This is Texoma.. a personal hell for me. Let me tell you why.Now I know there are many of you on our "friends list" that are from Texoma and like this place. If you are offended at this and future blogs, then I am sorry, but I have kept this bottled up inside me for the whole 7 years that we've lived here. If you feel that you can't handle my personal feelings and blogs, then you are free to take us off of your page. It's harsh I know, but that's just the way it is.
We moved to this pit of Hell in 2001. Little did we know it was going to be the biggest mistake of our lives. ("our" being mine, Bill's, Bill's 2 sons, my mother and my dad) All of us hate this region and most all of the people who reside here. I've even come up with a name for these idiots: TEXOMITES. Texomites because they are Texoma's termites. Most of the people that I have ran across are stupid, or rude, and mostly a combination of the two. Now don't get me wrong. I have met some people that are decent and that I actually like. Go figure though, most of them are not from this area. In fact, I've had comment after comment from people that are not from here say they agree with me about this area and its people. My in-laws, which are a higher class of people, think we are nuts for living here.
You may ask, "Well, if you hate it here so much, then why not leave?" Don't you think we are trying?? We've been trying for about almost 4 years now to escape Hell. Both mine and my parent's property up for sale, next door to each other. There has been no luck. Everytime someone comes out to look at the property, they drive up and see our neighbors to the east and west and immediately don't want it. I can't blame them though, I don't like living in the middle of the county dump either. The people of Texoma are nothing but trash. You have your upper class trash along with your hippie low-life trash. Lucky us, we live with the hippie-trash, so no one wants to buy our property. When we first moved out here, it was not as bad as it has become. It all started when the white trash hippie to our east fell asleep with a cigarette in bed and caught his place on fire. They towed that mobile home out and replaced it with 3 run down RVs, 2 storage pods that you would see on the back of a semi truck, about 5 run down vehicles and a bunch of trash and shelving that came from their "head" shop, or dope shop.. same thing. I heard straight from their lips that it was their "shop" that blew up and they didn't have anywhere else to store it. (Maybe it was their meth lab that blew??) I've even seen kitchen appliances and camping tents strode out everywhere. The crooks have even found a way to screw the county out of property taxes. So they don't have to pay harldy anything for their place, and of course this being Grayson county, the county tax officials don't mind.
But you know, as I drive even outside of Whitesboro, anywhere in Texoma, the scenery is the same. It looks a lot like my neighbors. That's normal to Texomites and they're proud of it. Sadly I live among the low life hippie trash. But I have met the high class trash as well. When I worked at Sherman Wal Mart, I met the best of the high class trash. First of all, you have to understand.. Texomites live for Sherman Wal Mart. Sad, I know. But there is no other entertainment to be found in this pit of Hell. Yeah, you got a movie theater and some fast food restaurants. Ohhhhhhhhh! Like I said, not much to do in Texoma. I have referred to this area many, many times as a place to come and die. People go to work and go home. That's it. There are no jobs outside of restaurant and retail, so if you work in Texoma, you work nights and weekends. You don't work nights and weekends and live here?? Then guess what, you either work in McKinney or south, or you have friends that are in the "better" jobs that got you in, but I can guarantee you one thing: You are not making very good money. Texoma is the highest poverty I think I've ever seen. Since we have moved here, we have gone into amazing debt. We are even so badly off, we have to have government assistance just to eat. Now I truly feel like a Texomite.
Anyways, back to the high class trash Texomites. I met so many in that Sherman Wal Mart that are customers. Not necessarily the employees. That is a whole different subject. The trash that came into that Wal Mart were so rude. They would look at you like some kind of infested disease. You could always tell too, they had the poofy hair do that looked like they just came out of a salon. The make up was thick. The jewelry was flashing. And the attitude sucked. I tried to be as nice as I could to them just because I had to try and keep my job. But no matter how nice you were to them, they always found something to bitch about and complained to management that you were somehow rude. (Clarence can back me up on that). I especially hated the Texomite idiots that came in with professional taken pictures and tried to make copies of them. Well first of all, if you were not so stuck on yourself and not such a friggin' idiot, then you would know that there is such a thing called a "copyright law". Oh, wait. This is Texoma. Where the area and its people are stuck in the 1800's, where over half the area's population was born before Jesus and think they're above the law. Not only are the customers of that doomed store screwed up, the management are too. Unfortunately I had to work for the communist pricks of Texoma. Of course I am not from this area (thank God) and I stick out like a sore thumb, so anything I did management didn't approve. They always took up for the lying Texomite. So after about a year of biting my tongue almost completely off and wearing a fake smile (that almost killed me having to deal with Texomites) I had a clean record, because I knew that I would hopefully get to transfer out of that store and out of this region. Well, one of the biggest (if not THE biggest) communist prick of Texoma saw that my record was about to be cleared, and he didn't like that. So after I had 1 simple harmless accident (and nothing uncommon I might add) the fucker fired me. So now thanks to that communist prick, I am losing my mortgage, my credit is screwed and we are having to depend on the government just to eat. FUCK YOU DONNIE BAKER! MAY YOU SOCCUMB A BILLION DISEASES AND THEY NEVER FIND A CURE!
Texoma has turned me into a people hater. I have never been like this before. It's sad, and gotten to the point to where I hate people here, just because they are from here. I sit and watch channel 12 News and hear about a death in this region. Nothing but a little joy comes to my heart knowing it was just a Texomite. Now I would never actually murder anyone.. by any means. I just do not feel sympathy anymore. Texomites have taken that away from me. Now, if I hear about tragedy somewhere else besides Texoma, then I feel a bit human again. I hate who I am here. This has been transforming me for about 4 years now. I can't wait to get out of this Hell and start my life over. I am so much better than anything here. I've never been one to put myself on any kind of pedestal, but since I've been in Texoma, I know I am better than this.
UPDATE TO THIS BLOG: LISSA'S: Texoma.. my own personal HELL
I sent this blog out to some people in my Yahoo! email and this was a response I got back, from a friend that lives here, but is not from here. See, I am not the only one to feel this way!
From "Moondog":
Hello Melissa I got your "I am in hell letter"... may I say, have you heard about quicksand,, the more you squirm, and swim to escape, it sucks you under even faster,, well you have just fallen into some bad quicksand.. A dream may seem like there are managers, and "customers", and just meandering "people", but a dream is a dream, you are just getting a pretty face on things,, really, we died, sorry to be the one to tell you,, those "customers" are really maggots, and worms, and bacteria feeding on our flesh as we slowly appear,, that is appear to ourselves,, to be getting older,, but really we already died,,,,Most of us are not quite sure how it happened, but some of us know, and are trying to help break it to those who do not remember the "incident".. You can truthfully tell the people running around spouting off about life after death,, that,, yes you know there is life after death,, that is where we are.. and maybe they should wake up and figure it out... and quit trying to bullshit their way out of it..also add, where is our public service check for allowing maggot customers to release their stresses out on Wal-Meat employees, thus saving their families from their bloody feeding frenzies,, and rampages of uncontrolled rudeness, disgusting elitist spoiled kid tantrums, and hateful bs vomitting all over other customers and totally innocent employees,, we need to start checking to see if customers have been taking their antifoaming at the mouth fit medicine..
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
LISSA’S: Rights, Wrongs and Fairness of Subrogation in Serious Injury Cases
Rights, Wrongs and Fairness ofSubrogation in Serious Injury CasesNovember 29, 2007; Page A17
I read with great sadness your front-page article "Accident Victims Face Grab for Legal Winnings" (Nov. 20) about Wal-Mart's mistreatment of a critically injured employee. Although Deborah Shank paid her premiums when healthy and would not have been individually liable for medical expenses in a general sense, Wal-Mart maintains that it has a right to seek repayment from third parties. While this reasoning makes sense from an accounting and legalistic point of view, in practice it is an incendiary and unjust policy.
Wal-Mart has the legal high ground in this matter as it has successfully pursued its claim to a federal appellate court. In so doing, however, it has also claimed the moral low ground. Wal-Mart argues that it has a fiduciary responsibility to its medical plan and shareholders, but this is mere obfuscation. Companies rarely resort to recovery from such tragedies, precisely because it is unseemly. The fact that Wal-Mart feels unrestrained and unrepentant in its pursuit for company justice is a shocking indictment of our culture and of this company.
Andrew Griffin
Wilmette, Ill.
The rationale for judicial enforcement of subrogation rights is clear. Otherwise, the ultimately responsible person or company evades such responsibility simply because the victim of his or her misconduct had insurance coverage. Pursuit of subrogation claims advances the broadest societal interests by ensuring that all actors within a society -- ranging from the largest corporations to mom-and-pop shops -- behave responsibly and conduct their businesses so as to avoid harming others by exercising "reasonable care." However, most subrogation claims aren't perfected for a variety of reasons, including lack of or inadequate liability insurance coverage or insubstantial assets on the part of the responsible third-party tortfeasor. Under these circumstances, the insureds, of course, retain the insurance proceeds paid to them, and the insurer obtains no reimbursement at all for its payment of policy proceeds to its insureds.
While it is easy to point a finger at the insurer, or a self-insurer like Wal-Mart, for rightfully exercising its subrogation rights under circumstances when there are insufficient assets to compensate both the insurer and its insured for their respective damages, the true responsibility for this extremely unfortunate result rests with the responsible third party that exacerbated its negligence in having caused injuries by also exercising financial irresponsibility by failing to secure ample liability insurance coverage.
Elliott R. Feldman
President
National Association of Subrogation Professionals
Edina, Minn.
Employers have a fiduciary duty to recover these expenses since allowing an employee to recover "twice" for the same injury shortchanges fellow employees in the health plan and ultimately increases the cost of health care for all. As sad as the facts concerning Ms. Shank may sound, there is a winner amid all of this: her personal injury lawyer who promptly received approximately 40% of Ms. Shank's medical settlement.
Randel Johnson
Vice President, Labor, Immigration & Employee Benefits
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Washington
Wal-Mart is within its legal rights and the company has a responsibility to its stakeholders to lower health insurance costs. However, as Wal-Mart donates millions to charity each year I hope that management will consider making a donation to Ms. Shank. As the old saying goes, "charity begins at home."
Klugmann
Brooklyn, N.Y.
The Journal is to be commended for pointing out that when a catastrophically injured woman isn't fully compensated in a settlement for the lifetime cost of her care it's an unimaginable economic hardship. It is made doubly worse when years later the employer's health plan sues her for the full share of medical costs it paid. Under these circumstances, a better way would be to limit the health plan's recovery to no more than a pro rata share of the entire amount recovered from the wrongdoer. Thus, when recovery from the wrongdoer is inadequate to provide restitution to the injured person and to reimburse the employer's health plan, each party would receive a share of the recovery proportional to their loss. This would serve as a standard of fairness to ease the burden of a lifetime of care and ensure that the injured person wouldn't be injured a second time by her insurance company.
