Dreams - An Thology of Wild Fiction

A few months ago, I attended a workshop at The Wizard Academy entitled Wild Fiction. The plan of the workshop was to get a number of writers in a room and teach them a few things about fiction writing. The bonus of the class was, at the end we all had the assignment to pen a short story of our own and submit it to be published. I decided I would submit an interview I had with Peter Drewson, the inventor of the Drewson Suitcase Television.

Well, Dreams - An Thology of Wild Fiction is now at press. From the Wizard Academy Press you can now pre-order the hardcover book which includes my story. It will be shipped the first week of December.





Back up Sean....Who did you write about?
I'm glad you asked.

In the 1960s, Peter Drewson, a door-to-door salesperson and struggling inventor, built one working suitcase television. It was his big chance at becoming a millionaire and known the world over. Of course, if you've never heard of him, you're not alone... most haven't. He was unable to sell his idea and as technology advanced the need for a television/suitcase combo was no longer needed.

The original Drewson Suitcase Television is thought to have been lost on March 23, 1974 in a barfire.

So... if you're looking for a good read this Christmas... Might I recommend Dreams - An Thology of Wild Fiction? If you ask.. I'm sure I can get one of the authors to sign a copy.


Authors?
The full list of Authors and additional information on the book can be found by clicking the cover of the book above or clicking here.

South Padre Island Music Festival Preview

TO ALL THOSE IN AUSTIN TONIGHT....

Want to win an all-expense paid trip to the South Padre International Music Festival? Willie Nelson will be there, so will Ghostland Observatory. Or maybe you'd like to win a Shred Sixx wakesurf board, a Gibson guitar, or simply enjoy a nice little party with drink specials and live music from Twanguero? If so, stop by The Belmont at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, it will all be there.

2008 Claiborne Kyle Log House Fried Chicken Dinner

It's time once again for the Claiborne Kyle Log House Fried Chicken Dinner!

FRIED CHICKEN AND ENTERTAINMENT



Entertainment:
Cliff Caskey
Del David

Where:
2400 S. Old Stagecoach Road
County Road 136, South of Kyle

When:
Saturday, September 27, 2008
11:00a.m. - 2:00p.m.

Cost (for the chicken dinner):
$7.00 Adults
Under 12 - $4.00




What is the Claiborne Kyle Log House?
"In 1844 Claiborne and Lucy Kyle moved to Texas where they built this house in 1850, a massive log home overlooking the Blanco River built of cedar logs. The four pen linear dog trot house has four rooms, each about 16 feet square. The home has been restored and refurnished, and is listed on the National Register." - http://www.ohwy.com/tx/c/clkyloho.htm

Inflamed Birthmark and The Flaming Lips

Yesterday was one of those days that reminded me I was a parent. Not that I forget that I have two amazing kiddos, but as things go... I like to concentrate on the positive things about parenting. Jamming with Marlee (4) to the Rockland Eagles, watching Harper (1) careen into people like one of the cars when we were at the Spicewood Demolition Derby, and the many kisses and hugs I receive each day.

But yesterday was one of those "hard" parenting days. Those who know Mar Mar are probably aware that she has had a bump on her leg since birth. We always referred to it as her "birthmark" and over the years we've had doctors look at it... and nobody seemed concerned about it. It would get bigger... and smaller... and sometimes hurt... but most times it wouldn't bother her at all.

We tried to have it removed about a year ago, but Mar Mar wasn't having any of it (the story goes that 3 nurses, 1 doctor and my wife couldn't hold her down), so it remained. Well, recently it grew to about the size of a nickle.. and became a shiny black/brown/gray. It was bothering her, so we decided it was time for it to be removed. The dermatologist that we'd visited before didn't have an immediate appointment available so my wife made an appointment at the new Vitalogy Skin Care in San Marcos for Mar Mar.

Very, Very impressed. We walked in and there was a really comfortable office space... big chairs, a table... only a couple magazines, and the best thing... FREE DRINKS AND SNACKS. OK... not the best thing.. but free stuff is way up there.

Actually... the best thing was the fact that the doctor, Dr. Eric Adelman was a goofy, goofy man. Which was extremely good for the 4 year old on the table who was amazingly afraid. He also did a fantastic job talking to me and Jodie outside the door when he explained what was going on.

