2021-10-05 14:58
On my birthday, I went to Walt Disney World. Sometimes when a man reaches a certain age, he just has to ride Space Mountain repeatedly. This entry isn’t to comment about the actual vis… Read More
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Traveler's Random Mental Wanderings & Contemplatio Blog
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The thoughts and musings of a man at the precipice of middle age, starting from his 50th birthday.
2021-08-11 14:40
An anthology of stories selected to provide you with a brief escape from where you find yourself right now. Each will allow you to leave this reality and take a quick trip into someplace com… Read More
2021-06-28 16:49
When I finished Three Paperclips & a Grey Scarf, I described it this way:"Evan Davis takes a three-month assignment as a press embed in Afghanistan. Before departing, a friend hands Davi… Read More
2021-05-05 00:39
The loss of a loved one is always a deeply felt personal tragedy. Anyone aware that you have suffered that loss expects and allows for a period of grieving afterward. It’s expected and… Read More
2021-04-05 14:38
At the tail end of sixth grade at St Mary's Catholic School, Father Schwartz walked into Friday's religion class carrying a record album in a brown matte cover. He was very excited and… Read More
2021-03-30 16:21
This blog entry started to be a story teaching my two-year-old granddaughter how to spit. It is an important skill and one every child should be introduced to while growing up. As I pl… Read More
2021-03-02 11:53
Announcing the release of the Pimping Out My Sister-In-Law, Volume 1* audiobook available now on Audible, iTunes, and Amazon.Pimping Out My Sister-In-Law, Volume 1* is an anthology of short… Read More
2021-02-23 00:29
Humans need to feel not only joy but also sadness. I've written before about the need for melancholy. After all, the only real way to appreciate happiness is to know his flipside. For me, em… Read More
2021-02-09 20:08
I am proud to be a military brat. If you're not familiar with the term, it means that one of my parents served in the military. As a result, I grew up relocating for new assignments every fe… Read More
2020-12-22 14:37
One of my favorite writers, Edgar Allen Poe, only produced two novels during his career and only one in his lifetime. He did produce hundreds of poems and short stories that he called tales… Read More
2020-11-19 17:53
I heard this song the first time when I was on the duty train going from Frankfurt to Berlin for an extended TDY. To say I'd been having a wild time on my tour of Europe would be an understa… Read More
2020-09-28 18:23
I received my first review for a performance, in the first grade. I had just performed for the first time publicly as a toy soldier in the Christmas play. My Mom said I was outstanding. Mayb… Read More
2020-08-29 19:29
Sir Isaac Newton and a great many others did their best work while quarantined – – let's just say it didn't do a thing for me. Writing is a solitary thing. You dream up a story a… Read More
2020-06-17 17:34
This entry includes spoilers for George Orwell's book Nineteen Eighty-Four, published in 1949. You've been warned.When I was in college in 1980, I noticed a copy of George Orwell's book, Nin… Read More
2020-04-20 23:52
It's 3:45 in the morning on Sunday (4/19/20), I wake up fully alert and for some reason, I want to watch an episode of Dead Like Me. Maybe its a symptom of too much COVID19 running around, I… Read More
2020-03-30 15:00
I listen to a huge variety of podcasts, radio shows, and read a lot online as well. So, forgive me for being able to relate the source of this advice because I'd like to give them credit. I'… Read More
2020-03-06 00:38
Shortly after I turned 14, Jim Croce died in a plane crash. I'm not sure if it was before or after that I first heard him actually perform one of his songs. I do know that the Muppets were t… Read More
2020-02-10 16:29
I am finally back to steadily putting words on paper. The morning after I created my previous entry, I managed to put down 3,200 words before my keyboard caught fire. After beating down the… Read More
2020-01-19 20:34
When I finished my ramblings about the Lynyrd Skynyrd Memorial Project in November, I jumped into a short story that had been playing through my mind. The story, entitled Words E… Read More
2019-12-05 15:09
On 18 October 2019, I arrived in McComb, Mississippi, to attend the dedication of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Monument. Before my arrival, I exchanged emails with Miles “Pat” Nelson, and… Read More
2019-11-14 17:20
Preface: This is one of two versions of what happened during my pilgrimage to the Lynyrd Skynyrd Monument dedication. It is more personal, whereas the other is a 1500-word articl… Read More
2019-10-15 19:09
Any regular reader of this blog knows of my love of music. As I often say, the music of the 70s, 80s, and 90s provided him the background soundtrack that still accompanies my life daily. I a… Read More
2019-09-25 13:47
The audiobook of Three Paperclips & a Grey Scarf is now available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. Audiobooks are great for times when reading aphysical book just isn't possible. You… Read More
2019-09-08 18:45
The audiobook of Blood Upon the Sands is now available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. Audiobooks are great for a long drive or hike. You can also play them through Alexa, which allows… Read More
