November 26, 2006
Our Companies -WalMart
When I say Our I am thinking of US based companies. Companies that are publicly owned and can be owned by you.
Wal-Mart is up first. First off, I am biased against wal-mart. I hate the store layout, I hate the consumer experience. To me that is the most important part of my shopping experience. That is why I will not shop at Fry's (Rules to shop, no $%#ing way).
Wal-Mart Pro(s)
efficiency. Wal-Mart is credited with driving down consumer prices. According to Global Insight Wal-Mart drove down prices by 3% when compared to a world without wal-mart.
Jobs. Multiple sites state (including the above global insight) that Wal-Mart is a net gainer of jobs within an area. (Wal-Mart jobs - local jobs lost).
cons
Healthcare. Wal-mart health care, though comparable to companies like Target, isn't great. Employees wait a year for service and must undergo high deductibles. These health care costs are often passed on to local economies.
wages. Wal-Mart doesn't pay well, and drives down wages by 2% in a given area (per global insight study).
analysis
Wal-Mart's wages vs. the reduction in consumer prices balance each other out. Wal-Mart has allowed families to buy more with less. This is great for an economy and the real reason wal-mart has succeeded. The companies before it bled money and did no service to their consumers by doing so.
Healthcare. This is the biggest problem, but I feel not wal-marts fault. The US government needs to be involved (which they won't). Without changes I list below Wal-Mart can't offer healthcare and I think companies like COSTCO will have to give in and drop healthcare, due to price pressures.
The much ballyhood "destruction" of small town america doesn't look like it happened. Economic impact has been minimal and positive (mostly because of cost-cutting and wal-mart passing savings to consumer). Wal-Mart did change the name of the game - but according to NPR, the real businesses find a way to succeed.
How to fix healthcare and help all free markets
- require all individuals to have health insurance. aka mass. law. 30% of people without healthcare do not buy it -until they need it. Therefore destroying the very nature of risk diversification and costing us all money.
- incentive for companies to provide risk diversification based health care. i.e. all americans should have 100% free annual check ups and have a max out of pocket expense per year (such as 6% of their income).
- Shawshank SE Could be cool
- Halo 2
- Dead or alive ultimate
- Xbox live An xbox live subscription would be great with Halo 2, DOAU, and my Guilty Gear X2
- Wireless bridge: I would need one of these to get xbox live to work downstairs with the network connection upstairs. Though I could move the router/cable downstairs. . .
- Dell Axim X30 Perfect for school!!!!!!!!
- Delta 595 First Class(K) Confirmed Indianapolis, IN (IND) 6:00am
27 May 2004-->Cincinnati, OH (CVG) 7:45am 27 May 2004
- Delta 427 Luggage(Z) Confirmed Cincinnati, OH (CVG) 8:50am -->27 May 2004 Seattle, WA (SEA) 10:40am 27 May 2004
- Delta 515 Coach (T) Confirmed Seattle, WA (SEA) 10:25am
31 May 2004 Cincinnati, OH (CVG) 5:41pm 31 May 2004
- Delta 1253 Coach (T) Confirmed Cincinnati, OH (CVG) 7:20pm
31 May 2004 ndianapolis, IN (IND) 7:08pm 31 May 2004
- Wedding
- Honeymoon
- Puerto Rico
- Paris/Suresnes
- New York
- Holiday 2003 (if I have enough pictures)
Do your homework
helpful links
Wikipedia - WalMart
http://www.npr.org/news/specials/walmart/
September 20, 2006
Google Notebook
Something interesting. Google has a new technology called "notebook" think of it as a way, instead of bookmarks, to document and save various internet web-sites.
My Notebook is public: Graber
May 02, 2006
Colbert
Yeah, the media is censoring colbert (did you hear about his awesome comments?). Check this out, its worth it.
April 30, 2006
Mom - new hair
My mom has always been trendy, no thanks to my Dad. This time she had to sneak off to Chicago to find someone cool enough to cut her hair.
March 18, 2006
healthcare
Some interesting news on healthcare I pulled up
1) P-Drugs are not the problem. As a part of your healthcare dollar they are still about 10%
2) P-Drugs are now rising at the CPI (consumer price index) though overall healthcare is slightly above.
