Adam Thomas's Blog, page 11
September 13, 2018
Up, up and …
For the past few weeks, Hot Air Balloons have been peppering the morning sky. It’s fall – prime flying time, baby. Once the leaves change, the FAA will need to establish routing grids to accommodate the increased ‘traffic’. I’ve never been in a hot air balloon, but I think it would be way cool. It just seems so peaceful floating through the sky. Since I knew little about this mode of transportation, I googled it. Oh, and I’m NOT citing my source. Someday, I may rise above that, though. (pun intended)
Montgolfier Brothers got it Wright
Early unmanned hot air balloons were used in China.
The first untethered manned hot air balloon flight was performed by Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and François Laurent d’Arlandes on November 21, 1783, in Paris, France, in a balloon created by the Montgolfier brothers.
The hot air balloon is the first successful human-carrying flight technology.
In this case, Hot Air is a good thing
going up
Hot air is less dense than cool air; the heated air causes the balloon to rise simply because it is lighter than an equal volume of cold air. Buoyancy is an upward force that the air exerts, and it helps hot air balloons and blimps stay in the air. A hot air balloon uses a burner to heat up the air inside the balloon. This causes the balloon to float upwards, as if it were in water.
If you heat that air by 100 degrees F, it weighs about 7 grams less. Therefore, each cubic foot of air contained in a hot air balloon can lift about 7 grams. That’s not much, and this is why hot air balloons are so huge — to lift 1,000 pounds, you need about 65,000 cubic feet of hot air.
coming down
Obviously, if the air is allowed to cool, the balloon begins to slowly descend.
steering
During the flight, the pilot’s only ability to steer is to climb or settle into winds going different directions.
It’s all about the ride, baby
To pilot a balloon you must have a pilot’s license, or airman’s certificate, just as you would for an airplane or any other aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues balloon pilot licenses and offer training in the Lighter-than-Air category – Hot Air Balloon with Airborne Heater rating.
Hot air balloon rides season runs typically from April to October.
The cost is normally $275 / person based on 5 person ride. However, the cost is only $ 1325 for the flight up to eight (8) passengers.
You fear, you lose
Globophobia – morbid fear at the thought, sight, touch or even smell of balloons. Most individuals, however, are only afraid of the sound made by the popping of balloons. Since the likelihood of a Hot Air Balloon popping is slim, I’m thinkin’ there may be a possibility some globo might goforit.
Aviophobia (aerophobia) is the fear of flying. No chance in hell one of these people is going near a balloon ride.
Acrophobia is an extreme or irrational fear or phobia of heights, especially when one is not particularly high up. Considering the only way is up, this person is staying down.
The … away (for this post, that is)
This Fifth Dimension song immediately came to mind, of course. But, so did the Disney movie Up! . Both are equally appropriate. However, the movie wasn’t actually about Hot Air Balloons. Since I’m all about the details, the song definitely had the required hot air to lift this post. (Pause) Just ask Kevin.
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September 6, 2018
My horrorscope summer – a perspective rant
the rant
I am so glad this summer is over. It truly was awful and fucking and fucking awful. It was so bad, my monthly horrorscope warned – “Brace yourself. It’s going to be rough.” Hell, one site even used the word – ugly when referencing MY summer. Yeah, … . And, please don’t roll your eyes when I mention the whole astrological forecast thing. I refer to them as horroscopes for a reason. More often than not, they are just fun to read; especially when I’m fully aware what Nonsense will be included. As far as that whole ‘power of suggestion’ issue… . Who would ever want a bad summer? On purpose? Horrorscopes are harmless. What’s written is usually positive; ludicrous, but still relatively positive. As strange as it may seem, the ‘false hope’ that Tarot Tina teases readers with gets you through those rough times.
the concept
A few months back, I was in conversation with a friend and the subject of perspective was discussed. Luckily, we were at the gym and both of us had agendas dictated by time. And, we were still trying to workout. Fortunately, the constraints of the situation warranted amazing insight into the complex concept that is perspective
I am a writer. Therefore, I analyzed what was said and came to the conclusion that perspective is kinda similar to Point of View. Since POV is a fundamental tool in writing, every story has one. I had great fun occupying my time pondering this newfound theory. I realized, though, that a primary difference existed. In the fictitious world, Point of View is easily controlled or manipulated. A non-fictional perspective is not. Instead, that has cluster fuck written all over it – one that can neither be controlled nor manipulated.
