culture

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First Doctor's Visit In Years

( 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 if I needed a mask. I said sure, she gave me on... read more

Kentucky Derby 2022

( 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 Odds 1 Mo Doneg... read more

Elon Musk Flooded With Requests To Buy Facebook, LinkedIn And YouTube To Return Free Speech To Those Platforms

( 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't know.... read more

Stephen Lendman Quote

( culture / quotes / 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 elderly, infirm, likely with other health issues, and we ... read more

Dry Cookies (Portuguese)

( culture / food / dessert / 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 -- bars of butter 2 tbsp -- 1 tbsp -- Crisco Shortening 1 tbsp -- 1/2 tbsp -- Baking Powder 2 cups -- 1 cup-- Sugar Cream butter, Crisco & sugar first, then add flour ... read more

Another Way: Beyond The Status Quo

( 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 at every turn. She is out of his le... read more

Aldo Leopold Quote

( culture / quotes )
"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

( 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 President Wanted to state ... read more

A Couple Of Freebies Here

( culture / writing / books / novels )
My latest attempt at monetization on BuyMeACoffee.com... until they cancel me for being politically incorrect. To start things off, here's my first published work, and my most-recently published. Work sounds pretentious, I know. They're just a co... read more

The Problem With The World

( 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, t... read more

Portfolio Manager From Stockholm, Sweden

( 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 fortune. here we go I sent you an initial email without a reply, Just curious if you received the email I sent ... on a matter concerning the dea... read more

What Constitutes A Jew, Anyway?

( culture / religion / people )
title tweaked to avoid offending the too-easily offended ...a Jew is, by definition of 3,000 years, only a person born to a Jewish mother or converted to Judaism according to normative Judaic law... -- Dov Fischer, here ... read more

Happy 2/22/22 Tuesday!

( culture / calendar )
A day like today has GOT to be special! Make it a good one! ... read more

Thomas Paine Quote

( 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

( 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

( culture / quotes )
"The best way to control opposition is to lead it ourselves." -- Vladimir Lenin ... read more

Aaron Rodgers Quote

( 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 of the C... read more

Dostoyevsky Quote

( 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

( 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. ... read more

Marian Turski Quote

( 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 Se... read more

Vernon Coleman MD Quotes

( 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

( 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: discogs.comYou might also like All-Time Favorite Songs, Current Favorite ... read more

New Anthem: "Stick Your Vaccine Mandate Up Your "

( culture / humor / covid / vaccines )
New theme song, sung to the tune of She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain. "Along with Let's Go Brandon, a new anthem Stick Your Vaccine Mandate Up Your A is making a buzz online. Many people around the world have sung the anthem as a way of protesting the Covid-19 "vaccine" manda... read more

John Wayne Quote

( culture / quotes )
"Life is tough. It's tougher when you're stupid." -- John Wayne... read more

Bruce Pardy Quote

( 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 Pardy See rightsprobe.org/read/the-cold-war-continues-and-now... read more

Thanksgiving Week Trip To The Gulf Coast

( culture / writing / travel / blog )
Just getting the rental car (minivan) in the first place was a bit of an adventure. Because we were leaving Monday morning, we wanted to pick it up Sunday night, but all local Enterprise offices are closed on Sundays, which I find weird, given that travel-and-leisure-related activities, more often ... read more

Thomas Merton Quote

( 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... read more

Gustave Le Bon Quote

( 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

( 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

( 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

( culture / writing / advice )
What are the main ELEMENTS OF A STORY? Setting; Character; Plot; Conflict; Theme; Point-of-view; Tone; Style; : Elements of a Story... read more

From Hill To Valley, A Long-Winded Postcard From The Road

( culture / writing / travel / blog )
The drive from Spring Hill, Tennessee to Valley, Alabama was uneventful... until we were almost there. So close. That's a fairly generic name for a town, though, isn't it? Valley. It's like finding a good spot for a town, planting your flag, and naming it River or Forest or Hill. I know, that i... read more

Walt Whitman Quote

( culture / quotes )
"Keep your face always towards the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you." -- Walt Whitman... read more

Todd Wagner Quote

( culture / quotes )
"The truth sounds like hate to those who hate the truth" -- Todd Wagner... read more

Anonymous Quote Of The Day

( culture / quotes / 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

( 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

( 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 Inventing Anna on Netflix, the above quote actually came from Yoko Ono? I don't know.... read more

Vince Coyner Quote

( 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

( culture / music / lyrics )
Obviously a work in progress but, here goes... in no particular order. PLEASE add your own by leaving a comment below! "You gave me nothing, now it's all I got." from One by U2 "If you're sleeping, are you dreaming? If you're dreaming, are you dreaming of me?" from C... read more

Daniel Horowitz Quote

( culture / quotes / 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

( 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 Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to that list. Thank you for the suggestion, Joe. ... read more

So-Called Experts

( culture / quotes )
From Rand's 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. -- Laurence J. Peter ... read more

Stephen Covey Quote

( culture / quotes )
"Loyalty must not be a higher value than integrity..." -- Stephen Covey ... read more

A Novel Location Of Pack Worker, Etc.

( 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 CareerBuilder online s... read more

H.L. Mencken Quotes

( 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.""It is the classic fallacy of our time that a moron run through a univ... read more

The Delta Variant

( culture / humor / covid )
Remember back in 2020 when the entire world got an early April Fools joke with "health officials" renaming the seasonal flu "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 w... read more

A Couple More Humorous Junk Emails

( 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 They're leaning pretty heavily on that thesaurus, aren't they? to establish ya'll as a worker of our management's improv... read more

The Faded Page

( culture / writing / books )
"Free eBooks forever. FP now includes 6312 eBooks in its collection." Books in the public domain. fadedpage.com... read more

Hitler Quote

( 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

( 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

( culture / quotes / 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 waste -- Hillary Clinton and friends started using it (on steroids) in 2008 onward.... read more

My Email Signature Line

( 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 WHO Recommends against wearing a mask... read more

Home Movies

( culture / movies-tv-video / family / video )
Wait two seconds, or click here for home movies... read more

Tom Mullen Quote

( 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

( 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. If you put water into a c... read more

I Donated To Follow The Science: On Lockdowns And Liberty

( culture / movies-tv-video / politics )
"Follow the Science: On Lockdowns and Liberty. Help this crucial film get made!2020 was an unprecedented year in human history. The advent of SARS-CoV-2 was a catalyst for deep societal division and turmoil, government action unparalleled in the modern liberal world, and the severe disruption ... read more

