Adam Thomas, RPH

A- Annual

Truthfully, ‘A’  should stand for Angry. More often than not, I’m too angry. That’s not always fun to read.

Regardless, it’s that time of year – flu shot season.  I hate flu shots. Personally, I don’t think retail pharmacists should be required to administer vaccines.  It’s just dumb.  However, filling prescriptions doesn’t ‘pay the bills’ anymore for corporate suits.  At least, I get to stab people with a sharp object, eh?!

A new bad boy vaccination has been introduced to the Senior community – Shingrix. Unfortunately, it’s more a of shit show than the ‘get a shot, give a shot’ gimmick.

I – Immunization

Shingles is a reactivation of an original chickenpox infection that travels down a dermatome (an area of the skin supplied by nerves from a single spinal root) and causes rash and pain. It’s a common infection—roughly 1 in every 1000 people every year in the United States will suffer shingles. Usually, shingles occurs in those over 65 years of age.  The pain of shingles is one of the worst pains in medicine.

In 2006, the first vaccine to hopefully prevent shingles was introduced – Zostavax a live, weakened form of the chickenpox (varicella) virus. The efficacy of Zostavax against rash was about 51%.  The vaccine was frozen.  Once thawed there was a thirty minute window for injection.  From a retail pharmacist perspective, administration was a timing cluster fuck.

Recently, in October 2017, another shingles vaccine was licensed and recommended. It’s called Shingrix, and it’s made in quite a biologically different manner. Instead of being a whole weakened form of the virus, it’s just one protein that sits on the surface of the virus—the so-called glycoprotein E—and then two adjuvants are used.

The efficacy of Shingrix against rash is supposed to be in the mid- to high 90% range, for all age groups—even for those over 70 years of age.

• This vaccine can be given starting at 50 years of age;
• It’s a two-dose vaccine, with the second dose being given 2-6 months after the first
• Since it is NOT a live virus, it’s not frozen and has similar storage parameters as other vaccines.

Paul A. Offit. Shingrix: Is the Hype Justified? – Medscape – Feb 13, 2018.

I decided to cite this source. I was going to include the link as well.  Whenever I attempted to re-enter, I was often blocked, requesting me ‘To Join’ . I would not subject readers to that shit.

R – Rant

First, let me qualify something – vaccinating against Shingles is a good thing.  Shingles sucks. I just hate being the one giving the stupid shot. Ironically, there isn’t even any damn vaccine to administer. From what I understand, the manufacturer underestimated the frenzy, therefore creating a shortage. I actually heard the Drug company intentionally manipulated the supply to increase demand. Totally bullshit in my opinion. What makes the whole situation unbearable is the fucking Seniors who would literally sacrifice a loved one for a single ‘hit’ of Shingrix.  And, they’ve already been immunized with Zostavax.  Shit, man. It’s worse than a limited supply of Viagra in the Villages, FL.

I could go on, but I’m better now. I’ve released my … A.I.R. Besides,  Shingrix is on Back Order for another 2 weeks. Again. So, I’s am breathing much easier.

My youngest daughter had two friends over for supper recently. Let’s refer to them as Harry and Henrietta for posting purposes.  Both have eaten at our house numerous times before. More often than not, the kids  eat outside on the grass or sit on the basement floor. However, since it was a little bit more formal this time around, they sat at the kitchen table. My wife and I ate elsewhere; close enough to listen, but not contribute to their conversation, of course. First, I should qualify ‘formal’.  Remember, it’s me.  I am the least formal person around.  Though, I do clean up quite nicely. Secondly, I made a beef vegetable soup that warranted the appropriate seating.

The dinner progressed nicely. Well, until my daughter started to … eat, that is.  Let’s just say she has quite the causal flare when dining. Translation: table manners are generally non-existent.   In her defense, soup isn’t the easiest to eat. And, the croutons on the salad… .  Yeah, neither are those.

She’s fifteen. It’s all good.  Besides, I AM her father.  That genetic misfortune is all me, baby. You can always figure out were either of us sat during a meal. There’s like a buffet of crumbs scattered about our chairs and surrounding floor.

As far as her friends are concerned, Henrietta is quiet and adequately mannered.  Harry, on the other hand, dines as if he went to finishing school.  He is a very proper, nice young man.  It’s rather refreshing, especially  considering today’s teen mindset.  When my daughter dropped yet another crouton in her lap, Harry chided her … technique.  Friendly banter developed.  Moments later, my daughter marched out of the room and returned with a book about etiquette written by the Emily Post.  This is a the same book that inspired Faux Pas back in November 2013, by the way.  The banter quieted. Temporarily. Then, Harry asked my daughter if she had actually read the book. (pauses emphasized) She, of course, had not, stating the genre was of no interest. (sarcasm implied) You go, gorl! Then something peculiar happened. Instead of welcoming additional banter, she politely asked Harry for a few pointers. (Side note: Croutons really are a pain the ass to eat.)

Later that evening, my daughter and I drove our ‘dinner’ guests home.  I looked for an opportunity to apologize to Harry for my daughter’s oversights. Honestly, it would be my parenting that was primarily at fault. No such opportunity presented itself.  After I thought about it, I was content.  I didn’t feel the need to apologize.  My daughter is a good kid who will grow into an exceptional adult.  Her blatant disregard for table manners is probably more of a conscious decision than anything. She’s fifteen. Soon it will no longer be ‘fun’ or ‘rebellious’ or whatever the reasoning.  Yes, she will still have her moments.  She is MY daughter.  Once again, I’m content. In the scope of parenting, there are much worse things to worry about.

