Adam Thomas, RPH

I was totally stoked when I thought of this idea.  It’s amazing how a passing question like ‘does pineapple belong on pizza?’ in a casual conversation could foster such incredible memories. If I could’ve I would’ve gone home that evening and penned this post.  At first, I intended to incorporate both pizza and the Airliner into one entry.   Then decided each topic deserved their own – pizza was the perfect MasterCard Moment and the Airliner… . Hell, the Airliner was an Ode if there ever was one.  To have a Moment and an Ode back to back is postally preposterous.

My pizza piece was quite tasty, if I do say so myself. Unfortunately, every attempt to pen my Airliner Ode was thwarted with frustration.  I was blocked, man.  It was bad!  The thought of what I wanted to write, moreover, the feeling I needed to convey seemed like it would be effortless to put into words.   But, it wasn’t. What I wanted was that Stephen King Stand by Me type voice-over moment – a simple, yet eloquent ‘eulogy’ of sort, immortalizing days gone by.  Then I realized that my memories were just that – mine. Well, mine and the friends who shared said pizza with sausage, pineapple, and green peppers at the Airliner thirty years ago. Understanding this made my inadequacy a bit more tolerable.

Be this as it all may be, I found a suitable, rhetorical tribute.

a ‘professional’ , appropriately cited Ode

This was written in 2009.  Thankfully the ‘Liner is still going strong now pushing 75.  By the way, this excerpt is a bit more postally appropriate than originally planned.  These cadets were ‘in their whites‘ – I could be wrong, but I’m thinkin’ that IS a Plain White T reference.

Everyone has their own Airliner Ode.  That metaphorical ‘pizza place’ filled with friends from childhood, high school or college. Am I disappointed with my writer’s  blogous interruptous?  Not really. I’m comforted. They are MY memories.

If I remember correctly,   this song was L 5 on  the Airliner jukebox back in 1989.

Yes, the jukebox is still there – with some Spotify downloadable enhancements, of course.

Pints on me!

number of toppings available:   39 * (of course there’s an asterisks)

number of sauce alternatives:   30

number of crust options:   8 – in just 4 categories, though

college memories of pizza every Sunday at the Airliner in Iowa City:   countless (and priceless)

It came up in conversation the other day whether or not pineapple belonged on pizza.  Hell, YES! Pineapple definitely belongs on pizza.  After I googled everything there is to google about this crusted creation, I found that pizza is an open canvas for everything from extra cheese (boring) to Nutella (gross).  Don’t worry, this is not another recipe post.  I’m giving Martha a culinary break.  But, I haven’t had a ‘Moment’ in a minute.  Besides, there’s another reason for this piece of postal pizza.  By the way, I guess ‘in a minute‘ is now slang for a long time.

coastal opposites chose pineapple

*There are technically 39 official pizza toppings.  However, if you’re talking topping combinations, … .  Well, that number can go into the trillions.  When I googled the topping options, I was offered a math site link that calculated combinations, including a correspondence between a Domino’s employee and a mathematician.  That was a little too much number crunching for me.  I’d rather talk topping tendencies.

• Hawaiians like … wait for it … artichokes on their pizza.  Maine and Oregon chose pineapple. Who knew, eh?
• 50/51 states chose pepperoni as the meat of choice (Washington D.C. was included in poll)
• Nowadays, I like fresh garlic and pepperoni

topping tendencies

nuts for Nutella?

• Of the 30 options, Nutella for a dessert pizza was the most undesirable.  I’m not a fan of hazelnuts.
• Marinara is the sauce for me.  Always has been – probs always will.

sauce alternatives

Neapolitan who?

I’m from Chicago, so it’s all about the deep dish.  Though, I’m likin’ this thin/flatbread craze.