Vacancies Available

( 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?"Our company, a global leader in the acquisition of spe... read more

The Vaccine Disinformation War

( culture / humor / covid / vaccines )
Hilarious!"This non-experimental experimental "vaccine" is truly a historic development, because apart from saving the world from a virus that causes mild to moderate flu-like symptoms (or, more commonly, no symptoms whatsoever) in roughly 95% of those infected, and that over 99% of t... read more

Blue Ashes Music

( 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 lead s... read more

A Dilemma We All Now Face

( 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 here and here) versus the possible adverse effects of thi... read more

Nicholas Klein Quote

( 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 wikipedia.org/wiki/NicholasKlein"Klein's words are often summarized as 'First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight y ... read more

Voltaire Quotes

( culture / quotes / philosophy )
"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 yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so, too.&... read more

Cool New Covid Shot Side-Effect Discovered

( culture / humor / covid / vaccines )
Fauci and Gates today held a joint press conference to announce the following:Arm That Got Jab Attracts Magnet OK, there was no press conference but, unless this woman's arm was already magnetic (or sticky), this is very weird.... read more

Activist Recorded American TV 24 Hours A Day For 30 Years To Protect The Truth (Documentary)

( culture / movies-tv-video / research / documentaries )
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

( 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 pro... read more

Business Proposal, File No 180/86

( 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...Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Federal capit... read more

Kentucky Derby 2021

( 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 (Oct... read more

Hackers Have Access To Your Device

( 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 first - Seems very polite! I am a professional programmer, who specializes in hacking during my free time. as most of us do This time you wer... read more

The Latest Creative Safety Shoes

( 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 received this email! We are a professional shoes manufacturer, focused on this area for 10 years. We service a good quality shoes with best price and fa ... read more

Coenzymeq10 Elderberry Extract Anthocyanidins

( culture / humor / internet / spam )
Hi Sir ,We have been caring about your esteemed company for a long time. Awww!!! They've been 'caring about us!' Attached our star products. We sincerely hope can help with your business if any requirements. Product Name - Marigold extract Lutein/lutein ester/zeaxanthin 10%20%;Gingkgo biloba ... read more

Electric Bicycle Supplier From China

( 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:From: ebikegroup@163.comHi There,Good day!This is natalie ... read more

Sumptuous Opportunity Is Promptly Uncovered

( 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. What exactly does that mean? ... read more

This Sort Of Thing Is Why I Quit Facebook And Twitter

( culture / tech / internet / social )
Go to Facebook removes covid 19 "vaccine" victims group And they have VERY USEFUL links to Big Tech Alternatives at the bottom of the above-linked page.... read more

Winston Churchill Quotes

( 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

( culture / sports / hero / baseball )
"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 ... read more

Rand's Quotations

( 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 drama." -- E.M. Cioran "There's no und ... read more

John Cleese Quotes

( culture / humor / quotes )
"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

Theodore Roosevelt Quote

( 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

( 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 wo... read more

Ingredients Of A Novel

( 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. -- Pierre Berton;Recycle and read t... read more

Laurence J. Peter Quote

( 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 While Searching For Food, It's Worth $330,000

( 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

( 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." It might be more accurately stated as, Those whose stories are heard/read rule the world. Some of us are fairly invisible out here. :) J... read more

Proper Disposal Of Disposable Masks

( 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 e... read more

Random Book Reviews

( culture / writing / books / reviews )
From Lionel, January 2013: I just finished reading The Walking Drum by Louis L'Amour, a historical novel. Best book I've ever read. From Doug: Dad, I'm still finishing the David Baldacci book, First Family, and then have his Hour Game to read, but with that recommendation, I'd like you to save ... read more

Cowboy Poetry

( 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... read more

Carl Jung Quote

( 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." -- Carl ... read more

Buckminster Fuller Quote

( 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

( culture / quotes / politics )
"It's not the votes that count, it's who counts the votes." -- Josef Stalin... read more

Various Political Quotes

( 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 hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own ab ... read more

Harry Truman Quote

( 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." -- H... read more

George Washington Quote

( 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

( culture / humor / writing / blog )
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 see me... read more

Thomas Sowell Quotes

( 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." - Thomas ... read more

Nietzsche Quote

( 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." -- Friedrich Nietzsche... read more

20 Profound Quotes By Carl Jung That Will Help You To Better Understand Yourself

( culture / quotes / philosophy )
"One of the things I love about Carl Jung is the fact that he was a deep philosophical thinker whoexamined all aspects of the self when writingabout the human experience. Asyou will see in the quotes below, Jung was clear on the notion that we are spiritual..." See also: ... read more

Thomas Jefferson Quotes

( 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." -- Thomas Jefferson "When once a Republic is corrupted, there is ... read more

Leonardo Davinci Quote

( 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

( 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)Affiliate marketing link belowTry Fubo streaming TV ... read more

Edgar Allan Poe Quote

( 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

( 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

( 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 ... read more

Van Morrison Quote

( 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

( culture / quotes )
"You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have." -- Bob Marley... read more

Now It (NFL) Gets Good

( 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 on Saturday, and the same o... read more

Allan Stevo Quote

( 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 Stevo looking-for-warriors-face-masks-giving-in ... read more

Alex Pannas Quotes (From Operation Detour)

( culture / writing / 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.""I try to be cool. I now know something about being an outsider. Nothi... read more

Benny Reed Quotes (From Lottery President)

( culture / writing / 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 doesn't win. The reason an otherwise ... read more

Colonel Charonne Quotes (From Another Way: Beyond The Status Quo)

( culture / writing / 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: Beyond the Status Quo... read more

Dobie Pokorny Quotes (From Another Way: Beyond The Status Quo)

( culture / writing / books / novels )
"If you're not at least a little bit of 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 ... read more

Riva Petkovic Quotes (From Operation Detour)

( culture / writing / 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.""All the great military operations had memorable names: C... read more

Semmy Quotes (From Another Way: Beyond The Status Quo)

( culture / writing / 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're not slumming it down here in the third and ... read more

Ol' Lightnin' Quotes (From The Lazy Pug Cafe)

( culture / writing / 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... what... read more

Laurie Halse Anderson Quote

( culture / quotes )
"Censorship is the child of fear and the father of ignorance." -- Laurie Halse Anderson... read more