Something that isn't the norm for doctors, it seems. Bedside manner. I understand it isn't something that you learn in med school. Well.. Dr. Adelman has it down. He's also a Mohs micrographic surgeon, for what that's worth (we certainly hope we never have to use that service...or you either).

He walked into the room, the conversation went something like this:

Dr. Adelman: Hey.. WHOA WHAT'S THAT?
Mar Mar: My birthmark
Dr. Adelman: DUDE... that's neat. I need to have that.
Mar Mar: I want to keep it.
Dr. Adelman: No way, I'm totally taking that.
Mar Mar: ...
Dr. Adelman: You know what? I'm going to draw on it.
Mar Mar: *laughs*

It went on like that for a few minutes. Mar Mar was really scared, but I'm so proud at how brave she was. The assistants were awesome too... talking about their kids and making sure Mar Mar was as comfortable as possible. She even got a doughnut and a lemonade (remember... free snacks). After the operation Mar Mar got to pick between pink or purple sticky-gauze stuff to put on her leg.

The "cutting" itself is another matter... there's about $.25 hole in her leg where the "birthmark" used to be.. and we've yet to unwrap the bandage to take a look. I guess we better call the office there to find out just how to treat it (something Jodie probably already has done... I write blogs.. she actually finds out information).

The time the doctor walked in and the operation was done was only about 30 minutes.

Oh...Another reason I decided to write this... well... when Dr. Adelman walked in, I thought it was Wayne Coyne, the lead singer of The Flaming Lips.

Let me give you a visual... The Flaming Lips photo is by

Flaming Lips Press Photo by J. Michelle Martin
This is a press photo of The Flaming Lips by J. Michelle Martin (linked from the Flaming Lips Website)

This is a photo I found on newstreamz.com of the grand opening of Vitalogy Skin Care from August 2008.
Can you find the Doctor I speak of?




Awesome... eh?

So... thanks Dr. Adelman and the fine folks at Vitalogy Skin Care in San Marcos for making a very scary experience... not so scary.

We will hear back soon what the results of the birthmark's biopsy... so if you could do us a solid and say a few words of prayer for Marlee and us... it'd be appreciated.

Milt's BBQ in Kyle - Friday's is for Live Music

You'll come for the music.. ang you'll stay for the BBQ....
OR.. if you've been there before... you'll come for the BBQ.. and stay for the music.

Milt's Pit BBQ
905 North Old Highway 81,
Kyle, TX 78640

Friday's in September Music Line-up
9-5-08 - Jay Yarbro and Friends, 7-10 pm

9-12-08 - Chris Brown and Friends, 7-10 pm

9-19-08 - Aces over Eights, 7-10 pm

9-26-08 - Cody Lawson Band, 7-10 pm

Kitchen is open until 9 pm. BYOB Call 512-268-4734 for more info.

Destruction Derby Set To Crash Spicewood 9/6/08

Destruction Derby Set To Crash Spicewood
Volunteer Fire Department Holds Smashing Fundraiser




AUSTIN - For the last 16 years, the Spicewood, Texas Volunteer Fire Department has been hosting a demolition derby. This year, the event will be held on September 6 at Spicewood Volunteer Fire Department Hall, (9805 Hwy 71 East, Spicewood, Texas).

Thousands of spectators come out each year to witness dozens of drivers twist some metal as their cars crash and burn. Expect to see automobile carnage as vehicles tumble and flip and sometimes land wheels to the sky. You can also expect lots and lots of smiles from folks of all ages as this whole event is a whole lot of awesome.

Austin’s Radiant Plumbing will be participating for the third year. For 2008, they’re entering a 1973 Pontiac Catalina to put into the mix. “This is my third year going, and I can't express how much fun this event is,” Radiant Plumbing owner Brad Casebier said. “Make time to come. You will not be sorry.”

Entrance to the grounds is just $7 for adults and $5 for kids and all proceeds go to benefit the Spicewood Volunteer Fire Department equipment fund. The event is BYOB with food and drinks also available. For more information, or details on how to enter, visit http://www.spicewoodvfd.com/derby.htm

Phoenix Saga - Wrath of Sean/Khan Event

Phoenix Saga presents
THE WRATH OF KHAN - An AIA Fundraiser!




