Adam Thomas's Blog, page 16
October 11, 2017
make that 2 apples AND 5% alcohol
But, who’s counting?
If you haven’t guessed by now, this is another entry about alcoholic beverages. I’ve been told I need to drink more. After that pondered parental moment, drinks should be on me. Hell, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere.
Also, apologies on the size of that schematic diagram in the previous post; kinda large, eh? Since I am a master of all things technical, I was able to crop it appropriately. (sarcasm intended). In my defense, I was worried the text would be too small if presented otherwise. It’s a great picture; very colorful and very Fall!
answers to random apple inquiries
Our family apple of choice is the Gala. In my opinion, apples are a bit too gritty in texture. (side note: my wife is an apple snob)
Apple juice is refreshing. Apple cider is a bit much for me.
I still love ‘the Mother’ - a shot of Apple Cider Vinegar every day, baby.
I enjoy the thought of hot, mulled cider, especially this time of year. But the follow-through isn’t there – too sweet.
When it came time to taste test my first hard cider, I kept it local AND dry. Tasted a bit like Riesling.
Enough about me, on with the … pomace?
That postal pictorial overview was informative. However, I felt more explanation was necessary.
Hard Cider is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented juice of apples. The juice of any variety of apple can be used to make cider, but cider apples are best. Cider alcohol content varies from 1.2% ABV to 8.5% or more in traditional English ciders, and 3.5% to 12% in continental ciders
Apples must be allowed to “sweat”, allowing excess water loss which increases sweetness. In turn, alcohol content rises proportionately.
Washed apples are ground into pomace.
During fermentation, sweet cider changes to hard cider, fermented by yeasts. Like beer, fermentation is temperature dependent.
Champagne yeast is used for most cider ‘hardening’ – it best retains the fresh fruit character of the apple.
Lastly, the cider is centrifuged, stabilized, and filtered before bottling.
this dude should’ve been a pharmacist
To answer the question posed in my opening comment: Angry Orchards. Apparently, there is an equivalent of two apples in every bottle. Truthfully, I’m not going to argue with the dude in the commercial link below either. I have anger envy. He yells at apples with a bullhorn. The technique is tempting. Though, corporate may have issues with that type of communication skill. I don’t, of course.
angry apple antics
now, about that ‘an apple a day‘ shit
I wanted to close with a fun song about Fall or even apples, for that matter. James Taylor recorded October Road . A song appropriately entitled The Apple Cider Song by Darren McCarthy would’ve worked, too. However, neither had the desired core element. The cartoon caricatures in this ‘Bad Apple‘ will definitely … keep the doctor away.
Five Osmonds – One Apple
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October 8, 2017
October 3, 2017
the parental fear of empty spaces
On January 06, 2014, I published a post entitled – ‘an abnormal fear of enclosed or narrow spaces’. That is the definition for claustrophobia, of course. In that offering, I commented on how my four bedroom, 2 bath house with an unfinished basement seemed smaller since two of my children were now adult size. My son is over six feet tall and 190 pounds, my daughter isn’t far behind in either height – 5’9” or weight. I won’t disclose that information if that’s okay. She doesn’t read my blog, but …. . You never know.
Since that was almost four years ago, my youngest has joined the ranks accordingly. She is 14 years old, 5′ 6” and … . Let me just say, appropriately percentiled. The house seemed even smaller.
But – it’s not. Unfortunately.
My son finished up two years at the local community college and transferred to a University downstate. My second child, the hockey player, was shipped, or should I say skated, off to Canada to complete her senior year at a hockey academy. We are all hoping the decision will equate to college opportunities education alone can’t extend. Translation – scholarships. Therefore, only my youngest daughter remains at home. Alone. She eagerly accepts the abundant, over-compensating attention showered upon her. (sarcasm intended)
And. I’m sad. Unfortunately.