I drafted those words immediately following my conversation, waiting for additional inspiration to complete my thought process. Well, so much for inspiration. That was over six months ago. To this day, I still have no further revelations about anything remotely related to the topic other than the fact that perspective is dictated by three provisions –
hardest thing to gain
easiest thing to lose
changes frequently
the event
I thought I had actually gained something a few days ago. And, yes, it was extremely difficult getting to that point. Still, it was an amazing moment. The details, quite frankly, are unimportant. Trust me.
Unfortunately, it turned out to be just that – a moment. The next day, the Caveat emptor that IS Life reared its weary head, of course The three governing bodies duked it out overnight, things changed quickly and I … lost the slim glimmer of perspective I had fought so hard to obtain.
Fortunately, for whatever perspective that was gained, then lost in that particular situation, the validation I experienced from how I handled said situation remained. #fuckingawesome!
After this summer, I am still going to read my horrorscope. (insert: well deserved eye roll). But, I also decided that perspective is highly over-rated. Validation is where it’s at, baby.
Point … taken?
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August 30, 2018
A Promise to Love
So, remember Robert C. Bradshaw? He wrote In Your Eyes AND asked that I include the icon over there for his book. Yeah, well, he wants to ride on my blog strings once again. Slacker. Get your own website, dude. But then we are practically the same person. Hmm… . That would be kind of redundant. Regardless, I will always be better looking. And, funnier. Besides, I’d probs have more followers.
Okay, okay, enough about … me.
Mr. Bradshaw uploaded another title onto Kindle – A Promise to Love.
Yes, it’s another love story. This one is a bit different, though. It’s targeted for lovelorn folks of ALL ages – even Young Adult readers. It is clean, man. I think he felt a bit guilty when he wrote it. He is Catholic. That self-inflicted guilt thing gets us all the time. The story is loosely based his wife’s grandmother. I’m thinkin’ he would’ve caught some serious shade if the heroine – Eve Antinozzi – turned out to be some morally shallow harlot. The main dude, Rennie Chambers, is actually a pharmacist. Can you believe there is a well written story about a pharmacist? Other than mine, of course. Imagine that. Also, It’s historical – 1949 in Beantown (that’s Boston, by the way).
Shit, man. Robert C. is sure a blog hog. First the book plug; now the musical number. He insisted it be included. Apparently, this song ‘inspired’ the pivotal scene in the story. What an egomaniac, eh? I never take up so much … space in one post. Soon, the icon for that book will be added to MY home page as well. At least I’ve done my part. Now do yours – Buy the book. Please? While your at it, tell someone to buy My … Fictionalized Memoir.
That’s enough Nonsense about sharing blog space and Random ‘identity’ issues. That’s … A Promise.
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August 23, 2018
This might actually be funny.
I haven’t had a vocabulary lesson in a long time. So, I was way overdue. Besides, this one is totally fun. And, school is starting. What better way to usher in the occasion than with an appropriately timed post?
actually – (adverb)
in act or in fact : really
in point of fact —used to suggest something unexpected
The reason I chose to highlight such a seemingly simple word is because it has become quite the ‘instigator’ in my household. It’s my children, of course. Only sibling rivalry could generate such commotion. By the way, I’m enjoying the resulting conundrum more than I should be. Please don’t out me.
Before I continue, I wanted to apologize for another post inspired by my kids. Family is such a great source for material. Soon two of them will be off to college and I could be floundering for topics. So, I’s takes what I’s can get when I’s can get it.
If one of my children uses the word ‘actually’ in a sentence when referencing a sibling – watch out! It can get ugly very fast.
example: “I can’t believe you just said that. You are actually dumb.“
Realize of course, that when the word ‘actually’ is said, it is delivered with a deliberate, yet infinitesimally short pause before and after the word for emphasis. That one, simple adverb hits a nerve, baby. Forget the fact that your younger sibling just called you dumb. Dumb is nothing when compared to ‘actually’ dumb.
