August 8th: Annual Emancipation Day (published 8-12-2026; article #571)

Leffler, Warren K., photographer. Civil rights march on Washington, D.C. / WKL. Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2003654395/>. No known restrictions on publication.

Introduction

As it is said, “You learn something new every day.” Well, maybe not every day. Early last Sunday morning, a local television news station taught me something I had not known in my sixty-six youthful years of living.

To emancipate is to free from the control or power of another. In short, it is to be set free from bondage.

What did I learn? I found out that the 8th of August is the annual celebration of Emancipation Day. Why, as far back as I can recall, had I not heard about the day before? I don't remember hearing about the day until early last Sunday morning.

Annual Emancipation Day on August 8th

According to sources (listed below), on August 8, 1863, during the American Civil War (1861–65), Tennessee Military Governor Andrew Johnson freed the slaves he “owned” at his home in Greene County, Tennessee. This was after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, which became effective on New Year's Day 1863.

A few years afterward, Sam Johnson, formerly enslaved by Andrew Johnson, began to promote the annual observance of August 8th as Emancipation Day in Greene County. In time, the annual celebration spread to other towns in Tennessee and in nearby states.

In 2007, Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen signed a bill into law, which acknowledged August 8th as annual “Emancipation Day.” Unless I missed them, I was not aware of special celebrations on August 8th until last Sunday morning.

For further reading about Emancipation Day on August 8th, I suggest the following sources:

“'When we know better, then we can do better' | Knoxville historians share stories of resilience ahead of Emancipation Day.” WBIR-TV (Knoxville), by Lexie Martin, 8/7/2026. I may have seen a repeat of the televised version of this article early last Sunday morning.

“The Eighth of August: Emancipation Day in Tennessee,” Tennessee Historical Society, by Skyler Gordon, 8/3/2018. The brief article begins with an observance in Clarksville, Tennessee, on August 8, 1941. It also reflects back to a celebration in the same town on August 8, 1898.

The National Park Service: Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Greeneville, Tennessee, includes the following noteworthy entries: Emancipation Day (last updated 4/14/2015), August 8th (last updated 7/24/2020), and Slaves of Andrew Johnson (last updated 7/20/2023). In summary, the columns elaborate on the lives of the slaves whom Andrew Johnson freed.

The Beck Cultural Exchange Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, includes a column titled “Eighth of August History.” A section of it describes annual celebrations in Chilhowee Park during segregation. Also included is a link to an East Tennessee PBS documentary from August 8, 2016. Finally, three additional links direct to “More About the Eighth of August.”

I was pleased to discover Black in Appalachia: 8th of August: Tennessee's Celebration of Emancipation. The brief article embeds an audiovisual presentation, which is also available at “The 8th of August: Tennessee's Celebration of Emancipation,” Black in Appalachia (YouTube), 8/5/2022. Looking through the website, I learned the organization is headquartered in nearby Whitesburg, Tennessee. I may plan to visit them.

Finally, Tennessee State Museum: The History of Emancipation Day in Tennessee, by Stephanie Davis, 8-27-2021, includes an excellent historical synopsis of August 8th.

Conclusion

It is fitting for this brief article to become the 38th entry in the Appalachia—Northeast Tennessee Topic Section. I learned something profound early last Sunday morning. It began in nearby Greene County, Tennessee, on August 8, 1863. Once freed, Andrew Johnson's slaves did not wish to return to slavery. They were free to flourish as free men and women. Their accomplishments are described in the sources cited above.

Quoting from my inaugural article (3/6/2006), “To a true Appalachian, skin color doesn't matter. Of course, our necks may be a little red from getting out and actually working for a living, but you can be red, yellow, black, brown, or white and still be an Appalachian! Understand?”

This entry honors the freedom won by and the accomplishments of fellow Appalachians, deceased and living, with skin color darker than mine. We are relatives through the lines of the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. Every human is kin to one another. If all people could understand this relationship, nations and people groups would not antagonize each other.

To be emancipated from the evils of slavery is to be set free. Closing on a deeper spiritual point, my short story from August 14, 2022, briefly mentions my emancipation from sin and conversion to Christ on Monday, June 22, 1981.

I was once a spiritual slave, under Satan's control. However, as the Apostle Paul stated in Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (NIV).

Are you free in Christ? If so, you are my spiritual relative. Are you still a slave to sin? If so, unyoke yourself by becoming a servant of Jesus. If you would like to begin a confidential conversation along this line, please email me using the Contact Form on this website. I am a former slave, whom Christ set free. I would like to share that freedom.

Finally, this article remembers my maternal grandmother, Lula Frank Amos Wood (6/16/1901-8/12/1991). Granny Wood went to her everlasting freedom 35 years ago today.

Is Anyone Missing a Tagged Pigeon in Morristown, Tennessee? (published 8-2-2026; article #570)

Photograph by my youngest brother on Wednesday, 7/29/2026, at 11:05 AM, showing the tagged right foot of a pigeon resting in his left palm.

Introduction

Acrobatic? It must have been awkward to hold a pigeon, perched on your left palm with the back of your left hand on green vegetation, and to photograph the scene using your cellphone camera in your right hand.

Welcome, dear reader, to the 127th entry in the Humor Topic Section. It really happened. My youngest brother texted the above image to my cellphone last Wednesday afternoon. My amazed textual reply requested to know “the rest of the story,” as Paul Harvey would have said.