February 21, 2006
Cool Free Game
It is freakin' addictive.
February 17, 2006
A new way of doing the album
I've got an idea for the new way to do my photo album - using google maps.
To bad I've got school work today, but look for more of this update soon!
The idea, you see the world and little tags of where we have been. Then you can click on tags of those areas to go to the picture.
RED - Our home base
Green - Visited while at Work
Blue - Visited while on vacation
February 12, 2006
The Story of our Engagement
February 10, 2006
NBC is back
Both "My Name is Earl" and "The Office" where hilarious. Not since the days of Sienfeld have I been so pleased with the state of Comedy. Shows like Bernie Mac and Malcom where okay, but quickly lost their flair.
The Office and My Name is Earl both have been fantastic all season. . .Thank YOU NBC!!!!!!!!!!
February 07, 2006
Freedom of Speach
Freedom of speech matters. Those who want to curtail it will make up any reason, but in the end we must be unified in our protection. I stand with the Danes and their cartoons
January 11, 2006
Project Implicit
80% of Americans have a negative preference toward Black images (i.e. African American). That isn't just white, it is all races.
What is your preference? You can find out
Project Implicit
I haven't used it yet . . . but I would recommend the book Blink which helps us understands how/why we make snap decisions.
January 05, 2006
The Crusade against AtruLOVE
It happened, really, without me even knowing about it. A trulove.com is being banned by some of the largest companies around. I have heard that both General Motors AND General Electric have banned my site.
Perhaps it is the similarity to the Russian Bride Site aTruelove or the porn sites. Whatever it is, stop the tyranny! Speak out if your company bans aTruLove.com!!!
JOIN THE BATTLE
(its a lot better then fighting 'Happy Christmas'"
December 28, 2005
How Stuff works: Christmas
Personally It disturbs me on how easily people can be misinformed. I have talked to several people, and a lot of people believe that Christmas was the day Christ was born (December 25th).
What disturbs me is how easily people believe something; when a quick look at the facts would show them otherwise. Is this how religions get started -with misinformation and people's natural bias to look only for confirmation evidence?
Please do yourself a favor don’t be blind: understand. . .
http://people.howstuffworks.com/christmas.htm
Oh and just because your Jewish/Mormon/Islam/etc don't think you are safe. From Noah's Ark to Indians=Lost Tribes there is always pesky evidence that says "eh, no".
I guess that’s why its faith. . .
December 09, 2005
Wikipedia
Do not believe everything you read on Wikipedia
November 26, 2005
A good Group
I don't write much about Music groups. . .not my thing. But I recently found (thanks to Sharon and Jeff) Death Cab for Cutie.
Good music. . .
November 08, 2005
What do I want?
The question that is, undoubtedly, on everyone’s mind this time of year. . . the thing that keeps people up at night. The fear –that they could be wrong, somehow, someway. That question repeating itself over and over in their mind like a Dexy's Midnight Runners’ single.
“What does Chris want for Christmas” . . . it’s so important my name is even in the holidays name (CHRIStmas) Actually translated from the grabonic style it means CHRIS: Christopher Graber T: toagat or to get MAS: More
Speakers: most likely the acclaimed set from Home Theater Direct Level2 set black will do fine.
More suggestions?
September 04, 2005
Mom and Dad
My parents drove from Indianapolis to Seattle and then back again. I got a bunch of pictures from my dad again .. . and thought the below picture captures. . really, the experience of being on vacation with my Mom and Dad!
The above is a picture shot with a Kodak camera without the lense cap fully disengaged.
July 26, 2005
V
The Trailer is online for V for Vendetta
Quite topical: In the future England is ruled by a Nazi like regime. V uses terrorism (blow up subways, blow up parliment, etc) to shake things up.
GTA
New york times had an interesting article regarding GTA
NYTIMES
As does MSNBC
The truth. . .that GTA is an adult product for mature adults. . .is being totally missed by the majority of people.
