Many years ago when I was a much younger man and the age of the new-fangled kitchen gadgets started coming into play, a revolution took place with the advent of the drip coffee maker. Yes folks, I am that old that I remember when Mr. Coffee became a hit. Although I have siblings who predate those memories 😀 (you know who you are).
Back in those days there were repeated instances of these new-fangled coffee makers catching fire. I don't usually obsess about such things but it seemed like forever that I would never leave my coffee maker plugged into an outlet. I believe the one sitting on my counter now could be the first one I have ever let stayed plugged in. Golly gee, I hope I just didn't jinx myself.
So why are you telling us this wonderful and enchanting story now Robert T?
Well, the other day I was sitting at the kitchen table pounding away on the next great sci-fi novel. I usually write in my nice big chair but My Beloved was sitting there so I had to make due. As I was blazing away on the keyboard (I'm down to the last few thousand words on Battle Wagon), the tip of the plug supplying power to the computer literally started smoking. And I don't mean just a slight smell. I had a volcano of white smoke pouring from the thing.
With cat-like agility I ripped the plug from the computer and snatched the plug end out of the wall socket. The tip had melted inside the computer and I had to dig it out. It is an old computer and is (was) the original power cord. It was quite the experience. Thankfully nothing else is wrong with the laptop and it functions just fine.
And that's why I always unplugged my coffee maker.
The writing in Battle Wagon must be a smokin' hot for the laptop to catch fire...I'm just sayin'. Coming soon to an ebook retailer near you.
Ramblings of a 60 Year Old Man - My thoughts on just about anything, in no particular order; Robert Thomas - author.
Monday, March 4, 2019
Saturday, March 2, 2019
The Harp-man
Baseball is a wonderful sport, the sport of my youth. It is looked
back on fondly as we spin around this blue marble and march on. It is
still a sport I follow as an aging (hey, who said aging) adult. I tend
to follow the National League although I keep track of the AL.
Baseball has devolved into a business more than at any time in its past. At least in the public's eye although I'm sure to those who own teams it has always been a business. It just now touches the public more than ever in the past since we as a sporting public have access to sports news and topics 24/7.
That being said, I don't understand the runaway spending on players like Bryce Harper. Now don't get me wrong, I'm for anyone who gets paid for their efforts. Earn what you can earn. Complete blind loyalty to one organization isn't what it used to be several generations ago. I just don't see the value in someone who has a contract for $330 million dollars, whether it's spread out over 13 years or not. His stats when you look at them are good, but not worth that type of money in my opinion. In the prime of his career where he is now, he is only 13th among active players with a lifetime slugging percentage of 512. His batting average last year was a paltry .249. Although he has a lifetime batting average of .279, that's certainly respectable but hardly worth $25 million per year. As for home runs, he does have an average of 32 over 162 game season. That stat is more than respectable.
He is definitely a star in the baseball world and I will give him his due. I just don't believe a player with those stats is worth that kind of money. How much better does one player make in this game when you could spend that money on upgrading the rest of your team in other places.
But then again, I'm just a writer and retail manager. What do I know?
Baseball has devolved into a business more than at any time in its past. At least in the public's eye although I'm sure to those who own teams it has always been a business. It just now touches the public more than ever in the past since we as a sporting public have access to sports news and topics 24/7.
That being said, I don't understand the runaway spending on players like Bryce Harper. Now don't get me wrong, I'm for anyone who gets paid for their efforts. Earn what you can earn. Complete blind loyalty to one organization isn't what it used to be several generations ago. I just don't see the value in someone who has a contract for $330 million dollars, whether it's spread out over 13 years or not. His stats when you look at them are good, but not worth that type of money in my opinion. In the prime of his career where he is now, he is only 13th among active players with a lifetime slugging percentage of 512. His batting average last year was a paltry .249. Although he has a lifetime batting average of .279, that's certainly respectable but hardly worth $25 million per year. As for home runs, he does have an average of 32 over 162 game season. That stat is more than respectable.
He is definitely a star in the baseball world and I will give him his due. I just don't believe a player with those stats is worth that kind of money. How much better does one player make in this game when you could spend that money on upgrading the rest of your team in other places.
But then again, I'm just a writer and retail manager. What do I know?
