Adam Thomas's Blog, page 36
March 20, 2014
the most trusted profession, the most trustworthy patients
courtesy KH. Also, thanks for the 
review – will highlight that in another post.
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March 13, 2014
To tweet or not to tweet
For now, I choose not to tweet. Though, I did create a Twitter account recently in a valiant effort to boost sales. You know, invite all these famous people, hoping to land a ‘celebrity endorsement’ or a ‘what I’m reading now’. There’s one small problem with that idea – others have to agree to follow you. So, if you have no followers there is no one to receive the desperate requests to endorse / purchase said product – my book, of course. Instead the tweets remain in cyber world or at MY inbox. It’s kind of like those frequent, pleading e-mails to Entertainment Weekly to add me to their Must List and / or Bullseye. Bet their trash bin is quite full.
So, I stopped. Besides, tweeting is actually a lot of pressure. Think about it. Trying to send entertaining tidbits of randomness that people actually want to read numerous times every day can be exhausting. Ugh! Frankly, I struggle on a regular basis just for topics for this blog, that I’m certain is read by very few. But for those who do – thank you. For me, this blog is more cathartic than anything. Shit at the price for therapy now days, this is definitely cheaper.
Also, I don’t have a cell phone, so I had to tweet from my computer. That’s not as fun. With this tweeting thing, it’s those spur of the moment moments that really capitalize on the moment. Hopefully that made sense. Because, once again, forced tweeting from the computer totally kills the spontaneity.
So for now my tweeting days are over, I will remain unfollowed and I will be … content.
I did read this the other day and thought it would be fun to include, especially considering my ‘no phone thing’. I guess not including her in my initial tweet list was probably a good decision.
Shailene Woodley isn’t your typical Hollywood star, and you definitely won’t be seeing her buried in her cell phone anytime soon. In a recent interview with the Daily Beast, the “Divergent” star said that she — GASP! — doesn’t own a cell phone. The 23-year–old explained, “I’m not a big technology person. I don’t even have a smartphone. I don’t even have a cell phone! And if I were to have one, it would be a flip phone.”
Her decision to be mobile-free came after she realized there’s “a bigger lack of camaraderie and community than there’s ever been.” And since ditching the electronics, Shailene admits the outcome has bettered her communication. “Since I got rid of my phone, [I'm] having to pull over and be like, ‘Hey, buddy — do you know how to get here?’ I’m talking to people more than I’ve ever talked to in my life because I no longer have that crutch,” she explained. “The more you get away from all the technological buzz, the more freedom you have.”
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March 6, 2014
Puck it up
So, this past weekend was the last hurrah, so to speak, for my daughter’s hockey season - a tournament in the frozen tundra that is St. Ignace, MI. I thought we here in Traverse had I rough. Wow. That U.P. is way cold. Anyway, it was a great weekend. The girls did okay. With a 1 win, 2 loss, 1 tie record they did not make it into the championship game. However, they did do exceptionally well in the skills competition; a fun addition to the tournament tensions.
I know very little about hockey. You would think with my Chicago roots, watching the Blackhawks on a regular basis would be a given. But like I stated in a post a few weeks back – I hate those announcers. The MUTE button is an option, then I just get bored. Though I must say, the few games I have watched with my daughter, the announcers have been okay. We will see. The play-offs for the NHL are right around the corner. If my daughter wants me to watch and learn … . I guess I’ll just ‘puck’ it up and watch some hockey. The good thing is if she let’s me MUTE, she can be the commentator.
SCORE!
Here’s a link to a game from a few months back. A dad from the team GoPro’s the games. The editing is an arduous task, so the latest games aren’t uploaded yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jIfdySMa3o
By the way we did use MasterCard. And since I’m still in commercial mode … .
gas: $3.759/gallon - At 124.5 miles each way, you do the math.
hotel stay: $241.92
temperature variation: 40 ( -21 low / 19 high)
clogging the hotel toilet three times: PRICELESS
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February 26, 2014
Selling books the Faberge shampoo way
When I first started writing, I longed to hold that book in my hand. Every project is a culmination of blood, sweat, and tears or better yet, rewrites, rejects and meltdowns. Considering the state of the publishing industry and receiving enough rejects to wallpaper my house, I decided to self-publish. Or e-publish. Yes, that dream of holding that damn book in my hand escaped me, but only momentarily. Sometime soon that dream will come to fruition. Don’t get me wrong, e-publishing IS a great opportunity. More importantly it gets what you’ve written out there. Which is the purpose. Though some do, I do not write for vanity reasons. I actually want people, especially those I don’t know, TO READ MY BOOKS. Hell, I just did a promo via this whole Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and some 175 units were downloaded. Granted these were freebees, but the fact remains – 175 people downloaded my book. Hopefully, they will love it, shower me with five-star reviews and tell everyone they know to buy it. My life will change – positively, that is – forever.
