WAYS TO TURN DOWN UNWANTED MEN
from 2023 in ( culture / humor / jokes / men-women )

He: Can I buy you a drink? She: Actually I'd rather have the money. He: I'm a photographer. I've been looking for a face like yours. She: I'm a plastic surgeon. I've been looking for a face like yours. He: Hi. Didn't we go on a date once? Or was it twice? She: Must've been once. I never make the same mistake twice. He:... read more

THOMAS SOWELL QUOTE
from 2023 in ( culture / quotes )

"It doesn't matter what rights you have under the Constitution of the U.S., if the govt can punish you for exercising those rights. And it doesn't matter what limits the Constitution puts on government officials' power, if they can exceed those limits without any adverse... read more

STEVEN FISHMAN QUOTE
from 2023 in ( culture / quotes )

"People get what they deserve. Regardless of political party, if people support candidates who promote the Vaccine Holocaust, there will be 200 million dead Americans by 2030. If they support candidates who promote the supply chain crisis, there will be no diesel oil to transport fo... read more

ROBERT A. HEINLEIN QUOTE
from 2023 in ( culture / quotes )

"Love your country, but never trust its government." -- Robert A. Heinlein... read more

NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, REWORDED
from 2022 in ( culture / writing / poetry / humor )

The words are genius! Also the latest news from Arizona. jeffreyprather.com Click on the first possible link, I think.... read more

2022 WORLD CUP BRACKET
from 2022 in ( culture / sports / soccer )

For those like me who were having a hard time finding one online, go to worldcup2022bracket... read more

WE ARE LIKE RAINDROPS
from 2022 in ( culture / quotes / philosophy / religion )

We are like raindrops. We start out as a collection of molecules in the clouds. When we get too heavy, we fall to the ground as glorious, individual raindrops, only to hit the ground and return to the collection as a puddle, lake or ocean. That, in a nutshell, is human existence.... read more

EMANUEL PASTREICH QUOTE
from 2022 in ( culture / quotes / covid )

Covid-19 was a pandemic of cowardice, a pandemic of hypocrisy, a pandemic of ignorance and decadence, a pandemic of collaboration, a pandemic of horrific betrayal; in a nutshell, Covid-19 was a pandemic of evil that makes the blood run cold. See... read more

STEPHEN HAWKING QUOTE
from 2022 in ( culture / quotes / science / aliens )

If aliens ever visit us, I think the outcome would be much as when Christopher Columbus first landed in America, which didn't turn out very well for the Native Americans. Read... read more

GET OUT OF THE CAR
from 2022 in ( culture / humor )

...because this had me in tears, laughing. I guess it's a true story. Click on the image to the left.... read more

COUNTRY STAR JOHN RICH BYPASSES WOKE LABELS, RELEASES SONG ON TRUTH SOCIAL, RUMBLE, AND SOARS TO NO. 1
from 2022 in ( culture / music / politics )

Really great story about music and what Nashville has become. john rich bypasses woke labels... read more

RANDY BACHMAN REUNITED WITH STOLEN GUITAR... 46 YEARS ON
from 2022 in ( culture / music / guitar )

A happy guitar story 'With that guitar, I wrote many million selling songs... it was like my magical guitar. And then when it's suddenly gone, the magic is gone.' globaltim... read more

HERB POWELL QUOTE
from 2022 in ( culture / quotes / conspiracies )

When they say the pandemic is not over, what they mean is, there's still vaccines to be taken, goal posts to be moved, and money to be made. -- Herb Powell... read more

CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS QUOTE
from 2022 in ( culture / quotes )

Don't take refuge in the false security of consensus and the feeling that you're bound to be okay because you're safely in the majority. -- Christopher Hitchens... read more

THOMAS EDISON QUOTES
from 2022 in ( culture / quotes / science / health )

The doctor of the future will give little medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease. -- Thomas Edison... read more

INFERTILITY: A DIABOLICAL AGENDA
from 2022 in ( culture / movies-tv-video / politics / conspiracies )

Every pharma product is suspect, I think. I heard the tetanus shot has something inside to sterilize people. A neighbor claims it happened to her. Unless humanity stops them I think they will achieve their goal. A film by award-winning filmmaker Andy Wakefield, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Children&#... read more

WHEN IS ARBOR DAY?
from 2022 in ( culture / holidays )

Yes, I know today (6/19/2022) is both Father's Day and Juneteenth, but I wanted to know when Arbor Day was. You know, add it to my calendar. Welp, as it turns out, that's not such a simple question. Here's the response I got when I asked, rather snarkily I'm afraid, the good people a... read more

PREPPER RECIPES: HOW TO MAKE DELICIOUS ACORN PANCAKES
from 2022 in ( culture / food / recipes / prepper )

(Natural News) As a prepper, you may already know that foraging is a useful skill to have, especially if you're always looking for more ways to add to your food supply when SHTF. Knowing how to forage is a good way to save money on food expenses.... read more

DENNIS GABOR QUOTE
from 2022 in ( culture / quotes )

The best way to predict the future is to create it! -- Dennis Gabor... read more

FIRST DOCTOR'S VISIT IN YEARS
from 2022 in ( culture / writing / blog / health )

Yesterday, I had my first doctor's appointment in several years. Hey, I've been healthy. Shocking, I know. There was a sign on the outside door saying masks required, and a sign on the interior door saying the same thing. The receptionist was wearing a mask. I introduced myself. She asked i... read more

KENTUCKY DERBY 2022
from 2022 in ( culture / sports / horseracing / triplecrown )

Who You Got? The First Saturday in May is this weekend. Place your bets! I like 3, 12, 13, 6, in that order, but will probably hedge my bets (no pun intended) and play that as a four-way exacta box so it doesn't matter which order they finish. Post Horse Trainer Jockey Morning Line Odd... read more

ELON MUSK FLOODED WITH REQUESTS TO BUY FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN AND YOUTUBE TO RETURN FREE SPEECH TO THOSE PLATFORMS
from 2022 in ( culture / humor / internet / social )

If you came here looking for an actual article, you'll be disappointed. The title has more words than the article, or did until I wrote this sentence. This is a joke, though I wouldn't be surprised to hear this is actually happening. Elon never calls just to chat anymore, though, so I don... read more

STEPHEN LENDMAN QUOTE
from 2022 in ( culture / quotes / conspiracies / politics )

We're lied to with headlines like 'US counts record 4,000 Covid deaths in a day as virus continues to wreak havoc.' These deaths, if accurate in number, were from seasonal flu/influenza -- perhaps pneumonia, and/or related illnesses -- not covid. Individuals succumbing are largely elder... read more

DRY COOKIES (PORTUGUESE)
from 2022 in ( culture / food / recipes / cookies )

Full qty. Half qty. Ingredient 7 Cups 3-1/2 cups Flour 8 4 Eggs 1 tsp 1/2 tsp lemon extract 2 1 sticks of butter 2 tbsp 1 tbsp Crisco Shortening 1 tbsp 1/2 tbsp Baking Powder 2 cups 1 cup Sugar Cream butter, Crisco & sugar... read more

ANOTHER WAY: BEYOND THE STATUS QUO
from 2022 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

Anti-corporate crusader Dobie Pokorny wants to save the world from corporate titans like Colonel Charonne. The latter and his henchmen are determined to stop him. On Dobie's speaking truth to power tour, he meets and falls in love with Kaylie while enduring attacks... read more

ALDO LEOPOLD QUOTE
from 2022 in ( culture / quotes / environment )

We abuse land because we see it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect. -- Aldo Leopold... read more

INSPIRATION FOR MY NOVELS AND NOVELLAS
from 2022 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

I just put this together and thought I'd share it on this blog in addition to my writing platform. Lottery PresidentWanted to st... read more

YOU HAVE A DONATION FROM CLAY TOUSEY
from 2022 in ( culture / humor / internet / spam )

They try hard on this one to look legitimate, but the fact remains that nobody shares their money with strangers unless it's a charity. This notification memo has been sent to you thre... read more

THE PROBLEM WITH THE WORLD
from 2022 in ( culture / people )

The problem with the world is that truly stupid people -- with access and control over critical information -- are the ones running things. You don't have to be particularly intelligent to rule. In fact, it probably gets in the way. You simply need control of key infrastructure and information,... read more

PORTFOLIO MANAGER FROM STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
from 2022 in ( culture / humor / internet / spam )

My name is doesn't matter, a portfolio manager from Stockholm, Sweden and a custodian of the Late David Holmes certificate of deposit (CD) valued fortu... read more

HAPPY 2/22/22 TUESDAY
from 2022 in ( culture / humor / calendar )

A day like today has GOT to be special! Make it a good one!... read more

THOMAS PAINE QUOTE
from 2022 in ( culture / quotes )

A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody. -- Thomas Paine... read more

HANNAH ARENDT QUOTE
from 2022 in ( culture / quotes )

The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the dedicated communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction, true and false, no longer exists. -- Hannah Arendt... read more

LENIN QUOTE
from 2022 in ( culture / quotes )

The best way to control opposition is to lead it ourselves. -- Vladimir Lenin... read more

AARON RODGERS QUOTE
from 2022 in ( culture / quotes )

If science can't be questioned ... it's propaganda. -- Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Critically-thinking Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was a guest on the Pat McAfee Show this week and he spoke about Big Government/Big Pharma/Big Healthcare's lack of information on all... read more

DOSTOYEVSKY QUOTE
from 2022 in ( culture / quotes )

It's life that matters, nothing but life. The process of discovering. The everlasting and perpetual process, not the discovery itself, at all. -- Fyodor Dostoyevsky... read more

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO QUESTION AUTHORITY
from 2021 in ( culture / people / politics / freedom )

Remember that old bumper sticker, QUESTION AUTHORITY ? Well, there has NEVER been a better time than NOW for that frame of mind. These past two years it has been AUTHORITIES and EXPERTS versus FREEDOM OF CHOICE and COMMON SENSE. THE GROUP versus THE INDIVIDUAL. The 66.6% versus the 33.3%. Okay, th... read more

MARIAN TURSKI QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / politics / covid )

...the Holocaust didn't start with death camps. Instead, it began with propaganda, scaremongering, scapegoating, segregation, and exclusion. Then, it was an easy next step to strip further rights, dehumanize, and brutally extinguish that minority. -- Marian Turski, Auschwitz survivor See... read more

VERNON COLEMAN MD QUOTES
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / covid )

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 dangerous and useless test in medical history. --... read more

SELL YOUR ALBUMS AND CDS
from 2021 in ( culture / music / media )

They've probably had this for years, but I just discovered that you can sell your music albums and CDs on Discogs.com, which I thought was pretty cool. Here's a sample link, though it obviously doesn't have to be this album:... read more

JOHN WAYNE QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes )

Life is tough. It's tougher when you're stupid. -- John Wayne... read more

BRUCE PARDY QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

...either individuals are essentially free to pursue their own interests, express their own thoughts, and own their own property, or the state directs their actions, words, and beliefs to comport with official dogma. -- Bruce... read more

THOMAS MERTON QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes )

People are constantly trying to use you to help them create the particular illusions by which they live. This is particularly true of the collective illusions which sometimes are accepted as ideologies. You must renounce and sacrifice the approval that is only a bribe enlisting your support of a col... read more

GUSTAVE LE BON QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / people )

The ascendancy of crowds indicates the death throes of a civilisation. Crowds are only useful for destruction. -- by Gustave Le Bon in The Psychology of Crowds... read more

MIKE TYSON QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes )

Everyone has a plan 'til they get punched in the face. -- Mike Tyson, former champion boxer... read more

PEOPLE EVERYWHERE CONFUSE WHAT THEY READ IN NEWSPAPERS WITH NEWS
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / news )

People everywhere confuse what they read in newspapers with news. -- AJ Liebling, The New Yorker journalist from 1935 to 1963... read more

ELEMENTS OF A STORY
from 2021 in ( culture / writing / advice )

They say... What are the main ELEMENTS OF A STORY? Setting; Character; Plot; Conflict; Theme; Point-of-view; Tone; Style; ... but I would put them in order of importance: Character, Conflict, Plot, Point-of-view, Theme, Style, Tone, Setting... read more

WALT WHITMAN QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes )

Keep your face always towards the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you. -- Walt Whitman... read more

TODD WAGNER QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes )

The truth sounds like hate to those who hate the truth -- Todd Wagner... read more

ANONYMOUS QUOTE OF THE DAY
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / conspiracies / covid )

The flu is not a hoax. Renaming it covid and calling it a pandemic is the hoax. -- anonymous in response to the comment "Why bother with Ivermectin if it's all just a hoax?"... read more

WILLIAM CASEY QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

We'll know our disinformation campaign is complete when everything the American public believes is false. William Casey, CIA Director, 1981... read more

JOHN LENNON QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / music )

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

VINCE COYNER QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / tech / people )

Unlike Skynet, which gained self-awareness, Silicon Valley is full of people who seem to have no self-awareness at all. -- Vince Coyner, here... read more

FAVORITE LINES FROM SONGS/LYRICS
from 2021 in ( culture / music / lyrics / quotes )

Obviously a work in progress but, here goes... in no particular order. Lyrics verified on azlyrics.com. PLEASE add your own by leaving a comment below! Yo... read more

