1 lb. of hamburger in the 70's versus 1 lb. of hamburger now

Bob,

I know I cannot change your mind and nor do I wish to do so. But... Two years ago I was given a Sam's Club membership as a gift. When I went to the warehouse and presented the gift certificate, they took my mug shot and asked me to provide my e-mail address and phone number. I did not think that information was necessary and told them I would prefer not to provide the information. The programmed young lady that was processing my membership rattled off a list of reasons why it would be of benefit to me to provide the information. I ended up giving them my infrequently used yahoo e-mail address (no way I was going to give them my business e-mail address) and the phone number 867-5309 (those of you that grew up in the '80's will understand why).

So, one day I got an e-mail at my yahoo address from Sam's Club. Probably SPAM, I figured. Wrong. They sent me an e-mail to let me know that the toy train set I had purchased for my little niece had been recalled by the manufacturer and they provided details on how to return the set AND get my money back.

Did they also sell my yahoo address and bogus phone number to someone? Yeah, probably. Would I have found out about the recall and been able to get that train set away from my niece without the notice? No.

Bob,

I know I cannot change your mind and nor do I wish to do so. But... Two years ago I was given a Sam's Club membership as a gift. When I went to the warehouse and presented the gift certificate, they took my mug shot and asked me to provide my e-mail address and phone number. I did not think that information was necessary and told them I would prefer not to provide the information. The programmed young lady that was processing my membership rattled off a list of reasons why it would be of benefit to me to provide the information. I ended up giving them my infrequently used yahoo e-mail address (no way I was going to give them my business e-mail address) and the phone number 867-5309 (those of you that grew up in the '80's will understand why).

So, one day I got an e-mail at my yahoo address from Sam's Club. Probably SPAM, I figured. Wrong. They sent me an e-mail to let me know that the toy train set I had purchased for my little niece had been recalled by the manufacturer and they provided details on how to return the set AND get my money back.

Did they also sell my yahoo address and bogus phone number to someone? Yeah, probably. Would I have found out about the recall and been able to get that train set away from my niece without the notice? No.

Hi Dave,

You don't need to change my mind regarding Sam's Club, or about the fact that they have a card. It is a "membership" card. I would suppose that if you belong to a country club you would have a membership card identifying you as such. My thought is that Kroger is an "open to the public" retail outlet, and that they will sell to some (those with cards) for less money that to others that do not have the card. If I cut coupons from the paper or other source, I get the price listed on the object minus the coupon value. BUT, I do not have to have a special card to get that reduced price. I know that I am beating a dead horse here, but heck it might get up and run some more.