A Pigeon in Hand: The Rest of the Story

Late last Friday afternoon, my brother called to tell me “the rest of the story.” He said last Wednesday started off as a usual day at work. (He works in Morristown, Tennessee.) Around 11 AM that day, while routinely walking from one building to another, he was surprised when a pigeon flew down and landed near him. As he approached it, he thought it would fly away. Instead, the pigeon flew up and rested on his arm!

Was it a homing pigeon? As in the above image, it had a tag on its right foot. My brother couldn't make out the tag well enough to identify the owner or any contact information for reaching him or her.

My brother said the pigeon followed him around and even rested on the palm of his hand, as in the above image. After taking the above photograph, my brother placed the pigeon under a shade tree and went to get a cup of water. The bird awaited his return and drank water from the cup.

Afterward, my brother went back inside to continue working. When he had opportunities, he looked outside and saw the bird still under the shade tree. After a while, however, my brother never did see the bird again that day. He looked for it over the next two workdays, Thursday and Friday, but didn't see it.

Conclusion

On House Mountain, I once saw a bald eagle perched on a tree branch near the upper-middle bluff. Standing nearby on the rock bluff, I was within a few feet of it. The bird flew off before I could photograph it.

The article from 11/19/2023 includes my photograph of an owl perched on a tree within feet of where Molly (our “old puppy”) and I were hiking. Molly and I were amazed it didn't fly off.

Countless times and in different hiking locations, I have come upon deer and startled them. Years ago, at Big Ridge State Park, a bear was on the trail I was hiking. Clapping my hands and talking loudly to it as I approached, the bear ran crashing down a ravine below the trail before I got to where it had been.

I have never, however, had a pigeon fly and land on my arm while at work, in the woods, or anywhere. My youngest brother has one-upped me with his pigeon story. Thanks for sharing your story, brother.

Is anyone missing a tagged pigeon in Morristown, Tennessee?

President Trump's Marketing Letter: A 50-Cent Coin from AMAC! (published 7-27-2026; article #569)

Saturday, 7-25-2026: A photograph by M. Fearghail of a 50-cent coin, front and back, as included in the same-day letter from President Trump.

Introduction

Early last Saturday morning, the United States Postal Service (USPS) sent me their usual daily Informed Delivery by USPS email. Aside from the usual pieces, I was surprised to see that a letter from President Donald J. Trump would arrive later that day.

During the morning, I wondered, “Does the president wish to consult with me?” I even speculated, “He may have finally replied to the letter I sent him on 4/21/2026.” (The article from 4/20/2026 includes the letter.)

My sarcastic jaw dropped when the mail arrived around noon. What? Not another marketing letter from the president!

President Trump's Marketing Letter

President Trump—addressing me only by first name, as if we were close friends—wanted me to join the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC). It was merely a marketing letter.

In his brash and exaggerated writing style, the president contrasted the smaller but conservative AMAC to unnamed and larger “senior groups,” which the president described as “those Leftists.”

I yawned while reading the letter. I thought, “Doesn't the president have enough problems? Why did he allow a ghostwriter to send me a marketing letter?”

President Trump may never overcome his pompous personality. His undeclared war with Iran continues to drag on. American service members are being killed and injured. His unconstitutional tariffs change every few days like paper carried by a breeze. His undeclared war and tariffs continue to fuel inflation.

On balance, however, Trump was the better choice in the last election. He has secured the border, arranged the deportation of criminal illegal aliens, stood up for the right to life of the unborn, and established two genders, male and female. Further, he doesn't condone so-called gay pride.

The president's style, however, will ensure that the next president will be a Democrat or, even worse, a Democrat Socialist. His first presidency gave us the disaster of President Biden's four years.

A 50-Cent Coin from AMAC!

President Trump's letter was the cover for a four-page marketing letter from Rebecca Weber, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC). Before opening the envelope, I wondered why I felt a hard, round object inside it.

The object was a shiny new 50-cent coin, as depicted in the image above. At least I became 50 cents richer by opening the mailing.

Rebecca Weber and AMAC have “launched an Emergency Membership Drive” in every state to encourage all conservatives, aged 50 or older, to join AMAC's fight to save America. AMAC, apparently, stands against the “secular AARP” (American Association of Retired Persons).

From the letter, all I have to do to save America is pay $11 for an annual membership, instead of the usual $19. Will paying AMAC $11 for a yearlong membership help save America? I don't think so. Actually, the cost would be $10.50, since I have a 50-cent coin.

Conclusion

What will save America? Political solutions without a national spiritual revival are insufficient. America's decline is a result of spiritual weakness and the following of unbiblical worldviews. The solution lies in godly churches and Christians seeking humility before God and leading souls to Christ, following the biblical worldview. I am not advocating for so-called Christian nationalism. Instead, I pray for spiritual renewal.

The context of 2 Chronicles 7:14 is God's appearance to King Solomon after the temple was completed (verses 11-22). Verse 14, often quoted, is from a section of God's words to Solomon. It reads, “...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (NIV). Initially for the Israelites, the principle applies for all of God's people.

This is the 126th entry in the Humor Topic Section because it was funny that I should receive a 50-cent coin in a letter from the president. I may carry it around in my truck for a while to see if I can buy anything for 50 cents.

Further, this is the 77th article for the Poly-Ticks Topic Section because I touched on the subject briefly. To read more about my stance on the biblical worldview, please read through the 25 articles so far in the Worldviews in Conflict Topic Section.

Now, where am I going to find something that costs only 50 cents?

