Adam Thomas, RPH

scientific shit

L98.8 –Other specified disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

Xeroderma  is derived from the Greek words for “dry skin”.

The main culprit

Lack of moisture  –

• During winter, the humidity in the outside air plunges – inside, things are even drier. Then, washing your hands more frequently decreases whatever natural oils are left in your skin.
• The skin barrier is a mix of proteins, lipids, and oils. It protects the the skin – it’s thickness dictates reactions to harsh conditions.
• Just like everything else, it’s all about them genes, baby.

For me, I blame my profession.  That and flu shots.  I am forever washing my hands.  Also, that powdery shit inside disposable gloves wreaks havoc on my epidermis. 

those available resources

Emollients act as lubricants on the surface on the skin. They fill the crevices between cells that are ready to be shed and help the loose edges of the dead skin cells that are left behind stick together. Ingredients such as lanolin, jojoba oil, squalene, and glycerol stearate generally cause that slippery feeling you get after applying a moisturizer.

Humectants draw moisture from the environment to the skin’s surface, increasing the water content of the skin’s outer layer. Common humectants are glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, and lactic acid. These tend to be absorbed into the skin more readily. Translation: less residual ickyness on hands.

During my almost thirty years in retail (insert: heavy sigh), I worked the midnight shift. Back then, winter storms weren’t named- snide comment intended. One February, my hands were screaming from the endless winter. I went out onto the sales floor and  tested every available hand cream stocked. My criteria for day use of hand cream is very short – no greasy residue after application and fragrance-free. The two products I found then are still my  favorites even today. Consequently, they  both start with the letter most often found on my college transcript.

• Curel
• Cerave

Recently, I discovered O’Keeffe’s Working Hand’s. Wow! This stuff really … works.  Though, there is the slightest grittiness after being applied.  Other than that, this is some good shit, man.

prevention 

1. drink lots of water to maintain hydration
2. vitamin supplements with biotin and  hyaluronic acid
3. eat Jello – gelatin is amazing for hair, skin, and nails.  Besides, it’s fun – it really does jiggle
4. when hand washing – use warm water and mild soap.  If necessary, hand sanitizer may be substituted according to my uncited source.  I disagree. I hate that shit – the smell is gross. And, it’s alcohol based.  How is that good?  My hands cower from pain on contact with that stuff.
5. humidifier – room units or  incorporated into furnace add moisture to the air

Well, that’s about it. I am officially washing my hands of the topic. I will generously apply hand cream afterward, of course. Hope the information was useful.  I can’t remember what that damn Groundhog saw, or didn’t see for that matter. Either way, slather up. There’s lots of winter still to come.

I workout – a lot.  In fact, this blog has highlighted more than its share of Fitness Fodder – from boxing tutorials  to the bimbo and her ‘bitch’ of a power couple. All in all, the gym serves the purposes of this Average Joe well. And, it should come as no surprise that I’m not the most social person when I workout. I do the standard guy ‘nod’ acknowledgement to acquaintances and small talk with my more than regulars, of course. That’s about it. My goal is to stay fit.  That and so I can eat freely without too much concern. I’m 53 and I’s gots me a six pack and buns of steel. Yeah, baby!

My gym kinda reminds me of an independent pharmacy.  The owners even purchased the building years ago to solidify their independence. Unfortunately, times are tough for small businesses.  A large health club chain offering pizza Tuesday and bagel Friday opened a few miles away. Nice promotions, eh? Within the last year, there has been a drastic decline in patronage. Granted, I frequent the gym at non-peak hours intentionally. Still, their absence has been noticeable. Once I casually expressed concern about the issue. I was assured that there were plenty of members paying dues.

Lastly, the main reason I chose this facility was its location.  The few times I’ve actually considered changing for various, yet substantiated reasons, I decided otherwise. It’s just too damn convenient. So, I looked past those (pauses intended)  circumstances and adapted accordingly.

Six months ago, I heard rumor that the building was FOR SALE.  Taxes at that location were over inflated.  The goal was to sell the building then relocate the gym ‘a mile down the road‘ outside the city’s limits.

I didn’t panic.  Yet,  somehow I knew the arrangement was not physically fit.

This past week, my concern was validated.  The building SOLD. However, the new owners intend to utilize only the front third of the building for their business.  The remaining space would be leased to the gym. Win-Win for everyone, eh?

Yeah, not so much.

Apparently, the new owners are planning to open a recreational marijuana dispensary in their intended space.  The new gym entrance would be relocated to the back of the building. Next to the … alley.

