Attribution: Photo: Sgt Andy Malthouse ABIPP/MOD, OGL v1.0OGL v1.0, via Wikimedia Commons By Bill Stokes Kickass, the doorstop dog, reports that as the admirals and generals gather today in the big crap game the keeper notes that he has always been seriously intimidated by ranks and titles to the point that he cowers before the …
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Month:September 2025
Kickass and Granddaughers
Photo by Bill Stokes By Bill Stokes Kickass, the doorstop dog, reports the keeper and Phyllis frequently awed by the actions and accomplishments of grandchildren, and never more so than it is with Phyllis’s Alexis and her menagerie of backyard animals up in Mosinee; and with the keeper’s Sarah who carries the family schnauzer Boo …
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Kickass and the Winery
Photo by Bill Stokes By Bill Stokes Kickass, the doorstop dog, reports on the lady who came to the winery alone, to sit in the bright Sunday sunshine at a table near the keeper and Phyllis, to exchange casual greetings and to drink her wine in peaceful solitude. As she put on her sunhat and …
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The Pen in Hand Guide to the Movies: The Legacy of John Turturro
Attribution: Amy27102011, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons By Geoff Carter John Turturro is one the most recognizable—and most inscrutable—actors working in movies today, cultivating a screen presence that is simultaneously physically dominating and emotionally complex. He has worked multiple times with noted filmmakers Spike Lee and the Coen Brothers, and has also appeared in films …
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Kickass and 9/27/25
Photo by Bill Stokes By Bill Stokes Kickass, the doorstop dog, announces that the Damn Mad Badger will be observing the Silver Badgers and their followers today from 3 to 4 p.m. as they gather along Gammon Road near Tree Lane to express their outrage at the removal of decency, compassion and common sense from …
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Kickass and Therapist Tara
Attribution: Bill Branson (Photographer), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons By Bill Stokes Kickass, the doorstop dog, reports that Tara the physical therapist has taken on the monumental task of keeping the keeper from falling on his face, probably only until he falls on his ass which has more cushioning. Tara provides exercise examples that have …
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Kickass and High Prices
Attribution: Photo by Emil Kalibradov on Unsplash By Bill Stokes Kickass, the doorstop dog, is unable to help the keeper and Phyllis with current budgeting issues that are compounded by the outrageously high cost of everything. The keeper, for example, faced the necessity of getting the car serviced and having a small tooth cavity filled. There was a …
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Ungodly
Photo by Geoff Carter By Geoff Carter “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” “Love thy neighbor as you would yourself”. “Turn to them the other cheek also”. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth.“ –from the teachings …
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Kickass and Laughing
Attribution: Erin Scott, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons By Bill Stokes Kickass, the doorstop dog, joined the keeper and Phyllis in listening to Jimmy’s return monologue not long after hearing the POTUS address the United Nations. As a result, they will be taking turns alternately laughing and crying for most of the rest of the …
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Kickass and Fan Complaint
Illustration by Phyllis Stokes By Bill Stokes Kickass, the doorstop dog, notes the keeper is more or less being called out for expressing a political view at a Vista West “Happy Hour” gathering. In a letter to management, with a copy to the keeper, a “concerned resident” reported the keeper having said, “despicable things about …
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Kickass and Republican Party
Photo by Bill Stokes By Bill Stokes Kickass, the doorstop dog, reports the keeper and Phyllis in Ripon for a Phyllis family reunion that went off without a hitch—no fistfights or political shouting. Following enjoyable family affairs, the keeper and Phyllis struggled with tech navigation in trying to find the historic Ripon “Little Red Schoolhouse” …
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The Pen in Hand Guide to the Movies: The Legacy of Philip Seymour Hoffman
Attribution: Georges Biard, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons By Geoff Carter He has been hailed as one of the greatest actors of his generation. Whether he plays the lead or appears in even the smallest of supporting roles, Philip Seymour Hoffman’s presence dominates every frame he appears in. Playing the laconic and decidedly unlikeable baseball …
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