What did I do with the letter from President Trump? It is in the paper recycling bin.

The “Sunshine Protection Act of 2025”—A Follow-Up (published 7-25-2026; article #568)

“Brown-and-white clocks,” Unsplash, by Jon Tyson, 8/18/2018. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

The second article from 7/16/2026 focused on the so-titled “Sunshine Protection Act of 2025”—a bill to enforce daylight saving time year-round—and asked if history will repeat itself. The federal government cannot legislate the protection of sunshine nor the saving of daylight. If the bill becomes law, it would permanently keep the clock forward one hour.

This follow-up entry to my previous article centers on my correspondence with Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, who is currently running for governor, and Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett. Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty did not directly respond to my online message.

Exchange with Senator Blackburn

After publishing the second article from 7/16/2026, I sent online emails to Senators Blackburn (https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/email-me) and Hagerty (https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/email-me/). The subject line for both was “The 'Sunshine Protection Act of 2025.'” Addressing each senator by last name, I submitted the following to both:

Greetings. Your conservative positions in the Senate have my support.

Please do not vote in favor of the “Sunshine Protection Act of 2025,” recently passed in the House. My second article today, The “Sunshine Protection Act of 2025”—Will History Repeat Itself? (published 7-16-2026; article #567), Appalachian Irishman, explains why we don't want to make the same mistake that was made in 1974. The article references three previous articles about so-called daylight saving time.

Regards,

Marion William Ferrell

As stated previously, Senator Hagerty has not yet replied directly. On Friday, July 24, I received the following email response from Senator Blackburn:

     Subject: Responding to your message
     Date: 24 July 2026, 10:05:07 AM
     From: Office of U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn
          <donotreply@blackburn.senate.gov>
     To: Ferrell516@comcast.net

July 24, 2026

Dear Marion,

Thank you for contacting my office regarding daylight saving time. I always appreciate hearing from Tennesseans.

“Daylight saving” is the practice of advancing clocks to leverage the longer daylight available during summer, so that darkness falls at a later clock time. This practice became common during World War II and was codified into federal law in the United States in 1966.

While later sunsets are a pleasant and helpful feature of the summertime, I see no reason for that not to be the case year-round. That is why I am an original cosponsor of S.29, the Sunshine Protection Act, introduced by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL). This bill would make daylight saving time the new permanent standard time, while noting that states with areas exempt from daylight saving time may choose the standard time for those areas.

On July 14, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed an identical version of the Sunshine Protection Act. President Trump proudly supports this legislation and has called daylight saving time a “ridiculous, twice-yearly production.”

Sincerely,

     Marsha Blackburn
     United States Senator

Later the same day, I replied to Senator Blackburn by postal mail as follows:

     Senator Marsha Blackburn
     357 Dirksen Senate Office Building
     Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Blackburn:

Thank you for your email response earlier today to my initial online email on July 16 concerning so-called daylight saving time.

Unfortunately, your response did not consider the mistake made in 1974, when permanent so-called daylight saving time was briefly in effect. Further, your response did not consider the medical sources, suggesting yearlong standard time would be better than annual daylight saving time. Finally, your reply did not account for the majority of Americans who prefer permanent standard time instead of year-round daylight saving time.

If so-called daylight saving time becomes permanent, let us see what happens during winter when children arrive at school in darkness and workers arrive at work in the dark. Another backlash, as in 1974, will be the case.

Finally, President Trump is simply wrong in advocating for permanent so-called daylight saving time. The House of Representatives was wrong on July 14 when it passed the so-called “Sunshine Protection Act of 2025.” Please, do not be wrong by voting in favor of the bill.

With regards,

Marion W. Ferrell

I actually watched the postal carrier take the mail from our mailbox. If Senator Blackburn replies to my postal letter, I plan to publish an article about it. If I don't publish another follow-up article, the senator did not respond.

Exchange with Representative Burchett

As the second article from 7/16/2026 mentioned, Representative Tim Burchett had already voted in favor of the bill. Consequently, I did not reach out to him after publishing the article.

On Monday afternoon, July 20, however, I received the following unsolicited email from Representative Burchett:

     Subject: UPDATE: Burchett Votes to Lock the Clock
    Date: Mon., 20 Jul 2026, 3:49:18 PM
     From: Rep. Burchett
          <repburchett@mail8.housecommunications.gov>
    Reply-To:
          repburchett+newsletter@mail8.housecommunications.gov
    To: Marion W. Ferrell <ferrell516@comcast.net>

      Salutation,

Knowing of our shared interest in ending the outdated practice of changing our clocks twice a year, I want to update you on my work in the U.S. House of Representatives to make daylight saving time permanent.

Like you, I believe Tennesseans should not have to disrupt their schedules every spring and fall simply because of an unnecessary clock change. Families, workers, schools, and businesses deserve greater consistency throughout the year.

On July 14, 2026, I voted in favor of H.R. 139, the Sunshine Protection Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation would make daylight saving time permanent and finally end the practice of “springing forward” and “falling back.”

Tennessee is ready to lock the clock. In 2019, the Tennessee General Assembly passed a law supporting permanent daylight saving time once authorized by Congress. My vote brings Tennessee one step closer to making that change a reality.

Permanent daylight-saving time would provide more usable daylight in the evening, giving families more time together after work and school and allowing Tennesseans to enjoy more of our great state. It would also provide greater certainty for businesses and eliminate the disruption caused by changing the clocks twice each year.

