Unthinkable

Brady Johnson was looking forward to a peaceful retirement on a Northern Minnesota lake and in his St. Petersburg, Florida condo after decades of fighting Mexican drug cartels. He tried to forget the past, but the many bitter enemies he made in his years with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in San Antonio Texas, did not retire, did not forget, and did not give up their burning thirst for revenge. They caught up to Brady in Florida.

Years earlier his wife’s rape and death at the hands of a cartel triggered a murderous rampage against all drug dealers, and when the same cartel murders a new-found love interest in Tampa Bay, it ignites the same rage that drove him over the edge the first time.

He finds himself teamed up with two women – a Mexican National former DEA agent, and a Native Canadian, both of whom had survived cartel assassination attempts – and when they venture into Mexico after the traffickers, they uncover a joint cartel/Muslim terrorist plot to inflict a series of horrific attacks on the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Attacks that would effectively destroy all three countries.

When the cartels realize that they, too will be destroyed by the Jihadist offensive, they renege on the partnership they had forged with the Muslims and eventually join forces with Brady’s small group. But, in trying to prevent the terrorist attacks, the trio uncover another, more sinister plot against the United States unfolding in Northern New York and Ontario. Their quest comes to a shocking conclusion in the Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River.

Useless Musings

As the hell year of 2020 was drawing to a close, and the collective anxieties of every able-minded person in America were making their threat whispers to never, ever go away no matter how many times you brushed your teeth, Jeffrey Eugene Hoch (the author of this book) had an idea. He would write a poem — or something approximating one — for every calendar day of the upcoming year of 2021. The main reason he wanted to do this was to keep his artistic conscience from atrophying across another potential year of emotional isolation, illness avoidance, and embarrassing cult stupidity.

There was some distant hope that something positive would come out of the process, but that something was unknowable and not even particularly hoped for by the author. A year of video games, whiskey, dates, and deli orders later, Useless Musings was “finished.” More accurately, it could just no longer be truthfully worked on because 2021 was over.

Anyway, the results of this year-long whatever-it-was are documented here for you to read and maybe have some sort of emotional reaction to. These “musings” felt pretty “useless” as I was writing them (Hi, it’s me, Jeff), but maybe you’ll enjoy them. That would be cool.

Varied Verse of WWA

Ogden Nash was the master of humorous poetry. His clever use of language and puns made many of us smile and see each day in a brighter light. While not all of his poetry was light-hearted – he could be somber and address disturbing topics – his writing was mostly joyful and witty. We still quote many of his beloved lines, like ‘Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker.’

This book contains a collection of his largely humorous poems, filled with frequent puns. Occasionally, you may come across a more serious selection that might make you pause and ponder. We hope some of these phrases resonate with you and perhaps stick in your mind for future use. Enjoy the poetry!

Venus - A Point of Expression

The monsoon rains come to our desert in the summer, when the temperature is highest. The winds shift to the SE, bringing moisture from both the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of California. The rains come as huge, black, thunder storms over the mountains, driven by vivid lightning and high winds. It also provides a magical drop in temperature. The magnificent odor of the desert after a rain is a rich, organic experience.

After the storm I sit on my patio, in the cool fall of night – watching the shadows changing on the mountains as the sun declines. Recently, after such a storm, the sun is dying in various shades of ocher and vermillion… The crescent moon rises, and the planet Venus soon follows. Venus is a bright diamond in the now black sky. I write in my notebook: Venus is a Bright Point of Expression in the Sky. Thus, a poem is born.

Victims and Perpetrators

Dive into the mischievous world of Victims and Perpetrators: Light Verse Judgement on the Criminally Inclined, where the lines between lawbreakers and law enforcers blur in the most whimsical ways. Through the masterful pen of John Gentry, a humorist poet with a penchant for the peculiar, this collection of poems invites readers on a rollicking journey through the underbelly of society, all from the safety of their armchairs.From the tale of Felony Fred, whose criminal escapades are as endearing as they are egregious, to the saga of a hapless diner in Hard Rock, Idaho, Gentry crafts a universe where crime does indeed pay – in laughter and wit. Each poem is a vignette, a snapshot of life on the other side of the law, told with a twinkle in the eye and a tip of the hat to the absurd.So, whether you’re a seasoned criminal mastermind looking to take a break from your nefarious activities, or a law-abiding citizen with a love for the lyrical, Victims and Perpetrators offers something for everyone. It’s a reminder that, in the end, we’re all just characters in the grand, ridiculous story of life – some of us just have better alibis than others.

