I don't live in the richest area of town. I don't live in a gated community. I don't live in a bubble. I'm in the Southeast Heights of Albuquerque nestled pleasantly between the swanky Ridgecrest area and the affectionately named War Zone. Five minutes from Nob Hill & the University area, another five minutes away from Edo & Downtown, and fifteen minutes away from most places I frequent in town. Basically, I like where I live.

Over a year ago, I made the choice to eat produce much more frequently. There was a Farmer's Market on Louisiana & Zuni as well as Lead & Cornell. There was also the Raley's at San Mateo & Zuni. Even the Wal-mart at San Mateo & Central upgraded their super duper store to include a grocery section. Lots of options within five minutes to quickly stock up on my food stuffs.

First, the Louisiana & Zuni Farmer's Market closed, and I didn't shed a tear. Their produce was usually second rate, and the flies had more fun than the people did in the establishment. A few months later, the Farmer's Market at Lead & Cornell closed. That store had been there for a couple decades, and it had become my favorite stop for fruits & veggies. I figured the Farmer's Market chain had hit some hard times. Such was life, and I was going to have to hit the bigger grocer's for my stops.

I soon took a liking to the nearby Raley's. Not only could I stock up on fruits and veggies, but I could make quick grabs for meat, cheese & booze. One stop shopping: that's convenient. I really got used to those quick runs. I'd always go at off times and go right up to the cashier. I tell you, for all the downsides of capitalism, there sure are some nice perks.

Then, it happened. Raley's put up a sign that they were closing. Not technically closing, but moving to Paseo Del Norte & San Pedro (a mere ten miles on the other side of town). Yesterday, Raley's closed its doors for the final time. That leaves one grocer in the immediate area. You guessed it: The Mighty Wal-mart.

I really don't have it in for Wal-mart. I just don't like to shop there. The place is far too big for my comfort, and I end up wandering around aimlessly looking for some basic item that is shelved in a place I would never guess. I pick up cab rides at Wally World on a regular basis; mostly War Zone citizens who take the bus to Wal-mart, load up the cab with goods, and get a nice six to eight buck ride home. Some days, those Wal-mart runs help stave off a lousy day in the cab.

So how did this happen? How did I go from four options for food in my immediate area to just Wal-mart in one year? I live in the city. You know, like a high density urban area. This isn't some tiny town where Wal-mart squeezes out Main Street and devours the whole tiny economy. This is the city, and we get our pick of the litter, right? Wrong! Now, my choice is the nearby Wal-mart or drive a couple more city blocks away to a Smith Grocery. I will choose the latter. It's less convenient, but at least I know where all the items are.

Supposedly, John Brooks Grocery took over the lease from Raley's, so I might have a non-Wal-mart option in the neighborhood again within a couple months. This is, however, the first time I've directly witnessed the hypnotic power of Wal-mart.

I always giggled at the amount of cars and citizens who would swarm about the 24-hour behemoth. I know their goods are cheap which is an attraction to people, but their goods are also cheap which makes them kind of crappy. This might be all right for rat traps and paper towels, but when it comes to food, I like a little more quality. That's just me.

So here I am in my urban world, watching the classic Wal-mart stranglehold take effect. But hey, that's capitalism. That's American. That's the business model people love. Not much I can do about it besides continue to shop elsewhere. There will be no protests. There will be no letters to city councilors. There will be no revolution.

I'm not going to get into the Wal-mart business practices, how they pay their employees next to nothing, or if it's good or bad for America. I'm just letting you know it still happens. Again, if you don't like it, be like me and don't shop there. I am but one consumer, and not much of a player as far that goes. I haven't succumbed yet to Wal-mart Nation, but I'm here to say their forces are getting stronger every day.

Chris Jungle has been contacted by but not committed to the Wal-mart resistance.