H.R. 139 has been sent to the U.S. Senate for consideration. I am proud to have helped pass this commonsense legislation, and I urge the Senate to act so President Trump can sign it into law.

It is an honor to serve you in Congress. Please know I will continue working on practical solutions that make everyday life simpler for Tennesseans. If you’d like to stay updated on this and other issues, sign up for my newsletter at https://burchett.house.gov/contact/newsletter.

Sincerely,

     Tim Burchett
     Member of Congress
     burchett.house.gov
     
     Washington, DC: 1122 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC
          20515; 202-225-5435
     Knoxville: 800 Market Street, Suite 110, Knoxville, TN 37902;
          865-523-3772
     Maryville: 331 Court Street, Maryville, TN 37804;
          865-984-5464

Later that afternoon, I replied online at https://burchett.house.gov/address_authentication?form=/contact/email-me as follows:

Dear Representative Burchett:

We share an interest in not changing clocks biannually. Our interests, however, part on the choice of permanent standard time or daylight saving time.

Standard time, not daylight saving time, should become permanent. We do not need to repeat the history from 1974.

I encourage you to read my most recent article, The “Sunshine Protection Act of 2025”—Will History Repeat Itself? (published 7-16-2026; article #567), Appalachian Irishman. The conclusion references and directs to three previous articles on the topic.

Before voting in favor, I wish you had studied the history of the unpopular change to yearlong so-called daylight saving time in 1974.

Regards,

Marion W. Ferrell (M. Fearghail, pen name, on my website)

On Friday, July 24, Representative Burchett emailed a reply to my above response to his unsolicited email. In it, he understood my position and cordially suggested that I share my opinion with the senators from Tennessee, which I had already done.

Conclusion

Fortunately, this 76th entry in the Poly-Ticks Topic Section is being put to bed. It simply shares my follow-up to the previously mentioned second article from 7/16/2026.

A permanent switch to so-called daylight saving time is of little concern to my wife and me since we are both retired. We will accustom ourselves to the sun rising an hour later in winter. I wonder how parents of school-aged children and working adults will react once they realize they will be at school or work before sunrise.

Will the events of 1974 repeat themselves? We will see.

The “Sunshine Protection Act of 2025”—Will History Repeat Itself? (published 7-16-2026; article #567)

“Brown-and-white clocks,” Unsplash, by Jon Tyson, 8/18/2018. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

It's like déjà vu all over again, dear reader, with an apology to "John Fogerty—Déjà vu (All Over Again)," YouTube, by John Fogerty, 11/4/2025. Welcome, unfortunately once again, to another entry, the 75th, in the Poly-Ticks Topic Section. Please remember that “poly-ticks” is from the Greek “poly,” meaning “many,” plus “ticks,” blood suckers.

The US House of Representatives started it this latest time. Will history repeat itself? We will see.

The “Sunshine Protection Act of 2025”

On Tuesday evening, I first heard the truly “breaking news” story on a local news television station. Bouncing around several 24-7, 365 news channels, I learned “the rest of the story,” as Paul Harvey would say.

The next morning, I found the information online. The US House of Representatives passed a nonpartisan bill to allow so-called daylight saving time to continue year-round.

From Congress.gov: House Bill: H.R.139 - Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, 119th Congress (2025-2026), I learned that the bill was introduced in the House on 1/3/2025. The House passed it on Tuesday, 7/14/2026, at 5:18 PM. The bill would make so-called daylight saving time permanent.

Similar information is found at the US House: Clerk: Votes: Roll Call Votes: July 14, 2026, 5:17 PM; 119th Congress, 2nd Session; Roll Call Number: 238; Bill Number: H. R. 139; Bill Title & Description: Sunshine Protection Act. The bill passed with 308 (193 Republicans, 114 Democrats) votes in favor and 117 (22 Republicans, 95 Democrats) votes against, with six members (three Republicans and three Democrats) not voting. All nine representatives from Tennessee (eight Republicans, one Democrat) voted in favor, including our representative, Tim Burchett.

Will History Repeat Itself?

Did you know that making so-called daylight saving time permanent had been tried before? It happened in my teenage years in the 1970s.

The context was the Arab oil embargo in 1973. In December 1973, Congress passed and President Richard Nixon signed into law that the so-called daylight saving time would be year-round for about two years. Most of the country went on year-round daylight saving time on January 6, 1974. The switch was flipped.

By October 1974, however, Congress voted to end permanent daylight saving time and go back to standard time during the fall and winter months. President Gerald Ford signed the bill into law. The switch was flipped back.

Back then, public opinion shifted from being in favor of permanent daylight saving time to disliking the notion. What caused the shift? Children were arriving at school in darkness. Day-shift workers were also at work before sunrise.

One source from October 2025 is “America once made daylight saving time permanent. Here’s what went wrong.” National Geographic, by Jordan Friedman, 10/30/2025. The byline reads, “In 1974, the U.S. tried staying on daylight saving time all year. The result was darker mornings and public panic.” The article mentions, with the sun rising at 8:30 AM or later in winter, children walked or rode to school in predawn darkness in 1974. Back then, a few children walking to school were hit or killed by drivers who didn't see them. Near the conclusion, the entry indicated at the time, just over eight months ago, that recent Gallup polling suggested adults preferred keeping the country on standard time year round.

