Mango Chutney, Mincemeat, and All-American Shopping

Yes, it’s another Wal-Mart rant. 1. I’d like to know how much shelf space Wal-Mart gives in its grocery aisles to pre-processed foods–cookies, crackers, frozen meals, etc. I’m afraid the number would be staggeringly high. 2. Good luck trying to prepare an Indian dish when shopping at the big W. No curry paste (yes, they …

The Decline and Fall of the American Empire

Before you think I’ve drunk a bit too much of the political kool-aid, this isn’t about politics. It’s something a bit simpler than that. We all have an image courtesy of Russell Crowe and tons of imagination about ancient Rome and the gladiatorial fights that happened. Whether it was man vs. man, man vs. animal, …