July 22, 2005
Hillary, player hater
THere are a few media sources that I trust. One is daily show with john stewart (because Media, Politics, and the world are absurd - - and should be treated as much) The other is Saloon.
Saloon continues to push forward. . .this article mentions the shameless truth regarding Hillary, Grand theft. . .and the hyposcrisy of it all.
I can't wait until I don't vote for her.
Hilary, player hater
July 18, 2005
Hilary "da Evil" Clinton
Mike shea has an excellent article on his website MikeShea to the New York Times
When our senators are more concerned about R rated scenes in a MA-17 video game . . .then we have a politican not concerned about real issues facing america, but scape goats. I am glad Mr. Bush will not be running again in 2008. . I would hate to vote for him again over this . . . person.
July 10, 2005
Chappelle
Is wayne brady gonna have to choke a Bitch?
July 05, 2005
"If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right."
Steve Jobs gave a speach at Stanford.
It was very good, and worth reading
Jobs Address
June 22, 2005
Batman
Short review of Batman is available online.
June 05, 2005
World Tour in a heart beat
I've been around (just check the album) so where do I recommend? Where do I want to go? (Please Forgive my spelling)
All pictures taken by Erica or I. Hit the back button to return to my recap. . .
Top Recomendations
France - it is something about the culture, love of food, and the arts that puts france top on my list. top locations: Start in Paris . . .eat and live well.
See that The Di Vinci code is crap at the Lourve. Do the Boat Tour at night (9pm at least). Do not miss Versailles. If you have time Drive north to Monets home at Givernay, then head west and vist St Mont Michele.
If you go to the south east, stop at Strasbourg a very Cool, little, city.
San Fran - I'm a sucker for Europe, and San Fran is like a little europe. Wine Tastings in Napa Valley, break the bank at Gary Dankos and a walk on the Golden Gate..
While in San Fran don't miss a trip to the Golden Gate park area . . .stop by for some Good Luck Dim sum then continue to the Japanese tea garden.
NEW YORK
A visit to New York never dissapoints. . from the Magic to the impressive size of it all. We really loved eating at Babbo and drinking some world famous Chocolate
Next?
One day in Santorini was not enough . . .I would love to do a greek isle tour. Same goes for Barcelona, Spain. . . So I'm not done with Europe.
After that it is time to go west . . .well they say east but from Indiana it is east. I want to see China and Japan. I'm thinking a cruise. . .
May 18, 2005
May 12, 2005
dave mathews
Bought Dave mathews album "stand up". . .
Tried to throw it into Itunes and it sounded all chopy. . .guess what it has copy protection to prevent it from going into Itunes or any other. So I went online and found out the secret
Hold down shift
insert cd
should copy fine
what a pain in the butt. Why put us through the trouble?!
May 05, 2005
Megapixels and picture size
I would love to get a new camera. . .bu ti'm not interested in any wimpy 3 or 4 megapixel. I want to make nice pictures. . that I can actually HANG UP somewhere. The first step? Figuring out what megapixels mean. .
well I found a website
| Image Size | Megapixels | Native Print Size (in inches) |
| 4064 x 2704 11.1 13.5 x 9 | ||
| 3088 x 2056 6.3 10.25 x 6.8 | ||
| 3008 x 1960 5.3 10 x 6.5 | ||
| 2048 x 1536 3.0 6.8 x 5.1 | ||
| 1600 x 1200 2.0 5.3 x 4** | ||
| 1280 x 960 1.2 4.25 x 3.2 | ||
| 640 x 480 0.3 2.1 x 1.6 |
May 03, 2005
Album
Be sure to click the "Album" button on the right. . .
this allows you to see all photos. . .
random idea
Random Idea for MS.
I am a bad speller. . . I suppose its part of my dsylexia. I figure if Eistien lived with it I can make do.
My spelling is often so bad that microsoft has no suggestions for my words. . . it just doesn't have a clue. So I have an idea. . .
What about a spellchecker that verifies spelling by context. . .for instance if you type "southern Colliquisims" it knows you mean "southern colloquisms".
I know it can work. . I use Google to find words that I can't figure out in words.
Chris Idea #33912
April 29, 2005
Darth Blog
Darth Vadar has a blog
Quote from DarthBlog . . .