A more recent source is “The US Tried Permanent Daylight Saving in 1974 and People Hated It,” Newsweek, by Alice Gibbs, 7/15/2026. The author states, in 1974, children and commuters traveled to school or work before dawn. She further states, “Reports of schoolchildren carrying flashlights and parents accompanying children to bus stops before sunrise became a recurring feature of news coverage. Several traffic accidents involving children received widespread attention, further intensifying public concern.” The article concludes by stating, “For supporters and opponents alike, the events of 1974 remain the closest real-world example of what permanent daylight saving time could look like in practice.”

Conclusion

“Déjà vu” is a French adjective, which literally means “already seen.” I have been down the same road before in my stance against “guvrmint” time, as Papaw Ferrell (4/13/1880–11/21/1970) called it. Papaw despised so-called daylight saving time. So do I. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

For example, the article from 3/12/2023 was my rant against “guvrmint” time just over three years ago. The entry includes links to my previous articles on the subject from 3/19/2022 and 11/7/2021.

So, here we go again! Will the US Senate pass the bill that the US House passed? The president has already said that he would sign into law a bill making so-called daylight saving time permanent.

Must we relearn the lessons learned in 1974? Our nation's leaders need an education in history. As George Santayana (1863—1952) wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” (The Life of Reason: Reason in Common Sense. Scribner’s, 1905: 284). (Source: https://iep.utm.edu/santayan/.)

Another Fly-Killing in June: Cluster Flies! (published 7-16-2026; article #566)

Introduction

It reminded me of the scene from the 1986 movie Poltergeist II when Carol Anne exclaims, “They're back!” No, a poltergeist did not come back.

It also brought to mind the song by Harry S. Miller, who wrote and composed “The Cat Came Back” in 1893. No, a yellow cat did not come back.

What came back? It was those pesky flies! Welcome, dear reader, to the 125th article in the Humor Topic Section. If I were to record myself ad-libbing the reading of this article, I would do my best to sound like Jerry Clower talking about a rat killing. (I enjoyed listening to “Jerry Clower—Rat Killin,” YouTube, by ashleylynn1016, 7/2/2010.) I would be talking about flies.

Cluster Flies!

In June 2025, the article from 6/23/2025 included our new fly-killing record from last year. (The record is swatted between the sections about my sister-in-law's birthday and the USA's bombing of Iran.) Over three days in June 2025, my wife and I killed 83 flies inside our house! It set a record. We thought surely it was a one-time fluke. Our monthly pest control service is for spiders and ants. Aside from a fly or two getting in when an outside door is opened briefly, we have never had fly trouble like that before—until last month.

Last month, the flies came back just like in June 2025, a year ago! Five days later than last year, I saw and killed the first five indoor flies around 10 PM on Friday, June 26. Over the next three days, my wife and I killed 60 more flies for a grand total of 65 dead flies. The following is a photograph of the post-it note on which we tallied kills.

My wife killed 40, and I killed 25. You should have seen my wife on Saturday, June 27! She went on a fly-killing rampage that day!

After last month's “war of the flies,” my online research found out that cluster flies were the problem. I had never heard of them before. These types of flies are active in late spring and early summer, are attracted to sunlit windows, and can be found in large numbers inside homes even when sealed tightly.

Unlike houseflies, cluster flies do not usually breed indoors. During cool months, they hibernate in attics, wall voids, or crawl spaces. In late spring and early summer, cluster flies squeeze through tiny openings seeking to go outside. Many become trapped indoors.

I also learned that the offspring of cluster flies, somewhat like salmon, return to where their ancestors hibernated during the previous cool weather season. Again, I have never heard of these critters!

Conclusion

On Thursday, July 2, Mr. Mitchell—owner of Mitchell's Pest Control and recommended in the “Business Recommendations: Northeast Knox County, TN” section of this website—came by for the usual monthly spraying. I told him about our recent “war of the flies.” He knew about cluster flies but had never heard of any being around here.

Aren't we the lucky ones? As far as Mr. Mitchell knew, we were the first in our area to face cluster flies. We have now dealt with them for two years in a row!

Well, in late September this year, Lord willing, Mitchell's Pest Control will focus a spraying to eliminate the possibility of “War of the Flies III” next June. So, next June, if I don't publish an article about another fly killing, be assured that our pest control service took care of the problem.

As Jerry Clower might have said, “Haw! We done killed enough flies around here!”

Random Questions #2: Coping Sarcastically with Life's Realities (published 7-13-2026, article #565)

“Artistic Indecision 1” by Buddha Elemental 3D on Unsplash, 8/19/2024. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

Just over 20 years ago, this witty barb penned Random Questions (published 6-3-2006). It was the second of four articles published on the same day. My, how time goes by! Welcome, dear reader, to the 124th entry in the Humor Topic Section.

The inspiration for this questioning treatise came from “Random Thoughts #82,” Professor Harold Black’s Webpage, by Dr. Harold Black, 7/9/2026. Dr. Black's website is one of three listed under the “Folks to Whom I Subscribe” section of this internet site. With rare exception, Dr. Black publishes a fresh article early every morning. I read each one, commenting at times. I may never catch up to his published 82 random thoughts since this is only my second “random questions” entry.

Random questions, however, pop into my mind daily. Don't they do to you as well? Remember, dear reader, sarcasm is an intelligent person's attempt to cope with the realities of life. The following is my recent attempt in four categories.

Commercials

What happened to the "My (huggy) Pillow" guy, Mike Lindell? His crass, pillow-hugging television commercials used to air during every commercial break on several channels. I don't miss the commercials, but I did laugh when I saw him hug a pillow.