2019-08-16 15:52
Back in the 80s, I was stationed in Germany, and for about a year, I found myself having to travel to the United States every few weeks for meetings and conferences. Depending on the time of… Read More
2019-07-17 13:09
My handling of death is based on being a military brat. No matter what base we were stationed at, almost everyone was from somewhere else. Your extended family was never nearby, so eve… Read More
2019-06-11 18:39
Regardless of what you do in life, somebody else is evaluating your performance. Even if you own the business or it is a family run business, and you're the one in charge, someone else is ev… Read More
2019-05-05 01:19
On 16 April 2019, Blood Upon the Sands was officially released. It is now available in ePub and Paperback from the following retailers:Against the bloody backdrop of a country simmerin… Read More
2019-04-25 22:19
Self-publishing is a wondrous world which is entirely under the control of one person – you. However, No one person possesses all the skills necessary to do a great job publishing a bo… Read More
2019-02-08 16:19
This photo has nothing to do with the entry I just couldn't find anything that matched up well with the sentimentThe last couple of weeks have found me both mentally and emotionally dis… Read More
2019-01-06 01:30
As a kid, it puzzled me why my father would refuse to drive anywhere on Christmas day. The biggest impact to me as a kid was if a Christmas present needed a battery we did not have, it would… Read More
2018-12-07 15:30
A lot can be said about Sylvester Stallone. He's an actor, choreographer, producer, and writer -- like most people he does some things good and others badly. The one thing he must be given a… Read More
2018-11-15 15:34
As a writer, I am often asked what novelists are my favorites or provide me with inspiration. I've written about it at length when discussing self-publishing and once specifically abou… Read More
2018-10-18 16:49
I've always tried to create at least one entry every two weeks, with the goal being to write one every week. I guess my reason is twofold, I want to have some sort of discipline to what I'm… Read More
2018-09-24 21:10
Nine years ago, I sat down at my keyboard and wrote this. That first entry was not an earth-shattering epiphany of the need to collect and record my priceless thoughts and philosophy… Read More
2018-09-18 23:59
When I buy a concert ticket, I usually a fan of the headliner. I consider the investment in a ticket something that requires a bit of consideration, given the price of current concert… Read More
2018-08-06 18:12
Chuck Barris -- The Gong MasterBack in the late 70s, if you were lucky enough to be home from school sick or a holiday, you might have been lucky enough to see a master craftsman at work.&nb&hell…Read More
2018-07-23 13:49
One of the most oft-heard phrases of my adult life has been "Well, I still haven't used the insert subject here I learned in school for daily life." To a certain point, I agree. I do use alg… Read More
2018-07-10 14:18
In Business 101 at the University of Maryland, one of the first rules covered was it is far easier and cheaper for a business to keep a customer rather than having to find a replacement or n… Read More
2018-07-01 15:02
As Ashley cut my hair, she started talking about how her own hair changed as she grew up, going from dark to the honey blonde color it is today. It caused me to reflect on my expe… Read More
2018-06-20 15:38
I'm not entirely sure if you would if the performer listed as "with" on a concert poster is considered an opening act or not. But in my mind, if they are the first ones to appear on stage, t… Read More
2018-06-13 18:19
Preface:In the late 70s, Ann Waggoner, my high school the guitar teacher, selected a grouping of Paul Simon composed music to be presented at the annual spring concert. That bit of cha… Read More
2018-06-06 15:59
Looking at the date of my last entry, I realize how long it has been since I've written and posted something here. Usually, if there is any sort of pause, there is a valid reason. Last year… Read More
2018-04-16 15:09
Among the first three LPs I ever bought, was Three Dog Night’s Joy to the World: Their Greatest Hits. I say among the first three because I really don’t recall which of the… Read More
2018-03-23 17:05
Preface: Over the course of my life I have had some really fantastic teachers. This includes not only formal classroom teachers but also informal who have passed on their knowledge out… Read More
2018-02-04 20:39
Me with The Cowboy PoetsI wouldn't call myself an autograph collector, but I can remember the very first autograph I ever got. It was a disc jockey in Lawton, Oklahoma who went by the m… Read More
2018-01-17 19:49
When I was in the sixth grade, we were studying William Shakespeare. For one of the assignments, we were supposed to write, in Old English calligraphy, our favorite quote from him. My choice… Read More
2018-01-11 16:27
While reading an article about authors and how best they should get published, I got to a part where it talked about self-publishing and how this was a terrible idea. The writer of the artic… Read More
2018-01-03 16:16
I have always been about the funny from stand-up comedians to campy movies. But all of this had its start because I was lucky enough not to grow up in the Golden Age of TV but in… Read More
2017-12-26 18:07