Kathleen Flynn Peterson
President
American Association for Justice
Washington
I read with great sadness your front-page article "Accident Victims Face Grab for Legal Winnings" (Nov. 20) about Wal-Mart's mistreatment of a critically injured employee. Although Deborah Shank paid her premiums when healthy and would not have been individually liable for medical expenses in a general sense, Wal-Mart maintains that it has a right to seek repayment from third parties. While this reasoning makes sense from an accounting and legalistic point of view, in practice it is an incendiary and unjust policy.
Wal-Mart has the legal high ground in this matter as it has successfully pursued its claim to a federal appellate court. In so doing, however, it has also claimed the moral low ground. Wal-Mart argues that it has a fiduciary responsibility to its medical plan and shareholders, but this is mere obfuscation. Companies rarely resort to recovery from such tragedies, precisely because it is unseemly. The fact that Wal-Mart feels unrestrained and unrepentant in its pursuit for company justice is a shocking indictment of our culture and of this company.
Andrew Griffin
Wilmette, Ill.
The rationale for judicial enforcement of subrogation rights is clear. Otherwise, the ultimately responsible person or company evades such responsibility simply because the victim of his or her misconduct had insurance coverage. Pursuit of subrogation claims advances the broadest societal interests by ensuring that all actors within a society -- ranging from the largest corporations to mom-and-pop shops -- behave responsibly and conduct their businesses so as to avoid harming others by exercising "reasonable care." However, most subrogation claims aren't perfected for a variety of reasons, including lack of or inadequate liability insurance coverage or insubstantial assets on the part of the responsible third-party tortfeasor. Under these circumstances, the insureds, of course, retain the insurance proceeds paid to them, and the insurer obtains no reimbursement at all for its payment of policy proceeds to its insureds.
While it is easy to point a finger at the insurer, or a self-insurer like Wal-Mart, for rightfully exercising its subrogation rights under circumstances when there are insufficient assets to compensate both the insurer and its insured for their respective damages, the true responsibility for this extremely unfortunate result rests with the responsible third party that exacerbated its negligence in having caused injuries by also exercising financial irresponsibility by failing to secure ample liability insurance coverage.
Elliott R. Feldman
President
National Association of Subrogation Professionals
Edina, Minn.
Employers have a fiduciary duty to recover these expenses since allowing an employee to recover "twice" for the same injury shortchanges fellow employees in the health plan and ultimately increases the cost of health care for all. As sad as the facts concerning Ms. Shank may sound, there is a winner amid all of this: her personal injury lawyer who promptly received approximately 40% of Ms. Shank's medical settlement.
Randel Johnson
Vice President, Labor, Immigration & Employee Benefits
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Washington
Wal-Mart is within its legal rights and the company has a responsibility to its stakeholders to lower health insurance costs. However, as Wal-Mart donates millions to charity each year I hope that management will consider making a donation to Ms. Shank. As the old saying goes, "charity begins at home."
Klugmann
Brooklyn, N.Y.
The Journal is to be commended for pointing out that when a catastrophically injured woman isn't fully compensated in a settlement for the lifetime cost of her care it's an unimaginable economic hardship. It is made doubly worse when years later the employer's health plan sues her for the full share of medical costs it paid. Under these circumstances, a better way would be to limit the health plan's recovery to no more than a pro rata share of the entire amount recovered from the wrongdoer. Thus, when recovery from the wrongdoer is inadequate to provide restitution to the injured person and to reimburse the employer's health plan, each party would receive a share of the recovery proportional to their loss. This would serve as a standard of fairness to ease the burden of a lifetime of care and ensure that the injured person wouldn't be injured a second time by her insurance company.
Kathleen Flynn Peterson
President
American Association for Justice
Washington
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
LISSA'S: Wal-Mart: Home of Favoritism and Popularity
As an ex-Wal-Mart employee, I have witnessed many disturbing events done by the company and by the Sherman, TX Wal-Mart #947. Just to begin my story, let me just tell of what I have seen in the areas of Favoritism and Popularity Contests.
Let me first begin with my story. I worked for Wal-Mart in the One-Hour Photo Center. During the busy Labor Day Weekend, I was trying to help a customer who was standing outside the center, while trying to keep the machines running. During all the activity, I accidentally poured the wrong chemical into the wrong slot on one of the machines. I immediately realized what I did and asked for help in correcting the situation. During the process of trying to fix my mistake, two other associates in my department ran a test strip and spread the contamination through the whole machine. It ended up with us having to drain the entire machine, clean it and refill it. In the end, no one was hurt, no machine was damaged, no one's property was damaged. We were down for a few hours due to the whole thing. I was led on for a week that this was no big deal, that everyone understood it was an accident. But a week after the event, I was called into the office by Co-Manager Donnie Baker and terminated for the event.
Since my termination, I have found out that I am not the first person to accidentally put the wrong chemical into one of the machines. I am just the first to be punished for doing it. I have always known that I am a square peg trying to fit into a round hole in this place, but I tried my best. And for all of my trying, I was terminated. Just because I was not as high up on the manager's favorite list. Management got along with everyone else that I worked with, so it didn't surprise me when I found out that no one else was questioned on the spreading of the contamination, or the reasons we were down. No one else's part in the event was brought into consideration.
Let me give you an example. There is an associate who was terminated by his Assistant Manager. The reason for his termination was "repeated poor job performance." There was one problem. This person is extremely liked by Donnie Baker and Store Manager Bryan Lambert. So, after he was terminated and escorted out of the building, Mr. Baker went outside and pulled him back into his office and immediately gave him his job back in the same department, under the same Assistant Manager who terminated him. So, basically saying that an accident from an associate who he doesn't like is worse than an associate who doesn't do his job, but he does like.
And it continues from here. A popular cashier was found doing many acts that any one of them should have gotten her terminated. One of the events she was guilty of is even listed in training, manuals, and computer based training as Gross Misconduct. And to quote Wal-Mart's policy "Gross Misconduct will not be tolerated. Coaching for Improvement will not be used to address gross misconduct. The employment of an Associate who is deemed to have engaged in gross misconduct is subject to immediate termination." But again, she was a popular cashier. They rolled all the events into one "no-no" session and gave her a verbal warning not to do them again. Since then, I have found three other associates who have done the same "Gross Misconduct" event, and none of them have been punished. It didn't surprise me to find out that one of those people guilty was the same as the one who had "repeated poor job performance."
There have been many people who have been victims of accidents at this place this year. The ones who are popular, nothing happens to them. The ones who are square pegs, they get punished. One of the steps managers are supposed to do during a coaching process is "Perform a Consistency Search to determine the level of coaching given previously for similar offenses.” But yet, in my situation, no one had gotten in trouble before for the same act, so how is this considered consistent? I had never had an accident in the 8 years of working here before this, how is this consistent? But yet, when I received my coaching, it became more of a terroristic event. I was taken into the office, and not allowed to leave until I signed the paperwork. I was not allowed to disagree, not allowed to do anything. In fact, I was told that there was no Open Door Policy. The Open Door Policy that Wal-Mart is so willing to throw into their associates faces is only there when they can use the information against someone. It is not there when an associate needs it.
This is not the first time Donnie Baker tried to attack me. I have been threatened for termination for being diagnosed with an illness that made me "too contagious for being in public." I have been threatened for being in the hospital. I was even told by Donnie Baker that when my 8 year old son had chicken pox, I should not have stayed home with him, and the next time I did so, I would be terminated. In all the previous attempts, they did not have the standing to actually terminate me, but they found a way in an accident by twisting the wording and making it look like I did sabotaged the machines on purpose.
But in all the days I missed, there are many others who get away with missing days and are never punished or threatened.
We have contacted Wal-Mart Ethics on these events, and have been told that these actions are not considered as part of their department. On November, 2, 2007, we also sent a letter to Lee Scott, CEO of Wal-Mart about all of this, and they have refused to answer.
In the meantime, the popularity poll continues. In October, the store held a costume contest. The winner was not the best costume, but it was the prettiest contestant with the highest skirt and lowest cut blouse. It is a proven fact that to get Donnie Baker to acknowledge you, the deeper the 'V' in your shirt, the more attention and favors you get. Third place was given to a Customer Service Manager who is also the leader of the local Safety Team. Now management was not supposed to be considered in the contest, but one did get through. And her costume really didn't match up to the others. She dressed up as Princess Fiona from Shrek. But yet, there was a person who actually dressed as Shrek, and his costume was technically more difficult and artistically more accurate, but he didn't even get a nod.
Now for December, they have decided to take it all one step further with the "Wal-Mart #0947 1st Annual Awards Banquet". This is a poll to vote for the most popular in the following categories: Office Associate, Overnight Associate, Department Manager, Salesfloor Associate, Cashier, Manager, and Associate of the Year. Now there wording says "Vote for the most deserving", but if it were the most deserving, shouldn't the contest be considered from Evaluations, Statistics on the job, and Customer comments? If it were, it would be open to everyone. I had very high stats, and made "Exceeds Expectations" in many areas on my Evals. But not everyone knew that. But to get the public vote you have to be popular, and that is what they are wanting. And by the looks on the categories, the managers themselves are looking for a little pat on the back this time around. I will make you a bet right now. There are 7 categories being voted on. I am willing to bet that at least 6 of the winners will be at the banquet. Why? Because it is the popular thing to do, and you have to be popular to get off from work to make it to the Banquet.
Let me first begin with my story. I worked for Wal-Mart in the One-Hour Photo Center. During the busy Labor Day Weekend, I was trying to help a customer who was standing outside the center, while trying to keep the machines running. During all the activity, I accidentally poured the wrong chemical into the wrong slot on one of the machines. I immediately realized what I did and asked for help in correcting the situation. During the process of trying to fix my mistake, two other associates in my department ran a test strip and spread the contamination through the whole machine. It ended up with us having to drain the entire machine, clean it and refill it. In the end, no one was hurt, no machine was damaged, no one's property was damaged. We were down for a few hours due to the whole thing. I was led on for a week that this was no big deal, that everyone understood it was an accident. But a week after the event, I was called into the office by Co-Manager Donnie Baker and terminated for the event.
Since my termination, I have found out that I am not the first person to accidentally put the wrong chemical into one of the machines. I am just the first to be punished for doing it. I have always known that I am a square peg trying to fit into a round hole in this place, but I tried my best. And for all of my trying, I was terminated. Just because I was not as high up on the manager's favorite list. Management got along with everyone else that I worked with, so it didn't surprise me when I found out that no one else was questioned on the spreading of the contamination, or the reasons we were down. No one else's part in the event was brought into consideration.
Let me give you an example. There is an associate who was terminated by his Assistant Manager. The reason for his termination was "repeated poor job performance." There was one problem. This person is extremely liked by Donnie Baker and Store Manager Bryan Lambert. So, after he was terminated and escorted out of the building, Mr. Baker went outside and pulled him back into his office and immediately gave him his job back in the same department, under the same Assistant Manager who terminated him. So, basically saying that an accident from an associate who he doesn't like is worse than an associate who doesn't do his job, but he does like.