DANIEL HOROWITZ QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / conspiracies / covid )

Only the sick governing elites can look you in the eye with a straight face and force experimental injections on you because masks didn't work while simultaneously forcing masks on you because the injections didn't work.... read more

WHITE HOUSE, CDC AND W.H.O. ARE HEREBY BANNED
from 2021 in ( culture / humor / covid / politics )

In accordance with the White House's wishes, we are banning all misinformation from the worst offenders (the White House, CDC and WHO) from this website/platform. They have lost all credibility. I guess we should add... read more

SO-CALLED EXPERTS
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes )

Remember these when the news media holds someone up as an authority or expert in their attempt to make you go along with the program, whatever that program may be. Make three correct guesses consecutively and you will establish a reputation as an expert. --... read more

STEPHEN COVEY QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes )

Loyalty must not be a higher value than integrity... -- Stephen Covey... read more

A NOVEL LOCATION OF PACK WORKER, ETC.
from 2021 in ( culture / humor / internet / spam )

Spam number 1 Salute, A novel location of Pack Worker of our package association was unblocked. Our business offers a vast fee and training bundle to make you as a teammate of our team's expanding 'n' favorably influential fellowship. We unearthed yours data by means of the CareerBuil... read more

H.L. MENCKEN QUOTES
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes )

Morality is doing what is right, no matter what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told, no matter what is right. The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule.... read more

THE DELTA VARIANT
from 2021 in ( culture / humor / covid )

Remember back in 2020 when the entire world got an early April Fools joke with health officials giving the seasonal flu a new name, Covid-19? And then those silly boys and girls in media began their fear and panic campaign? Almost everyone fell for it! Yeah, good times. Well, our wacky misleaders ha... read more

A COUPLE MORE HUMOROUS JUNK EMAILS
from 2021 in ( culture / humor / internet / spam )

Salute,A fresh stance for Wrapping Headmaster for our logistics fellowship has just been commenced. Our partnership offers a very proper remuneration instructional case... read more

THE FADED PAGE
from 2021 in ( culture / writing / books )

Books in the public domain. Free eBooks forever. FP now includes 6312 eBooks in its collection. fadedpage.com... read more

HITLER QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it. -- Adolf Hitler (no, we're not endorsing him or this idea)... read more

WALLPAPER BACKGROUNDS
from 2021 in ( culture / photography / wallpaper )

Images collected over the years.If you are the photographer/owner and want your photo removed (or redirected), just let us know.... read more

JOSEPH GOEBBELS QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / conspiracies / politics )

Accuse the other side of that which you are guilty. -- Joseph Goebbels I first noticed this coming from Bush-Cheney in 2000. Then, of course -- because no politician can let a good dirty trick go to... read more

MY EMAIL SIGNATURE LINE
from 2021 in ( culture / tech / internet )

This is how I sign my emails these days to gently educate whoever I happen to be emailing. Just thought I'd mention it in case you like the idea. -- BillA mask might be appropriate if you're actively sneezing, coughing and infected but, otherwise, no. See... read more

TOM MULLEN QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

We even have an organization that styles itself, "AntiFa," its chief means for fighting fascism being to dress all in black and beat its political opponents with clubs. -- Tom Mullen... read more

BRUCE LEE QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / philosophy )

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 formless, shapeless, like water.... read more

VACANCIES AVAILABLE
from 2021 in ( culture / humor / internet / spam )

A global leader with a yahoo address? I don't think so. Supposedly from Kayla Smith but address is iran.retailer? And it was not sent to me but to bonabsad yahoo.com. Starting to look like randomly-generated "AI" names, don't you think?... read more

BLUE ASHES MUSIC
from 2021 in ( culture / music / rock )

These guys played in my neighborhood today (still playing, actually) for the neighborhood pool party. They're pretty good, so I thought I'd mention them here. And, apparently, one of my neighbors (or at least someone local) had to step up and fill in for someone. The website only shows the l... read more

A DILEMMA WE ALL NOW FACE
from 2021 in ( culture / humor / covid / vaccines )

With all of these offers of free stuff coming out of Corporate America to encourage everyone to get this unnecessary (for 99% of us) and unwise covid vaccination, it presents us all with a dilemma: A free order of fries (or joint... read more

NICHOLAS KLEIN QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

First they ignore you. Then they ridicule you. Then they attack you. And then, they build monuments to you. -- union leader Nicholas Klein. See... read more

VOLTAIRE QUOTES
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / philosophy )

"Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities." "I disapprove of what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.""Judge a man by his questions, rather than by his answers.""Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do.""Think for you... read more

ACTIVIST RECORDED AMERICAN TV 24 HOURS A DAY FOR 30+ YEARS TO PROTECT THE TRUTH (DOCUMENTARY)
from 2021 in ( culture / movies-tv-video / research / documentaries )

The media's version of the truth, anyway By B.N. Frank Activist Marion Stokes was so concerned about American broadcast networks disposing archives, as well as the influence that television was having on...... read more

SITTING BULL QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / philosophy )

Warriors are not what you think of as warriors. The warrior is not someone who fights, for no one has the right to take another life. The warrior, for us, is the one who sacrifices himself for the good of others. His task is to take care of the elderly, the defenseless, those who cannot provide for... read more

BUSINESS PROPOSAL, FILE NO 180/86
from 2021 in ( culture / humor / internet / spam )

Ah, yes, the good ol' Nigerian prince (with a Hungarian email address, for some reason) scam, "just looking for somewhere to park my money!" First of all, their numbering system is messed up. File number 180 out of 86? Anyway...... read more

KENTUCKY DERBY 2021
from 2021 in ( culture / sports / horseracing / triplecrown )

Well, the First Saturday in May has come and gone, and all I can say is I am glad I could not get the online betting to work. I would have lost it all. I never let myself get out of control, but did have a $100 allowance. Online gambling has never been legal in Tennessee until late last year (Octobe... read more

ELECTRIC BICYCLE SUPPLIER FROM CHINA
from 2021 in ( culture / humor / internet / spam )

How did they know we sell bicycles!? It's not mentioned anywhere on the site. Sure, we can sell you a bike by creating a link to a local bike shop and let them do the rest, if you want? Anyway, here's the latest very important random email:... read more

HACKERS HAVE ACCESS TO YOUR DEVICE
from 2021 in ( culture / humor / internet / spam )

One of our favorite scams! Our comments are interspersed in brackets and look like this.From: aam726 abocol.comHello there. Let me introduce myself... read more

THE LATEST CREATIVE SAFETY SHOES
from 2021 in ( culture / humor / internet / spam )

I'm starting to think this 163.com domain is not legit! From: salesshineo 163.comDear Sir,Lucky day to you! We ARE feeling lucky now that we've... read more

COENZYMEQ10 ELDERBERRY EXTRACT ANTHOCYANIDINS
from 2021 in ( culture / humor / internet / spam )

Hi Sir ,We have been caring about your esteemed company for a long time. A !!! They've been 'caring about us!' Attached our star products... read more

SUMPTUOUS OPPORTUNITY IS PROMPTLY UNCOVERED
from 2021 in ( culture / humor / internet / spam )

I am so excited! Sounds sumptuous!Received this email the other day from Iris Holets at mrtito88.yahoo.com. I'm sure that is an actual person and address. People don't lie about these things, but I'm concerned. They're asking "homemakers" to be "package" managers.... read more

THIS SORT OF THING IS WHY I QUIT FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
from 2021 in ( culture / tech / internet / social )

The tech giant continues to police discussions about the coronavirus. Facebook removes covid 19 vaccine victims group And they have VERY USEFUL links... read more

WINSTON CHURCHILL QUOTES
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities... because it is the quality which guarantees all others. -- Winston Churchill... read more

NOW, THIS IS A TRUE SPORTS HERO
from 2021 in ( culture / sports / baseball / hero )

A line drive foul ball hits a four year old boy in the head at Fenway. Jim Rice, realizing in a flash that it would take EMTs too long to arrive and cut through the crowd, sprang from the dugout and scooped up the boy. He laid the boy gently on the dugout floor, where the Red Sox medical team began... read more

JOHN CLEESE QUOTES
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / humor )

Creativity is not a talent. It is a way of operating. Nothing will stop you being creative so effectively as the fear of making a mistake. He who laughs most, learns best.... read more

RAND'S QUOTATIONS
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes )

From, obviously and properly enough, Rand Lindsly, rand skydiver.eng.sun.com, Take me back to loQtus! I'd take a Bromo, but I can't stand the noise -- W.C. Fields (1880-1946) He who has never envied the vegetable has missed the human... read more

THEODORE ROOSEVELT QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes )

Get action; do things; be sane; don't fritter away your time; create; act; take a place wherever you are and be somebody; get action. -- Theodore Roosevelt... read more

RUDOLF STEINER QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / philosophy )

Does this remind you of anything happening RIGHT NOW? Rudolf Joseph Lorenz Steiner was an Austrian philosopher, social reformer, architect, esotericist, and claimed clairvoyant. Steiner gained initial recognition at the end of the nineteenth century as a literary critic and published philosophical... read more

INGREDIENTS OF A NOVEL
from 2021 in ( culture / writing / advice )

VARIOUS WRITERS' RULES Write a draft. Then let it rest. -- Stephen King;Read a lot. -- King;Never use a long word when a short one will do. -- George Orwell;Never use the passive voice when you can use the active voice. -- Orwell;Know and understand your audience. -- P... read more

LAURENCE J. PETER QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes )

Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it. -- Laurence J. Peter, The Peter Principle... read more

STRUGGLING FISHERMAN FINDS RARE PEARL WORTH $330,000 WHILE SEARCHING FOR FOOD
from 2021 in ( culture / people / money )

A struggling fisherman from an impoverished village in Thailand's Nakhon Si Thammarat province made an incredible discovery on the beach. 37-year old Hatchai Niyomdecha happened to be walking along the...... read more

THOSE WHO TELL THE STORIES RULE SOCIETY
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / stories )

Those who tell the stories rule society -- Plato Or, maybe it was Native American Proverb... Those who tell stories rule the world.... read more

PROPER DISPOSAL OF DISPOSABLE MASKS
from 2021 in ( culture / humor / covid / masks )

The covid crisis provides the opportunity for many people to signal their virtuousness to the world. You'll see them walking or driving down the street, alone, with a mask up over their nose. And of course, many businesses are more covid conscious than others, employing guards at the entrance to... read more

RANDOM BOOK REVIEWS
from 2021 in ( culture / writing / books / reviews )

From Lionel, January 2013: I just finished reading "The Walking Drum" by Louis L'Amour, a historical novel... read more

COWBOY POETRY
from 2021 in ( culture / humor / poetry )

I ain't much for shopping,Or for goin' into townExcept at cattle-shipping time,I ain't too easily found.But the day came when I had to go -I left the kids with Ma.But 'fore I left, she asked me,"Would you pick me up a bra?"So without think... read more

CARL JUNG QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / philosophy )

...it is not famine, not earthquakes, not microbes, not cancer but man himself who is man's greatest danger to man, for the simple reason that there is no adequate protection against psychic epidemics, which are infinitely more devastating than the worst of natural catastrophes. --... read more

BUCKMINSTER FULLER QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes )

You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete. -- Buckminster Fuller... read more

STALIN QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / conspiracies / politics )

It's not the votes that count, it's who counts the votes. -- Josef Stalin... read more

VARIOUS POLITICAL QUOTES
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in the insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well meaning but without understanding. -- Justice Louis Brandeis I prefer to be true to myself, even at the... read more

HARRY TRUMAN QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear. --... read more

GEORGE WASHINGTON QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter. -- George Washington... read more

NO SERVICE
from 2021 in ( culture / humor / phones )

No Service. That's what my phone said when I arrived at the restaurant to pick up my teenage daughter. I couldn't text her to say I'd arrived. I would have to do the unthinkable: Get out of the car, physically walk in, and risk human interaction. Worst of all, one of her co-workers might... read more

THOMAS SOWELL QUOTES
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

Racism is not dead, but it is on life support -- kept alive by politicians, race hustlers and people who get a sense of superiority by denouncing others as 'racists.' Some of the biggest cases of mistaken identity are among intellectuals having trouble remembering that they are not God. -... read more

NIETZSCHE QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / philosophy )

If you are too weak to give yourselves your own law, then a tyrant shall lay his yoke upon you and say 'Obey! Clench your teeth and obey!' And all good and evil shall be drowned in obedience to him. -- Fri... read more

QUOTES BY CARL JUNG TO HELP YOU BETTER UNDERSTAND YOURSELF
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / philosophy )

One of the things I love about Carl Jung is the fact that he was a deep philosophical thinker who examined all aspects of the self when writing about the human experience. As you will see in the quotes below, Jung was clear on the notion that we are spiritual... He said...... read more

THOMAS JEFFERSON QUOTES
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty. There is no justification for taking away individuals' freedom in the guise of public safety. When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the g... read more

LEONARDO DAVINCI QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes )

I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do. -- Leonardo Da Vinci... read more

VARIOUS BEGINNINGS TO THE TWILIGHT ZONE
from 2021 in ( culture / movies-tv-video )

