This is a collection of assorted pieces, fiction and nonfiction, on a wide variety of topics.

There is a piece on having cataract surgery. What happens when chestnuts roasting on an open fire are left on the fire for too long? It is much easier to find a new job than it is to put the shine back on a tarnished reputation. Local TV news seems to consist of about 15 minutes of real news, and 1 hour and 45 minutes of advertising, filler trivia and political sucking up. There is a piece on people who feel this overwhelming need to shout in public, even if the person they are talking to is only a couple of feet away. Bible thumpers are the worst in the shouting department; it is as if they want everyone to know that they are a holy person.

The author talks about the mechanics of producing a book, from original idea to finished product. He talks about death and funerals, which is a way to celebrate a life and to let the survivors begin the emotional healing process. Computer tech support people generally treat everyone as if they know nothing about computers.

In this book are limericks, short stories, a couple of songs, sayings, and rants about HMOs and about getting old; both humorous and serious. This collection of writing is really good. It is the sort of book that can be picked up and read starting anywhere in the book. There is something in it for everyone. If a particular piece is not appealing, give it a few pages and it will change. Well worth checking out. ( )