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(This author-book review was first published on this site http://www.bookseriesinorder.com/rob-thomas/)
Rob Thomas
Robert James Thomas or Rob Thomas was a former high school football player turned writerscreenwriter-producer. His most remarkable creation is Veronica Mars which also became a
television series.
This versatile writer not only engaged himself in book writing. He is also a successful screen
writer. His works became important projects for TV networks. He later became involved in many
TV series and films, not as writer, but as executive producer.
Thomas was born on August 15, 1965.
Rob Thomas was from Sunnyside, Washington. He finished his high school in San Marcos High
School in 1983. The University of Texas was his alma mater. It is here where he received his
diploma for BA in history. Before he studied in the University of Texas, he also studied at Texan
Christian University. He studied here through a football scholarship. He played several games
before he graduated.
Thomas is also a music lover. During the early phase of his career, he played three bands in
Austin. This love for music is sometimes hinted in his works. His passion for writing dominated
his love for sports and music. After his graduation from college, he easily got offers for several
writing opportunities.
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How did Rob Thomas reach this pedestal in his career? His career started as a high school
teacher. He taught journalism in John Marshall High School and also in John H. Reagan High
School. Both schools are in Texas. He also became the campus paper adviser for University of
Texas. This stage in his career perhaps became his springboard for his future best sellers.
Thomas also worked in Channel One News. This experience was useful for his novel Satellite
Down.
His writing career took him to the entertainment arena. His experiences include writing scripts for
various series and films. Examples of TV series are Space Ghost Coast to Coast, Cupid,
Dawson’s Creek, Veronica Mars, Big Shots, 90210, and Party Down. Other television shows
where wrote and co-produced are Party Down, Cupid, Good Behavior, Plymouth Rock, and
iZombie. His writing expertise also made it to the films. These films include Fortune Cookie,
Drive Me Crazy, and Veronica Mars.
Among the books that Rob Thomas is well-acclaimed for are Rats Saw God and Veronica
Mars, to name a few. These books both focus on the youth. The talent and skills that the youth
has are their tools to face the challenges and struggles in their life. This and other significant
themes are found in these novels.
In Rats Saw God, Rob Thomas created the character of Steve York. He is a talented young
man but turned to drugs after a break up with his high school sweetheart, Dub. There are also
other struggles that depressed him like his parents’ divorce, moving into Texas, and the fear of
getting into college. All these became his excuse of going after marijuana.
A guidance counselor and English teacher helped him make realizations. This teacher asked
him to make a 100-page essay to help him graduate. This was his one and only requirement
before he can leave high school and move into college. This paperwork made Steve realize his
mistakes. He did make a turn-around. The majority of the book comprised of the contents of
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essay making it look like a diary entry. The book used parallel approach between Steve’s
monologue and third-person narration.
The novel ends with Steve getting into college. His life became more positive as he dreamed
more for his future. This usual happy ending is expected. Many youngsters can relate to the
novel making it a great hit from that time even until now.
The book title may seem intriguing at first, Rats Saw God when there is no religious theme
throughout the book. The title came from a student group in Steve York’s school. This group
called themselves GOD which stands for Grace Order of Dadaists. In their yearbook, the
members used ASL or American Sign Language to spell DOG WAS STAR. In reverse, this
phrase spells Rats Saw God, the title of the book.
This book will be a good read for teenagers and even for adults who love portrayals of high
school life realities. The words, scenes, characters, challenges, goals, and achievements seen
in this novel depicted regular American teenage lifestyle. The artistry and writing skills of Rob
Thomas are highlighted in this first novel that he created in 1996.
Another great TV series based on Thomas’s work was Veronica Mars. This is also the title of
the book series that Thomas is most known for. One episode of this series had a title of Rats
Saw God.
Veronica Mars is also the name of the main character of this novel. The novel is a mystery novel
which put readers on the edge of their seat. The main character is a private investigator tasked
to find about a missing girl. Series of investigation led Veronica into a house of a criminal
mastermind. This continued to a major break in her investigation which leads to her past.
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This book became the source for a remarkable television mystery series which ended in 2007.
The series is phenomenal with its witty humor, down-to-earth scenarios, and fictitious suspense.
With the book, readers get a thrill by reading and this allows them to keep on reading. With the
TV series, the audience will get tons of thrills after thrill as they watch the story unfolds.