In honor of the year 2020 -- the year of unprecedented "I never thought I'd see the day..." sort of stuff -- we bring you... Somebody's collection of the various beginnings to the old TV show, The Twilight Zone. All Openings (1959 - 2002)... read more

EDGAR ALLAN POE QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes )

Believe only half of what you see and nothing that you hear. -- Edgar Allan Poe... read more

YOU CANNOT SIMPLY BUILD YOUR OWN FREE-SPEECH VERSION OF TWITTER
from 2021 in ( culture / tech / internet / social )

To build an alternate social media website with a dissenting moderation policy, you must first invent the universe. Good luck. theamericanconservative.com... read more

GANDHI QUOTES
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

Civil disobedience becomes a sacred duty when the state has become lawless or corrupt, and a citizen who barters with such a state shares in its corruption and lawlessness. A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history... read more

VAN MORRISON QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes )

"Remember, those who are shutting down our economy haven't missed a paycheck since lockdown began. We are not in this together. -- Van Morrison... read more

BOB MARLEY QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes )

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. -- Bob Marley... read more

BIKE TRAIL COAST-TO-COAST ACROSS AMERICA
from 2021 in ( culture / sports / cycling )

More than 80 miles of the Great American Rail-Trail are in development right now across 10 states from Washington, D.C., to Washington state, adding roughly 50 miles to more than 2,000 miles of pre-existing trails across 12 states. The project, which bridges about 95 gaps between more than 145 trai... read more

NOW IT (NFL) GETS GOOD
from 2021 in ( culture / sports )

The post-season is better than the regular season in any sport, and the NFL is no different. Check out this page and you will see the match-ups for this coming weekend (Jan. 9/10, 2021). I predict two out of three home teams (Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks) will win... read more

ALLAN STEVO QUOTE
from 2021 in ( culture / quotes )

Beware of information obedient to the status quo. When information is obedient to a status quo, it deserves a special level of skepticism to avoid the bias known as confirmation bias, an easy bias to fall into. -- Allan Stev... read more

ALEX PANNAS QUOTES (FROM OPERATION DETOUR)
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / books / novels )

If I seem flippant, that's just how I cope. You either laugh or you cry. You apparently start referring to yourself in the second person, too. I'm a trusting person. I just took my doctor's word for it.... read more

BENNY REED QUOTES (FROM LOTTERY PRESIDENT)
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / books / novels )

You really think the President is in charge of anything? He's a figurehead, a spokesman... he's the country's Vanna White. Instead of voting for the person they like best, they vote for the one they think they have to vote for so the other one does... read more

COLONEL CHARONNE QUOTES (FROM ANOTHER WAY: BEYOND THE STATUS QUO)
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / books / novels )

You're that Commie, Pokorny! I should shoot you where you stand! Pokorny's still out there selling that tripe and it needs to stop. Now! I want him gone! You know what I'm saying? -- Colonel Charonne from Another Way: B... read more

DOBIE POKORNY QUOTES (FROM ANOTHER WAY: BEYOND THE STATUS QUO)
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / books / novels )

If you're not a conspiracy theorist these days, you're just not paying attention. Sure, some scoff at the mere thought of conspiracy, but ask any detective, lawyer or judge -- if you can find an honest one -- and they'll tell you conspiracies happen all the time. From petty thef... read more

RIVA PETKOVIC QUOTES (FROM OPERATION DETOUR)
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / books / novels )

You might be smart with computers, but in real life you are a complete idiot. Programmer, data entry clerk, whatever. How have you not gone insane already!? Put some clothes on! Nobody wants to see that.... read more

SEMMY QUOTES (FROM ANOTHER WAY: BEYOND THE STATUS QUO)
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / books / novels )

Don't be scared when you feel you are about to die. You're not frightened when you wake up in the morning, are you? Pretty much the same thing. 'Life is but a dream!' We are from beyond the Pleiades, in the eighth dimension...when we 3... read more

OL' LIGHTNIN' QUOTES (FROM THE LAZY PUG CAFE)
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / books / novels )

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 old friends ruthlessly cut down in their prime when this place was built, but a mighty oak like me, a real tree's purpose is to... uh... is to... um...... read more

NYC RESTAURANTS TO BAN CUOMO FROM DINING
from 2020 in ( culture / food / restaurants / politics )

Serves him right! No pun intended. Struggling restaurant owners city-wide are permanently banning New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo from setting foot into their establishments. Effective immediately...... read more

LAURIE HALSE ANDERSON QUOTE
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes )

Censorship is the child of fear and the father of ignorance. -- Laurie Halse Anderson... read more

SOLZHENITSYN QUOTES
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

The simple step of a courageous individual is not to take part in the lie. One word of truth outweighs the world. The timid civilized world has found nothing with which to oppose the onslaught of a sudden revival of barefaced barbarity, other than concessions and smiles. Violence does not always a... read more

ALDOUS HUXLEY QUOTES
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

There will be in the next generation or so a pharmacological method of making people love their servitude and producing dictatorship without tears so to speak. Producing a kind of painless concentration camp for entire societies so that people will in fact have their liberties taken away from them,... read more

ON THE SUBJECT OF BIDETS
from 2020 in ( culture / humor / home-garden )

Hilarious conversation I came across on thegatewaypundit.com in the comment section of an article...No toilet paper for you!I have a bidet. Best investment eva!How do you dry your crack?It has a built in blow (heated) dryer.Holy moly! I'm slumming it with my basic... read more

CHRISTIAN JOSI (COLUMNIST) QUOTE
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

Polling: The gateway political drug to misinformation, mistakes and malfeasance. -- Christian Josi This was actually just a he... read more

ADLAI STEVENSON QUOTE
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

The tragedy of our day is the climate of fear in which we live, and fear breeds repression. Too often, sinister threats to the Bill of Rights, to freedom of the mind, are concealed under the patriotic cloak of anti-Communism. --... read more

GOOD NEWS FOR CHURCH-GOERS
from 2020 in ( culture / people / religion )

The ruling comes after the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn sued the "Democratic" governor of New York over his executive actions restricting church attendance earlier this month. In their 5-4 decision, the majority struck down the regulations since they "cannot be viewed as neut... read more

HILARIOUS MEMES ABOUT LOCKDOWNS
from 2020 in ( culture / humor / covid / politics )

Look folks, there's an easy way around the government ban on having a traditional Thanksgiving feast with friends and family. Hold a protest against colonialist oppression instead! As we know, protests are exempt from the rules, and are "scientifically" proven to pose lower risk of Co... read more

ARTHUR C. CLARKE QUOTE
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / science )

Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. -- Arthur C. Clarke... read more

THESE ZEBA SNEAKERS LOOK COOL
from 2020 in ( culture / fashion / shoes )

These Zeba shoes look great! Expensive, but very nice! You can put them on without bending down or even retying them!See zebashoes.com/ Hands-free Sneakers. Put your sneakers on without ever having to bend down! They only need be laced ONCE to your liking... read more

PANCAKES BY GREG
from 2020 in ( culture / food / recipes )

I grate about half an apple in the pancake mix (Arrowhead Mills Organic Gluten Free). Plus, add cinnamon spice. To my almond milk, I add about a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and set aside. It adds flavor. Also I put a... read more

BREEDERS CUP 2020
from 2020 in ( culture / sports / horseracing )

The Breeders Cup is happening today! And yesterday, but we missed that. Today is the big day, anyway. I am really looking forward to the Classic, the final race. Some big names. breederscup.comUPDATE: Authentic won it... read more

CESAR A. CRUZ QUOTE
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / art )

Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable. -- Cesar A. Cruz arikoinuma.com... read more

THE QUEST FOR A FACEBOOK REPLACEMENT CONTINUES
from 2020 in ( culture / tech / internet / social )

I keep joining these other social networking sites, only to be disappointed. The main problem is that they insist that I upload my contact list, which I refuse to do. Maybe this one -- Parler -- will work out. UPDATE: Not so much!Here are a few other place... read more

WILLIAM ARTHUR HOLMES QUOTES
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes )

A novel is the fine art of never getting to the point. Stay loose, keep moving, stay true to yourself... always. All the lies we deal with can be disheartening until you realize life itself began with a lie or, if you prefer, a bit of creative fiction. A story. And, we all love a good story!... read more

LEE CHILD QUOTE
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / advice )

Don 't get it right, get it written! -- Lee Child... read more

ORDERING A PIZZA IN THE NEAR FUTURE (LIKE, MAYBE NEXT MONTH)
from 2020 in ( culture / humor / movies-tv-video )

A man learns how tough it is to order a pizza in the not-too-distant future. How to order a Pizza in the FutureUPDATE: Even better, here's the original from 2006:... read more

PSYCHOPATHS AMONG US
from 2020 in ( culture / people / politics )

"Politicians are more likely than people in the general population to be sociopaths. I think you would find no expert in the field of sociopathy/ psychopathy/ antisocial personality disorder who would dispute that a small minority of human beings literally have no conscience -- but it does ex... read more

NORWEGIAN OFFICIAL APOLOGIZES FOR MAKING 2020 AN HOUR LONGER
from 2020 in ( culture / humor )

Oct. 21 (UPI) -- The Norwegian official responsible for Daylight Saving Time in the country apologized for adding an additional hour to what "has already been a very demanding year."...... read more

ONE OF MY FAVORITE TWAIN QUOTES
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes )

If you don't read the newspaper, you're uninformed. If you read the newspaper, you're mis-informed. -- Mark Twain... read more

CURRENT FAVORITE SONGS
from 2020 in ( culture / music )

Current favorite songs, in alphabetical order. The songs are not current, but their status as "favorite" is. A Thous... read more

HARNESS RACING LEGEND, BILLY DIRECT
from 2020 in ( culture / sports / horseracing )

I just learned that a harness racing legend, Billy Direct, was born near where I live. I just thought that was pretty cool. See HistoricMarkersTN/MarkerDetail?markerID 058-047. It says his time w... read more

CELEBRITIES BORN IN SACRAMENTO
from 2020 in ( culture / history )

.h4 font-weight: bold; Here at... read more

GEORGE ORWELL QUOTES
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

No one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means; it is an end. All tyrannies rule through fraud and force, but once the fraud is exposed they must rely exclusively on force. If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not wa... read more

BILL HICKS QUOTE
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

The problem isn't a lack of money, food, water or land. The problem is that you've given control of these things to a group of greedy psychopaths who care more about maintaining their own power than helping mankind. --... read more

CHARLES BUKOWSKI QUOTES
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes )

The problem with the world is that intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence. The difference between a democracy and a dictatorship is that in a democracy you vote first and take orders later; in a dictatorship you don't have to waste your time voting.... read more

WATCH DEEPFAKE DONALD TRUMP ON HIS FIRST DAY WORKING AT RT
from 2020 in ( culture / movies-tv-video / humor )

Making news not faking news: Watch Deepfake Donald Trump on his first day working at RT... rt.com/news/501369-donald-trump-rt-deep-fake/... read more

CALIFORNIA UNDER QUARANTINE
from 2020 in ( culture / humor / covid )

Hilariously sad. See What It's Like Living in California Now... read more

LEO TOLSTOY QUOTE
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / people )

People try to do all sorts of clever and difficult things to improve life instead of doing the simplest, easiest thing -- refusing to participate in activities that make life bad. -- Leo Tolstoy... read more

FREEWRITE, THE DEVICE FOR DISTRACTION-FREE WRITING
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / tech )

Article about it here, and the manufacturer's website here. And one of their founders has an... read more

THIS CLEVER & CONTROVERSIAL ARTWORK WILL HELP YOU THINK DEEPER ABOUT SOCIETY
from 2020 in ( culture / arts-crafts )

Art Should Comfort The Disturbed And Disturb The Comfortable... themindunleashed.com/2020/08/controversial-art-think.html... read more

AIRLINES GATE AGENT
from 2020 in ( culture / humor / jokes / airlines )

An award should go to the gate agent in Denver for being smart and funny, while making her point, when confronted with a passenger who probably deserved to fly as cargo.A crowded United Airlines flight was canceled. A single agent was ebooking a long line of inconvenienced travelers.Suddenly an angr... read more

EINSTEIN QUOTES
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes )

Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth. Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid. Our task as humans must be to free ourselves... by widening our circle of compassion to embra... read more

THE PURPOSE OF COMMUNIST PROPAGANDA
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / conspiracies )

The purpose of communist propaganda was not to persuade or convince, not to inform, but to humiliate; and therefore, the less it corresponded to reality the better.When people are forced to remain silent when they are being told the most obvious lies, or even worse when they are forced to repeat the... read more

KENTUCKY DERBY (2020)
from 2020 in ( culture / sports / horseracing / triplecrown )

Thousand Words" upset Honor A. P. in the Shared Belief Stakes on Saturday at Del Mar and got a Beyer Speed Figure of 104, all of which prompted Marty McGee of Daily Racing Form to cut his odds to 12-1 from last week's 50-1 on his line for the Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5. "Art Collector,... read more

TRANSPORTATION JOKES
from 2020 in ( culture / humor / jokes )

New Los Angeles Driver's ExamFor those not fortunate enough to live in Los Angeles, here is a copy of the Los Angeles Driver's Exam. For those of you who are, study real hard. This is a new exam. Since driving conditions (and culture) are unique in Los Angeles, you may not have realized that... read more