And it continues from here. A popular cashier was found doing many acts that any one of them should have gotten her terminated. One of the events she was guilty of is even listed in training, manuals, and computer based training as Gross Misconduct. And to quote Wal-Mart's policy "Gross Misconduct will not be tolerated. Coaching for Improvement will not be used to address gross misconduct. The employment of an Associate who is deemed to have engaged in gross misconduct is subject to immediate termination." But again, she was a popular cashier. They rolled all the events into one "no-no" session and gave her a verbal warning not to do them again. Since then, I have found three other associates who have done the same "Gross Misconduct" event, and none of them have been punished. It didn't surprise me to find out that one of those people guilty was the same as the one who had "repeated poor job performance."
There have been many people who have been victims of accidents at this place this year. The ones who are popular, nothing happens to them. The ones who are square pegs, they get punished. One of the steps managers are supposed to do during a coaching process is "Perform a Consistency Search to determine the level of coaching given previously for similar offenses.” But yet, in my situation, no one had gotten in trouble before for the same act, so how is this considered consistent? I had never had an accident in the 8 years of working here before this, how is this consistent? But yet, when I received my coaching, it became more of a terroristic event. I was taken into the office, and not allowed to leave until I signed the paperwork. I was not allowed to disagree, not allowed to do anything. In fact, I was told that there was no Open Door Policy. The Open Door Policy that Wal-Mart is so willing to throw into their associates faces is only there when they can use the information against someone. It is not there when an associate needs it.
This is not the first time Donnie Baker tried to attack me. I have been threatened for termination for being diagnosed with an illness that made me "too contagious for being in public." I have been threatened for being in the hospital. I was even told by Donnie Baker that when my 8 year old son had chicken pox, I should not have stayed home with him, and the next time I did so, I would be terminated. In all the previous attempts, they did not have the standing to actually terminate me, but they found a way in an accident by twisting the wording and making it look like I did sabotaged the machines on purpose.
But in all the days I missed, there are many others who get away with missing days and are never punished or threatened.
We have contacted Wal-Mart Ethics on these events, and have been told that these actions are not considered as part of their department. On November, 2, 2007, we also sent a letter to Lee Scott, CEO of Wal-Mart about all of this, and they have refused to answer.
In the meantime, the popularity poll continues. In October, the store held a costume contest. The winner was not the best costume, but it was the prettiest contestant with the highest skirt and lowest cut blouse. It is a proven fact that to get Donnie Baker to acknowledge you, the deeper the 'V' in your shirt, the more attention and favors you get. Third place was given to a Customer Service Manager who is also the leader of the local Safety Team. Now management was not supposed to be considered in the contest, but one did get through. And her costume really didn't match up to the others. She dressed up as Princess Fiona from Shrek. But yet, there was a person who actually dressed as Shrek, and his costume was technically more difficult and artistically more accurate, but he didn't even get a nod.
Now for December, they have decided to take it all one step further with the "Wal-Mart #0947 1st Annual Awards Banquet". This is a poll to vote for the most popular in the following categories: Office Associate, Overnight Associate, Department Manager, Salesfloor Associate, Cashier, Manager, and Associate of the Year. Now there wording says "Vote for the most deserving", but if it were the most deserving, shouldn't the contest be considered from Evaluations, Statistics on the job, and Customer comments? If it were, it would be open to everyone. I had very high stats, and made "Exceeds Expectations" in many areas on my Evals. But not everyone knew that. But to get the public vote you have to be popular, and that is what they are wanting. And by the looks on the categories, the managers themselves are looking for a little pat on the back this time around. I will make you a bet right now. There are 7 categories being voted on. I am willing to bet that at least 6 of the winners will be at the banquet. Why? Because it is the popular thing to do, and you have to be popular to get off from work to make it to the Banquet.
LISSA’S: A High Price To Pay For Low Cost Shopping
Seattle is taking a step in the right direction. This is an article out of The Seattle Times Company:
A HIGH PRICE TO PAY FOR LOW COST SHOPPING
By Karen Lowe and Selma Bonham
IF you believe their TV ads, Wal-Mart is as American as apple pie. Lower costs mean a better life, as their tagline contends, right? But, here in Mill Creek, we're taking a hard look at the high costs of absorbing another "low-price" Wal-Mart.
On many levels, from international trade to the personal economics of family life in a small town, we've seen America's No. 1 company act very un-American. Whether it's driving local homegrown stores out of business, environmental degradation or workers forced to join state health-care rolls, Wal-Mart has a seriously negative impact on American life. Within a five-mile radius of Mill Creek, there are two Wal-Mart stores bringing almost 300,000 square feet of 24/7 big-box shopping. And, evidently, that isn't enough. Developers here think we need three Wal-Marts within a short drive, so they're proposing to add another 136,000-square-foot Wal-Mart on Highway 96 in a newly annexed area of Mill Creek.
Enough is enough. A third Wal-Mart will clearly not make our lives better. Citizens for a Better Mill Creek scored a temporary victory by winning an appeal for an environmental-impact statement and delaying the groundbreaking of the newest Wal-Mart store last summer. We called attention to the potential traffic congestion (adding as many as 8,500 trips per day) and to the parking lot paving over of 17 acres of farmland just east of wetlands draining into the North Creek watershed, a spawning ground for chinook salmon. As traffic, noise, pollution and crime increase, residential property values nearby are expected to decline.
More than 5,700 local residents have signed a petition opposing the construction of this third Wal-Mart. We're fighting it because we believe Wal-Mart is un-American and here's why.
While some claim Wal-Mart could bring a windfall of sales-tax revenues, across the nation it's squeezing local governments for subsidies.
It's also breaking environmental laws nationwide. In 2004, Wal-Mart faced fines for violations in nine states. That same year, the company agreed to pay $400,000 to settle claims that Wal-Mart's Sam's Club flouted federal air-pollution regulations in 11 states. In 2005, Wal-Mart again was forced to pay $1.5 million in penalties for stormwater violations occurring over seven years at 20 stores.
You may have read recent news reports of imported Wal-Mart Christmas toys for small children being recalled because of choking hazards and high lead content. Frankly, the company's record on providing substandard wages is equally alarming to us — and a wake-up call for any community concerned about children and the American family.
Did you know that a substantial number of Wal-Mart "associates" earn far below the federal poverty line and that the company provides health-care coverage to less than half its employees?
Wal-Mart's business strategy to open a third store where two stores already exist is simply to ensure that wherever people are, they're always near a Wal-Mart. But what happens in such an oversaturated market when the economy takes a dip? The rapid expansion of Supercenters and Sam's Clubs has contributed to hundreds of vacant stores across the country. Sales are currently sagging at Wal-Mart nationwide and the company has hundreds of developed properties up for lease or sale — that's over 25 million square feet of empty big-box stores! What would we do with a big-box empty shell near Mill Creek?
This holiday season, like all Americans, we are giving thanks for what we value most: family, community, our health and the beauty of our environment. We also value ethical business principles and practices that support families and communities. Wal-Mart has demonstrated nationwide that it values profits over the safety of our children, the health of our families, the life of our communities and the future of our environment.
Our fight against Wal-Mart is as American as apple pie. We're saying "no" to the high cost of Wal-Mart's low prices. Another Wal-Mart here would simply cost our community too much and it certainly won't bring better lives for the people of Mill Creek.
Karen Lowe, left, and Selma Bonham are members of Citizens for a Better Mill Creek.
2007 The Seattle Times Company
A HIGH PRICE TO PAY FOR LOW COST SHOPPING
By Karen Lowe and Selma Bonham
IF you believe their TV ads, Wal-Mart is as American as apple pie. Lower costs mean a better life, as their tagline contends, right? But, here in Mill Creek, we're taking a hard look at the high costs of absorbing another "low-price" Wal-Mart.
On many levels, from international trade to the personal economics of family life in a small town, we've seen America's No. 1 company act very un-American. Whether it's driving local homegrown stores out of business, environmental degradation or workers forced to join state health-care rolls, Wal-Mart has a seriously negative impact on American life. Within a five-mile radius of Mill Creek, there are two Wal-Mart stores bringing almost 300,000 square feet of 24/7 big-box shopping. And, evidently, that isn't enough. Developers here think we need three Wal-Marts within a short drive, so they're proposing to add another 136,000-square-foot Wal-Mart on Highway 96 in a newly annexed area of Mill Creek.
Enough is enough. A third Wal-Mart will clearly not make our lives better. Citizens for a Better Mill Creek scored a temporary victory by winning an appeal for an environmental-impact statement and delaying the groundbreaking of the newest Wal-Mart store last summer. We called attention to the potential traffic congestion (adding as many as 8,500 trips per day) and to the parking lot paving over of 17 acres of farmland just east of wetlands draining into the North Creek watershed, a spawning ground for chinook salmon. As traffic, noise, pollution and crime increase, residential property values nearby are expected to decline.
More than 5,700 local residents have signed a petition opposing the construction of this third Wal-Mart. We're fighting it because we believe Wal-Mart is un-American and here's why.
While some claim Wal-Mart could bring a windfall of sales-tax revenues, across the nation it's squeezing local governments for subsidies.
It's also breaking environmental laws nationwide. In 2004, Wal-Mart faced fines for violations in nine states. That same year, the company agreed to pay $400,000 to settle claims that Wal-Mart's Sam's Club flouted federal air-pollution regulations in 11 states. In 2005, Wal-Mart again was forced to pay $1.5 million in penalties for stormwater violations occurring over seven years at 20 stores.
You may have read recent news reports of imported Wal-Mart Christmas toys for small children being recalled because of choking hazards and high lead content. Frankly, the company's record on providing substandard wages is equally alarming to us — and a wake-up call for any community concerned about children and the American family.
Did you know that a substantial number of Wal-Mart "associates" earn far below the federal poverty line and that the company provides health-care coverage to less than half its employees?
Wal-Mart's business strategy to open a third store where two stores already exist is simply to ensure that wherever people are, they're always near a Wal-Mart. But what happens in such an oversaturated market when the economy takes a dip? The rapid expansion of Supercenters and Sam's Clubs has contributed to hundreds of vacant stores across the country. Sales are currently sagging at Wal-Mart nationwide and the company has hundreds of developed properties up for lease or sale — that's over 25 million square feet of empty big-box stores! What would we do with a big-box empty shell near Mill Creek?
This holiday season, like all Americans, we are giving thanks for what we value most: family, community, our health and the beauty of our environment. We also value ethical business principles and practices that support families and communities. Wal-Mart has demonstrated nationwide that it values profits over the safety of our children, the health of our families, the life of our communities and the future of our environment.
Our fight against Wal-Mart is as American as apple pie. We're saying "no" to the high cost of Wal-Mart's low prices. Another Wal-Mart here would simply cost our community too much and it certainly won't bring better lives for the people of Mill Creek.
Karen Lowe, left, and Selma Bonham are members of Citizens for a Better Mill Creek.
2007 The Seattle Times Company
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
LISSA'S: Think Wal Mart cares? Think again...
Seven years ago, a semi-trailer plowed into the driver's side of Deborah Shank's minivan.
The 52-year-old Missouri Wal-Mart employee and devoted mother of three suffered permanent brain damage. Today she lives in a nursing home for round-the clock care, unable to walk, feed or dress herself.