Thin Crust

• Neapolitan Pizza — is credited as being the original Italian pizza – thin, slightly crispy texture, Neapolitan pizzas must meet a very specific set of requirements in order to truly be considered an authentic Neapolitan. It’s from Naples.  No surprises there.
• New York-Style Pizza — New York-style crust is slightly crispy on the outside, yet soft and pliable enough to fold the big slices in half.  The unique flavor and texture is from high-gluten bread flour and the minerals present in New York City water. Minerals?
• St. Louis Pizza — is characterized by its round, thin, unleavened, cracker-like crust and slices cut into squares or rectangles rather than wedges.

Flatbread Crust

• This lighter, thin crust is ideal for appetizers and personal-sized pizzas, appealing option for gourmet and trendy toppings like balsamic and spinach.

Thick Crust

• Traditional Pan Pizza —  is a happy medium for most pizza lovers and made widely popular by Pizza Hut
• Deep Dish Pizza — commonly known as Chicago-style,  baked in an oiled deep-dish pan to create a crispy, sometimes buttery, fried effect on the outside of the crust.
• Sicilian Pizza — is known for its thick, rectangle-shaped crust, often over an inch thick.

Focaccia

• This thick, bread-like dough is brushed with olive oil before baking, then covered with cheeses, herbs and spices.

all about pizza

As for those  countless (and priceless) Airliner memories, … .

To be continued.

Annotated Bibliographies

A few weeks back my son outed me.  No, it’s nothing that scandalous. However, the ramifications of his observation could get me in some legal trouble.  Again.  So, I am setting things straight. (pun intended)

I sent him the link to my blog when I posted about the plain white t-shirt.  He was the one who introduced me to that SNL short. I thought he would get a kick out of the usage.  He only reads my blog periodically. He’s twenty years old and a full-time student – totally understandable.  And, … I’m good with that.

The next time we talked, he mentioned the entry.  We commented on Ben Stiller’s hair and about the fact that it was probably  intentional.  Then, he paused.  “You didn’t cite your source when you archived the history of the t-shirt,” he said nonchalantly. I was proud of his due diligence.  After I acknowledged his insight, I stated that I had block quoted the information.  By doing so, I informally told the blogging world that those were NOT my words.   It’s. The. Internet.  That particular blurb was from Wikipedia, if I remember correctly. Everything on that site, and the internet for that matter,  is true. (note: sarcasm) Thus, the basis for my lack of … concern.

Later that day, I thought about what he had said and reexamined my responsibilities as a blogger.

• I include the link where I find my material – usually immediately following the information. I never technically ‘cite my source’ though.
• I ALWAYS attempt to find a musical link supplied by VEVO , the artist’s website, or ‘Official’ Videos.  A video ‘fueled by Ramon‘ just doesn’t work for me.   Piracy is BAD.  I would never knowingly engage in such activity.
• I block out direct quotes or material I don’t paraphrase.
• when I do a bullet-point presentation, the information is from numerous websites, then reworded.
• this is an informal blog – usually including my rambling Random Nonsense.  So, if anyone wants to take what I say seriously, they’re just fucking stupid.
• I casually mention the author/reference in the text. i.e. – the garlic soup recipe was from Martha Stewart.  Yes, I should’ve documented that it was from  meatless  from the kitchens of martha stewart living.  But, I think “this is a Martha recipe” is suitable for my purposes.  Besides, I am referencing an icon – feeding egos is important. (pun  intended)
• lastly, I googled it.  According to a non-practicing lawyer (whatever that is), I’m good.  I regularly do more than the average blogger.  So, I’m really good.

Since I’m talking blog. I saw the Blog Master recently. My site still looks the same –  which is fine. But I’s been updated.  WordPress version 4.9.4, baby.  I’m still getting used to the nuances of the new format. Some links – especially those ‘Official’ music videos – appear as Official Videos not as highlighted stupid comment of mine that go to the site.  It’s a bit cumbersome, but I’ll deal.

Speaking of that, my daughter found a ‘spicy’ , yet appropriately themed musical video about my alleged blogging altercation.

Final verdict – innocent. Commence blogging.

The 2018 Winter Games are underway and I am actually writing an appropriately timed post. Believe it or not. Hell, I was just rambling on about t-shirts in February. I needed to do something right.