NON-FICTION 3
from 2020 in ( culture / humor )

How do these people survive? Recently, when I went to McDonald's I saw on the menu that you could have an order of 6, 9 or 12 Chicken McNuggets. I asked for a half dozen nuggets. We don't have half dozen nuggets , said the teenager at the counter. You don't? I replied.... read more

HUMOROUS QUOTES, PAGE 2
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / humor )

Some Thoughts On Life Raising teenagers is like trying to nail Jell-O to a tree. There is always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example, I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt. Reason to smile: Every seven minutes of every day, someon... read more

HUMOROUS QUOTES, PAGE 3
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / humor )

Somethin' to think about Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun. How long a minute is depends on which side of the bathroom door you're on. I have noticed that the people who are late are often so much jollier than the people who have to wait for... read more

NON-FICTION SCIENCE
from 2020 in ( culture / humor )

Acknowledging Receipt of Australopithicus Spiff-arinoThe story behind the letter below is that there is a man in Newport, RI named Scott Williams who digs things out of his backyard and sends the stuff he finds to the Smithsonian Institution, labeling them with scientific names, insisting that they... read more

HUMOROUS QUOTES, PAGE 1
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / humor )

Somethin' to think aboutLiving on Earth is expensive, but it does include a trip around the sun. How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on. I have noticed that the people who are late are often so much jollier than the people who have to wait for them. If ignor... read more

PROVERBS
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes )

...and anything else thought-provoking and/or inspirational

The Fence There was a little boy with a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, to hammer a nail in the back fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Then it gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold... read more

NON-FICTION 1
from 2020 in ( culture / humor )

Five people who have a job worse than yoursThe San Francisco Zoo has an elephant named Calle who has a chronic illness requiring medication. The zoo people couldn't get Calle to take her dose orally, so a California pharmacist developed a suppository. The 10-inch-long, four-pound, cocoa-butter b... read more

NON-FICTION 2
from 2020 in ( culture / humor )

Credit Card BillIn March 1992 a man living in Newtown near Boston, Massachusetts received a bill for his as yet unused credit card stating that he owed $0.00. He ignored it and threw it away.In April he received another and threw that one away too. The following month the credit card company sent hi... read more

CHRISTMAS JOKES
from 2020 in ( culture / humor / jokes / christmas )

A Christmas StoryOne day, this past December, I was rushing around trying to get some last minute shopping done. I was stressed out and not thinking very fondly of the Christmas season right then.It was dark, cold, and wet in the parking lot as I was loading my car up with gifts I felt obligated to... read more

BRAND SUICIDE OR SAVVY PR MOVE? CEO OF FOOD GIANT GOYA PRAISES TRUMP
from 2020 in ( culture / tech / internet / social )

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 corporations defenders....... read more

BEING BAMBOOZLED
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / conspiracies )

This is great. Pretty similar to one by Mark Twain, actually, but I am adding it here, anyway: One of the saddest lessons of history is this: If we have been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. We are no longer interested in finding o... read more

CASSETTE TAPE CONVERTED TO MP3
from 2020 in ( culture / music / tech )

Cool! I am getting one of these. I am including an affiliate link here. This sounds like a scam post, but I really am going to buy thi... read more

EMISSIONS TEST
from 2020 in ( culture / humor / transportation / auto )

A mostly one-way text conversation (click image) I had with my wife yesterday while she worked and I tried to get her car emissions tested. I was laughing at my own situat... read more

BELMONT STAKES TO BE RUN FIRST IN TRIPLE CROWN THIS YEAR
from 2020 in ( culture / sports / horseracing / triplecrown )

Horse racing fans will not be denied the Triple Crown this year, even though the order of races will be different. Instead of having the Kentucky Derby, which will take place on Sept. 5, kick off the Triple Crown schedule, the series will begin on Saturday with the 2020 Belmont Stakes. This year... read more

MOVIES AND TV SHOWS FILMED IN BUDAPEST
from 2020 in ( culture / movies-tv-video )

I was researching this for my next possible novel, and thought other, better novelists might find it useful:... read more

MORE ADVICE FOR WRITERS
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / advice )

People read fiction seeking clarity. One of the worst things a writer can do is to create confusion. I'm referring to the payoff at the end of the book. People also read fiction for something better than reality, or at least better than their own. So, keep it clear and concise and, most importan... read more

MUSIC BY AN OLD FRIEND
from 2020 in ( culture / music )

Terry Dan Click here for YouTube or here for Facebook. You might also like All-Time Favorite Songs,... read more

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN QUOTES
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech. When the people find that they can vote themselves money that will herald the end of th... read more

POLITICAL COMPASS TEST
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / politics )

Welcome! It's timely to stress that The Political Compass has been on the internet since 2001. The uniqueness of our take on politics is reflected in the gratifyingly enthusiastic reviews we've enjoyed in the national media of many countries from our earliest years - as well as from many te... read more

THOUGHTS ON WRITING
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / advice )

Louis L'Amour once said he could write while sitting in the middle of the freeway. That didn't impress me at the time, but now it does.Not one, but two dogs threw up behind me as I wrote. Was that a commentary on my writing? Wouldn't be the first time.As I told these guys in the job inte... read more

THE PPP IS LETTING OUR SMALL RESTAURANTS AND BUSINESSES DIE
from 2020 in ( culture / food / restaurants / politics )

The PPP was supposed to save our small restaurants and businesses. But where's the money?... news.yahoo.com See also:... read more

THOUGHT FOR TODAY (4/17/2020)
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes / health / conspiracies )

It's easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled! -- Mark Twain... read more

HUMOR AMID OFFICIAL OVERREACTION
from 2020 in ( culture / humor / covid )

Half of us are going to come out of this quarantine as amazing cooks. The other half will come out with a drinking problem.I used to spin that toilet paper like I was on Wheel of Fortune. Now I turn it like I'm cracking a safe.Homeschooling is going well. 2 students suspended for fighting and 1... read more

MANGLED ENGLISH
from 2020 in ( culture / humor / language / english )

This is pretty old, from the old newsletter in 1992, when the Soviet Union still existed, but it's still funnyHow English is Being Used in Different Parts of the WorldIN A TOKYO HOTEL: Is forbitten to steal hotel towels please. If you are not person to do such thing please not to re... read more

BANDANNA FASHION
from 2020 in ( culture / humor / covid / fashion )

Nobody bats an eye now when I walk into a bank or store with a bandanna wrapped across my face. Of course, the gun is still a sure giveaway.... read more

RUMI QUOTE
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes )

Don't grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form. -- Rumi I happen to think there is nothing wrong with grieving. In fact, it is required. But I know what he's saying. -- Ed.... read more

KENTUCKY DERBY POSTPONED
from 2020 in ( culture / sports / horseracing / triplecrown )

This is a first, as far as we know. No, we didn't research it. We don't do a lot of research here. :) Anyway..."The 146th Kentucky Derby will be rescheduled from May 2, 2020 to September 5, 2020."See... read more

ALL QUOTES
from 2020 in ( culture / quotes )

When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad; and that is my religion. -- Abraham Lincoln We now live in a nation where doctors destroy health, lawyers destroy justice, universities destroy knowledge, governments destroy freedom, the press destroys infor... read more

STOP PANICKING
from 2020 in ( culture / people / health )

Israeli virologist urges world leaders to calm public, slams unnecessary panic. 'People think this virus is going to attack them all, and then they're all going to die,' says Prof. Jihad Bishara. 'Not at all. In fact, most of those infected won't even know it.' Go... read more

THELAZYPUGCAFE.COM
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

My latest short story, based on our real life pugs Daisy, Chandler and Joey, the latter of whom is the only one still alive and barking. See amazon.com/dp/B085XM6QW8The Lazy Pug Cafe was a dilapidated old two-story farmhouse abandoned years ago, lately serving as a sad b... read more

MUSIC BY A NEPHEW (AND FRIENDS)
from 2020 in ( culture / music )

Thomas and friends, a.k.a. OneSol are on Facebook, YouTube, BandMix, Rever... read more

10 TV SERIES WITH CONSCIOUS THEMES IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING GOOD
from 2020 in ( culture / movies-tv-video )

As the Founding Director of the Tribeca Film Festival, former Head of Content for GAIAMTV (Gaia), and now Founder and CEO of Conscious Good... at... read more

MUSIC BY A BROTHER
from 2020 in ( culture / music )

Music by one of my brothers:'Til the Morning Comes... read more

REVIEW MY BOOKS
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / books / reviews )

If you've read any of my novels, please give them a review on Amazon (click the book's image, below or on the right, then click the "Write a Customer Review" button on its Amazon page, to the left), on Apple Books,... read more

PALACSINTAS RECIPES
from 2020 in ( culture / food / recipes )

Markowitz palacsintas recipe. (pronounced pah-lah-CHIN-tuhz). Makes 4 or 5.beat well 2 eggsAdd a pinch of salt 1/2 teaspoon sugarbeat/mix in blender until has a loose consistency.Add 1/2 cup water and some flour while mixing, until thick enoughAs a test, dip spoon into mix and let the mixtur... read more

CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR TACOS
from 2020 in ( culture / food / recipes )

1 potato (about 4 inches long) 1/4 head lettuce3 cloves garlic6 green onions1 pound lean ground beef1 cup water 1/2 small can green chiliesSalt and pepper12 - 14 white corn tortillasVegetable oil... read more

BILL'S SALSA CHICKEN & RICE
from 2020 in ( culture / food / recipes )

Bill 's Salsa Chicken RiceI 've been making this for years, and thought I 'd share it, finally. Here 's my recipe and the quantity I usually make:Six chicken breasts with skin, baked in plastic cooking bags at 400 176;F for about an hour (depending on your oven).Six servings of rice.... read more

DON'S "ORANGE JULIUS"
from 2020 in ( culture / food / recipes )

Place 1/2 cup orange juice concentrate in blenderFill 2 cup container 1/2 full with ice cubes and the rest with water to make 2 cups, and pour into blenderAdd 1 teaspoon vanilla extractAdd 8 teaspoons sugarBlend on LOW speed until ice thoroughly crushed... read more

EASY DEVILED EGGS
from 2020 in ( culture / food / recipes )

Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag.Seal, mash till they are all broken up.Add remainder of ingredients, resealkeep mashing it up mixing thoroughlycut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg... read more

RONICA'S OREGANO CHICKEN
from 2020 in ( culture / food / recipes )

This is fast and easy. It is good over rice or noodles. 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup lemon juice2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce2 tablespoon soy sauce1 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano1 large clove garlic, crushedCombine all ingredients and pour over chicken in 13 x 9 baking dish. Bake covered at 3... read more

RONICA'S MAPLE ROASTED CHICKEN
from 2020 in ( culture / food / recipes )

4 large skinless chicken thighs or breasts3 potatoes cut into chunks1 medium onion cut into small pieces1 bag baby carrots 1/4 cup maple syrup1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepperCombine all ingredients in roasting pan and toss to coat. Cook 40-45 minutes covered at 450 degrees. Stir once abou... read more

GOOD ARTICLE ABOUT STORYTELLING
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / advice )

Pop culture today is obsessed with the battle between good and evil. Traditional folktales never were. What changed? the-good-guy-bad-guy-myth... read more

NFL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
from 2020 in ( culture / sports / football )

For the first time ever, I actually like all four of the teams left on "the road to the Super Bowl": Titans v. Chiefs - Sunday at 3:05 PM EST; and, Packers v. 49ers - Sunday at 6:40 PM EST. The Titans are my current team (since I live near Nashville); I have always liked the Chiefs and Pac... read more

BEST FICTION OF 2019
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood... wins this year's Best Fiction a... read more

NO ANNOYING PROMPTS
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )

Aren't you glad we don't have any of those annoying pop-up ads asking you to join our newsletter? Ironic, isn't it, given that we are an "online newsletter?"Please support this website, should you be so inclined: buy one of my novels/novellas; buy... read more

BEST AND WORST SELF-PUBLISHING SITES
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / advice )

Good site showing who to trust (or not) when it comes to self-publishing: self-publishing-service-reviews... read more

LATEST DEEP THOUGHT
from 2019 in ( culture / quotes )

One way or another, in our own inimitable way, we all do to others what was done to us. -- William Arthur Holmes"Wow, that was deep -- William's internal critic... read more

USMNT FAN-PREFERRED ROSTER
from 2019 in ( culture / sports / soccer )

Who do you want playing right now for the US Men's national soccer team (assuming everyone's available) for a hypothetical must-win game?VOTE HEREI like this lineup, here.... read more

MOST POPULAR SITE ON THE INTERNET
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )

This is the 12,157,539th most popular website in the world, according to silktide.com! Wow! We have hit the big time. See image here:... read more

SUPPORT THIS SITE
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )

...should you be so inclined:Buy one of my books at Amazon or SmashWords, or here; buy me a (virtual) cup of... read more

HOW TO SUPPORT THIS WEBSITE
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )

Please support this website, should you be so inclined: buy one of my novels/novellas; buy me a (virtual) cup of coffee here or here;... read more

JOKE IMAGES
from 2019 in ( culture / humor / jokes )

WARNING: Not necessarily for kids (or the squeamish).Animals All Joke Images ... read more