Well, of course I’m sad. This IS parenting. However, now I have a shitload of time on my hands I have no idea what to do with. For the last two years, I have been sharing the commute 148 miles ONE way for hockey practice and ‘home’ games. Then, MapQuesting the hell out of Michigan and the surrounding states for tournaments.
Downside to downsizing -
I over cook at every meal. In the past, I’ve always made extra, anticipating left-overs. Now, even when I try to make less food, I fail miserably.
I have to cut the grass AND take out the garbage. The worse part. I don’t get yelled at by my daughter for cutting the grass incorrectly. My son has scolded me for taking out the garbage, by the way.
Material for blog posts have taken a serious hit. My kids kept me hip on what is fad and fabulous. Now what? I’m old.
I rarely do laundry. Even my youngest started doing her own. Probs best not to touch her clothes.
There are so few dirty dishes, the dishwasher only runs, like, every third day.
I had a gallon of milk actually EXPIRE! What the fuck is that all about?
I don’t bake anymore.
I realize a few of these outcomes are supposed to be good things. But, … . Heavy sigh!
I will spare further details of my postal, parental meltdown. To be perfectly honest, that’s all I really had. Still, I will move forward. I gave myself September to chill. It’s October. So, I’ve decided to focus on … me. Don’t get me wrong. I will never deny my youngest any opportunity. But, hell, I need a little attention. I AM so overdue.
No worries while I fearlessly ponder ‘open’ spaces. One thing will NEVER change. I will always be Random and full of … Nonsense.
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September 26, 2017
a cautionary tale
I’m hatin’ again. Once again, it’s at the pharmacy. Honestly, there are few things I don’t hate at the pharmacy. This hate is different than previously posted predecessors. The onset was gradual. The blame – the American consumer, of course. Why wouldn’t it be?
Hand sanitizer
Before I continue, I should qualify something. The concept of hand sanitzier is actually plausible and practical. And, it’s a pharmacy – everyone is sick. I get that. But, when a seemingly harmless task like applying hand sanitizer becomes obnoxious… . Then, only then, is it blog worthy.
Professional Observations
the product – the smell makes me gag. Always has, always will.
demographics – creepy, late-middle aged males use it in public more frequently. Women are ‘closet’ users; subtle in their application technique. The reason – a ‘private’ stash is always in their purse.
application – This IS my hate. Worst, most common occurrence – someone walks up to the pharmacy counter, pumps the display bottle at least 3 times, then massages the gel onto their hands slowly and methodically. Oh, did I mention the person breathes heavily and often moans? Well, they do. It’s fucking disgusting. Get a room and clean up after yourself.
The ‘Goodline’ News
According to a recent World Health Organization report, obsession with germ killing has resulted in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, thanks in part to our love of hand sanitizer. Last December, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration put the antimicrobial army on notice, informing the makers of antimicrobial soaps that they will have to prove that their products work better than soap and water. Consumers have been urged to resist overusing antimicrobials. More ominously, the FDA stated “Some data suggest that long-term exposure to certain active ingredients used in antibacterial products — for example, triclosan (liquid soaps) and triclocarban (bar soaps) — could pose health risks.”
However, many hand sanitizers, like Purell, are alcohol based and have not been named as a cause of bacterial resistance. Still, these products have concerns of their own.
http://time.com/96112/why-im-breaking-up-with-hand-sanitizer/
Five Hidden Dangers of Hand Sanitizer
Antibiotic resistance - Triclosan contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Using hand sanitizers may actually lower your resistance to diseases by killing good bacteria, which helps protect against bad bacteria.
Alcohol poisoning
Hormone disruption - The FDA says triclosan may lead to hormonal disruptions and cause bacteria to adapt to its antimicrobial properties, which create more antibiotic-resistant strains.
Weaker immune system
toxic chemicals
Granted, these dangers are redundant and relatively weak. Alcohol poisoning? I know it sounds ridiculous, but there are the OCD types that even slather the shit on their face. You would think a dermatitis rash would warrant more concern. But it doesn’t. I realize little can be done about obnoxious hand sanitizing offenders – except to make fun of them, of course. Therefore I will close, leaving Andy Samberg to deal with the … clean up. According to him, you can never have ”too much Purell“.
https://www.purell.com/yolo-snl/
You Only Live Once, baby!