Regular followers of my blog have probably noticed that there have been no entries since my review of The Rocky Horror Picture Show just prior to Halloween. This dr… Read More
2017-10-22 16:59
For personal reasons, last night was low-key for me so I will not be posting a regular blog entry reviewing the 21 October 2017 performance of Rocky Horror Picture Show at The State Theatre… Read More
2017-10-16 15:09
On 9 September 2017 when I released my latest book, From Within the Firebird's Nest, I braced myself. I have often said that writing a book is a solitary occupation, but the hours and days b… Read More
2017-09-05 15:45
Photo ©2017 Chris SchweglerWhenever I provide a review or write up, it means that I have bought and paid for the item or admission costs myself. In the rare instance when items or… Read More
2017-09-01 12:29
Note: This review was delayed. The performance was 11 August 2017 at DTE Music TheatreJason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience Jason Bonham tribute to Led Zeppelin. Know… Read More
2017-08-28 01:52
Whenever I provide a review or write up, it means that I have bought and paid for the item or admission costs myself. In the rare instance when items or admission are being provided fr… Read More
2017-08-07 16:09
When I was 12 or so, my family spent the summer living in the campground at the edge of Lake Elmer Thomas. Even though there is not a lot of stress in a 12 years old’s life, I di… Read More
2017-07-21 17:32
Whenever I provide a review or write up, it means that I have bought and paid for the item or admission costs myself. In the extremely rare instance when items or admission… Read More
2017-07-12 13:40
Advance look at the book's cover Copyright 2017, All Rights ReservedThe initial draft of my novel is finished and now rests with the Editor for her to do her job. At this point, I am kind of… Read More
2017-07-02 15:17
This is the fourth week of reruns and with it the happy announcement that the first draft of Allah's Numbers was finished at 1:30 AM last Friday. It took 600 pages to tell the story an… Read More
2017-06-18 19:08
This is the second week of reruns as I am busily working to finish my latest novel, Allah's Numbers. As of today, I'm at over 525 pages, and all hell was breaking loose. To… Read More
2017-06-13 17:04
As I've mentioned before, I am working on my latest novel Allah's Numbers and it's nearing completion. At present, the book is over 460 pages and I am writing the exciting climax to the stor… Read More
2017-06-05 17:17
Whenever I provide a review or write up, it means that I have bought and paid for the item or admission costs myself. In the rare instance when items or admission are being provided fr… Read More
2017-05-22 16:49
I have heard that more antidepressants are being prescribed every day, than the day before. It isn't the people are any more depressed, although I think some of the increase may be improved… Read More
2017-05-15 19:48
I am not sure when I first heard a Beatles' song or which one it was, but I do know I bought my first Beatles’ album during the summer of 1974 and it was The Beatles Yesterday and Toda… Read More
2017-05-09 13:09
Play a guitar and harmonica at the same time and people are impressed, but add cymbals anda trumpet and you're a punchline.While employed as a government civilian, I was havin… Read More
2017-05-01 14:00
Music has always been a big part of my life, in particular songs with great lyrics or telling a great story to which I can relate. So, from time to time I find myself telling Alexa &nb&hell…Read More
2017-04-24 19:56
A few months back, I started thinking about the basic stuff I buy and use. It all started with the purchase of a Logitech MK710 in order to facilitate an office redesign. That re… Read More
2017-04-10 12:07
Way back when I was 10 years old or so, I went to my first sleep away camp at Lake Arrowhead, California which was run by the YMCA. There are many things I could write about with regar… Read More
2017-03-18 13:20
It was hard to believe when I first read it, but having seen the reference several places since my initial discovery I will accepted as fact that the length of the average Agatha Christie my… Read More
2017-03-03 15:20
My favourite sport is none. I have never had a great deal of athletic prowess and therefore never enjoyed playing many sports; when you couple that with not being a preferred choice wh… Read More
2017-02-10 15:51
With The Tempations on 26 January 2017 at Kalamazoo State TheatreThe Meet & GreetEver since I started buying concert tickets, I have noticed that there is a special category that ex… Read More
2017-02-10 15:38
Whenever I provide a review or write up, it means that I have bought and paid for the item or admission costs myself. In the rare instance when items or admission are being provided fr… Read More
2017-02-10 02:28
Laith Al-SaadiPhoto by Anthony Norkus PhotographyA few weeks prior to the concert, I happened to catch an interview with Laith on NPR. He was talking about how not winning on The Voice… Read More
2017-02-07 17:39
Any regular reader of my blog is probably wondering if the it has been undergoing some kind of identity crisis over the past two months. When started, the blog was written under the au… Read More
2017-02-03 16:25
This concert was affected by the notorious weather of Michigan. It was originally scheduled to start at 8 PM with The Steel Woods leading off followed by Blackberry Smoke. However Blackberry… Read More