Proposition One – legalization of marijuana in Michigan – passed last November. Political views/support of such legislature  aside, I am still a pharmacist – a registered professional.  Frequenting a gym located behind even a legalized dispensary is a conflicting conundrum.  Did I mention the entrance is next to the alley?

Totally sketch if you ask me. (Insert: heavy sigh)

Honestly, I knew my Average Joe’s days were limited. It was inevitable. Patches may be resting in ADAA heaven, but there was no way I am going to dodge, duck, dip, dive or dodge this wrench.

Wow, red wine really does go to your head, eh? There was so much I wanted to include, but just couldn’t. So, I decided to put a Hollywood film title spin on my presentation, keeping my comments and rhetoric to a minimum.  Cited sources say “moderate red wine consumption is better for you than not drinking at all. ” 

the royal TANNIN baums

Pretty much everything in wine that’s not alcohol or water is a type of polyphenol – including tannin, color pigment, and wine aromas. The most abundant for health reasons are Procyanidins*, a condensed tannin also found in green tea and dark chocolate.

Young red wines contain greater tannin levels, yielding a higher astringency. Therefore, these wines have more health benefits.

the AGE of innocence 

• Red wine is heralded for its ageability. However, it must be stored properly. Factors that affect the aging process are temperature, light and humidity. Red wines should be stored at about 55° Fahrenheit.
• Red wines contain “structure”.  Inherent traits that preserve them longer than white wines.
• As red wine ages, it becomes less intense in color.

the GRAPES of wrath

• Red grapes are older than white wine grapes
• All of the most common red wines are of just one species of grape: Vitis vinifera.
• The color in wine comes from a plant pigment called anthocyanin, which is found in the skins of red grapes.

the BUCKET list

• Cabernet Sauvignon – One of the best selling varietals of red wine in the United States. Cabernets are generally big, full bodied and tannic.
• Merlot – These medium-bodied wines are less tannic than Cabernets.
• Pinot Noir – This red wine is growing very quickly in popularity. Pinots are typically medium to light bodied with a soft tannic structure.
• Syrah (Shiraz) – Syrahs have great forward fruit flavors with a hint of pepper and spice.
• Zinfandel – Zins run the gamut in flavor characteristics and range from big and hearty to light and delicate.

California, for example, is well known for its Cabernet, but not world renowned, as France is for its Bordeaux or Italy is for its Barolo. Australia is the only country that produces Shiraz and while it does have slightly different flavor characteristics than Syrah, it is arguably the same wine.

No COUNTRY for Old Men

Terroir is the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced and has a deep impact on the thickness of the skin and the overall sugar content. Climate and regionality matter almost as much as the genetic differences in the red wine grapes

the GLASS castle

There are two main shapes for red wine glasses: the tall, tapered Bordeaux glass and the wide bowl Burgundy glass.

Consequently, I have broken every stemmed wine glass I’ve owned.  Damn things are just too fragile. Solution – stemless wine glasses.

Doctor Strange 

The antioxidants found in red wine lower incidences of cardiovascular disease, mortality, and type-2 diabetes.  *Procyanidins are specifically associated with inhibiting cholesterol plaque in blood vessels, which is highly beneficial to heart health and longevity.  That is why when it comes to the health aspects of wine, old wine isn’t as good!

cited source – https://winefolly.com/tutorial/facts-about-red-wine/

Goal – red wine with high tannins and low alcohol.  I realize that’s not fun, but it is what the doctor ordered. If it aged too long, this musical selection would’t be as appropriate.

Sources also say, “a moderate reading of Random Nonsense is better than none at all.”                                                     

Yep! You read correctly.

Just click any or all e-book cover icons on the right margin and download the title.

All three , All FREE, All day!

Sunday February 3, 2019

Happy reading!

Well, I thought I would do a mid-year recap. I just had my blog reworked. So, an updates and understandings post was Shirley in order. Though, I probably should’ve done this post first.  Then, I would be able to move forward with a clean, Blank Space. I originally wanted to incorporate these two posts into one. However, there were just too many words.  Besides, casual references to previous posts in the body of another would’ve been as lost in translation as my … Likes.  Speaking of that, I boldly decided to go where no Blog has gone before – I deleted the damn icon.  Honestly, the Like button reminds of receipt surveys.  That being said, on with the … register.  