Feeding Horses In The Rain

( culture / writing / poetry )
Feeding horses in the rain is such a painThe horses trot by and splash mud in my eyeI toss all the flakesmissing puddles and small lakesThe wind picks up fast as blankets go on lastI make my way back Put away random tackTake off my muddy clothesWarm up my cold toesWatch them eat from the housePlan a... read more

Solzhenitsyn Quotes

( 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 doe... read more

Aldous Huxley Quotes

( 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 ... read more

On The Subject Of Bidets

( culture / humor / home / household )
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 bidet!And a heated seat... I know I... read more

Christian Josi (PJ Media Columnist) Quote

( culture / quotes / politics )
"Polling: The gateway political drug to misinformation, mistakes and malfeasance." -- Christian JosiThis was actually just a headline, but I thought it was great all by itself. pjmedia.com ... read more

Adlai Stevenson Quote

( 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." -- Adlai Stevenson Today, it's the cloak of a bad flu bug cal... read more

Good News For Church-Goers

( 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 neutral becaus... read more

Hilarious Memes About Lockdowns

( 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 Covid sprea... read more

Arthur C. Clarke Quote

( culture / quotes / science )
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." -- Arthur C. Clarke... read more

These Zeba Sneakers Look Cool

( 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 then slip on easily."... read more

Breeders Cup 2020

( 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 handily by 2-1/2 lengths. Morning-line favorite Improbab... read more

Art Should Comfort The Disturbed And Disturb The Comfortable

( culture / quotes / art )
"Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable." -- Cesar A. Cruz arikoinuma.comNEW! Random samples of dialogue from my novels! ... read more

The Quest For A Facebook Replacement Continues

( 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

( culture / quotes )
"A novel is the fine art of never getting to the point.""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! Make yourself the hero.""I've decid... read more

Lee Child Quote

( culture / quotes / writing )
"Don't get it right, get it written!" -- Lee Child NEW! Random samples of dialogue from my novels!... read more

Ordering A Pizza In The Near Future (Like, Maybe Next Month)

( culture / humor / movies-tv-video )
"A man learns how tough it is to order a pizza in the not-too-distant future." Go to How to order a Pizza in the Future UPDATE: Even better, here's the original from 2006: Ordering Pizza in the Future... read more

Psychopaths Among Us

( culture / people )
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 explain... read more

Norwegian Official Apologizes For Making 2020 An Hour Longer

( 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.... Go to upi.com/OddNews... read more

One Of My Favorite Twain Quotes

( culture / quotes )
"If you don't read the newspaper, you're uninformed. If you read the newspaper, you're mis-informed." -- Mark TwainNEW! Random samples of dialogue from my novels!... read more

Current Favorite Songs

( culture / music )
Current favorite songs. The songs are not current, but their status as favorite is.A Thousand Years - Christina PerriAmerican Girl - Tom PettyBaby Hold On - Dixie ChicksBad - U2Boys of Summer - Don HenleyBreathe (2 AM) - Anna NalickCasual Conversations - SupertrampChildren Of The World - Amy Gran... read more

Harness Racing Legend, Billy Direct

( 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?markerID058-047. It says his time was 1:44 but in fact it was 1:55. I don't know if it's a typo on that website or the marker itself, ... read more

George Orwell Quotes

( 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... read more

Bill Hicks Quote

( 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." -- Bill HicksNEW! Random samples of dialogue from my novels!... read more

Charles Bukowski Quotes

( 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 t... read more

Watch Deepfake Donald Trump On His First Day Working At RT

( culture / movies-tv-video / humor )
Making news not faking news: Watch Deepfake Donald Trump on his first day working at RT... Go to rt.com/news/501369-donald-trump-rt-deep-fake/... read more

California Under Quarantine

( culture / humor / covid )
Hilariously sad. See What It's Like Living in California Now "We now have hundreds of thousands of so-called 'cases', 'infections' and 'positive tests' but hardly any sick people. Recall that four fifths (80%) of 'infections' are asymptomatic (1) Covid wards have been by and large empty... read more

Leo Tolstoy Quote

( 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 NEW! Random samples of dialogue from my novels!... read more

Freewrite, The Device For Distraction-Free Writing

( 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

( culture / arts-crafts )
"Art Should Comfort The Disturbed And Disturb The Comfortable..." Go to themindunleashed.com/2020/08/controversial-art-think.html... read more

Airlines Gate Agent

( 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 ... read more

Einstein Quotes

( culture / quotes )
"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 embrace all humanity and the whole of nature in its beauty.&q... read more

The Purpose Of Communist Propaganda

( 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 rep... read more

Kentucky Derby (2020)

( 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, schedu... read more

Transportation Jokes

( culture / humor / jokes )
New Los Angeles Driver's Exam For 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 the C... read more

Non-Fiction 3

( 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?&quo... read more

Humorous Quotes, Page 2

( culture / humor / quotes )
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, someone ... read more

Humorous Quotes, Page 3

( culture / humor / quotes )
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 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 ign ... read more

Non-Fiction Science

( culture / humor )
Acknowledging Receipt of Australopithicus Spiff-arino The 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

( culture / humor / quotes )
Somethin' to think about Living 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 ignoranc... read more

Proverbs

( culture / quotes )
Proverbs and anything else thought-provoking and/or inspirationalThe 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 ... read more

Non-Fiction 1

( culture / humor )
Five people who have a job worse than yours The 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 bull... read more

Non-Fiction 2

( culture / humor )
Credit Card Bill In 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 ... read more

Christmas Jokes

( culture / humor / jokes / christmas )
A Christmas Story One 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 t... read more

Brand Suicide Or Savvy PR Move? CEO Of Food Giant Goya Praises Trump

( culture / tech / internet / social )
Go to goya-hispanic-food-trump-cancel/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

( culture / quotes )
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 out the truth. The bam... read more

Cassette Tape Converted To MP3

( 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 this! :)UPDATE: Piece of crap. Do NOT waste your time or money. There is a constant hum in the background of my sample recorded songs (side 1 of End of the Innocen... read more

Emissions Test

( 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 situation after a while, wondering what could possibly go wrong next. I never did get it tested because I really did have to leave a... read more

Belmont Stakes To Be Run First In Triple Crown This Year

( culture / sports / horseracing / triplecrown )
Go to BelmontStakes.com. These are the entrants. Still more here."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... read more