As the Wall Street Journal reported on November 20, it's a tragic story - but it gets worse:
"Wal-Mart started out as one of the good guys in this story, paying almost $470,000 of Shank's initial medical bills. But three years after Shank's husband sued and settled with the semi driver's employer, the retail giant changed hats. It demanded every penny back, plus interest and legal fees -- more, in fact, than the $417,477 the settlement had placed in a special trust fund specifically for Shank's future health care expenses."
Wal-Mart sued a permanently brain-damaged woman out of her medical care funds. Thanks to her former employer - the world's largest retailer - Deborah's family is sinking deeper into debt and Deborah will be completely dependent on Medicaid and Social Security for a lifetime of medical care.
Wal-Mart's actions are horribly unethical and morally bankrupt, but the company says it's legal - and it's right about that.
As the Wall Street Journal explains:
The reason is a clause in Wal-Mart's health plan that Mrs. Shank didn't notice when she started stocking shelves at a nearby store eight years ago. Like most company health plans, Wal-Mart's reserves the right to recoup the medical expenses it paid for someone's treatment if the person also collects damages in an injury suit.
In cases like the Shanks', where injuries and medical costs are catastrophic, accident victims sometimes can be left with little or none of the money they fight for in court. Company health plans are increasingly adopting language such as Wal-Mart's, which dictates that it is to be paid first out of any settlement, regardless of what remains for the injured person. Moreover, the victim is responsible for all legal costs in pursuing the suit.
Last year the U.S. District Court sided with Wal-Mart over the Shank family - making its ruling just six days before Deborah Shank's 18-year-old son, Jeremy, was killed while serving in Iraq.
The decision has forced Deborah's family to take drastic measures. Earlier this year, her husband divorced her because of advice from a health care administrator, who said that she would qualify for more public assistance as a single woman.
The Shanks aren't gold-diggers. They are an honest, hard-working American family trying to deal with a catastrophic event, and now they're doing it with an empty wallet - thanks to Wal-Mart.
This holiday season, Wal-Mart rolled out a new slogan: "Save money. Live better."
But who lives better with Wal-Mart's low prices? Clearly, it isn't Wal-Mart employees like Deborah Shank.
The 52-year-old Missouri Wal-Mart employee and devoted mother of three suffered permanent brain damage. Today she lives in a nursing home for round-the clock care, unable to walk, feed or dress herself.
As the Wall Street Journal reported on November 20, it's a tragic story - but it gets worse:
"Wal-Mart started out as one of the good guys in this story, paying almost $470,000 of Shank's initial medical bills. But three years after Shank's husband sued and settled with the semi driver's employer, the retail giant changed hats. It demanded every penny back, plus interest and legal fees -- more, in fact, than the $417,477 the settlement had placed in a special trust fund specifically for Shank's future health care expenses."
Wal-Mart sued a permanently brain-damaged woman out of her medical care funds. Thanks to her former employer - the world's largest retailer - Deborah's family is sinking deeper into debt and Deborah will be completely dependent on Medicaid and Social Security for a lifetime of medical care.
Wal-Mart's actions are horribly unethical and morally bankrupt, but the company says it's legal - and it's right about that.
As the Wall Street Journal explains:
The reason is a clause in Wal-Mart's health plan that Mrs. Shank didn't notice when she started stocking shelves at a nearby store eight years ago. Like most company health plans, Wal-Mart's reserves the right to recoup the medical expenses it paid for someone's treatment if the person also collects damages in an injury suit.
In cases like the Shanks', where injuries and medical costs are catastrophic, accident victims sometimes can be left with little or none of the money they fight for in court. Company health plans are increasingly adopting language such as Wal-Mart's, which dictates that it is to be paid first out of any settlement, regardless of what remains for the injured person. Moreover, the victim is responsible for all legal costs in pursuing the suit.
Last year the U.S. District Court sided with Wal-Mart over the Shank family - making its ruling just six days before Deborah Shank's 18-year-old son, Jeremy, was killed while serving in Iraq.
The decision has forced Deborah's family to take drastic measures. Earlier this year, her husband divorced her because of advice from a health care administrator, who said that she would qualify for more public assistance as a single woman.
The Shanks aren't gold-diggers. They are an honest, hard-working American family trying to deal with a catastrophic event, and now they're doing it with an empty wallet - thanks to Wal-Mart.
This holiday season, Wal-Mart rolled out a new slogan: "Save money. Live better."
But who lives better with Wal-Mart's low prices? Clearly, it isn't Wal-Mart employees like Deborah Shank.
Monday, November 26, 2007
LISSA’S: What Do Wal Mart Employees Have To Be Thankful For?
What do Wal-Mart's employees have to be thankful for this season? Perhaps not as much as they would like. The company's health care plan is still far short of the beneficial panacea the company would have us believe, and store employees are working harder than ever as the retailer continues to understaff stores. 1.6 million current and former Wal-Mart employees still await the outcome of the landmark class action Dukes v. Wal-Mart, and workers in Wal-Mart's supplier factories are working overtime in inhumane conditions to meet the company's holiday demands.
Wal-Mart executives can't be happy, either. The company's "green" report -- a thinly veiled marketing ploy - recieved a critical response from environmentalists and didn't win over critics as the company hoped it would. Wal-Mart's stock continues to decline, and shareholders are becoming increasingly impatient with the company's superficial attempts to solve its reputational issues.
So what can we be thankful for this year? We can still come together to try to change these things about Wal-Mart, and improve its behavior as the largest corporation in the world. Become one of the thousands of people working to make Wal-Mart a better corporate citizen.
Wal-Mart executives can't be happy, either. The company's "green" report -- a thinly veiled marketing ploy - recieved a critical response from environmentalists and didn't win over critics as the company hoped it would. Wal-Mart's stock continues to decline, and shareholders are becoming increasingly impatient with the company's superficial attempts to solve its reputational issues.
So what can we be thankful for this year? We can still come together to try to change these things about Wal-Mart, and improve its behavior as the largest corporation in the world. Become one of the thousands of people working to make Wal-Mart a better corporate citizen.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
LISSA’S: Meet the Manager from Wal-Mart 947, Sherman, TX
Here are a few quick facts about the man who is the manager of the Sherman, TX Wal-Mart:
Grayson County, Texas
Jail ID 104901
VAN ALSTYNE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Confined 12/23/2001 08:46am
Released 12/23/2001 09:52am
Defendant
Lambert, Bryan Lee
1608 Hyde Park
Denison, Tx 75020
White Male 6' 235 10/16/1970
Hair Red or Auburn
Eyes Green
SO 66647
Cause Charge Disposition Bond
2002-2-403 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 12/23/2001 - Held $500.00
Grayson County, Texas
2002-2-403
Confined 12/23/2001 08:46am
Released 12/23/2001 09:52am
Defendant
Lambert, Bryan Lee
1608 Hyde Park
Denison, Tx 75020
White Male 6' 235 10/16/1970
Hair Red or Auburn
Eyes Green
SO 66647
Bond Amount Posted
$500.00 12/23/2001
Type Status
SURETY BOND 05/10/2002 BOND DISPOSED
Charge
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED
Bondsman Address Amount
SPANKY'S BAIL BONDS (LYNN CARTER) 227 W LAMAR
SHERMAN,TX.75090 $500.00
In the COUNTY COURT AT LAW 2
Grayson County, Texas
Cause No. 2002-2-403
STATE OF TEXAS VS. BRYAN LEE LAMBERT
Defendant
Lambert, Bryan Lee
White Male 6' 235 10/16/1970
Defense Attorneys
Brown, Barrett Keith (Bar 03092500)
Case Information
Filed on 02/18/2002
12/23/01-DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED
Misdemeanor B
Current Status: Disposed/CSCD
$500.00 Bond Set on 12/23/2001 by Spanky'S Bail Bonds (Lynn Carter
Current Status of Bond: Bond Disposed as of 05/10/2002
Disposition Information
05/10/2002 - Guilty Plea
Probation: 2 Years
Assessed Due
Fine $750.00 $0.00
Court Costs $201.00 $0.00
Other Fees $960.00 $0.00
Hearings
03/08/2002
Friday
9:00am
ARRAIGNMENT HEARING
05/10/2002 Friday 8:30am Plea Docket
08/14/2002 Wednesday 8:30am JURY TRIAL
In the COUNTY COURT AT LAW 2
Grayson County, Texas
Cause No. 2002-2-403
STATE OF TEXAS VS. BRYAN LEE LAMBERT
Hearing Information
Type: ARRAIGNMENT HEARING
Hearing held on 03/08/2002 (Friday) at 09:00am
Notice Not Sent
Judge: SIEBMAN, CAROL
Defendant
Lambert, Bryan Lee
1608 Hyde Park
Denison, Tx 75020
White Male 6' 235 10/16/1970
Case Information
Filed on 02/18/2002
12/23/01-DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED
Misdemeanor B
Current Status: Disposed/CSCD
05/10/2002 - Guilty Plea
Defense Attorneys
Brown, Barrett Keith(Bar 03092500)
Additional Case Hearings
05/10/2002
Friday
8:30am
Plea Docket
08/14/2002 Wednesday 8:30am JURY TRIAL
In the COUNTY COURT AT LAW 2
Grayson County, Texas
Cause No. 2002-2-403
STATE OF TEXAS VS. BRYAN LEE LAMBERT
Hearing Information
Type: Plea Docket
Hearing held on 05/10/2002 (Friday) at 08:30am
Notice Sent
Judge: SIEBMAN, CAROL
Defendant
Lambert, Bryan Lee
1608 Hyde Park
Denison, Tx 75020
White Male 6' 235 10/16/1970
Case Information
Filed on 02/18/2002
12/23/01-DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED
Misdemeanor B
Current Status: Disposed/CSCD
05/10/2002 - Guilty Plea
Defense Attorneys
Brown, Barrett Keith(Bar 03092500)
Additional Case Hearings
03/08/2002
Friday
9:00am
ARRAIGNMENT HEARING
08/14/2002 Wednesday 8:30am JURY TRIAL
In the COUNTY COURT AT LAW 2
Grayson County, Texas
Cause No. 2002-2-403
STATE OF TEXAS VS. BRYAN LEE LAMBERT
Hearing Information
Type: JURY TRIAL
Hearing held on 08/14/2002 (Wednesday) at 08:30am
Notice Sent
Judge: SIEBMAN, CAROL
Defendant
Lambert, Bryan Lee
1608 Hyde Park
Denison, Tx 75020
White Male 6' 235 10/16/1970
Case Information
Filed on 02/18/2002
12/23/01-DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED
Misdemeanor B
Current Status: Disposed/CSCD
05/10/2002 - Guilty Plea
Defense Attorneys
Brown, Barrett Keith(Bar 03092500)
Additional Case Hearings
03/08/2002
Friday
9:00am
ARRAIGNMENT HEARING
05/10/2002 Friday 8:30am Plea Docket
In the County Court At Law 1
Grayson County, Texas
Cause No. 2007-1-524
STATE OF TEXAS VS. BRYAN LEE LAMBERT
Defendant
Lambert, Bryan Lee
White Male 6' 235 10/16/1970
Case Information
Filed on 05/08/2007
01/24/07-DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 2ND
Misdemeanor A
Current Status: Filed
Just so you don't have to believe what I post, I included links in this back to the Grayson County Judicial Records Online. Just look for Mr. Lambert's name, and you can click to the official site. I find this amazing that this guy keeps getting promoted. It makes me wonder if Wal-Mart just throws whoever they pull out of a hat into leadership positions, or do they check into the background a little bit. Well, this is obviously the answer. They don't care who runs their stores. Hey, let's put a drunk driver in a store with lots of kids running around.....
