FriendsNews header

December 30, 2025      breaking   add your own add your own news!  search

  latest local posts

gardening-filip-urban-unsplash.webp anybody can easily grow potatoes

(in life, health, food, gardening)

Here's an article that tells how to do it in leaves or cardboard: selfsufficientprojects/how-to-grow-potatoes-in-only-leavesReceived: 2025-12-23We h ... read more

finding your footing after life takes an unexpected turn

(in life, health, mental, advice)

Major life changes affect everyone. Whether it's a career shift, a move to a new place, the end of a relationship, a health diagnosis, or becoming a parent, these moments disrupt routines and challenge identity. This article explores prac ... read more

smiling-pc.webp the "greatest" names of modern-day personal tech

(in culture, tech, computers)

Bill: Seems like whenever people mention the greatest names of modern-day personal tech, they mention Steve Jobs (not Wozniack), Bill Gates (not Balmer), maybe Hewlett, Packard and Linus Torvalds, etc. No one mentions the founders of Wo ... read more

schoolkids-running-down-hall.webp the new core subject: teaching digital literacy in today's schools

(in education, tech, computers)

In an age where students learn, communicate, and create through screens, developing digital literacy has become as foundational as reading and writing. Schools across the world are redesigning curricula to help middle and high school stude ... read more

world-cup-trophy.webp copilot ai 2026 world cup prediction full bracket

(in culture, sports, soccer, world-cup)

2026 World Cup Prediction: Full Bracket ... read more

alpha-brainwaves.webp do you realize how powerful gratitude is?

(in life, health, mental)

Let Greg Reese explain: Watch on Bitchute Received: 2025-11-26 18:32:44 That's interesting. last Sunday our pastor gave a sermon on how powerful gratitude is (No, I haven't looked ... read more

woman-raised-fist-sunset.webp how to pursue self-improvement without burning out right away

(in life, health, advice)

Image from FreePik Introduction Everyone wants to improve. Yet in the chase for better, man ... read more

jeannie-jeppy-ho-powder-puff-derby-1974.webp harness racing returns to california in 2026

(in culture, sports, horse-racing)

Prompted and edited by Bill. The California Horse Racing Board's approval of dates at Fresno for Watch and Wager harness racing marks a significant step forward for the sport in the ... read more

vaccination-clipart.webp covid bioweapon shots still killing, but not everyone

(in life, health, covid, treatment)

If you know someone who got these injections and has no signs of cancer yet, this doctor recommends being proactive and not waiting for signs of poor health. Get tested for the spike proteins still working after all this time. It's not ev ... read more

how creative pursuits help people manage stress

(in life, health, advice)

Image: Freepik by Michelle Casey from doityourselfpro. Stress shows up quietly but affects every ... read more

groucho-clipart.webp mundane-in-chaos: why triviality wins big laughs

(in culture, writing, humor, advice)

Prompted and edited by Bill How a can of Cheez Whiz became comedy geniusand how to use that rhythm in your own writing. The Blues Brothers' Cheez Whiz Masterclass ... read more

magnifying-glass-clipart.webp useful online image identifier

(in education, tech, computers, internet)

Search across 146 billion images instantly with our advanced image recognition technology. Go here: PicDetective ... read more

feed external news feeds
click here for more

us imposes visa bans on key figures involved in global censorship pressure
...unless these censors are anti-Palestine and pro-Israel.

a victory for informed consent: cdc panel reverses decades-old newborn vaccine policy
So far, it looks like RFK Jr is the only good thing about this Trump administration.

"stop antisemitism" founder says antisemites will be hunted down and destroyed "for the rest of your life"
She can start with the world's worst anti-Semites, the Israeli government and military.

uk arrests 33 people a day for social media posts
I'll probably be arrested for this website if I ever visit.

the controversial call that may ultimately knock baltimore out of the playoffs
He had the ball in his hands for two steps. Horrible call.

adams sets semifinals goal for usmnt after draw
That's my hope, and that's what Copilot AI predicts.

how mls keeps getting better beyond messi's magic -- but no one seems to care
No one seems to care because it's all behind a paywall.

us institute of peace renamed after president trump
I thought this was satire, but apparently not.

trump announces invasion of venezuela to come
Such a pinhead.

rfk jr plans overhaul of child vaccine schedule: report
This is long overdue. Childhood vaccinations have gotten ridiculous.

trump invites netanyahu to his fifth white house meeting
Netanyahu is the one calling the shots, so it only makes sense.

trump tells airlines venezuela's airspace is 'closed in its entirety' as tensions rise
Trump is creating his own little Bay of Pigs scenario.

war department investigating allegations against mark kelly, court-martial possible
Military personnel are SUPPOSED TO defy illegal orders.

russia responds to trump: 'venezuela' is spanish for 'vietnam'
Gotta love the Russian sense of humor.

danish cattle dropping like flies after government mandates
Denmark apparently can't be trusted with animals, period.

trump when asked what hed say to u.s. ranchers losing their shirts
He is not very consistent with this America First thing.

with monster: the ed gein story,netflix revels in darkness
Aren't they always reveling in darkness?

a-list nepo-baby demands global mask mandates at un
You are free to wear a mask, but cannot force your personal choices on the rest of us.

justice clarence thomas says legal precedents are 'not the gospel'
I'm glad someone realizes the "because that's how it's always been done" mentality is not always the right approach.

abbott says teachers will have certification suspended over social media posts
So much for freedom of speech.

phillies clinch nl east with wild win vs. dodgers
Phillies Karen was not in attendance.

venezuelan minister claims video of u.s. strike on drug boat is ai fake
Probably is, knowing Trump's non-stop smoke and mirrors.