Movies And TV Shows Filmed In Budapest

( culture / movies-tv-video )
I was researching this for my next possible novel, and thought other, better novelists might find it useful:Love and DeathEtoileMusic BoxHowling V: The RebirthThe Cremaster CycleGloomy SundayAu PairIn the BeginningAn American RhapsodyLast RunDinotopiaPerlasca Un eroe ItalianoI SpyUnderworld8mm 2Mun... read more

The Good Old Days

( culture / writing / blog / shopping )
Ah, the good ol' days when the shelves were full! Click the image.... read more

More Advice For Writers

( 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

( culture / music )
Terry DanClick here for YouTube or here for Facebook.You might also like All-Time Favorite Songs, Current Favorite Songs or Favorite Lines from Songs... read more

Benjamin Franklin Quotes

( 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 tha... read more

Political Compass Test

( 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 teach... read more

Thoughts On Writing

( 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 interview, If y... read more

Thought For Today

( culture / quotes / health / conspiracies )
"It's easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled!" -- Mark Twain NEW! Random samples of dialogue from my novels! ... read more

Humor Amid Official Overreaction

( 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 teac... read more

Mangled English

( 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 read notis.IN A BUC... read more

Bandanna Fashion

( 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

( 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.NEW! Random samples of dialogue from my novels!... read more

Kentucky Derby Postponed

( 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 kentuckyderby.com... read more

All Quotes

( 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 information, religion de ... read more

Stop Panicking

( culture / people )
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 to timesofisrael.com... read more

The Lazy Pug Cafe

( culture / writing / books / novels )
The Lazy Pug Cafe was a dilapidated old farmhouse abandoned years ago. A massive, ancient oak tree, Ol' Lightnin', lurked out back while the house itself served as a sad but charming reminder of days gone by. Locals were grateful someone was finally bringing the old girl back to life. Come meet p... read more

Music By A Nephew (And Friends)

( culture / music )
Thomas and friends, a.k.a. OneSol are on Facebook, YouTube, BandMix, ReverbNation, and iTunes... somewhere."Cali Reggae Surf Rock Jam Band. Reggae influenced rock music you can vibe with. Conscious lyrics laid over solid beats paired with funky bass lines. Keys drop sweet bubble that sets the m... read more

10 TV Series With Conscious Themes If You're Looking For Something Good

( 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..." Go to collective-evolution.com See also, decent series? Affiliate marketing link belowTry Fubo streaming TV ... read more

Music By A Brother

( culture / music )
Music by one of my brothers:'Til the Morning ComesOld GloryYou might also like All-Time Favorite Songs, Current Favorite Songs or Favorite Lines from Songs... read more

Review My Books

( 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, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, or wherever you bought it. Thanks! Leaving a review on iBooks i... read more

Ronica's Maple Roasted Chicken

( culture / food / recipes )
4 large skinless chicken thighs or breasts3 potatoes cut into chunks1 medium onion cut into small pieces1 bag baby carrots¼ cup maple syrup1 teaspoon salt½ teaspoon pepperCombine all ingredients in roasting pan and toss to coat. Cook 40-45 minutes covered at 450 degrees. Stir once about ha... read more

Good Article About Storytelling

( culture / writing / advice )
"Pop culture today is obsessed with the battle between good and evil. Traditional folktales never were. What changed?" Go to the-good-guy-bad-guy-myth... read more

NFL Conference Championship Games

( 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 Packers, for ... read more

Best Fiction Of 2019

( culture / writing / books / novels )
"The Testaments by Margaret Atwood... wins this year's Best Fiction award for her long-anticipated sequel to the dystopian classic The Handmaid's Tale. The book picks up the story 15 years after handmaid Offred's ambiguous fate in the theocratic nation of Gilead and continues the saga's dar... read more

No Annoying Prompts

( 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 me a (virtual) cup of coffee here or here; or, click... read more

Best And Worst Self-Publishing Sites

( 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

( 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 criticNEW! Random samples of dialogue from my novels!... read more

USMNT Fan-Preferred Roster

( 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 HERE I like this lineup, here.... read more

Most Popular Site On The Internet

( 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: Look at that Popularity and Social Interest score! Woohoo! All zeroes, baby! Please support this website, should you be so inclined: buy one of my novels/novell... read more

Support This Site

( 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 ... read more

How To Support This Website

( 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; or, click one of the ads sprinkled throughout the site.Thanks! ... read more

Joke Images

( culture / humor / jokes )
WARNING: Not necessarily for kids (or the squeamish).animals &n... read more

Get Into Farming

( culture / humor / jokes )
Some bad language, but funny. Get Into Farming... read more

History Of Friendsnews.Com

( 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) cup of coffee here or here; or, click one of the ads sprinkled throughout the site.Thanks!... read more

All Of My Books

( culture / writing / books / novels )
See Novels/NovellasFeatured book deals on Smashwords Over the past year, I've made updates and/or corrections to most if not all of my novels (listed below). According to Amazon, You should get automatic updates if 1) your device is connected to wireless internet (Wi-Fi), and 2) you turn on automa... read more

British Problems

( culture / humor )
via reddit. "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 p... read more

Knots By Anna Nalick

( culture / music )
Wow, great vocals. My current favorite Here it is at YouTube. Maybe one of these links (here or here) will work for you if you have Amazon Prime.You might also like All-Time Favorite Songs, Current Favorite Songs or Favorite Lines from Songs... read more

Derby This Saturday

( 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

( 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 stairs back to your floor, the sixth, because you haven't met yo... read more

Mongolian Throat Singing

( 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 movie. :)You might also like All-Time Favorite Songs, Current Favorite Songs or Favorite Lines from Songs... read more

Leaving Zazzle

( 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 to post it f... read more

Where You Belong

( culture / people )
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 well in New England due to your no-nonsense personality and preservation of tradition. New Englan... read more

Good Album

( culture / music )
Dido's latest (here) is pretty good, FYI, if you generally like her music.You might also like All-Time Favorite Songs, Current Favorite Songs or Favorite Lines from Songs... read more

DIY Arts And Crafts

( 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

( 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 famous people from there (because we know you were wondering):William Arthur HolmesC... read more

Operation Detour

( culture / writing / books / novels )
Riva is a beautiful young black ops agent on her first assignment. She tries to turn Alex into her own asset, just to prove she can. When he loses both his job and girlfriend, she thinks he's putty in her hands. When he decides to go out with a bang, she's afraid she's overplayed that hand. ... read more

