My prior post contained a short mention of WIBO. Now, why learn how to be an entrepreneur if you don't have the energy to carry through? Where am I going with this? Good question, glad you asked!
Across the street from my weekly class at St. Francis college, on Remsen St., Brooklyn, near Court Street, is what I call a "real health food store with a conscience". That is, to differentiate from the mega stores.
PERELANDRA is, my opinion, a stellar health food store. After shopping in over 50 health food stores in the NJ/NY area over a period of.....on the other hand, I hereby invoke my 5th amendment privilege on how long I've been at this......
The way you judge whether a health food store serves the public is by their bulk bins. So, if I need an ounce of brown rice flour and don't want to splurge five or six bucks for 2lbs of product that I'll have to eventually throw out, buying in bulk solves that problem. Perelandra's bulk section is unique in that it has its own refrigerated room. This guards against infestation. I can tell you, based of the cost to run that room, coupled with the very reasonable prices they charge, it is not a money maker.
The peak of my visit was buying, from the bulk section, the DATE AND COCONUT ROLLS. Were they good? On a 1-10 scale----11. I know the celebrity chefs tell the contestants on "The Next Food Network Star", that you can't describe "delicious" in writing, but I'll make an exception. Most date rolls could be used in place on laying bricks, but these were soft and ambrosial. I t was love at first bite.
Check them out at http://www.perelandranatural.com/
Other HFSWC (health food stores with a conscience) to be reviewed soon.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
NEWARK PUBLIC LIBRARY--GOOD RESOURCES, WHAT ABOUT PRIORITIES?
The NPL, built at the beginning of the twentieth century, is a stupendous building. It was constructed of materials that no builder would dare to use today, unless he wanted to quickly exceed budget. Its square footage allows for stacks that rival other local libraries, even those in the fancy suburbs. The business stack alone (section 158.) is formidable.
That being said, a major gripe---the computer terminals. There are 35 of them, again, impressive. The problem is they are slower than erosion, making the internet of the 90's, by comparison, seem like the Amtrack Acela Express. Reminds me of when Jackie Gleason reputedly had a phone in his limo in the 1950's. The problem was, it took thirty minutes for a call (operator-assisted) to complete. There were no cell towers back then, that's why I refrained from saying he had a cell in his car.
Okay, the city has budget issues and cutbacks.
So, why is there is a major undertaking on the facade of the building? Cosmetic improvements at the expense of functionality?
Can someone please enlighten me?
post-script 4-3-11 received reply from reference librarian, , who rightfully corrected me and shared this info. Construction in front is to install equipment for the disabled. In addition, the NPL has received a grant from Verizon to convert to high-speed internet, should be ready to go by the fall. -ac
For more info, go to http://www.npl.org/
That being said, a major gripe---the computer terminals. There are 35 of them, again, impressive. The problem is they are slower than erosion, making the internet of the 90's, by comparison, seem like the Amtrack Acela Express. Reminds me of when Jackie Gleason reputedly had a phone in his limo in the 1950's. The problem was, it took thirty minutes for a call (operator-assisted) to complete. There were no cell towers back then, that's why I refrained from saying he had a cell in his car.
Okay, the city has budget issues and cutbacks.
So, why is there is a major undertaking on the facade of the building? Cosmetic improvements at the expense of functionality?
Can someone please enlighten me?
post-script 4-3-11 received reply from reference librarian, , who rightfully corrected me and shared this info. Construction in front is to install equipment for the disabled. In addition, the NPL has received a grant from Verizon to convert to high-speed internet, should be ready to go by the fall. -ac
For more info, go to http://www.npl.org/
Monday, March 28, 2011
WORKSHOP IN BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ("WIBO")
Remember the movie, "Back To School", with Rodney Dangerfield?.....I'm doing my best impersonation. Trecking into the city Wednesday evenings.
WIBO,a non-profit started in 1966 in Harlem, has had 40,000 graduates pass thru its doors.
The skinny: I'm taking one of their courses, entitled, "How To Start And Run A Profitable Business". I would describe it as an accelerated business course, about 3 semesters crammed into 16 weeks. I think it's a good thing; they took out all the filler that matriculated colleges are known for (read: $$), and get right to the meat of running a business. The highlights:
My idea: confidential, at least for now. But I will share that I abandoned my intent to become a post-operative breast implant massage therapist ( although I still have conviction there is a need for this vital service).
