McDonald’s Overwhelming Influence on Society

Without even realizing the reference to the chain of fast food restaurants today’s society is constantly influenced by McDonald’s. With over 31,000 stores, McDonald’s is the largest fast food chain serving 54 million people daily. Many foreign countries view the restaurant as Americanization and the influence on society is becoming more widely accepted. Drive-thru windows are popping up in China, keeping up with a faster paced society. The influence in the United States is just as prevalent but perhaps less noticed as it affects so many aspects of daily life. McDonald’s had appeared in many areas that are considered rural, making acceptance more widely received. The introduction of chicken McNuggets in the 1980’s created a name that would forever change the popularity of McDonald’s. Today everyday things are referred to similar to those chicken nuggets. From McDreamy, McSteamy, and McSlutty on Grey’s Anatomy to grocery store items like english muffin sandwiches being referred to as McMuffins. Even the American dollar is often referred to in terms of a McDonald’s cheeseburger.  A recent study also found that more Americans can identify the ingredients in a big mac than can identify thou shalt not kill as one of the ten commandments. It is difficult to find another company that has a more significant influence on society.

“Viva Laughlin” vs. the “real” Laughlin

So tonight was the premier of the new musical drama series Viva Laughlin. Around here every television was tuned in and everyone who couldn’t watch had it TiVo’d. We all had the wonderful privilege of having to go about everyday life while parts of the show were being filmed in our less than booming town last March. One of the great things about the filming and hopefully outcome of the show is that business improved at most of the casinos. Unfortunately, I’m not sure how visitors will react when they see the “real” Laughlin compared to the show.

Laughlin was founded by Don Laughlin, a Minnesota native. He currently owns and operates the Riverside Casino which is the first casino as you arrive in Laughlin. Similar to the character of Nicky Fontana(Hugh Jackman), Don Laughlin is the competition. Every casino tries to better his and it is a bitter struggle as most of the market share goes to the Riverside. The casinos on the “strip” constantly change hands and most are now owned by large casino or hotel corporations. In “Viva”, Ripley Holden(Lloyd Owen) is building a new casino, something that has not been done in the last ten years in Laughlin. Some renovations are in progress at several casinos and the former Ramada Express recently underwent a name change which visitors may view as a similarity to the show. The show however, had few scenes that were shot in Laughlin. First time visitors would probably not be able to identify much, with the exception of the opening credits shot from the river. Another thing that is definitely not like the show is the glitz and glamor. Not many people walk around in flashy suits, the cocktail servers are dressed fairly modestly, and there are no showgirls. The nicest dressed you see in Laughlin is in the higher priced steakhouses and the occasional wedding parties. It will be interesting to see future similarities and differences throughout the season. Hopefully future episodes of the show will incorporate other aspects of life on the river.

Though there are differences between the two destinations, there looks to be success for both. The story for Viva Laughlin is engaging and the publicity will help Laughlin attract visitors. 

NEW!

My boyfriend has a terrible habit. He cannot go into a store and not buy something that has the word New! on it. Especially when it comes to food products, he has to try them. As a result we end up with a lot of terrible products, and sometimes some really great ones. So here are some of the better ones we have had in the last few weeks.

• Oscar Mayer Deli-Creations Sub Sandwiches:  Absolutely fantastic! Although a little bit expensive for the size of the sandwich, I prefer it to subway and it does costs less. This product is found near the lunch-meat in the refrigerated section.
• Reese’s Elvis Edition Peanut Butter Cups: Different. If you like peanut butter and banana you will like these. I am not sure how readily available they are. We found them at Wal-Mart in the checkout candies.
• Precious Fresh Taste String Cheese: Better than average although a little dry in texture. We prefer the Cache Valley string cheese.
• Luigi’s Mango and Pina Colada Italian Ice: A must try if you like mango or pina colada. These are very refreshing and great flavors.
• Lay’s Maui Onion Potato Chips: A very sweet onion chip. These are my new favorite chip, the flavor is unique enough to not need dip and mild enough to be used with dips.
• Oreo Cakesters: Really good. I just wish they weren’t packaged like hostess cakes. Also they don’t come apart like oreo’s don’t even try you’ll have a mess.
• Lipton Pure Leaf Tea: I LOVE the orange and passion fruit flavored tea. Unfortunately I can’t find it sold in a case only individual bottles. Still I’ll buy them either way.

Chicken with Mandarin Orange Sauce

So here’s the recipe from last night’s dinner. It’s a sweet and tangy chicken with orange flavor that is very different from asian orange chicken dishes. It turned out fantastic. I made it with a side of stuffing and fresh spinach salad. Total time to prepare and cook is less than 45 min.

 CHICKEN WITH MANDARIN ORANGE SAUCE

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp.   salt
• 1/4 tsp.   allspice
• 1/4 tsp.   black pepper
• 4(4 oz.)    boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbs.        olive oil
• 1/4 tsp.    onion powder
• 1/8 tsp.    red pepper flakes
• 1 tbs.        sugar
• 1(11 oz.)   can of mandarin oranges
• 2 tsp.        cornstarch
• 2 tbs.        water
• 1/4           chopped fresh cilantro(optional)

1. In a small bowl mix salt, pepper, and allspice. Sprinkle over both sides of chicken. In a large skillet heat oil. Saute seasoned chicken in oil two minutes per side or until brown. Remove chicken from pan and keep warm.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Drain oranges keeping juice to the side. Stir juice, onion powder, red pepper and sugar into skillet. Bring to a boil. Return chicken to skillet. Cover. Reduce heat and cook ten minutes or until juices from the chicken run clear. Remove chicken, plate and keep warm. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually add to skillet. Stir and boil two minutes or until sauce thickens. Add oranges and heat through. Pour over chicken and serve.