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Angel's Haven
Many years ago when I was a young lad my fellow siblings and I were nearly fanatical readers of comics. Not only comic books that esteemed North of 50 and I collect, but my brothers Anonymous and Gray Beard as well as Baby Sis read through the 'new' Doonesbury' comic strips. We had all the books and followed the strips daily when newspapers were still a big thing.
From that, my early talents and desires led me to develop my own comic strip; Angel's Haven. I think I will post a few here over the weeks. When I developed the strip in was the 1980's so some of the material will most likely seem dated in today's world. I still think it is humerus and I look back fondly on those days.
This is a strip of 'Angel and Elly', two of the main characters. The strip is an ensemble of characters that you will meet along the way. As with my writing, I hope you enjoy.
Sunday, December 30, 2018
Captain's Personal Log
Captain Stuart Joseph, Starship Parras - Third Fleet
Captain’s Personal Journal: Theta 11- 6
Captain’s Personal Journal: Theta 11- 6
“I am by all intents and purposes a free man, at least according to the Court Admiralty. Yet I find myself questioning that designation. I am back in command of the Parras and the fleet, a combined fleet that would otherwise not be under my command. Would the Dainsleif not be nearly a crippled ship then my state would not be so dire.”
“My world has been made whole yet for the first time I feel I am a prisoner, a prisoner in my own world, a world of my making. I am captive to this ship, this command that I aspired to, that which has become the only thing that encompasses my life. Perhaps I have always been a prisoner of my own making. This opportunity to command a starship, a fleet, was a chance to bring this war to a conclusion, at least in my mind. But in my mind I now realize I have become a prisoner to it and the ghost that I have chased my entire career.”
“My entire career. I look back now and wonder why I have dragged this ghost with me. Secrets are meant to stay in the shadows, in the past, yet I have worked at every instance to shine a light into the fine cracks I have uncovered. I have shackled myself to my own unfulfilled quest but now, it seems my quest has come to light, to light at a time when I can ill afford to follow it. Perhaps it is a time of destiny, that all I have worked for should come together at a single point in time. Is this war the fulfillment of my destiny or a fallacy for my own demise? I have unwittingly written the disparate notes of this symphony. Could it be at long last, time to let it play itself out?”
“Close journal.”
From the upcoming novel Battle Wagon, book three of the Home World series.
Monday, December 24, 2018
Twas ...
... possibly one of the most recognizable words this time of year, standing on its own or in conjunction with that verse it is best known for.
This is likely my favorite posting of each year, my favorite day of the year, this day that is Christmas Eve. It has become a tradition of sorts. This is a season of hustle and bustle piled on top of the trials and tribulations of the everyday world we live in. In my profession the Christmas season the world is a hectic place. For nearly four decades I have lived and worked through this busy cycle. Perhaps that is why Christmas Eve is so special to me. All the chaos is finished.
What awaits me this eve is the beauty of a fully trimmed tree that stretches to the sky. This year My Beloved and I have six red stockings hanging from the wooden mantle that runs the length of the fireplace. It is a cozy world though we dare not let the warmth of a fire make its way from the painted bricks, it might melt the secret chocolate that hides deep within the toe of a stocking.
It is a peaceful evening we spend this night together, our house quiet with the absence of a mischievous child. That will change quickly in the morning as Christmas Day explodes in a torrent of wrappings and squeals as presents litter the floor. Some traditions linger for years while others are short-lived. Those are often replaced by new traditions as we age and our families entwine with others. One of my favorite reminiscences from the days of my youth is the wrapping paper photo with my siblings. After all the presents were given out the paper would be piled in the middle of the floor and we would all dive beneath the pile. Our heads would be sticking out and our beloved Aunt Esther would take a picture of us all.
But tonight is the night I relish, the quiet, the scenery of Christmas, the wreaths, the lights and pine garland hanging gently above the red stockings. This is a night it all comes together and I am at peace. Would that it were snowing...
Christmas is a day that is for families, yet we must remember it was begun by a certain family two thousand years ago. They are the real reason for this season, the reason we celebrate family. My decorated tree is a relic of pagan customs, but those customs are blended with the traditions we now hold true and dear. It is a merging of a different kind of family, but a family none the less. We are here for one reason.
I wish all those tonight a very Merry Christmas. My your Christmas Eve be cheerful and filled with love and family.
