Shrink Inflation Example

Do you hate getting RIPPED OFF? 

I do, unless you tell me up front the reason to rip me off was saving our planet. Is that why the hole in the Kirkland Brand Toilet Paper got bigger in the center?

The reason I wrote this blog is to point out that when our options are dwindling from the lack of competition due to monopolies dominating the market (Amazon, Costco, CVS, etc.), we can easily be taken advantage of. More and more venders that scaled companies, creating jobs and providing a decent living for their "Children" are going out of business as their hot selling items are replaced with store brands.

Kirkland Brand from Costco just pulled a fast one over our eyes, like they are not making enough money.

I noticed the center of the toilet paper rolls I just purchased from Costco looked "Bigger."

So I took the roll to my office and measured the diameter at 1.3/4". Then I took older rolls and they all measured 1.5" in diameter. The standard sizes are 3.8cm (1.5"), for home or 4.2cm that are more commercial. However, the new Costco brand is 4.5cm OUCH! 

So Costco made a strategic decision to reduce their cost by giving us less, and hid the evidence inside. The package on the outside had the same dimensions. The rolls looked just as large as before. When you squeeze the rolls to see how dense the paper is, it's the same. 

FACT: Had they given us less from the outside in (keeping the 1.5"diameter) the package would look smaller, each roll would appear smaller, and we would then question what we are paying for. Instead, they deceive us while charging the same amount per roll.

This tactic to increase margins without customers knowing has been going on for a long time. For example: Bottles containing liquid would be replaced with new bottles that have an indent on the bottom, reducing the volume inside. Ever notice coffee and shampoos that used to be 16oz (a typical weight for goods sold) are now 13.5oz or 12.8oz? 

Buyer beware. This is one reason why we are fed up with the politics of big business. It's bad enough companies like Amazon, Costco, and Albertsons stop supporting brands and copy their product under the house brand names. They now cut back their product volumes to increase their profits. What happen to good old inflation where consumers are aware of higher prices and usually know the rational for paying more. But to be deceived is challenging our intelligence and trust. 

I am proud to say that I average 3.5 purchases from Amazon each year. That's it. Why are we supporting companies that destroy small family owned businesses by knocking off their products and slapping their own name on it? Then to have them hide the fact they are shorting you.

Kevin L.

Special Moments with Dad

A story about my dad with Alzheimer's

Los Serranos, circa 1970's.

The boys across the street were almost men, and they could throw that football all the way down the street and run faster than light. We were in awe of how talented they were. When they finally finished playing their friendly game of tag football, it became our turn.

Most of the time, it was three vs. three ten-year-old kids making their way up and down the street, attempting to cross that tire mark in the street for the touchdown. No extra points in this game because nobody wanted to stub their toe trying to kick the ball at imaginary goal posts.

For the most part, we all took turns as quarterback and never found the nerve to critique each other's performance. With each play, we had thousands of fans cheering every run and catch, but only in our imagination. Everything seemed to move in slow motion. Leaping into the air, one arm extended, tipping the ball just enough to redirect its path downward where it met your awaiting arms. Everything in sync, you, the ball, and inertia as they all succumb to the gravity. Reuniting with the ball in arms, forward momentum carrying you the two extra yards needed for the first down.

These were the good old times when boys learned where they fit into the scheme of all things. It seemed as if nothing could get any better, until dad came out to play. Three vs. three soon turned into 3 vs. 3 with a designated quarterback. Beyond the super pleasures of my Id and Ego, I found myself in awe of how lucky I was to have such a wonderful and talented dad. Thankfully, I was old enough then to realize having my father play with us meant the world to us.

As we grew older and got bigger, we continued to play the game with the goal of being as good as my dad. However, I realized that the ball never quite traveled as far down the street as it did when my dad was quarterback. I was fine knowing that my Dad had made skills and talent in addition to his infinite intellect and wisdom he bestowed upon us as we were growing up. A few more years past and the intensity of the game increased to full tackle, no gear. No longer did the game continue in front of our house. For now, our field of choice was the Crown Valley upper soccer fields.