GET INTO FARMING
from 2019 in ( culture / humor / jokes )

Some bad language, but funny. Get Into Farming... read more

HISTORY OF FRIENDSNEWS.COM
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )

FYI for those researching insignificant corners of the web: Wayback Machine Please support this website, should you be so inclined: buy one of my novels/novellas; buy me a (virtual)... read more

ALL OF MY BOOKS
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

See Novels/NovellasFeatured book deals on SmashwordsAno... read more

MEMES ABOUT MEMES
from 2019 in ( culture / humor / internet )

A couple of good ones. onetwo... read more

OUR THOUGHTS
from 2019 in ( culture / quotes / philosophy / religion )

All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world. -- Buddha... read more

BRITISH PROBLEMS
from 2019 in ( culture / humor )

Look, buddy, I get it. You have a Ferrari and 'wanna go fast' like Ricky Bobby but maybe central fcking London isn't the place for you. Phone doctors at 7.59 a.m.: 'surgery is closed.' Phone doctors at 8.00 'You are number 8 in the queue.' You can work with people who b... read more

KNOTS BY ANNA NALICK
from 2019 in ( culture / music )

Wow, great vocals. My current favorite Here it is at... read more

DERBY THIS SATURDAY
from 2019 in ( culture / sports / horseracing / triplecrown )

Here are my picks for Saturday's Kentucky Derby: WIN - Cutting Humor (because I have that); PLACE - Country House (because I want that); and SHOW - War of Will (because I'm going through that with our daughter).... read more

RESTROOM DIFFICULTY
from 2019 in ( culture / humor / employment )

Don't you hate it when you're at work?The end.Wait, no, that's not the end. You're at work - on the bottom floor, because that's where the snack machine is - and you decide to use the restroom. The cleaning lady is in there, with her cart blocking the door. So, you take the stair... read more

MONGOLIAN THROAT SINGING
from 2019 in ( culture / music )

This (Wolf Totem by The HU) is wild. Surprisingly catchy... and a little bit scary. My daughter says it sounds like it's from a horror mo... read more

LEAVING ZAZZLE
from 2019 in ( culture / arts-crafts )

Here's my goodbye letter to Zazzle. Yes, it's awfully bitter and "conspiracy theory"-ish, but I was upset. :) Your new policy sucks, big time. And when I tried to create something new before the deadline after which they start charging monthly fees, it was so freaking difficult ... read more

WHERE YOU BELONG
from 2019 in ( culture / people / geography )

I've been in middle Tennessee the past 25 years, grew up in northern California, spent most of my 20s in L.A., but according to this site I should move to New England. They say... You would fit in wel... read more

GOOD ALBUM
from 2019 in ( culture / music )

Dido's latest (here) is pretty good, FYI, if you generally like her music.You might also like... read more

DIY ARTS AND CRAFTS
from 2019 in ( culture / arts-crafts )

If you've ever felt the need to do it yourself when it came to one of your crafty/artsy ideas, you might try CafePress and make something exactly as you want it.Yes, we'll get a small commission.... read more

THE RAINBOW ENDS IN SACRAMENTO
from 2019 in ( culture / photography / humor / sports )

The rainbow really does end in Sacramento! My nephew Milan has captured proof. :) This was taken at their minor league team, Sacramento Rivercats, stadium where Milan works. Speaking of Sacramento, here's a list of... read more

OPERATION DETOUR
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

Riva, a beautiful young "black ops" agent on her first assignment, tries to turn Alex into her own "asset" just to prove she can. When he loses both his job and his girlfriend, she thinks he's putty in her hands. When he decides to go out with a bang, she's afraid she'... read more

TEMPORARY INSANITY
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

Long before winning the lottery and running for president, Benny was living in L.A. working as a temporary word processor (typist). For his latest assignment, he thought he was taking just another temp job. He didn't anticipate Venelia and the Dynamos. The what?... read more

DANCE PAGE
from 2019 in ( culture / dance-stage )

Hundreds of dancers joined together in Moscow on 26.02.2012 to perform together a great flashmob of..." Puttin' on the Ritz in Moscow... read more

CRAFTS BY FRIENDSNEWS MEMBERS PAGE
from 2019 in ( culture / arts-crafts )

Jana's Palickovanie art... read more

RELIGION QUOTES
from 2019 in ( culture / quotes / religion )

When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad; and that is my religion. -- Abraham Lincoln Heaven is by favor. If it were by merit, your dog would go in and you would stay out. --... read more

MOVIES-TV PAGE
from 2019 in ( culture / movies-tv-video )

Good quasi-clay-mation videoGreat first... read more

FRIENDS OF HUMANITY
from 2019 in ( culture / people / internet )

The Friends of Humanity website. Don't know anything about it, but like the sound of it. :) Friends of Humanity is active in the defense of human rights, education, health care, and environmental protection. Our projects are currently underway in Asi... read more

RECENTLY-DISCOVERED BOOK REPOSITORY
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / books )

HathiTrust is a partnership of academic and research institutions, offering a collection of millions of titles digitized from libraries around the world. See Hathi Trust Digital Library... read more

WHAT IS SATURNALIA?
from 2018 in ( culture / holidays / christmas )

At no time in the history of the early Christian church was it ever thought that the birth of Christ took place on 25 December. In fact, Jesus' birthday was not celebrated at all until the mid-4th century. Oh, and the lighting of candles during Christmas Eve services? Another Roman tradition, c... read more

COUPLE OF GOOD ONES
from 2018 in ( culture / humor / jokes )

OK, three good ones. andand, this just in, something to settle the argument...... read more

HOW TO MOVE A BOOK STORE
from 2018 in ( culture / writing / books )

A rent increase forced the owners of October Books to move locations in Southampton. They used a crowd funding campaign and loans to buy a former bank location about 500 feet down the street for $400,000.Cool!... read more

TAKING THE STAIRS
from 2018 in ( culture / humor )

Don't you hate it when you're taking the stairs, looking down because it's a struggle, you think you've reached your floor only to look up and see you've got two more to go? Working on the third floor is rough!... read more

PANERA FAVORITES
from 2018 in ( culture / food / restaurants )

Insider favorites at Panera Bread. Via panera-bread-employee-favorites... read more

BEST THRILLERS OF ALL-TIME
from 2018 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

According to the Telegraph, anyway. An interesting list. Several if not most of these were that author's first published novel. I've actually read half of these, though it's been years.... read more

WORRYING WORKS
from 2018 in ( culture / humor / jokes )

Worrying must work, because almost everything I worry about ends up not happening!... read more

WORDS TO LIVE BY
from 2018 in ( culture / quotes / advice )

Stay loose, keep moving, stay true to yourself... always. This is pretty good advice, too, though.... read more

NOVELS/NOVELLAS
from 2018 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

Did I mention I've written a few novels/novellas? Another Way: Beyond the Status Quo A politically-incorrect manifesto. Anti-corporate crusader Dobie Pokorny wants to save the world. His old boss, Colonel Charonne, wants to stop him. On his truth tour, Dobie meets and... read more

USB TURNTABLE
from 2018 in ( culture / music / tech )

I'm buying one of these: USB turntable. I've been wanting to convert my old vinyl records to MP3 for quite a while now. I hope it wor... read more

GOOD QUASI-CLAYMATION VIDEO
from 2017 in ( culture / movies-tv-video )

Great first video by my niece (from several years ago when she was just a kid) here Ellie's Adventures.She's all grown up now, and her current... read more

QUOTE ON TOLERANCE
from 2017 in ( culture / quotes )

Total tolerance is not a virtue, it is a total lack of principles. - Plainsman 2016 And here are a couple more. Never trust a Republican with your PUBLIC LAND. Never trust a Democrat with your FIREARMS. --... read more

TOO FUNNY
from 2017 in ( culture / humor / transportation / auto )

This is too funny not to share. Almost every driver has been there - when parking in a large lot or garage, it can be easy to misplace a car.But while most drivers locate their cars after a frustrating few minutes, one German man has been searching... See... read more

ORDERING A SANDWICH
from 2017 in ( culture / food / restaurants )

Man behind the counter: What kind of meat?Me: Tuna.Man: Ham?Me: If by ham you mean tuna, then yes.... read more

CATS DISRESPECTING PUGS
from 2017 in ( culture / writing / pets )

So, I'm lying on the bed with the pug Joey between my legs. No, that's not a figure of speech. I'm referring to an actual dog between my calves. Anyway, the cat (Sunny) comes up, thinks about jumping across my legs to the other side, then decides to just step on me, then step on Joey,... read more

LESSON ON TAXES
from 2017 in ( culture / quotes / humor )

The best way to teach your kids about taxes is by eating 30% of their ice cream. - Bill Murray... read more

ANOTHER GREAT QUOTE
from 2017 in ( culture / quotes / conspiracies )

The bankers own the Earth. Take it away from them, but leave them the power to create money, and with the flick of the pen they will create enough deposits to buy it back again. However, take away from them the power to create money and all the great fortunes like mine will disappear and they ought... read more

NATALIA HOLMES PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOS
from 2017 in ( culture / photography )

Natalia Holmes travel photography and videography on YouTube,... read more

INDIAN FLICK WITH SUBTITLES
from 2017 in ( culture / movies-tv-video )

So, I'm selecting a movie to watch on Netflix. I see Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty . It's Indian, with subtitles, but it's in the category of Action/Adventure. The blurb says Capt. Bakshi sets out to stop a network of terrorist sleeper cells! So, I give it a shot. Not crazy about... read more

NETFLIX SUBGENRES
from 2017 in ( culture / movies-tv-video )

How to find those hard-to-find movies and TV shows on Netflix:Netflix codesUPDATE: Not sure this works.... read more

PLASTIC GIRL
from 2017 in ( culture / people )

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. I tried to ignore her because she REALLY wanted to be looked at, and I always try to disappoint people lik... read more

HOTDOG FROM REGGIO'S
from 2017 in ( culture / food / restaurants / chicago )

Just had a hotdog from Reggio's at O'Hare. I'm told that's a real Chicago style dog. It was good!... read more

WIFE'S JETTA
from 2017 in ( culture / humor / transportation / auto )

Driving wife's Jetta while my car gets serviced. I called it a piece of $h! while I tried to climb out. Its door hit me in the forehead during the struggle.So, I guess we're even.... read more

IF A MAN SPEAKS IN THE FOREST...
from 2017 in ( culture / humor / jokes )

If a man speaks in the forest and his wife is not there to hear it, is he still wrong?... read more

PUTTING WORDS IN MARK TWAIN'S MOUTH
from 2017 in ( culture / quotes )

Nice list: Putting Words in Mark Twain's MouthI wonder if any of these are on that list... read more

ONE OF THE ALL-TIME GREAT ROCK ERA LYRICISTS
from 2017 in ( culture / music / writing )

Listening to Don Henley this morning. He is one of the all-time great lyricists/poets. Just thought I'd say so. Then... read more

ACTION FILMS ON NETFLIX
from 2017 in ( culture / movies-tv-video / humor )

Almost half of all action films on Netflix have a variation of this description: He thought he was retired, but has to do "One. Last. Job!"... read more

FACEBOOK CREEPS ME OUT
from 2017 in ( culture / tech / internet / social )

Note: I am no longer on Twitter or Facebook, but here's what I've managed to salvage from back then. Every time Facebook shows me one of those notices saying something like Hey there, we've been going through all of your posts and thought you might like to share this compilation, I feel... read more

MY ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM
from 2017 in ( culture / sports / soccer )

Trying to decide which English Premier League team I should consider my team. Very important. Leaning toward either Liverpool FC (because I always liked the Beatles) or Plymouth Argyle Football Club (because my first car was a Plymouth, and I... read more

WRITERS NEED FOLLOWERS?
from 2016 in ( culture / writing / advice )

Publishers and writing gurus preach that writers need followers. The problem is that emotionally-stable people don't want followers. They want friends, compatriots, people who listen, not followers. Especially zombie followers. They're the worst! :) But seriously, I don't trust anyone w... read more

IS THERE A DECENT SERIES AVAILABLE ONLINE?
from 2016 in ( culture / movies-tv-video )

Is there a single, decent series available online that isn't depraved; you know, doesn't involve zombies or some sort of depressing, apocalyptic, loser view of the world? Just wondering. Thanks.UPDATE: ... and three years later, we have an answer! See... read more

LAST TRAIN OUT
from 2016 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

Clay and his adopted daughter, Jenna, look forward to their upcoming "homeland tour" to Russia. His intentions are pure. Hers, not so much. When she goes missing, his worst fears are realized. She is not the innocent little girl he thought she was. Not even close.... read more

CAN YOU SAY AWKWARD?
from 2015 in ( culture / humor / family )

Can you say "awkward?"So, I'm walking back from feeding the neighbor's dog while they're on vacation. I see my wife and daughter in the car up ahead, just about to turn onto our street. I'm looking at them. They're looking at me. They're still about a hundred yards... read more

RECENT TWEETS
from 2015 in ( culture / writing / tweets )

Note: I am no longer on Twitter or Facebook. I remember when I didn't know what a "tweet" was, other than the sound a bird makes. It wasn't so long ago, either. Below is just a random list of tweets. Pathetic, I know, but I felt the need to put something new on the site. Anyway. S... read more