Temporary Insanity

( culture / writing / books / novels )
Long before winning the lottery and running for president, Benny was living in L.A. working as a word processing temp. He thought his latest assignment was just another gig, never anticipating Venelia and the Dynamos. The what?... read more

Last Train Out

( 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. After she goes missing, he learns she is not the innocent little girl he once thought. Not even close. His only hope is to find her and catch the Last Train Out.... read more

Dance

( culture / dance-stage )
Hundreds of dancers joined together in Moscow on 26.02.2012 to perform together a great flashmob of... Go to Puttin' on the Ritz in Moscow... read more

Crafts By Friendsnews Members

( culture / arts-crafts )
Jana's Palickovanie art... read more

Religion Quotes

( culture / quotes / religion )
"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad; and that is my religion. -- Abraham Lincoln""When Gandhi was asked his opinion of Western civilization he said, "It would be a good idea.""Heaven is by favor. If it were by merit, your dog would go in and you wou ... read more

Movies-TV

( culture / movies-tv-video )
Good quasi-clay-mation video Great first video from several years ago by my niece here or here Indian flick with subtitles 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... read more

Friends Of Humanity

( 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 Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America."Th... read more

Recently-Discovered Book Repository

( 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

Saturnalia

( culture / holidays / christmas )
Go to saturnalia-reason-for-season"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 ... read more

Couple Of Good Ones

( culture / humor / jokes )
OK, three good ones. and and, this just in, something to settle the argument... ... read more

How To Move A Book Store

( 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.... read more

Taking The Stairs

( 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

Best Thrillers Of All-Time

( 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. I should read them again.The Manchurian Candidate by Richard Condon (1959)The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy ... read more

Worrying Works

( culture / humor / jokes )
Worrying must work, because almost everything I worry about ends up not happening!... read more

USB Turntable

( 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 works! UPDATE: I wish I'd read this first: cnet.com/news/usb-turntables-worst-ever-audio-product/You might also like All-Time Favorite Songs, Current Favorite Songs or Fa... read more

Good Quasi-Claymation Video

( 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 YouTube channel is here. Affiliate marketing link belowTry Fubo streaming TV ... read more

Quote On Tolerance

( 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." -- Bernie Kuntz 2016"To one who has faith, no explanation is n ... read more

Too Funny

( 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 German man's car found. ... read more

Cats Disrespecting Pugs

( 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, actually 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, to the other side of the bed. #CatsDisrespecting... read more

Lesson On Taxes

( culture / quotes / humor )
"The best way to teach your kids about taxes is by eating 30% of their ice cream." - Bill MurrayNEW! Random samples of dialogue from my novels!... read more

Another Great Quote

( culture / quotes )
"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 ... read more

Natalia Holmes Photography And Videos

( culture / photography )
Natalia Holmes travel photography and videography on YouTube, InstaGram and Pinterest.... read more

Indian Flick With Subtitles

( 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 c... read more

Netflix Subgenres

( culture / movies-tv-video )
How to find those hard-to-find movies and TV shows on Netflix:Netflix codes UPDATE: Not sure this works. Affiliate marketing link belowTry Fubo streaming TV ... read more

Folding Clothes

( culture / writing / blog / home-garden )
I thought I'd watch some sports while folding clothes (making up for my complete lack of doing chores yesterday). My choices were NBA basketball (where travelling is only called after 6 or 7 steps), bull riding (where I just feel sorry for the bulls), or a dog show (where I just couldn't care less).... read more

Airlines Misbehaving

( culture / writing / blog / airlines )
United Airlines says "Thank you, American Airlines, now everyone finally knows we're not the ONLY aholes!" Yes, the woman was apparently belligerent (just like United's victim), but these so-called professionals need to be a LOT more professional.... read more

Plastic Girl

( 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 like that. Eve... read more

Wife's Jetta

( 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...

( 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

( culture / quotes )
Nice list: Putting Words in Mark Twain's MouthI wonder if any of these are on that listNEW! Random samples of dialogue from my novels!... read more

One Of The All-Time Great Rock Era Lyricists

( culture / music )
Listening to Don Henley this morning. He is one of the all-time great lyricists/poets. Just thought I'd say so. Then Don McLean came on, so ... ?? Of course, they can both be among the greatest, but Henley is probably THE greatest. And then there's my brother Don (known professionally as Aaron Holm... read more

Action Films On Netflix

( 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!Affiliate marketing link belowTry Fubo streaming TV ... read more

Facebook Creeps Me Out

( 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

Local Pick Up

( culture / writing / blog / shopping )
Just ordered a $10 item on eBay. They offered "Local Pick Up in Las Vegas, Nevada" versus delivering it. I live in Nashville. I need to decide if it's worth driving out there. Suggestions?... read more

My English Premier League Team

( 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 always liked the idea of Argyle socks but was... read more

Writers Need Followers?

( 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 who actively seeks followers... read more

Is There A Decent Series Available Online?

( 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 something goodUPDATE: Just thought I would list... read more

Fence Guy

( culture / writing / blog / home-garden )
So, the wife texts me saying, "Fence guy quoted $35500 to do the fence. He's coming out Wednesday." This is a fence repair for a small backyard, not a new thousand acre fence. Me: "How much?!" Wife (paraphrasing): "Oops, I left out the decimal point!... read more

Awkward

( 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 away, so I'm actually not entirely... read more

Recent Tweets

( 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..."Saturday, July 20, 2013: Picked more b... read more

Cereal

( 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

( 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 field go... read more

American Pharoah Vs. Secretariat, Who Would Win?

