Jim Vuksic's Blog, page 4
September 5, 2020
What Made Me Who I Am
Like everyone else, I am the product of my life experiences and resulting beliefs.
Life Experiences
- Studied at a Roman Catholic seminary for 4 years.
- A former U.S. Marine and Vietnam veteran.
- Member of a 'Country/Western' band for 8 years. Played electric bass and guitar.
- Married for 35 1/2 years. 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Now a widower.
- Held various management positions within the H.J. Heinz Company for 33 years. Retired in 2001.
- I have visited 45 states to-date. All by car, except for Hawaii. 5 to go.
- Wrote a novel. Commercially available from Aug. 9, 2011 through Dec. 31, 2016.
Prejudices
- Don't like war, hypocrisy, cheaters, large crowds, loud bars, snakes, spiders, bullies, undisciplined children/adults, those who provide excuses rather than reasons.
Beliefs
- Luck has nothing to do with success.
- Always keep a promise.
- Wanting something to be the truth does not make it true and illogically believing something to be reality does not make it real.
- One should learn to accept and live in the world that exists instead of wasting precious time and resources seeking a non-existent alternative.
- Heterosexuality and homosexuality are not choices or perversions. We are what we are and should be accepted for who we are.
Life Experiences
- Studied at a Roman Catholic seminary for 4 years.
- A former U.S. Marine and Vietnam veteran.
- Member of a 'Country/Western' band for 8 years. Played electric bass and guitar.
- Married for 35 1/2 years. 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Now a widower.
- Held various management positions within the H.J. Heinz Company for 33 years. Retired in 2001.
- I have visited 45 states to-date. All by car, except for Hawaii. 5 to go.
- Wrote a novel. Commercially available from Aug. 9, 2011 through Dec. 31, 2016.
Prejudices
- Don't like war, hypocrisy, cheaters, large crowds, loud bars, snakes, spiders, bullies, undisciplined children/adults, those who provide excuses rather than reasons.
Beliefs
- Luck has nothing to do with success.
- Always keep a promise.
- Wanting something to be the truth does not make it true and illogically believing something to be reality does not make it real.
- One should learn to accept and live in the world that exists instead of wasting precious time and resources seeking a non-existent alternative.
- Heterosexuality and homosexuality are not choices or perversions. We are what we are and should be accepted for who we are.
July 19, 2020
Your Dog is Older Than You Think
A recent scientific study has debunked the traditional belief that a dog's age compared to human aging may be calculated by multiples of 7 (Multiply the dog's age by 7 to calculate the age in human years.)
104 puppies, just weeks old, were observed and tested daily for 16 years. It was discovered that methilaton chemical marks on a dog's DNA cause a dog to age more rapidly during its first 5 years, then more slowly thereafter.
A 1-year-old dog is 30 years old in human years.
A 3-year-old dog is 49 years old in human years.
A 5-year-old dog is 60 years old in human years.
A 7-year-old dog is 62 years old in human years.
An 8-year-old dog is 64 years old in human years.
A 12-year-old dog is 70 years old in human years.
The aging process varies slightly depending upon the size and breed. However, the comparisons listed above serve as a valid general guideline.
104 puppies, just weeks old, were observed and tested daily for 16 years. It was discovered that methilaton chemical marks on a dog's DNA cause a dog to age more rapidly during its first 5 years, then more slowly thereafter.
A 1-year-old dog is 30 years old in human years.
A 3-year-old dog is 49 years old in human years.
A 5-year-old dog is 60 years old in human years.
A 7-year-old dog is 62 years old in human years.
An 8-year-old dog is 64 years old in human years.
A 12-year-old dog is 70 years old in human years.
The aging process varies slightly depending upon the size and breed. However, the comparisons listed above serve as a valid general guideline.
June 10, 2020
Advice from an Unsuccessful Author
An idea for a story resided and evolved inside my head for years. However, too many other aspects of my life left no time to seriously pursue it.
By 2005, my priorities had changed dramatically. My four children were now self-sufficient, independent adults, I was now a widower, and into my fourth year of retirement. After five years adjusting to my new lifestyle, I decided to focus the vast majority of my time upon finally doing something about my long dormant idea.
After a year of writing, rewriting, and polishing, I submitted query letters to several publishers until one offered me a contract. Unfortunately, the manuscript which I had believed to be polished and ready for publishing turned out to be neither. Fortunately, a copy editor, conceptual editor, and layout design artist patiently helped me to make it ready.
The book was finally released in four formats on August 9, 2011. It remained commercially available until December 31, 2016 when the publisher was forced to declare bankruptcy; probably due to having signed too many authors like myself.
During the five years and four months of its availability, the book sold a total of only 1,029 units (485 paperback - 480 e-book - 36 audio on CD - 28 audio download). Royalties paid to me totaled $2,358.34. My one and only novel was a commercial failure.