Independent Austin band Phoenix Saga is presenting a special screening of the sci-fi classic Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan in conjunction with the special "director's cut" version of their sophomore release, Phoenix Saga II: The Wrath of Sean. Phoenix Saga is being sponsored by the Austin Indie Alliance (AIA), of which they are a member band, which is a non-profit organization made up of local bands and music fans to help independant artists survive in today's music industry. All the proceeds from the ticket sales will go towards funding the AIA, and all sales of Phoenix Saga merchandise will go directly to Phoenix Saga. All food sales will benefit the Alamo Drafthouse for catering the event. For more information about the Phoenix Saga or the AIA, please come talk to them before or after the show, and they'll be glad to tell you all you need to know.

Presented on the anniversary of the original series debut, this event features a listening of Phoenix Saga's album Phoenix Saga II: The Wrath of Sean before the feature film, and a viewing of the video commentary that the band recorded as part of the director's cut version of the album. In the video commentary the band got together, wore funny hats, and discussed each song on the album. The original version will be available for sale for $10, and the director's cut version will be available for $15, as it includes, in addition to the audio CD, the video commentary DVD, digital re-mastering of the original track list, 3 bonus tracks labeled as 'deleted scenes', and the lyrics to all the songs printed in the CD liner notes. General admission is $10, and as an added bonus Phoenix Saga is offering a special "friends of Phoenix Saga deluxe package" for $20. The deluxe package includes specialty seating by Orion Slave Girls, a signed limited edition Alamo Drafthouse event wall poster, an autographed 8X10 glossy photo of the band holding an 8X10 glossy autographed photo of Bruce Willis, a limited edition Phoenix Saga brand reuseable canvas bag with flaming pig logo, your choice of Phoenix Saga t-shirt, Phoenix Saga 1" button, entry into an exclusive raffle for Phoenix Saga merch, and many other delightful goodies to put in the bag!

All general admission ticket purchasers will be offered left over gift bag packages as supplies last for $15 each, all other Phoenix Saga merchandise will be available for sale at the regular prices in the theather, and as a special offer, ANYONE (male, female, young and old) who buys a bucket of beer from the drafhouse may present their receipt to an Orion Slave girl for a free kiss. Anyone who buys TWO buckets of beer is eligible for a kiss from a slave girl to another slave girl, so be sure to bring spending cash! For more information contact: phoenixsagaband@yahoo.com

Dr. Danny Rouch Medical Fund Benefit

Dr. Rouch is my doctor. On May 23, 2008 he sustained a head injury and has been hospitalized ever since. The community has gotten together and is holding a benefit to help pay for his Rehab. I received the below information in an e-mail. Thought I'd pass it along. You can read more about his accident and condition in this story from the Hays Free Press.
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Dr. Danny Rouch sustained a severe head injury in May and remains hospitalized. This benefit is to raise funds needed to pay for the high cost of rehabilitation. All
funds raised will be used to defray medical/ rehab costs.

Sunday August 24, 2008
1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Painted Horse Pavilion
FM 1626 Buda, Texas

Please join us for BBQ, Music, Auction and Fellowship

BBQ plate tickets = $6.00
Music only tickets = $5.00
Combo tickets = $10.00

Monetary donations may also be made directly at any Wells Fargo Bank to the
Dr. Daniel R. Rouch Benefit Donation Fund or online at www.DrRouch.net

Auction tems may also be donated.

Auction item collection station:
Dr. Bob Rosebrock
Rosebrock Vet Clinic
2325 FM 967 Buda
Office: 312-0701
Cell: 771-4647

Vacation Bible School 8/11 - 15 in Kyle, TX

GOD'S BIG BACKYARD IN KYLE, TEXAS
KUMC VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Outdoor adventure, fun backyard games, crafts, snacks, and music are just outside your back door. GOD'S BIG BACKYARD is the theme for this year's Vacation Bible School at Kyle United Methodist Church (408 W Lockhart Street, Kyle, TX 78640). VBS will be held on August 11 - 15, 2008 from 9:00a.m. - 12noon.

Invited are all children (Kindergarten [potty trained] through the 5th grade) in the area. Parents, bring your children, bring their friends, and come ready for an amazing time as we explore God's Big Backyard! Call 512-268-2331 for more details.

