All posts by Kasanje

Currently, I operate several eBay shops in different categories as a full-time job. In my spare time I like to indulge in writing mobile game guides and reporting on my reselling activities. I occasionally write guides related to Get Paid To sites like FreeCash and Swagbucks, but less than I used to. I previously hosted wikis for: Apex Girl, Road to Rich, Dark Brides, and Passion Pit. In an effort to return this site to Family Friendly skies, I have removed such content.
Travel

State Farmers Market, NC

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An unexpected journey today. I volunteered to return an extra turkey that had been mistakenly packed in with my mother’s regular delivery route.

It was a 45 minute drive down to Raleigh to the farmers market (1201 Agriculture Street, 27603), the traffic was considerable.

After I dropped the parcel, I decided to browse the market and take some photos to share.

I’ve only been here maybe twice before since moving to the area. We bought fertilizer at a business nearby in the commercial area.

I was probably dragged along once as well after moving here. A familial mandatory “tour” for new residents.

The perfect activity for a socially inept introvert.  Smile, nod, mumble. Mission accomplished.

Thankfully, I’m far more adjusted these days. I quite enjoyed today’s activities.

I’ll have more details on my trip to Wilton and Creedmoor in a couple days. Thanks for reading.

Travel

Franklinton, NC

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Franklinton is a town in Franklin County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 2,456 at the 2020 census.

I passed through Franklinton on my way to Wilton and Creedmoor. I took Cedar Creek road, northward, and turned at Lane Store Road.

I hadn’t been down Cedar Creek since I worked at Kerr Drug back in 08′. There was so much development along the way that I hardly recognized the area.

Drive Thru

I plan on going back to Franklinton for a proper walk through town. I’d like to get some better shots of local church architecture and the different cuisine options folks have when visiting.

Landmarks

Church Design

Homes
Travel

Creedmoor, NC

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Creedmoor is a city in Granville County.

There are several small local restaurants in town covering a significant number of cuisines. I saw Cajun, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, American, and Italian.

In Town

I realized I had been here previously last year, just after I got my Nissan LEAF. I had been driving around to potential job locations trying to get a feel for how long the drive would be and if that was something I would be up for.

City Trail Wetlands

I found a spot to park and walked along the City Trail for a short distance. Despite all the traffic, you could still hear the birds and insects that call the marsh their home.

Approach and Exit

I took the 50 South exit and headed down to Falls Lake State Park and one of the boat launch areas.

Daily Writing

Some New and Some Old

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What are your family’s top 3 favorite meals?

Fried chicken is a household staple for us. But chicken can get a little dull over time, so my mother has explored with several different recipes to spice things up, quite literally.

With my family’s adoption of the Korean Jesa ceremony several years ago we also started including healthy foods in out diet, like kimchi and pajeon. We have a local Korean grocer in Wake Forest (Han Ah Rum Mart) that we visit on occasion when we have the spare funds.

Another favorite for us is Tteok-bokki, rice cakes about the size of a French fry and consumed in a spicy sweet sauce accompanied by fish cake and sausages.

No meal is complete without dessert and we especially enjoy strawberries either with a nice dollop of Häagen-Dazs ice cream or some pudding or cake.

In the spring and summer my mother will craft homemade ice cream in a variety of flavors. We’ve had cranberry, mango, wolfberry, and orange ice cream.

Another Korean treat is the sweet red bean paste which can be found in Patbingsu (팥빙수) and Bungeoppang (팥빙수) the fish shaped pastry. We bought a shaved ice machine and waffle bowels to make a really nice treat.

Daily Writing

Is this Wisdom or just Guessing?

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Do you trust your instincts?

My Spidey-sense hasn’t been the best gage for decision making in the past. I’ve come to second guess my immediate feelings and mull things over before taking a plunge.

So, no, I’m not really that trusting of my instincts.

From bad timing in stock market to poor sourcing choices for products to sell, I’ve had my blunders. What instinctively felt to be a sure thing often turned out to be the height of the market right before a plunge.

I have bags on top of bags, filled with swimsuits filling my closet, apparel that will likely never sell.

I’ve also fallen for my share of crypto scams and ponzi schemes. Hard lessons that have shaped, in part, my present predicament.

My best advice, which I take myself, is to get a second opinion whenever and where ever possible.

Errant Literary

My 40th Birthday

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I don’t feel much older than last year, but there is a distinctive sense that comes with the big four-oh.

I awoke earlier than expected. After lazing in bed for a bit I decided that I would take advantage of the early start. I drove to the Treasure Hunt store, stopping by Starbucks for my free birthday treat along the way.

I ordered the Tomato Mozzarella Panini. I had gotten in the driveway and then realized I had mistakenly hit “in-store pickup,” so I had to maneuver out of the line and find a parking space.

Once I got inside, it was incredibly loud. The seats were packed with customers and the space behind the counter was abuzz with activity.

The pickup didn’t take long at all. I was soon back outside and walking to me waiting car. Upon my first bite of the sandwich, the spinach sort of flopped out. It was wet and soggy and sort of bland. The rest of the meal tasted good though. I paired the sandwich with a pear and that was my breakfast.