It can happen, ya’ know. According to my 2014 annual horrorscope*, I will rise to rock-star status very soon. So, be ready. I sure am.
Back to the reason for this post
Recently, I decided to listen to that Robert C. Bradshaw dude and go exclusively with KDP Select. He may be a bit smarter, but I have the blog. AND, I’m still better looking. Anyway, I hesitated for quite some time because I have always loved Barnes and Noble. When I first started, Barnes and Noble was unbelievably accommodating. Yes, that was years ago and I have had little contact with the company in recent years. So when it came time to e-publish, it was only natural to include The Nook. Then I discovered that KOBO thing I blogged about some 6 months back. It just seemed right.
Well, sometimes right just doesn’t pay the bills. Or sell books for that matter. Upon rethinking the situation and a stupid experience I had with KOBO, I severed the ties and deleted the B & N link on the book cover icon just to the right. Kudos to those who actually read this and realized ‘something was different’.
The initial sadness wore off when I saw those numbers for that promo day. Don’t worry there will be a few more. What I really want is that whole word of mouth thing to happen. So if those 175 people just tell two friends, then they tell to friends. Holy shit, you have an iconic 80′s shampoo commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgDxWNV4wWY
*referring to 12-07-2012 post about horoscopes
P.S. – had to include this, too. Farrah rocks.
http://www.adland.tv/commercials/faberge-shampoo-farrah-fawcett-shampoo-1976
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February 19, 2014
The proper response to post-race interview questions
A few years back, I worked with a technician that was rather odd. Well, all the technicians I work with are odd. This one, though, was way out there. Be that as it may, we worked well together. I guess you can read into that all you want about me, of course. However, I will choose the high road here, focusing on my ability to ’adapt to varying working conditions’. After twenty-five fucking years of doing this shit, I’d better be able to adapt or I’m screwed.
Anyway, one day, I think it was a Friday, we were both really ready for the weekend and very slap-happy. Immediately after opening, we both had our share of ‘interesting’ interactions with customers. Thankfully, we were both so loopy we shrugged everything off with a chuckle. Then after a woman made one of us mad, the cuss words started and we laughed even more.
“I think we should end every sentence we say with the word bitch,” the technician exclaimed as if never before being struck by such an epiphanatic idea..
“Works for me, … bitch,” was all I needed to say.
It was hilarious. Even better- IT GOT US THROUGH THE DAY! Sometimes, that’s the only goal. Granted the majority of the customers that day were women and they were, in fact, all bitches. The few men who came in were even bitches. Putting ‘asshole’ at the end of male referenced sentences just didn’t work. So, bitch it was.
Originally, I categorized this post as a ’burning question’. Upon review, I realized that what I wrote wasn’t really a question. It is more of a “this is how he should’ve responded” or this is what I would’ve said if I WERE BODE MILLER BEING INTERVIEWED BY CHRISTIN COOPER AFTER WINNING BRONZE IN THE SUPER G.
“Shut the fuck up, BITCH.”
Really, what was the point of that interview? Bode is like, wow, in the dude category. One Olympics is an accomplishment, but what he has done is beyond amazing. To be interviewed in such a way after such a monumental triumph… . Well, it’s just wrong.
Once again – “Shut the fuck up, bitch.”
And what about Andrew Weibrecht, the poor guy standing next to Bode while the interview was taking place? He actually won the Silver medal. Ugh!
Oh well, I’m done ranting for now. I’m done with the Olympics, too. Luckily, the closing ceremonies are soon. I’ve never been a big sports thug. Now I know why – those announcers just suck.
P.S. – Don’t even get me started on Bob Costas.
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February 12, 2014
Last minute Valentine’s Day idea
Robert C. Bradshaw is a dude with very similar interests to mine. In fact, we have so much in common we’re practically the same person. Only I’m better looking. And funnier. And … . You get the idea.
Anyway, he asked if I could spotlight his latest writing endeavor. Well, it’s more of a ‘blast from the past’, if you will. He wrote AND self-published his book in paperback close to twenty years ago. Recently, he decided to go the e-publishing route and went exclusively with KDP – Kindle Direct Publishing. In Your Eyes is a love story. Ugh! Since it’s so close to Valentine’s Day, I’m thinkin’ this might make a good present. Hint. Hint.
So, here it is. By the way, he asked if I ask all who buy/read it to be patient, tolerant, forgiving… . Since it’s such the dinosaur, when the book converted to the Kindle format it got like way messed. The words are wonderful, trust me. They just need to be medicated to fix a few obsessive-compulsive text issues that occurred in translation. If only that could work for some of those pharmacy customers… . But let’s not go there right now.
Click the ‘title’ link to the left of the jacket. It’s a great read!