I could go on, but everyone knows how that exchange (term used very loosely) will progress. Or digress in this case. Lolly, Lolly, Lolly had no idea what her little adverb song created for the social media generation.
See, I told you it would be fun. Some parental moments need to be shared.
side note: the word ‘really‘ is included in this definition. I hate the way really has become the metaphorical question, so to speak, when said after a dramatic sentence. Adults use this way too often. And, usually in the wrong context.
Listen to your children, people! You might actually learn something. (pauses implied)
The post This might actually be funny. appeared first on Adam Thomas, RPH.
August 16, 2018
simply vinyl
Last Christmas, my youngest daughter received a phonograph. Since then, she has accumulated a few, but not too many albums. She’s a teenager – there are numerous other distractions to occupy her attention. She is a huge Lana Del Rey fan. Other than that, her musical interest is quite diverse. Recently, she went shopping to add to her collection. Being fifteen, she has limited funds. Being fifty-three, I have limited funds, as well. Imagine that.
Billboard Chart
She had three albums to choose from and only enough money for one.
The Beatles The Magical Mystery Tour
Jimi Hendrix Electric Ladyland
Harry Styles Harry Styles
time capacity – the vinyl beginnings
A phonograph record is an analog sound storage medium in the form of a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove. The groove usually starts near the periphery and ends near the center of the disc. At first, the discs were commonly made from shellac. In the 1950s polyvinyl chloride became common. Recently, records have been called vinyl records, or simply vinyl.
The phonograph disc record was the primary medium used for music reproduction throughout the 20th century. Records retained the largest market share even when new formats such as the compact cassette were mass-marketed. By the 1980s, digital media, in the form of the compact disc, had gained a larger market share, and the vinyl record left the mainstream in 1991. From the 1990s to the 2010s, records continued to be manufactured. Vinyl records have made a notable niche resurgence in the early 21st century. As of 2017, 48 record pressing facilities remain worldwide.
Fun fact / side note – Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1877 .
R.P.M.
Phonograph records are generally described by their diameter in inches, the rotational speed in revolutions per minute (rpm) at which they are played (8 1⁄3, 16 2⁄3, 33 1⁄3, 45, 78), and their time capacity, determined by their diameter and speed – LP , EP, and last but not least, the level of fidelity. Yeah, baby!
LP stands for Long Playing, and is another word for ‘album’. The term is now also often used for CDs and digital downloads.
Jacket Required
Regardless of what Phil Collins says, you just can’t have ‘vinyl’ without a killer sleeve. Great care and attention to detail go into jacket designs. My daughter’s selections alone are indicative of that fact. Between the three selections, the Harry Styles debut album pales in comparison to its competition. Kids nowadays.
Speaking of that, she chose the Beatles album. Harry had only 10 songs. But the Mystery Tour was truly Magical – it contained a 24 page collector’s photo booklet. Sweet! She’s a good kid, though. The next day I went out and purchased Electric Ladyland. It’s Hendrix! What was I supposed to do? Besides, I can be quite the pushover. Sometimes.
Bonus track
Like my daughter, I too had a decision. How should I close a postal tribute to the vinyl record?
With a totally random, yet appropriately themed selection, of course.
Spin it!
The post simply vinyl appeared first on Adam Thomas, RPH.
purely vinyl
Last Christmas, my youngest daughter received a phonograph. Since then, she has accumulated a few, but not too many albums. She’s a teenager – there are numerous other distractions to occupy her attention. She is a huge Lana Del Rey fan. Other than that, her musical interest is quite diverse. Recently, she went shopping to add to her collection. Being fifteen, she has limited funds. Being fifty-three, I have limited funds, as well. Imagine that.
Billboard Chart
She had three albums to choose from and only enough money for one.
The Beatles The Magical Mystery Tour
Jimi Hendrix Electric Ladyland
Harry Styles Harry Styles
time capacity – the vinyl beginnings
A phonograph record is an analog sound storage medium in the form of a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove. The groove usually starts near the periphery and ends near the center of the disc. At first, the discs were commonly made from shellac. In the 1950s polyvinyl chloride became common. Recently, records have been called vinyl records, or simply vinyl.