Vivian Porcupine

Do you ever wish you had brown hair instead of blond, blue eyes instead of green, or were shorter instead of taller?

Vivian thought she wanted to change something about herself, so she gave her quills to all of her friends. They were all very creative when they put them to use. Some used them for a favorite hobby, some were used in sports, some for cleaning and gardening and others used them for their favorite pastime.

It made Vivian happy that her friends could use the quills, but she also had to make herself feel happy. She changed back to the Vivian that she loved and was most comfortable. She even looked like a porcupine again!

Waifs and Strays

These are short stories presented in poetic form. The cadence of poetry lends air and space to a story and heightens anticipation. There is war, loss, love and redemption in this work.

Accompanying these poems are some gritty short stories with twists as unexpected as a Twilight Zone episode. They are at times stark and unforgiving.

Water and Energy Knowledge for Citizen Education

Water issues have long challenged human civilization, but the 21st century has brought complex new dimensions to this age-old problem. In the wake of 9/11, cybersecurity concerns have come to dominate water infrastructure management and research. The intensifying climate crisis further strains water resources and systems. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic laid bare drinking water quality failings, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities.

As the water sector confronts this evolving landscape of challenges old and new, public access to objective scientific information is imperative. This book bridges that gap, providing citizens, students, educators, and other stakeholders with authoritative coverage of cutting-edge water science, technology, and innovation.

Readers will gain insight into pressing issues like infrastructure cybersecurity, climate change adaptation, contamination and pollution remediation, and equitable provision of clean, safe drinking water. The text outlines state-of-the-art technological and strategic solutions while unpacking complex themes in accessible language. It is essential reading for anyone seeking the facts and practical tools needed to meet the water sector’s unprecedented 21st century tests. From concerned citizens to aspiring scientists, this book empowers all readers with the knowledge to navigate these troubled waters.

We Appreciate You, Mr. Jimmy

For a quarter of a century, Mr. Jimmy has devoted his heart and soul to nurturing students from every walk of life. With unwavering dedication, he’s inspired, supported, and molded their futures. Now, in a heartwarming reunion, his cherished students unite to express their gratitude in a celebration that spans generations. And they all mean every word of their heartfelt ‘thank you.’

We The People

Joanne S. Duffin’s poetry is a captivating fusion of the personal and the universal, delving into the depths of the human experience. Her verses touch upon matters of the heart, offer insightful observations of the world, and fearlessly tackle the pressing issues of our time, both within the United States of America and on a global scale.

As you turn the pages, you’ll find yourself immersed in the wonders and interpretations of the natural world, the joys of family, the treasure of discovered love, the journey of self-discovery, philosophical musings, political commentary, patriotic reflections, and the pursuit of justice. Duffin’s poetry also explores the complexities of friendship, the pain of loss, and the inevitability of death.

This groundbreaking work of fiction will captivate your mind as you traverse space and time alongside the author, who fearlessly delves into the very essence of self-expression. Throughout her poetry, Duffin never loses sight of the profound impact and influence of the past, acknowledging the experiences that have shaped her as both a writer and a human being.

Embark on this transformative literary journey with Joanne S. Duffin, and allow her unique voice to guide you through a landscape of beauty, understanding, and introspection, as her thoughts and words weave a tapestry of the human condition.

We'll Always Rock You Little Love

Embark on a heartwarming journey with Little Love, as each page turns to reveal the simple pleasures of a day filled with parental affection. This tale highlights the significance of savoring fleeting moments and infusing them with warmth and compassion. As Little Love navigates the rhythms of daily life, parents will discover that these precious instances are not only crucial for their child but equally enriching for themselves. It’s a gentle reminder to make every minute with your child count, finding joy and connection in the everyday.

Westieti Visits the Queen

Westieti, a spirited West Highland Terrier, embarks on an exciting adventure with his best friend, Suzie. His greatest wish? To receive a special invitation to visit the Queen of England. While standing in front of Buckingham Palace, something unexpected happens, and Westieti performs a heroic act that captures everyone’s attention. A newspaper reporter captures the moment, and the next morning, Westieti’s brave deed makes front-page news.

Now, the Queen herself is on a mission to find Westieti and Suzie, eager to invite them for breakfast at Buckingham Palace. But will she locate them before they leave for Canada? The Queen has a special gift for Westieti and a royal mission in mind just for him.