I have never been an Olympic slug – it’s very time consuming.  On the odd chance that I did watch, the commercials made me absolutely crazy. Let’s not forget the announcers/commentators.  I was livid when that insensitive bitch interviewed Bode Miller after he medaled in the final race of the 2014 Olympics. Then, there was Bob Costas.  He’s such a tool.  Though, I got quite the charge when he continued to broadcast with conjunctivitis.  In both eyes.

Classic Costas conjunctivitis

Fast forward 2018 – Bob Costas retired and his ‘condition’  has probably cleared by now. Bode is now a commentator. And, I have time.  Oddly enough, the damn commercials don’t even bother me.  Go Figure. Skate. Before I continue, let me qualify something. I am still not a slug by any means.  I have never turned on the television to watch. I only did so if it was already on.

During those frequent commercial breaks, that still don’t bother me, I thought about all the movies inspired by Olympic moments.  Leave it to Hollywood to prolong everything from “the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat”.  And, give me a reason to post.  I decided to keep with the Olympic theme and award medals.  Truthfully, only three movies even came to mind.  So, it worked out really well.

Gold – Miracle

This movie tells the true story of Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell), the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Russian squad in Lake Placid.

Since the Americans won gold that year, it’s only natural the movie be awarded accordingly. Besides, it’s a hockey movie. Any questions?

Silver – Eddie the Eagle

Inspired by true events – Michael “Eddie” Edwards (Taron Egerton), plays the unlikely but courageous British ski-jumper who never stopped believing in himself. With the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach (played by Hugh Jackman), Eddie takes on the establishment and wins the hearts of sports fans around the world by making an improbable and historic showing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

Jackman is a serious dude.  The final ‘landing’ is just amazing to watch.   

Bronze – The Cutting Edge

Kate Moseley (Moira Kelly) is a world-class figure skater training for the Olympics; she has genuine talent, but years of being spoiled by her wealthy family have made her all but impossible to work with. Doug Dorsey (D.B. Sweeney) is a hockey player with an eye injury suffered during a game that affects his peripheral vision. Desperate to stay in Olympic competition, Doug agrees to try working as Kate’s partner.  In time, the two learn to put egos aside to become a pair to be reckoned with both on and off the ice at the 1992  Albertville Winter Olympic Games.

Even though this IS a romantic-comedy, it’s still fun. 

Well, that’s about it.  As the Games come to a close, so must my postal ‘presentation’.  Trust me, these movies are all worth the watch.  Bonus – they are all BBC – Before Bob Costas.

Recently, I purchased a 3 pack of Jockey t-shirts. Yes, they were both plain AND white.   This trifecta was also V-neck – more on THAT later.  After the initial wash, I put one on and … .  Ahh (deep sigh of contentment). It was a nice. One of those simple pleasures you often need to get through the day. Oh, I only do 100% cotton.  That whole polyester blend shit just doesn’t work for me.  Later that day, I logged in to work on my soup recipe and drafted the above title.  Plain white tees deserved a post.  Originally, I projected a nice Spring into Summer entry.  But the idea lingered.  Since, I had an appropriate musical group AND video short prepared, I decided not to wait.

plain

I was never really a fan of the graphic tee.  My kids, yes.  Me, no.  Though when I was young, I had a t-shirt with the famous Farrah Fawcett  bathing suit pose decal printed on the front.  It was my favorite.  Honestly, I think it was every adolescent AND adult male’s favorite. Then AND now.

When I went to college, I would swap Iowa t-shirts with friends at schools across the country.  Back then, you could also call various university 1-800 numbers to inquiry about admissions. The institution would actually send you a t-shirt FOR FREE.  True story.

white

Simple. Neutral. Classic. Three words that best describe this article of clothing.  To keep mine looking that way, I use bleach, baby.  Oh, my whites are washed in hot water, too.  As I age, gray and black are becoming more popular in my wardrobe.  Be that as it may, the PWT will always be a staple.

