A Brief Interruption

Well that was a nice week+ vacation. What did everyone do with their time off?

Since laziness prompted me to skip an entire week, I'll take this as an opportunity to give some answers to questions I've received about this little blog.

1. The Titles
The titles to my entries are typically some sort of slogan or phrase I find on a product or in an ad. These are usually picked by what I find to be the most annoying. (Also of note: I'm very forgetful, so when I do come across a good one to use, I save a draft of an empty entry with the title for use later. I see it as recognizing and adapting to my flaws. Yes, even I have flaws. Sometimes)

2. "Loyal Blogolists"
Loyal Blogolists are anyone who reads this regularly. Now that my parents have joined the group, I think that brings the total to 2? (Hi Mom and Dad!)

3. Topic Choices
A few people have asked me how I come up with topics to write about here, and why it varies so widely between politics, my own life, and various others. For the most part, it's just whatever I happen to be thinking about at the time. My goal with this is to keep it entertaining and enjoyable, regardless of topic. Hopefully if you're reading this, I'm pulling that off. If not, you have bigger problems I don't feel comfortable trying to tackle.

There are a few more I'll answer at a different time. Right now I must be off.

If you have any questions, want to talk, or want to dish out some destructive criticism, hit me up at Twitter (@stylson), Facebook (facebook.com/stylson), or by email at jeff@stylsonrecords.com. (If you send me a friend request, put a note on it, or I'll probably ignore you). Cheers!

- Jeff

Lounge in Luxury

So one aspect of my job is dealing with people who want to buy medicine with pseudoephedrine (PSE) in it (examples include Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D, the original Sudafed, Advil Cold & Sinus, etc). Medicines that contain PSE are hugely effective, and for many people, they are the only things that will work to treat sinus problems. These are all over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, but are kept behind the counter because of people who make Crystal Meth. You see, one of the most common ingredients in meth is PSE. Meth makers will buy a medicine containing PSE, and extract it from the medicine to use in their special little cocktail.

Because of this, the federal government enacted a law that requires all pharmacies to control the sale of anything containing PSE. We are required to track every sale and tie it to the purchaser's State ID. Each person is only allowed to purchase a certain amount of PSE in a certain amount of days. There are a few problems with this though: (1) If someone has a fake ID or data is entered incorrectly by someone previously, we must give benefit of the doubt, and (2) It's a gigantic pain in the ass for all people involved.

Because of this, a lot of pharmacies have opted to keep all of their products hidden from view from any customer, and purposely leave our shelves "empty" where customers can see. Then, when someone asks if we have any, our job is to make a judgement call on whether or not this person seems legit, and then ask the pharmacist if we've "gotten any in today". Then the pharmacist will make their own call and either we ring it up, or we're "all out". These calls are usually based on a combination of any number of things including speech, physical characteristics, mannerisms, and whether or not they appear sick. None of these necessarily qualify or disqualify someone. A lot of times we truly do not have any in stock, but many times we are refusing a sale without saying we're refusing the sale. There's really no way of knowing which is going on, so it's pointless to wonder.

Even with all of this, meth labs are still getting their supplies. Because of this, a rumor we're hearing a lot lately (and one that is more than likely true, though not yet confirmed) is that these drugs will be going to a prescription-only basis beginning in October. Chances are this will be the step that finally makes a difference, at least as far as PSE's go. In the very least, it's going to make my job a lot easier. It might even mean that insurance companies start picking up part of the tab, though I'm not holding my breath about that. The downside will be that these extremely effective drugs will only be available after you've seen a doctor, so people without any sort of insurance will be even more screwed. It's a classic case of a few dishonest people ruining it for everyone else.

Also, let me say right now, no matter your stance on any sort of drug use and the legality of said drug use, I'm not trying to make a case here for either side. I'm just stating something about the job that I do. I will say that I haven't made my mind up entirely on the legality of drugs, but that's for a different time. Maybe that will be my topic for tomorrow.

Hopefully, at the very least, I was able to keep this interesting.

- Jeff

A style for every taste

I am terrified of getting old. It's the most frightening thing I can imagine. It's not even a fear of death. I don't want to be an old man. I don't ever want to have trouble walking or talking. I never want to think that music is too loud, or technology is too confusing. I never want to feel like it's pointless to stay connected with society and culture.