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September 19, 2017
Hootie goes country
My oldest daughter listens to country music all the time. This is NOT a gene from the Thomas ancestry. In fact, I don’t think it’s a generational trait at all – definitely a learned behavior. Old Dominion and Carrie Underwood are her favorites. On our many hockey road trips over the years, I’ve been progressively introduced to this musical genre. And, I like. By the way, Carrie Underwood can sing.
I am more into main stream, semi cross-over into pop country acts. The hard core hold outs are still a bit too twangy for my taste. One thing I appreciate about country songs are the lyrics – there’s a story inside. Granted, the majority of themes deal with heartache. Still, it’s quite refreshing NOT listening to one phrase being repeated 23 times in a 3 minute song.
Some country singers have totally switched to pop, leaving those country roots behind. Rarely is an artist talented enough to do the reverse cross-over.
Darius Rucker (born May 13, 1966) is an American singer and songwriter. He first gained fame as the lead vocalist of the Grammy Award-winning American rock band Hootie and the Blowfish which he founded in 1986. The band released five studio albums with him as a member and charted six top 40 hits. Rucker co-wrote the majority of the band’s songs with the other three members.
Recently, I listened to the entire Cracked Rear View album. For research purposes, of course. I gotta tell you something. With a few minor changes – add a flat here – delete a riff there – almost every song on that ‘pop’ album has country potential.
He released a solo R & B album in 2002, but did not chart any singles. Six years later, Rucker signed to Capitol Nashville as a country music singer, releasing an album later that year. The first single released from the album made him the first black artist to reach number one on the country song charts since Charley Pride in 1983. It was followed by two more number one singles. In 2009, he became the first black American to win the New Artist Award from the Country Music Association, making him only the second African American to win any award from the association. A second album was released on October 12, 2010. His fifth country album drops October 20, 2017.
Few artists survive solo careers after ‘the band’ disbands. The body count of musical industry casualties is an accepted standard. However, Mr. Rucker appears to be destined to succeed in country. Personally, I think it was a good choice. Besides, he seems like a sensitive guy. Remember – dolphins make him cry.
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September 12, 2017
ICD-9
A woman walks up to the pharmacy counter – STOP
I know it’s not as funny as the ole ‘A man walks into a bar, … ‘ lead in. But for those of us in this damn thing I call a profession, you know whatever follows is going to be humorous. CONTINUE -
Anyway, this woman stated that she had just been diagnosed with – wait for it - non-allergic sinusitis. Sorry, that really didn’t warrant a -wait for it – by Barney Stinson standards. In fact, it wasn’t funny at all. However, it IS the perfect introduction for this post.
ICD Diagnosis code
Diagnostic coding is the translation of written descriptions of diseases, illnesses and injuries into codes from a particular classification.
The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (commonly known as the ICD) provides alpha-numeric codes to classify diseases and a wide variety of signs, symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances and external causes of injury or disease. Nearly every health condition can be assigned to a unique category and given a code, up to six characters long. Such categories usually include a set of similar diseases.
When leaving a doctor’s office, each patient usually receives a summary of the visit. Beside each symptom communicated to the provider, a code is entered as is a technical description with lots of big words no one can pronounce. Finally, this code is what the insurance companies require for billing. For many years, ICD-9 was the standard. With new disease states and complications, it’s been revised.
ICD 10 CM has been updated to reflect the current clinical understanding and technological advancements of medicine, and the code descriptions are designed to provide a more consistent level of detail. It contains a more extensive vocabulary of clinical concepts, body part specificity, patient encounter information, and other components from which codes are built.
In other words, it’s pretty detailed. Just check out E 10 and only two of it’s subcategories.
everyday examples
A63 – Other predominantly sexually transmitted diseases, not elsewhere classified – translation: Your dick is going to fall off.