Dobie Pokorny title picture

One name. Five books. A singular journey.

From Temporary Insanity to Another Way, I have stitched together an episodic saga starring Dobie Pokorny.

The man? On a good day, sure. Myth and Legend? In his own mind, definitely.

Yes, Benny, Alex, and Dub have been renamed. To those who loved them: thank you. This isn't a rewrite -- it's a reframing. Dobie carries their spirit, contradictions, and consequences.

Each book stands alone. Start anywhere. Exit clean. The saga unfolds in semi-regular posts on Substack and Facebook.


random older posts  

female-doctor-classroom-clipart.webp too many doctors lately

(in life, health from 2009)

I had knee surgery the other day. They removed my bursa sac that kept filling up with fluid due to an injury. The only thing I can figure is that it happened when I helped this neighbor kid stop his bike as he was coming down the hill, sc ... read more

bruce-lee.webp bruce lee quote

(in culture, quotes, philosophy from 2021)

Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves. Empty your mind. Be ... read more

joke-madcow.webp cows escape california slaughterhouse, stampede through neighborhood

(in life, animals, livestock from 2021)

Hurray for the cows! Showing more backbone than most humans, as evidenced by the latter allowing themselves to be pressured into getting one of these unnecessary (and unwise) covid shots. ... read more

25th-anniversary-balloon.webp thirtieth anniversary of moving to nashville

(in culture, writing, blog, nashville from 2023)

Tomorrow, August ... read more

chandler-cone.webp vets and doctors

(in life, health from 2010)

I took Chandler to the vet this morning to get his teeth cleaned. I know, it sounds crazy, but it's actually very important, just like with humans. Anyway, because of road con ... read more

trees-redwood-forest-2.webp redding in april

(in life, travel, usa, california from 2023)

Friday, April 7, 2023 Elizabeth and I were on our seemingly annual trip to California. This time, it was a gift for her 18th birthday. Years ago, I thought we might be flying to Astrakhan, Russia, for this ... read more

goya.webp brand suicide or savvy pr move? ceo of food giant goya praises trump

(in culture, tech, internet, social from 2020)

After the CEO of Hispanic food megabrand Goya spoke at the White House, demands to cancel the popular brand on social media have arisen, met by equally furious pushback from the corporation's defenders... . ... read more

ai-generated-green-ford-ltd-in-rain.webp how to sell your car to a private party when it's not paid off yet

(in life, money, selling, cars from 2024) by copilot

Prompted and edited by Bill. I hate to admit it, but that thing is pretty useful. An existing loan balance can make things a bit more complex, but it's definitely doable. Here are more detailed steps: Get Your Loan Payoff Amount: Contac ... read more


Amazon Movers & Shakers

culture.webp CULTURE

quote-open.webp various political quotes

(in culture, quotes, politics from 2021)

  • "The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in the insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well meaning but without understanding." -- Justice ... read more

    actual-barbie.webp plastic girl

    (in culture, people, women from 2017)

    It was horrible! I was at Walmart again, but that's not the worst part. There was a teenage/early-20's girl with boobs out to here, wearing the most form-fitting outfit you ever saw. ... read more

    lottery-president-cover.webp lottery president

    (in culture, writing, books, novels from 2013)

    For ... read more

    poetry-clipart.webp hats

    (in culture, writing, poetry from 2008) by jeannie

    by Jeannie

    Joseph wore many hats in his life,
    the first one was of son,
    next an officer, a Dutch Marine,
    that to him was fun;

    In Maastricht, ... read more

    meme-right-wing-extremism-thanksgiving.webp memes about memes

    (in culture, humor, internet from 2019)

    A couple of good ones.

  • one
  • two ... read more

  • family-clipart.webp FAMILY

    comment-clipart.webp comments welcome

    (in family, adoption, holmes, travel from 2007)

    I set this blog so that you can now add your comments anonymously without logging in. So, comment away! I was afraid that the requirement for a login was keeping people from participating. Now you can go crazy because you're anonymous. J ... read more

    e-laughing-pumpkins.webp first official day of daycare

    (in family, holmes, elizabeth from 2008)

    Elizabeth spent her first official full day at daycare yesterday. The teacher went on and on about how wonderful and good and helpful she was. I say "first official" day because Tara ... read more

    cities-moscow-st-basils.webp riding the metro, part deux

    (in family, adoption, holmes, travel from 2007)

    All three of us went to Red Square this time. I'm glad Tara was able to see it. Elizabeth was fascinated, too, but probably won't remember a thing.