More than anything, I think it's a distaste for relying on others. I've never been big on asking for help, and with rare exception, I do not believe I need people's sympathy. Maybe this comes from my often-inflated ego. Though I try to be courteous, polite, and respectful, I do truly believe I am better than most of the people I encounter on any given day. I always make sure that if I display my ego, it's done in a humorous way, so as to not offend, but typically the driving force behind the joke is, in my opinion, truth. For the most part, I do my best to never sincerely appear conceded. For me, it's good enough that I'm aware of the truth (this is likely also due to my ego). Part of me is afraid that if I get older and lose the ability to do things I easily do today, I will lose the sense of myself that I've developed.

I sometimes tell myself that I can do things differently and never reach those points, but there are plenty of times I have doubts about it. Because of this, there are times where I hope I die young. As crazy as it may sound, the thought of never reaching a point past my peak is unusually comforting. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my life and would never remotely consider dying sooner than "my time". Sometimes I just hope "my time" comes before I start falling apart.

Well, that was bright and cheery. I'll leave it on a brighter note: burritos are delicious.

- Jeff

Eat Free For 3 Weeks!

(Note: this rant was written on a cell phone in a Wal-Mart break room. It's not my best writing. Oops)

Ok, I've heard a lot of people saying lately that America has the best health care in the world or the worst. One of these is false, one of these is misleading.

As far as actual patient care goes, American-educated doctor's (with occasional exceptions) provide the best care for their patients. We also develop most of the better medical breakthroughs and medicines.

BUT!

Because of this, American medicine is also extremely expensive (more so than any other comparable nation). We also have one of the worst "insurance" industries in the world. An insurance company collects premiums on large groups of people/cars/homes and then pays out when someone/thing gets sick/is damaged/stolen. The idea is everyone shares the cost. Premium prices are calculated based on risk so that the company can afford to pay the claims when necessary.

Current health insurance is not really insurance at all. When you get sick, the insurance company looks for any loophole they can find so they can reject your claim. Paying insurance premiums right now is more along the lines of playing the lottery (obviously that was a joke and an exaggeration. Quit your bitching).

Yes, America has the best health care in the world. It's also the most expensive, and we have the worst insurance. Fixing it is not an option. It shouldn't even be debatable.

Maybe Obama should stop calling it "health care reform" and start calling it "health insurance reform". At least then the idiots we call fellow citizens could stop claiming confusion.

- Jeff

99% Fat Free!

I seem to be falling back into the same workaholic habits I've done before. It's not necessarily from trying, but when someone needs a shift covered and they ask me, I say "yes" without even thinking about it. Also, I don't have a problem saying no, but even when I'm not thrilled about having to work, something in the back of my head screams "more hours = more money = more things!" And I instantly agree to it. My feet do not thank me.

By now, everyone's been talking about Kanye West again. It's obviously just a narcissistic cry for attention. Kanye, next time someone wins an award you disagree with, complain on twitter instead. You should be familiar by now. Twitter is the thing that everyone uses to make fun of you when you're an ass.

I'm in the break room at Wal-Mart right now. It smells like chicken noodle soup in here.

Music Trivia!:

Pop Song + Light Southern Accent = Country Song

Playing 70 shows a year (working just over 25% of the time) instantly makes you the hardest working person in show business.

- Jeff

The ONE thing a pregnant cat MUST have constant access to

I've survived my first full week as a pharmacy worker for Wal-Mart. It has its ups and downs, but so far everyone I've met that I work with is nice/funny. I need to condition myself a little better though. Not used to standing for 8 hours. Very happy to have a full weekend off.

I have an addiction to Scrabble on Facebook [and also Subway Scrabble, but that's a different story altogether ("That's a different story")]. I can't stop playing it. I'm always looking for more opponents. If you have a Facebook and want to play, let me know. Find me there or email me and I'll set it all up.

My computer was having some issues over the last week or two. I tried to do some little tweaks to give it a little speed boost, but didn't get anywhere. It never did well when I upgraded it to Leopard, so I wiped it and put it back on Tiger. It's doing GREAT again. I need to get myself a new iMac to have as a more powerful computer, but part of that includes being able to afford it.

Ok, "Strawberry Fields" is playing right now. This song has one of the best little melodies of all time. 3rd line of each verse. Listen to it again, if you need to. Amazing.

Ok, it's probably time for me to get some sleep. I've got a day full of Scrabble tomorrow. Need to make sure my brain is fully rested.

Any time I walk in front of a car in a parking lot I look at the car, say "don't hit me", and keep walking. So far they never have. Moral of the story: I have mind-control powers. Don't fuck with me.