• My daughter keeps discovering bands of my youth.  Vinyls aren’t very mobile. So, she inherited my hand held (wait for it) cassette player/recorder. #ClassicRewind, gorlfriend.  In case you are wondering, her table manners still resemble that of an 80’s mix tape.       
• I actually (pauses intended) referenced the icon for A Promise to Love and my horrorscope of a summer in the last post – way done with both of those issues. Though, I’m certain to get some shade for Mr. Bradshaw.  His book cover is considerably smaller than  My … Fictional Memoir.  It’s a personal problem. He’s used to it.
• Baked oatmeal and pumpkin anything are appropriate any season – even in a picnic basket. In January.
• Attention: Taylor Swift and those similarly minded – Boys only want love, girls.  Torture is way over-rated.  My daughter vehemently disagrees. Teen-aged boys are actually that dumb. (pauses so exaggerated)
• Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. I’m thinkin’ a Red, Red Wine post is on tap.  However, Rose’ will always make me blush.
• Considering I’m doing a mid-year review in, like, February, my resolution to resolve may be mute. Maybe next year? Fortunately for us regulars, there are fewer new faces at the gym. Hopefully, those checks were mailed!
• Our new thermostat is working quite well.  The technician crossed a few wires. Yikes! Ironically, I never received an e-mail survey like originally informed.  The what the fuckness  of that whole situation still makes me crave cole slaw.
• One last comment from the Yoda of all that is Blog –  my Random Nonsense content is now mobile friendly. He so delivered, eh? Oh, and, that e-mail alert regarding the Amazon Book Links page was nicely ...timed. If I don’t say so myself.  

Well, that’s about it. I will officially move forward into February with Classic Editor and a Cowboy Cookie for the Balloon Ride.  Before I waft off to postal Oz, I want to end my recap with one last quote from the quintessential mind of  ‘power‘ behind a fictitious coupling.

I am a brain, Watson. The rest of me is a mere appendix.

Sherlock Holmes

I uploaded the newest version of Word Press recently. The silly prompt appeared on my dashboard and I hit the damn thing. Now, my entire work space changed. Ugh!  All I want to do is pen my posts – nothing Pulitzer Prize worthy here, just my Random Nonsense. Instead, I have fucking words like ‘start writing or type/ to choose a block‘. God forbid I accidentally move the mouse around. ‘Writing tools‘ in different shades of gray (no movie reference intended) appear with the slightest cursor movement. Worse of all , they deleted the justify margin option. I’ve ranted before about this anal retentive issue of mine. Justified margins just make me happy. The written word is so much easier to read with clean lines. Even my Skiing Magazine started to justify article margins.

Word Press support was of no help.  Apparently, with all the devices available to read online material, even justified margins appear otherwise. Upload a manuscript file onto the Kindle. Then, you can bitch about formatting issues. Granted, a published work on Kindle is totally different than a Word Press blog. However, both read similarly.

Thankfully, everything I’ve just recounted has no direct impact on the reader. Unless you have margin issues like me. Most importantly, the website appearance remained intact.

That is until I went to go see the Yoda of all that is Blog. It was my only recourse to reclaim my margins. Besides, I was long overdue for a check-up. I had a few adjustments I wanted to add, as well. That Robert C. Bradshaw dude has been all over my altered ego about that damn icon for his latest book A Promise to Love. When I presented that post back in August, I promised to add the link and never did. I was busy dealing with my horrorscope of summer, okay. I apologized – we’re good. The Blogmaster uploaded the link correctly. I would’ve fucked it up somehow. So, there it is in all its glory. Please, please, please just click the damn cover icon and download the book. It really is a great read – a 1949 love story set in Boston that hopeless romantics of all ages will enjoy. And, it will get him off my … back? He’s like this annoying voice in my head that just won’t go away.

What did go away though were my ‘Likes’.  Not that there were ever that many, mind you.  I’m not too worried about it because … . My sucky work space distractions are gone.  Classic Editor is back, baby! 

Other than that, very little needed to be updated. I’m not big on Blog Bling. As far as I’m concerned, it’s all about content. Yoda tweaked the delivery. Now, if I could just get that silly timing thing down. 

Anyway, hope you all enjoy the subtle makeover. I will continue to be conscious of my nonsense AND margins. Though don’t expect those words to be too politically correct. Remember, it’s still me.

Thanks for reading!

Well, My Life has been quite Random and full of Nonsense lately. Let’s just say, the Bipolar antics of these last few weeks has ripped through my January like a … tornado. Ironically, none of it was my fault – except for the cole slaw, that is. Better yet, the damage control was minimal; totally not used to that, either.

temperature tantrums

Recently, a new digital thermostat was installed in our house. I am NOT a handy-man. Moreover, if there are wires involved, it’s really, really NOT going to happen. Therefore, a local technician swapped out the units.