This is likely my favorite posting of each year, my favorite day of the year, this day that is Christmas Eve. It has become a tradition of sorts. This is a season of hustle and bustle piled on top of the trials and tribulations of the everyday world we live in. In my profession the Christmas season the world is a hectic place. For nearly four decades I have lived and worked through this busy cycle. Perhaps that is why Christmas Eve is so special to me. All the chaos is finished.
What awaits me this eve is the beauty of a fully trimmed tree that stretches to the sky. This year My Beloved and I have six red stockings hanging from the wooden mantle that runs the length of the fireplace. It is a cozy world though we dare not let the warmth of a fire make its way from the painted bricks, it might melt the secret chocolate that hides deep within the toe of a stocking.
It is a peaceful evening we spend this night together, our house quiet with the absence of a mischievous child. That will change quickly in the morning as Christmas Day explodes in a torrent of wrappings and squeals as presents litter the floor. Some traditions linger for years while others are short-lived. Those are often replaced by new traditions as we age and our families entwine with others. One of my favorite reminiscences from the days of my youth is the wrapping paper photo with my siblings. After all the presents were given out the paper would be piled in the middle of the floor and we would all dive beneath the pile. Our heads would be sticking out and our beloved Aunt Esther would take a picture of us all.
But tonight is the night I relish, the quiet, the scenery of Christmas, the wreaths, the lights and pine garland hanging gently above the red stockings. This is a night it all comes together and I am at peace. Would that it were snowing...
Christmas is a day that is for families, yet we must remember it was begun by a certain family two thousand years ago. They are the real reason for this season, the reason we celebrate family. My decorated tree is a relic of pagan customs, but those customs are blended with the traditions we now hold true and dear. It is a merging of a different kind of family, but a family none the less. We are here for one reason.
I wish all those tonight a very Merry Christmas. My your Christmas Eve be cheerful and filled with love and family.
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Living in the past
Retail Boy (okay, that's me) did the unthinkable today and went to a store on a holiday. It is quite frankly something I am loathe to do. In this day and age the economic advantage drives the world. It is something I have understood and known for many years. Nearly everything we do as a society, a culture or the world for that matter is driven by some economic force.
This morning I ventured into a Kroger store to buy a newspaper. Although I will be at work tomorrow morning for the dreaded Black Friday, a holiday that seems to be revered more than Thanksgiving in this country, My Beloved wanted a newspaper to see all the ads. In the past, would that have been a tragedy? Hardly. Now to be fair, she's not much of a Day After shopper but due to my work she is often alone on this weekend. While I was there I picked up some cinnamon rolls for her as they are her favorite. It's the least I can do for someone who will be doing the bulk of the cooking today, even though I will do most of the cleaning up. In the past anything we missed would have been put off to the next day.
To that end many of the traditions we have known over the years, those that in my lifetime I have grown up with have fallen to the economic axe. As I walked around the grocery store it didn't look to me like any other random Thursday morning at a Kroger. There were some smiles from the staff and others who were simply busy going about their job, unfortunately a day where they should be home to sit back from the bustle of the everyday world. Thanksgiving to so many is just another day, nothing special at all. While those who aren't part of the critical workforce such as police, fire, hospitals are sitting at home doing what they choose, too many are at work in retail and restaurants who really shouldn't have to be there.
It all started with the advent of the BankAmericard. You know, the commercially first credit card to hit the mainstream. For the first decade or so it was a benefit that likely added to the holiday traditions and festivities. Now however we have all become slaves to the spending and complications that have come with it all. Now I know everyone didn't have the traditions I grew up with, a Thanksgiving meal with family, a traditional Christmas growing up with Mass at church and Christmas carols put on the record player without being shoved down our ears beginning November 1st. But what we have lost in this chaos is not just traditions of the past but we are on the verge of losing those traditions for the future, the family we foster and love.
Traditions once lost may never be rekindled and that is the sadness in this seasons holidays which are quickly becoming just another day.
May your Thanksgiving Day be relaxing and calm and my your turkey be moist and your potatoes be fluffy. And if you've never heard of frozen salad, look it up.
This morning I ventured into a Kroger store to buy a newspaper. Although I will be at work tomorrow morning for the dreaded Black Friday, a holiday that seems to be revered more than Thanksgiving in this country, My Beloved wanted a newspaper to see all the ads. In the past, would that have been a tragedy? Hardly. Now to be fair, she's not much of a Day After shopper but due to my work she is often alone on this weekend. While I was there I picked up some cinnamon rolls for her as they are her favorite. It's the least I can do for someone who will be doing the bulk of the cooking today, even though I will do most of the cleaning up. In the past anything we missed would have been put off to the next day.
