Adam Thomas, RPH

So, I’ve been subjected to the Amazon ‘axe’.  Not me, personally, but my  ‘page’ or listing for My  Life  As  A  Retail  Pharmacist – A  Fictionalized  Memoir  on Amazon.  A wonderfully penned FIVE STAR REVIEW has been removed.  Actually, it was my first, official review.  One that made me feel like I’d … arrived.  As an Indie author trying to make a name for myself in the publishing world, those feelings are hard to attain.  But now it is lost.

Let me explain.

Dianne Bylo is a avid reader, often sought out  by Indie authors, such as myself, to write reviews.  Furthermore, Amazon has recognized her as being a Top something or another Reviewer.  She is not paid and receives nothing from either Amazon or the author.  Any positive review is appreciated.  But, trust me, when someone such as Dianne gives your novel a FIVE STAR REVIEW – it is wonderful.   It is NOT wonderful when Amazon removes said review without warning.  When I discovered her review was gone, I contacted her immediately.  She informed me that apparently she was ‘under investigation’ of some sort.  Dianne has appealed.  However, until that issue is resolved her reviews have been purged.

Purged.  Such a nasty word, isn’t it?

Yes, Amazon is looking out for its customers.  I understand that.  Still, it’s frustrating.  Being an Indie author is … difficult.  The ‘axe’ doesn’t make my job any easier.  Fortunately, I have other reviews I am equally proud of.  And, more reviews will be added.  Hint, hint.

Until that time, enjoy the music video below.  My daughter brought it to my attention and it’s rather fitting, considering the circumstances.  I didn’t necessarily ‘lose‘ my review in ‘the fire’, but I did get burned.

Things we lost … – Bastille

The point-of-care-testing Sonia Collins described in her innovations article is NOT a ‘promise’ by any means.  It is a cluster-fuck.  Furthermore, our “huge responsibility as pharmacists and as a profession” is to dispense medications written by medically trained doctors.  I do not, and will never feel, the need “to demonstrate that (we) have this skill set“.  If I wanted to perform Strep tests on walk-in pharmacy customers complaining of a sore throat, I WOULD’VE GONE TO MEDICAL SCHOOL.

Such innovations require increased staff AND training – none of which any retailer will adequately commit to.  Instead, we pharmacists would be cattle-called to the District Office, given a Power Point presentation on proper technique, and swab the gross saliva of the person to our left.  Then we would be instructed on how to work such innovations into our budgeted hours.  That, Ms. Collins, is NOT proper patient care.  That is a cluster-fuck.

A concerned retail pharmacist

No, that letter  was never sent to the editor.  Actually, the damn professional journal I found that article in didn’t even have a designated section for such responses.  I wonder why?

As a rule, I rarely write letters/comments about articles I’ve read.  And, testimonials… .  Well, everyone knows how much I love testimonials.

However, I do look forward to reading the Letters to the Editor section of every magazine I receive on a scheduled basis.  It’s just fun.  Some letters are quite eloquent, definitely following the ‘How to write a … ‘ link below.  Others, like the ficticious offering above, can be a heated, rambling mess; foul language often included.  Regardless of the content, Letters to the Editor are a hoot to read.

How to write a Letter to the Edtor

Vanity Fair often focuses on  influential individuals and tackles controversial, yet interesting subject matter. Since the reader base is quite affluent, the letters responding to the articles are similar in nature.  Added bonus, Editor Graydon Carter writes his own ‘forward‘ in every issue.  Wonderfully done.

In a recent issue of SKIING, several comments to a recently published article were included.  The readers did NOT click that link before penning their letter.  Heated.  Very heated.  But, the editor of the magazine AND the author of the article apologized if the content of said article was ‘taken in the wrong way’.   That was a fun little read.