T-shirt

The dubbed “T-shirt” surfaced  in the United States when they were issued by the U.S. Navy sometime around the Spanish American War. They featured crew-necks and short sleeves and were meant to be worn as underwear beneath the uniform.  Soon it was adopted by the Army as part of the standard issue ensemble given to recruits. It got its iconic name from its shape resembling the letter “T”. Dockworkers, farmers, miners, and construction type workers also adopted the T-shirt preferring the lightweight fabric in hotter weather conditions.

The inexpensive cotton and easy to clean garment became the shirt of choice by mothers for their sons as outerwear for chores and play. By the 1920’s “T-shirt” became an official American-English word in the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary.

V-necks have only been around since about the 1960s.  They’ve particularly gained in popularity in men’s fashion in the past decade or so, now becoming just as much of a staple of men’s fashion as the traditional T-shirt.

As an undergarment, the go to default cut is the crew neck, of course. For me, the opening is too tight.  And, no, I don’t have a thick neck, okay. I’ve just never been a tight-fitted clothes type dude.  Furthermore, I AM a product of the sixties. It’s only natural I favor the alternative style.  The V-neck often lays better. Just ask Andy Samberg and Ben Stiller.  (side note: Stiller’s hairstyle in this video is totally gross.  I think it was intentional.  Correction – … hope it was intentional.  Yikes!)

the ultimate V-neck

Apparently, January is National Soup Month.  So, it makes complete sense that I am posting a soup  recipe … in February.  (Pause)

Remember, my timing is total shit.  That is why this is perfectly in line.  Besides, I haven’t had a cooking entry in a while.  And, this one is quick, easy, and quite good –  if, you like garlic.

Thirty-Clove Garlic Soup

• 2 heads garlic, halved crosswise
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable stock (this is a Martha recipe – she requests it be homemade)
• 8 ounces Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
• salt/pepper/seasoning of choice
• grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for serving

Those are the ingredients per Martha.  I was going to include her exact directions, but then decided to post my abbreviated version instead.  It’s so much more kitchen friendly.

1. Drizzle garlic with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning.  Wrap tightly in parchment paper, then aluminum foil.  Bake in oven at 375 for approximately 45 minutes.
2. Boil potatoes in vegetable stock until done – let cool.  (NOTE – if I’m in a real hurry, I use less stock, then to cool the spuds quicker I add ice.  Sometimes vegetable stock is … strong.  Diluting with the cubes helps mellow the flavor.)
3. Once garlic is roasted, remove from papery skin and place in potato/stock mix.
4. Puree the soup in batches. Then, reheat.  If the soup is too think, add water or stock until smoother consistency.
5. Sprinkle with that grated P-R cheese that I don’t use and, quite frankly, have never heard of.

Truthfully, I think even if you aren’t a garlic fan, this soup would be palatable.  It’s very smooth. I had thoughts about highlighting the advantages of garlic. But, that’s too much work right now.  I’m all about simplicity this post. Granted, some of the health benefits are reduced by roasting. Regardless, garlic IS the bomb!

I put my daughter to task to find an appropriate musical selection to close. I wanted something to celebrate enjoying soup on a cold February evening. This IS a Martha recipe – so, it’s all about the presentation and …

Soup really is good food!

This IS one of those posts that embodies my essence of Nonsense.  But, if you think about it, it is not that Random because it happens often -especially in conversation. NOTE: DO NOT think about it too hard because it will really, really fuck you up.

“Next” always refers to something that you are not able to choose right now. “This” always refers to whatever you can choose right now.

My whole contention with these two words started back in my college days, driving to and from school on various outings.  Remember, this was 30 years ago. GPS was unavailable.  We relied on maps AND roadway signs for directions.  Often NEXT EXIT became THIS EXIT way too fast.  Or NEXT EXIT was truly THIS EXIT.  In both scenarios, YOU MISSED IT was the ultimate reality.  I’m convinced it was some conspiracy theory planned by the DOT intended to fuck with drivers.  The instigators then sat in an office in an undisclosed location, sipping coffee looking at some techy grid. Smiling.  Luckily, GPS has ‘fixed’ the problem. Though, I’m convinced even Siri has ulterior directional motives.