Why are the United States and New Zealand the only two countries in the world that allow direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs? The federal government banned cigarette advertising on television in 1969. From the 1960s through the early 1980s, there was a de facto ban on televised pill commercials. In August 1997, however, the federal government opened the floodgate for television drug commercials. Close the floodgate! The article from 2/15/2025 explains what I call “Pill Commercial Overload Syndrome (PCOS).”

As a follow-up question, for my next annual physical examination, should I take with me a list of drugs advertised on television and ask my doctor if each one is right for me? Finally, should my wife and I simply move to Ireland to escape the onslaught of drug commercials? I don't take any prescription medicine.

Why are car salesmen's commercials so obnoxious? Do they have to be so excited? Why can't they wear clothes that match? Why do they shout at me? I ain't buying!

Switching to radio, why do local radio stations play the same commercials over and over again? Can't they get other businesses to advertise?

How many folks do you know who are stuck in a timeshare? Chuck McDowell, the founder and CEO of Wesley Financial Group, thinks many of us are stuck in one. I switch radio stations when I hear his commercials. I ain't stuck!

How many gullible property owners want to sell their homes and land for less than the fair market value? Patrick Martin, founder, owner, and chief executive officer of Pro Source Home Buyers, thinks we all do. Television and radio stations lose me when his commercials air. We aren't selling! The article from 6/10/2025 presents our experience with the business.

Why do I need a safe but just don't know it yet? Mark Brasfield, the owner of The Safe House in Nashville, Tennessee, tells me so frequently in his radio commercials. I ain't buying!

Well, I could continue, but let's move on.

Classic Rock Radio Stations

Why do classic rock radio stations play far too many rock songs that are not classics?

Why do these stations play good classic rock songs so frequently that I grow tired of hearing them? I mean, for example, how many times do you want to hear about Tommy, who used to work on the dock, and Gina, who works at the diner?

Why do these stations play songs, especially on a Sunday, in which the singer is excited about being on the highway to hell or running with the devil? Does anyone really want to go to hell? I will continue to follow Jesus' instructions in Matthew 7:13-14.

Why are several great classic rock groups not included in station playlists? For example, where are The Bangles, Chicago, Dire Straits, the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), the Go-Go's, the Pretenders, Santana, the Scorpions, Steely Dan, Supertramp, the Grateful Dead, Toto, and U2?

Where can I find a playlist that includes the bands mentioned above? Well, my iPod MWF Classic Rock station has them! I always listen to it while driving.

Is classic rock determined objectively? If so, who sets the standard? I can answer those questions if you ask!

Local Television Stations

How can every local television station be the most trusted, reliable, and accurate?

Is everything “breaking news”? Didn't they “break” the same news story yesterday evening or early this morning?

Why do these stations start off with a weather tease, only to return to the full weather forecast around ten minutes later?

Why do local stations show news segments from far-away states? Further, why do they show international news stories?

Why do these stations tell us that more information on a story is available on their website or news application (app.), which you can download? Why not tell us the full story now?

Why are we to be “weather-aware” only on certain days? I am aware of the weather every day, especially if I'm in the woods hiking.

Why do these stations constantly pitch for us to download their application (app.)? Do they earn money for each download?

Why do weather forecasters talk about upcoming weather, for example, “for your Tuesday”? Isn't it everyone's Tuesday? Why must they add “your”?

Finally, before going to a crass commercial break, why do the newscasters waste time by telling us, “What's coming up after the break”? Isn't that a tease? I am not laughing.

Politicians

This section separates politicians, who are many, from statesmen and stateswomen, who are few. A statesman or stateswoman is guided by the constitution, integrity, morality, and the common good. A politician, in contrast, is often focused on self-interest, party loyalty, and personal gain.

Should every politician be given a pacifier? Should they have their mouths washed out with soap daily? How often should their diapers be changed?

Do politicians running for office think that the number of mailings they send will influence me to vote for them? I glance at them before tossing them into the paper recycling.

How do political candidates get my cell phone number? Why do they text unsolicited campaign spam to my number? Do they not know how annoying it is? Don't they understand that it could turn me against them?

If it makes sense to turn right and go straight, why do politicians (and bureaucrats) think turning left and backing up makes sense? Don't they have any common sense?

When is “he's tough, like Trump” a good selling point for a political candidate for the Tennessee governor's office? Why not say “he's crass, like Trump”? Is Trump really tough, or is he a bully?

Why does a US senator from Tennessee want to step down to run for state governor? Wouldn't she serve the state better as a US senator?

Conclusion

Knowing that the previous random questions are largely rhetorical and sarcastic, you are welcome, dear reader, to comment and reply.

As the previously referenced 6/3/2006 article concluded, I likewise conclude. The glass is still half full. The meaning is that I remain an optimistic realist.

What say you?

Homeplace Visit, 6-16-2026: Quasquicentennial of Granny Wood's Birth (published 6-25-2026; article #564)

Introduction

Probably like you, dear reader, I didn't know “quasquicentennial” was a word until I found it in Old Man Webster's dictionary. It's a fancy word from Latin that means a 125th anniversary.

Welcome to the 109th entry in the Heritage topic section. My maternal grandmother, Granny Wood, was born 125 years ago on June 16, 1901. Ironically, ten years ago, I took my first three steps using a rolling walker on June 16, 2016.

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the “long-suffering” Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had a “high-dollar cut and paint” hair appointment at 12:15 PM. What did I do? I drove up to the homeplace to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Granny Wood's birth. I also celebrated the 10th anniversary of my first “baby steps” after the uninsured female caused the wreck on Tuesday, 3/29/2016.