Lastly, Entertainment Weekly is always good for highlighting the views of their readers.  This is actually the exception to my ‘rule’.  On numerous occasions, I have sent a quick e-mail to EW, praising their great strides to recognize both Indie and main stream authors.  In the past, the Books section of the weekly magazine has been minimal.  That has changed.  Kudos! And, thanks.  Though I’m still waiting for the cover of my book to be the center of  The Bullseye!

Sincerely,

Adam Thomas

No, 29 is NOT the title for Adele’s next album.  From what I’ve read, she’s done with ‘numbers’.  But, it does reference an event that happens once every four years – February 29 and/or Sadie Hawkins Day, depending on who you ask.

What IS a Leap Year?

The Earth orbits the sun every 365.2422 days (0.2422 days is equal to 5 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds, roughly 1/4 of a day). Every 365 1/4 days (not exactly 365 days), the Earth returns to the same exact spot in its orbit. That is why we have a leap year roughly every 4 years, to synchronize the seasons with our calendar; if we had a 365-day calendar every year, the seasons would drift around the calendar.

Zoom School/Enchanted Learning site

Random global Leap Year facts –

• In 5th century Ireland, St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick about women having to wait for men to propose. In response, he deemed one day in February every Leap Year women would be allowed to propose.
• According to Greek superstition, it is bad luck to get married during a Leap Year. Consequently, 1 in 5 engaged Greek couples avoid Leap Year weddings.
• A law passed in Scotland in 1288 allowed for women to propose to men on February 29th. If a man refused, he was fined. Usually that fine was a kiss, silk dress, or a pair of gloves. If you ask me, someone got off easy. Maybe everyone?

Who the hell is Sadie Hawkins?

Sadie Hawkins Day is rooted in the story of Sadie Hawkins, a character created by Al Capp in the comic strip Li’l Abner. Described as “the homeliest gal in the hills,” Sadie was unable get a date; so her father, a prominent citizen in the town of Dogpatch, named a day after her to help Sadie get a man. On Sadie Hawkins Day, a footrace was held in Dogpatch so the women could pursue the town’s eligible bachelors.

Capp’s creation captured the imagination of young people, particularly in high schools and on college campuses. In 1939, only two years after its inauguration, a double-page spread in Life proclaimed, “On Sadie Hawkins Day, Girls Chase Boys in 201 Colleges”. Capp originally created it as a comic plot device, but by the early 1940s the comic strip event had swept the nation and acquired a life of its own.

In the US, Sadie Hawkins Day (SHD) is usually ‘observed’ the first Saturday in November most likely to coincide with the cartoon anniversary – 11/15/1937.    However, in recent years celebrating SHD in February has become a pop culture – aka women – phenomenon.

http://leapyearday.com/content/sadie-hawkins-day-no

Why do some want the SHD moved to February 29? You’re guess is as good as mine.  Maybe we should ‘propose’ that question to women.  They know everything don’t they? (Note: sarcastic tone implied)

Sadie Hawkins Day Race – silent movie

A few years back a neighborhood friend and I had a … disagreement.  Don’t worry, there was no blood shed – a little syrup spillage, but no blood shed.  It was a memorable event that was right out of the pages of Midwest Living Magazine.

Background –

We were at an elementary school sporting event in early fall, catching up on anything and everything.  Somehow breakfast or breakfast food was discussed.  I am the king of all things related to breakfast.  So I held my ground, of course.  In conversation, it was casually mentioned that my friend, lets name him Clint for blogging purposes, made the best pancakes.  Blah, blah, blah.  I’m sure he could’ve gone on forever.  However, being a humbled conversationalist, I only let him get one blah in before I had to interrupt. He was mistaken, I make the best pancakes. Ever.  Remember: Morning Scramble, Pancake Palace AND my grandmother’s recipe. All of which I included in My Life As A Retail Pharmacist – A Fictionalized Memoir .

the Challenge –

Clint and I are both gentleman.  However, neither of us would dare concede defeat.  So a short stack showdown was the ONLY honorable was to settle this, this … issue.

the date –

February was an excellent time to break up the duldrums  of winter and … cook some pancakes.  Clint and his family were in transition, moving out of the ‘hood into nicer digs.  So I had home court advantage.  NOT that I needed it, by any means.

