True Life and Fiction

L adies and gentleman, I can now officially say I live in a state known for something other than religious fanaticism, racism, an unnatural love for college football (even though they lack a professional football team) and, of course, being the birthplace of the civil rights movement. Yes folks, I live in Alabama, the state now known as having the toughest immigration law in the nation. N ow, I'm not one to take up sides or stir up controversy ... Oh, who am I kidding? Of course I'm going to take up sides and stir up controversy, that's what I do best! Although I will try to dilligently cover both sides of the story in my pontification. Notice the key word "Illegal" denoting not racial profiling but law abiding. F irst off, let me just come right out and say that I am in complete agreement with these new requirements the state put on illegal immigrants. Let me repeat that last part where I wrote illegal immigrants. That being said, if you're still he...

Daleville Dan sat in his favorite chair, eating popped corn When he heard something crack and became quite forlorn. A week or two later, in complete despair, he found himself sitting in a dental chair. And this is what happened … Daleville Dan sat and made himself as comfortable as he could, under the circumstances, in the dental chair. Soon the dentist stepped into the small office and proceeded to check his cracked tooth. “Yep, you cracked it good,” the dentist said. “Let me give you a shot of Novocain so I can pull those pieces out and make you a fake tooth.” “Hell no,” Daleville Dan cried. “I hate needles.” “Okay, the dentist replied. “How about we give you some gas then?” “Oh no,” Dan pleaded. “I can’t have gas either. It makes me sick and out of sorts for days.” At that last statement, the dentist stood back, rubbing his chin, and looking perplexed. Suddenly, his eyes widened, and he smiled before leaving the room. A few moments later, the dentist returned with a glass of wa...

Yes, I'm back. I know I was at large for some time, but I was certain the zombie apocalypse was going to take place at the end of July. It's taken me this long to swallow my pride, return my shopping cart, and squeeze my trembling hand around a pen again. (Okay, so maybe it was more like, placing my fingers gingerly on the keyboard) The summer went well, but too quickly, and now I fear Fall is firmly upon us. My son completed his tour overseas, and is likely arriving at his new duty assignment today. He's going to be stationed at El Paso, Texas. Good thing we've been watching lots of Dora the Explorer to brush up on our Spanish. I use to know a few more words, but I'm sure I would be of no help to my son, if the only Spanish I was able to teach him involved buying beer or starting a fight. My daughter is back in college, and continuing on her path to become a psychologist/counselor. I can't imagine what prompted her to go into that particular line of work - o...

 I know what your thinking. "What do shopping carts (or buggies, if your from the South) have to do with the coming Zombie apocalypse?" Others might be thinking, "What Zombie apocalypse?" My answer to this is: "What? have you been living under a rock? Come on, we all know it's on the way." Okay. Enough of that. I don't want you to think I'm crazy. But, when the Zombie apocalypse does arrive, you'll realize I'm crazy like a fox because I'll be prepared with this valuable shopping cart survival knowledge. First, a little history ... The shopping cart had a very humble beginning way back in 1937. when Sylvan Goldman, owner of the Piggly Wiggly supermarket chain, was thinking of ways to get his customers to buy more groceries. He had an epiphany while looking at a folding wooden chair and, shazam, the first shopping cart was invented. The shopping cart did not catch on right away. Women did not like it because it reminded them ...

Today I would like to highlight a new author on the scene. Laura Watts is the author of the wonderful book: Confessions of a Backpacker: My Adventure Down Under. Laura wrote a kind of travelling memoir of her time living and working in Australia. It's a good read, funny, poignant, and even heart wrenching at times. Here's a few questions Laura answered so we can all get to know her a little better: 1. When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? When my travelling days were over and I decided I wanted to write a book about my experiences. It was only as I began to write that I realised how much I actually enjoyed the process, and decided to write other books. 2. Is this the only job you’ve had? I wish it was! I’ve done quite a few things from working in a psychiatric ward to working in pubs. My favourite job other than this has been working in a library. 3. Have other work experiences made you more determined to follow a writing career? Definitely. There’s nothing ...