Baby Driver has NO confusion about what’s NEXT

Recently, I e-mailed a friend inquiring about his job transfer.  Originally I was told he would leave town in March.  Since I had heard about this transfer a few months back, I assumed THIS March, meaning 2018.  In his response, he stated the new assignment would be NEXT JULY.   The email was right around the New Year.  So… . Does he mean July 2018 or July 2019?  To this day, I still have no idea when he is leaving.  Quite frankly, I’m embarrassed to ask.

Similarly enough, I finished reading a preview about an upcoming movie that is supposed to open NEXT December.  Further in the article, the release date of December 2018 was referenced twice.  Yes, this was a January 2018 volume. Therefore, the article was written, then proofed sometime in 2017.  Hmm… .

See why I’m confused.  See why I also warned – DO NOT  think about it too hard.  It seriously messes with you.

I disagree that “this Friday” only has meaning if it is Friday. It means: the Friday that is not in question. Next Friday means, the one after that. If there is not a “this” at the present moment (hard to imagine with a day of the week) then it gets confusing. For a day or two after the weekend, “this weekend” actually refers to the weekend that just passed, as in: “What did you do this weekend?”

I’m a pretty direct guy, especially in conversation.  I chose my words efficiently to facilitate communication. (EXCEPTION: blog rambling, of course) I stress action verbs and use as few words as possible.   That’s why THIS  – NEXT conundrum is total shit.  Do it NOW and shut the fuck up!

Lastly, the real cluster occurs when there is a line  of customers at the pharmacy counter and the cashier asks “who’s ...

NEXT

Well, I’ve hit the big 300.  Posts, not years, okay.

Back when I celebrated 200, I compiled a fun MasterCard Moment.  This time around, I had no idea how I wanted to present my postal milestone.  I had a few ideas. Though, none were a strong front runner.

My first thought was to combine this with an updates and understandings recap usually done this time every year.  Truthfully, I have no updates and I understand less and less with every day.  Besides, looking back can be so cliche.  Just wasn’t feeling it.

Instead, I decided to move forward.

I have an appointment with ‘the Yoda’ – Master of all that is Blog.  Soon. I think I’m due for a makeover.  Then again, I kinda like my adamthomasrph.com look – simple, classic, and lean.  None of the complicated shit that is totally obnoxious on other website/blogs.  We’ll see.  Speaking of that, I’ve heard that blogs are becoming a thing of the past.  Well, so am I, baby.  But, I’m still here, looking and feeling just my home page – simple, classic, and lean.  So, fuck ’em.

Most of all, I want to THANK YOU  for reading and following.  This blog truly keeps me sane.  And, writing.  With my familial downsizing, I do have some extra time.  Hopefully, I can put that to use. Translation: my next project.  Right now, I’m still just chillin’.  And, heavy bag training, of course.  Remember, it’s all about the … sting.

Actually, this is post number 303 to be exact. I waited to boast my postal accomplishment for another reason.  I had a 5-STAR  rating recently.  Consequently, it was submitted on  GoodReads.  I was hoping that same reader would post a rating or review on Amazon as well – Amazon reviews are much easier to highlight. (HINT- click the book icon)  Then, something wonderful happened – a different reader posted another 5-STAR review.  On Amazon.  How cool is that?  Better yet,  I was able to cut/paste the actual  STARS.  Aren’t they beautiful!

Awesome!   

January 21, 2018

Keep calm and blog on!

Well, we actually have a winter.  The last few years have been marginal at best. I haven’t minded, considering the traveling required for hockey.  I must say, 2017  was one of the oddest, most unpredictable weather years.  Traverse City is primed for winter, though.  Well, it used be. Long gone are the die-hard natives that thrived in temperature extremes.  Now all that remains are pansy-ass ‘residents’ that have no idea how to function – let alone exist when it’s a mere 32 degrees.