Review: Step on a Crack by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

As a fan of James Patterson novels, but not so much a fan of his co-authors, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this recent book. I was thrilled when I quickly got hooked into the story. Right from the start you want to know what happened and why. Although the main story doesn’t really start until later chapters. By chapter ten the characters are well developed and you can’t help but feel for the Bennett family. Like the Alex Cross series Patterson gives the family very relate-able traits. As the book continues there are several twists and turns. The story line itself reminds me of the 2006 film Inside Man, although entirely different at the same time. Patterson even uses the term inside man in the final chapters of the book. The book ends much as it started coming full circle leaving room for the next adventure for Michael Bennett. With a great story Patterson’s novels tend to be a quick and easy read. I look forward to reading the next and hope that the co-authors continue their corroboration.

Poker Etiquette

In my free time I enjoy playing poker. I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when you win a big pot, the satisfaction of a good read, and the relief with a good lay-down. I occasionally play live cash games at the local casino but most of the time I play on-line. I’m no expert, in fact most players other than the very first time players, would consider me to be a novice. I am learning. I’ve read, researched and watched. Even though I’m learning, compared to the micro limit on-line players, I’m not bad.

Anyway the real topic of this post is poker etiquette. I have had it with the whining, bullying, cursing, and just plain awful reactions from poker players. Poker is a mind game, your going to win some days and other days you are going to lose. For example this is a message that a player in a game I was in. “sent zahi1974: ** TILTERS CAN’T YOU ACCEPT THAT SOM GUYS WANA PLAY REAL POKER AT THE MICROS? YOU DESTROY EVERYTHING HERE!!!” First off, the guys he was whining about weren’t tilters, they were just very aggressive players. Zahi1974 should have simply left the game when he felt he couldn’t play against that aggressive of players. The problem however was they were playing at a limit game, betting like a pot limit game, within five minutes of the comment from zahi1974 the table went down.

Now there are hundreds of thousands of poker players on-line and in the casinos. The majority of them understand poker etiquette. To those who know and abide by that standard thank you. For the others, listen up.

Live Poker Etiquette:

1. If the dealer makes a mistake, it is simply human error. The floorperson or the dealer will correct the mistake in the best way. Please don’t throw a fit because you would have had a good hand.
2. Don’t throw the cards at the dealer when you fold or muck. Even if you are angry you will do yourself more harm by exposing your cards on accident.
3. Don’t discuss your cards or the hand in any way when you are in or out of a hand that is still in play!  The worst argument I have ever been in was because someone joking around said the guy was bluffing I called and won the pot because it was a bluff. The player wanted the floorperson to make me give his money back because he insisted that I was going to fold.
4. When betting, raising, or calling leave your chips stacked up just inside the line where the dealer can reach. Don’t splash the pot. If your bet gets mixed up with the pot it can cost you money. This is one of the most common mistakes, especially by new players.
5. Don’t criticize other players. Poker is a very individual game. Each person has different ways of playing. It is also not polite to point out tells that you notice to other players at the table. Keep that valuable knowledge to yourself.
6. Tip the dealers. You will have several different dealers if you play for any length of time. Each one works for their own tips so either tip when you win hands or when you see them changing places tip several dollars then. Don’t forget the cocktail waitress either. Most places they can take chips for tips, but you may have to pay cash for your drink.
7. If you are going to drink, do so responsibly. I had thought I had seen a lot and then it happened. A young guy who had been playing and drinking had become a calling station. He played, bet and raised every hand. We were all enjoying taking his money until he couldn’t handle his alcohol anymore and puked on the table. Talk about disgusting. Most pros will advise against drinking while playing poker in the first place. It greatly affects your decision making.

On-line Poker Etiquette:

1. Leave the trash talk between you and your computer. As a player I usually have my chat off but when it is on I don’t want to see you swearing or calling people names. In micro limit cash games a lot of the players are new to the game. Give them a chance to learn before you start making fun of them.
2. Don’t accuse someone of cheating. It is a very serious issue that is very rare but happens. You have no way of knowing if someone is cheating. If you believe it is happening you should notify the site.
3. Don’t blame the site for you losing a hand. Sometimes you are going to catch great cards and sometimes someone else is going to catch great cards too.
4. Don’t criticize players, same as a live game poker strategy varies. Allow players to learn from their mistakes on their own and use their weakness to your advantage.

I know there are many other things that would be considered poker etiquette. For example most of these are not rules strictly enforced at the casino, but common courtesy to other players. Following these rules make for a pleasant, speedy, and profitable game. See you at the table!

working

My philosophy on working is that a career is something that you love doing. Some of us have found those careers, while some of us are still trying to find one, and others still are simply working jobs. Several years ago I thought I found my career. I enjoyed going to work each day, every day offered something new and I was content with where I was in my life. Suddenly things have changed. The work is routine, dull, and my work has become a job. I no longer want to put in the effort I used to and feel like my work goes unnoticed. Normally in this situation I just change where I’m working, pick up my life and move it somewhere else. The problem with doing that is eventually you end up in the same situation you were in before and eventually you run out of places to go. So for now, I’m stuck. The good part is that there are still things I do like about my job. It’s not like I have to go work at McDonald’s or Home Depot. I’m fortunate enough to make good money doing rather easy work. So for now I am one of those people still searching for a career. Hopefully I can figure it out before I am someone who simply works a job.

Hello world!

Well, this is my fresh start. This is my chance to vent and examine what is on my mind. I hope that you will follow this blog and leave input. I want to provoke, expose, intrigue, and learn using this blog. Enjoy!