I also checked out the law on drunk driving in Texas:
First Offense
A fine of up to $2,000
Three days to 180 days in jail
Loss of driver license up to a year
Annual fee of $1,000 or $2,000 for three years to retain driver license
Second Offense*
A fine of up to $4,000
One month to a year in jail
Loss of driver license up to two years
Annual fee of $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000 for three years to retain driver license
Third Offense*
A $10,000 fine
Two to 10 years in prison
Loss of driver license up to two years
Annual fee of $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000 for three years to retain driver license
*After two or more DWI convictions in five years, you must install a special ignition switch that prevents your vehicle from being operated if you've been drinking.
Okay, Mr. Lambert has had two DWI's within five years. It makes me wonder if he has had that "special ignition switch" installed in his truck. Another good point: Second Offense - Loss of Driver's License for up to two years. Excuse me for poor math, but with a May 2007 conviction, and it is now November 2007, and this man is driving his truck to work everyday on his own? This has barely even been six months, and I know he has been driving for months now.....
Just a point of thought, Mr. Lambert also has a yearly fee of up to $2,000 to keep his driver's license.... But the bonuses that Wal-Mart gives at this store keeps going down for no reason? Are the employees really getting what they deserve? Or is the money being rerouted to the fees and fines that this manager is facing at this time?
If you come check out this store, it is real fun to sit outside between 5:00pm and 5:30pm. Not only can you see Mr. Lambert jump in his truck and drive off from time to time, but you can also watch as Assistant Manager Gary Whitney walks out with his daily 12 pack of Natural Light. Seems like drinking goes with the job. But at least Mr. Whitney hasn't been caught driving drunk yet.
Grayson County, Texas
Jail ID 104901
VAN ALSTYNE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Confined 12/23/2001 08:46am
Released 12/23/2001 09:52am
Defendant
Lambert, Bryan Lee
1608 Hyde Park
Denison, Tx 75020
White Male 6' 235 10/16/1970
Hair Red or Auburn
Eyes Green
SO 66647
Cause Charge Disposition Bond
2002-2-403 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 12/23/2001 - Held $500.00
Grayson County, Texas
2002-2-403
Confined 12/23/2001 08:46am
Released 12/23/2001 09:52am
Defendant
Lambert, Bryan Lee
1608 Hyde Park
Denison, Tx 75020
White Male 6' 235 10/16/1970
Hair Red or Auburn
Eyes Green
SO 66647
Bond Amount Posted
$500.00 12/23/2001
Type Status
SURETY BOND 05/10/2002 BOND DISPOSED
Charge
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED
Bondsman Address Amount
SPANKY'S BAIL BONDS (LYNN CARTER) 227 W LAMAR
SHERMAN,TX.75090 $500.00
In the COUNTY COURT AT LAW 2
Grayson County, Texas
Cause No. 2002-2-403
STATE OF TEXAS VS. BRYAN LEE LAMBERT
Defendant
Lambert, Bryan Lee
White Male 6' 235 10/16/1970
Defense Attorneys
Brown, Barrett Keith (Bar 03092500)
Case Information
Filed on 02/18/2002
12/23/01-DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED
Misdemeanor B
Current Status: Disposed/CSCD
$500.00 Bond Set on 12/23/2001 by Spanky'S Bail Bonds (Lynn Carter
Current Status of Bond: Bond Disposed as of 05/10/2002
Disposition Information
05/10/2002 - Guilty Plea
Probation: 2 Years
Assessed Due
Fine $750.00 $0.00
Court Costs $201.00 $0.00
Other Fees $960.00 $0.00
Hearings
03/08/2002
Friday
9:00am
ARRAIGNMENT HEARING
05/10/2002 Friday 8:30am Plea Docket
08/14/2002 Wednesday 8:30am JURY TRIAL
In the COUNTY COURT AT LAW 2
Grayson County, Texas
Cause No. 2002-2-403
STATE OF TEXAS VS. BRYAN LEE LAMBERT
Hearing Information
Type: ARRAIGNMENT HEARING
Hearing held on 03/08/2002 (Friday) at 09:00am
Notice Not Sent
Judge: SIEBMAN, CAROL
Defendant
Lambert, Bryan Lee
1608 Hyde Park
Denison, Tx 75020
White Male 6' 235 10/16/1970
Case Information
Filed on 02/18/2002
12/23/01-DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED
Misdemeanor B
Current Status: Disposed/CSCD
05/10/2002 - Guilty Plea
Defense Attorneys
Brown, Barrett Keith(Bar 03092500)
Additional Case Hearings
05/10/2002
Friday
8:30am
Plea Docket
08/14/2002 Wednesday 8:30am JURY TRIAL
In the COUNTY COURT AT LAW 2
Grayson County, Texas
Cause No. 2002-2-403
STATE OF TEXAS VS. BRYAN LEE LAMBERT
Hearing Information
Type: Plea Docket
Hearing held on 05/10/2002 (Friday) at 08:30am
Notice Sent
Judge: SIEBMAN, CAROL
Defendant
Lambert, Bryan Lee
1608 Hyde Park
Denison, Tx 75020
White Male 6' 235 10/16/1970
Case Information
Filed on 02/18/2002
12/23/01-DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED
Misdemeanor B
Current Status: Disposed/CSCD
05/10/2002 - Guilty Plea
Defense Attorneys
Brown, Barrett Keith(Bar 03092500)
Additional Case Hearings
03/08/2002
Friday
9:00am
ARRAIGNMENT HEARING
08/14/2002 Wednesday 8:30am JURY TRIAL
In the COUNTY COURT AT LAW 2
Grayson County, Texas
Cause No. 2002-2-403
STATE OF TEXAS VS. BRYAN LEE LAMBERT
Hearing Information
Type: JURY TRIAL
Hearing held on 08/14/2002 (Wednesday) at 08:30am
Notice Sent
Judge: SIEBMAN, CAROL
Defendant
Lambert, Bryan Lee
1608 Hyde Park
Denison, Tx 75020
White Male 6' 235 10/16/1970
Case Information
Filed on 02/18/2002
12/23/01-DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED
Misdemeanor B
Current Status: Disposed/CSCD
05/10/2002 - Guilty Plea
Defense Attorneys
Brown, Barrett Keith(Bar 03092500)
Additional Case Hearings
03/08/2002
Friday
9:00am
ARRAIGNMENT HEARING
05/10/2002 Friday 8:30am Plea Docket
In the County Court At Law 1
Grayson County, Texas
Cause No. 2007-1-524
STATE OF TEXAS VS. BRYAN LEE LAMBERT
Defendant
Lambert, Bryan Lee
White Male 6' 235 10/16/1970
Case Information
Filed on 05/08/2007
01/24/07-DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 2ND
Misdemeanor A
Current Status: Filed
Just so you don't have to believe what I post, I included links in this back to the Grayson County Judicial Records Online. Just look for Mr. Lambert's name, and you can click to the official site. I find this amazing that this guy keeps getting promoted. It makes me wonder if Wal-Mart just throws whoever they pull out of a hat into leadership positions, or do they check into the background a little bit. Well, this is obviously the answer. They don't care who runs their stores. Hey, let's put a drunk driver in a store with lots of kids running around.....
I also checked out the law on drunk driving in Texas:
First Offense
A fine of up to $2,000
Three days to 180 days in jail
Loss of driver license up to a year
Annual fee of $1,000 or $2,000 for three years to retain driver license
Second Offense*
A fine of up to $4,000
One month to a year in jail
Loss of driver license up to two years
Annual fee of $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000 for three years to retain driver license
Third Offense*
A $10,000 fine
Two to 10 years in prison
Loss of driver license up to two years
Annual fee of $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000 for three years to retain driver license
*After two or more DWI convictions in five years, you must install a special ignition switch that prevents your vehicle from being operated if you've been drinking.
Okay, Mr. Lambert has had two DWI's within five years. It makes me wonder if he has had that "special ignition switch" installed in his truck. Another good point: Second Offense - Loss of Driver's License for up to two years. Excuse me for poor math, but with a May 2007 conviction, and it is now November 2007, and this man is driving his truck to work everyday on his own? This has barely even been six months, and I know he has been driving for months now.....
Just a point of thought, Mr. Lambert also has a yearly fee of up to $2,000 to keep his driver's license.... But the bonuses that Wal-Mart gives at this store keeps going down for no reason? Are the employees really getting what they deserve? Or is the money being rerouted to the fees and fines that this manager is facing at this time?
If you come check out this store, it is real fun to sit outside between 5:00pm and 5:30pm. Not only can you see Mr. Lambert jump in his truck and drive off from time to time, but you can also watch as Assistant Manager Gary Whitney walks out with his daily 12 pack of Natural Light. Seems like drinking goes with the job. But at least Mr. Whitney hasn't been caught driving drunk yet.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
LISSA’S: Wal-Mart Fact 2: Black Friday and the BLITZ Day Blunders
I know thousands of you will go to the Sherman Wal-Mart this Friday for the new advertised "specials" that will be coming in the mail this week, or for the 5 hour BLITZ sell starting at 5am, or the Special Two Day sale, or even Wal-Mart's newest "Secret Sale" which will be happening. Or maybe you will go just because it is Black Friday, and since there is nothing else to do, you will go hang out at Wal-Mart and try to look cool as you always do. But there is a good chance you won't have the shopping experience you normally do.
Just a behind the scenes view of what is going on at this time. For the past two weeks, Store Manager Bryan Lambert and Co-Manager Donnie Baker has pulled Department Managers out of their departments to work grocery. Instead of preparing their departments and getting items on the floor for sale, they are having to go over and stock the grocery shelves. The grocery side is so short handed that they cannot get the shelves stocked. Overnight stockers are not expected to do anything anymore and it doesn't matter if the job gets done or not. It is now up to the rest of the store to sacrifice their workers to come rescue the grocery side. The shortage of workers doesn't just stop there. The General Merchandise side also has a shortage of workers. In many departments, the Department Manager is the only who is working. So, instead of getting their departments ready for the onslaught of Black Friday, nothing is coming to the floor so they can make sure you have Lucky Charms and Pop Tarts for the morning of Thanksgiving. Yes, Department Managers are scattered through the grocery side, including areas not typically associated to Thanksgiving. So, don't be surprised if the selection is not as good as other Wal-Marts. I have heard many of the associates talking about how much is in the back and that they are not able to get it to the floor.
