From the "News of the Absurd" Department...

Two things recently caught my eye in the news:


Wal-Mart Rolls Out The Red Carpet
Article HERE. Yes, the company that pays its employees so little that many qualify for state medical coverage assistance has the money to throw a big party with the likes of Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey and Josh Groban. What's the right word to describe this? "Sick" perhaps. Hey, that comes from a guy (me) who...

...isn't a big fan of unions
...generally is pro-business (unlike, say, Newt Gingrich, I actually work in the private sector)

...which says a lot.

Anyway, I know that Wal-Mart is free to spend money as it sees fit. I'm also free to point out that while they are paying Mariah Carey's too-high fees, they have employees who don't get paid enough to lift themselves or their families out of poverty.

Next time you are getting checked out at a Wal-Mart, ask the cashier if you can see the leg-irons. I'm joking...sort of.


Tobacco Companies Don't Like How The Truth Looks
Article HERE. Yes, tobacco companies are upset New York City requires signs be displayed graphically depicting the REAL effects of smoking. Now I would actually agree with the tobacco companies IF the signs didn't actually show you what could happen to as a result of indulging in their products, but that's not the case.

In case you are curious, here is a sample sign.

Yes, tobacco use does cause tooth decay, which is why your dentist asks you if you smoke. It's not a lie, so what's the problem? I'll tell you what the problem is: tobacco companies still cling on to the notion that somehow they are not accountable for the damage that their products produce. They also don't want you thinking they are accountable either.

I know, I can hear the "but fast food is bad for you too" argument coming, so let me stifle that right off the bat: even the worst fast food has some nutritional value, be it carbs and/or protein. Contrast that to tobacco, which has no value (unless you consider being 100% fatal when used as directed a value). Oh, wait...it keeps you thin...oh never mind, scratch that, as the aspect of tobacco that keeps you thin also contributes to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.