It was there when I realized my speed and agility made it very difficult for others to tackle me. However, on defense I had to endure the brutal beatings of the bigger kids that enjoyed running over me as apposed of going around me to avoid tackle. Basically, I was a modest speed bump in the road. On this particular day, I realized I had enough and decided to apply a little judo to the one guy that ran right at me each time he got the ball. I recall this one play as if it were playing in slow motion, my nemesis lowered his head to gain speed as he charged right at me, 3-2-1, impact. I felt nothing as I took my knee and arms and threw him ten yards down the field, arms flailing, legs kicking, he lands face first in the dirt. Ah, that felt GREAT!

I look down the field and my dad was standing there. He heard there was a football game and he drove to the park to come play. I ran to the end zone where he was watching. I could see in his eyes his intention of wanting to play. Yet his words slowly revealed the truth, tackle is not his thing. The game changed from those times in the street in front of our house. We spoke a few minutes, then he decided to go about his day.

I remember this feeling of sadness as he turned and walked away. To this day, I will never forget this special moment when my dad came to be with us.

Today I play a different game, soccer. How wonderful it would be to have my dad show-up to one of my games, However, this time when my dad decides to go about his day, I would walk away from the game, hand in hand, and share what is the most valuable thing in life, my time with my dad, together.

I love you dad.

Congrats to all new Dads

HOW TO BE A DAD! This blog is dedicated to moms, dads, and all the beautiful children in this world. Life is short, Cherish it.

Make your time on Earth enjoyable and remember, family will always come first. The best way to be remembered 100 years after you depart this planet, is through your children and family.

Asking all dads to dedicate their time, love and devotion to their children begins the day their child is born. Being the best Dad, trumps any other accomplishment you can possibly achieve in life. No job, no title, no car, no amount of money will make as much as a difference in the World or your legacy than raising outstanding children.

Please share this blog and write your thoughts anytime.

No Diaper Rashes - How to Change Diapers

Dad, bonding with the child is more important than your fear of changing a diaper, plus it's only Poop so get to work. (See below for the "one" secrete to preventing diaper rash).

The real purpose of this Step by Step account of changing a diaper is to PREVENT RASHES. I also talk about equality and societal expectations of a modern "Man" and sharing the responsibility when it comes to raising children. The topic of society demasculating men is real for now, but bonding with children last for generations. 

For those dads that actually get involved and are brave enough to change a diaper, well those dads are "Hero Dads" and will build esteem and trust in their children.

When life blesses you with a child and your faced with daily challenges and choices, there is nothing, and I mean NOTHING more rewarding than raising your children as a kick ass, hands on dad. With your man hands, man voice, rough and tough facial hair you need to give those hugs out every day, even if those hugs immediately causes your child's delicate cheeks to turn red.

Making your baby cheeks red with the five o'clock shadow when you hug them is priceless. However, red "Butt" cheeks caused by diaper rash, is very bad.  The following tips on "How to best change a diaper" applies to all types of diapers from disposable to fabric, the same trick works for both and keep diaper rashes from happening.

Quick back story, our pediatrician is kinda wacky, yet well loved and respected. His answer to diaper rash was olive oil. When my children began to rash, we would take a cotton ball and roll on a little bit of olive oil on their cheeks. Results, sticky moist skin and only a slightly improved rash.

After trying all the different potions and lotions and powders that failed me, I realize I needed to figure this out on my own. As an inventor and problem solver, I took the skill sets I learned at the UofA and applied the research techniques and wrote everything down. Then it dawned on me, I was lucky to live in Hawaii from 1982-1984 right out of high school and had to deal with my own rashes.

Yes, "Crotch Rot" is what we called it. I found that the humidity along with swimming in the ocean was keeping my shorts/trunks damp. The rash occurred in the areas where the shorts remained wet over long periods of time. The answer, dryness.

