Like most of you, I have moved around enough to have developed a few survival skills. One of those skills is the Wal-Mart test.The first thing I do when considering a new neighborhood is to find the local Wal-Mart. I have learned this is where you find the most accurate sampling of the area's residents. For whatever reason, Wal-Mart seems to bring out the worst and best of society... but mostly the worst. Once inside, if I don't like what I see, I move on to the next neighborhood.
The other part of the test is actually the first part. Does the neighborhood even have a Wal-Mart? If not, I probably can't afford to live there anyway.
I don't know if Guam even has a Wal-Mart, but if it does, I wonder what one might find. Maybe Paul or Joanna can swing by with a video camera. It might be interesting to see.
12 comments:
Hey Robert, Living hear in New York there is a Wal-Mart about everywhere you turn. In some communities the stores are trashy and dirty. Just down the street there may be another that is equivelant to a Macy's Store (pricey and fancy).
Wal-mart is also a very political topic hear. Liberals want them out, conservatives want them to stay. Wal-Mart offers employment to the disabled and those looking for a 2nd start or a begining in the work force.
Property owners in some communities don't want Wal-Mart to come to there neighborhood because it may decrease home property values. Some high crime area's welcome Wal-Mart because the community leaders feel that employment opportunities to the youth and unemployed may decrease the crime.
Sorry I can't give you Guam's perspective of Wal-Mart (if they even have one yet). Just giving you the perspective from New York, not mine! Ric
I hear you Ric. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Wal-Mart. In fact, I love Wal-Mart for all the positive reasons you mentioned. And as you pointed out, they are all different.
I was actually inspired to write this after our trip to southern Utah this weekend. In the town of St. George we went to the Wal-Mart seeking hiking supplies. We saw everyone from purple haired tattooed Goths to old school polygamist Mormon women with long burlap dresses and braided hair. Living in St. George wouldn’t be too bad – you would definitely have some interesting neighbors.
Hey Robert, I was giving the climate of Wal-Mart in New York. Notice that I did not give my personal opinion. Nor was I voicing any opinion of yours, pro or con. I hate affending people in any way,shape,or form, this is why I keep my personal apinions to myself. And I respect yours! And I have noticed everything that you mentioned that you noticed about Wal-Mart as well!
My brother Dave lives in Idaho Falls, just North of you.
How did you end up in Utah from Guam?
Got a good story how I ended up in New York! But we would have to share a six pack, that how long it would take me to tell you.
Cheers! Ric
try Big Lots...much more insane
Hitch a ride on the Greyhound bus. I have not been on one since 1983, but I still see them. Scares me, and I aint scared of nothen.... Exept the wife.
Actually Ric, I thought your comments were great. Amazing observations and well put together.
As for Big Lots - I can not say. But the Greyhound bus... I'll never ride one again. I'm with you DRL - scariest experience of my life.
Hi Robert,
There isn't any Walmarts here but, there is a K-mart and soon their opening a Home Depot by December. I appreciate these stores because all of our goods come by ship so, hey if the price is right:)
You know I hadn't been to the US for twenty years. When I was there I couldn't get over the number of resteronts and shopping malls and most of them seem to be filled with junk. I don't know how they stay afloat.They didn't seem to be that crowded. All I can say is don't go to those places and save your money for the kids college tuition and medical care.
Joanna, Forget K-Mart--go down to Cruz Store to see what kind of people are hanging out there.
Next time anyone is at a W.M., look for a big red Freightliner..I love to park there..Food, bathrooms, and a (usually) quite place to sleep..If you knock, bring a 6 pack..Wait, if your from Guam, a 1/2 rack, we'll run in for the refills later!
Robert, How close is the W.M from ya now? I'll probably be there before Christmas!
Pete, there is no Cruz store...not like the one down the street from us.I remember begging my Dad for a few cents to buy gum or anything sweet. Just a little kid at that time.
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