And if you think that there is still this week to get ready, just know that the time spent in grocery has been doubled for this week for all Department Managers. Today, they will be spending the day outside working in all of those pretty trailers littering the parking lot. For the first time in the Sherman store's history, Mr. Lambert decided to put everything on the trailers, but had no organization plan. Items and Electronics for the BLITZ are outside on these trailers, and no one knows where. So, they are going outside to organize and find all the items that are needed for the 5 hour BLITZ sell. This will be an all day event, when they are not working in grocery. But let me also say, does anyone else notice how humid it has been the past couple of days? How hot it has been? Those trailers are not moisture proof, and they cook like an oven in the sun. And yes, I did say the Computers, Laptops, Playstations, and Electronic Toys are all out on that trailer. Baking in the moisture. Has anyone paid attention to what the weather is supposed to do here in the next couple of days? Oh, that's right, we have a cold front coming through. Temperatures are going to drop from the 80's to the 30's..... Cold on the outside of those metal trailers with all that hot moisture inside.... Last time I saw that, it rained on the inside of those trailers from all the condensation. Congradulations, you just bought a wet television for your home.
But they still got Wednesday, right? No, all day in grocery. Thursday, they are off for Thanksgiving. Department Managers will clock in at 4:45am Friday morning. Giving them 15 minutes to set up for BLITZ and start stocking their departments. After two weeks of sales, they will be getting ready for the Black Friday crowds with 15 minutes to do it, but they have to set up the BLITZ items first.
They are wanting sales, right? Uh, think again. There are many items that never see the light of day. So many items that have to be sold in a certain time frame, but because Bryan Lambert doesn't want them out, they get sent back, never coming out to the floor for sale. Have you noticed the big box of calendars where the books used to be? Mr. Lambert didn't like the calendars in his area, so he forced the vender for the books to pull his rack with hundreds of books out of the area the book company leases, so Mr. Lambert could put his rack of calendars there. So, now there are books that come into the store and get sent back to the distributor with never being set on the floor. This is the same throughout the store. Items come in throughout the store, and get sent back because Mr. Lambert choses not to allow them on the floor, or Mr. Baker decides that you, the shoppers, would not like them.
Yes, management has the option to decide what to sell in their store, and they will send items elsewhere that they do not want to sell. Items they think you do not want.
And then look at prices. Isn't it suspicious how Texas prices are cheaper than Oklahoma prices for the same item at the same retail chain? They said it is because of the law in Oklahoma not allowing people to sell at below cost. But wait, let's look at prices from city to city. A refrigerator in Gainesville, TX is $10 more expensive than the same refrigerator at the Wal-Mart 30 miles down the road in Sherman. Both refrigerators come from the same distribution center. In fact, it is closer to Gainesville from the distribution center than it is to Sherman.... Food cost at McKinney is cheaper than it is in Sherman.... McKinney is further from the grocery distribution center than Sherman, but it is cheaper. Okay, let's get specific.... Great Value Bread, retail price in the Sherman Wal-Mart - $1.08, Great Value Bread, retail price in the Galveston Wal-Mart - $0.58. Same bread, same store, same state, from the same vendor, almost half the price. Oh, and a thought for Thanksgiving, that same bread company has brown and serve dinner rolls at the Wal-Mart Everyday Low Price of $1.16, same bread company, same rolls, different package at a different store in the same town - $0.69
So, keep shopping at the place that makes your decisions for you, jacks up the prices just like a monopoly would, and really doesn't care if you get your items or not. Just like I overheard a member of management say once, "The only thing in the store that is important is the front end. We need to get the customer's money and get them out the door. Everything else can come later."
Just a behind the scenes view of what is going on at this time. For the past two weeks, Store Manager Bryan Lambert and Co-Manager Donnie Baker has pulled Department Managers out of their departments to work grocery. Instead of preparing their departments and getting items on the floor for sale, they are having to go over and stock the grocery shelves. The grocery side is so short handed that they cannot get the shelves stocked. Overnight stockers are not expected to do anything anymore and it doesn't matter if the job gets done or not. It is now up to the rest of the store to sacrifice their workers to come rescue the grocery side. The shortage of workers doesn't just stop there. The General Merchandise side also has a shortage of workers. In many departments, the Department Manager is the only who is working. So, instead of getting their departments ready for the onslaught of Black Friday, nothing is coming to the floor so they can make sure you have Lucky Charms and Pop Tarts for the morning of Thanksgiving. Yes, Department Managers are scattered through the grocery side, including areas not typically associated to Thanksgiving. So, don't be surprised if the selection is not as good as other Wal-Marts. I have heard many of the associates talking about how much is in the back and that they are not able to get it to the floor.
And if you think that there is still this week to get ready, just know that the time spent in grocery has been doubled for this week for all Department Managers. Today, they will be spending the day outside working in all of those pretty trailers littering the parking lot. For the first time in the Sherman store's history, Mr. Lambert decided to put everything on the trailers, but had no organization plan. Items and Electronics for the BLITZ are outside on these trailers, and no one knows where. So, they are going outside to organize and find all the items that are needed for the 5 hour BLITZ sell. This will be an all day event, when they are not working in grocery. But let me also say, does anyone else notice how humid it has been the past couple of days? How hot it has been? Those trailers are not moisture proof, and they cook like an oven in the sun. And yes, I did say the Computers, Laptops, Playstations, and Electronic Toys are all out on that trailer. Baking in the moisture. Has anyone paid attention to what the weather is supposed to do here in the next couple of days? Oh, that's right, we have a cold front coming through. Temperatures are going to drop from the 80's to the 30's..... Cold on the outside of those metal trailers with all that hot moisture inside.... Last time I saw that, it rained on the inside of those trailers from all the condensation. Congradulations, you just bought a wet television for your home.
But they still got Wednesday, right? No, all day in grocery. Thursday, they are off for Thanksgiving. Department Managers will clock in at 4:45am Friday morning. Giving them 15 minutes to set up for BLITZ and start stocking their departments. After two weeks of sales, they will be getting ready for the Black Friday crowds with 15 minutes to do it, but they have to set up the BLITZ items first.
They are wanting sales, right? Uh, think again. There are many items that never see the light of day. So many items that have to be sold in a certain time frame, but because Bryan Lambert doesn't want them out, they get sent back, never coming out to the floor for sale. Have you noticed the big box of calendars where the books used to be? Mr. Lambert didn't like the calendars in his area, so he forced the vender for the books to pull his rack with hundreds of books out of the area the book company leases, so Mr. Lambert could put his rack of calendars there. So, now there are books that come into the store and get sent back to the distributor with never being set on the floor. This is the same throughout the store. Items come in throughout the store, and get sent back because Mr. Lambert choses not to allow them on the floor, or Mr. Baker decides that you, the shoppers, would not like them.
Yes, management has the option to decide what to sell in their store, and they will send items elsewhere that they do not want to sell. Items they think you do not want.
And then look at prices. Isn't it suspicious how Texas prices are cheaper than Oklahoma prices for the same item at the same retail chain? They said it is because of the law in Oklahoma not allowing people to sell at below cost. But wait, let's look at prices from city to city. A refrigerator in Gainesville, TX is $10 more expensive than the same refrigerator at the Wal-Mart 30 miles down the road in Sherman. Both refrigerators come from the same distribution center. In fact, it is closer to Gainesville from the distribution center than it is to Sherman.... Food cost at McKinney is cheaper than it is in Sherman.... McKinney is further from the grocery distribution center than Sherman, but it is cheaper. Okay, let's get specific.... Great Value Bread, retail price in the Sherman Wal-Mart - $1.08, Great Value Bread, retail price in the Galveston Wal-Mart - $0.58. Same bread, same store, same state, from the same vendor, almost half the price. Oh, and a thought for Thanksgiving, that same bread company has brown and serve dinner rolls at the Wal-Mart Everyday Low Price of $1.16, same bread company, same rolls, different package at a different store in the same town - $0.69
So, keep shopping at the place that makes your decisions for you, jacks up the prices just like a monopoly would, and really doesn't care if you get your items or not. Just like I overheard a member of management say once, "The only thing in the store that is important is the front end. We need to get the customer's money and get them out the door. Everything else can come later."
Monday, November 19, 2007
BILL’S: Wiped off the map
While watching our local CBS affiliate, KXII Channel 12, they took the time to report on this story about how Dallas has changed 40 signs on Highway 75 North from showing that the route went to Sherman to now showing it goes to McKinney. They really made a huge deal about how this would effect tourism and travel from the Dallas area.
First of all, I found it very odd to hear this story. While KXII is located in Sherman, TX, they very rarely report about events in Texas. The majority of the newscasts deal with Oklahoma. So, to hear them complain about an event in Texas was almost mind-blowing. Add on top of that, the report was about their own home city!?!?! This is the station known for the Sherman weather report being shown on a live camera in Denison, TX (15 miles away to the north) brought to you by a car dealership in Gainesville (30 miles away to the west), and that is about as local as it gets. So, why the interest in the local area now?
Secondly, how much does this really effect the area? The only thing in Sherman people drive hundreds of miles to go to is the local Wal-Mart. There really isn't anything else in the area. Which is obvious because of the lack of news that happens here. Unless you want to come see retail and restaurants, there really is no reason to come here, and you pass by several of the same places between Dallas and Sherman anyway. Most of which are in McKinney. The only reason people come to Sherman is to drive through on their way to Lake Texoma or Oklahoma. Again, what difference would the signs actually make?
I just think something is wrong when the only time the news reports about it's own hometown is when the hometown has been, and I quote, "wiped off the map."
First of all, I found it very odd to hear this story. While KXII is located in Sherman, TX, they very rarely report about events in Texas. The majority of the newscasts deal with Oklahoma. So, to hear them complain about an event in Texas was almost mind-blowing. Add on top of that, the report was about their own home city!?!?! This is the station known for the Sherman weather report being shown on a live camera in Denison, TX (15 miles away to the north) brought to you by a car dealership in Gainesville (30 miles away to the west), and that is about as local as it gets. So, why the interest in the local area now?
Secondly, how much does this really effect the area? The only thing in Sherman people drive hundreds of miles to go to is the local Wal-Mart. There really isn't anything else in the area. Which is obvious because of the lack of news that happens here. Unless you want to come see retail and restaurants, there really is no reason to come here, and you pass by several of the same places between Dallas and Sherman anyway. Most of which are in McKinney. The only reason people come to Sherman is to drive through on their way to Lake Texoma or Oklahoma. Again, what difference would the signs actually make?
I just think something is wrong when the only time the news reports about it's own hometown is when the hometown has been, and I quote, "wiped off the map."
LISSA’S: November heat wave....
Does anyone feel the way I do??? Here it is 80 degrees and it is November 19th! This is unbelieveable!! You know it's SAD when Houston temperatures are cooler than North Texas (Texoma) temperatures. People (in Texoma) have told me that it is hotter in Houston. Those people need to pay more attention to the weather segment on the news. Usually it is a couple of degrees cooler down there because of the cool ocean breeze. What do you have up here in Texoma? Well that would be concrete and cow shit. The only time it does get cooler in Texoma is when there is a powerful cold front that slides through. Several days after it does slide through, the temps begin to climb again. Well I guess it's always hot in hell!
