Articles written by W Thomas Payne

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About me - W Thomas Payne

Freelance writer, photographer, and general handyman with words, I roam the back roads of America looking for the slightly different, the bizarre, and the fun that can be found in those 'off the highway' locales.

Over the last 25 years, I have been a landlord

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Food & Drink > Beer (Other) A beginner's guide to pairing beer with food: 1 of 11

Beer is one of the oldest man-made beverages around, the original trade good, and been quaffed with food for millennia. Matching a beer with food is a matter of your personal palate. For hot dogs and pizza, usually a classic draft ale is in order. A lamb or beef dish generally calls for a brew a bit heartier, such as a good ...
Food & Drink > Dining & Restaurants (Other) Why the restaurant industry needs web-based marketing and ordering systems: 3 of 25

The world turns to the internet for information on virtually every topic today, from finding a restaurant to buying a car. Any company ignoring the web to fulfill customer orders, or that does not incorporate the internet into their marketing efforts, is losing customers to their competitors. Restaurant owners and the restau...
Politics, News & Issues > Politics, News & Issues (Other) Does Rev. Jesse Jackson truly represent the needs of African-Americans?: 1 of 8

There is no denying that Jesse Jackson represents a segment of the African-American (this will be the one and only time I use this phrase) community, but to say he represents the "needs" of all Americans of African lineage is like saying "Weird" Al Yankovic represents the "needs" of the polka community. Mr. Jackson has stray...
Politics, News & Issues > US Elections Should absentee ballots be allowed in US elections?: 1 of 6

If the subject of whether or not absentee voting should be permitted gets even a single debater arguing that abolishing absent voting is a good idea, I will be amazed. Absentee voting, of course, has those who abuse and misuse the system for their own political ends - but so do the regular polling places. But without absente...
Health & Fitness > Allergies How antihistamines work: 2 of 10

Your hay fever has kicked into high gear again. You've just pulled out of the medicine cabinet your favored antihistamine medication, and wondering how many to take, and when. You should also stop to consider what is going on within your body that you need an antihistamine, and what is that antihistamine doing. A very basic ...
Politics, News & Issues > Basketball News & Opinion Should college drop-out basketball players not picked in the NBA draft be allowed to return to college play?: 1 of 5

If an athlete accepts a college scholarship, the goal of that scholarship should be to achieve an education not become the next player in the National Basketball Association. If they drop out of school to be put in the lottery for a shot at turning from semi-pro to professional athlete, that is obviously their call. But to r...
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: True karaoke stories: 20 of 91

Five friends wandered the entertainment district of Chicago's north side one warmer summer night, going from club to club, checking out the various musical venues. We couldn't decide between blues, rock, or alternative, when fate speared my brain on its fickle finger with the neon sign "KARAOKE." Karaoke was new at the time,...
Creative Writing > Satire Satire: Technology: 7 of 30

So, you're 'over the hill' (that's 40 in youthspeak), and you've bought your new computer. After 20 minutes, you located the manual, ever so conveniently packed on the end marked "THIS SIDE DOWN." Despite the manufacturer's best efforts, you have deciphered the Japanese-to-Dutch-to-English translation buried behind the Spani...
Personal Finance > Life Insurance How to find a life insurance agent: 3 of 12

Finding a life insurance agent may be as simple as looking in your local phone book and picking one at random, or taking advice from your trusted family and friends. Whatever method you choose for finding an agent for life insurance, be sure to ask the following key questions of the agents during your selection process. 1. H...
Politics, News & Issues > US Elections Is campaign fund-raising an indication of voter support?: 3 of 12

Politics in the United States grows ever-more disconnected from the people as the level of political contributions continues to rise. Politicians, the media, and pundits alike are constantly reminding us of the amount of money that has been raised by political campaigns as an indicator of the success of those campaigns. The ...