    We then ha ... read more

    our adoption story

    (in family, adoption, holmes from 2010)

    My wife Tara has written up our adoption story in response to that woman (not far from us, unfortunately) who returned that boy to Russia a couple weeks ago.

    With the recent headline news about the Russian adoptio ... read more

    cat-sleeping.webp missing cat returns

    (in family, pets, cats from 2010) by jinx

    Good news from best friends Julie and Bert in Las Vegas. One of their cats, Tobie, went missing this past January. He was an indoor/outdoor cat and one day just disappeared. Needless to say, they were heartbroken and spent many hours/days po ... read more

    cities-moscow-st-basils.webp round two

    (in family, adoption, holmes, travel from 2007)

    We've received our court date. We're haggling with the airlines now. One round-trip ticket for one adult costs a little over $800. One one-way ticket for our daughter's flight home with us costs $1,600!! I suggested just buying o ... read more

    e-at-airport.webp more pictures of elizabeth in california

    (in family, holmes, elizabeth from 2008)

    Bill on Rosie, while Jeannie, Tara, even Shayden, fall for Elizabeth's attention-getting antics. ... read more

    life-clipart.webp LIFE

    man-at-podium.webp the power of words: boosting your small business through better public speaking

    (in life, money, economy, entrepreneurship from 2024) by don lewis

    ... read more

    ihop-pancakes.webp cake mixes and toxins

    (in life, health, food, safety from 2010) by don

    PLEASE remember to check your cupboards when you get home tonight!!!

    Throw away ALL OUTDATED pancake mix, brownie mixes, Bisquick, cake and cookie mixes, etc., you have in your home.

    A high school student had pancakes and it almost beca ... read more

    farm-basket-clipart.webp there is still time to grow these from seed

    (in life, health, food, home-garden from 2022)

    According to this gardening video (What Vegetables Can I Still Plant in August? IN ANY CLIMATE), there's still time (60 days before first frost) to grow the ... read more

    monopoly-man.webp saving the rich, losing the economy

    (in life, money, employment from 2011)

    "US politicians such as Buddy Roemer blame the collapse of US manufacturing on Chinese competition and "unfair trade practices." However, it is US corporations that move their factories abroad, thus replacing domestic production ... read more

    resume-clipart-1.webp why faking enthusiasm is the latest job requirement

    (in life, money, employment from 2013)

    I hate when companies do this. Create a better environment for your employees, don't require them to be a pack of phonies!

    : ... read more

    family newsletter NEWSLETTER

    newspaper-clipart.webp holmes family newsletter vol 3 no 3

    (in family, holmes, newsletter from 1991)

    and
    now...
    THE NEWS Vol. 3, No. 3 (yes, only "No. 3")

    April 26, 1991 Doug returns from Hungary

    On March 21, Doug left Sacrament ... read more

    obtuse-moose-clipart.webp holmes family newsletter vol 6 no 3

    (in family, holmes, newsletter from 1994)

    The Obtuse Moose Vol. 6, No. 3, April 21, 1994

    Jeannie finds dog

    Jeannie and John have a ranch in Tracy, California. To help pay the bills, they board a few horses. One of those horses, a fat new gray Arab ... read more

    newspaper-clipart.webp holmes family newsletter vol 2 no 5

    (in family, holmes, newsletter from 1990)

    Big News & Other Stuff

    Vol. 2, No. 5
    [Yeah, another new name.]
    March 19, 1990 Mike to return early

    Mike has had a change of plans and expects to return from Germany at the end of March, assuming his mom ... read more

    leaky-faucet-clipart.webp holmes family newsletter vol 4 no 3

    (in family, holmes, newsletter from 1992)

    The Leaky Faucet Vol. 4, No. 3, March 18, 1992

    "More of the same, basically." Doug elected president

    With this nation in the throes of its quadrennial tradition of political rhetoric and ... read more

    newspaper-clipart.webp holmes family newsletter vol 2 no 9

    (in family, holmes, newsletter from 1990)

    WORLD NEWS

    "Award-Winning Journalism"

    Vol. 2, No. 9, June 14, 1990 Dad kills rattler! Special to the News

    Back from a week in the wilds of Arizona, Dad and Eleanor told of battles with ma ... read more

    holmes family newsletter vol 2 no 6

    (in family, holmes, newsletter from 1990)

    the NEWS Vol. 2, No. 6, April 16, 1990 ... read more

     

    © 1999-2025 · Original content may be copied and used ONLY under the Fair Use Doctrine. All other rights reserved.
    about · sitemap · Contact Us or DONATE · privacy · substack · remove duplicate lines · strip tags
    We use affiliate links, which earn a tiny (infinitesimal) commission if you make a purchase after clicking it.
    host = dreamhost · our IP = 67.205.28.165 · your IP = 216.73.216.154 · search