This great writer, although very successful, is still very down-to-earth (just like his masterpieces).
He looks back to great mentor, Vince Gilligan. He mentioned in an interview that he always
sends mail to Vince. He considers Vince as his model. Thomas also includes “little people” in his
works. His associates and co-workers consider him as such. His concern is obvious in the way
he handles conflicts with people he is working with. Although there are instances that his works
were not published, these did not hinder him to push through with his dream.
At present, Rob Thomas lives in Austin, Texas with his family. He has a beautiful wife name
Katie and two children, Greta and Hank. He still receives a lot of support and admiration. His
works still causes laughter, suspense, awe, and inspiration.
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Waffle Maker Review
More people love waffles than pancakes. This favorite western food serves its
gastronomical purpose without fail. A hungry grown up just plopped a piece of it to stop
his stomach growling. He also exercised his culinary creativity by putting sorts of
toppings above it. He partnered it with coffee. In some days, other beverages also suit
the waffle best. For hours, waffles satisfy his cravings until the next eating session
comes.
Many would rather eat restaurant or frozen waffles. Still, there are others who agree
that homemade waffles are the best. If time would permit, people would rather make
their own waffles rather than buy them. The waffle iron that you use will make the
difference. There are many available waffle makers out there. There’s the regular waffle
maker which makes thin and juicy grids. Others prefer the thick Belgian waffles. Both of
these waffle styles offer great satisfaction. Your choice between regular waffle maker
versus Belgian waffle maker will depend on several features.
These waffle makers are ideal for these persons:
• Housewives who want to create savory waffles for the whole family
• Students who need fast relief for hunger at their dormitories
• Youngsters who want to impress the elderly with their cooking skills
• Chefs who serve culinary delights through extraordinary waffles
What are the features of a great waffle maker?
Waffle Quality
You aim for either crispy or tender waffles. The shape, diameter, and thickness of
the waffles are also important. Once it’s cooked, it should be ready to eat. The
browning effect also affect quality. Don’t forget the taste. The grids should also
complement whatever toppings you plan to decorate it with. It’s so much better to eat
waffles according to your exact preference. A perfect waffle maker can provide these.
Cooking Controls
You can have the best quality of your favorite waffles if you have better control of
its cooking. Many waffle makers have rotational features for even cooking. The more
accurate the waffle maker is, the better. Locking the grids must ensure no overflow.
The temperature ranges must be accurate to make the preferred waffles. Thick grids
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also help for better cooking. This is the disadvantage of a regular waffle maker over
Belgian waffle makers.
Indicators
The most modern waffle makers have digital displays. This indicates when the
waffles are ready. It also displays the time. There are also other indicators. These
indicators include lights telling when the appliance is ready. Lights also tell when the
cooking is done. A beeper is also a very helpful indicator. Beepers are more convenient.
You don’t have to always gaze on your appliance to know when the waffles are ready.
Design and Storage
The size of the waffle maker also matters. Most preferred sizes that are small
and compact. You can easily store and carry them. The handles should also be heatresistant. Any discomfort while cooking will take some joy out of the meal. A waffle
maker, with features for upright and cord storage is also more ideal. Many housewives
prefer the classic waffle maker versus Belgian waffle maker because of its durability.
Non-stick features are also essential.
Safety
Aside from-heat resistant handles, an ideal waffle maker would not eliminate
safety guidelines. At home, when kids want to try on their kitchen skills by making
waffles, safety is of utmost importance. Old-fashioned iron waffle pans have heat-proof
handles but the body is not heat-resistant. Most of the modern waffle makers come with
steel exterior. Manufacturers add ceramic coating to ensure the exterior feels no heat.
The safety from a regular waffle maker versus Belgian waffle maker is almost the
same. It all depends whether you are willing the pay the extra price.
Sturdiness
Waffle makers must be able to withstand the demand of waffle-weekdays and
weekends. After undergoing several cooking, the waffles should still stay perfect as the
first. Also, even with the simplest waffle mix, the outcome should still be pretty
gorgeous. There are waffle makers which do well during the first months. After several
usage, the quality decreases. Read several reviews of the waffle maker before you buy
them.