My seven-minute and 28-second audiovisual record, talking and walking around in the yard, is embedded in the section before the conclusion. I hope you enjoy it.

Preliminaries

The weather was mostly sunny. A cool morning warmed to afternoon heat. At 11:03 AM, I left home in my venerable 2006 Nissan Frontier, with just over 201,000 miles on the odometer. I had already loaded yardwork tools into the truck bed. After driving just over an hour, I was hungry and made a pit stop at the local Hardee's to fill my tank. Registering full, I next bought products to kill stumps and brush at the nearby Tractor Supply.

Parking around back at the homeplace, it was 12:54 PM. The articles from 3/16/2026 and 3/27/2026 were about previous yard work at the homeplace. The article from 5/27/2026, about our trip to see family in Kingsport, mentions the yard work needing to be done. On this trip, I got the work done.

Yard Work

Using the battery-powered brush trimmer, I gave “haircuts” to the bush on the southwest side of the house and to the bushes near the lower driveway. Afterward, I used the manual trimmer for more exact trimming. The manual tree branch cutter came in handy to take down scrub tree regrowth in two locations. I also used it to cut a few low-hanging branches from other trees.

Aside from spending a few minutes indoors, I worked outside most of the afternoon. Wisely, I had changed into an old pair of short pants and T-shirt before starting the work outside. A large-brimmed straw hat shaded my face and neck. I soaked the work shorts and T-shirt with sweat. Wiping my forehead with a paper towel kept sweat from getting into my eyes.

After completing most of the work, I used a broom to knock down a few waspers and their nests from under the front porch ceiling. One of those devilish waspers stung me above my left ear! It smarted, and I stomped on the wasper. I felt the sting until going to bed that evening.

Not long after being stung, a neighbor from across the road drove over on his 4-wheeler. Fourteen years older than me, his feisty and good-natured spirit showed no sign of aging! We enjoyed visiting together.

Later, I changed back into my regular clothes and placed the sweat-filled yard clothes inside the truck cab. (My truck asked me to roll down the windows!) At 4:19 PM, a minute before starting the walking and talking audiovisual recording, I took the following photograph:

The view looks north. Granny Wood's grapevine and the metal frame that my father built are in the foreground. The clutter on the ground around the grapevine is what remains of the scrub tree that had started to grow back beside it. I had already trimmed the bush beside the house.

Could anyone recycle old rubber tires and metal rims? There are 22 tires. Eighteen are on rims. I would like to donate the tires and rims to anyone who wants to ask and arrange to come take them off.

Talking and Walking Around in the Yard

After taking the previous photograph, I started recording as I walked around in the yard. The wasper sting above my left ear must have affected me more than I thought! Listening to my recording later, I counted five times that I misspoke the wrong year, day, and direction. Thankfully, I dubbed in corrections to the audio and overwrote the transcript.

Thusly corrected, Appalachian Irishman – Podcasts (YouTube) presents Homeplace Visit, 6-16-2026: Quasquicentennial of Granny Wood's Birth (pub. 6-24-2026; episode 46). I let my wasper-stung head rattle off for almost seven and a half minutes. I started recording from behind the grapevine and walked toward the two Winesap apple trees that my father planted. Can you see the tree branch that I noticed on the roof while recording? Later, I talked about our old dog, Buddy, who passed away, and the remains of our 20-year Christmas tree. As I wrapped up, I asked if someone would like to ask my wife about the previous day's trip that she, her sister, and I took to Athens. It was all for $34.03!

I hope you enjoy the view and my impromptu words. I truly love and miss Granny Wood and so many other beloved family members who have left us for a better place. I expect to see them again in the eternal realm.

Conclusion

After calling my wife, who was freshly back from her two-hour “cut and paint” appointment, I left the homeplace at exactly 4:30 PM. After filling my truck's tank with 100% gasoline, the drive home continued until 5:51 PM. The total time away was six hours and 48 minutes. I drove exactly 120 miles and spent three hours and 36 minutes at the homeplace.

It was an uplifting day for remembering family heritage. I will always remember what I did on the 125th anniversary of Granny Wood's birth, which was also the 10th anniversary of my first “baby steps.”

Mission Work in Russia: Our Departure on Saturday, 10-1-1994 (published 6-20-2026; article #563)

Introduction

Do you remember the television show Candid Camera? It was funny and clean. From TV Guide: TV Shows: Candid Camera, we learn, “Candid Camera was a popular American hidden camera reality television series. Versions of the show appeared on television from 1948 until 2014. Originally created and produced by Allen Funt, it often featured practical jokes, and initially began on radio in 1947. The show was later hosted by Allen Funt's son, Peter Funt.”

Welcome, dear reader, to the 15th entry in the Mission Work topic section. The focus of this brief article is on our departure over 31 years ago from Nashville to Moscow, Russia, on Saturday, 10/1/1994. It includes a couple of candid camera photographs.

Inspiration for This Article

My “adoptive” sister, Carol Sue, inspired this article. Thank you, Sis.! She emailed me on Monday, June 8, at 10:55 PM. I saw it early the next morning. The email's subject line was “LOOK WHAT I FOUND!!! LOL!!!” The attachment is the first photograph below. It was a “Candid Camera” moment in time over 31 years ago! I had been exposed (no pun intended).