Since it’s mid-January, I decided it was appropriate to pen a post about Winter and the Nonsense associated with the season.  My Random thoughts will be included, of course.

• I still can’t stand the naming of winter storms.  Never have; never will.  So dumb!  Jim Cantore and Stephanie Abrams totally rock as the Weather Channel personalities/veterans.  CAUTION: Don’t mess with Mr. Cantore if thunder snow is in the forecast.  He gets a little excited.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdRWGMyeSYY

• My snow blower is officially fixed.  Though shoveling remains my snow removal method of choice.  It’s rather peaceful.  I used to be quite anal about my technique – NO tire tracks. And, those little bread-crumb like tracks of snow that trailed off the sides of the shovel always made me crazy. Note: past tense.  That was before kids AND before life.  Now, my ONLY goal is to get up and down the drive without traction  issues.  At times, snow on the drive is a good thing.
• Parking when there’s even just a dusting of snow is a complete cluster.  People are so fucking stupid!  It’s a parking lot.  Use some common sense.  But, then these are probably the same idiots who ‘do’ the Farmer’s Market.  So, …. .
• During Winter Storm Chloe or was it Dylan (note: sarcasm), I had to pick up my daughter from a sleepover at a friend’s house.  I must say, that was probably my worst driving experience in years. And, it was early afternoon.  Visibility was horrible.  Everyone was driving with hazards flashing.  Well, except me.  I understand the intention, especially on an interstate.  But this was city driving at 10 MPH – in D3.  Maybe these drivers should’ve just pulled over and … parked? Hmm… .
• Flannel sheets are definitely the way to go in wintertime.  Getting into a warm bed when it’s below zero and the wind is howling is quite lovely.
• I’m still on the fence about this wool sock thing. Not feeling the ‘thread’.  My feet sweat a lot and the moisture is NOT wicked off as well as advertised. Granted, disclosing my sweaty feet issue wasn’t completely necessary. But, it’s tangible information for posting purposes.  Besides, I often include such personal trivialities.  Though if I had to choose, I prefer Darn Tough over SmartWool.
• Lastly, my Yaktrax are finally getting some miles this season.

I guess that’s it for now.  I’m sure there’s more.  I work retail. And, it’s Winter.  There will always be another ‘storm’ to usher in more Random Nonsense.

I need to shovel.

January Hymn

Happy Winter?!

This really isn’t about Muhammad Ali.  But, it is about boxing.  Kind of. You see, I often struggle with fun, yet appropriate titles.  So when I come across a catchy phrase that has anything remotely related to my topic, I run with it.

Round One

I thought about taking boxing lessons some years back.  Unfortunately, life got in the way.  It’s very time consuming AND expensive.  Still, my interest for alternative training techniques is ever present.  The gym I frequent has a heavy boxing bag.  Every now and then I’d see random people spar with it. And, I would pause, wondering about the possibility of doing it myself. I was hesitant.  My agility and coordination, or lack thereof, thwarted any concentrated effort.

Within the past several months, a few gym junkies I know have commented about the workout punching that damn heavy bag provided. So, when I entertained the thought again, I did more than pause.  Considering my last opportunity to shake up my routine almost landed me in the slammer, I decided to be a bit more conservative when choosing my next challenge.

After I googled what I needed to know, I committed to the task.  Hell, I even went and purchased my own gloves.  The community gloves that the gym supplies are gross.  I  began ‘training’ on off hours when fewer patrons were around.  The rhythm needed to perform boxing bag basics is difficult to master. In no way did I want to look like I was doing a Richard Simmons aerobic routine instead of Cassius Clay beating the shit out an opponent.

Round Two

Power Punching is a great way to build muscle in the shoulders, arms and back. By adding heavy body strikes and uppercuts, you can also target your pectorals, biceps and traps, giving you a complete upper-body workout.

boxing bag basics – 101