The phonograph disc record was the primary medium used for music reproduction throughout the 20th century. Records retained the largest market share even when new formats such as the compact cassette were mass-marketed. By the 1980s, digital media, in the form of the compact disc, had gained a larger market share, and the vinyl record left the mainstream in 1991. From the 1990s to the 2010s, records continued to be manufactured. Vinyl records have made a notable niche resurgence in the early 21st century. As of 2017, 48 record pressing facilities remain worldwide.
Fun fact / side note – Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1877 .
R.P.M.
Phonograph records are generally described by their diameter in inches, the rotational speed in revolutions per minute (rpm) at which they are played (8 1⁄3, 16 2⁄3, 33 1⁄3, 45, 78), and their time capacity, determined by their diameter and speed – LP , EP, and last but not least, the level of fidelity. Yeah, baby!
LP stands for Long Playing, and is another word for ‘album’. The term is now also often used for CDs and digital downloads.
Jacket Required
Regardless of what Phil Collins says, you just can’t have ‘vinyl’ without a killer sleeve. Great care and attention to detail go into jacket designs. My daughter’s selections alone are indicative of that fact. Between the three selections, the Harry Styles debut album pales in comparison to its competition. Kids nowadays.
Speaking of that, she chose the Beatles album. Harry had only 10 songs. But the Mystery Tour was truly Magical – it contained a 24 page collector’s photo booklet. Sweet! She’s a good kid, though. The next day I went out and purchased Electric Ladyland. It’s Hendrix! What was I supposed to do? Besides, I can be quite the pushover. Sometimes.
Bonus track
Like my daughter, I too had a decision. How should I close a postal tribute to the vinyl record?
With a totally random, yet appropriately themed selection, of course.
Spin it!
The post purely vinyl appeared first on Adam Thomas, RPH.
August 9, 2018
My Favorite Posts 2018
I’m a bit early this year with my annual postal review. My actual anniversary is mid-July. So, if you want to get technical – I’m late. When a blog topic presents itself, I need to follow through; especially if it’s current. Thus, the inconsistency in timing issue. After over 300 posts, you would think there would be some improvement. Sadly, no.
In 2018, I was more Random than ever. According to ICD-10 standards, my condition probably isn’t even categorized. Randomness in blogging isn’t that horrible of a malady – N53.9 is way worse. Trust me.
I drank a lot this past year. Let me rephrase that. I posted information about various beverages – hard apple cider, champagne, carbonated specialty sodas. People continue to tell me I need to practice what I … write?!
Good news – sign lady is back. I think she’s rusty, though. Her signs have been pretty bad lately. So, I’m still considering switching to other forms of ‘wisdom’. My son is getting into bumper stickers. (Pause) Please don’t judge.
Enough recap rambling. On with the postal presentation.
Aug 29, 2017 Adam Thomas picked … (some fucking peppers) Sorry about the ‘abbreviated’ title but I was lazy. Long ‘twister’. As far as the peppers are concerned, they were definitely purple. And, fucking awesome.
Oct 18, 2017 CSI – Traverse City Summer is here again and I’m running the bleachers. Again. This year there are no concerns whatsoever. A new ticket booth is being constructed. Hence, the fence is torn down. No ‘alternative’ entrance required.
Oct 25, 2017 Schoolhouse Rock Three really is a magic number.
Dec 01, 2017 the Christmas ‘pickle’ I don’t care about an extra present. I want that lucky year. Hell, at this stage in my life, I would be happy with, like, a day.
Dec 15, 2017 the unintentional post was about a fellow employee who lost his daughter. On Aug 02, 2018 I posted HawkScripts about two classmates that passed away. Some things in Life really aren’t intended to happen. And, reality really does suck.
March 08, 2018 MasterCard Moment – In Pizza We Crust March 15, 2018 Ode to the Airliner Considering HawkScripts was also Iowa based, I’m thinking I’m really missing my Iowa roots. Hmm.. .
March 29, 2018 Hair I go again Damn! March was a solid month, eh? I ended up getting a haircut shortly after the post. Barber Jeff is the ultimate barber dude.