HOW TO CHANGE A DIAPER TO PREVENT RASHES:

Listen and look for the clues when your child wets or soils themselves. No one wants to sit for prolonged time in a wet and smelly diaper. Your children will let you know right away with settle clues, sounds, and annoying crying.

PREPARATION: Make sure you have a safe place to change the diaper, we don't need cracked baby skulls from the baby hitting the floor. Have your clean diaper, dry and clean towel (cloth) ready, along with all your other things in hands reach away.

STEP ONE: Oh, let's be obvious, take off the wet/soiled diaper.

STEP TWO: Wipe the skin/cheeks and legs with a clean baby wipe or soapy cloth (depends on if your a granola tree hugging nut that wants to do things organically and environmentally safe or if you like the convenience of store bought wipes).

TIP: When wiping pee, wipe from the genital area away toward to belly button, do not wipe towards the bum. When wiping poop, wipe from the bum towards your child's back. "Do NOT wipe towards the genitals" for that will cause infections.

STEP THREE: Now that your baby's skin is damp, take a clean, dry cloth and wipe all the moisture and then take the same towel or a fan like object and "Fan Dry" the skin. The dryer the butt cheeks, the better. This is the top secrete to prevent diaper rashes! MOISTURE BAD, DRY SKIN IS GOOD!

STEP FOUR: Put on a clean, DRY diaper on the CLEAN DRY baby, do NOT lock in any moisture.
It's best NOT to use baby oil or lotions.

STEP FOUR & A HALF: If the baby does have a rash, use a dry diaper rash ointment or cream that absorbs into the skin. Avoid the oily ointments or anything that can cause moisture such as Vaseline or Oil based products.

This is truly the BEST WAY TO CHANGE A DIAPER.

Now you can be a DADDY HERO and bond with your child while proving to mom that DADS RULE!

Take this moment to bond, talk to your child while changing, look into their eyes and let them know they are safe.

Throughout the day, look for clues your children give when they are uncomfortable. Do they have a dirty diaper? Are they Hungry? Tired? Teething? Each need has a slightly different tone in the cry and one day you'll be able to tell the difference and THAT'S Awesome.. Cherish each moment because the first five years are the most important.

Please leave any comments or suggestions.

Kevin Dog.

Tips for Dads with 1st Time College Students

Okay Dads, get off your ASS and help your wife shop for your kids first day of college.

Below are time and money saving tips that will help you get out of the Targets, Walmarts, and Malls within hours, not days, and will save you time and money.

These tips have your child's best interest in mind. It's time to get back to basics, living light, and owning less.

HOW TO BUY CLOTHES AND SHEETS FOR COLLEGE:

You kids will be wearing the same things over and over and you need to remember that laundry is a HUGE CHORE for them. This is why you need the following:

TIP ONE: Under Garments: GO DARK; you need to hide those ridiculous and natural stains that can occur from time to time (we are talking skid marks and leakage). Prevent child shame and embarrassment. Buy nothing but DARK COLORED underwear.

TIP TWO: Socks: ONE STYLE; throw away all your socks, go to Costco or any store and by the following: 12 pairs of the SAME STYLE in white, and 12 pairs in Dark. Whatever type of socks your child likes to wear, you must buy two weeks worth of socks in each color.

The advantage of buying all one sock is:

1. They ALWAYS MATCH, they last longer
2. Easier to pair
3. Easier to clean
4. EASIER to know that sock is your child's and NOT their roommates

TIP THREE: Shirts:No Ironing required: For girls, this will be tougher because of the materials where boys shirts are most likely going to be cotton t-shirts for the most part.

Learning the cycles of the dryer and heat settings will help. For example, if the drying has a cool down option, USE IT. You can also avoid the drying and use hangers will help the clothes last longer.

1. Select materials that come out of the dryer unwrinkled. 
2. Avoid tie died and reds or any color and fabrics that bleeds.