( 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: American Pharoah vs. Secretariat: Who Would Win?... read more

All-Time Favorite Songs

( culture / music )
Or, what I'd want on my MP3 player if stuck on a deserted island (with rechargeable batteries and a solar-powered battery charger). A bunch of songs have been left off simply because they've been played to death. Some songs are on here only because I like (try) to sing along, or maybe it has a kille... read more

The Road To The Kentucky Derby (2015)

( 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 see who will make the starting gate on the first Saturday in May. Source: ... read more

My Novels

( culture / writing / books / novels )
WilliamArthurHolmes.comFeatured book deals on Smashwords or go to Another peak at my books Over the past year, I've made updates and/or corrections to most if not all of my novels (listed below). According to Amazon, You should get automatic updates if 1) your device is connecte... read more

American Racehorse, Cigar, Dies At Age 24

( culture / sports / horseracing )
Sad news. He was one of the greats. We saw him in retirement at Kentucky Horse Park several years ago. Cigar, American racehorse, dies at age of 24."The two-time United States horse of the year won 16 consecutive races during 1995 and 96, including the inaugural Dubai World ... read more

Forrest Gump Quote

( 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?" Forrest Gump.NEW! Random samples of dialogue from my novels!... read more

Photography

( culture / photography )
Some interesting photography-related links here Wallpapers collected over the years. If you are the photographer/owner and want your photo removed, just let us know.pixabay.comDreamstimeGetty ImagesJohn Martell ... read more

Parents Code Of Ethics

( 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

( 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 subscribe, which I won'... read more

Take This Quiz

( 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

( 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

( 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. California Chrome a horse of a uniting c... read more

Advice For Writing

( 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 professor to student or from adul... read more

Hollywood Park, What A Run It Had

( 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. It was back in the 80's, a... read more

Tweets

( 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 @TheBillHolmes Some of my better tweets, according to me ...Never work FOR someone else, work WITH them.I do some of my best work when I'm supposed to be doing something else.E... read more

Mucho Macho Man Grooves To His Song

( 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 singing that song, anyway!UPDATE:2013 Breeders' Cup Classic - Mucho Macho Man - 3:15The Village People - 5:1... read more

This Is Deep

( 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 basi... read more

Good Start

( 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'd be roo... read more

Aesop Quote

( culture / quotes / philosophy )
"We hang the petty thieves, and appoint the great ones to public office." - Aesop ... read more

Movie Night

( 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 movie The Butler. It has the director's name in... read more

Travers Stakes (2013)

( culture / sports / horseracing )
Several big name horses in it this year:Verrazano, Haskell winnerPalace Malice, Belmont and Jim Dandy winnerOrb, Kentucky Derby winner And here's a listing of ALL the races at Saratoga. The Travers is Race 12.... read more

How Does Writing Affect Your Brain?

( culture / writing / health )
How Does Writing Affect Your Brain? infographic. 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 effec... read more

Court To Feds: Explain Marine's Facebook Postings Arrest

( culture / tech / internet / social )
Go to Court to feds: Explain Marine's Facebook-postings arrest."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, presi... read more

Lost A Friend

( 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've been talking to ... read more

Alan Shore's "Stick It!" Speech

( culture / movies-tv-video )
Alan Shore's closing argument (from Boston Legal)Alan Shore: "When the weapons of mass destruction thing turned out to be not true, I expected the American people to rise up. Ha! They didn't.Then, when the Abu Ghraib torture thing surfaced and it was revealed that our government participated i... read more

Just Another Sunday

( culture / writing / blog / shopping )
Wife and kid are off at this thing called church. Maybe you've heard of it. I'm not sure what to make of it. :) I'm basically just hanging out waiting for the new mattress to be delivered. We told the delivery guy, Anytime! He sounded foreign. I hope he shows up before 10pm! Never know with these dang ferners! Anyway, we went ahead and... read more

How To Know If Your Co-Worker Is A Threat To National Security

( 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

( 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 to you are sol... read more

Started A New Story Today

( culture / writing / stories / 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 carpet... read more

About My Books

( culture / writing / books / novels )
Go to williamarthurholmes.com. Another Way -- Last Train Out -- 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 thoug... read more

Cracking Up Over Lottery President

( 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 Amazon Author's Page, where you can find both the paperback and Kindle versions of Lottery President and Operation Detour of your own. :)The Kindle b... read more

Lottery President

( culture / writing / books / novels )
For most people, winning $300 million in the lottery would be enough. They would retire, buy a big house and travel the world. Not Benny. He took the money and ran... for president. The house he had in mind was the White House. He didn't want to travel the world so much as save it from politicians. Retire? "I'll retire w ... read more

New Washer

( culture / writing / blog / appliances )
The new washer was delivered today. I let them take the old one away even though we'd just bought it (used) a week ago. That's right, it lasted just one week. Oh well, we didn't really need that $200 (after tax and delivery), anyway. </sarcasm>I say let them take it because I could have had... read more

Getting Used To Having No TV

( 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 other than h... read more

Guest Posting

( 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 something on my blog, please ... read more

No More TV

( 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 smarter because of it. ... read more

I Am Now A Published Author

( culture / writing / books / novels )
OK, so it's SELF-published, but still ... :) It's called Lottery President. Hopefully, it's at least slightly entertaining. Tell a friend! Here's one of my brothers reading it. He seems to be enjoying it. I swear I didn't pay him to do this. Here's a link to all of my books Ask me a question on ... read more

Derby Results (2013)

( 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 years. It's a good thing I didn't places any bets ... as usual. Gambling almost never works for m... read more

Blog Content

( 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, maybe phrasing it dif... read more

Kentucky Derby-Related Pages (2013)

( culture / sports / horseracing / triplecrown )
Where to keep up or catch up on the upcoming Derby:espn.go.com/horse-racing/triplecrown2013/Kentuckyderby.com/horseshrtv.com/2013-Kentucky-derby/bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/triple-crownand possibly tvg.com/... read more

Great Suction

( culture / writing / blog / home-garden )
In preparation for the much-anticipated Comcast installation (Internet, not TV), I do as they suggest and clear out a space where I want them to put the cable wall jack. Once I have that space cleared, I decide to vacuum the area. It's almost an instinctive reaction: You clear out a space that hasn'... read more

Happy May Day

( culture / holidays / employment )
from Liberty Underground..."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 police in w... read more

Tried To Mow The Lawn

( culture / writing / blog / home-garden )
Well, I tried to mow the lawn, but the lawnmower wouldn't start. I swear. :) It's probably all clogged up from sitting there unused all winter. It was a hand-me-down mower, anyway, probably in need of replacing, but that's just not in the budget right now. Actually, the yard looks better au natural ... read more

Road To The Triple Crown (2013)

( 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

( 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, go to: The Bible: The Epic Miniseries... read more

Cleanliness Counts

( culture / humor / pets )
Click on this link to clean the inside of your screen: screenclean.gif... read more

Kentucky Oaks & Derby (2013)

( 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

( 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

( 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" -- Chris HedgesDon't forget judges, CEOs and regulatory... read more