May 24, 2018 Fatherly Advice? Yes, that is a question mark. Yes, my advice is still questionable. Yes, I am done. Any questions?
June 21, 2018 Hopes and dreams of chickens everywhere This was just fun. Besides, it made my mother laugh.
July 26, 2018 In the shower Well, the ‘shower idea’ that inspired this entry was finally acted upon. It wasn’t foolproof. Remember, it’s me. But, I haven’t been made a fool of. Yet! Definitely a work in progress. More to come on that very soon.
Honorable mention –
Nov 15, 2017 Vidalia Onion Pie and Feb 09, 2018 soups on Food was a recurring theme in 2017. Since, I’m still hungry in 2018, these needed to be … mentioned. Honorably. Anyway, these recipes really are fucking awesome even if there are no purple pepper pieces.
Thanks for another great ‘year’.
Keep calm and blog on!
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August 2, 2018
HawkScripts
Well, I’m going back to my Iowa roots. I know, I know. I’m NOT a true Iowan. I only went to college there. So, I will fondly refer to these roots as temporarily transplanted ones. At the risk of being modest, I sowed my share of roots, baby. They be planted. The state/College of Pharmacy may refute this fact. Still, I sowed. I’ve even referenced these amazing years both in my Fictional Memoir and this blog – Ode to the Airliner.
HawkScripts is a bi-annual publication from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. I like receiving every issue. I feel connected. A few years back, I lobbied for an article to be written about My Life … hoping to generate sales. Well, that never happened. Hell, I never even got a response. Come to think about – why would anyone respond to such an inquiry?
Fortunately, I don’t hold a grudge. How could I? I loved everything that was Iowa – especially the friendships I forged during my college years. Better yet, HawkScripts keeps me up on the College and, more importantly, the students and alumni.
The format is relatively simple and completely reader friendly. Remember, these are pharmacists. Journalistic finesse was never the goal. Regardless, it serves its intended purpose adequately.
Letter from the Dean
Feature articles –
research/new innovations / pipeline medications, etc – I rarely read these articles however appropriate they may be. I should. I’s just don’t. But, I should.
the new facilities AND annual financial updates – the new digs are sweet – the usual plug for alumni to donate
Profiles – Educator accomplishments and staff accolades – Much of the faculty from my day are retired. Now, some of my classmates ARE the faculty. Crazy, eh!?
Class Notes / Student News
what current students are doing – because they are all that. Be them as they may, the Class of 1989 was way cooler.
Alumni information
Homecoming is huge. In every issue. The Winter edition recaps the previous Homecoming. The Summer pages detail events for the upcoming festivities.
what wonderful things everyone but myself has accomplished. Always fun to read. (sarcasm intended). I did write a book, though. Yeah, … .
Future Hawkeyes –
hopefully none of my classmates are included in this section. Why would you want to be unless it’s a grandparent announcement.
There is one last section I should mention. Considering it’s the reason for this post, I’m thinking that would be a good idea.
In Memoriam
Two of my classmates passed away recently. I was sad when I read the entries. After graduation, I had little, if any, contact with either person. Still, it’s surreal. Sometimes, hearing something such as this about an acquaintance is quite unsettling because you hadn’t had contact with them. There wasn’t a process to go along with the news. It’s a reality. And, reality really does suck.
Enough of this serious shit. That’s why I shower and keep my blog Random, baby. Besides, ‘N’ really is for Nonsense.
Enjoy summer! It’s going fast.
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July 26, 2018
in the shower
Well, I guess I’m going to share some unsolicited information about myself. Considering I do this on a regular basis and have been doing so for the last, what, 5 years, I’m probs good, eh? Trust me,it’s nothing spicy. Never is. And, anyone who reads this probably does the same thing.
When I am in the shower, I think a lot. For those that know me, just the idea of me thinking is quite frightening. It IS better than the alternative. Right? Anyway. Shower thinking is really productive, though. It’s the only time of day when you are truly alone. Usually. Hell, the fucking house could be falling apart, kids yelling, wife … being a wife. And, all you have to say are those simple words – “I’m in the shower.” Granted, it’s often proceeded or followed with a few ‘adjectives’. The fact remains – you are momentarily absolved of all responsibility.
