This audiobook is narrated by an AI Voice. Woodland Elementary School's playground was a microcosm of childhood power dynamics. While the younger kids stuck to hopscotch and swings, the older students embraced a more competitive world. Games like dodgeball evolved into the dangerous "fireball," and the classic "Red Rover" was banned after injuries became too frequent. The school also introduced tetherball, a game that bewildered and frustrated most kids. But perhaps the most intriguing rul...

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.A teenage protagonist stumbles upon songs like Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" in a record store, instantly captivated by their raw, energetic sound. The experience is described as both terrifying and exhilarating, a gateway to a world of music the protagonist never knew existed. Comparable works include The first time a character discovers a genre of music, like the first time someone hears a Beatles song or a punk song

Remember Superballs, Fruit Float, MAD Magazine, and Wacky Packages? Did you ever "camp" in the backyard, enjoy a cone of frozen custard, or feel the burn of Mercurochrome? I wrote the Keepinnit Reels especially for you, then. The Keepinnit Reels are a companion to the 90 second or less videos available at FaceBook, DailyMotion, TikTok, and YouTube. Almost every word of it is true, except maybe the bit about the cow.

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.This lighthearted piece uses humor to explore the often overlooked issue of poor hygiene in relationships. It argues that love's selective vision can blind individuals to bad habits, particularly when it comes to personal hygiene. The author paints a vivid picture of first dates gone wrong with unkempt appearances and questionable scents, emphasizing the importance of good hygiene as a crucial component of attraction and relationship su...

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.Die Hard, the iconic action film released in 1988, almost had a completely different cast. The lead role of John McClane was initially offered to Frank Sinatra, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and even Al Pacino for the villain, Hans Gruber. However, the film's producers ultimately chose Bruce Willis, a rising star at the time known for his role in the television series Moonlighting. The decision proved successful as Willis brought a unique blen...

Author Michael Pollick was commissioned by a gourmet coffee microroaster in Portland, Oregon to create microshort essays for their coffee can labels and newsletters. The instructions were straightforward: Keep them under 400 words, keep them family-friendly, and mention the word "coffee" at least once. He almost succeeded.The essays never made the outside of a coffee label, but they did find the inside of a desk drawer for 10 years. Here they are for your reading pleasure, the RECO...

The Pet Owner's Field Survival Manual is the first fully declassified guide to domestic animal operations, compiled for civilian handlers who have survived at least one (1) morning feeding, two (2) unauthorized zoomies, or any incident involving shredded paper goods.Presented in a vintage field‑manual style-complete with tactical terminology, sepia‑aged charm, and the weary wisdom of someone who has negotiated with a cat at 3 a.m.-this manual provides essential doc...

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.A humorous and engaging take on classic films such as "12 Angry Men," this piece offers a first-person account of watching movies for the first time. The author playfully critiques the characters, pacing, and overall experience, poking fun at the films' intensity, slow-burn tension, and the seemingly endless debate over a single knife. However, beneath the satire, the first piece also touches on the film's powerful message about justice...

"Poems of Faith, Poems of Truth" is a collection of spiritual poetry by award-winning author Michael Pollick. These pieces reflect different aspects of religion and spirituality, from the guarded cynicism of "Petty Theodicy" to the full embrace of "Fresh Butterfly Milk".This collection would make an ideal read for those who enjoy spiritual works free from saccharine or dogma.

Keepinnit Reels is a sharp, affectionate collection of humor essays that excavates the rituals, mishaps, and mythologies of American childhood and suburban life. With a voice that blends cultural anthropology, stand‑up timing, and warm‑edged nostalgia, Michael Pollick transforms everyday memories into miniature epics-equal parts heartfelt and hilariously over‑dramatic.Across these essays, readers will encounter the familiar landmarks of growing up: school cafeterias and ch...

Heartbreak, Headaches, and Other Modern ConditionsAdvice from Miss Fortune, Modern Hearts Magazine, 1958–1961Welcome to the yellowed pages of Modern Hearts Magazine, America's most questionable source of romantic guidance.For three glorious years, readers from every corner of the nation poured their troubles into the mailbox of the magazine's resident advice columnist, Miss Fortune. Their letters arrived by the sackful: tales of impossible ...

Award-winning author and poet Michael Pollick grew up in the Midwestern town of Stow, Ohio during the 60s, 70s and 80s. His hilarious essays about growing up Stowbilly are all included in this special collection. Relive some of your own hometown memories as Pollick travels back to the land of Fourth of July parades, chipped chopped ham, schizophrenic school systems and Atomic Fireballs.Originally destined for gourmet coffee can labels, the "Lost StoryHouse Coffee Essays" are micros...