E 10 - Type 1 diabetes mellitus
E10.3 - Type 1 diabetes mellitus with ophthalmic complications
E10.3212 - Type 1 diabetes mellitus with mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with macular edema LEFT EYE
F99 – unspecified mental disorder – NOT the customer type you want to frequent your store
K21 – Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (gerd) – heartburn
M77.11 – Lateral epicondylitis, right elbow - translation: tennis elbow – take some ibuprofen and shut the fuck up, bitch
N52 – Male erectile dysfunction Viagra anyone?
Z00 - Encounter for general examination without complaint, suspected or reported diagnosis - reserved for hypochondriacs
implications
Thankfully, this woman didn’t include the code when she rattled off her ailment. Trust me, some have. Then, it’s usually followed by a prescription for Xanax in a futile attempt to curb that ‘obsessive’ behavior.
I’ve decided people need to have a label for their symptoms whether their issues are real or imagined, which may of them are. Of course, ICD wasn’t designed for this twisted purpose of validating unnecessary ’drama’. Still, it does aid the medical professional when communicating with patients.
All this being said, I’m going to end with a Stin(t) from the Barnacle himself. This has absolutely nothing to do with the post, but I suffer from V07. 1965.
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September 5, 2017
Holly-wood guide to High School: 101
My youngest child is starting High School today. She is way ready though. More so than my other children were at the same age. She has already ‘been there done that’ vicariously through her older siblings. Also, she runs Cross Country. Summer practice began back in June. With two meets already under her belt, her friend base has drastically increased because of the affiliation.
A few months back, she made an announcement. She wanted to watch three movies before High School began. Thankfully, this was an easily achievable task. Yes, these were all movies she had seen numerous times before. For some reason though, she wanted to watch them in a specific order on her terms. By this stage in the parenting game, I never ask questions about trivial matters. Hell, I’ve stopped wondering pretty much about anything. Since I have two daughters, the rationality behind their thinking process numbs my entire being. So, watching three movies is relatively low on the teenage AND parent angst meter. Bonus – if I play it cool, I may get to join her.
One last comment before I present her selections. This is my book worm. She follows every worthy YouTube reading site, has shipped her share of fictional literary characters AND proudly adheres to the unofficial ‘oaths’ of fandom. Why would three movies be her guide to High School? Hmm… .
Who knows! I just offered to make the popcorn.
Clueless
Loosely based on the classic Emma by Jane Austen, Cher (Alicia Silverstone) attempts to shed her shallow, rich girl persona by matchmaking and making over those ‘less fortunate’. A funny go to movie that cures every “overwhelming sense of ickiness“ known to both teenagers and adults. Oh, her driving road test is comic genius.
http://www.refinery29.com/2015/07/90743/best-clueless-quotes-movie#slide-1
High School Musical
This is actually one of my favorite movies. Please don’t judge. There is some serious shit that goes down in those four short, long years of High School. So, this musical presentation is a parental sigh of relief that things may not be that … . Fuck – Who am I kidding? I’m not that delusional. High School can be awful. I enjoy this movie for what it is and hope for the best. Besides, it launched the career of every adolescent girls favorite ’Neighbor‘.
Mean Girls
October 3rd – the infamous day that defined this movie as a cult favorite. Lindsay Lohan’s best work. Well, you know, before she went all *fetch* and started wearing sweatpants. Like, every day. Best of all, Regina George still made it to prom and was able to share the ‘crown’. Classic!
Yes – these are all great movies. Yes – my daughter completed her task, watching them all with her older sister. Go figure on that one. Finally, Yes – I made the popcorn. The only thing I did not understand about these selections is that the main character in each movie is a junior. Like I stated above, I ask few questions. It’s better that way.
Ugh. As if!