Thank you and God Bless!

------


Kyle United Methodist Church
408 W Lockhart St
Kyle, TX 78640
(512) 268-2331

http://www.kyleumc.com/
kumc@austin.rr.com

Kyle United Methodist Church invites you to regular Sunday services at 8:30 and 11:00a.m. and holds dinner and a bible study Wednesdays at 6:00p.m. Pastor: Harold Dailey

A Sense Of Entitlement

NOTES FROM THE CUBICLE
A Sense Of Entitlement

How can you be angry about something that wasn’t yours to begin with? I’m starting to understand why some people just don’t believe in giving gifts (monetary or otherwise). People seem to take offense at gifts… or the fact that they don’t receive a gift that someone else gets. So, because they can’t give to everyone, they don’t give at all.

Some folks don’t understand… if someone gives you a gift, it is just that - a gift. It doesn’t matter whether it is a pencil or a quarter of a million dollars. It may be a free lunch. It may be a CD. It may be two tickets to a Spurs game. It may be a beer. If it wasn’t something that you worked towards or had an agreement on receiving… it’s a gift and the amount is the sole decision of the gift-giver.

If a friend or co-worker receives a gift, can’t you just be happy for them instead of judging their worthiness? It wasn’t your gift to give. It wasn’t their intention to get something that wasn’t offered you. They are just a person who happened to be the recipient. The gift-giver didn’t mean to piss you off by not giving you the same thing. If he did, that’s a bribe or power-play… not a gift.

I kind of feel the same way with tips at a restaurant. Tips are for good service. People are expected to tip 20% of the bill for good service. That’s a suggestion, not a rule. Now, before I get into this too much…I’ve waited tables. I know. I used to make $2.13 an hour + tips…so I’ve been there. I think if tips are expected income… they should be automatically added to the bill. Not just for parties of 6 and up. But, to all bills. Or, pay minimum wage to servers and don’t allow tipping.

I think all of the waiters and waitresses just balked at that. Why? Because many times, people tip way above the percentage that is suggested and above minimum wage. It’s all up to the diner’s discression. But… to be fair to waiters… 20% is the agreed upon standard for good service so maybe that should be the rule. Take the guesswork out of it.

To be honest, I think that’s a horrible idea. But, I also think it sucks to be a diner who had bad service, who didn’t tip the “suggested amount” and be cursed by the waiter. I was actually chased out of a restaurant once in San Marcos, Texas for not tipping a crappy waitress. She guilted my friend into giving her a tip. I’ve never been back to that place… and I really liked the food there too. Damnit.

In the same thought…how can someone be so down on people who hold signs on the corner asking for money? “Oh, they’ll take that cash and buy alcohol or drugs.” You know... they might. They might just take that cash and turn it into liquor… but they might also use the cash to feed their family. They may get a bus ticket to return to a long lost love. They may buy a cheeseburger. And yes… they might get high.

While at church last Sunday we talked a little about this. One member shared her perspective. “If they use the money for drugs, and that allows them to live another day, maybe something will happen in that day to bring them closer to God and they may make a life-changing decision.” I thought that was pretty profound.

But, my point is, if I am going to give you something… my say in what is done with my gift ends when it is given. If it makes a difference, if it doesn’t… that is not my concern. If I am to get anything in return, again, not my intention. It’s a gift. Not a free gift with certain expectations.

And, please don’t have a sense of entitlement. Don’t think that you deserve anything above what you have worked towards and earned. If talking about a job, I’m not talking about earning an office with a window view. That is a perk. You are compensated for doing a job. Your reward for doing a good job is the fact that they keep paying you… perhaps you get insurance… perhaps a vacation… the things that are detailed out in your job description that you agreed to when you took a job.

If you get a bonus, it’s just that, a bonus. The amount shouldn’t matter. It’s unexpected money. If your co-worker gets a bonus and you don’t, be happy for them. Don’t get pissy and think “I should have gotten that money.” It wasn’t yours to give. It wasn’t theirs to demand. It was a gift.

You work for what you get, and you have what you earned. Anything above that is a bonus, a lagniappe, a gift… and should be seen as such. If people would just understand that, there would be a lot less anger in the world.