TIP FOUR: PRICE: Go Cheap: Things disappear all the time and the last thing you need is $100 items go MIA. No need to have expensive items while in college. Even if you can afford the most expensive clothing, don't send to wrong message and help your child realize that their time in college is not a social club, it's to learn and when you are dressed comfortable in modest clothing, you may find people will actually appreciate your child as a person, not a wardrobe.

TIP FIVE: Towels and bedding: Everyone says to buy whites because you can wash in hot water with Bleach. WRONG! Having bleach around is a disaster waiting to happen. For girls, make-up stains will F-Up your towels and look filthy all the time. Go with DARK colors where hot water will clean well and you avoid the bleach that ultimately ruins clothes. Dark color sheets will also looks cleaner, but still smell like dirty socks if not washed.

• TIP FIVE.FIVE: Tell your kids that a shower at night, or at least a wash down with a soapy cloth will help them sleep better, not stick to the sheets with their daily perspiration. Plus you can get away from washing your sheets less often.

TIP SIX: Sharing loads with friends. Just a word of advice, only wash each others clothes if you are together and have the ability to forgive if something goes wrong.

Dads, I hope this helps you. My favorite tip is the socks and under garments. What are your favorite tips? Do you have any advice you'd like to share? Please use the comments below.


Kevin

To my daughter and son, I know what I want to be when I grow up.

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

We have all been asked a thousand times as a child, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

This is a very scary question when you are a child. "Am I signing a contract forever? Will this be the best choice for my life that would make me happy? What if I don't like being a Doctor or Fireman?" I never gave a specific answer because I truly never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. Even if I did give an answer, I was not certain what it meant and how life would be as a fireman or doctor. One certain thing I did know for a fact, I wanted to be a great parent.

Fast forward a few dozen years when I'm 60, had I become a fireman, I'm sure I would have done great things such as saving lives, helping others, all while earning a good living for my family. I am pretty certain that if I had become a Doctor, I would have had very similar experiences. More importantly, how would either of these career paths effect my ability to be a great parent? These are questions and issues most parents are concerned about.

Now that I'm older I realize that both of these jobs require demanding hours and schedules that would affect my family life. Would I miss precious moments and milestones with my family like a child's first step, the honor choir concert or their first day of school? Even worse, what if I was not available to comfort my child when they got injured or bullied at school?

As a child I had no idea of the dynamics of being an adult and selecting a career. I did know early on that I wanted to leave this World a better place and do wonderful things. A career choice may allow me to accomplish this goal, sure. Fortunately, when I was a child, I knew that if I were to be the best parent ever, my legacy will live on through my children and for that reason, I decided to go to school and learn to become the best parent that I could be. With that, I chose Communication and Family Studies as my emphasis.

I married an incredible lady that shared the same passion for children and together we raised two incredible children. In the past 18 years there have been countless moments and examples reaffirming that I made the right decision. My favorite confirming examples are when parents, teachers, and adults went out of their way to commend my wife and I on how wonderful and charming our children are.

To my daughter and son, when your strong sense of self-esteem allows you to confront dogma and challenges on your own, we know. When you select friends that share the same goals and aspirations as you do and we see the group winning academic achievement awards, we know. When you so freely drop what you are doing to help a stranger in need and you assist in any way you can, we know. I could never have imagined that my answer to this simple question would have or could have manifested into such beautiful and rewarding life choice.

Let's assume that the question at hand came with some magical powers and the given response was destined for reality. Let's say I replied and was guaranteed the Presidency of the United States, I would say No Thank You if it would affect in any way my ability to be a great parent.

To all parents and future parents, you have more control than you think regarding the legacy you will leave behind. During our short time span on this precious planet Earth remember this, your children will survive you and nothing is more rewarding than knowing that they will be safe, strong, and happy in life because you sacrificed selfish wants and needs and gave them your undivided time and energy they so dearly deserve in life. You cannot choose your parents, but you can choose to parent.

Love Dad