Your Novel Blueprint

( 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 the rest here Y... read more

Which Website Would You Choose

( 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

( 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... Where to buy, preview or review my books ANOTHER WAY: Beyond the Status Quo Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Good Reads, Kobo, Scribd ... read more

Fooling Themselves

( culture / writing / blog / politics )
The "elites" are adept at fooling themselves into thinking 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

Some Facebook Users Dislike Being Used In Online Advertising

( culture / tech / internet / social )
Some Facebook users 'dislike' being used in online advertising Some Facebook users 'dislike' being used in online advertising for Mitt Romney... read more

On The Subject Of Tyrants

( 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." -- PlatoNEW! Random samples of dialogue from my novels!... read more

How Hubbard And Rand Got Their Ideas

( 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're the poor, persecuted minority!"Hubbard: "That's almost too evil."... read more

Quote Of The Day (7/14/2012)

( 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 ServiceNEW! Random samples of dialogue from my novels! ... read more

Quote Of The Day (6/25/2012)

( 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/index?qid20120826085842AAwFmIvNEW! Random samples of dialogue from my novels! ... read more

Artwork

( culture / arts-crafts )
Artwork we found interesting enough to mention here! :)Julian Beever's Sidewalk ArtArt by Will Gray EdwardsJana's PalickovanieSome VERY cool animation!... read more

Writing

( culture / writing )
Writers on the subject of writing My author's page Books Jokes Poetry Short Stories Last Train Out - Electronic versions, PaperbackLottery President - Kindle, PaperbackOperation Detour - Kindle, PaperbackMy Amazon author's pageMy Goodreads pageMy Lulu profileMy Smashwords profile Some good writing... read more

Surfer Catches Biggest Wave, Ever, Off Portugal

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

Puttin' On The Ritz In Moscow

( culture / dance-stage )
Puttin' on the Ritz in Moscow... read more

Bureaucracy At Its Worst, Legal Argument At Its Best

( culture / humor )
Bureaucracy at its worst, legal argument at its best Part 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 ... read more

Part 1 | Hungry For Change

( 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 - Part 1. Affiliate marketing link belowTry Fubo streaming TV ... read more

Escape From Zip Ties

( culture / people / advice / crime )
If you're ever unlawfully detained, this might be good to know:escape from zip ties - rearescape - front... read more

Greed Is Not A Virtue

( culture / people )
Great article. Greed is Not a Virtue, by David Korten - Agenda for a New Economy."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... read more

Brisnet Top 10 Kentucky Derby Contenders (2011)

( culture / sports / horseracing / triplecrown )
Brisnet Top 10 Kentucky Derby Contenders Here's the current year's: Kentuckyderby.com/horses/leaderboard... read more

Great Commercial

( culture / movies-tv-video )
Commercial from Taiwan, for all you bikers out there, young and old:Dream Rangers Affiliate marketing link belowTry Fubo streaming TV ... read more

Kentucky Oaks & Derby (2011)

( 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, News. ... read more

What A Split Second Looks Like

( culture / photography )
Unless you like heavy metal guitars, you might want to lower or mute your volume first. Click here"This is exactly what you would think a split second would look like." ... read more

Events At Mpact Sports

( 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

( culture / movies-tv-video )
Free Monty Python videos on YouTube lead to 23,000% DVD sale increaseFree Monty Python Videos on YouTube Lead to 23,000% DVD Sale Increase"We're letting you see absolutely everything for free. So there! But we want something in return. None of your driveling, mindless comments. Instead, we want... read more

New Rules For Writers

( 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 quarters: ... read more

Fox Shoots Hunter In Belarus

( culture / sports / hunting )
Hooray for the fox! Fox shoots hunter in Belarus"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

( culture / holidays )
New Year Countdown Singapore, New Year Celebrations Kick Off Worldwide.... read more

Sold Another Bumper Sticker

( 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

( 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 ... read more

Greeting Cards By Natalia Holmes

( culture / arts-crafts )
Greeting Cards by Natalia Holmes, my niece. NOTE: She no longer does this.... read more

Television

( 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 having a new used TV, I was thinking about finally breaking down and getting a digital converter box for our existing analog just so we could watch broadcast TV in b... read more

Doormats With A Difference

( culture / humor / jokes )
All joke images... read more

Zenyatta Lost

( 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 more strides, but it was too late. It figures the horse who beat her is name... read more

A Few More Good Quotes

( 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 ab ... read more

Giants Win

( 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

( 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 closed 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 - Rick in CasablancaLo... read more

Wine Review

( 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 Merlot at twice t... read more

New Antenna

( culture / movies-tv-video / tech )
Got the new tv antenna UPS last night. That super saver/slow boat shipping from Amazon was not very slow, after all! So, today I'll be installing it. Just wanted to mention that in case I'm killed in the process. You'll at least know what happened to me. It says right on the p... read more

My First Bumper Sticker Sale

( 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)

( 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!)NEW! Random samples of dialogue from my novels!... read more

Neighborly Confrontation

( 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. About a year ago I had gotten in his face a... read more

Snake

( culture / writing / blog / animals )
I almost stepped on a snake as Elizabeth and I came out of the creek. Yes, we were in the creek. Anyway, I yelled, Aaaah when he slithered past me toward her and into the water. She wanted to get a better look at him as he lay there half in the water, half out. It was only three feet long, but ... read more

Quote Of The Day (4/6/2010)

( 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 HolmesNEW! Random samples of dialogue from my novels!... read more

Screenplay Submitted

( 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 win the contest... read more

My Family Members' Books

( culture / writing / books )
Scared to Life ...and Loving It!: One Man's Journey With Prostate Cancerby Kenneth J. SouzaMy Lifeby Lionel Joseph Holmes His autobiography, with pictures.Portuguese Pioneers of the Sacramento Areaby Lionel Holmes and Joseph D'Allessandro Tales of the Portuguese Pioneers of the Sacramento area. M... read more

Mark Twain Quotes

( culture / quotes )
"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.""It's easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled!""A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain.""If ... read more

Happy Groundhog's Day

( 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 for info on the latter. ... read more

New MP3 Player For My Car

( 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 Songs or Favorite Lines from Songs... read more

Newly Discovered Radio Station

( 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 memory separa... read more

Mr. Happy's 18th Annual Unusual Christmas Music Podcast

( culture / music / radio / holidays )
Seasons Greetings,You can tune in via your favorite mp3 player to the show: radio show What 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 Christmas song (e.g. Ride, Teena ... read more

