Book Reviews With Chris Ball EYE ON THE BALL
ARE GROCERY SUBSCRIPTION BOXES WORTH IT?
I love reading presidential biographies. I find it so fascinating to learn the background and history about each individual journey to the White House. There are many presidents who do not get their just due in history books. One excellent example is Calvin Coolidge. Known as "Silent Cal," he has often been portrayed as lackluster and easily forgotten.
June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, so let's explore one popular way to get more fresh produce into our lives: subscription-based delivery services like Full Circle and Imperfect Food. Are these services actually worth it? Do they save money and provide what they promise? Here's what the research turned up. CAN THEY SAVE YOU TIME? The Verdict: Yes, without a doubt. Subscription-based grocery delivery services appeal to consumers because they save time. With somebody else doing your grocery shopping, you don’t have to think about when you’re making a trip to the grocery store this week. Someone else is doing it for you! Plus, some services even offer meal kits if you can’t decide what to make. There’s no argument here — these services definitely save you time. CAN THEY SAVE YOU MONEY? The Verdict: Sometimes, since it depends on your existing shopping habits. If you find yourself making impulsive purchases while strolling down the aisles at the grocery store, then a set (but customizable) weekly list of delivered groceries might be a great way to stick to your budget. Unfortunately, not many grocery subscription-box delivery services offer nonfood items like toilet paper or cleaning products, so you may still have to make a trip to the store every once in a while. IS THE FOOD QUALITY GREAT? The Verdict: Yes, but it depends on your area. You have a higher chance of getting better grocery items if you buy from an organic grocery box service, like Imperfect Foods or Farm Fresh to You, since these companies work closely with your local farms. Keep in mind that some services, like Imperfect Foods, are designed to deliver fresh foods that are a little “imperfect” in size, shape, or color to help prevent food waste — but, as a benefit, it’s more affordable! However, we’ve found some services, like Full Circle, will prepackage their boxes from warehouses that may not be local to you, so do a little research before picking one. All in all, we’ve been pleasantly surprised to find that these boxes aren’t such a bad idea. Consider looking into it if you’re tired of the weekly grocery store time crunch!
The biography "Coolidge" by Amity Shlaes, however, is an
excellent reexamination of the 30th president of the United States. The book helps us appreciate how a shy and awkward young man grew up to hold the most powerful office in the country. The Coolidge portrayed in the book is a man of strong conviction and discipline. He had a strong aversion to debt his entire life and left office with a budget smaller than the one he inherited. Some of his cutbacks while in office seem humorous in context of today's world. However, it also helps us appreciate how principled a man he was. Coolidge inherited the presidency from Warren G. Harding, who died in office after only 2 1/2 years. Harding was a very popular but controversial president, having appointed friends and political allies to many key federal positions. After his death, many scandals emerged that tarnished Harding's legacy. Coolidge did an admirable job of cleaning up the cabinet and restoring trust throughout the country. Another great aspect of the book is the introduction to his wife, Grace. While Calvin was stoic and reserved, Grace's charm and liveliness were a perfect complement. As a young girl, she heard about a nearby school for the deaf and started a lifelong passion for helping those with hearing impairments. She was also the first First Lady to use the office to speak to the public. The tragic loss of their son, Calvin Jr., during their time in office was especially difficult. "Coolidge" is an excellent examination of an unlikely president. He served during a time of competing social and economic values, in a decade known as the Roaring '20s. This intelligent and informative book shines as an outstanding presidential biography.
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