tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191998192011-12-24T23:04:43.968-05:00Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.comBlogger551100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-16313335260803540132011-12-24T23:04:00.000-05:002011-12-24T23:04:43.974-05:00

And you need to start filling it, you might want to try either here for Amazon or here for Barnes & Noble. If you already have one, then what the hell have you been waiting for? And by the way, Merry Christmas to all (and if you know me at all, you know that this is the first time I've said this in three decades without a sneer, or a sudden need to hurl). But Then Again, You'll Have This . . .

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-26311731890395274162011-09-11T15:02:00.000-04:002011-09-11T15:02:11.868-04:00

This short story hasn't seen the light of day since 2003's The Fear Within, but I always liked it. Short and Scary Stories is hosting it, and it's pulled in a few positive reviews already. You should check it out here. But Then Again, You'll Have This . . .

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-37995614053884989762011-08-11T19:16:00.000-04:002011-08-11T19:16:10.407-04:00

I probably should have thought about answering this question ten years ago. The simple answer is this: Oogie Boogie Central is the title of my first novel, and the de facto title of the series of books that follows it. However, the problem with simple answers is that-usually-the simple answer is really no answer at all. So, let’s examine the complicated response. I’ve always been fascinated

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-49376954581260308802011-07-26T20:33:00.000-04:002011-07-26T20:33:15.150-04:00

If it weren't for Molly (our 4 year-old Lab, St. Bernard, shelter-dog mix), I probably wouldn't spend any more time outside than it takes to get from the house to the car and back again. Except for the occasional smoke. During daytime hours, we hit the back porch together, and when Molly runs off into the yard to TCB, I usually light up and ruminate about life. Now, I'm a pacer from way back,

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-5727264006276491302011-04-08T14:56:00.001-04:002011-04-08T15:00:18.577-04:00

I do not consider myself mechanically inclined, but I tinker. I'm not a handyman, but I can research and apply like nobody's business. In short, I know just enough to get myself in trouble. I was blessed with a father who can do -and has done- nearly anything. I know every son says that about their father, but usually, such pronouncements stop about the time a child reaches legal drinking age. I

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-86304441349707571232011-04-03T15:39:00.000-04:002011-04-03T15:39:03.064-04:00

If you're craving Vents you haven't read, you can always head over to Horror World and click on the Column link. There's a new one from me: Eulogy in Absentia . . . . Check out the Archives while you're at it. I think there's 3 years of Vents lurking in the cyber-stacks. You may get a laugh or two you weren't expecting, and that's always a good thing. But Then Again, You'll Have This . . .

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-58974370338634148122011-03-28T21:30:00.002-04:002011-03-29T11:26:26.220-04:00

It's been a while, hasn't it? There's so much to tell, but those tales will have to wait. So much to explain, but explanations aren't on the menu this evening. Endings and beginnings. Trials and tribulations. Tragedy and triumph . . . well, maybe not so much on the triumph front. But maybe that's getting ready to change. In the coming days, we'll talk about Kindles and Nooks. Borders and

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-90236536371367139672009-10-10T19:21:00.003-04:002011-03-12T12:29:02.955-05:00

Venter’s Note: Do I really have to say it? If you’re reading Final Chapter without reading the preceding three parts, then you should scroll down. Or perhaps you’ve arrived here accidentally, after Googling “sound of neurons firing” or John Spencer. Either way, enjoy. Thrombosis Hostage Crisis, Day 3. I haven’t mentioned my hospital roommate, a man about my age with severe abdominal discomfort

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-81335300463994988052009-09-01T23:40:00.003-04:002011-03-12T12:32:25.126-05:00

Venter’s Note: If you haven’t read Thrombosis Summer Part One or Thrombosis Summer, Part Deux, I’d recommend scrolling down a bit or clicking here to get caught up. My third visitor in the ER treatment room arrived pushing a sonogram machine, a piece of equipment I recognized from my wives’ pregnancies. At first, I was confused, but once the technician lathered enough KY on my affected leg to

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-72242593487261700032009-08-15T00:04:00.005-04:002011-03-12T12:42:48.099-05:00

Venter’s Note: If you haven’t read Thrombosis Summer Part One, I’d recommend scrolling down a bit or clicking here to get caught up. The night after my doctor’s appointment, I went to bed more relaxed than I had been in a while. There was something comforting about all my tests coming back positive. For the first time in years, I went to sleep without the niggling fear that I might

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-77380293076525757712009-08-02T15:14:00.003-04:002009-08-02T15:15:42.976-04:00

So there's a new Vent at Horror World.So, get to clickin'.But Then Again, You'll Have This . . .

