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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

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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.

Temporary Insanity, Operation Detour, Dobie's Dilemma, Lottery President and Another Way have been stitched together as 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.


random older posts  

john-lennon.webp john lennon quote

(in culture, quotes, music from 2021)

A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality. -- John LennonUPDATE: Now, after watching ... read more

reading-novel-clipart.webp best fiction of 2019

(in culture, writing, books, novels from 2020)

The Testaments by Margar ... read more

lazy-pug-cafe-cover.webp ol' lightnin' quotes (from the lazy pug cafe)

(in culture, quotes, books, novels from 2020)

It's not a tree's purpose in life to stand around being picturesque. Not this tree, at least. Maybe that weeping willow up front, or my new friends ruthlessly cut down in their prime when this place was built, but a mighty oak like me, a ... read more

jets-taking-off.webp airlines misbehaving

(in life, travel, airlines from 2017)

United Airlines says Thank you, American Airlines. Now everyone knows we're not the ONLY a--holes! Yes, the woman was apparently belliger ... read more

thawing out

(in culture, writing, blog, weather from 2010)

Hopefully. It snowed a good 5-6 inches Friday in and around Nashville. It wasn't good snowman/snowball snow, though. Not in our neighborhood, anyway. It was too crusty because of the freezing rain that came after. It made for great sle ... read more

website-clipart.webp internet access

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

I'm wondering about internet access now that we've tentatively planned to stay in a weekly apartment in Astrakhan instead of the hotel the entire time. We'll probably want/need that internet access for the sake of something to do. Normall ... read more

at-home-2.webp walking the dogs

(in family, holmes, pets, dogs from 2008)

It's something I do every night. I actually stopped for several months starting in May, I guess, when my back problems flared up. Then came my knee surgery, which kept me from walking much. Then I got to where I enjoyed not having to wal ... read more

cities-moscow-st-basils.webp saturday with elizabeth

(in family, holmes, elizabeth from 2010)

As Elizabeth likes to say, she and I were hanging out today while Tara had a girls' day out with Ronica. I think Tara's was a belated birthday thing. Hers was on the 10th. Anyway, once Ronica finally called -- after Tara had started to ... read more


Amazon Movers & Shakers

culture.webp CULTURE

joke-madcow.webp insurance-related jokes

(in culture, humor, jokes from 1998) by joker

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare

Q: What does HMO stand for?

  • A: This is actually a variation of the phrase, "Hey, Moe!" Its roots go back to a concept pioneered by Doctor Moe Howard, who discovered that a patient could ... read more

    cleo-looking-out-window.webp another night walking the dog

    (in culture, humor, blog, animals from 2023)

    It was just another night out walking our Boston terrier, Cleo. Or so I thought. I put my boots on instead of the usual sneakers because of the recent rain. I like to keep both pairs tied but loose enough to slip on. Still, I have to wed ... read more

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

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

    ... read more

    orange-julius.webp don's orange julius

    (in culture, food, recipes from 2020) by don

    Place ½ cup orange juice concentrate in blender

  • Fill 2 cup container ½ full with ice cubes and the rest with water to make 2 cups, and pour into blender
  • Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Add 8 teaspoons sug ... read more

    vernon-coleman-1.webp vernon coleman md quotes

    (in culture, quotes, covid from 2021)

  • "Forcing individuals to have an experimental, toxic drug which has now almost certainly caused more deaths and injuries than any other prescription drug in history surely breaks laws in all civilized nations.";
  • The PCR test is "the most ... read more

  • family-clipart.webp FAMILY

    map-russia-red-clipart.webp russian bureaucracy

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

    Oh... my... God. Do not EVER lose that document they have you fill out on the plane before you land! Stapling it to your forehead would be less painful than what Galina, Liena and I went through today. Vika was tending to the other couple, N ... read more

    adoption-video-frame.webp a few more videos

    (in family, adoption, holmes, movies-tv-video from 2008)

    I finally edited these a little bit and uploaded them:

  • Chandler hanging out
  • ... read more

    fathers-day-card.webp happy father's day

    (in family, holmes, elizabeth, holidays from 2012)

    My daughter just made my day. Here's her card to me. ... read more

    animated-mail-envelope.webp an email exchange

    (in family, holmes, bill, humor from 2001)


    Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2001, 2:59 PM
    Tara McKinney
    Subject: rescheduled again

    Better not bring any boyfriends home tonight. I'll be here, after all. It's been rescheduled for tomorrow.

