My desk is an ever-evolving collection of things. It operates like a museum, with temporary exhibits and a few permanent showstoppers. I tend to clean off the entire desk every December when it’s time to decorate for the holidays, and then in January items and nick-nacks find their way on the desk.

Because the day is getting away from me and I refuse to let a day pass without posting anything, today’s Daily Transmission is the first in a series. Here are five things I look at when I can’t think of anything else to write.

Belvedere Zippo Lighters
In 10th grade, my history teacher gave us an assignment to write a paper explaining our own thoughts on the Kennedy assassination. I wrote a detailed, though silly, explanation on how Mr. Belvedere was involved. (Of all the old TV shows about butlers/housekeepers, Mr. Belvedere was one of the very worst.) My gruff and grumpy teacher gave me an A on the paper, laughed and said I should be writer. So I became a writer, because I’m easily influenced. When I received my very first paycheck as a very real writer ($200 for a magazine article in 2001), I used most of the money to buy myself a lighter with the word “Belvedere” engraved on it to remind me of how it all started. Years later, I thought I lost the original lighter, and had another made with “Belvedere II” engraved on it. I’m not a smoker. I just like having a lighter as a small, lucky trophy. Continue reading →