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-5505971132245746302009-07-29T14:59:00.000-04:002009-07-29T15:00:55.288-04:00

It started with a cramp.No, no, no. That’s not true. It actually started much earlier.It started with a kidnapping.Every year, my parents avail themselves of the Multiphasic Blood Screening sponsored by the local Rotary Club. What this entails is twelve hours of Friday night fasting, followed by an early Saturday morning wake-up call. Then, a pilgrimage to the Methodist Church basement, where

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-29970839876607818742009-07-22T12:38:00.002-04:002009-07-22T12:40:37.441-04:00

About picking up Oogie Boogie Central and Oogie Boogie Bounce, then Delirium has a deal for you.Head to Horror Mall for a Buy One, Get One Free sale, and buy both!Well?

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-30320234347370924862009-04-01T15:43:00.001-04:002009-04-01T15:45:18.333-04:00

. . . so there's a new Vent on Horror World.Go here for a peek.But Then Again, You'll Have This . . .

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-26878030519986630082009-02-14T23:55:00.002-05:002009-02-15T00:07:30.150-05:00

I almost forgot.Of course, I never do. It’s not the kind of thing you ever forget. You put it away. You wall it off. You get on with the business of living, occasionally allowing yourself to wonder about the road not taken.Or, the road closed.Stephen King did it in Pet Semetary, and for me, it’s the most poignant section of prose I’ve ever encountered. Gage graduates high school. Gage wins

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-90285499868061069882009-01-29T17:57:00.019-05:002011-03-12T13:15:05.476-05:00

Before we start, allow me a brief, Science Fiction fan digression. Many authors create coherent universes in the course of their novels. Stephen King has tied nearly every piece of his fiction into the Dark Tower Mythos, even if it was done as an afterthought through some very creative, retroactive continuity tinkering. Brian Keene has done this as well; his Magnum Opus will be the

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-16417989558350805792008-08-01T14:13:00.002-04:002008-08-01T14:16:02.465-04:00

Where? Where are the Secrets & Lies?They're here, at Horror World, as is the the Vent from April.Finally, a professional venue for Venting.But Then Again, You'll Have This . . .

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-66035787451566187582008-02-03T17:36:00.000-05:002008-02-03T17:53:21.192-05:00

For absolutely no reason, yesterday I checked our in-store ordering system to see the Not-Yet-Available status on Central & Bounce. February 2 is a long way from Delirium's February 26th on-sale date for both books- but I figured "What the hell?"Boy, was I happy I did.The new edition of Oogie Boogie Central and the new Oogie Boogie Bounce are both live, which means they're available from your

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-74707565241050799382008-01-23T12:07:00.001-05:002008-07-10T17:39:49.895-04:00

True to his word, Shane Staley of Delirium Books sent out a slew of Advance Readers Copies of both Oogie Boogie Central and Oogie Boogie Bounce, and two reviews have already been posted.First, Don D'Ammassa at Critical Mass weighed in. You can check it out here.Then, last night Google Alert pointed me to FearZone.com and Norman L. Rubenstein's review, available here.I know that good reviews

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-80771079245112586562007-10-31T00:12:00.000-04:002007-10-31T00:16:31.193-04:00

I am happy to report that after five years of waiting (I don’t know about anyone else, but I’ve been waiting for five years) OOGIE BOOGIE BOUNCE, the sequel to OOGIE BOOGIE CENTRAL, will be released at the end of February 2008 by Delirium Books.This $16.95 trade paperback features an phenomenal, original cover by Alan M. Clark:Pretty nifty, huh?But what if you haven’t read OOGIE BOOGIE CENTRAL?

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-47693912373024602722007-09-23T00:43:00.000-04:002007-10-31T00:17:05.646-04:00

Bouncing your way soon:An old favorite and a new installment. Details coming soon.But Then Again, You'll Have This . . .In February 2008.

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1161832269369330352006-10-25T23:10:00.000-04:002006-10-25T23:14:20.826-04:00

Addio, psico asini d'addio!Tune in next week for the Grand Finale.Thought I forgot, didn't you?But Then Again, You'll Have This . . .