I stood in line at the Treasure for around 10 minutes before they opened the doors and everyone began filing in. I had brought my own bag, so I didn’t bother grabbing one of the big blue ones the store provides.

I went straight to the clothes bin and got some nice picks.

Amazon Basics Men’s Pajama Pants Size XL

There were two items I picked out too hastily and didn’t notice large stains and other damage. Not a big loss, just 2 bucks.

I think maybe they were short staffed because the manager was running the register and he’s usually at the back counter on the PA system the other times I’ve gone inside.

Oh, and I picked up two sealed bags with Microfiber Golf Towels. Also a nice find.

Errant Literary

Marginalized, Sexualized, Traumatized, and Trivialized (MSTT)

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I came up with this while out driving today and felt compelled to write it down.

I was listening to a radio program on National Public Radio (WUNC). Part of the topic related to the omission of female achievements in official records and periodicals throughout history and especially in America.

The words marginalized and sexualized came up in the program at different points, and then later the programs’ guest recounted a childhood memory which affected them greatly and turned them off of pursuing their art.

They had been traumatized by the experience.

Thinking more on these issues, I tried to put myself in their shoes. I have experienced racism, trauma, and discrimination at different points in my own life.

One of the first things that always seemed to come up was having society at large trivialized what I was going through. Gas lighting if you will.

This finally brough me around to the the acronym MSTT: marginalized, sexualized, traumatized, and trivialized (pronounced: mist).

That’s the limit of my own effort. Below is what Google’s Gemini spat out. Also included are links to resources for those in need.

AI Summary

The terms marginalized, sexualized, traumatized, and trivialized are interconnected concepts frequently used in discussions about sexual violence, rape culture, and social justice.

They describe the systemic experiences of individuals and communities who face discrimination and abuse due to unequal power dynamics. 

The Breakdown

Marginalized: Refers to groups or communities that are discriminated against and excluded from full participation in society because of characteristics such as gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or economic status.

These individuals are often disproportionately targeted for sexual violence because perpetrators count on societal “blind spots” to protect their crimes, and victims often face additional barriers to reporting or seeking help.

Sexualized: In this context, it often refers to the objectification and dehumanization of individuals through stereotypes that reduce them solely to their sexuality.

This is used to create false notions, for example, that certain groups “cannot be assaulted” due to perceived promiscuity, which hinders survivors from being believed or supported.

Traumatized: Describes the profound physical and psychological impacts experienced by survivors of sexual violence, which is a form of trauma.

The context in which the violence occurs and the societal reactions to it play a major role in the severity of post-traumatic symptoms, which can include PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Trivialized: Involves downplaying or ignoring the severity of sexual assault and the resulting trauma.

This happens through jokes, media portrayals, victim-blaming (“She asked for it!”), and dismissive attitudes, which are all aspects of a “rape culture”.

Trivialization can lead to secondary victimization (re-traumatization by support systems) and discourages survivors from seeking help. 

These four terms highlight a cycle where certain populations are made vulnerable by society, abused in ways that reduce their humanity, suffer significant harm, and then have their pain minimized or dismissed by that same society.

Support and Resources

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, help is available:

  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): Visit their website at https://www.rainn.org or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE.
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: Connect with advocates 24/7 at https://www.thehotline.org, by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or by texting “START” to 88788.
  • National Center for PTSD: Find resources and information on post-traumatic stress at https://www.ptsd.va.gov. 
Travel

Knightdale, NC

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Knightdale is a town in Wake County, North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, Knightdale has a population of 19,435.

The story of Knightdale starts with exploration and discovery. The community, which goes beyond today’s boundaries, has a history that dates back to the colonial era in America (Read More).

Situated about 20 miles from my home to the north, the drive to Knightdale was pleasant from my perspective, maybe not so much for the cars stuck behind me. You see, I’m something of a speed limit zealot.

With Fall in full swing there was plenty to see. While the oaks were already bare, there were several other breeds including the odd maple that were full ablaze in orange and red.

The road conditions, however, were not great. More than once I had to navigate around busted up pavement edges and potholes.

In town, train tracks ran down the center and roads ran alongside with crossings spread far apart. I initially drove around and snapped shots of local shops, then I stopped by the local Goodwill and browsed their stock.

One of my personal rules for these trips is that I don’t bring any money. I’m just their to observe and record my surroundings.

Travel

Brooklyn, NY

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While visiting my father and his partner in Brooklyn, I stayed at their apartment on Flatbush Avenue. This was in 2018.

It took me some time to adjust to the subway system, but once I felt comfortable, I began visiting local parks and taking lots of pictures.

My visit coincided with the arrival of my uncle from England. We had a good visit and got to see local venues including the Brooklyn Museum of Art and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

The museum had two exhibit’s running, Black Freedom and Korean Art. We also visited the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

The photos were taken with a Fujifilm Finepix HS 25 EXR.

Museum of Art – Black Freedom Exhibit

Museum of Art – Korean Exhibit

Brooklyn Botanic Garden