Luckily there is some relief coming on Wednesday. A cold front is coming through the area and is supposed to turn temperatures into the 40's and 50's. I wonder how long this cold front will last. The last 2 or 3 "cold fronts" that came through only took the temperatures down to 60 and was warming up again in the 70's and 80's in just 1-2 days. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Luckily there is some relief coming on Wednesday. A cold front is coming through the area and is supposed to turn temperatures into the 40's and 50's. I wonder how long this cold front will last. The last 2 or 3 "cold fronts" that came through only took the temperatures down to 60 and was warming up again in the 70's and 80's in just 1-2 days. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
LISSA’S: Get to know your Wal Mart managers: Confessions of a Wal Mart Hit Man
I am a former Wal Mart associate and I can tell you from experience that this is typical communist practice that goes on at Wal Mart. This video is just a piece of the very informative movie "Wal Mart: The High Cost of Low Price". The more I can spread the word about these evil practices and open people's eyes, the better off the world will be.
What this person is saying is true. Not just for certain Wal-Marts, but for even the ones in your own backyard. In the section titled "Ghosts", I have personally heard the Ex-manager, Jack Steed, and one of his assistants, Mark, have the same talk at the Wal-Mart 185 in Gainesville, TX. They would brag about how long it would take to shut down businesses, and they actually put the "3 month", "6 month", and "one year" tag on many of the local stores. They were proud that the new SuperCenter store would be closing down other businesses.
At the Wal-Mart 947 in Sherman, TX, I have seen the Assistants (or Lieutenants as this gentleman says) sitting in the break room, listening to other peoples conversations. I have seen the people who have no money and cannot afford lunch, and just sit there for an hour. I know for a fact that there are many people who work in the Sherman store who are on welfare because they do not make enough and Wal-Mart forces these families to live off the Government as part of their pay. I have seen the posters informing the associates of the Government programs they can get so they can live to come to work tomorrow. I, myself, was told of the food stamp program, and the medicaid program. I was also told that if I could get pregnant, I could also qualify for WIC.
I have seen people working off the clock here at the Sherman store. Not only just working, but in the past few months under Manager Bryan Lambert and Co-Manager Donnie Baker, I have seen hourly associates called in to work off of their vacation, and been expected to work without pay.
One of the "benefits" given to you at this store is the ability to take two 15 minute breaks during an 8 hour work period. But I have also been told by the management at this store that since you are paid for these breaks, it doesn't matter if you get them or not. There were many times I was expected to give up my breaks.
So the next time you shop at your local Wal Mart and you see associates that are not smiling or act like they just don't want to be there, remember this blog and video. Remember the managers and company that are "behind" them.
For more information, go to www.walmartthemovie.com. Please spread the word. Thanks!
What this person is saying is true. Not just for certain Wal-Marts, but for even the ones in your own backyard. In the section titled "Ghosts", I have personally heard the Ex-manager, Jack Steed, and one of his assistants, Mark, have the same talk at the Wal-Mart 185 in Gainesville, TX. They would brag about how long it would take to shut down businesses, and they actually put the "3 month", "6 month", and "one year" tag on many of the local stores. They were proud that the new SuperCenter store would be closing down other businesses.
At the Wal-Mart 947 in Sherman, TX, I have seen the Assistants (or Lieutenants as this gentleman says) sitting in the break room, listening to other peoples conversations. I have seen the people who have no money and cannot afford lunch, and just sit there for an hour. I know for a fact that there are many people who work in the Sherman store who are on welfare because they do not make enough and Wal-Mart forces these families to live off the Government as part of their pay. I have seen the posters informing the associates of the Government programs they can get so they can live to come to work tomorrow. I, myself, was told of the food stamp program, and the medicaid program. I was also told that if I could get pregnant, I could also qualify for WIC.
I have seen people working off the clock here at the Sherman store. Not only just working, but in the past few months under Manager Bryan Lambert and Co-Manager Donnie Baker, I have seen hourly associates called in to work off of their vacation, and been expected to work without pay.
One of the "benefits" given to you at this store is the ability to take two 15 minute breaks during an 8 hour work period. But I have also been told by the management at this store that since you are paid for these breaks, it doesn't matter if you get them or not. There were many times I was expected to give up my breaks.
So the next time you shop at your local Wal Mart and you see associates that are not smiling or act like they just don't want to be there, remember this blog and video. Remember the managers and company that are "behind" them.
For more information, go to www.walmartthemovie.com. Please spread the word. Thanks!
BILL’S: Kirk’s Father and Update to Save Face
KIRK'S FATHER AND NEW VILLIAN
Variety.com is reporting two more confirmed cast members of J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek" movie. Australian actor Chris Hemsworth will play James T. Kirk's father, George Kirk. At 24, Hemsworth is three years younger than Chris Pine, who is set to play Jim Kirk, so the father role is likely to be portrayed in flashback.
In addition, a Latino actor who has played several vicious parts — including a gangbanger in "187," a hitman in "Traffic" and real-life killer Perry Smith in "Capote" — will join the Trek universe in the villain's camp. Clifton Collins Jr. will be "Ayel," the cohort and general to Nero, played by Eric Bana. Collins, 37, has a lengthy resume that includes a recurring role on Abrams' Alias.
Filming on the eleventh "Star Trek" film began last Wednesday, and will continue through March.
According to Variety, Hemsworth just wrapped the independent feature film "The Cache," opposite Sean Bean. Collins' credits include the upcoming indie features "The Perfect Game," "Horsemen," "Sunshine Cleaning" and "Still Waters." He just booked a supporting role in "Brothers" opposite Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire.
UPDATE: Variety.com originally stated that Winona Ryder will play "the Vulcan mother of Spock," which was in error — unfortunately, one that has been replicated by many other news outlets around the world. The print version of Daily Variety Friday morning correctly identified the character as "the human mother of a young Spock," and the online story has since been corrected.
Variety.com is reporting two more confirmed cast members of J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek" movie. Australian actor Chris Hemsworth will play James T. Kirk's father, George Kirk. At 24, Hemsworth is three years younger than Chris Pine, who is set to play Jim Kirk, so the father role is likely to be portrayed in flashback.
In addition, a Latino actor who has played several vicious parts — including a gangbanger in "187," a hitman in "Traffic" and real-life killer Perry Smith in "Capote" — will join the Trek universe in the villain's camp. Clifton Collins Jr. will be "Ayel," the cohort and general to Nero, played by Eric Bana. Collins, 37, has a lengthy resume that includes a recurring role on Abrams' Alias.
Filming on the eleventh "Star Trek" film began last Wednesday, and will continue through March.
According to Variety, Hemsworth just wrapped the independent feature film "The Cache," opposite Sean Bean. Collins' credits include the upcoming indie features "The Perfect Game," "Horsemen," "Sunshine Cleaning" and "Still Waters." He just booked a supporting role in "Brothers" opposite Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire.
UPDATE: Variety.com originally stated that Winona Ryder will play "the Vulcan mother of Spock," which was in error — unfortunately, one that has been replicated by many other news outlets around the world. The print version of Daily Variety Friday morning correctly identified the character as "the human mother of a young Spock," and the online story has since been corrected.
Monday, November 12, 2007
BILL’S: China King Buffet, Gainesville, TX
Went to Gainesville today to do some shopping. On the way, we stopped at the China King Buffet right off of Highway 82 to grab something to eat. So, I decided to try something new, and write a small review.
This location has been the home of many restaurants, none of which have succeeded. China King is the newest reincarnation of this location. It has always shocked me that restaurants at this location don't make it, just due to the location. It is on the corner to the entrance to the Wal-Mart and Sack-n-Save. Right across from the town's two major shopping strip malls and the Home Depot.
When pulling in, I was a little shocked that the parking lot was packed, and was almost reluctant to go inside. But upon entering, the restaurant is deceptively large. There was no wait, and plenty of open seats. There are obviously more seats than there is parking.
The atmosphere inside is nice and peaceful with a beautiful water sculpture just inside the front entrance.
The buffet has a great selection. The entrees were wonderful. This is the first restaurant I have been to outside of South Carolina that offered both General Tso's Chicken and Sesame Chicken on the buffet. Usually only one or the other is offered. Both here are very nice dishes. The Pepper Beef and Beef with Broccoli almost melt in your mouth. The Chicken with Broccoli had a wonderful flavor, but the chicken had a texture that I personally did not care for. The Egg Foo Yung was the best I have had in years. It was extremely fresh, with all all fresh ingredients.
While the entrees were wonderful, the sides were a little to be desired. Onion is a huge ingredient at this restaurant, and it is reflected in all dishes. One of the more unique is the Onion Bake with onions, cheese, and crab meat. Not sure if I liked this one or not due to the extreme unique flavor. But it is more tasty than the Onion Balls on a stick. The Chicken on a stick was dry and chewy, but just before I finished, they brought out a fresh batch that looked much better. They also had bar-b-que boneless spareribs, but the sauce was extremely acidic and had a strong orange taste. While the bbq chicken had no sauce and was extremely jerky-like. The Egg Roll was had a very thick wonton wrapping and the insides didn't taste like they had been cooked down enough, which made it very tough and the cabbage taste overtook the entire thing. Pot Stickers were overfried, as were the Fried Donuts.
This store had no notion of Crab Rangoons, but had an identical item called a fried cheese wonton. The only problem was that the cream cheese used was more like a cheesecake than anything.
Other options included a minimal salad bar, deviled eggs, hot wings, and frog legs for dinner. A fresh cut fruit bar which was outstanding. Like most buffets they used canned puddings, which leaves a strong metallic taste, but for the first time, the pineapple chunks didn't have the metallic taste.
The pastries and cookies were excellent. One thing that was good and bad at the same time was the ice cream. With seven different Blue Bell flavors, it gave a great alternative to the two flavor soft serves most places have, but the "dip it yourself" option had me a little freaked out. I could only hope everyone before me had washed their hands before dipping as well.
So, while some items were outstanding, some were still needing attention. Overall, for $5.75 lunch price, it was extremely worth it.
This location has been the home of many restaurants, none of which have succeeded. China King is the newest reincarnation of this location. It has always shocked me that restaurants at this location don't make it, just due to the location. It is on the corner to the entrance to the Wal-Mart and Sack-n-Save. Right across from the town's two major shopping strip malls and the Home Depot.
When pulling in, I was a little shocked that the parking lot was packed, and was almost reluctant to go inside. But upon entering, the restaurant is deceptively large. There was no wait, and plenty of open seats. There are obviously more seats than there is parking.
The atmosphere inside is nice and peaceful with a beautiful water sculpture just inside the front entrance.
The buffet has a great selection. The entrees were wonderful. This is the first restaurant I have been to outside of South Carolina that offered both General Tso's Chicken and Sesame Chicken on the buffet. Usually only one or the other is offered. Both here are very nice dishes. The Pepper Beef and Beef with Broccoli almost melt in your mouth. The Chicken with Broccoli had a wonderful flavor, but the chicken had a texture that I personally did not care for. The Egg Foo Yung was the best I have had in years. It was extremely fresh, with all all fresh ingredients.