To that end many of the traditions we have known over the years, those that in my lifetime I have grown up with have fallen to the economic axe. As I walked around the grocery store it didn't look to me like any other random Thursday morning at a Kroger. There were some smiles from the staff and others who were simply busy going about their job, unfortunately a day where they should be home to sit back from the bustle of the everyday world. Thanksgiving to so many is just another day, nothing special at all. While those who aren't part of the critical workforce such as police, fire, hospitals are sitting at home doing what they choose, too many are at work in retail and restaurants who really shouldn't have to be there.
It all started with the advent of the BankAmericard. You know, the commercially first credit card to hit the mainstream. For the first decade or so it was a benefit that likely added to the holiday traditions and festivities. Now however we have all become slaves to the spending and complications that have come with it all. Now I know everyone didn't have the traditions I grew up with, a Thanksgiving meal with family, a traditional Christmas growing up with Mass at church and Christmas carols put on the record player without being shoved down our ears beginning November 1st. But what we have lost in this chaos is not just traditions of the past but we are on the verge of losing those traditions for the future, the family we foster and love.
Traditions once lost may never be rekindled and that is the sadness in this seasons holidays which are quickly becoming just another day.
May your Thanksgiving Day be relaxing and calm and my your turkey be moist and your potatoes be fluffy. And if you've never heard of frozen salad, look it up.
Monday, October 8, 2018
Tag it
There isn't much in life that genuinely irritates me, you know, the small things. I don't care where the dishes are stored in the cabinets, well, at least if I can find them when I have to put them away. I don't care how the furniture is arranged in the room. I don't care how many pillows are on the bed, or on the couch, or on a chair. I don't care where we decide to put rugs on the floor, or even if we need them or not.
Okay, so what's the point of this ramble you ask? I hate tags. Yup, tags. Tags that are still attached to pillows, tags that are still attached to blankets. Tags that are still attached to the rugs that are scattered about the house. Tags that are attached to just about anything.
What's the point of them? Okay, they're required by law so the stuffing inside isn't dead rat hair. I get it. But, do you still have a tag sticking out of a pillow that's on your bed? Let me guess; you bought that pillow over five years ago. Have you washed it? Did you read the instructions on the tag before you tossed it in the washer? Maybe once, but if you actually have washed it more than once you didn't read the tag the second time or any time after that.
All that tag now does is stick out the side of the pillow, or the rug, or the towel and ruin the picture perfect image you have crafted for your abode. All the pretty stacked pillows on the bed, all the patterned rugs that tie your decor choices together are ruined by a stupid, overly-long white tag with verbiage that sticks out and looks completely out of place. You know what else it does? It hits you in the neck when you lean against it; it flops across your cheek and just generally irritates the hell out of me. At every turn I just want to rip them off.
It's time we had a revolution in this country...rip it...rip it good...rip it off. You won't read the washing instructions on it anyway.
Okay, so what's the point of this ramble you ask? I hate tags. Yup, tags. Tags that are still attached to pillows, tags that are still attached to blankets. Tags that are still attached to the rugs that are scattered about the house. Tags that are attached to just about anything.
What's the point of them? Okay, they're required by law so the stuffing inside isn't dead rat hair. I get it. But, do you still have a tag sticking out of a pillow that's on your bed? Let me guess; you bought that pillow over five years ago. Have you washed it? Did you read the instructions on the tag before you tossed it in the washer? Maybe once, but if you actually have washed it more than once you didn't read the tag the second time or any time after that.
All that tag now does is stick out the side of the pillow, or the rug, or the towel and ruin the picture perfect image you have crafted for your abode. All the pretty stacked pillows on the bed, all the patterned rugs that tie your decor choices together are ruined by a stupid, overly-long white tag with verbiage that sticks out and looks completely out of place. You know what else it does? It hits you in the neck when you lean against it; it flops across your cheek and just generally irritates the hell out of me. At every turn I just want to rip them off.
It's time we had a revolution in this country...rip it...rip it good...rip it off. You won't read the washing instructions on it anyway.
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