Written July 8, 2008.

Stock market down, gas prices up. It's nice to know that while some things seem to be the worst they've ever been, some things are as good as they ever were, and maybe even better.

Smuckers jelly and preserves have been a staple in my life since I was knee high to a grasshopper. No Bama jelly in our household, only top-of-the-line Smuckers. Each morning, as I contemplate the latest catastrophes reported on the news, I also reflect on the fact that Smuckers jelly continues to be a pleasure in my life as I rub some on a biscuit. In recent years I've discovered their strawberry preserves as well as the blackberry and grape jellies I was raised on. Man, that is some good stuff! Smearing a big ol' genuine strawberry on my biscuits on Saturday is something I look forward to all week.

Oreos have also been a consistent performer. I hadn't eaten Oreos in years but I was recently exposed to a couple of bags, and they're as good as they were when I was eight. Also nice, they've revolutionized the way the bag opens so that you can open and close it without destroying the bag and letting the cookies dry out. For this reason I say Oreos are better than they ever were.

I never was a peanut butter fan. It stuck to your mouth and was difficult to masticate, I always thought. Then I was introduced to Jif Extra Crunchy. My God! Now at work I actually find myself spacing out and thinking about loading up four or five Saltines with thumb-sized glops of Jif Extra Crunchy when I get home. I think Jif may be the evil force that's keeping me from slimming down. Oh, well...I forgive them.

So it's not all complaints here at Art's Bar & Grill. Smuckers, Oreos and Jif are three things in this world that are as good as they ever were.