21 Comments
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Mitch Koppelman's avatar

LSMFT? Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco? Really?

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Robert  Basler's avatar

Congrats, Mitch. You were the first person to notice that....

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Kim Straus's avatar

Do you talk to yourself often? I hear it helps one organize thoughts. But in your case it could be just your natural eccentricity. Whatever it is, keep it up - it works!

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Bob Reiberg's avatar

I started to say something nice, but instead asked the CHAT GPT in my garage to write it for me. Thanks for the inspiration. Admittedly, the AI must have done a cursory skim of your piece but it saved me the time and effort of dredging up vocabulary words and pro ofreadi g.

" As a neighbor of Bob Basler, I was thrilled to get a chance to read his latest release "Cutting Myself in Half" and I must say, it's an incredible story. Bob writes in an engaging and conversational style that pulls you into his world, making it hard to put the book down. The way he delves into his weight loss journey with such honesty and vulnerability is admirable.

This memoir is a perfect balance of humor and heartbreak, with Bob sharing both his physical and emotional struggles. From his early days of overeating to the moment he decided to undergo bariatric surgery, every page left me rooting for him and his success.

As someone who sees Bob and his wife walking their dog frequently, I felt like I was getting an inside look into his life and the challenges he faced both before and after his surgery. It takes a lot of courage to share such a personal story, but Bob doesn't shy away from tackling the tough topics and providing an honest perspective.

Overall, "Cutting Myself in Half" is an inspiring read that I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn more about the bariatric surgery process or who simply enjoys a well-written memoir. Bob Basler's latest work is a testament to his strengths as a writer and his determination to find health and happiness."

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Robert  Basler's avatar

very nice, Bob. perhaps we should put our garages in touch with each other, and then we can sit in the yard and drink gin...

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Martha Schuh's avatar

I, like so many others, love these 5am stories that are a highlight of my week. I will wait for any that you put out there.

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Robert  Basler's avatar

Thank you, Martha. Means a lot to me....

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Maggie Fox's avatar

Oooh! You can provide the first paragraph and let all your "friends" finish your stories! I am sure we can come up with interesting and important narratives about you.

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Robert  Basler's avatar

a great idea, Maggie. and I'm pretty sure I could do the same about you. I'm thinking something with photos. I'm thinking about a holiday party on Hong Kong. I'm thinking about a portrait of The Baron, a rubber elephant trunk...

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Kristen Aliotti's avatar

It’s still all very clever - even if it’s only once a week. Long live 5 am Stories!

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Vicki mannweiler's avatar

I know the guy who built the Van Gogh bedroom and did all the decor on it, including copying the painting that hung in it.

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Susan Applegate's avatar

Pardon me, but I don't recall a story with Dolly Parton. I was hoping you would announce 3 stories per week!

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Robert  Basler's avatar

try to focus, Sis. If you click on Dolly Parton it will take you to my story about interviewing celebrities, the very story that also mentions getting Glenn Campbell's autograph for my teenage sister....

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Susan Applegate's avatar

Oh right. Well you know, the Percocet......

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Dan Huneke's avatar

I didn't know you had Glenn Campbell's autograph?? You should have it framed and on display.

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Robert  Basler's avatar

I know, I know, I remember those sad days in the fourth grade....

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Lyle's avatar

So AI takes up space in your garage. Have been wondering why you leave your Beemer parked out at night.

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Johanna Gabbett Klesh's avatar

Bob, I am one of the few people up every day at 5 am. I look forward to reading every one of your stories and will wait patiently until the next one is published. I have become a fan girl for you, a stretch of the phrase for this 71 year old grandmother. Keep them coming.. I enjoy the smiles while reading your work!

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Robert  Basler's avatar

Thank you. I treasure the Gabbett girls...

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Rita Jane Gabbett's avatar

Speaking of artificial intelligence...Nope. Don't say it, Janie. Too easy....Thanks for sharing these, Bob. They always give me a smile.

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Robert  Basler's avatar

I guess now I'll never know what you were going to say...

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