago. I'm on disability. VHTS is too. Hubby works hard but can't move up in his company.
Last year, we owed money for taxes. This year, we'll owe more than double what we paid last year. And we can't sell this stupid house. We can't raise chickens here. The town's code enforcements studies our property regularly to look for violations. My health is worsening. My migraines and carpal tunnel are preventing me from writing more books to add to our store. My stash of sleeping pills are dwindling. My weight is ballooning. My patience is waining. This TV conversion thing is a joke and costly. Debts are piling up. We have no savings. No backup. But we have 9 bags of rice, 5 gallons of honey, 6 gallons of vinegar, 10 bags of rice pasta, and 4 bags of salt! (Among the beans, oats, cornmeal, dried fruit and veggies, etc.) Who-hoo!
We can't plant a garden until we move which means there's a real possibility we won't have fresh veggies or fruits this year. Which means spending more money at the grocery for possibly tainted food. Or going without.
Hubby is tired when he comes home from work. I don't have the physical strength to pack, or to prep the house to sell/move. Don't have the money to hire anyone. Weekends are busy catching up on home-stuff, laundry, family time, errands, seeing Hubby's mom, trying to sleep.
The other night I had a dream that I was in a polling center or business office, working on a computer, when Obama and his entourage came through. Three times I asked him (1st time): what are you going to do about this financial crisis? (2nd time): people are suffering so what can you really do about this financial crisis? and (3rd time): people are relying on junk food because it's cheaper, living on the streets or in their vehicles, and suffering is getting worse, so I really need to know what do you really and honestly think you can do about this financial situation? He was quite angry by the last time I asked. I had to, um, leave. When I awoke, I realized that this topic is very much concerning me. I've been homeless twice in my life. The last time was with my kid in tow. I do NOT want to experience that again, especially with a Hubby and dog now.
It's hard to continue coming up with information about storing, and survival and disaster prep when we don't know where we'll be living in two months. But we'll keep going.
So... will the Obama administration really help our situation? I'm beginning to have my doubts.
Sorry... had to rant.
Major Frustration.
We got married on April 13, almost 2 years ago. I'm on disability. VHTS is too. Hubby works hard but can't move up in his company.
Last year, we owed money for taxes. This year, we'll owe more than double what we paid last year. And we can't sell this stupid house. We can't raise chickens here. The town's code enforcements studies our property regularly to look for violations. My health is worsening. My migraines and carpal tunnel are preventing me from writing more books to add to our store. My stash of sleeping pills are dwindling. My weight is ballooning. My patience is waining. This TV conversion thing is a joke and costly. Debts are piling up. We have no savings. No backup. But we have 9 bags of rice, 5 gallons of honey, 6 gallons of vinegar, 10 bags of rice pasta, and 4 bags of salt! (Among the beans, oats, cornmeal, dried fruit and veggies, etc.) Who-hoo!
We can't plant a garden until we move which means there's a real possibility we won't have fresh veggies or fruits this year. Which means spending more money at the grocery for possibly tainted food. Or going without.
Hubby is tired when he comes home from work. I don't have the physical strength to pack, or to prep the house to sell/move. Don't have the money to hire anyone. Weekends are busy catching up on home-stuff, laundry, family time, errands, seeing Hubby's mom, trying to sleep.
The other night I had a dream that I was in a polling center or business office, working on a computer, when Obama and his entourage came through. Three times I asked him (1st time): what are you going to do about this financial crisis? (2nd time): people are suffering so what can you really do about this financial crisis? and (3rd time): people are relying on junk food because it's cheaper, living on the streets or in their vehicles, and suffering is getting worse, so I really need to know what do you really and honestly think you can do about this financial situation? He was quite angry by the last time I asked. I had to, um, leave. When I awoke, I realized that this topic is very much concerning me. I've been homeless twice in my life. The last time was with my kid in tow. I do NOT want to experience that again, especially with a Hubby and dog now.
It's hard to continue coming up with information about storing, and survival and disaster prep when we don't know where we'll be living in two months. But we'll keep going.
So... will the Obama administration really help our situation? I'm beginning to have my doubts.
Sorry... had to rant.
Major Frustration.
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