    Got a call from TekSy ... read more

    airports-moscow-sheremetyevo.webp back in moscow (12/18/2007)

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

    We made it this far! The plane ride was terrible for several minutes when we had to fasten our seat belts, which Elizabeth did not want to do. She SCREAMED loudly for quite a while, ticking off everyone nearby. Luckily, part of it was drowne ... 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

    e-haircut-front.webp elizabeth cut off all her hair

    (in family, holmes, elizabeth from 2009)

    In the twenty minutes that Tara and I left Elizabeth alone, she found some (child-safe) scissors and cut off all her hair. At first I thought it was just wet. Then I realized she'd cut it all off. I laughed and said I was just glad she h ... read more

  • life-clipart.webp LIFE

    anti-inflammatory smoothie to heal you from the inside out

    (in life, health, food from 2013)

    ... read more

    resume-clipart-1.webp how companies should cut back

    (in life, money, employment from 2010)

    "When faced with too many expenses and not enough income and you have run out of expenses to reduce, rather than firing employees, the fair and socially responsible way to cut costs is NOT to fire employees who had nothing to do ... read more

    job-fair-line.webp selling insurance

    (in life, money, employment, insurance from 2010)

    I got a call today about a job with American Income. They said they found my résumé on Careerbuilder. When I get emails like that, I instantly recognize them and mark them as spam and block them from sending any more. But getting a ... read more

    thumbs-up-clipart.webp the four s's

    (in life, help, advice from 2022)

    Be STRONG, be SMART, be SOFT, be SIMPLE.

    That's it.

    And don't confuse "soft" with "weak" or "simple" with "stupid." Simplicity is the hallmark of genius. ... read more

    suit for homeless man = new job

    (in life, money, employment from 2017)

    Great story!

    "It was about as low as you can get, but Smith decided to at least make it to the new year. When he went on ksl.com to look for jobs, he saw a story KSL did on a Utah company giving suits to homeless people to h ... read more

    family newsletter NEWSLETTER

    animated-just-checking.webp holmes family newsletter vol 7 no 1

    (in family, holmes, newsletter from 1995)

    The Wandering Eye Vol. 7 No. 1, March 19, 1995

    [We're back! Sorry it took so long between issues, but the entire staff was frozen solid in a block of ice the past three months. We just now thawed out. You know how ... read more

    newspaper-clipart.webp holmes family newsletter vol 2 no 13

    (in family, holmes, newsletter from 1990)

    Hometown NewsVol. 2, No. 13, October 20, 1990
    [Editor's Note: This is most definitely the last issue.]

    Bill graduates!

    After seven months, Bill has finally completed his computer prog ... read more

    kangaroo-clipart.webp holmes family newsletter vol 5 no 1

    (in family, holmes, newsletter from 1993)

    The Stupid Kangaroo Vol. 5, No. 1, February 1, 1993

    Editor's Note ... read more

    howling-dog-drawing.webp holmes family newsletter vol 4 no 6

    (in family, holmes, newsletter from 1992)

    The Barking Dog ... read more

    newspaper-clipart.webp holmes family newsletter vol 1 no 3

    (in family, holmes, newsletter from 1989)

    The Holmes Family Newsletter Vol. 1 No. 3, July, 1989

    [Editor's Note: Due to profanity, nudity, and the mature theme of this issue, parental discretion is advised.]

    ... read more

    holmes family newsletter vol 2 no 11

    (in family, holmes, newsletter from 1990)

    the NEWSLETTER Vol. 2, No. 11, August 13, 1990 Doug makes pilgrimage

    Doug, aka "Sluggo", made a pilgrimage to the Mormon church's genealogical library in Salt Lake City over a week ago and hasn't been se ... read more

     

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