2017-01-29 19:12
Steve ForsemanThis warm up act was a good choice. He played folk/folk-rock which matched America’s genre. Steve had a great voice and filled the theatre with music even as… Read More
2017-01-28 17:15
The TrifectaIt wasn't anything formal that Kalamazoo State Theatre did, I just ended up with concert tickets for three performances over three consecutive nights. They are booking some… Read More
2017-01-17 03:42
I was watching an episode of The Crown recently when the subject of personal vanity came up. Bythe way, great series that I highly recommend. The episode that brought the subject up ha… Read More
2016-12-23 22:52
PrefaceEver since I discovered the music of Trans-Siberian Orchestra I really enjoyed the group and their style of electric classical. Having seen them several times to live, and being… Read More
2016-12-04 02:57
First, some history….In the spring of 1982 I happened to be watching a show called Friday's on the Armed Forces Network while I was in Berlin. The show was sort of a Saturday Nig… Read More
2016-08-23 18:28
Whenever I provide a review or write up, it means that I have bought and paid for the item or admission costs myself. In the rare instance when items or admission are being provided fr… Read More
2016-08-13 17:33
The show is formally billed as The San Francisco Fest Tour 2016, but I think many people found that confusing since the show was not in San Francisco but made up of bands that originated in… Read More
2016-08-04 18:30
Whenever I provide a review or write up, it means that I have bought and paid for the item or admission costs myself. In the rare instance when items or admission are being provided fr… Read More
2016-08-04 18:30
Whenever I provide a review or write up, it means that I have bought and paid for the item or admission costs myself. In the rare instance when items or admission are being provided fr… Read More
2016-08-01 22:33
This was the first time I sat on "the hill" versus being in permanent seats in the pavilion and rain was supposed to fall at some point during the evening. The rain did not fall and it… Read More
2016-08-01 10:37
Lynyrd Skynyrd was forced to cancel or postpone a number of shows after guitarist Gary Rossington had to undergo yet another heart surgery following chest pains last week."The Lynyrd Skynyrd… Read More
2016-07-29 11:14
Attendance at this concert (and the Boston/Dennis DeYoung concert 2 weeks after this one) was a total opportune accident. When I got an email announcing the Presale, I have no idea who… Read More
2016-07-29 01:16
This was the start of it all and the tickets I bought first. Three acts that were big in the 70s and 80s, all Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, touring and performing together. I h… Read More
2016-07-28 19:57
This was the start of it all and the tickets I bought first. Three acts that were big in the 70s and 80s, all Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, touring and performing together. I h… Read More
2016-07-14 16:33
The Opening Act: Peter WolfWarm up acts generally fall into two categories: Those on the way up and those on the way down. I have never considered them a vital part of deci… Read More
2016-04-22 19:45
"Not The Prince, not A Prince, and not Prince something -- just Prince." I vaguely remember that day and that clarification when I first heard one of Prince's song's on the radio and a… Read More
2016-04-19 23:27
When I was younger, it was very rare that I went to live music events. My parents never saw a huge value in paying to attend live music events if you could get the same music on the ra… Read More
2016-04-19 23:27
When I was younger, it was very rare that I went to live music events. My parents never saw a huge value in paying to attend live music events if you could get the same music on the ra… Read More
2016-04-09 18:24
One of the best things about traveling by car is the chance to try out local eateries which lie somewhere in between where you came from and where you're going. As I was cruising from Huntsv… Read More
2016-02-26 20:01
If you drove down the street where I lived as a kid in the late 60s, you might've seen me sitting on the curb out by the mailbox waiting on the mailman to deliver a package. … Read More
2016-02-24 12:53
As I sit here, I find myself listening to Seven Bridges Road and feeling numb over the news of Glenn Frey's passing. I have not felt this way since John Lennon was murdered or upon hea… Read More
2016-01-07 02:02
Recently, I spent some time with my Dad and as you might imagine I quickly adapted his routine while there. My Dad is just over 70, but is doing extremely well and can get around fairly good… Read More
2015-08-08 18:38
The official name of the road is Highway 80 and it runs from Kuwait City north to the Iraqi border. Because of the events of 26 & 27 February 1991 it became known as the Highway of… Read More
2015-06-12 20:35
During my adolescent years, we finally got cable TV and got access to the station out of Chicago, WGN. The station, broadcast mostly reruns of early 1960s TV shows and one show that wa… Read More
2015-05-31 12:38
About three years ago, I had the pleasure of sitting in the audience and watching a true bluesman at work. BB King was doing a concert in Kalamazoo and even though he was in his 80s it… Read More
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