The Empty Fortunes of Retail

» June 12th, 2008 | Categorized in Misc

As much as I would like to work solely from my freelance prospects, I too work part-time at what is officially dubbed on the Stock Market as a “discount retailer” in order to help out pay some small bills, groceries, and the dreaded consumption of gasoline. Although the paycheck is meager at best, it’s helping in reducing my long overdue debt.

The U.S. economy is in the tank and inflation is here to stay, whether anyone likes it or not, and businesses nationwide are affected. Being an employee of said “discount retailer,” I have observed several economical effects that have changed the chain retail store. Some of these observations may sound obvious while others are in direct effect of the current economy.

1. Decrease in Product Stock
For close to a year the distribution and variety of product stock to this particular store has decreased at least by half or more, leaving a nearly empty stock room with barren shelves to collect dust. Demand for products has decreased as the economy continues to weaken the U.S. dollar. People are spending less in correlation to rising fuel prices, which is the next point.

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[Coolness] Hot from Hebron

» May 31st, 2008 | Categorized in Misc, Photography

Awhile back this sticker caught my eye and for some reason I thought it had a coolness about it that needed capturing. Something you don’t see everyday.

Need Help Finding Suspect

» May 22nd, 2008 | Categorized in Misc

Two days ago on May 20, 2008, a white middle-aged female driving a yellow Nissan X-terra, plate ASN 3289, drove onto our property causing damage to both our property and her vehicle. The suspect’s vehicle is missing the rear driver-side quarter panel and tail light, which is currently in my possession and was left at the scene.

We do not know why she did this or her motive, whether it was some type of racial discrimination, but it was done intentionally based on the damage.

If anyone sees this vehicle, please contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office immediately.

For more pictures, please visit Flickr.

Hiking Boundary Waters - Blue and Yellow Trails

» May 2nd, 2008 | Categorized in Misc, Photography

Sure, Boundary Waters Recreational Park is probably one of the biggest funding foul-ups in the county’s history, but it has plenty of hiking trails that rival Sweetwater Creek State Conservancy Park and Clinton’s Nature Preserve. Even the heart of the county’s original existence from Campbell County resides nearby just on the other side of the Chattahoochee River.

The main trailhead starts off behind the aquatic center where maps are and information are available, providing access to the Blue and Yellow trails. These trails are fairly easy to hike and are clearly marked by colored markers, coursing around the southern side of the park. Take a good pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

The Blue trail lingers mainly around the small pond and sticks near the aquatic center. The Yellow trail stretches along the edge of the park weaving near the Hooch (for all of you who don’t know, Hooch is short for Chattahoochee River).

On this trail you will come across the “covered bridge” – it’s no much of one – that links up to the Southern Natural Gas Company pipeline. Here you can be at the edge of the Hooch, smelling its insulting aroma and watching the occasional piece of trash float by, as the waters descend south.

If you haven’t made it out to hike the trails, check out my collection of photographs on flickr. By the way, watch out for the horse poo.

Recipe\\ The Hampton Suicide

» April 22nd, 2008 | Categorized in Misc, Recipes

Now I’m not much of a culinary arts type of person that creates gourmet meals that appeal more to presentation then filling an appetite. Hell I’m not even a cook. But when I guy needs a decent meal with what’s ever left in the fridge, well then its time for the Hampton Suicide.

Now I can’t tell you how I came up with the name, it just happened. I think the picture above suits it quite well.

I’ve always been a fan of the military S.O.S. slop that can be found just at any base in the chow hall. Then there are those skillet meals for the morning that fill you right up. But when it comes to dinner and time is short, sometimes leftovers or some odd and ends are stuck in the fridge. This is where the mighty Hampton comes into play.

What you’ll need
2-3 Russet potatoes
1 onion half – chopped
1-2 minced garlic
1 pound of lean ground beef
Chopped ham or bacon, or both!
Grated cheese
Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, etc…)
Butter
Worcestershire sauce

A simple ingredients list that can be found in any kitchen. Anything really can be thrown in the mix as extra.

1. Knock out the veggies
Chop up the onions and garlic placing them in a bowls for use later. Skin the potatoes and wash clean with water. Grab a cutting board and hack away the potatoes into small squares. Put the potatoes in a bowl and season to your liking.

2. Heat’em up
Pre-heat two skillets or pans (1 for the potatoes and the other for the meat). Slab a tablespoon of butter on one skillet after its warm and drop in the potatoes. Get everything moving around for a bit, it will take awhile for the potatoes to cook properly.

3. The Meat
Time to season the ground beef in a bowl with some Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. After a good mix, drop in the beef in the other pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break down the meat.

4. The Extras
Keep moving the potatoes around occasionally. Once the meat is cooked through, its time to drop in the onions and garlic - season again. Let the veggies cook for awhile before adding anything else.

After a few minutes the chopped ham can be added and will cook quickly. Now drop in the potatoes and stir. If you want bacon, make sure you cook it first, either in a pan, oven or microwave, and chop it up for later use in this step.

5. Oh yes!
Remove the pan from heat and lay on a coat of thick grated cheese (the thin stuff doesn’t work well). Cheddar and Colby Jack are some good choices. The heat will melt the cheese, making it a nice touch. Now plop it on a plate and eat.

Alternatives
If you like your meal spicier, like me, substitute the paprika for smoked paprika or chipotle, and crushed peppers. Add chopped green peppers with the onions. The extras are endless with what remains in the fridge and pantry. I didn’t measure anything out since I usually cook with feeling. Remember you can always add more, but never take back.

Save some for breakfast the next day. Scramble up some eggs and throw it on top of the Hampton Suicide for a filling meal. Trust me, I had it this morning!