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1161577780747594182006-10-23T00:20:00.000-04:002006-10-23T00:30:43.160-04:00

Honestly, I expected it to be more.They're hiding somewhere. I missed a nook, or a cranny, or perhaps, they're lurking in the huge closet I can't get to yet because of the towering stacks of comics (and don't even get me started on the comics; I can't wait to see the bill for at least a dozen new long boxes).There are two benefits to today's marathon boxing session. One: I got to see exactly what

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1159392385843824692006-09-27T17:05:00.000-04:002006-09-27T17:26:25.933-04:00

We taught our daughter something important today.We taught her that there are crazy people in the world. We taught her that the insane don't just live on network TV. We taught her that sometimes you have to stand up for yourself in the face of idiocy and paranoia, even if your actions effect no change.Sometimes, you just have to stand up.We also demonstrated that violence is -in most cases- the

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1159312197248054602006-09-26T19:02:00.001-04:002006-09-27T08:48:29.020-04:00

Two of my most favorite ladies in the world have made a startling discovery, but it’s only startling to them. To me and the rest of the people in our little circle of friends and acquaintances, this is old news.That doesn’t make their discoveries any less noteworthy.In honor of Marcy and Meghan, I’d like to dust off the following Vent, taken from But Then Again, You’ll Have This . . .Here’s my

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1158110180901100322006-09-12T21:04:00.000-04:002006-09-12T21:18:05.606-04:00

There was a package waiting in my mailbox today. When I opened it, I discovered this my contributor's copy for the book at the right.Thou Shalt Not... is the initial offering from Dark Cloud Press, a small press specializing in horror without an abundence of sexual content or profane language. In addition to 36 phenomenal stories, it includes my short piece Our Souls Abide on This Ocean's

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1157580572593903372006-09-06T18:00:00.000-04:002006-09-06T23:40:16.260-04:00

Bestselling Author Brian Keene, in addition to his Stoker Award-winning fiction, has a regular column that appears at the appropriately named Hail Saten. Mr. Keene has taken the last few weeks off for some deadline maintainence, and invited several authors to fill the pundit gap.Anyone care to guess where this is going?The link's been on the right side of this page since its inception, but if you

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1157341358633815852006-09-03T23:41:00.000-04:002006-09-03T23:43:45.746-04:00

And then:αποχαιρετιστήριος αποχαιρετιστήριος παχύς γάιδαρος.Coming soon: Chicken and Beer!But Then Again, You'll Have This. . .

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1156394886220414512006-08-24T00:48:00.000-04:002006-08-24T00:52:35.386-04:00

And now, for the next installment:прощальный прощальный ишак грома.Stay tuned for more.But Then Again, You'll Have This...

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1154810495384357532006-08-05T16:40:00.000-04:002006-08-05T16:41:35.400-04:00

. . . a serial in several parts.Part One:さようならさようなら脂肪質のろば。Stay tuned.But Then Again, You'll Have This . . .

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1153013978248635192006-07-15T21:39:00.000-04:002006-07-15T21:44:08.466-04:00

Soon after But Then Again, You’ll Have This . . . was published, I received a phone call from the Buyer in our corporate office who had placed it in our stores. Deanna had read Central, liked it, and seemed quite energetic in her support for the Vent collection.But, there was some hesitation in her praise for But Then Again. “I liked it. I really liked it,” she said. “But . . .”Here it comes,

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1150762182442783282006-06-19T20:02:00.000-04:002006-06-19T23:38:27.643-04:00

...and tremble.His name's Scott, and he whipped up this little gem in less than a day.Pretty impressive, huh?By the way: I'm the third one from the left, holding Teddy's place for him.Makes one wonder what other photos might be hanging around the hard drive needing a quick edit by the Master...At least it makes me wonder.But Then Again, You'll Have This. . .

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1150004089444650392006-06-11T01:34:00.000-04:002006-06-11T01:34:49.493-04:00

Listen . . .In a doctor’s office sitting area, while you wait for the test results that’ll explain exactly what that thing is hanging from the end of your Johnson like a cliff diver waiting for the tide to come in.  Sitting on a bench in the mall, waiting while Grandma receives yet another in a weekly series of blue rinses that will transform her carefully permed and teased hair into an

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1148613783810823782006-05-25T23:18:00.000-04:002006-05-26T01:16:03.183-04:00

A Brief Commercial Announcement . . .For anyone in shouting distance of my homebase in Uniontown, PA: Mark your calendars!Saturday, June 3, 2006. Noon until 5 PM. The Borders Express in Uniontown Mall.BRIAN KEENE!Finally, a reason to come to Fayette County that doesn't involve an arrest warrant.Bring your Zombies! Bring your Terminal cases! Bring your Worms!Brian will have his with him.But Then

