samhexum

To be fair, you probably weren't looking for them.

I did not have high hopes for this show. I had enjoyed Elsbeth on the good wife, but thought the character was too quirky to be the centerpiece of a show without becoming too annoying.
She still might, but the writing this year was delightful, if simplistic, and the show was lighthearted and fun throughout, with enough humor to make me hope it lasts awhile if it continues to be this enjoyable.

Whatever the Sears & Kmart do you mean?

The end of the Cold War perhaps?

Queens Public Library in Elmhurst unveils new eco-friendly garden with support from National Grid

Whatever the Sears & Kmart do you mean?

A Lidl just opened 15 blocks from me the other day.  Maybe I'll drive there one day.

An 83 year old man who wears tank tops and can walk 15 blocks to a store (and presumably back)...  I'm impressed & jealous.

Out of the three you mentioned I use Amazon 99% of the time, ebay 1%, and I have never even heard of temu.

I haven't watched SNL for years.  Nice to see that they are still putting out funny stuff. This is so spot-on.
 

No forced labor!
No lead!
No workers with wrong religion!
 

Preserving Tradition, Embracing Innovation: A Journey through Katz’s Delicatessen
 
In this episode of Schneps Connects, we delve into the captivating history and enduring legacy of Katz’s Delicatessen, a cherished institution in New York City since 1888. Jake Dell, the fifth-generation custodian of Katz’s, joins us to recount the deli’s evolution amidst the ever-changing landscape of NYC. From its iconic “Send a Salami to Your Boy in the Army” campaign to the traditional ticket system, Jake shares insights into the family business and invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs, especially in the demanding restaurant industry of NYC. He unveils some of Katz’s secrets, including the meticulous pastrami-making process that sets them apart, and discusses the enduring allure that keeps customers lining up daily. From expanding catering services to international shipping, Jake reflects on the milestones and challenges of running Katz’s, highlighting his proudest achievements and future aspirations. With a nod to its celebrity following and film appearances, Jake offers a glimpse into the deli’s cultural impact and what lies ahead for this beloved New York institution.
To listen to our podcasts visit podcasts.schnepsmedia.com or stream them on all major podcast networks.

Preserving Tradition, Embracing Innovation: A Journey through Katz’s Delicatessen
 
In this episode of Schneps Connects, we delve into the captivating history and enduring legacy of Katz’s Delicatessen, a cherished institution in New York City since 1888. Jake Dell, the fifth-generation custodian of Katz’s, joins us to recount the deli’s evolution amidst the ever-changing landscape of NYC. From its iconic “Send a Salami to Your Boy in the Army” campaign to the traditional ticket system, Jake shares insights into the family business and invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs, especially in the demanding restaurant industry of NYC. He unveils some of Katz’s secrets, including the meticulous pastrami-making process that sets them apart, and discusses the enduring allure that keeps customers lining up daily. From expanding catering services to international shipping, Jake reflects on the milestones and challenges of running Katz’s, highlighting his proudest achievements and future aspirations. With a nod to its celebrity following and film appearances, Jake offers a glimpse into the deli’s cultural impact and what lies ahead for this beloved New York institution.
To listen to our podcasts visit podcasts.schnepsmedia.com or stream them on all major podcast networks.

And the world...  I went to Russia in 1991 and we had to eat at the McDonald's in Moscow, just because…
I don't know if it still is, but at the time it was the largest in the world. Despite how expensive it was for Russians to eat there, the line to get in was around three sides of the block. Fortunately, our tour guides got us in right away, so we treated them to lunch. 
The food tasted exactly the same, and I don't remember the price being all that outrageous compared to the US at the time.
because it was so impossible to get anything edible in Russia, we also ate Pizza Hut, and were thrilled to!!!  The Russian citizens could not afford Pizza Hut, so they could eat at Pizza Hut Express, which was cheaper. Wealthy Russians or tourists could afford the regular Pizza Hut, so we again treated our guides and they were very impressed by us.
 

And the world...  I went to Russia in 1991 and we had to eat at the McDonald's in Moscow, just because…
I don't know if it still is, but at the time it was the largest in the world. Despite how expensive it was for Russians to eat there, the line to get in was around three sides of the block. Fortunately, our tour guides got us in right away, so we treated them to lunch. 
The food tasted exactly the same, and I don't remember the price being all that outrageous compared to the US at the time.
because it was so impossible to get anything edible in Russia, we also ate Pizza Hut, and were thrilled to!!!  The Russian citizens could not afford Pizza Hut, so they could eat at Pizza Hut Express, which was cheaper. Wealthy Russians or tourists could afford the regular Pizza Hut, so we again treated our guides and they were very impressed by us.
 

I have the opposite opinion.
I live in NYC / eat at very good restaurants all the time + I know how to cook...so to me..Cheesecake Factory is one of the few chains that I will actually seek out when traveling in Middle America. There are several delicious items on their menu. And considering the size of the servings I've never felt it was overpriced. (But then I'm spending NYC money which is like a different economy from the rest of the US.)
Not much of a fan of any kind of Cheesecake but I've never had a bad meal there.

The late founder of Red Lobster refused to obey Jim Crow laws, achieving success & a special place in history among Black Americans.   In 1938, Bill Darden, founder of Red Lobster and Olive Garden restaurants, opened The Green Frog with the tagline ”service with a hop.” 
He allowed his Black and white customers to sit where they wanted. So technically, as an outspoken public ally, he risked being lynched. But he survived and his business was profitable and lucrative. 
In 1968, Darden, who used his profits from the Green Frog to invest in Florida-based chain restaurants and Howard Johnson properties, opened the first Red Lobster restaurant in Lakeland, Florida. It was so popular that one month later he had to open another one to keep up with the demand. As Darden’s restaurant enterprise grew, its commitment to being a leader in diversity by mirroring its labor pool with the cultural fabric of the local community became clear.

The late founder of Red Lobster refused to obey Jim Crow laws, achieving success & a special place in history among Black Americans.   In 1938, Bill Darden, founder of Red Lobster and Olive Garden restaurants, opened The Green Frog with the tagline ”service with a hop.” 
He allowed his Black and white customers to sit where they wanted. So technically, as an outspoken public ally, he risked being lynched. But he survived and his business was profitable and lucrative. 
In 1968, Darden, who used his profits from the Green Frog to invest in Florida-based chain restaurants and Howard Johnson properties, opened the first Red Lobster restaurant in Lakeland, Florida. It was so popular that one month later he had to open another one to keep up with the demand. As Darden’s restaurant enterprise grew, its commitment to being a leader in diversity by mirroring its labor pool with the cultural fabric of the local community became clear.

South Park Wants to Put Cartman on Ozempic in The End of Obesity Paramount+ Special 
 
 

There's a Red Lobster in Woodbridge NJ where I went with an aunt and/or cousins a few times.  Whenever we went, I noticed that a lot of the customers were black, disproportionate to the demographics of the area.  When I asked my aunt/cousins why it was so popular with blacks, they had no idea but said it always has been.
Aha! so that's why.  Thanks for that bit of history, @samhexum.  While I can't say it changes my opinion of the food, it certainly boosts my opinion of the company.  Tough times ahead for RL.  I wish them all the best.