On a Frustrating Reading Experience

Yesterday I picked up a few books at Barnes & Noble. One was a reference book, another was a history book on the development of the prize courts during the Age of Fighting Sail, another was the first of the Star Trek: Titan novels, and a medieval mystery novel a friend had recommended to me.Continue reading “On a Frustrating Reading Experience”

On the topsy-turvy Doctor Who world

Today, the BBC announced that they have renewed Doctor Who for a Christmas special and a second season of thirteen episodes. Also today, Christopher Eccleston announced that he will be leaving Doctor Who after the Christmas special, giving him a single season as the ninth Doctor. On the one hand, the sky is falling. OnContinue reading “On the topsy-turvy Doctor Who world”

On Sam Adams' Brewmaster Collection

If I don’t have Guinness in the refrigerator, I probably have something by Sam Adams. Maybe the Boston Lager. Maybe the Boston Ale, which I prefer to the Lager. More often that not, it’s the Cream Stout, though I’ve been known to have one of their seasonal varieties around. The Summer Ale isn’t far aroundContinue reading “On Sam Adams' Brewmaster Collection”

On the Things Employees Say

“Have you seen the Helen Keller quarter?” asked my employee. “Yes,” I replied with a shrug. What had this to do with anything? He said nothing for a few moments. Then, “There’s a Helen Keller quarter?” A bizarre turn. “She’s on the Alabama quarter.” “Helen Keller is on a quarter?” Now thoroughly confused by thisContinue reading “On the Things Employees Say”

On a Customer's Strange Request

A guy walks into the store. Black tee-shirt bearing a logo, trucker hat, mid-twenties, average height and build. He walks maybe ten feet into the store, stops, looks at the display fixture there. I greet him, ask him if he’s looking for something. “I wanted something with pictures of angels and demons fighting.” We sellContinue reading “On a Customer's Strange Request”