"
Ozzel just isn't the creative type.
The problem is solved now, however. I crushed his trachea with my mind, and promoted Piett to command the fleet. I have transmitted to following note to Ozzel's kin:
Dear House of Ozzel,
I regret to inform you that your son has been killed in the line of duty.
He was an incompetent, yammering boob and he will be missed by none. I have allowed the men to pillage his personal belongings, which is why we have enclosed nothing but the sole remaining item: a torn advertisements page from a magazine of midget pornography. May it shock and disturb you, and may you think of it always when you remember your dearly departed son, the ninny.
Know also that his limitations as a sub-par military professional caused the deaths of many of the Emperor's loyal soldiers, whose funeral expenses will appear on your next tax assessment.
Sincerely,
D. Vader
Too harsh? I call them as I see them.
. . . .end quote.
April 26, 2005
Serenity
I love stories, I love drama. I love a well told story . . . I like stories that are different and see things in a different way. Josh Whedon has proven that he can tell unique and great stories. . . .
a little space, a little western. . . .Now thats unique
and I can't wait to see serenity on the big screen. . .
March 09, 2005
Daniel Silva
Silva Recently I've been enthralled with the stories of Gabriel Allon and his adventures through Europe.
Gabriel is a ex-Israeli agent who currently works as an art restorer. Yet ever so often he is called back into that world to shoot, dodge, and figure out . . what is going on.
His adventurers have been Jewish in Origin . . . the hunt for a Nazi war criminal, recovery of paintings stolen by the Nazi’s,. The current book I’m reading, prince of fire, deals with modern day terrorist attacks. . .
I would recommend these books highly!
February 19, 2005
Cool Quote
One of the teachers at Kelley had a great quote on his email
"That state which separates its scholars from its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting by fools. Thucydides, The Peloponnesian Wars"
November 26, 2004
Games Are Back
Half Live 2. It surpassed both Halo 2 and GTA on gamerankings
My only worry is the new 3D game will be to much for my 2.0Ghz laptop.
Other fun games out: Hal02, GTA: San Andreas. . .
plus Sid Miers Pirates . . .Sid Mier is a master (as Jon can attest, playing civ3 for the last few days).
There is also World Of Warcraft, fromt he masters at Blizzard. Though this one requires a subscription, and so far I haven't been into MMORPG
October 20, 2004
Stewart
Here it is the actaul clip on Stewart
JS on crossfire
October 19, 2004
Crossfire
jon stewart was on crossfire. . I didn't watch it but the transcript is worth a read.
He joins them halfway through, so just do a search for "Stewart"
October 14, 2004
Christmas List
Cool toys for this x-mas season!
Movies
- Lord of the rings: Return of the king SE Arrives on store shelves 12/12. (It will be mine).
Oh, my first love. . .you never forget your first love.
GAMES
Toys for adults . . .
September 18, 2004
School week 3
I have made in past week 3 of Indiana Kelley school of buisness. The big "trial" comes this thursday. . .a midterm for accounting. Something I famously. . .have not been that good in. So this weekend consits of a lot of income statements, cash flows, and other.
My progress at the school has been pretty good, especially extra curricular.
I have been elected as a CAC rep. I have been selected to enter the Consumer Marketing Acc. (which is the most coveted Accademy at IU). . and I have joined the marketing club, international buisness club, and toastmsters
I'm living Kelley to an extent that I did not had on Undergrad.
July 29, 2004
Meet the Fockers
The preview for the sequel to "meet the parents" is online.
Meet the parents starring Ben Stiller and Robert Deniro was one of the best comedies. . i've seen. So I am looking forward to the sequel.
July 05, 2004
Mounds State Park
Visited mounds state park
(no pictures)
Mounds state park is located about 30minutes north of Fishers. It is right outside of Anderson.
Interesting thing about mounds. . .
about 2300 years ago some Natives built the mounds. The mounds are, most likely, part of a relgious ceremony.
June 22, 2004
Kill Bill 3
Well start saving up for Kill Bill 3 (probally won't be named that as . . .Bill got himself Perished).