I left Carol Sue a voicemail the following Tuesday afternoon. With no reply, I reached her by phone on Thursday, June 11. (She was having difficulty unlocking voicemails on her cell phone.) Well, we laughed about the photograph below and caught up on life for almost an hour and a half. Even my wife, the “long-suffering” Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, spoke with Carol Sue for a while.

Carol Sue, I plan, Lord willing, to call you after publishing this article! I have to poke a little fun at myself by writing it!

Background to the Photographs Before Our Departure

The Covington and Bryant families were already in Moscow. My wife and I became the third family on the “Mission Moscow” team of Christian missionaries. Newly established churches were already in Moscow and the nearby city of Klin. My wife and I served exactly five years, from 10/1/1994 to 9/30/1999. The Covington and Bryant families returned stateside before us. Young missionaries, who participated in our college mission internships during the summers, arrived after our departure.

My wife and I chose to depart for Russia from the Nashville International Airport instead of the closer McGhee Tyson Airport, near Knoxville. We had already moved our belongings back to East Tennessee from Dexter, Missouri, where I served for two years as an associate minister while we prepared for overseas mission work. Before our departure, we stayed with my parents in Hawkins County and my wife's parents in Etowah, Tennessee.

Our decision to depart from the Nashville International Airport was under the assumption that members of our sponsoring church, the Dexter Church of Christ in Dexter, Missouri, would come to see us off. Sadly, not a soul from our sending church bothered to drive down to encourage us as we began our missionary journey.

Instead, four members of the Charleston Church of Christ in Charleston, Missouri (Facebook: Charleston Church of Christ), delighted and inspired us with their presence! Before Dexter, I had served as the minister in Charleston from 1986 to 1992.

Photographs Before Our Departure

This section includes four selected photographs, out of 25 that we have. The first two are candid camera shots! The final two show members of our church and biological families.

Candid Camera Shots!

While waiting for our departure, my “adoptive” brother-in-law, Michael, Carol Sue's husband, knew that I would use the restroom at some point. Literally behind my back, he took the following rather embarrassing image of me facing the urinal!

At least my pants were up! Yes, the hair on my head used to be black, not gray with a little black like it is now. As an aside, the last time I shaved my beard was on this day of our departure for Russia. I started growing the beard, which I have kept all these years since.

It is said that revenge is a dish better served cold. I wanted revenge! I waited. Michael was quenching his thirst with water. Nature called. He answered. Stealthily, I followed him into the men's restroom and took the following shot:

Wisely, Michael had chosen a stall! He knew what I would do! Hearing me snap the camera, he turned his head. I caught only his back, right arm, and cleft chin. I still laugh when I think about those candid camera moments!

Members of Our Church and Biological Families

Still awaiting our Delta departure time, someone took the following photograph of our church family from the Charleston, Missouri, Church of Christ:

From left to right are shown the church minister and his wife, Carol Sue, me, my wife, and Michael. Smiling, we were enjoying an unforgettable moment in time.

Michael, with his sly grin, must have been up to something. Apparently, my wife forgot to look into the camera.

The next photograph, taken by someone, was of our biological families.

From left to right in the back row were my father, my youngest brother, and my next-to-youngest brother. My younger brother, closest to my age, may have been working. His two daughters, however, were there.

The second row from left to right includes my mother, me, my wife's younger sister, and my father-in-law. The camera caused my sister-in-law's red-eye glare.

In the third row from left to right are my wife, her younger sister, and her mother. My wife was looking into the camera this time.

The final row shows our three nieces. Again, the camera caused the red-eye look for my brother's two girls.

My parents, my wife's parents, and our niece, standing between the other two nieces, have since passed away. We certainly miss them.

Conclusion

The time of our departure was at hand. The call to board was announced. Tears of sorrow from the imminent continental separation mixed with smiles and words of encouragement, love, and pride due to the cross-cultural mission work that my wife and I were beginning in service to our Savior.

Once seated at takeoff, we both began to feel the separation from loved ones. I recall saying, “This is it.” Our two years of preparation were finally being realized. We were on our way!

I recall that we flew from Nashville to JFK International Airport in New York. After a layover there, our flight continued to Sheremetyevo International Airport (Международного аэропорта Шереметьево) in Moscow, Russia. Moscow time is eight hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Due to the time difference and the layover, we arrived in Moscow the next day, Sunday.

The other two missionary families and members of the Lord's church in Moscow met us at the Moscow airport. Their warm greetings and excitement at our arrival uplifted and strengthened us.

Eventually, we arrived with our luggage at our apartment just off Tverskaya Street (Улица Тверская) on Trekhprudny Lane (Трехпрудный Переулок). Our second-floor apartment was in building 6, apartment 8 (дом 6, квартира 8). It was within walking distance to the Kremlin (Кремль) and Patriarch's Ponds (Патриаршие пруды).

Initially, the Covington and West families formed the Mission Moscow team. The Wests, however, departed before our arrival. The Bryants arrived a few months before us. During our survey trip to India and Russia in 1993, we stayed with the Wests in the same Moscow apartment. It was familiar to us.

At first, my wife and I felt out of place in the apartment, and we missed our stateside families. I noticed a chest of drawers, which had been under a mirror in the narrow hallway, was not where we remembered it to be the year before. I moved it back to where we remembered it being.

Doing that made us suddenly feel at home. I said, “We are home now.” My wife agreed. We became excited about beginning our five-year commitment to Christian missionary work in Moscow, Klin, and surrounding areas. The adventure had begun.