MY recipe –

• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoonful baking soda
• approximately 2 tablespoonsful cooking oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 container yogurt of choice – vanilla and lemon work best
• splash or two of water to yield desired consistency

Clint would NOT disclose his recipe.  Pompous fool (Note: sarcastic tone). All I know is that it contained ricotta cheese? Or at least I think so.

the Judges –

The Crain family willingly agreed to judge the event.  Fun fact: in a desperate attempt to win over the judges, Clint actually cooked a dollar bill into his pancakes.  Can you believe that shit? The nerve.  I needed no such treachery to win over the judges – My spatula was the only retaliation required.

and the Winner is…

It was a draw.  Truthfully, we knew going into it no ‘winner’ would be crowned.  It was all in fun.  Besides, there were pancakes.  Little more needs to be said.  Though, if a winner was chosen,  Clint would get sympathy points – he has four daughters.  Oh, by the way, there is nothing pompous about mr. Clint.  He’s a good dude.

 next challenge –

French toast?  We’ll see.

optional toppings –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH5Q9-M6t8c

Leave it to Jack Johnson to pen a song about pancakes.  Bananas are NOT my fruit of choice, but it works.

Order up!

Well, it’s February – the longest, shortest month of the year.  Being a Leap Year, it’s only going to seem even longer.  Maybe El Nino will soften that wintry blow.  February 2015 was just awful.  I don’t think Traverse City recorded temperatures above zero the entire month.

I’ve had this post in the ‘draft’ status for some time, adding comments/updates/afterthoughts to previous material.  It’s been brought to my attention that I’ve been more random than usual.  Hopefully, that’s not bad.  As long as the text is solid and the ideas fresh, albeit random, I’ll continue.  Hopefully, you’ll keep reading.

That being said, … –

• Still undecided on when to send out my Christmas cards.  Last years, Be my … belated  idea was well received.  I’m thinking April? Though, only a Fool would do something like that.  Hmm… .
•  Sam Champion’s ‘morning show’ was cancelled shortly after I posted my bit about the Weather Channel/El Nino.  Apparently, the station wanted to get back to it’s roots – the weather not his gym shoes.  I’m thinking that was a good idea.
• I could’ve changed the title for Time after Time to avoid Cyndi Lauper all together. But I just really thought it was fun and appropriate.  Besides, I have a horrible time with titles.  So, when a good one comes along… .  I need to go with it.
• “… the indentation in my sofa” is to men as “You are like a gas leak.  We can’t see you, we can’t smell you, but you are killing us all!” is to women.
• I filled a prescription for Xanax with the following directions – Take one tablet 1 hour before family Christmas gatherings.  Even Adele can’t fix that shit. Once again,  Xanax is  no longer for gay summer weddings. Crayons: not included.
• June 30, 2016 is by no means a News Year’s Resolution.  Those things are still dumb AND that date has been looming for sometime now.
• “Funny but wrong.”  is a quote from a movie.  Kudos if you are familiar with that film.  Hint: 12
• Apparently there is a Resting Bitch Face Meter – when I searched for the graphic, weird ass links were found.  I’m all about full disclosure for blogging purposes, but … .
• All RV’s have officially left Traverse City.  Unfortunately those damn things will return sooner than I would ever want.
• Surprisingly enough, I have had few vocabulary lessons.  Though the comment on my randomness may have me rethink that decision.   Also,  I’m due for MasterCard moment soon.  Hmm… .
• I visited the Shinola store in Ann Arbor a few weeks back.  I still love watches.  And sunglasses.
• Lastly, anyone curious at what the hell I would be researching in  Botany for  DUMMIES ? A Science project gone rogue?   Maybe.  Maybe not.