When I came home from work that evening, I noticed a familiar ‘sound’. Yet, the source eluded me. Once inside, the temperature was 70.3. Therefore, I didn’t think too much more about it. When I inquired about the installation, my wife quoted the techs exact words, “the instructions were clear as mud.”

That ‘mud’ was crystal clear once I realized that the sound I earlier dismissed was our air conditioner. ON. It’s January. The temperature is 20 degrees outside. What the fuck? Immediately, I turned the unit OFF. However, the FAN continued to run. According to the owner’s manual AND the YouTube tutorial, this is NOT supposed to be the case.

To add yet another element of what the fuckness, the unit customer support hotline was extremely knowledgeable AND instructed ME how to fix it. There were wires involved.

grater good

I made cole slaw last weekend to accompany the pulled pork entry I prepared. I’ve always loved cole slaw. However, I have never MADE cole slaw. For some reason, making cole slaw always intimidated me. Don’t ask me why, okay? I’m blogging about my fucking air conditioning running in January as the temperature in the house is increasing. So, of course, cole slaw would intimidate me. I can pull off an entire Thanksgiving spread that would impress Martha Stewart, but cole slaw remains my culinary nemesis.

A few months back, I ‘slawed’ my fear. Aside from the mess, I succeeded. Actually, it was very easy AND quite delicious. Now, all I need is a bigger … grater? Story of My Life, baby.

survey says …

Management is all ape shit about Receipt Surveys – those damn www. or 1-800 number surveys at the bottom of every receipt ever received by a customer. Yeah, … . I’m so not a fan. Hell, when I’m at the register ringing out a line, I ask if a receipt is even desired. More often than not, the answer is NO, of course. No one wants a receipt. Furthermore, no one wants to do a survey either.

Believe it or not, I was the topic of a recent survey comment.

The male pharmacist (that’s me) has been very helpful on previous occasions and nothing different today. He is friendly, empathetic, and has a good sense of humor.

The customer was neither bribed nor adversely coerced to say such things. There’s no doubt he or she is highly medicated, though.

To celebrate this fucked up Random Nonsense, I made Eggnog Snickerdoddles -a seasonal ‘twist’ on a summertime classic. The perfect dessert to include in a picnic basket … after eating cole slaw, … in the middle of January, …when the air-conditioner is ON.

How did I get here?

When I traveled to Arizona in October, I needed a book to read. My daughter recommended A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro

Jamie Watson has always been intrigued by Charlotte Holmes; after all, their great-great-great-grandfathers are one of the most infamous pairs in history. But the Holmes family has always been odd, and Charlotte is no exception. She’s inherited Sherlock’s volatility and some of his vices—and when Jamie and Charlotte end up at the same Connecticut boarding school, Charlotte makes it clear she’s not looking for friends.

But when a student they both have a history with dies under suspicious circumstances, ripped straight from the most terrifying of the Sherlock Holmes stories, Jamie can no longer afford to keep his distance. Danger is mounting and nowhere is safe—and the only people they can trust are each other.

“My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other people do not know.”

Sadly, I have never read a Sherlock Holmes mystery. Moreover, of the countless screen versions of this crime solving duo, I have only watched the two Guy Ritchie films starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Though from what I’m told, the Benedict Cumberbatch series was amazing. So, I welcomed the chance to read this updated version of the classic story. Oh, her name is Charlotte Holmes, by the way.

“Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should dwell.” 

The opportunity to dwell in a new read was great fun. The generational AND gender spin on this infamous power couple was a unique concept. Taking it a step further and targeting the Young Adult genre was brilliant. Teen-aged angst is successfully peppered into the story line – as is the reality of what unfolds. Damn familial ties. So hard to break.

“You have a grand gift for silence, Watson. It makes you quite invaluable as a companion.” 

Ironically, Watson is anything but silent in this novel. The book is written in HIS first person point of view NOT Charlotte’s. What would Sherlock say, eh?

“No man burdens his mind with small matters unless he has some very good reason for doing so.”  

This series is no small matter. I commend Ms. Cavallaro’s reason for doing so – it really was very good. A solid read. I’ve never been fond of ‘series’ anything. Too many things in life linger out of sheer nature. I like my reading to be unburdened.

“Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself; but talent instantly recognizes genius.” 

The author is a Chicago native that attended Interlochen here is Northern, MI. Now, she teaches Creating Writing at the school.

I never intended to post about the book when I began reading. If I had, I would’ve jotted down a few memorable lines rather than using those of Arthur Conan Doyle. Though I must say, Sherlock’s words do add flair to my postal offering. My decision to do so was simply … elementary!?

Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever made a New Year’s resolution. First of all, it’s sooo cliche’. Overzealous individuals making unrealistic expectations about their capabilities. Just mail your annual dues check to the gym. Going for the first three weeks in January annoys the regulars.

Second, it’s the timing. For me, everything to this point in my life has been based on the school year rather than a calendar year. Think about it. Come late August, things just seem to fall into place. A new school year yields a new routine – especially when children are involved. Therefore, making a resolution in January seems so last September.

Furthermore, what goals I usually pursued were influenced by these schedules and what I felt could actually be achieved. (pauses intended) I’m a huge planner. But Life is never planned. More often than not, it’s a fly the the seat of your pants mentality. Otherwise, frustration ensues. No resolution/goal will ever be obtained – whether it’s made in January or September.

However, things are … progressing. Naturally. And, very quickly, I might add. My youngest is already a sophomore in high school and will soon be driving. Chauffeuring her around will no longer be necessary. Since she is my youngest, this is a mixed blessing, of course. I have enjoyed our time up until now and will even more going forward.

I have a new project that has been formulating for some time. I’ve written pages of notes – character development, location, potential scenes. The basics that are required before beginning a daunting project such as a novel; when working full-time and having a family, that is. In June 2018, I formulated a schedule to organize my notes, then brainstorm until September when I had planned to begin writing. Yeah, well that didn’t happen. What really happened was my fucking horrorscope of a summer. If nothing else, it put everything into perspective, eh?

Now what?

The precipice of a New Year has arrived. I’ve ranted so much about wanting change. Though at certain stages in your life few aspects can really be changed without being totally and completely selfish. Still, there’s always room for improvement. Maybe January can be my new September. Hell, I did just get a new haircut.

Unlike Shirley, I have realistic expectations. And, fewer vices.

I’m totally serious.

So, another year has come and gone. What better way to celebrate this transition into the New Year than with an Ode. Unfortunately, my subject isn’t that earth shatteringly funny by any means. But those that know me AND my struggles with technological advances, will find humor in it. I hope.

white pages acronyms

In a recent conversation, the topic of the landline phone was discussed. Moreover, how people used acronyms to remember phone numbers. I grew up in Chicago. Consequently, each suburb had their own designated prefix assigned to a phone number. You knew who was from what side of which tracks just by looking at landline digits.

The most-populous cities, such as New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and Chicago initially implemented dial service with telephone numbers consisting of three letters and four digits (3L-4N) according to a system developed by W. G. Blauvelt of AT&T in 1917. This system mapped the letter of the telephone number to the digits on the telephone dial. Translation: it made it easier to remember phone numbers.

• ENglewood 3-1234 is an example of the 2L-5N format, gradually implemented continent-wide starting in the 1940s,
• MARket-7362
• GArden5-3120 – blast from MY personal past
• BALdwin 6828
• MUrray Hill 5-9975 – another example of the 2L-5N format, one of the Ricardos’ numbers on I Love Lucy.

Today, no one remembers a phone number to save their life. Oh, and don’t even think to ask anyone for their own number – “I never call myself” is the popular, yet irritating response. Dumbass. People are so obsessed with their fictitiously busy lives that it’s too bothersome to remember something so trivial. Once again, Dumbass.

Panic at the … Disconnected

I pride myself in my memory – especially when it comes to landline phone numbers of friends and family from my childhood. Sadly, things have changed. Fortunately, my memory is still sharp. But, there’s no longer reason to remember such information. I found this out the hard way. Recently, I called an old friend to catch up only to find yet another number to be disconnected. I panicked. In a fit of despair, I reached for my phone book. Yes, I still have one of those, okay. Ugh! I did’t have a cell number.

It was all good – aside from my over-dramatized panic. New contact information was established. Still, it made me sad. I understand the decision – landlines are quite frankly an unnecessary expense, but, … .

Can you hear me now?

Good news for folks like me. The landline is making a comeback. It will never be the ‘new vinyl’, but according to the article included below, re-establishing the home phone is on the rise. Since cellular service is so stellar, especially in rural areas, people are getting grounded – literally.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-the-landline-phone-will-never-go-away-1530812621

I’m not thinking the whole acronym system will be resurrected as well. Though, there’s probably a fucking app that can be downloaded to aid in this daunting task. (sarcasm intended). Still, the whole concept makes me Love Lucy even more –  ring, ring MUrray Hill5- 9975.

Ode lang syne, baby!

Happy 2019