ADDICTED TO CEREAL
from 2015 in ( culture / humor / food )

"I think I'm addicted to cereal," I said. "Addicted?" she asked. "Yeah, I'm gonna hit the street looking for my latest fix.""And by 'street,' you mean Aisle 3 at Kroger, right?""Don't question my street cred!"... read more

NO MORE PENALTY SHOOTOUTS
from 2015 in ( culture / sports / soccer )

I'm a huge soccer fan, but absolutely hate penalty shootouts. That is no way to decide a game. The winning team needs to be determined by playing the game, not through penalty kicks.That's like deciding an American football game by having five or six players from each team line up and kick f... read more

AMERICAN PHAROAH VS. SECRETARIAT, WHO WOULD WIN?
from 2015 in ( culture / sports / horseracing )

Interesting!The 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah ran the sixth-fastest Belmont Stakes ever, but if he was racing against Secretariat's record time in 1973, he would have been a distant second. Watch the two races side-by-side. Source:... read more

ALL-TIME FAVORITE SONGS
from 2015 in ( culture / music )

Or, what I'd want on my MP3 player if stuck on a deserted island (with rechargeable batteries and a... read more

THE ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY (2015)
from 2015 in ( culture / sports / horseracing / triplecrown )

The 20 three-year-olds to make the starting gate in the Kentucky Derby are determined by the Road to the Kentucky Derby, a series of races leading up to the Derby where contenders can earn points. Follow the leaderboard to se... read more

MY NOVELS
from 2015 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

WilliamArthurHolmes.com Go to Another peek at my booksAnother Way: Beyond the Status Quo... read more

AMERICAN RACEHORSE, CIGAR, DIES AT AGE 24
from 2014 in ( culture / sports / horseracing )

Sad news. He was one of the greats. We saw him in retirement at Kentucky Horse Park several years ago.... read more

FORREST GUMP QUOTE
from 2014 in ( culture / quotes )

Just because it made me laugh out loud .." Jenny: Do you ever dream, Forrest, about who you're gonna be?Forrest: Who I'm gonna be?Jenny: Yeah. Forrest: Aren't I going to be me?... read more

PHOTOGRAPHY PAGE
from 2014 in ( culture / photography )

Some interesting photography-related links hereWallpapers collected over the years. If you are the photographer/owner and want your photo removed, just let us know.pixabay.com... read more

NUTTY GRAIN AND OAT BARS
from 2014 in ( culture / food / recipes )

I need to try this. Too bad I hate cooking so much. I eat way too many snacks at work, but at least these are healthy. The snack... read more

PARENTS CODE OF ETHICS
from 2014 in ( culture / humor / sports )

Signing my daughter up for softball, I had to laugh at this (stripped down) Parents Code of Ethics:I will encourage good sportsmanshipI will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of my personal desire to win.I will remember that the game is for the youth - not adults. I gues... read more

WORLD CUP 2014
from 2014 in ( culture / sports / soccer )

I love World Cup soccer ("football/futbol" to most of the world), so life is good now with all the games on. I'm ticked at ABC/ESPN for limiting all USA games to ESPN, which I can't see because we don't subscribe to cable TV. Of course, they do that to force people like me to s... read more

TAKE THIS QUIZ
from 2014 in ( culture / people )

From somewhere on the Internet ...Name the five wealthiest people in the world.Name the last five Heisman Trophy winners.Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor or ac... read more

REQUIEM FOR A PIGEON
from 2014 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

by BillWe witnessed a pigeon's demiseRight here on the dock o' the BayThere was nothing we could doNothing we could sayIt just wasn't the pigeon's dayWe tried mouth-to-beakAnd the Heimlich techniqueBut the pigeon had croakedDid you know pigeons float?Well, this one sure did today!... read more

CALIFORNIA CHROME, A HORSE OF A UNITING COLOR
from 2014 in ( culture / sports / horseracing )

They have a 77-year-old trainer who thought his big-time days were over, and a jockey who grew up afraid of horses. They pulled California Chrome's name out of Coburn's cowboy hat. If not for the luck of the draw the horse could have been named Seabisquick.... read more

ADVICE FOR WRITING
from 2014 in ( culture / writing / advice )

A writer's narrative perspective (their "voice," or, how they come across to their reader) must be: This is me talking to you. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. It's not: This is me 100 years ago speaking in a "classical" voice. It's not: Speaking as if from... read more

HOLLYWOOD PARK, WHAT A RUN IT HAD
from 2013 in ( culture / sports / horseracing )

Today (December 22, 2013) is the last day of racing at Hollywood Park before it's torn down. It's sad, but that part of town has been "the 'hood" for several decades now, so it's no surprise no one wanted to go there. I worked there once, briefly, with the harness horses. I... read more

TWEETS PAGE
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / tweets )

Note: I am no longer on Twitter or Facebook, but here's what I've managed to salvage from back then. My Twitter feed: by TheBillHolmesSome of my better tweets, according to me ...Never wo... read more

MY TWITTER FEED
from 2013 in ( culture / tech / internet / social )

Note: I am no longer on Twitter or Facebook, but here's what I've managed to salvage from back then.... read more

MUCHO MACHO MAN GROOVES TO HIS SONG
from 2013 in ( culture / sports / horseracing )

Breeder's Cup Classic winner Mucho Macho Man grooves to his song. It was apparently removed (probably due to copyright issues), but here's the horse winning that race, and the Village People sin... read more

THIS IS DEEP
from 2013 in ( culture / humor / internet )

I just had to share this comment someone left here on FriendsNews.com. Read it, absorb it, digest it, lather, rinse and repeat it. Then let me know what the %$ it means! Here it is: I comprehend that is genuinely uninteresting and you're merely skipping to the next comment, nonetheless i basica... read more

GOOD START
from 2013 in ( culture / sports / football )

The NFL got off to a good start today (2013-09-10), the first real games of the season. Both of my teams, the Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers, won! The Titans were a surprise over the Steelers. The Niners won "as expected" even though they were playing the Packers. Normally, I'... read more

AESOP QUOTE
from 2013 in ( culture / quotes / philosophy )

We hang the petty thieves, and appoint the great ones to public office. - Aesop... read more

MOVIE NIGHT
from 2013 in ( culture / movies-tv-video )

My wife and I have been celebrating our twelfth wedding anniversary this weekend. The actual day was the 22nd (so mark your calendars for next year's gifts). :) With our daughter on a sleepover at a friend's house last night, Tara and I went to see the mo... read more

TRAVERS STAKES (2013)
from 2013 in ( culture / sports / horseracing )

Several big name horses in it this year:Verrazano, Haskell winnerPalace Malice, Belmont and Jim Dandy winnerOrb, Kentucky Derby winnerAnd her... read more

HOW DOES WRITING AFFECT YOUR BRAIN?
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / health )

Interesting ... to me, anyway. Most of us write a little something everyday. It might be a grocery list, a poem, or a write-up on the infographic of the day. As we go through this daily ritual, however, we are probably not aware of the effects writing has on our brains. See... read more

COURT TO FEDS: EXPLAIN MARINE'S FACEBOOK POSTINGS ARREST
from 2013 in ( culture / tech / internet / social )

Brandon Raub's case exposes the seedy underbelly of a governmental system that continues to target military veterans for expressing their discontent over America's rapid transition to a police state," said John W. Whitehead, president of The Rutherford Institute. Read, listen or w... read more

LOST A FRIEND
from 2013 in ( culture / humor / internet / social )

No, not that kind of "lost" (knock on wood).But, don't you hate it when you're walking along talking to someone, it's crowded, you hear a muffled scream but think nothing of it, only to realize several blocks down the street that your friend is no longer walking beside you? You... read more

DINNER AND A SHOW
from 2013 in ( culture / food / restaurants )

After stopping at Tara's sister's house in Smyrna to pick up a newly-refurbished Kindle Fire her husband had put together for her, we had dinner at a nearby Mexican restaurant, Mi Tierra. Now Chago's Elizabeth was "dying for refried beans!" Whatever. She's eight.... read more

ALAN SHORE'S "STICK IT!" SPEECH
from 2013 in ( culture / movies-tv-video / legal )

Alan Shore's closing argument (from... read more

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CO-WORKER IS A THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY
from 2013 in ( culture / humor / politics )

Essentially, pretend the Soviets won the Cold War and then conquered the United States - that's how the government is operating. How to know if your coworker is a threat to national security... read more

LIES LIES LIES
from 2013 in ( culture / music / conspiracies )

Lyrics from a Frank Zappa song:"You will obey me while I lead youAnd eat the garbage that I feed youUntil the day that we don't need youDon't go for hel...no one will heed youYour mind is totally controlledIt has been stuffed into my moldAnd you will do as you are toldUntil the rights t... read more

STARTED A NEW STORY TODAY
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

I started writing a new story today. Can't say much about it except that it's pretty much sci-fi, though it might wander into religion and politics. So, yeah, it should offend just about everyone. Then I took a break and started cleaning. Did a load of dishes. Vacuumed and cleaned the office... read more

ABOUT MY BOOKS
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

williamarthurholmes.com... read more

CRACKING UP OVER LOTTERY PRESIDENT
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

Here's one of my brothers reading my book, Lottery President. He seems to be enjoying it. I swear I didn't pay him to do this. New book out! Here's my... read more

LOTTERY PRESIDENT
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

For most people, winning $300 million in the lottery would be enough. They would buy a big house, travel... read more

GETTING USED TO HAVING NO TV
from 2013 in ( culture / movies-tv-video )

I'm slowly but surely getting used to having no TV in the house. It's been about a week now. I still get all the local news headlines by following those channels through Facebook. And the only thing I ever watched on Roku - with what little time our daughter allowed us to watch anything othe... read more

GUEST POSTING
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )

I've been following and listening to Jeff Goins's TribeWriters program, and he says an important aspect to successful blogging (at least as far as getting noticed) is to "guest post" on other people's blogs. Jeff is a great resource, by the way. So, if you want to post somethin... read more

NO MORE TV
from 2013 in ( culture / movies-tv-video )

We've turned off, unplugged and hidden the TVs from ourselves! The plan is to keep it that way throughout the summer. We'll see how long it lasts. :) Something tells me we'll be "cheating" by watching more stuff on our computers. Still, I expect us all to be just a little bit s... read more

I AM NOW A PUBLISHED AUTHOR
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

It's SELF-published, but still ... It's called "Lottery President."Hopefully, it's at least slightly entertaining. Tell a friend!Here... read more

CINCO DE MAYO
from 2013 in ( culture / food / restaurants / holidays )

It was Cinco De Mayo, so we tried Moe's Southwest Grill. After ten minutes with very little movement (the line was so long), we left. Next we tried... read more

DERBY RESULTS (2013)
from 2013 in ( culture / sports / horseracing / triplecrown )

Florida Derby winner Orb won today's Kentucky Derby in "the slop." But you've probably already heard/read about it. My pick, Revolutionary, finished 3rd. That was better than my picks have done in other ye... read more

BLOG CONTENT
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / blog / internet )

I'm as guilty as anyone about trying to add content to my blog just for the sake of content (because search engines look for and rate highly based on how "fresh" your blog's content is). But someone whose blog/newsletter I subscribe to has stooped to simply stating the obvious, may... read more

KENTUCKY DERBY-RELATED PAGES (2013)
from 2013 in ( culture / sports / horseracing / triplecrown )

Where to keep up or catch up on the upcoming Derby:espn.go.com/horse-racing/triplecrown2013/Kentuckyderby.com/horseshr... read more

HAPPY MAY DAY
from 2013 in ( culture / holidays / employment )

Today, May Day, honors the workers who produce all of the wealth. It is also "a European festival of ancient origins marking the beginning of summer, usually celebrated on 1 May" (from Wikipedia), but we digress. It is in honor of those involved in a general strike in Chicago, killed by... read more

ROAD TO THE TRIPLE CROWN (2013)
from 2013 in ( culture / sports / horseracing / triplecrown )

The Triple Crown 2013 - ESPN. I always try and follow these preludes to the Kentucky Derby so that I have at least an educated guess on Derby Day.... read more

THE DIGITAL STORY OF THE NATIVITY
from 2013 in ( culture / holidays / christmas )

This is the Christmas story as told through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google, Wikipedia, Google Maps, GMail, Foursquare, Amazon... ad infinitum. See YouTube - THE DIGITAL STORY OF THE NATIVITY.And, for a miniseries on the subject,... read more

CLEANLINESS COUNTS
from 2013 in ( culture / humor / pets )

Click on this link to clean the inside of your screen: screenclean.gif... read more

KENTUCKY OAKS & DERBY (2013)
from 2013 in ( culture / sports / horseracing / triplecrown )

2013 Kentucky Oaks Derby May 3 and 4, 2013 Tickets, Events, News. Time to start watching the Derby "prep" races so you can at least make an educated guess/bet on Derby Day!... read more

SO GOD MADE A DOG
from 2013 in ( culture / humor / pets )

I love this. And on the 9th day God looked down on his children and said they need a companion, so God Made A Dog. Paul Harvey-style tribute to dogs. So God made a dog... read more

CHRIS HEDGES QUOTE
from 2013 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

We now live in a nation where doctors destroy health, lawyers destroy justice, universities destroy knowledge, governments destroy freedom, the press destroys information, religion destroys morals, and our banks destroy the economy --... read more