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August 29, 2017
Adam Thomas picked a peck of purple peppers
Okay, okay, okay – it’s NOT the tongue twister without Peter Piper. And, my peppers are NOT pickled. They are purple. But, hey, I grew purple peppers in my garden. I am so excited. They’re beautiful. Before I continue though, I need to qualify one important fact. My garden is properly located behind the garage with other vegetables. It is NOT random plants haphazardly placed in the middle of the lawn like I ranted about in my last post.
Now that I have that clarified, …. . I actually have a ‘peck’ of purple peppers. How cool is that?
cultivation
I don’t have the time nor the patience to begin a garden from seeds. Martha Stewart has an entourage of staff members that can do that shit. Me – I ain’t got no entourage, baby. Also, living in Northern Michigan dictates planting. A few years back, we had a frost over Memorial Day weekend. Be the weather as it may, my goal is to have everything planted by Father’s Day. Since my garden was awful last summer, I wanted this year’s to be more bountiful. I tilled the soil, went to the local Co-Op to purchase the seedlings, and proceeded to plant. I even anchored the four corners of my garden with marigolds. Nice!
growing season
The weather cooperated better than anticipated. Still, I had my concerns. My plants weren’t growing. I fertilized, added some additional Peat, and – ugh- NOTHING. Hell, I don’t even think my plants grew one bit. Then, the summer got busy and my focus shifted. Since the temperatures were mild and rain plentiful, I rarely checked the growing progress.
One day, I needed to water. Holy purple vegetables, I had peppers.
the harvest
Sweet peppers become sweeter when they change colors.
Peppers continue to ripen after picking; place peppers in a cool place after harvest.
Keep one to two weeks after harvest at 50° to 60°F in a moist place.
Use a sharp knife or pruners to harvest peppers.
Leave some of the stem attached to the pepper when cutting vegetable.
A good pepper harvest practice is to harvest some peppers to serve green and let others mature to red or full color on the vine.
Harvest peppers when they are the right size for your use.
To be perfectly honest, I’m nervous to harvest. Premature picking my peck would be preposterous. Though, I’ve read ‘immature’ vegetables enhance entry taste profiles. Still, I wanted to ensure I ate the damn things. Retail hours hinder potential dinner planning. I wouldn’t want my harvest to ‘wrinkle’ in time. Fortunately, we are having company. Stuffed peppers are on the menu. I need to start pickin’
Since this post is about said vegetable, I was compelled to close with a fun song by Peppers of a different variety.
And, the original limerick , of course. Just in case anyone else forgot how it actually read.
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers;
A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked;
If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,
Where’s the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?
- Mother Goose
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August 22, 2017
My Favorite Posts 2017
Another blog year has come and gone. It’s been good, though. In general, I still hate 2017. But as far as my blog is concerned, … . Yeah, It’s been good.
I must’ve been hungry this past ‘year’. Real hungry. Cast iron skillet corn bread, chocolate cake, pistachio cake, ramp pesto all made the Random Nonsense topics of postdom. Hell, even a staple kitchen appliance was highlighted. Though the Aug 26, 2016 oven ready didn’t make the annual cut. Yes, it contained the recipe for my children’s favorite cake. But, my MasterCard ‘hood’ moment focused too much on that damn stove my neighbor had in front of his garage. Since I strive to keep as balanced as possible, the oven was turned OFF.
In 2016, I had a lot of Ode and MasterCard moments. This year – not as much. Remember, my goal is to keep it fresh and readable.
That being said, I present my annual recap of posted musings.
Sept 10, 2016 a poem written by my mother what better way to start things off than a poem to celebrate my mother. Well, her poetry skills. And, it’s about Autumn – very timely, I might add.
Oct 18, 2016 In Pizza We Crust With sign lady ‘retired’, I may need to look elsewhere for inspiration. Plus, I think the marquee thing may be getting old. What about … bumper stickers? Hmm… . But I must say, pairing each marquee entry up with a song or commercial was fun.
Nov 01, 2016 PBJ this is more a daily ritual then anything. Therefore, it’s inclusion was mandated.