Tuition: very reasonable: the max is $600, with a sliding scale, depending upon income.
Offered in various locations throughout the five boroughs in New York, weeknights.
I'm about halfway through; I'll keep you posted.
Check them out at http://www.wibo.org/
WIBO,a non-profit started in 1966 in Harlem, has had 40,000 graduates pass thru its doors.
The skinny: I'm taking one of their courses, entitled, "How To Start And Run A Profitable Business". I would describe it as an accelerated business course, about 3 semesters crammed into 16 weeks. I think it's a good thing; they took out all the filler that matriculated colleges are known for (read: $$), and get right to the meat of running a business. The highlights:
- The instructors have clinical experience. No egg-heads teaching idealogies from textbooks
- Areas: concentrations in: marketing, break-even analysis.
- Support: personal coaching available, alumni associations, networking with financiers
My idea: confidential, at least for now. But I will share that I abandoned my intent to become a post-operative breast implant massage therapist ( although I still have conviction there is a need for this vital service).
Tuition: very reasonable: the max is $600, with a sliding scale, depending upon income.
Offered in various locations throughout the five boroughs in New York, weeknights.
I'm about halfway through; I'll keep you posted.
Check them out at http://www.wibo.org/
Saturday, March 26, 2011
FISHY DIFFERENCE: WENDY'S VS. MACDONALDS
With the benefits of fish an old story (essential fatty acids), it's not surprising that both Wendy's and McD's are promoting their sea creations, albeit in completely different ways.
MacDonalds is offering two fish sandwiches for $3. Effective thru the end of April.
Wendy's is promoting their fish sandwich as elite ("hand-cut cod, panko crusted"--that's Janpanese bread crumbs, in case you were wondering). No mention of price (it's $4.29, for the record).
Yes, I've sampled both (yeah, I know, enough sodium to fill the Atlantic, bleached white flour roll). Condemn me, I'll have an extra serving of hiziki this week (that's seaweed, in case you're inquisitive).
The verdict: MacDonald's is priced at $1.50 because it is, in fact, a buck-fifty value, a small patty, I don't know the % of fish contained within, in the patty. It appears to be a fillet and not extruded nor blended. Also, you can "deep six" the slice of processed cheese that's included.
The $4.29 Wendy's fillet of fish is worth $4.29, surprisingly good, it looks and tastes like Atlantic cod. I'd say it competes some of the better breaded fillets found in the frozen section. And the sandwich is notably heavier than their competitiors. Is it worth more than MacD's? Affirmative. Is it worth 3x the price?...pretty close.
Summation: (get ready, this is going to be really paradigm-breaking).......
--you get what you pay for.
-@
MacDonalds is offering two fish sandwiches for $3. Effective thru the end of April.
Wendy's is promoting their fish sandwich as elite ("hand-cut cod, panko crusted"--that's Janpanese bread crumbs, in case you were wondering). No mention of price (it's $4.29, for the record).
Yes, I've sampled both (yeah, I know, enough sodium to fill the Atlantic, bleached white flour roll). Condemn me, I'll have an extra serving of hiziki this week (that's seaweed, in case you're inquisitive).
The verdict: MacDonald's is priced at $1.50 because it is, in fact, a buck-fifty value, a small patty, I don't know the % of fish contained within, in the patty. It appears to be a fillet and not extruded nor blended. Also, you can "deep six" the slice of processed cheese that's included.
The $4.29 Wendy's fillet of fish is worth $4.29, surprisingly good, it looks and tastes like Atlantic cod. I'd say it competes some of the better breaded fillets found in the frozen section. And the sandwich is notably heavier than their competitiors. Is it worth more than MacD's? Affirmative. Is it worth 3x the price?...pretty close.
Summation: (get ready, this is going to be really paradigm-breaking).......
--you get what you pay for.
-@
CONSUMER REPORTS ANNUAL CAR ISSUE
Was anticipating the 2011 issue. While J.D. Powers seems to zero-in on short term car reliability (initial and 3yr), CR has customer-complied data that goes back five or six years.
On the new cars, they issue predicted liability, which is based on history (see six year history of reliability per model, in the back pages). So, they have some Honda models rated below their usual stellar positioning. Yet when you look up close at the data for the old Honda models, by component (engine cooling, electrical, suspension), except for a re-call, it's all red dots (reliable). I don't get it....