YOUR NOVEL BLUEPRINT
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / advice / novels )

Good article for writers. Writing a novel and building a house are pretty similar when you think about it. For instance, most builders or homeowners spend a lot of time dreaming...... read more

WHICH WEBSITE WOULD YOU CHOOSE
from 2013 in ( culture / people / internet )

If you were on a deserted island with an Internet connection and a pug, but could only access ONE website, which site would it be?(BTW, the pug is irrelevant, I just like pugs!)Facebook - 3 votesGoogle - 2 votesKindle - 1 votesTwitter - 1 votesYour webmail - 1 votesOther - 1 votesPinterest - 0 votes... read more

MY WRITER'S PLATFORM
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / books )

WilliamArthurHolmes.com is my "writer's platform," with a page showing where you can buy, preview and/or review all of my books. Or, just look below...... read more

FOOLING THEMSELVES
from 2012 in ( culture / writing / blog / politics )

The elites are adept at fooling themselves and too many others into thinking that they know best. The superiority they bestow upon themselves is a convenient justification for keeping us "commoners" in the dark, and themselves in power.... read more

A COUPLE OF BOOKS/NOVELLAS ON KINDLE
from 2012 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

I've published a couple of books/novellas on Kindle recently: "Lottery President" is a political thriller; and "Operation Detour" is a darkly comedic adventu... read more

SOME FACEBOOK USERS DISLIKE BEING USED IN ONLINE ADVERTISING
from 2012 in ( culture / tech / internet / social )

Some Facebook users 'dislike' being used in online advertising. See online advertising for Mitt Romney... read more

ON THE SUBJECT OF TYRANTS
from 2012 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

When the tyrant has disposed of foreign enemies by conquest or treaty, and there is nothing more to fear from them, then he is always stirring up some war or other, in order that the people may require a leader. -- Plato... read more

EAT YOUR TOMATO HARVEST ALL YEAR
from 2012 in ( culture / food / recipes )

Five Tasty Ways to Eat Your Tomato Harvest All Year Hello tomato harvest time. If your garden (or farmer's market, or neighbor's garden) is suddenly overwhelming you with fresh tomatoe... read more

HOW HUBBARD AND RAND GOT THEIR IDEAS
from 2012 in ( culture / movies-tv-video / humor )

According to this video, this must be how it happened.Rand, in bed with Hubbard: We can take the most wealthy, privileged, powerful people and get them to talk like they'... read more

QUOTE OF THE DAY (7/14/2012)
from 2012 in ( culture / quotes )

The War on Terror(TM) is a product. It doesn't exist 'to keep us safe'; on the contrary, it exists to keep us in a state of fear. - Liberty Underground News Service... read more

QUOTE OF THE DAY (6/25/2012)
from 2012 in ( culture / quotes / politics )

To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize. -- VoltaireGood quote, but apparently not spoken by Voltaire. See answers.yahoo.com/question/inde... read more

OUR FIRST EVER ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT
from 2012 in ( culture / food / restaurants )

With Elizabeth taken for the night by her wonderful Auntie, Tara and I took the opportunity last night to use a Groupon and go to an Ethiopian restaurant, Mesob. It was our first time trying Ethiopian food. The appetizer, "sambusa," was very good. Wh... read more

ARTWORK THAT WE FOUND INTERESTING
from 2012 in ( culture / arts-crafts )

Artwork we found interesting enough to mention here! :) Julian Beever's Sidewalk Art Jana's... read more

WRITING PAGE
from 2012 in ( culture / writing )

Writers on the subject of writingMy author's pageBooksJokes ... read more

SURFER CATCHES BIGGEST WAVE, EVER, OFF PORTUGAL
from 2012 in ( culture / sports )

Surfer catches 'biggest wave ever' off PortugalSurfer catches 'biggest wave ever' off Portugal (video)... read more

PUTTIN" ON THE RITZ IN MOSCOW
from 2012 in ( culture / dance-stage )

Sparrow Hills, Moscow See Puttin' on the Ritz in Moscow... read more

BUREAUCRACY AT ITS WORST, LEGAL ARGUMENT AT ITS BEST
from 2012 in ( culture / humor / legal )

Bureaucracy at its worst, legal argument at its bestPart of rebuilding New Orleans caused residents often to be challenged with the task of tracing home titles back potentially hundreds of years.. With a community rich with history stretching back over two centuries, houses have been passed along th... read more

PART 1 HUNGRY FOR CHANGE
from 2012 in ( culture / movies-tv-video / politics )

"This inspiring film has the power to transform your health!" - Anthony Robbins, World Renowned Peak Performance Expert. Hungry For Change - .... read more

ESCAPE FROM ZIP TIES
from 2011 in ( culture / people / advice / crime )

If you're ever unlawfully detained, this might be good to know: from the rear - escape from zip ties in front - escape... read more

GREED IS NOT A VIRTUE
from 2011 in ( culture / people / money )

Great article. By capitalism's perverse moral logic, if a person sells toxic assets by knowingly misrepresenting them as sound, the fault lies not with the misrepresentation of the seller, but rather with the lack of due diligence on the part of the overly-trusting borrower. Read, l... read more

BRISNET TOP 10 KENTUCKY DERBY CONTENDERS (2011)
from 2011 in ( culture / sports / horseracing / triplecrown )

Brisnet Top 10 Kentucky Derby ContendersHere's the current year's: Kentuckyderby.com/horse... read more

GREAT COMMERCIAL
from 2011 in ( culture / movies-tv-video )

Commercial from Taiwan, for all you bikers out there, young and old:Dream Rangers... read more

KENTUCKY OAKS & DERBY (2011)
from 2011 in ( culture / sports / horseracing / triplecrown )

Kentucky Oaks & Derby (2011)Time to start watching the races leading up to the Kentucky Derby so I have a clue who to bet on on Derby Day, May 7th. 2011 Kentucky Oaks Derby May 6 and 7, 2011 Tickets, Events, Ne... read more

WHAT A SPLIT SECOND LOOKS LIKE
from 2011 in ( culture / photography )

Unless you like heavy metal guitars, you might want to lower or mute your volume before you click here This is exactly what you would think a split second would look like.... read more

EVENTS AT MPACT SPORTS
from 2011 in ( culture / sports )

For those in middle Tennessee: Events at Mpact. Elizabeth used to go here for gymnastics. They are a great bunch of people.... read more

FREE MONTY PYTHON VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE LEAD TO 23,000% SALES INCREASE
from 2011 in ( culture / movies-tv-video )

Free Monty Python Videos on YouTube Lead to 23,000% DVD Sale Increase We're letting you see absolutely everything f... read more

NEW RULES FOR WRITERS
from 2011 in ( culture / writing / advice )

Anis Shivani: New Rules For Writers: Ignore Publicity, Shun Crowds, Refuse Recognition And More These "rules" totally go against every prescription for writing success you'll hear as a young new writer from all quar... read more

FOX SHOOTS HUNTER IN BELARUS
from 2011 in ( culture / sports / hunting )

Hooray for the fox! A wounded fox shot its would-be killer in Belarus by pulling the trigger on the hunter's gun as the pair scuffled after the man tried to finish the animal off with the butt of the rifle ...... read more

HAPPY NEW YEAR
from 2011 in ( culture / holidays )

New Year Countdown Singapore, New Year Celebrations Kick Off Worldwide.... read more

SOLD ANOTHER BUMPER STICKER
from 2010 in ( culture / humor )

Man, that's three this year. At a dollar apiece, I'm gonna be rich! :) UPDATE: That was at Zazzle, but now I recommend CafePress.... read more

FASTEST TROOPER
from 2010 in ( culture / humor / jokes )

Montana State TrooperIn most of the United States there is a policy of checking on any stalled vehicle on the highway when temperatures drop to single digits or below. About 3 a.m. one very cold morning, Montana State Trooper Allan Nixon responded to a call. There was a car off the shoulder of the r... read more

GREETING CARDS BY NATALIA HOLMES
from 2010 in ( culture / arts-crafts )

Greeting Cards by Natalia Holmes, my niece.NOTE: She no longer does this.... read more

HOOKING UP THE TELEVISION
from 2010 in ( culture / movies-tv-video )

When I wasn't working on computers this weekend, I was trying to get the "new" used television working in the bedroom. Prior to even hav... read more

DOORMATS WITH A DIFFERENCE
from 2010 in ( culture / humor / jokes )

... read more

ZENYATTA LOST
from 2010 in ( culture / sports / horseracing )

Zenyatta lost by half a head!This is the Breeder's Cup Classic I'm talking about. I thought she was hurt or something the way she ran dead last, 20 lengths behind. Then she came out of nowhere and would have won with two m... read more

A FEW MORE GOOD QUOTES
from 2010 in ( culture / quotes )

The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in the insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well meaning but without understanding. -- Justice Louis Brandeis I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorr... read more

GIANTS WIN
from 2010 in ( culture / sports )

For the first time in my lifetime, the S.F. Giants have won the World Series!And they did it on my birthday!Adding to my joy was seeing George W. Bush in the background, clearly unhappy.... read more

ALL-TIME BEST MOVIE LINES
from 2010 in ( culture / movies-tv-video )

I thought it'd be fun to come up with a list of the all-time best movie lines. Use the comments section below comments open again for your suggestions. Try and do it from memory. Don't worry about getting it exactly right. Here's what comes to my mind:"We'll always have Paris&... read more

WINE REVIEW
from 2010 in ( culture / food )

Yes, we do it all here at FriendsNews! If I said to you "Bohemian Highway, California Merlot 2007," what would you think? Crap? Just this side of Thunderbird? Well, you'd be wrong. At the amazingly low price of $6 for the small bottle, it's just as good as the Woodbridge California... read more

NEW ANTENNA
from 2010 in ( culture / movies-tv-video / tech )

Got the new tv antenna... read more

MY FIRST BUMPER STICKER SALE
from 2010 in ( culture / humor )

I just got an email saying I've made my first bumper sticker sale! They bought three, actually. At 33 cents commission per item, at this rate, one sale per year, I'll be rich in no time!UPDATE: That was at Zazzle, but now I recommend CafePress.... read more

QUOTE OF THE DAY (6/21/2010)
from 2010 in ( culture / quotes / economy )

Watching Titanic the part where the ship is sinking is like watching the U.S. economy, where the rich conspire to sink as many of the poor as they possibly can. - Bill Holmes (yes, I thought this one up myself!)... read more

LEAKED REPORTS DECLARE OBAMA'S UNWRITTEN NOVEL WINS
from 2010 in ( culture / humor / satire )

There's always room for satire here London - Leaked reports reveal that on Wednesday, dbut Hawaiian novelist Barack Hussein Obama II, 49, will win the Lost Man Booker Prize, one of the world's most prestigious literary awards, with "No Peace for the wicked!". It will be the fir... read more

NEIGHBORLY CONFRONTATION
from 2010 in ( culture / people / confrontation )

I had a run-in yesterday with the neighbor formerly known as "ahole motorcycle guy." I had just gotten back from a customer's office when I get a knock on the door. It's "motorcycle guy" saying "Can we talk a minute? I know you've got a problem with me." A... read more

DECENT BREAKFAST PLACE?
from 2010 in ( culture / food / restaurants )

Calling all breakfast eaters: Does anyone know of a decent place for breakfast near Nashville's (BNA) airport? My sister is passing through town next weekend and wants to have breakfast with Elizabeth (everyone else is secondary). We have a short time frame (2 or 3 hours) for brea... read more

QUOTE OF THE DAY (4/6/2010)
from 2010 in ( culture / quotes )

For life to work well for most people today, the universe has chosen an unlucky few for whom nothing works at all. :) Try and keep that in mind as you go through your day. -- Bill Holmes... read more

SCREENPLAY SUBMITTED
from 2010 in ( culture / writing / screenplays )

I submitted a screenplay to Scriptapalooza today. See scriptapalooza.com. The first deadline is Friday the 5th. The real deadline is April 15. I think first prize is $10,000, but the main thing is that real Hollywood industry people read all of the scripts, so maybe even if you don't... read more

MY FAMILY MEMBERS' BOOKS
from 2010 in ( culture / writing / books )

Scared to Life ...and Loving It!: One Man's Journey With Prostate Cancerby Kenneth J. Souza... read more

MARK TWAIN QUOTES
from 2010 in ( culture / quotes )

"If you don't read the newspaper, you're uninformed. If you do, you're misinformed." "A classic is a book that is praised by all and read by no one." "Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it!" "Nothing spoils a good story like the arrival of an ... read more

HAPPY GROUNDHOG'S DAY
from 2010 in ( culture / holidays / employment )

It's been almost five months now since I was laid off. It doesn't seem that long, actually. What've I been doing since then? Collecting unemployment checks and doing freelance consulting, helping people with their computer problems and questions. Check out computersavior.com f... read more

THAWING OUT
from 2010 in ( culture / writing / blog / weather )

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 the snow. It made for great sledding, though, which Elizabeth and I spent several h... read more

NEW MP3 PLAYER FOR MY CAR
from 2010 in ( culture / music / tech / auto )

I am now the proud owner of this very cool device, here. Thanks to Heather and Brady for the suggestion!You might also like All-Time Favorite Songs, Current Favorite Song... read more