Happy Halloween

( 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 around the neighborhood. We... read more

Haircut

( 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)

( culture / holidays / christmas )
It took five months, but here it is:Christmas 2008... read more

New Fence

( culture / writing / blog / home-garden )
I forgot to mention that I built a fence last weekend. It only spans about 12 feet from the side of the house to the retaining wall dividing us from our slightly-uphill neighbor. I've still got to cut a gate into it. Hopefully, I can pull that off. I pulled it off. See below. Then, maybe next week... read more

Detroit Bank Robbery

( culture / humor / crime )
Detroit PD should be ashamed! :) Here's the new link ... read more

Our First Outside Christmas Lights, Ever

( culture / holidays / christmas )
That's it. No story. Here's the link:Our first outside Christmas lights... read more

Old Music, Newly Uploaded

( 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! Still, all rights re... read more

Holding The Sun

( culture / photography )
"Browse 59,249 holding the sun stock photos and images available, or search for hands holding the sun to find more great stock photos and pictures."Cool pictures... read more

Palickovanie

( culture / arts-crafts )
Slovak art by JanaIn the Slovak language, this textile art is called palickovanie (Pronounced: PALL-eech-ko-vah-nyeh)... read more

Kokopelli Stitching

( culture / arts-crafts )
Jana's Kokopelli stitching ... read more

Kentucky Derby (2008)

( 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 picks on that page, above. You can also see all the horses' recent race results. Pyro was the overwhelming favorite until... read more

Radio

( culture / music / radio )
Online Radio stationsRevolution935Beat FMBlip.fmPandora MargaritavilleLast.fmLive365.comListen.comShoutcastSpotifySatellite from Don (ca. 2010) As broadcast radio continues to drive itself into self-extinction with their worship of mediocrity (the new American disease), there's a new type of radio c... read more

Poetry By Friendsnews Members

( culture / writing / poetry )
A Prince in Disguise A Saga of Seven Hats People you'll be missing and why THE RUN... read more

Hats

( culture / writing / poetry )
by Jeannie Womack Joseph wore many hats in his life,the first one was of son,next an officer, a Dutch Marine,that to him was fun; In Maastricht, in '49,he married his childhood love,now he was Tina's devoted spouse,and together they set up a nice, clean house; 8 years went by, his son, John, was bor ... read more

Stage

( 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

( 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 supervisor Stella who is always in the pink;The daily reports from Lala about her bodily funct... read more

A Prince In Disguise

( culture / writing / poetry )
by Jeannie Womack We 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, brother, father, the bestBoss man, biker, hero and moreLoving, caring, cheerful, no bore He meant what he saidH ... read more

The Run

( culture / writing / poetry )
by Jeannie Womack Running in the rain isn't the paina non-runner might think it would beI put on my jacket that has a hood,lace up my shoes, and stretching is goodI open the door, expecting moreas the rain comes sprinkling downMy course is not planned yet,I'll try not to get my shoes wetI start out ... read more

A Saga Of Seven

( 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, not ... read more

Movies

( culture / movies-tv-video )
All about movies and TVFree features! - A list of full-length features uploaded to IMDb by independent filmmakers that you can watch right now on IMDb - for free! Or check out our featured content for the latest TV episodes, popular clips, and trailers. Free documentaries! Great website!Others here... read more

Books

( culture / writing / books )
Vernon Coleman books Last Train Out. smile.amazon.com/dp/B01GNA3LI8 ... read more

Music

( culture / music )
Five apps that should make middlemen nervousBandCampBandMixReverbNation Music -- Radio Old Music, Newly Uploaded Mr. Happy's 18th Annual Unusual Christmas Music Podcast Newly Discovered Radio Station New MP3 Player for My Car Lies Lies Lies All-Time Favorite Songs One of the All-Tim... read more

Fashion

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

Sports

( culture / sports )
SoccerBleacher Report - SoccerESPNFCFIFAFootball.comGoal.comMLS SoccerSoccer NewsSporting News - SoccerUS Soccer.comUS Soccer PlayersHorse RacingBreeders CupHorse Racing on YahooBelmont StakesPreakness StakesKentucky DerbyDRF: Derby WatchFirst Saturday in May movieMLBNBANFLNHL ... read more

The Legend Of Conan

( 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 Conan A harder working kittenThe world has never seenHe'd guard the yard from front to backAn... read more

Cruise Special

( 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, th... read more

Typical Man's Timeline

( 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 pot belly 1972: Trying to look ... read more

51 Years Ago (Now 70 Years Ago)

( culture / humor / quotes )
"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, ... read more

Romance Math

( 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 Dum... read more

Sports Jokes

( culture / humor / jokes / sports )
Baseball An 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 agai... read more

Award-Winning English Prose

( 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 ci... read more

Airline Cabin Announcements

( 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 were app... read more

April Fools Day Hoaxes

( culture / humor / holidays )
Top 10 April Fools Day Hoaxes 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 celebrating the Indian Ocean republic. I... read more

Andy Rooney Quotes (Supposedly)

( culture / humor / quotes )
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 it ... read more

Bill And Tara's Excellent Adventure

( 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 something new: the so-called T... read more

Jokes

( culture / humor / jokes )
Joke Images Joke-related postsA little Bible study never hurt anyone 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 abominat... read more

Stupid Sayings

( 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 if ... read more

A Girl Named Lucy

( culture / writing / poetry )
from 1990 This is a story 'bout a girl named LucyOtherwise known as The Rappin' WatusiShe 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 squareIf you can't find a partner, use a wooden chairOkay, so you'v... read more

Ice Fishing

( 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 pu... read more

A Day At The Races

( 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 tell y... read more

Barbecue Season

( 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 a m... read more

Success Equation

( 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 t... read more

Blonde Jokes

( culture / humor / jokes )
Blonde in a hailstormA 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 l... read more

Hospital Charts

( 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 the knee was better, and on... read more

Did I Read That Sign Right?

( 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 offi ... read more

Insurance-Related Jokes

( culture / humor / jokes )
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Q: What does HMO stand for?A: This is actually a variation of the phrase, "Hey, Moe!" Its roots go back to a concept pioneered by Doctor Moe Howard, who discovered that a patient could be made to forget about the pain in his foot if he was poked ... read more

Airline Gripesheet

( 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