On my latest podcast, I discuss my debut novel – The Dark Truth, due out in February via Trifecta Publishing House – books I’m reading, upcoming TV shows and movies and much more. You don’t want to miss my rant on the proposed hike to California’s gas excise tax.
Month: March 2017
Get the Knaak Podcast No. 20
On my 20th podcast, my good friend Chris Ingalls stops by. We discuss several topics including his recent obsession with podcasts, my renewed interest in Film Noir, TV shows, booze, books, music and much more.
Facebook Writing Prompt
A few months ago, an old military pal, Paula, posted one of these Facebook things and encouraged her online community to do it with her. Now, I don’t know how many folks have participated in this particular viral thing. However, when I looked at it, I thought of it more as a writing prompt. None of these things, to me, can be answered yes or no. So, I thought I would give it a whirl with tongue planted firmly in cheek.
Tattoos………………….no. I am not opposed; I just haven’t gotten one yet. I did see a male motorcycle rider today with a tramp stamp. I firmly believe that if you are going to get one, spend some money and make sure you find a capable artist.
Piercings……………….no. I did have my ear pierced once a long time ago, it lasted four days before I took the stud out and let the hole close up.
Children………………..yes, two, one at home, one who lives with his mom in Florida.
Surgeries………………..yes, technically three, unless you want to count oral surgeries. Knee, butt and back. Don’t ask about the middle one. There’s a blog entry for that somewhere in the archive.
Broken Bones ……….yes, fractured my elbow once, fell off my bike when I was 11 I think. Pretty sure I broke my pinky during a flag football practice/scrimmage in Iceland but I never got it looked at.
Shot a gun………………I am ex-military so, yeah.
Quit a job………………..Quit, fired, what’s your point?
Flown on a plane…….more times than I can count, although the first time wasn’t until I was 18 and I was on my way to boot camp just outside of Chicago.
Gone zip lining………..no, but there are some batshit crazy guys in Wales who have one I’d like to try.
Given CPR……………….no, almost had to. We lost 21 sailors in a ferry accident off the coast of Haifa, Israel, 1990, and I was standing by on the hangar deck.
Been to Canada…………….yes, love Canada. Toronto, Winnipeg, Niagara Falls, been to a lot of places in Canada, including Canadian Tire.
Ridden in an ambulance…..no, almost. Was checked out in the back of one when I wrecked a car when I was in high school.
Been to Europe………………..yes, London, England; four places in Turkey.
Stamps in Passport(s) ……..yes, in addition to England, Mexico.
Been to Washington D.C….yes, stationed there for three years. Went as part of a class trip in grade school as well.
Florida………………………unfortunately.
Colorado…………………yes, it’s growing on me.
Mexico……………………………yes, last year for the first time. Best tacos ever.
Las Vegas………………………..yes, if you count a layover at McCarran Airport. They have slot machines in the freaking airport. Of course they do.
Sang karaoke………………..no. Nobody needs to hear me sing. Although I am a professional in the car singer, I can’t carry a tune in a bucket.
Had (a) pet(s)…………………yes, currently? Three cats, a dog, four turtles, Lord knows how many Koi fish, and several vagrant lizards and spiders.
Been downhill skiing……….yes, once, disastrous experience, still think I owe the ski resort money for a binding.
Ability to read music ………no, took piano lessons in grammar school, didn’t even get to Chopsticks. I am not a musical people.
Rode a motorcycle…………..no, I like at least 3,000 pounds of car around me when I go careening down the highway at 75 miles per hour.
Rode a horse…………………….yes, unassisted no…rode a camel once too.
Stayed in hospital…………….kinda, just not overnight.
Donated blood………………..no, my blood stays in my body there Drac.
Driven a stick shift……………Yes, learned on my dad’s 1979 Ford Mustang, four on the floor and four cylinders. It wouldn’t go faster than 82 m.p.h. Believe me, I tried.
Ride in Police Car ………..Military Police count?
Grandkids……………………no, although several people have accused me.
Driven a Boat ……………..yes! My wife didn’t think I could, but I showed her. “Just because you were in the Navy doesn’t mean they let you drive the boat.” Yeah well, I drove a damn speedboat, so there. I came into the slip a little hot, but, whatever. Everyone survived.
Eaten Escargot ……………no, never have, never will. Bleah.
Seen a UFO………………..um…
Been on a Cruise………..yes, if you count the USS Saratoga. Other than that, no. And you’ll never get me on a cruise ship either.
Run out of Gas…………..yes, in my own damn garage no less. Shut up, it’s not funny.
Eat Sushi……………………yes, but where I come from we call it “bait.”
Seen a Ghost……………..seen? No. Experienced? That’s a blog for a different day, but yes, three times.
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