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1148070666065056432006-05-19T16:31:00.000-04:002006-05-19T17:12:30.510-04:00

Yeah, I’m a parent.One of the best compliments I’ve ever received came from my Number One Road Dog Vince (Keith Pridemore, to any of you who’ve read Oogie Boogie Central), who told me, “Man, I don’t like kids in general, but I really dig hanging out with yours.”What makes that better is that I’ve heard the same thing from a lot of people.I never had a parenting strategy beyond the standard “I’ll

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1145481118367091022006-04-19T17:11:00.000-04:002006-04-19T17:22:34.770-04:00

Oh, the joys of the Information Superhighway.While surfing the other day, I found a reference to a little-known, never-seen, lost Simpsons Pilot.  According to the site, the animated family we all know and love had a much different genesis than the one first viewed on the Tracey Ullman show.For starters, the family was much smaller than the current version.  There were Homer, Marge and Lisa; that

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1143783101015817332006-03-31T00:31:00.000-05:002006-03-31T00:31:41.056-05:00

Jesus, take me now. I’ve seen everything.Several times a week, I receive solicitations from authors hoping to get their book(s) carried in my store.  While I’m a big believer in self-promotion, I’ve discovered that (as in any other endeavor) there’s a right way and a wrong way to approach it, and the differences between these two methods are small, but significant.Two years ago, at the World

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1143006438955923282006-03-22T00:47:00.000-05:002006-03-22T00:47:20.076-05:00

There are times when I’m ready to quit.  Really.  Chuck this frustrating, maddening, consuming avocation and find some shaggy hedges to prune.  Or patterns to sew.  Or cakes to decorate.  Something –anything- other than the constant keyboard pounding that only serves to keep the levees of my mind from breaking in a Katrina-like flood.Eventually, I get over it.Usually, I’m recharged by reading or

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1141184582063541192006-02-28T22:43:00.000-05:002006-02-28T22:43:05.696-05:00

Since THEY come here every day –twice a day- I thought I’d give THEM something to make their visits worthwhile.There are many pharmaceutical solutions for paranoia and martyr complexes. These new wonder drugs can allow those with afflictions such as yours to live nearly normal lives (or what would pass for normal in your world). There can be some risk of sexual side effects, but really, that’s

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1139810633102688072006-02-13T01:03:00.000-05:002006-02-13T01:07:33.180-05:00

I didn’t do anything yesterday.After crawling out of bed, I alternated between sitting in the recliner and lying on the couch, surfing the web and staring at the television. I hugged my daughter. I ate dinner. I smoked.I watched the clock, and remembered.I remembered the room. I remembered the people. I remembered leaving the hospital and sitting in the car, frozen in time and space between

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1139780442447133662006-02-12T16:40:00.000-05:002006-02-12T16:40:42.513-05:00

Happy Birthday Alexander. Daddy loves you.

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1138984784467840092006-02-03T11:39:00.000-05:002006-02-03T11:39:44.466-05:00

This morning it occurred to me (in the bathroom, the birthplace of many important realizations) that I should clarify the origin of the post immediately below.The following is fiction. It does not reflect actual events or portray any persons living or dead.Carry on . . .

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1138856531926235422006-02-02T00:02:00.000-05:002006-02-03T11:49:25.716-05:00

On my way to the car this morning, I found a ratty old notebook lying in the alley. There was no name on the cover, and nothing on the pages to indicate ownership. There were small indentations all over the cover, as if someone had chewed on it. The whole thing was bent –almost twisted. I could almost imagine a demented soul wringing their hands while holding it.What was more interesting was

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1137289173794667952006-01-14T20:39:00.000-05:002006-01-14T20:46:56.573-05:00

It occurs to me that the new Vent format, location and incoming links (thank you Mr. Konrath) may have brought new visitors to the site. If you’re a recent arrival, I thought you might enjoy this little blast from the past. If you’ve been around for a while, you might enjoy reading it again anyway.So, here’s a little number I like to call:Don't Call Me Darling...In my day job, I talk to a lot of

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1137215603318808342006-01-14T00:13:00.000-05:002006-01-14T00:13:23.390-05:00

January, my favorite month.As far away from Ch- (nope, still not going to say the word) as you can get.  Things get back to normal, and there’s time to breathe and more importantly . . .. . . write.Just received a chunk of a collaboration I’m doing with a WELL-KNOWN AUTHOR (trust me, but I don’t want to name drop) and I’m trying to figure out what the next chunk is.  Legerdemain is at 40,000