During 72 years of life, I have learned that we sometimes succeed and sometimes fail. The important thing is to at least try. Fortunately, I have experienced success many more times than failure: A financially rewarding 33-year management career, 35 1/2 year wonderful marriage, 5 beautiful children and 4 grandchildren, all of whom never cease to make me proud.
If you happen to be a novice writer, remember this: Very few authors will ever become commercially successful within this extremely competitive field. That said; some have. There is no reason why you might not eventually become one of them. However, if you do not, just remind yourself of all the times you have succeeded during your lifetime.
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts."
Winston Churchill
By 2005, my priorities had changed dramatically. My four children were now self-sufficient, independent adults, I was now a widower, and into my fourth year of retirement. After five years adjusting to my new lifestyle, I decided to focus the vast majority of my time upon finally doing something about my long dormant idea.
After a year of writing, rewriting, and polishing, I submitted query letters to several publishers until one offered me a contract. Unfortunately, the manuscript which I had believed to be polished and ready for publishing turned out to be neither. Fortunately, a copy editor, conceptual editor, and layout design artist patiently helped me to make it ready.
The book was finally released in four formats on August 9, 2011. It remained commercially available until December 31, 2016 when the publisher was forced to declare bankruptcy; probably due to having signed too many authors like myself.
During the five years and four months of its availability, the book sold a total of only 1,029 units (485 paperback - 480 e-book - 36 audio on CD - 28 audio download). Royalties paid to me totaled $2,358.34. My one and only novel was a commercial failure.
During 72 years of life, I have learned that we sometimes succeed and sometimes fail. The important thing is to at least try. Fortunately, I have experienced success many more times than failure: A financially rewarding 33-year management career, 35 1/2 year wonderful marriage, 5 beautiful children and 4 grandchildren, all of whom never cease to make me proud.
If you happen to be a novice writer, remember this: Very few authors will ever become commercially successful within this extremely competitive field. That said; some have. There is no reason why you might not eventually become one of them. However, if you do not, just remind yourself of all the times you have succeeded during your lifetime.
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts."
Winston Churchill
May 20, 2020
There is More to Life than Reading
I consider myself to be an avid reader. On average, I read three books per month.
I am a 72-year-old widower and have been retired for the past 19 years. Prior to that, my job and responsibilities as a husband and father left very little time for reading.
The number of books that some Goodreads members have rated and/or reviewed amazes and concerns me.
Based upon the age of one member, the number of ratings posted by them indicates that they have read two books per week, assuming they began seriously reading at ten years of age. Presuming they have not posted a rating for every book read, the number is even higher.
Reading is wonderful. That said; there are so many other wonderful things to do in life and so little time in which to do them. There are people to meet, activities to experience, and places to visit. If physically able, do not squander the opportunity to do so.
I am a 72-year-old widower and have been retired for the past 19 years. Prior to that, my job and responsibilities as a husband and father left very little time for reading.
The number of books that some Goodreads members have rated and/or reviewed amazes and concerns me.
Based upon the age of one member, the number of ratings posted by them indicates that they have read two books per week, assuming they began seriously reading at ten years of age. Presuming they have not posted a rating for every book read, the number is even higher.
Reading is wonderful. That said; there are so many other wonderful things to do in life and so little time in which to do them. There are people to meet, activities to experience, and places to visit. If physically able, do not squander the opportunity to do so.
March 7, 2020
Professional Advice From an Amateur is an Oxymoron
It is natural for novice self-published authors to seek advice regarding promotional tools, distribution processes, and review generation for their work. This is both wise and necessary if commercial success is ever to be achieved.
That said; all too often such advice is sought and received from amateur authors who have little or no more experience or expertise than those seeking their input.
There are books, articles in literary periodicals, community college classes, seminars, and presentations written and conducted by professional writers who have already established reputations and commercial success available at little or no cost.
Seek professional advice from the professionals and that is what you will get. The odds against ever achieving commercial success within this extremely competitive field are great and often appears to be insuperable. However, some have. There is no reason why you could not eventually be one of them. I wish you success.
That said; all too often such advice is sought and received from amateur authors who have little or no more experience or expertise than those seeking their input.
There are books, articles in literary periodicals, community college classes, seminars, and presentations written and conducted by professional writers who have already established reputations and commercial success available at little or no cost.
Seek professional advice from the professionals and that is what you will get. The odds against ever achieving commercial success within this extremely competitive field are great and often appears to be insuperable. However, some have. There is no reason why you could not eventually be one of them. I wish you success.
November 12, 2019
No Winners. No Losers. Only Survivors
Yesterday, Monday, November 11 was Veterans Day. All those who presently and previously served in the U.S. Military were formally recognized and honored as well they should be. Their dedication and sacrifice must never be taken for granted.
That said; we must all hope that the day will come when there is no need for military veterans. Anyone who has experienced combat first-hand will testify that when the the last shot is fired, the peace treaties are signed, and the war is declared officially over, there are no winners and no losers. There are only survivors.
That said; we must all hope that the day will come when there is no need for military veterans. Anyone who has experienced combat first-hand will testify that when the the last shot is fired, the peace treaties are signed, and the war is declared officially over, there are no winners and no losers. There are only survivors.