I asked my son what fun song/video I should use to close my post.  Being a father of two daughters, this video IS hilarious.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwHQfn0s94M

When hockey season began back in September, I looked at the schedule and started to plan.  What did I plan you may ask? Exactly what and how much I was going to get done during the ‘down time’ waiting for either practice or a game to be over.   And tournament weekends – I was so going to own those.  I AM not a rink slug.  Instead, I stop-drop-pick you up when I am done with what I need to do.  And, like I said, there was a lot I wanted to do.  First and foremost was researching my next project – I even bought  Botany for DUMMIES. I was going to highlight the shit out of that book.  Hell, my thumb was going to be so green that damn croton plant I referenced in the  not so green thumb  post    (11-12-2012) would sprout roots.

If you haven’t noticed, everything I’ve written is past tense.  Yes, hockey season is still underway. But, nothing I had planned was, or will get accomplished in the remaing few months. The highlighter remains capped. My thumb is as pale and flesh-colored as ever.  Who’s the  Dummie now?

Well I don’t look at it that negatively.  Remember, I am trying to put a positive spin on everything.  Also, I ain’t no dummie. I am getting some things done.  Though not exactly what I had originally anticipated.  But, … .  I’m good.

On practice nights, I do the bi-weekly shopping, grab a bite to eat at a restaurant I want to go to, and … hang.  Sometimes not doing anything.  During tournament/hotel weekends, I bring a book, of course, and read.  Mostly, I do nothing.  A few weeks  back I even watched a movie in the room on a regular station WITH COMMERCIALS.   Who does that shit anymore?

Still, I’m good.

Once I thought it was just ‘wasted time’ this, this unproductive portion of my life.  Then I realized I really didn’t care that much.  Not getting the to-do list done  every waking hour of the day was … a relief.  When I’m home, every second of my life is scheduled.  But on hockey weekends, my only responsibility is getting my daughter to the rink on time.  Handling the occasional teenage meltdown is peppered into that scenario, too.  Other than that, little is required of me.  Upon my return home, that wonderful list is waiting for me. I deserve some wasted time, damn it.  Remember I read and somewhat embraced the Underachiever’s Manifesto (09-29-2014).  Come to think of it, it really wasn’t that strong of an embrace, but you get the idea.

As for that Botany for DUMMIES book, … .  It will get read and highlighted and read again.  Law for DUMMIES  was so wore out after writing  My Life As A Retail Pharmacist – A Fictionalized Memoir  the binding cracked.

Again, I’m good.

Lastly, just knowing that there WILL BE a ‘next book’… .  Forget good – I’m fucking awesome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdOptEJk0K8

In Memorandum – Glenn Fry

Condition – I think the previously posted images define this condition adequately.  Though I’m unhappy with the presentation.  It appears … incomplete.  I wanted to incorporate the graphics with this text as I did for RBF, but it was too cumbersome to do so.  Oh, well, SBS happens.

Topic Overview – First and foremost, I suffer, and am forever traumatized, from this horrible aliment.  I’m not the only one.  It starts with an innocent, seemingly random, sneeze.  Then another; sputum spraying everywhere.  Congested, raspy voices break down communication  between fellow employees AND unsuspecting patrons.  Dust dances through the air like dandelion seeds playfully released from the soft breath of a blonde, pig-tailed little girl in a prairie field.   Unfortunately, nothing about this scenario is cute. Instead, it’s ugly.  Toxic allergens wreak havoc … .

STOP –

I just can’t do that over-the-top dramatic shit. I was trying to be funny in a futile attempt so this post would be more entertaining.  But, I’m failing big time, man.  Besides, even on their best days, my fellow employees can’t communicate properly with anyone – let alone the damn customers.  Hell, everyone is a trainwreck at the corner of ‘Dysfunctional and Medicated’.

Be that as it may, this SBS shit is totally legit.