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1135721511451880012005-12-27T17:11:00.000-05:002005-12-27T22:11:16.090-05:00

It’s over.Thank God.We did the Christmas Eve family thing, the Christmas Day family thing and the Day After Christmas work thing, but today the family and I did the let’s stay in bed till Noon thing immediately followed by the laze around the house all day thing.That’s a lot of things.Almost everything worked the way it was designed; the sole exception being the set of speakers my father

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1134796661064147872005-12-17T00:12:00.000-05:002005-12-17T00:17:41.086-05:00

Yet another thing that sucks about getting older: The steady flow of beloved actors, artists and writers crossing from this world to the next. I hope there are stages and libraries on the other side of the Pearly Gates.But Then Again, You'll Have This . . .

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1134669984884726792005-12-15T13:06:00.000-05:002005-12-15T14:13:27.993-05:00

Suddenly, I understand.It’s not the aches, pains or old man sounds I emit at the slightest movement. It’s not the grey in my beard or the chrome on my dome. It’s not my oldest son crossing that final threshold to adulthood tomorrow (Happy Birthday Nate) or my youngest son’s continuing struggle toward the same.It’s this:Gorgeous, isn’t she?In less than a month, she’ll be 10 years old. Double

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1134449954398769202005-12-12T23:59:00.000-05:002005-12-13T00:00:21.086-05:00

Two weeks and counting and it’s all over but the shouting.Early mornings and late nights; low balances and high bills.It’s beginning to feel a lot like Ch-Uh, uh uh.  You can’t make me say the WORD, and not because of inclusionary, non-denominational political correctness.  I won’t use any of the other words either.People in the mall call me Scrooge, but I quickly point out their error.  I’m not

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1133316171027102232005-11-29T21:02:00.000-05:002005-11-30T23:46:03.900-05:00

Let’s a take a brief peek at what’s coming soon . . .Definitive proof that unprotected, wireless networks are vulnerable to piggybacking, especially when the owner doesn’t realize they’re using oneThe perils of mega-bass boosting and late-night wall pounding so close to the holidays, especially when a 5.1 Dolby Surround TV Theater system is on Santa’s ListThe ramifications of playing the Blame

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1133126883909905342005-11-27T16:28:00.000-05:002005-11-27T16:31:51.713-05:00

Once upon a time, there was a Winter Formal that I wanted to attend.  I worked hard to prepare for it.  I studied dance.  I researched proper table manners.  I bought a new suit and coiffed my hair.  I did everything etiquette demanded and eventually deemed myself ready for the party.But I needed a date.You couldn’t get in without a date; that was the unwritten rule.  Sure, a maverick or two

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1132886249093712222005-11-24T21:37:00.000-05:002005-11-24T21:37:29.126-05:00

Tomorrow, the mall opens at 6 AM.  That means I’ll be up at 4 to be in the store by 5.  Black Friday isn’t the asylum it used to be, but it’s still the opening bell in the mad rush to Christmas.Have I ever mentioned how much I hate the Christmas season?  All I want for Christmas is a new book deal (and an Xbox 360). Wonder which gift I have a better chance of finding under the tree.I’ll be happy

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1132724528769726552005-11-23T00:42:00.000-05:002005-11-23T00:43:00.646-05:00

Today –two days before Thanksgiving and three days before the start of Hell Month- I finally uncovered a major contributing factor to my hatred of the holiday season.Seasonal employees.We do more business during December than any month of any year that doesn’t have a Potter in it, and more business necessitates more employees.  It’s a simple calculation; no algebra required (thank God, because

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1132674174432225752005-11-22T10:42:00.000-05:002005-11-25T23:19:37.753-05:00

Just in case some of you don’t realize it, the Vents are satire, especially the one directly below.  I figured a format change deserved an appropriate topic, and what’s more appropriate than a Vent about Blogging?The new setting is an experiment only, to determine the viability of HTML-free Venting and possibly allow more for more frequent entries.  Plus, all the cool kids are doing it.Peer

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19199819.post-1132642176379242542005-11-22T01:49:00.000-05:002005-11-25T23:20:18.566-05:00

Here’s the thing.I purchased my first modern PC in 1996.  By modern, I mean a computer with a little pointy/clicky thing and the ability to display pictures not composed of asterisks, parenthesis and other punctuation marks.  My first computer was a Radio Shack Model 4P (and the P stands for Portable, which means the beast came with a handle, a necessary option for toting a 30 pound behemoth).But

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893269935961897831noreply@blogger.com0