September 4, 2019
You Think You Have Better Things to Do, but You Don't
How often do we squander time we could spend with loved ones because we have better things to do?
Those better things usually include such activities as having a drink, playing cards, attending a concert or sporting event with friends, or perhaps enjoying some alone time reading, listening to music, watching television or taking a nap.
There is nothing wrong with not spending every moment with those we love; however, we may someday regret having not spent a little more time with them.
Everyone eventually dies. How often have you heard a grieving survivor say "I wish I had spent more time with them and not taken them for granted."
Upon serious reflection, we often discover that the better things we did rather than spend time with a loved one weren't truly better.
Those better things usually include such activities as having a drink, playing cards, attending a concert or sporting event with friends, or perhaps enjoying some alone time reading, listening to music, watching television or taking a nap.
There is nothing wrong with not spending every moment with those we love; however, we may someday regret having not spent a little more time with them.
Everyone eventually dies. How often have you heard a grieving survivor say "I wish I had spent more time with them and not taken them for granted."
Upon serious reflection, we often discover that the better things we did rather than spend time with a loved one weren't truly better.
July 29, 2019
26,280 Days.
Yesterday, was the anniversary of my birth. It marked my 26,280th. day as a member of the human race. I'll allow you to do the math.
As with any other life, there have been some bad times, terrible times, and extremely sad times. That said; the good times, wonderful times, and happy times have far outnumbered the aforementioned ones.
I look forward to the days ahead and will continue to do so until I am no longer physically or mentally able to live them to the fullest. At some point, my ride will be finished and it will be time for me to leave and allow someone else to have their turn. I sincerely hope that they have, at the very least, as many days as I have had.
As with any other life, there have been some bad times, terrible times, and extremely sad times. That said; the good times, wonderful times, and happy times have far outnumbered the aforementioned ones.
I look forward to the days ahead and will continue to do so until I am no longer physically or mentally able to live them to the fullest. At some point, my ride will be finished and it will be time for me to leave and allow someone else to have their turn. I sincerely hope that they have, at the very least, as many days as I have had.
May 30, 2019
Say This Instead of That. Do This Instead of That.
Some common statements often made by those mourning the death of a loved one.
- "I regret that terrible thing I said to hurt him/her during our last conversation. I wish I had said this instead of that."
- I am so sorry tor that awful thing I did that embarrassed him/her so badly during that final time we spent together."
- I wish I had spent more time with him/her. There were so many opportunities to do things together that I now regret having squandered."
Here's an idea. There are loved ones among you who are still alive. The next time they say or do something that irritates you, stop, take a deep breath and say something comforting instead of hurtful. Before doing something stupid that may embarrass a loved one, think about the ramifications and just don't do it. Spend more time doing things with your loved ones even when you might rather be doing something else with someone else.
Follow the suggestions listed in the previous paragraph and you will never have to say " I wish I had said this instead of that". "I wish I had done this instead of that". "I wish we had spent more time together."
- "I regret that terrible thing I said to hurt him/her during our last conversation. I wish I had said this instead of that."
- I am so sorry tor that awful thing I did that embarrassed him/her so badly during that final time we spent together."
- I wish I had spent more time with him/her. There were so many opportunities to do things together that I now regret having squandered."
Here's an idea. There are loved ones among you who are still alive. The next time they say or do something that irritates you, stop, take a deep breath and say something comforting instead of hurtful. Before doing something stupid that may embarrass a loved one, think about the ramifications and just don't do it. Spend more time doing things with your loved ones even when you might rather be doing something else with someone else.
Follow the suggestions listed in the previous paragraph and you will never have to say " I wish I had said this instead of that". "I wish I had done this instead of that". "I wish we had spent more time together."
April 28, 2019
Proud to be Prejudiced
I am prejudiced and proud to admit it. I do not like or care to associate with the following types of people:
- Those who criticize another's religion, culture, ethnicity, traditions, or customs without first expending the time and effort to learn about how they came about and the important role they play in some lives.
- Those who love to claim exclusive credit for the endeavors in which they succeed, but constantly blame everyone other then themselves when they fail.
- Those who bully those weaker than themselves, including mistreating children and/or spouses.
- Those who base their acceptance of any statement or philosophy upon blind faith rather than research and logic.
My original intended title for this blog post was "Pride and Prejudice", but then I asked myself Who would ever read anything with such a stupid title?
- Those who criticize another's religion, culture, ethnicity, traditions, or customs without first expending the time and effort to learn about how they came about and the important role they play in some lives.
- Those who love to claim exclusive credit for the endeavors in which they succeed, but constantly blame everyone other then themselves when they fail.
- Those who bully those weaker than themselves, including mistreating children and/or spouses.
- Those who base their acceptance of any statement or philosophy upon blind faith rather than research and logic.
My original intended title for this blog post was "Pride and Prejudice", but then I asked myself Who would ever read anything with such a stupid title?
