Food, Hopes, Money, More Food And Fun

As is usual with most people who can't read a complete article but still feel the need to express their uninformed and partisan opinion, what most of the commenters seemed to get from the article about the Senate dining room losing money for the last forty years, is that it's all the Democrats fault or that government can't do its jog. More likely it was all the lobbyist paid for junkets. As if Howard Baker, Bob Dole, Trent Lott and Bill Frist weren't in charge for most of the last fifteen of those years and had no problem privatizing the rest of America while they were in power. And like most people, if the food isn't good in one place, they go to another. The House cafeteria, which was privatized by a Democratically controlled Congress twenty years ago.

In the past 10 years, only 20 new items have been added to the Senate menus. So rare are new entrees that last year's arrival of daily fresh-made sushi was treated in some senatorial quarters as if a new Nobu had opened in the Capitol dining room.

Even revenue in the once-profitable catering division has been decimated, as senators have increasingly sought waivers to bring in outside food for special events with constituents and private groups.

Operation of the House cafeterias was privatized in the 1980s by a Democratic-controlled Congress. Restaurant Associates of New York, the current House contractor, would take over the Senate facilities this fall. The company wins high praise from most staffers and lawmakers, who say they are pleased with the wide variety of new items offered every few months.

Perhaps the chefs need to learn how to prepare the basics, like fish sticks, before adding things like sushi and Osso Bucco to the menu. Senators make enough money to pay for a decent meal or they can brown bag it like the rest of us. It's the Democrats, led by Dianne Feinstein (Chief DINO), who are actively doing something to lower the cost and improve the service. By doing what used to be the Republican thing. Force the people on the lower end of the scale to take a cut in pay and benefits while they serve their betters.

Can't wait until he does it here. Except that I don't care if we ever see or hear from him again. Better times. Indeed.

So the core U.S. economy is in better shape than it was in the 70s. Baloney! I owned a house in the 70s, vacationed at Disneyland and Magic Mountain and was able to visit the Sycamores Springs Hot Tubs in Avila Beach on a regular basis. Now I live in a mobilehome, haven't had a vacation in at least six years and haven't come into contact with a spa or outdoor hot tub in more years than I can remember. In the seventies I had the G.I. Bill to get me started, now I have a Masters and can barely pay attention much less pay my bills. Yup, things are better. From a demographic standpoint, not a day to day reality position.

Thank goodness I'm growing my own tomatoes so I shouldn't have to worry about salmonella. Even though Shadow has been trying to dig them up while I'm not here. I'm extremely grateful she can't lift her leg.

The Apple store is down, which is a good sign. I can hardly wait for ten o'clock and what El Jobso has in store for us this time. Supposedly Microsoft is going to try and one up him at nine o'clock by announcing that some player they have is going to play Blu-Ray. Remember when Microsoft was the king? Not anymore, now people prefer things that work and look good at the same time. If only I was Stephen Colbert and people sent me everything I asked for.

BBB