NEWLY DISCOVERED RADIO STATION
from 2009 in ( culture / music / radio )

I just got my car back from the shop. $1500. Ouch!On the way home, though, I turned on the radio. All my preset stations were gone. Right. Whenever they reset the onboard computer, it resets my radio station presets. Kinda weird that it would, actually. Doesn't the radio have its own "memor... read more

A DAY WITHOUT MY CAR
from 2009 in ( culture / humor / transportation / auto )

I'm just testing this Windows Live Writer software. UPDATE: There's now a newer, "open-source" version here.It was a dark and stormy night ... No, it was an unusually cold day ... yeah, that's it ... for the fi... read more

MR. HAPPY'S 18TH ANNUAL UNUSUAL CHRISTMAS MUSIC PODCAST
from 2009 in ( culture / music / radio / holidays )

Seasons Greetings,You can "tune in" via your favorite mp3 player to the show: radio showWhat can you expect to hear? About 500 songs (over 24 hours of non-repeat music!) that fall into one or more of the following categories: musicians I like that happened to make a... read more

HAPPY HALLOWEEN
from 2009 in ( culture / holidays / halloween )

Or, as they piously call it around here, Fall Festival, because Halloween is "the work of Satan," you know. :)We just returned from trick-or-treating, which Elizabeth absolutely loved. She kept saying, "Halloween is so much fun!" And now we're all recovering from the hike aro... read more

GOT A HAIRCUT
from 2009 in ( culture / appearance / grooming )

Got a haircut today. Finally! What little I have left - after all the stress at work and the stress of the recent back pain - was getting pretty long and goofy-looking unless it was wet and slicked back. Anyway, I was sitting there in my chair getting my hair cut by the same middle aged woman who cu... read more

CHRISTMAS (2008)
from 2009 in ( culture / holidays / christmas )

It took five months, but here it is:Christmas 2008... read more

DETROIT BANK ROBBERY
from 2009 in ( culture / humor / crime )

Detroit PD should be ashamed! :) Here's the new link... read more

OUR FIRST OUTSIDE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, EVER
from 2008 in ( culture / holidays / christmas )

That's it. No story. Here's the link:Our first outside Christmas lights... read more

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
from 2008 in ( culture / quotes / employment )

The corporation is a true Frankenstein's monster, an artificial person run amok, responsible only to its own soulless self. - William DuggerFor more, go to dreamslaughter: Food For Thought.... read more

OLD MUSIC, NEWLY UPLOADED
from 2008 in ( culture / music )

Here's some piano music I've composed over the years, mostly from the late 80s and early 90s. I rarely play nowadays. None of the compositions (if you can call them that) had names until just now. And none of it is very professionally played or recorded, but it's all I could do!... read more

HOLDING THE SUN
from 2008 in ( culture / photography )

Here's a few, with more below these:... read more

SLOVAK ART, PALICKOVANIE
from 2008 in ( culture / arts-crafts )

Slovak art by Jana In the Slovak language, this textile art is called palickovanie (Pronounced: PALL-eech-ko-vah-nyeh) See also //dholmes.com/sk-gift.html... read more

KENTUCKY DERBY (2008)
from 2008 in ( culture / sports / horseracing / triplecrown )

Here's a list of possible starters for next week's Kentucky Derby: Derby 2008.The experts are divided between Big Brown, Colonel John and Pyro as their picks. You can see their p... read more

RADIO PAGE
from 2008 in ( culture / music / radio )

Online Radio stations Revolution935 Beat FM Blip.fm Pandora... read more

POETRY BY FRIENDSNEWS MEMBERS PAGE
from 2008 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

A Prince in DisguiseA Saga of SevenHatsPeople you'll be missing an... read more

HATS, A POEM
from 2008 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

by Jeannie WomackJoseph 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, in '49,he married his childhood love,now he was Tina's devot... read more

STAGE PAGE
from 2008 in ( culture / dance-stage / plays )

A couple of places in middle Tennessee where you might catch a stage playThe Thomas HouseChaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre... read more

PEOPLE YOU'LL BE MISSING AND WHY
from 2008 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

by Jeannie WomackThe time has come for you to move on,but I'm sure you'll be missing us while you are gone;No more conversation with boss Catherine to really make you think,You'll miss your adventures with su... read more

A PRINCE IN DISGUISE
from 2008 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

by Jeannie WomackWe met on the race track in '72I couldn't resist his eyes, so blueWe soon fell in love and started a lifeIn '76 he made me his wife A teacher, leader, rebel and yesA son, brothe... read more

THE RUN
from 2008 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

Running in the rain isn't the pain a non-runner might think it would be I put on my jacket that has a hood, lace up my shoes, and stretching is good I open the door, expecting more as the rain comes sprinkling down My course is not planned yet, I'll try not to get my shoes wet I start out r... read more

A SAGA OF SEVEN
from 2008 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

This is a story in the style called rapthat'll surely encourage an afternoon napof a family of seven, their kids and their wivesand something regarding their travels and lives. Now first there was Greg, a Brooklyn-born lad;and then it was Lucy that Mom and Dad had.She was born at Sing Sing (no,... read more

BOOKS PAGE
from 2008 in ( culture / writing / books )

Vernon Coleman books... read more

ALL ABOUT MOVIES AND TV
from 2008 in ( culture / movies-tv-video )

Check out IMDB featured content for the latest TV episodes, popular clips, and trailers. Free documentaries! Great website! Others here: Top Docume... read more

MUSIC PAGE
from 2008 in ( culture / music )

Five apps that should make middlemen nervousBandCampBandMixReve... read more

FASHION PAGE
from 2008 in ( culture / fashion )

We'll probably have something fashion-related to talk about... someday.... read more

SPORTS PAGE
from 2008 in ( culture / sports )

SoccerBleacher Report - SoccerESPNFCFIFAFootball.com... read more

MISCELLANEOUS RECIPES AND FOOD ARTICLES PAGE
from 2008 in ( culture / food / recipes )

This just in: turmeric and black pepper togetherKind Earth Recipes by AnastasiaCheap, healthy :... read more

THE LEGEND OF CONAN
from 2005 in ( culture / writing / poems )

(Irish Traditional)Once there was a kittenConan was his nameHe grew to nearly 20 poundsBut a kitten he remainedHe grew to be ferociousFeared throughout the landHush, my child and you shall hearThe legend of ConanA harder working kittenThe world has never seenHe'd guard the yard from... read more

CYCLING IN IOWA
from 2005 in ( culture / sports / cycling )

It's over, for me, anyway. I rode two days in and that was enough. As I expected, it was nice to ride with 10,000 other cyclists and the party-like attitude of the riders and the people in the towns was really nice. The problem was that it took place in Iowa. I was glad that when I rode, it was... read more

CRUISE SPECIAL
from 2002 in ( culture / humor / jokes )

A blonde walks by a travel agency and notices a sign in the window: Cruise Special -- $99! She goes inside, lays her money on the counter and says, I'd like the $99 cruise special, please. The agent grabs her, drags her into the back room, ties her to a large inner tube, then drags her o... read more

TYPICAL MAN'S TIMELINE
from 2002 in ( culture / humor / jokes )

1972: Long hair; 2002: Longing for hair 1972: The perfect high; 2002: The perfect high yield mutual fund 1972: KEG; 2002: EKG 1972: Acid rock; 2002: Acid reflux 1972: Moving to California because it's cool; 2002: Moving to California because it's warm 1972: Growing pot; 2002: Growing po... read more

51 YEARS AGO (NOW 70+ YEARS AGO)
from 2001 in ( culture / quotes / humor )

I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a week's groceries for $20. Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long before $2000 will only buy a used one. If cigarettes keep going up in price, I'm going... read more

ROMANCE MATH
from 2001 in ( culture / humor / jokes / math )

ROMANCE MATHEMATICS Smart man smart woman romance Smart man dumb woman affair Dumb man smart woman marriage Dumb man dumb woman pregnancy OFFICE ARITHMETIC Smart boss smart employee profit Smart boss dumb employee production Dumb boss smart employee promotion... read more

SPORTS JOKES
from 2001 in ( culture / humor / jokes / sports )

BaseballAn Irishman moves to the USA and finally attends his first baseball game. The first batter approached the batters box, took a few swings and then hit a double. Everyone was on their feet screaming Run, Run. The next batter hit a single and the Irishman listened as the crowd again cheered RUN... read more

AWARD-WINNING ENGLISH PROSE
from 2001 in ( culture / humor / language / english )

Every year, English teachers from across the USA can submit their collections of actual analogies and metaphors found in high school essays. These excerpts are published each year to the amusement of teachers across the country. Here are last year's winners.1. Her face was a perfect oval, like a... read more

AIRLINE CABIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
from 2001 in ( culture / humor / jokes / airlines )

All too rarely, airline attendants make an effort to make the in-flight "safety lecture" and announcements a bit more entertaining. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported:1. On a Southwest flight 245 (SW has no assigned seating, you just sit where you want) passengers... read more

APRIL FOOLS DAY HOAXES
from 2001 in ( culture / humor / holidays )

SPAGHETTI HARVEST - Bogus item on 1957 BBC news show Panorama. Viewers seeking advice on growing their own were told to put spaghetti sprig in tin of tomato sauce. SAN SERRIFFE - Guardian newspaper published seven-page supplement cel... read more

ANDY ROONEY QUOTES (SUPPOSEDLY)
from 2000 in ( culture / quotes / humor )

Andy Rooney on Monica. Can you believe it? Monica turned 28 this week. It seems like only yesterday that she was crawling round the White House on her hands and knees.... on Vegetarians. "Vegetarian" - that's an old Indian word meaning lousy hunter .... on Prisoners. Did you know that... read more

BILL AND TARA'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE
from 2000 in ( culture / movies-tv-video / transportation )

It started out as an innocent attempt at dinner and a movie on a Saturday night. It turned into... Tara's nightmare!We had dinner at Schlotzsky's, each of us ordering one of their 8" personal pizzas. Tara got her usual barbecue chicken. I tried... read more

A LITTLE BIBLE STUDY NEVER HURT ANYONE
from 1998 in ( culture / humor / jokes / religion )

Subject: Why can't I own a Canadian? Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio show. Recently, she said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any... read more

STUPID SAYINGS
from 1998 in ( culture / humor / jokes )

Save the whales. Collect the whole set. A day without sunshine is like, night. On the other hand, you have different fingers. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot. 99 percent of politicians give the rest a bad name. I feel like I'm diagonally parked in a parallel universe. HONK... read more

A GIRL NAMED LUCY
from 1998 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

from 1990This is a story 'bout a girl named LucyOtherwise known as "The Rappin' Watusi"She lays down a beat that gets your toes tappin'If your toes get tired, let your fingers do the snappin'She says "Hey buddy, don't you be no square"If you can't find a... read more

ICE FISHING
from 1998 in ( culture / humor / jokes )

Saturday morning I got up early, put on my long johns, dressed quietly, made my lunch, grabbed the dog, slipped quietly into the garage to hook the boat up to the truck, and proceeded to back out into a torrential downpour. There was snow mixed with the rain and the wind was blowing 50 mph. I pulled... read more

A DAY AT THE RACES
from 1998 in ( culture / writing / stories / horseracing )

from 1994The first Saturday in May. What does this date mean to you? Probably nothing, except that Spring has finally arrived, unless you live in California where it's been Spring already for two months or more - real Spring, not calendar Spring. But ask any horse racing buff and they will tel... read more

BARBECUE SEASON
from 1998 in ( culture / humor / jokes )

After months of cold and winter, we are finally coming up to summer and BBQ season. Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking as it's the only type of cooking a real man will do, probably because there is an element of danger involved.When... read more

SUCCESS EQUATION
from 1998 in ( culture / humor / jokes / math )

This equation should be taught in all math classes! From a strictly mathematical viewpoint it goes like this:What Makes 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to... read more

BLONDE JOKES
from 1998 in ( culture / humor / jokes )

Blonde in a hailstorm A blonde is driving home and she gets caught in a really bad hail storm.The hail is as big as tennis balls, and she ends up with her car covered with large dents. So the next day she takes her car to the repair shop. The shop owner, seeing she is blonde, decides to have a litt... read more

HOSPITAL CHARTS
from 1998 in ( culture / humor / jokes )

NOTATIONS ON HOSPITAL CHARTS Actual Sentences or notations Found In Patients' Hospital Charts 1. She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night. 2. Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year. 3. On the second day th... read more

DID I READ THAT SIGN RIGHT?
from 1998 in ( culture / humor / language )

In a public restroom Toilet Out Of Order. Please Use Floor Below In a laundromat Automatic Washing Machines Please Remove All Your Clothes When The Light Goes Out In a London department store Bargain Basement Upstairs In an office... read more

INSURANCE-RELATED JOKES
from 1998 in ( culture / humor / jokes )

Frequently Asked Questions About HealthcareQ: 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 be made to forget about the pain in his foot if he was poked hard enough i... read more

AIRLINE GRIPESHEET
from 1998 in ( culture / humor / jokes / airlines )

After every flight, pilots fill out a form called a gripe sheet, which conveys to the mechanics problems encountered with the aircraft during the flight that need repair or correction. The mechanics read and correct the problem, and then respond in writing on the lower half of the form what remedial... read more

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