What I was really anticipating was a quantum leap in reliability history for the domestic models. I have been doubtful for the longest time, but a new paradigm shift has convinced me otherwise. You see, the old way was: the car maker would accept a bid from say, an alternator manufacturer. Then, when the part failed too much, they'd fire that supplier.
The new way (according to an article): the mfr. and car maker are linked in to the same computer system, working in tandem to find the reason for the failure. In other words, a shift from antagonistic to horizontal cooperative. This leads me to believe that the American car maker will bridge the gap between them and the Japanesese.
So, does the new issue of CR support that? In part. Some of the Ford model's three year history are, in fact, really good. Chrysler and Dodge, on the other hand, different day, same problems.
Hyundai has really closed the gap.
Toyota: the fiaso mea culpa with the Camry seems to not have affected the ratings whatsoever.
High priced German cars: when you're selling a status, it doesn't seem to matter.
On the new cars, they issue predicted liability, which is based on history (see six year history of reliability per model, in the back pages). So, they have some Honda models rated below their usual stellar positioning. Yet when you look up close at the data for the old Honda models, by component (engine cooling, electrical, suspension), except for a re-call, it's all red dots (reliable). I don't get it....
What I was really anticipating was a quantum leap in reliability history for the domestic models. I have been doubtful for the longest time, but a new paradigm shift has convinced me otherwise. You see, the old way was: the car maker would accept a bid from say, an alternator manufacturer. Then, when the part failed too much, they'd fire that supplier.
The new way (according to an article): the mfr. and car maker are linked in to the same computer system, working in tandem to find the reason for the failure. In other words, a shift from antagonistic to horizontal cooperative. This leads me to believe that the American car maker will bridge the gap between them and the Japanesese.
So, does the new issue of CR support that? In part. Some of the Ford model's three year history are, in fact, really good. Chrysler and Dodge, on the other hand, different day, same problems.
Hyundai has really closed the gap.
Toyota: the fiaso mea culpa with the Camry seems to not have affected the ratings whatsoever.
High priced German cars: when you're selling a status, it doesn't seem to matter.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
T.D. BANK--$30 FOR 120 BASIC CHECKS
Visited my former Commerce Bank today to re-order checks. $24.67 + shipping and processing=$30. The customer service rep, not much older than an embryo, rebutted, "did you think they were free?" I was taken aback. I never said, "order me free checks." What I should have said was...
CAN YOU SPELL V-I-S-T-A P-R-I-N-T?
After a brief bout of dementia, I ordered 150 checks from vistaprint.com for $4.55
I guess all of those regulations on ATM charges and the like, have lowered their bottom line, therefore reducing executive bonuses.
CAN YOU SPELL V-I-S-T-A P-R-I-N-T?
After a brief bout of dementia, I ordered 150 checks from vistaprint.com for $4.55
I guess all of those regulations on ATM charges and the like, have lowered their bottom line, therefore reducing executive bonuses.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
SOCIAL MEDIA--CAUGHT IN TIME WARP
Payback for dissing my elders when I was younger---I am overwhelmed by the digital age.
Now attempting to catch up. In my possession:
Social Media Bible
Bloggers Guide by Huffington Post
Wish me luck, I'm going to need it.
post-script: they should have a special remedial course for me: TWITTER MINUS 101
Now attempting to catch up. In my possession:
Social Media Bible
Bloggers Guide by Huffington Post
Wish me luck, I'm going to need it.
post-script: they should have a special remedial course for me: TWITTER MINUS 101
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
DON'T READ THIS IF YOU'RE EATING
Has there ever been a survey for MOST REPULSIVE HABIT IN PUBLIC?
Here's my vote--(again, make sure you're not eating)--attempting to clear mucous in nose by inhaling.
If my employer is reading this, please construe this as a public service.
Is there anything worse?....sure.......the ones who keep repeating it. Wonderful.
As a colleague put it so succinctly, "these people weren't raised up, they were dragged up.
Rehabilitation suggestion: remember that massive ettiquitte book by Latitia Baldridge (personal image consultant to John F. Kennedy?
Here's my vote--(again, make sure you're not eating)--attempting to clear mucous in nose by inhaling.
If my employer is reading this, please construe this as a public service.
Is there anything worse?....sure.......the ones who keep repeating it. Wonderful.
As a colleague put it so succinctly, "these people weren't raised up, they were dragged up.
Rehabilitation suggestion: remember that massive ettiquitte book by Latitia Baldridge (personal image consultant to John F. Kennedy?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)