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Clean up
What a cook looks for from his equipment are those that are easy to clean. A nodrip waffle maker is more ideal than those with insecure locks. Removable plates also
make clean up a lot easier. Also, a waffle removal grade of A is convenient. You want
the whole waffle in your mouth, not in your pan. A non-stick interior also makes cleaning
easy. A simple wipe will do.
Prices
Either you’re deciding between American waffle maker vs. Belgian waffle
maker, price is a big deal. You might think it as only a very simple heating pan. Prices
of waffle makers depends on the number of features that you want to avail. These
features will make your cooking more convenient and satisfying. You would rather pay
additional dollars for an appliance that fits your needs and would stay longer.
Multi-functionality
What’s great with some of the new waffle makers available in the market is the
capability to cook other food aside from waffles. There are regular waffle makers which
can also make Panini or a mere toasted bread. This makes your waffle maker a dual
cooking utility. This would give you another choice if cooking waffles becomes more and
more regular.
Warranty and Support
The longer the warranty the better. Most waffle makers have one year warranty.
At the most, three years is the longest warranty and service. Manuals and instructional
videos are also helpful. These features are important for the proper use and
maintenance of the appliance. Communication with the manufacturer is another bonus
feature that waffle owners look for. There should be available customer support by
phone or email.
The Verdict
Both the classic waffle maker and the Belgian waffle maker can become your
next kitchen star. The regular waffle maker provides thin crisp waffles with tender, not
sloppy contents. The Belgian produces thicker waffles more ideal for sorts of toppings
you like.
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Discretion is important in choosing which one. The features included here may
not be present in one product. But, there will always be the most versatile and
conducive product waiting for you to buy. Once you got it, enjoy your meal!
CHARLENE SAMOY
WRITING PORTFOLIO ON REVIEW ARTICLES
The Best Flat Fee Movers in Sarasota
Moving may result to tremendous amount of stress. It may also cause some conflicts to arise.
Minimize these things by consulting a team of experts in moving. These movers make sure that
their customer’s moving experience becomes a memorable milestone in their life.
How do you choose which moving company to avail?
Reputation is the best means to find the most suitable movers. The best moving companies
take good care of their good image by making sure they only offer moving services that are of
quality standards.
The flat fee Sarasota movers offer professional services. These services include local or house
moving, business moving, or international moving. They also include miscellaneous services
like storage services and even moving supplies and boxes. They also do packing and
unpacking services. If furniture assembly is a big source of headache, these movers will do the
job. All the necessity for a smooth transition is available through these movers.
Some families or individuals who are moving don’t want to avail of the flat fee movers’ services
because they are afraid they might have a scam experience. With the Sarasota movers,
credibility is not a problem. If you ask them for necessary documents, they will provide since
they are licensed moving personnel. Their moving workers are also well-trained. Only the best
will have an eye and hands on your items.
Efficiency is also a characteristic that they have. They arrive on time. If a customer need a day of
moving, they will do their best to accomplish the task within the day. Their work attitudes make
them ideal persons to provide the assistance that customers needed. They respond to their
customer’s need with much enthusiasm and responsibility.
These movers show respect to both customers and their belongings. Majority of these movers
offer help beyond their call of duty. Their friendly and approachable attitude makes them easy to
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deal with. Whether they are moving with youngsters or elderly, their professionalism will always
manifest. They make sure that your precious belongings are wrapped and delivered in their
best state. No items will be lost or damaged.
The charge is also affordable. They require a minimum deposit. Most local moving has hourly
rates. Long distance and international moving will consider the weight of the items and the
distances. The rates already include insurance and gas. There is no waste of your money’s
worth once you avail of the services from Sarasota movers.
These moving companies have grown from one-man and truck services to several trucks at
present. This makes mass moving with less hassle. The crew and the vehicles equal
professional and reliable movers.
If at the last minute you change of mind and would rather postpone moving, the Sarasota
movers provide easy communication means. Contacting them is easy. A cancellation policy
also enables customers to cancel even a few days before the moving date.
With the attitude, work experiences, training, and policies that the Sarasota movers provide,
customers are assured of responsible, careful, and fast moving. They consider their customer’s
moving items as their own. They pack and unpack with the hands of a master organizers.
Customer satisfaction is their main goal. That’s why their reputation should influence you to
contact them for your next move.