By the time the movie hits the theater, in 15 years, a ticket will probally cost 30 bucks. . .
The next movie will focus on the daugter of the first character to die in Kill Bill. . .remember the line?
"It was not my intention to do this in front of you. For that I'm sorry. But you can take my word for it, your mother had it comin'. When you grow up, if you still feel raw about it, I'll be waiting."
According to this article she is going to feel Raw about it.
June 05, 2004
House Paint
Well I painted the wall of the kitchen on Friday.
We are going to use a coworkers finacee idea of having colors against a single connected wall. So the back wall spilling onto the right has this red. The red comes out a little strong in the picture (it is a brick color red).
We are thinking the splash will have a light beige (the light color from our faux paint on the walls)
Take a look
May 26, 2004
Seattle
Rain/Wind
High: 56
Low: 46
Well we will have to pack our rain gear. . .looks like there may be sun saturday though for our walk around seattle. . .
May 23, 2004
seattle plans
For Your information
Carrier
Flight # Cabin &
Class Flight
Segment
Status Departs Arrives
From Time/Date To Time/Date
May 22, 2004
Cleaning up the albums
Cleaning up the albums. .
1) put the category bar on the upper right for easier use. . . makes it easy to click on picture album (the number 1).
2) started adding heading "thumbnails" to the pictures. . .
3)moved the albums around into a more sequential order.
May 20, 2004
Troy
I reviewed Troy at movies @ truelove.com
Have a look. . .
May 13, 2004
seattle to do #2
This link has some great info on seattle. . I can't wait!
May 12, 2004
seattle
10 things to do seattle before you die
Good Link
May 02, 2004
Movie
A review of Envy is online.
April 01, 2004
hotel info
While in paris . . .
Villa Panthéon
41 Rue Des Ecoles
Paris 75005
France
Tel: 33 (1) 53.10.95.95 Fax: 33 (1) 53.10.95.96
February 29, 2004
Malibu Grill, Bloomington IN
My parents and I ate at Malibu Grill (Bloomington, IN). There used to be a malibu grill in Indy . . . but apparently the rent got way to high.
It was a great evening.
One thing I noticed was how nice bloomington is. I look at Terre Haute (where I went to school) as . . a very borring city. Yet Bloomington with it's square, shops, restaurants . . . is a city you could live in.
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This is a surprise photo by my mom. She took a shot of me as I admired the Menu.
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February 20, 2004
Restaurant
I added a review of El Pastorcito in the restaurant section of atrulove.com
February 03, 2004
Updated Restaurant
I have updated the restaurant section of atrulove.com. I have added a summary of our culinary expereinces in San Diego.
I hope you enjoy, I know we did.
Plans
You can view other albums by using the links on the right side.
January 14, 2004
Album
I have just downloaded, and configured, GALLERY. This was with the help of Tivi (though I could of figured it out myself). The next step, when I have some time, is to upload my pictures. I will create album by event
to read what albums will be coming, select . . .read more
Planned Albums
January 11, 2004
Our Ring
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This is Chris showing me how to post a picture!
Santorini
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My beautiful wife in Santorini Greece. . .
I have been to few places as beautiful as Santorini. . .Paris? It is beautiful . .but not the same. Puerto Rico, pretty but not nearly as beautiful. San Fransico, Napa Valley . . fantastic but . . there isn't a comparison. Venizia? nope, my vote goes to Santorini.
Maybe someday I can compare Hawaii to the greek islands. Though in my mind I already have a winner. The greek islands are fantastic and they are old. The buildings and the blend with the background make it an amazing site.
Amalfi coast you say? Well maybe you got me there . ..the amalfi coast is amazing as well.
January 10, 2004
Erica and I
What better way to start off my website then a picture of my beautiful wife and I on our wedding day???
Welcome
Welcome to Atrulove.com. . .again.
What happened to the old a tru love? Well there was a problem. . .and it was deleted. Instead of building another mySQL based web application myself I have enlisted the folks at movabletype. . .
I hope to update this with cool info including: honeymoon pictures, paris pictures, puerto rico pictures. . .and the list goes on.