Online shopping can be addictive and financially devastating akin to gambling. All these little pretty nothings, egg slicers, cedar moth balls, funky spatulas, honey dippers, as little as they cost - add up to hundreds of dollars on your credit card bill. But whatever.
If we look at online shopping from the other side, we see people slavin g away for $11.50 / hr at warehouses, picking and packing stuff you ordered with few mouse clicks.
The Reality Of Online Shopping
Online shopping. We point, click, and buy. Then what happens? We’ll investigate.
In this Nov. 16, 2009 photo, Reginald Armstead, Jr., of Phoenix, sends a package on its way after packing it at the 800,000 sq. ft. Amazon.com warehouse in Goodyear, Ariz. (AP)
In this Nov. 16, 2009 photo, Reginald Armstead, Jr., of Phoenix, sends a package on its way after packing it at the 800,000 sq. ft. Amazon.com warehouse in Goodyear, Ariz. (AP)
Online shopping is such a breeze. Plug in your credit card. Point, click and buy. It seems like magic. But what happens after that little e-mail that says your order is confirmed? .
Well, here’s what happens. Somewhere in America, likely in a truly giant warehouse, likely at a very low wage, often a temp worker is off like a shot to find that product and send it on its way. And they do that maybe a thousand times a day. Running like rabbits. Fire-able for any reason. Desperate. To bring you fast, free shipping.
This hour, On Point: The new coal miners. Inside warehouse America.
Amazon warehouse
Kiva Systems automated warehouse - could be used by Amazon or any other online fulfilling centre.
Robots may substitute warehouse pickers. Everyone happy now?
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Fish and fish scaler
Luke 24:42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and a honey-comb.
Webster's Bible Translation
I like my fish whole -
presented proudly
besides holy grail
with head and tail
but no scale.
I like my fish fresh
fried or broiled or
stewed with kale
No recipe to fail
if I clean off the scale.
Scaling with a knife could be a nightmare with scales flying all over the kitchen space but there are ways to better your situation.
#1. Drop the idea of dealing with unscaled fish altogether. Buy fillet, avoid the trouble.
#2. Ask your fish monger to scale your fish. Not always an option. Fish is pre-packed, too long of a wait, or you forgot to ask...you got it as a gift as is, unscaled (I did once: it was a semi-romantic story with no happy ending).
#3. Few sessions with psychotherapist may spare you from the phobia of scaling. If no, retreat to #1 or #2.
#4. Buy a scaler. I bought one at Amazon for small bucks: amazing how much easier scaling has become since. This idea occurred to me first when I saw one at Williams-Sonoma. Then I asked a nice guy in Whole Foods seafood section to scale my whole red snapper. Upon success of this enterprise I asked him to show me his scaler. Scalers come in various shapes and forms but I trust the professional choice.
 |
| Kai Fish Scaler @ Williams-Sonoma @20 |
 |
| Fish Scaler Scale Remover @ Amazon |
and just for laughs
Petrossian Ossetra & Salmon Collection $800.00 In the 1920s two Armenian brothers--Melkoum and Mouchegh Petrossian--first introduced Paris to the magic of Russian caviar, and in so doing, founded the company that today offers many of the finest caviars and other delicacies from around the globe. This collection showcases an award-winning trio including Tsar Imperial Ossetra caviar, salmon roe and Petrossian’s house-smoked salmon.
For Passover and Easter delivery, order by Friday, Mar. 30, 2012, 5PM (PST).
As we are well aware, sturgeon comes with no scale and therefore is not kosher for Passover.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)