I have officially left ‘Kansas’. Translation: I’m transitioning. That’s more of an ‘Oh,my‘ than the Wizard could ever bestow. Unfortunately, this has nothing to do with my professional existence.  The transition refers to my marquee based posts.  Like I stated a few months ago, sign lady is back.  Sadly, her wit has NOT accompanied her return.  Maybe she is more like that steel trap than anticipated – very rusty and illegal in 39 states. Considering the fact that she had only one funny ‘proverb’ which warranted inclusion, I had to look elsewhere.

Bumper-stickers

Being politically correct, doesn’t mean you  ARE correct.

Wow! Where do I begin? Honestly, my comments will be few.  First, that is such a controversial topic – well beyond the scope of this post AND blog, for that matter. Second, I avoid anything political.

But, I will say one thing.  Just like everything else, political correctness has gotten out of hand.  When did everyone get so fucking sensitive?  Pansies.  It’s ridiculous.  Quit complaining and shut the fuck up!

and billboards

This space available.

During my travel hockey days, I drove. A lot. Hence, I saw my share of billboards.  The majority were ads/promos for various state attractions. Few were funny by any means.  Hockey travel is over.  Now, I don’t get out much.  I always liked the idea of billboards and wanted to include one here.  But, for the life of me I couldn’t think of any that were suitable. I could’ve googled examples, but that would be wrong. I do have standards, ya know. Therefore, I’m keeping my options open. Regardless of anything else, it gave me a great idea for a musical selection to accompany this post.

and bargains

Today’s special: Buy two items – pay full price for both.

That’s fucking hilarious.  Sign lady done good with this maxim. I am the shopper for the family.  Sales make me crazy.  Correction – what retailers do to fuck with pricing to influence spending makes me crazy.  It would be way too simple to walk into a store and  buy something that is actually on sale. (pauses implied). Instead, you either have to have a Rewards card or coupon that’s only available on-line. Best part – you don’t know you need the damn coupon until you are at check-out.

True story – I needed a throw rug for the garage entryway.  So, I went to an upscale retailer.  I found exactly what I wanted. And, it was advertised as being ‘On Sale’. Little did I know that the ‘Sale’ didn’t start for two weeks.  However, I could still buy the item for the SALE PRICE that day BUT, I  needed to return two weeks later when the sale actually started to pick the item up. (more than ever – pauses implied)

How twisted is that shit?  Auntie Em would never comply. Lions, and tigers and bears are nothing compared to bumper stickers, and billboards, and bargains.

Oh, my!

I wanted a humorous introduction for this post. Unfortunately, nothing about oatmeal is funny.  Think about it – the staple manufacturer is Quaker. (pause) I’ve heard the saying ‘sow your oats‘ plenty of times over my fifty three years.  Not directed at me, mind you.  I searched for the correct, non-Urban Dictionary meaning of the phrase. I was wondering if I could skew those words a bit to facilitate my postal needs.  Well, let’s just say, there is NO skewin’ them words.  They kinda ‘skew’ themselves, eh? Alas, my introduction will be like oatmeal –  basic and free from anecdotal word play.

I pretty much like everything associated with oatmeal. However, I knew very little about this grain. So (pun intended), here’s a harvest of oat knowledge –

• noun – Sorry, I’m a writer. 
• Avena sativa – (genius, species – of course) Science is, like, the root of pharmacy, okay?! 
• cereal grain grown from seed
• the hulled kernel of the oat is called a groat – which is an awful word, by the way!
• grown in cooler climates and can be planted either in autumn or  spring

The Difference Between Steel-Cut, Rolled, & Instant Oats

Steel Cut Oats

Also called Irish or Scottish oats. This type of oatmeal is processed by chopping the whole oat groat into several pieces, rather than rolled. Steel-cut oats look almost like rice that’s been cut into pieces. This variety takes the longest to cook, and has a toothsome, chewy texture that retains much of its shape even after cooking.

Rolled Oats

Old-fashioned or whole oats, rolled oats look like flat, irregularly round, slightly textured discs. When processed, the whole grains of oats are first steamed to make them soft and pliable, then pressed to flatten them. Rolled oats cook faster than steel-cut oats, absorb more liquid, and hold their shape relatively well during cooking.

Instant Oats

Instant (quick) oats are the most processed of the three oat varieties. They are pre-cooked, dried, and then rolled and pressed slightly thinner than rolled oats. They cook more quickly than steel-cut or rolled oats, but retain less of their texture, and often cook up mushy.

Baked Oatmeal

This recipe was passed on to me from a friend. It’s an amazing alternative to the stove top version. Great for cool fall mornings.

• 1/2 cup oil (I use 1/4 oil and 1/4 applesauce)
• 3/4 brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoonfuls Baking Power
• 1 teaspoonful salt
• 3 cups Oatmeal – works best with Old Fashioned Oats
• 1 cup milk

Mix first three ingredients well. Sift together baking powder, salt and Oats. Combine, add milk, and stir to blend. Pour into lightly greased 8 x 8 baking dish. Bake in 350 degree preheated oven for 35 ish minutes or until golden brown.

This cookie has crumbled

Even though the above creation is quite wonderful, oatmeal based cookies remain my favorite.  I have a Cowboy Cookie recipe that is the total bomb.  The dough is really good to eat.  Consequently, the 4 dozen finished product estimate is never attained.  But then, neither is the ‘stays fresh for 3 days‘ disclaimer.

Keep calm and … sow oats?!

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. 

 … away

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.

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?

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.

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)

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!

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!