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February 6, 2014
Bored Games
Actually, I’m referring to Board Games, of course. Remember those things that you played when you were younger BEFORE Candy Crush Save Pinky? Yes, they still make them AND people still play them. Well, we do. But then, we can be a bit odd at times.
Since there have been like 5 million snow days this season and the temperature hasn’t reached 20 degrees, our family continues to search for ways to beat the ‘cabin fever’. You know it’s bad when your teenage son says, “this is a bit ridiculous,” when the topic of another snow day comes up. “We should be in school.” I realize I should’ve recorded that statement for posterity sake, but I didn’t. Oh, well.
Back to the board games.
Our staple go-to game is Scattergories. It’s faster paced and fun. We can get a solid three rounds in before the fighting begins or the attention spans wane. For our family, that’s great. Unfortunately, the task is still too much for my youngest to tackle alone. So, she pairs up with me. I love it, of course. However, she feels ‘left out’. By the way, my wife gets upset that I don’t turn the paper over and use the back. I like number-lined, factory issued paper. Imagine that.
Sorry is another option. It’s a bit longer, but still well-paced. On the plus side, it’s great to listen to your spouse and children actually apologize. Granted, it’s required. Still, that one little word is wonderful to hear. On the flip side, it’s only a four player game. We have five.
The other night we actually played The Game of LIFE. Ugh, I hate that game. You can make all the generalizations you want, I don’t care. It’s long and boring. Besides, I’m living it. Why on earth do I want to PLAY it in my spare time? Get married - Have children - Mid-life crisis – start new career. Wow. I should play that every night! Did I say my wife was the banker? That was fun. Insert sarcastic tone. For me, the only plus side was that I landed on ‘write best-seller collect $80,000′. And, I picked the LIFE title card - Write Great American Novel -$150,000. Now, if real life only imitated the board game LIFE, my new career would start AND my Mid-life crisis would be over.
We haven’t played Monopoly in a while. No idea why. Just don’t think about it. I do like the different kinds of Monopoly games though. Traverse City has it’s own version - Cherryopoly.
Lastly, you can never underestimate Scrabble. It’s a fine game. Though with five players that game can be a bit … cramped?!
That’s it for the board game commentary. I wouldn’t want anyone to get bored with my post.
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January 30, 2014
Moguls suck
I hit a ‘mogul patch’ on the glorious trail map that is my life. Translation – I had to bail on Vail – the destination for the annual ski trip. Very disappointing! Shit happens, though. There’s always next year. And, believe me, there will be NEXT YEAR. Besides, I’ve got a spatula I need to reclaim.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaEU_A405zA
Carve it up, boys!
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January 24, 2014
Colorado Rocky Mountain High
Just got higher - and legalized.
In the November 2013 issue of SKI, Michael Behar wrote the article Sky-High Vacations? RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA IS LEGAL IN COLORADO. IS THAT GOOD NEWS FOR SKI ESORTS?
He briefly described how this ruling will affect ‘the ski town’, which towns will ban the sale to protect the ‘family friendly’ image, and pointed out the restrictions – I use that term loosely - on sales. The majority of resorts operate on U.S. Forest Service land – government property. Since marijuana use is illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act, those resorts must comply accordingly. For those that aren’t, I’ve highlighted some quite humorous ‘restrictions’ regarding marijuana sales from Behar’s article .
WAITING FOR THE SMOKE TO CLEAR
How the legalization of marijuana in Colorado will be instituted remains hazy, … . Here are a few ‘high’ points from the state:
The first retail stores are expected to open in early January 2014. You must be 21 to purchase.
Visitors are limited to a quarter-ounce per single purchase – possession up to an ounce is legal.
Pot must be sold in child-resistant , opaque packaging.
Consumption is prohibited in the stores.
New driving-while-impaired blood-level limits for marijuana have been instituted by the state of Colorado.
Wow, so much to say, so little blog time. First of all, I love the fact that it must be sold in child-resistant, opaque packaging. Unfortunately for some, it just might get confused with an actual prescription. We would never want that. Especially if it was, say, hydrocodone. That has recreational and accidental overdose written all over it, eh? Don’t even get me started on the ‘driving-while-impaired’ bullet point. Oh, yeah, I’m sure that 21 years of age thing will really work, too.
The article made mention of … “smelling a lot more of it on the chairlift”. Not to be prudish, but I’m not sure if that’s something I want when I go out West. What ever happened to enjoying the smell of the mountain air? I know I live in Northern Michigan. The air is pretty clean here, but still … . I don’t know. I really think I would alter my travel plans if this thing ever got out of hand. At work I’m surrounded by fucking idiots that use syringes, hydrocodone AND Adderall for anything BUT ’medicinal’ purposes. You think I want to be around these morons when I’m on vacation? Maybe I am prudish. When it comes to my free time, though, I want to be prudish.
One last article quote – “Imaginative entrepreneurs are going to turn this into an industry like wine tourism in California.”
Interesting?!
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