- Jeff

Get your daily dose of fashion!

Watched Obama's speech tonight. Hopefully he sticks to what he's talked about. He's shown previously he can inspire and sway people. What this really comes down to is whether or not he will hold congress to his demands.

One thing about Bush, he always got his plans through congress with relative ease. That said, Bush's ideas generally contributed to the global downfall of society. If Obama will just take his good ideas and apply the Bush Administration's balls, everything will turn out fine.

Sure, people don't trust anyone in government these days, but his job is not to calm us down by taking the easy, dangerously wrong approach. His job is to do what he believes is best for the country. In 2012, if the American people decide he's not doing that well enough, we can vote for someone else.

Something to keep in mind, wouldn't 8 years of a terrible President who lied us into wars and economic crisis be a large part of the country's collective growing distrust of our government? Now is the time for Obama to prove to us that he can regain our trust, and he can act on the hope he harvested so well last year.

It's a big job. I hope he can pull it off.

Soft 100% Cotton

If you do not enjoy nerd-talk, skip the next paragraph. You've been warned.

Apparently this Wednesday, Steve Jobs will be announcing the next line of iPods. Rumor has it they'll be doing away with the Classic all together. I hope not. Personally, I still prefer the simplicity of the click wheel. Plus, I use an 80gb iPod right now, and to make sure I don't run out of space, I'm forced to either downgrade quality or pick and choose which music makes the cut. I realize that 80gb is plenty of space for most people, but I listen to a lot of music, and if it makes it onto iTunes, that means that at any given moment, I will want to listen to it. If they do pull the plug on the Classic, I hope they'll ensure a Touch model with at least 80gb.

Ok, nerd talk out of the way. I did warn you.

Yesterday in Publix (for people in states/countries that do not have Publix: nicer grocery store) I found Arizona brand Arnold Palmer in big jugs. I've been wanting this for years now. Arnold Palmer, for those unfamiliar, is not just a famous golfer. It's also a drink consisting of 1/2 black tea and 1/2 lemonade (do not confuse this with "iced tea with lemon". It is nowhere near the same thing, and if you make that mistake again I will slap you). There are few beverages better than an Arnold Palmer (one of those is an Arnold Palmer made with green tea instead, but that varies greatly with the quality of the green tea). I recommend you go out and buy one now (found at any respectable gas station: 24 oz can for 99¢), or brew up some tea and make one yourself. I'll wait.

waiting...

Ok, by now you should have it. Isn't it wonderful? The only correct answer is "yes". If you said "no", throw yourself out a window. You deserve it.

I have my first day of actual training in the pharmacy tomorrow evening. Starting tomorrow I should have a decent idea whether or not I will like this job. The rest of today shall be spent doing little errands or chores around the house.

In the words of Cory, "I've probably met over 1000 cats. There's no way I can remember all their faces."

- Jeff

Cleans to a Natural Shine!

So it's been too long. Loyal Blogolists, I apologize. It's been a busy week or so. I started my new job at Wal-Mart. It doesn't seem to be as bad as I'd anticipated. That said, all I've done so far is computer training. I start actual training Tuesday evening.

In other news, last night we had the house to ourself, aside for watching Cory. Andrea helped him make his own dinner (he made himself a grilled chicken sandwich), then he spent the evening upstairs writing a story about cats. With him quiet and upstairs, we got to have a meal to ourselves. I improvised a salad with chicken, peppers, tomatoes, and olives. It ended up being so good that we decided to create a new blog to serve as an online cookbook, so everyone else can enjoy the meals we enjoy (assuming they're as good at cooking as the two of us are, of course). We're calling it Food And Rhyme: The Cookbook, Inc. You can get to it by going to FoodandRhyme.blogspot.com

Also, The Beatles' complete discography has been remastered and comes out on the 9th, in coordination with The Beatles: Rock Band (which, by the way, I really REALLY want). When I first heard they were going to remaster the albums, I figured they would just crank the volume for radio play, and it would sound like shit. However, I've given all the albums a listen, and they sound amazing. This is the best these albums have ever sounded. With that in mind, I need to find a lot of money lying around so I can buy the box set.

I think my lunch today will be a grilled chicken sandwich on toasted wheat bread with lettuce and hummus. Mmm, yes, that sounds fantastic.

I promise I will keep this thing more up to date from here on out. No weeklong vacations for me.

In the words of Cory, "You know if you let your facial hair get rough, you can light a match on it."

- Jeff