Think Local

First, a note of warning. The other day, for dinner, I ate a product containing lentils. After eating a few bites, I noticed that many of those lentils were crunchy, undercooked. Do not eat undercooked lentils, unless you enjoy 3 days of stomach cramps and trips to the bathroom. It seems that, whe undercooked, they contain toxins. I can verify that.

Now, what I really want to say is that you need to start acting and thinking locally. Deal with local businesses whenever possible. Produce stands and Farmers' Markets, small clothing stores and bookshops, locally owned and operated businesses. small owner operated restaurants, these are vitally important.

Why? Well, it seems that our current administration is corporate oriented. Trump was telling the truth when he said that he wanted Washington to give up control of businesses, What he didn't say, and it is becoming very apparent, is the he is giving much of that control over to Corporate America. Corporations thrive by picking off small businesses, thus growing their own interests. They are predators.

The thing is, once we give the Nation over to those mega businesses, we lose diversity and innovation. We also lose the drive to improve. We become mediocre, settling for what they tell us we want. We lose what has made this Nation such a dynamic place to live.

I hate to bring up the fascist label, but when the government combines with big corporations to control the country, that is, by the definition of the word, fascism.

I grew up in a thriving Nation, full of quirky, ornery, creative individuals. Without your support for local businesses, that will be lost and that will be a shame.

Yes, shopping locally may cost you a dollar or two more, but I guarantee you that you will get better quality and more variety. And, you will have the good feeling of knowing that you have helped preserve our fine American spirit.

Think Small - Cheap Fun

All too often, in our modern America, we equate fun with expense, with grand spectacles. It doesn't have to be that way.

Take my great love, music. To go to a big time show, be it rock, pop, country, whatever, it is going to cost a lot, a ridiculous amount. I hate to write these words because I sound like a typical old man, but when I was younger, I paid, on average, $6 to go see a rock show, featuring top bands, always at least 2 on a bill (the exception was The Grateful Dead, who were the only band that night, but then, they played 5 hour sets). Now, $6 won't even by 2 beers.

There are still bars and clubs that feature music, good music, that won't bankrupt you. There are, in some places, concerts put on by the city, generally outdoors, that are cheap or even free. There are a myriad of small fairs and festivals around the Nation. They often feature music, and, in addition, they generally have food, crafts, and rides. In general, they are a grand way to have some fun with little expense. I have seen, many times, musicians in small venues who were the equal of any big time performer out there. Often, they were better.

Like movies? Many communities, small ones generally, have what are called 'movies in the park night.' You pack some food, sit outside with others and enjoy a fine night and a cheap movie.

Like sports? Consider watching local kids teams or high school teams. The skills may not quite be there, but it's the same game and it is fun for little money. If your town has any minor league teams, support them. The idea is just to have some fun.

Golf? Well here you have some problems and this may, ultimately spell trouble for the game. Again, when I played, in the 60s and 70s, I never paid more than $12 for a green's fee, often less. Now, the cheapest I hear of is about $50. You cannot spread the game if parents have to pay that to take their kids out for a round, nor are beginners likely to want to pay that. Good news? There is a small movement among designers and pros to get small inexpensive courses built. Par 3 courses and short 9 hole courses can be run for a lot less money and they are fun. Actually, most folks who play are going to have a lot more fun on courses like that than they will struggling around 7500 yard courses.

Take advantage of beaches and parks and of any inexpensive attractions in your community. Join local groups and participate. Just because the events are small and not spectacular doesn't meant they aren't fun. Enjoy yourselves without breaking your budget.

The Practical American

Americans are going through some rough times. Despite what many economic reporters say, the economy is at best shaky. Any slight thing, trouble abroad, somestic scandal, natural disaster, even a run of bad weather in the farm belt, will cause the whole thing to sink into a downturn that will make our last recession look like a party.

I have lived a good while now and have had periods of affluence and periods of poverty. I know how to get along with little money. I worked doing building maintenance and learned how to fix darn near anything. I have worked in kitchens and know how to cook almost anything. And, I had the good fortune to be born into a family whose roots go back to the country where people had to  be largely self-reliant. That is how they survived the Great Depression.

I also have spent some time gardening, both as a hobby and as part of my work. There is little as satisfying as eating vegetables and fruit you have grown yourself.

I have also, through research combined with practical necessity learned a good bit about how to stay healthy. I never did care much for doctors and, on the whole, find that the more I avoid them, the better I feel.

I have decided to write this blog to try and help some of my fellow Americans through the rough times facing this Nation. There is no reason to suffer if you know a few tricks to ease your way along. I hope you find my tips useful. Feel free to comment and/or ask questions.