Nov 09, 2016 as seen on T.V.
Nov 13, 2016 couch potato therapy session comparing your spouse to the static on the television set is an ultimate, yet classic burn. No therapist can fix that shit.
Jan 10, 2017 the cast iron skillet still love my cast iron skillet. Now that it’s fall, it’s time to get the lead out and cook again. Or would that be iron?
Feb 24, 2017 chipped off this damn chip thing has been around for close to a year now. People are STILL clueless AND stupid.
April 14, 2017 a condiment conundrum I guess my son was eating at a restaurant recently. The steak was so good, he didn’t even have to use ketchup. No comment!
May 05, 2017 7 things I hate because of others Damn birds. Did anyone notice that the pharmacist in the ‘Next’ video included in TMI (July 25, 2017) had a mustache? Oh, the irony, eh. By the way, it was intentional.
June 01, 2017 MasterCard Moment – only in this ‘hood
June 07, 2017 creature comfort concerns Yes, the stove is gone. Though my neighbor decided to plant a tomato garden – in the middle of his LAWN. Once again, no comment.
Aug 01, 2017 Ode to Highway signs an Ode has to make it into every year in review. Besides, this was kinda my anthem to travel hockey. It’s all good.
Contrary to my postal hunger cravings, I’ve gained little weight. I still exercise – A LOT. Though none of my fitness fueled posts made this blog in review cut. Maybe 2018?
Thanks for reading.
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August 15, 2017
living obituary
As you probably guessed from the title, this entry is about something few want to talk about – death. So, I’m thinking it’s a great topic for a post. During a recent lecture, obituaries was the subject discussed. More importantly, who would write it AND would you really want that person to write it. Currently, some have started writing their own obituaries, ensuring the content. Morbid as it may be, the concept is equally compelling.
Years ago, even if the person was a complete and utter douche bag, the obituary was written otherwise. Granted, it probably had more factual information than humorous anecdotes about the deceased. Still, there was an etiquette that was begrudgingly observed.
Not in 2017, baby. Today, full disclosure is the new norm. Emily Post is long gone. Nowadays, if the deceased is downright nasty, there is NO holding back. People are choppin’ at the bit to include their ‘thoughts’ in the virtually Google doc obitchuary. Then, Dr. Phil would discuss the emotional consequences. Everyone would cry. Yada yada yada.
Fortunately, I’ve never written an actual obituary. A few years back, I posted a few words, remembering a mentor that had passed. It truly is a daunting task, attempting to sum up a life in a brief ‘statement’.
In order to present the topic appropriately, I researched. Then, decided to add a little commentary, of course. We’re talkin’ death. So, any attempt at humor is usually appreciated.
Be aware of identity theft. unfortunate this is even a concern
Strike a balance – it’s not only a notice of the death, but also a compelling ‘life’ story. I HATE life stories – unless it’s fiction AND mine.
Describe the deceased as an individual, in the third person.
Decide how many family members to include. How many generations do you want to go back? Who was Aunt Edna again?
Think of three words. Find three words that sum up the life lived. Fucking ass hole CAN be three words if you think about it.
http://www.obituaryguide.com/writingtips.php
That being said, who then could be trusted to write such final words?
family member - probs the safest bet, especially if you have lots of money to pass on to those ‘loved ones’
friend - another safe bet. Usually – Though, you could offend a certain someone by asking a different person instead. But then you’re dead. Too late to re-evaluate not only your decision, but your relationships as well.
famous person - Entertainment Weekly always highlights this in the year end issue. Fun concept to … entertain.
write it yourself - a definite way to get the facts straight. Not for me. I want my legacy to be my published fictional works; not some damn non-fictional paragraph. Boring!
opt out - my choice. Unless Jeremy Piven or even John Cusack have something nice to say.
Well, that’s all I’s got. Time to put this post to rest. Hope reading what I’ve written didn’t bore you to …. death.
RIP
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