After troubleshooting and subsequently fixing (on my own) some AFU issues regarding a both a washer and dryer I recently had (sort of) hooked up, I am highly recommending this web site run by the "Samurai Appliance Repair Man". He offers gobs of helpful info, and he's got a sense of humor. I might actually contribute to this guy's beer fund. Hell, I might even start my own beer fund, and I don't even like beer!
29 December 2006
25 December 2006
Taking Aim at Target
My next target for boycott is, well, Target. I already boycott Walmart, and I don’t shop at big box stores more than a couple of times a year anyhow, usually when I need some sort of small appliance. When I do, it’s usually at Target. Recently Target has decided to cave under pressure and remove from its shelves a compact disc carrying case bearing the image of Che Guevara because some of its shoppers were offended and complained that the chain was promoting Marxist thought by offering it for sale -- at least that’s their story. I don’t happen to own anything bearing Che’s likeness, other than some books containing photographs of him, and I am not at all interested in owning the cd case either. I am aware that had Che not been murdered by a certain government for his attempts to undermine the spread of capitalist/imperialist control of all of the Americas and were still alive today he would not be happy to see anyone profiting from selling anything with his picture on it. But I wonder who on this planet, WHO actually complained to Target about it?!? How many complaints could they possibly have received? Could it be the result of some vast, right-wing conspiracy? (Uh-oh, am I even allowed to use that expression without Hillary Clinton’s permission?) At a time when the future of Cuba is questionable and young minds (potential voters?) might be influenced by seeing a picture of a man so instrumental in bringing about the Cuban revolution on a personal accessory, could some group -- rather than individual shoppers -- have orchestrated this whole thing? Is it too farfetched to consider this possibility? Regardless, I now have to take the time to write to Target and tell them I won’t be shopping there again because they removed this product from their shelves for the wrong reason. Damn!
Santa's Coming!
A few years ago I decided to stop “doing” Christmas. My reasons are several, but at the top of the list is that I am not a religious person, so to celebrate a religious holiday would be more than a touch hypocritical. Take that away, and one is left with consumerism. It took me awhile to wean myself from the annual urge to shop, spend, and spread holiday cheer, but I am much happier and stress-free about the season with each passing year. Take away consumerism, and what we have is an obligation (dreaded by many) to endure a family gathering on a particular calendar day. My holiday obligation this year is a mulberry pie, that’s all, and that’s fine with me.
Early on in my Christmas boycott, when asked during the weeks-long bombardment of advertisements and holiday spirit if I was “ready” I would simply reply that yes, I was pretty much ready, keeping to myself the fact that I wasn’t even attempting to GET ready. I discovered that if I did mention my reason for not celebrating, I might need to actually defend my position in conversation. As if my unpopular choice was the result of my obvious ignorance, some people seemed compelled to teach me something they thought I had overlooked -- that it’s not only about Jesus, it’s about giving and sharing and spending time with the people you love, and besides that what about the all pretty lights and warm fuzzy feelings? A surprising number of people actually asked why I don’t consider myself to be Christian, hadn’t I been raised that way? Others appeared to be so confused that I could almost see the little gears inside their heads turning, churning out little ticker tapes with the words “Is she Jewish? Maybe Jehovah’s Witness?” printed on them. It was as if I was being branded a soldier in the war on Christmas.
Now, though, to those who ask, I’m much more open about saying that I don’t really celebrate Christmas. My intent is not to offend anyone -- I do in fact try to phrase it as innocuously as possible, and I truly hope that those who do observe it enjoy it and get their money’s worth, so to speak. So, have a holly, jolly Xmas, everyone! Peace on Earth!
Early on in my Christmas boycott, when asked during the weeks-long bombardment of advertisements and holiday spirit if I was “ready” I would simply reply that yes, I was pretty much ready, keeping to myself the fact that I wasn’t even attempting to GET ready. I discovered that if I did mention my reason for not celebrating, I might need to actually defend my position in conversation. As if my unpopular choice was the result of my obvious ignorance, some people seemed compelled to teach me something they thought I had overlooked -- that it’s not only about Jesus, it’s about giving and sharing and spending time with the people you love, and besides that what about the all pretty lights and warm fuzzy feelings? A surprising number of people actually asked why I don’t consider myself to be Christian, hadn’t I been raised that way? Others appeared to be so confused that I could almost see the little gears inside their heads turning, churning out little ticker tapes with the words “Is she Jewish? Maybe Jehovah’s Witness?” printed on them. It was as if I was being branded a soldier in the war on Christmas.
Now, though, to those who ask, I’m much more open about saying that I don’t really celebrate Christmas. My intent is not to offend anyone -- I do in fact try to phrase it as innocuously as possible, and I truly hope that those who do observe it enjoy it and get their money’s worth, so to speak. So, have a holly, jolly Xmas, everyone! Peace on Earth!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