While the entrees were wonderful, the sides were a little to be desired. Onion is a huge ingredient at this restaurant, and it is reflected in all dishes. One of the more unique is the Onion Bake with onions, cheese, and crab meat. Not sure if I liked this one or not due to the extreme unique flavor. But it is more tasty than the Onion Balls on a stick. The Chicken on a stick was dry and chewy, but just before I finished, they brought out a fresh batch that looked much better. They also had bar-b-que boneless spareribs, but the sauce was extremely acidic and had a strong orange taste. While the bbq chicken had no sauce and was extremely jerky-like. The Egg Roll was had a very thick wonton wrapping and the insides didn't taste like they had been cooked down enough, which made it very tough and the cabbage taste overtook the entire thing. Pot Stickers were overfried, as were the Fried Donuts.
This store had no notion of Crab Rangoons, but had an identical item called a fried cheese wonton. The only problem was that the cream cheese used was more like a cheesecake than anything.
Other options included a minimal salad bar, deviled eggs, hot wings, and frog legs for dinner. A fresh cut fruit bar which was outstanding. Like most buffets they used canned puddings, which leaves a strong metallic taste, but for the first time, the pineapple chunks didn't have the metallic taste.
The pastries and cookies were excellent. One thing that was good and bad at the same time was the ice cream. With seven different Blue Bell flavors, it gave a great alternative to the two flavor soft serves most places have, but the "dip it yourself" option had me a little freaked out. I could only hope everyone before me had washed their hands before dipping as well.
So, while some items were outstanding, some were still needing attention. Overall, for $5.75 lunch price, it was extremely worth it.
LISSA'S: New to this "Blogging" Thing
Okay, so I've never really understood this blogging thing. Even the word sounds like something regurgitated from a bad sci-fi movie. So what do I type? Well I am madly in love with my husband Bill. He is in love with me, at least that's what he leads me to believe every second of the day and night.
Well I'm sure just by looking at our page you can figure out my interests. Some of them I find to be deeper than interests. Sometimes it's even been called an obsession. Okay, maybe I do consider Tears For Fears an obsession. It's one that I've had since about 1985 when their Songs From The Big Chair came out.
Unfortunately I was too young to remember when The Hurting came out and when Roland and Curt were in the British ska band Graduate. But I have been up with them every since. Roland released his first solo album Elemental under Tears For Fears, and when I got it, Curt was no where to be found. It about killed me when I got the news that they had broken up and went solo. It was like telling me that my best friend had died. I had heard that Curt had his solo cd Soul On Board. I spent most of my high school years searching for this cd. It was no where to be found because the United States didn't support the release of Curt's solo cd. I couldn't even special order it at a record store. Finally, years later thanks to Ebay, I now have this hard to find cd! Well now they have reunited again and I couldn't be happier. I just hope they stay together long enough and have a concert close enough that I can go to it. If that happens I can die a very happy woman. I've never been to a concert in my life, and I would LOVE for TFF to be my first.
One of the reasons we started this My Space page was so that I can be somehow connected with Tears For Fears. Yeah, it sounds crazy. My most proud friend I have is my 1st in my list: Curt Smith. I wrote him an email, and I pray that I get some kind of response from him. I know in reality that he probably gets hundreds if not thousands of messages and it's impossible for him to read or respond to all of them. I wish Roland had a page. Don't get me wrong, I like everyone I have added. If I didn't I would have never requested you. I just wish more of you would leave some kind of funny or unique comment. Be nice about it though..... hahahaha........
I guess once you get the hang of this blogging thing, you fill a page without even realizing it. When I do these bloggings, I will probably be just mostly bitching (especially about Texoma and Wal Mart), seeing how that's what I do best!
Well I'm sure just by looking at our page you can figure out my interests. Some of them I find to be deeper than interests. Sometimes it's even been called an obsession. Okay, maybe I do consider Tears For Fears an obsession. It's one that I've had since about 1985 when their Songs From The Big Chair came out.
Unfortunately I was too young to remember when The Hurting came out and when Roland and Curt were in the British ska band Graduate. But I have been up with them every since. Roland released his first solo album Elemental under Tears For Fears, and when I got it, Curt was no where to be found. It about killed me when I got the news that they had broken up and went solo. It was like telling me that my best friend had died. I had heard that Curt had his solo cd Soul On Board. I spent most of my high school years searching for this cd. It was no where to be found because the United States didn't support the release of Curt's solo cd. I couldn't even special order it at a record store. Finally, years later thanks to Ebay, I now have this hard to find cd! Well now they have reunited again and I couldn't be happier. I just hope they stay together long enough and have a concert close enough that I can go to it. If that happens I can die a very happy woman. I've never been to a concert in my life, and I would LOVE for TFF to be my first.
One of the reasons we started this My Space page was so that I can be somehow connected with Tears For Fears. Yeah, it sounds crazy. My most proud friend I have is my 1st in my list: Curt Smith. I wrote him an email, and I pray that I get some kind of response from him. I know in reality that he probably gets hundreds if not thousands of messages and it's impossible for him to read or respond to all of them. I wish Roland had a page. Don't get me wrong, I like everyone I have added. If I didn't I would have never requested you. I just wish more of you would leave some kind of funny or unique comment. Be nice about it though..... hahahaha........
I guess once you get the hang of this blogging thing, you fill a page without even realizing it. When I do these bloggings, I will probably be just mostly bitching (especially about Texoma and Wal Mart), seeing how that's what I do best!
Friday, November 9, 2007
BILL'S: They Ruined It!!
Okay, they ruined it!!!! I dunno, they must think one movie is more important than 40 years of Star Trek canon history!!!!!
They just signed Winona Ryder as the VULCAN mother of Spock!!!!!
Amanda was HUMAN!!!!! Every background story about Spock and his family from the original series to The Motion Picture and The Search for Spock and The Voyage Home to the two episodes "Sarek" and "Unification" on The Next Generation all dealt with Spock being half human and how he was treated and segregated among his people and his own family, especially his father...... McCoy always teased him on being a half breed. Kirk used half breed comments to show Spock that all was not well when it seemed everything was right......
And now he is all Vulcan.....
Winona Ryder Goes Trekking
By Gina Serpe Today at 1:24 am
For Winona Ryder, it's a fine line between pixie-like and Vulcanesque.
The actress has become the latest boldface name attached to J.J. Abrams' highly anticipated reboot of the Star Trek franchise, signing on to star as mother to a young Spock.
It will be Ryder's biggest studio film since 2002, when the two-time Oscar nominee costarred in Mr. Deeds with Adam Sandler and S1m0ne with Al Pacino. Ryder laid low for several years following her shoplifting arrest and has only appeared in a handful of mostly independent films, most notably in Richard Linklater's 2006 rotoscope-animated feature, A Scanner Darkly.
Variety reports the erstwhile Heathers star will play the Vulcan mother of the Starfleet logician, sending Trekkers into a tizzy. Abrams is messing with a key element of the Star Trek canon: In all previous installments of the franchise, Spock's mother was human, not Vulcan (the pointy ears come courtesy of his father's side of the family).
As conceived by Trek mastermind Gene Rodenberry, Spock's mother was Amanda Grayson, a teacher who met and married Sarek, the Vulcan Ambassador to Earth. The two later decamped to planet Vulcan. Spock's maternal unit was first introduced in a 1967 episode of the original series and portrayed by actress Jane Wyatt. Wyatt reprised the role in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.
The 36-year-old Ryder will mother Heroes' Zachary Quinto, an actor just six years her junior. It's unclear whether movie makeup magic will make up the age difference or whether Ryder's character will only appear in flashback. Original Spock Leonard Nimoy is also slated to appear in a cameo role, though it's unclear in what capacity.
No official details have been released about the film's plot, other than it will revolve around the Starship Enterprise crew's first mission together.
Ryder's addition signals the end of casting. In recent weeks, Abrams beamed up Chris Pine (Kirk), Karl Urban (Dr. McCoy), Simon Pegg (Scotty), John Cho (Sulu), Zoe Saldana (Uhura), Anton Yelchin (Chekov) and Eric Bana (the nefarious Nero) to the film.
Shooting is scheduled to begin on the film this month and is expected to last through March 2008. The film is slated for a Christmas 2008 release.
Copyright © 2007 E! Online, Inc. All rights reserved.
They just signed Winona Ryder as the VULCAN mother of Spock!!!!!
Amanda was HUMAN!!!!! Every background story about Spock and his family from the original series to The Motion Picture and The Search for Spock and The Voyage Home to the two episodes "Sarek" and "Unification" on The Next Generation all dealt with Spock being half human and how he was treated and segregated among his people and his own family, especially his father...... McCoy always teased him on being a half breed. Kirk used half breed comments to show Spock that all was not well when it seemed everything was right......
And now he is all Vulcan.....
Winona Ryder Goes Trekking
By Gina Serpe Today at 1:24 am
For Winona Ryder, it's a fine line between pixie-like and Vulcanesque.
The actress has become the latest boldface name attached to J.J. Abrams' highly anticipated reboot of the Star Trek franchise, signing on to star as mother to a young Spock.
It will be Ryder's biggest studio film since 2002, when the two-time Oscar nominee costarred in Mr. Deeds with Adam Sandler and S1m0ne with Al Pacino. Ryder laid low for several years following her shoplifting arrest and has only appeared in a handful of mostly independent films, most notably in Richard Linklater's 2006 rotoscope-animated feature, A Scanner Darkly.
Variety reports the erstwhile Heathers star will play the Vulcan mother of the Starfleet logician, sending Trekkers into a tizzy. Abrams is messing with a key element of the Star Trek canon: In all previous installments of the franchise, Spock's mother was human, not Vulcan (the pointy ears come courtesy of his father's side of the family).
As conceived by Trek mastermind Gene Rodenberry, Spock's mother was Amanda Grayson, a teacher who met and married Sarek, the Vulcan Ambassador to Earth. The two later decamped to planet Vulcan. Spock's maternal unit was first introduced in a 1967 episode of the original series and portrayed by actress Jane Wyatt. Wyatt reprised the role in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.
The 36-year-old Ryder will mother Heroes' Zachary Quinto, an actor just six years her junior. It's unclear whether movie makeup magic will make up the age difference or whether Ryder's character will only appear in flashback. Original Spock Leonard Nimoy is also slated to appear in a cameo role, though it's unclear in what capacity.
No official details have been released about the film's plot, other than it will revolve around the Starship Enterprise crew's first mission together.
Ryder's addition signals the end of casting. In recent weeks, Abrams beamed up Chris Pine (Kirk), Karl Urban (Dr. McCoy), Simon Pegg (Scotty), John Cho (Sulu), Zoe Saldana (Uhura), Anton Yelchin (Chekov) and Eric Bana (the nefarious Nero) to the film.
Shooting is scheduled to begin on the film this month and is expected to last through March 2008. The film is slated for a Christmas 2008 release.
Copyright © 2007 E! Online, Inc. All rights reserved.
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