Fortunately, it takes me a very short time to decompress. A locked door is a wonderful thing.
That’s when the thinking starts. It used to be I would mentally process either what happened or what needed to happen in the coming days – to do list, meal planning, crises that needed to be addressed. The normal stuff. Then I realized I did that when the door was open. Hell, I can meal plan while the house is falling apart. Multi-tasking at its finest, baby. More often than not, the fallout from familial crises can often positively influence meal planning.
Yeah, … .
Still, I transitioned effortlessly. After marriage, three kids, and rare amounts of ‘office time’, I am now quite selective with what I choose to think about in the shower. My brain is programmed accordingly.
Recently though, every idea I’ve had in the shower hasn’t been the best. (insert: heavy sigh) Yeah, kinda’ sucks. The anticipated results that I am certain to be foolproof often end up making a fool out of me.
Theoretically, the process of thinking in the shower is fundamental – you are in the shower. A thought comes to mind. And, it’s not just a thought. It’s one of those ‘why the hell didn’t I think of that sooner‘ thoughts. You on fire with only positive results. NOTHING can go wrong.
Then, you unlock the damn door.
Fuuuck!
On the positive side, I only shower once a day. Thankfully. Consequently, I think my brain is transitioning once again. It’s all good, though. Instead of thinking, I’ll probably just wash my hair more often. Remember, ‘the rules of hair care are simple and finite.’
I’ve never had a ‘perm’, but my ‘curls’ are still in tact. Unfortunately, it’s everything else that’s not!
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July 19, 2018
‘A’ is for ant
Truthfully, this has little to do with the Berenstains’ ‘A’ Book. Though ants pretty much marched through that entire story. What this has to do with is the ants that were marching in MY house. Yeah, the weather has been very dry and very hot. I guess the neighborhood ants needed a drink. So do I, baby.
Thankfully, the issue was contained in, like, a day. We get sprayed every Spring for wasps and spiders AND ants. When I called to inquire about this latest infestation, the representative stated what I already knew – it’s a known problem. In this case, the only available resource is Terra traps. Works for me!
the a(n)ttraction
1. Water
The kitchen sink may also provide ants with needed water. Try to keep the area around the kitchen sink free of standing water.
2. Food
Ants are particularly attracted to the scent of sugar and grease.
Use soap or vinegar with water to clean away food. If you only clean with water, you may not entirely eliminate the food scents that attract ants.
You may also want to keep ants out of dry-good containers, like flour, by putting a bay leaf in the containers.
Never leave food in the garbage can for longer than a day. When food sits out for days, it will often emit a strong odor. Also, keep your outside trash cans away from the entrances of your home.
3. Shelter
One of the best ways to prevent an ant infestation is to stop ants from initially entering your home through small cracks or holes in the walls. After you have eliminated food and water sources for ants, make sure the ants can’t easily enter your home.
an ant trail
The scent that the ants leave behind is called pheromone. The ants walk in a line because they follow the scent left behind by the leader. Fun deodorant commercial idea, eh? That would turn into a real … cluster.
Ants walk into each other rather frequently, communicating by touch and by smell – best done by putting their antennae together. So physical contact is a natural part of their daily life. The introverted ant starves quickly. Stomping on random ants IS a good thing. They suffer less.
The experience of death is not a sense of loss – it is simply oleic acid. As soon as the living ants smell the oleic acid smell, they spring into action, carrying the tiny decaying intruder out of their midst and dumping it into the pile. Of other dead ants. Gross! Hopefully that ‘pile’ isn’t on my counter top.
Lastly, without the queen to lay eggs, no other new member are added to the colony. Since all the workers are sterile, the ants do not survive for long without the queen. Bitch!
That’s why angry ants advanced across an apple, an acorn, an apricot, an ax, an angleworm, an alligator, Aunt Alice’s airplane, Avenue A, apes’ apartments, and all Arizona.
Though I must disagree with ole Jan and Stan Berenstains’ closing sentence –
Ants are amazing.
Annoying would be way more suitable.
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