Category Archives: Consumer
Is Fair Trade Coffee Fair?
I recently balked at the price of fair trade coffee at my local roasters. I have been buying fair trade coffee for several years and I build the extreme price into my grocery budget. To save money, I brew all
Is Fair Trade Coffee Fair?
I recently balked at the price of fair trade coffee at my local roasters. I have been buying fair trade coffee for several years and I build the extreme price into my grocery budget. To save money, I brew all
Food Stories from a 1970s Kid
My parents were raised in the 1940s and 50s with plenty of good, real, nutritious food every day. Needless to say, when they became parents, they expected to stay on the same track. A few things happened to steer them
Food Stories from a 1970s Kid
My parents were raised in the 1940s and 50s with plenty of good, real, nutritious food every day. Needless to say, when they became parents, they expected to stay on the same track. A few things happened to steer them
What’s In My Cupboards
Old Mother Hubbard jokes aside, I have 4 cupboards for food and no extra storage. But, there are only two of us here. As long as I don’t stock up (a la Doomers), the space is enough. Especially when you
What’s In My Cupboards
Old Mother Hubbard jokes aside, I have 4 cupboards for food and no extra storage. But, there are only two of us here. As long as I don’t stock up (a la Doomers), the space is enough. Especially when you
2012 Goal Update: Month 2
First of all, the more fun stuff: Went to the 1st of the 4 restaurants on my wish list! Rom and I went out to Morris East after work one evening. I knew they made wood-oven pizzas, but did not
2012 Goal Update: Month 2
First of all, the more fun stuff: Went to the 1st of the 4 restaurants on my wish list! Rom and I went out to Morris East after work one evening. I knew they made wood-oven pizzas, but did not
Car Crisis – or Not?
I have found myself facing an unexpected ethical dilemma! Read my little scenario and tell me what you would do: My car’s engine light came on and I ignored it for three weeks because my car’s servicing was up to
Car Crisis – or Not?
I have found myself facing an unexpected ethical dilemma! Read my little scenario and tell me what you would do: My car’s engine light came on and I ignored it for three weeks because my car’s servicing was up to
You Need Art! – Pop Art (and Poppish Art) Edition
Everyone knows pop art when they see it, but there were surprisingly few famous practitioners in its heyday. Name 10 pop artists. See? Pop art drew elements from mass media – advertising, graphic design, comic books and celebrity culture –
You Need Art! – Pop Art (and Poppish Art) Edition
Everyone knows pop art when they see it, but there were surprisingly few famous practitioners in its heyday. Name 10 pop artists. See? Pop art drew elements from mass media – advertising, graphic design, comic books and celebrity culture –
Job Expenses Adding Up?
Jobs have a lot of hidden and “optional” costs that can really add up. Every workplace has its own culture for on-the-job spending. I’ve worked in places that took up a collection every time there was a celebration or a
Job Expenses Adding Up?
Jobs have a lot of hidden and “optional” costs that can really add up. Every workplace has its own culture for on-the-job spending. I’ve worked in places that took up a collection every time there was a celebration or a
Splurges and Scrimps
I like to compare notes with people about what they splurge on and what they scrimp on. Mostly people get sheepish about this, and laugh at themselves. We all know those who buy the cheapest, scratchiest toilet paper and the
Splurges and Scrimps
I like to compare notes with people about what they splurge on and what they scrimp on. Mostly people get sheepish about this, and laugh at themselves. We all know those who buy the cheapest, scratchiest toilet paper and the
Real Food = Time Well Spent
I just realized I spend over 3 hours a day getting our household fed, and that doesn’t even include eating time! Since switching over to real food 5 months ago, I bet I have doubled the time I put into
Real Food = Time Well Spent
I just realized I spend over 3 hours a day getting our household fed, and that doesn’t even include eating time! Since switching over to real food 5 months ago, I bet I have doubled the time I put into
You Need Art! – Historic Design Edition
I love modern, streamlined design, and I think of historical objects as being “fussy” and ornate. I am probably projecting Victorian style conventions onto the whole of history! Here’s a little look through previous centuries at handsome everyday items with
You Need Art! – Historic Design Edition
I love modern, streamlined design, and I think of historical objects as being “fussy” and ornate. I am probably projecting Victorian style conventions onto the whole of history! Here’s a little look through previous centuries at handsome everyday items with
An Exacting Life 