Causes –

• Air quality in most workplaces is just awful, especially the pharmacy. The fan/blower is constantly circulating .  The ‘Maintenance Department’s’ standard response is “the filters are changed” and “we’ll get someone out to clean those ducts.  Soon.”  Liar. I’d rather the person just tell the truth and say no one will ever be out to do anything about the issue.
• Lighting – Between the incandescent lighting and the brightness/contrast issues with the computer screens, I’m just fucked.  Luckily, good vision was a familial trait I thankfully inherited.  Ocular Migraines – not so much.
• While I’m ranting – the ergonomics at the pharmacy really suck, too.  Once again, there is NO available resource that can correct this problem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t261Gbk-efA   *

Treatment Options –

• complain to management – yeah, that works just dandy.
• treat symptoms with various over-the-counter products.  While your at it, buy stock in selected sundry manufacturing  companies.  Your investment portfolio will thank you with a nice ROI.
• For me, continuing NOT to do Continuing Education helps my situation.  Come June 30 2016 I’ll be symptom free.

References –

• Better Nutrition Magazine
• 60 minutes     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adzMcfHr1q8
• I’m sure Doc Oz has had a thing or two to say about this, too.

*   This is a really bad short (movie).  When I searched SBS on YouTube for something fun in another attempt to make this post something fun, I found this.  Well, it isn’t fun and has nothing to do with SBS. Except the title – go figure.  Hopefully the post is better than the video.

B-Rated it is!

Sick Building Syndrome 

Taken from the Owner’s Manual for the 2008 Honda Pilot:

Drive (D3) -This position is similar to D, except the first three gears are selected.  Use D3 to provide engine braking when going down a steep hill.  D3 can also keep the transmission from cycling between third and fourth gears in stop-and-go driving.

Second (2) – This position locks the transmission in second gear.  It does not downshift to first gear when you come to a stop.  Use second gear:

• for more power when climbing
• to increase engine braking when going down steep hills
• for starting out in a slippery surface or in deep snow
• to help reduce wheel spin
• when driving downhill with a trailer

Personally, I prefer D3.  Last winter it helped tremendously with the inclement weather.  And, here in Traverse City, we had a lot of inclement weather.  Thankfully, I’ve never had to use Second Gear; never really thought about it.  D3 is easily interchangeable with Drive ; one shift and you’re golden.

The theory behind this lower gear thing is that the engine has less forward momentum, increasing the handling/stopping ability.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuZA6qiJVfU

That’s it on technical Cars  talk.  To tell you the truth, I probably even presented that brief, one sentence synopsis wrong.  I AM not and never will be a gear head.  Though I seriously doubt that’s a surprise to anyone.  But, it’s not because I haven’t tried.

I purchased my first car – a 1975 royal blue Ford LTD II – from a neighbor $200.  The engine was frozen, so we pushed the car from their driveway onto ours.  My older brother wanted to rebuild the engine.  Well, good for him.  The only thing I can ‘build’ is a sandwich.  Still, he felt challenged and really wanted to do it.  Once again, good for him.  Good for me, too.  I got a ‘new’ car out of this endeavor.

Other than financing the project, only one stipulation was required of me.  I was instructed to take Automotive 101 at the Community College.  That was something I knew I could complete.  Not excel in by any means; complete.  The goal was to become more knowledgeable.  Unfortunately, the only knowledge I retained solidified the fact that I was NOT and never will be a gear head.  Shit, man, I can’t even change the damn oil in my car.  In my defense, car design has become very complicated, not to mention intimidating.  The Volvo Cross-Country has this part called the ‘Mother Board’.  What amateur wants to  mess with something referred to as the ‘Mother Board’?

Pause – breathe

I’m relaxed now.  Besides, it’s lunchtime.  I need to go ‘build’ one of those sandwiches I mentioned.  Enjoy the link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Za8BtLgKv8

I feel the need to qualify something regarding this skit.  While it is way funny, the idea of going to a  ‘Dispencary’ to fill a piñata with ‘legal’ substances – I’m not referring to the damn Sour Patch Kids , okay – is not.  “Funny, but wrong.”