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EMPTY POCKETS BLOG PAGE
KENTUCKY DERBY PICKS
RACE 1 This is a high-level Maiden Special Weight (MSW) at 1 1/16 miles with a substantial $120,000 purse. Since these are maidens, many are still developing, but the pedigree and "connections" (trainers/jockeys) tell us a lot about the expected Class and Form. Here is the objective evaluation and point assignment based on your four criteria: The Top Contenders P# Horse Form Speed Pace Class Overall Value (1-10) 11 Powershift 9 9 8 9 9.0 3 Silent Way 8 8 7 8

James Blanken
May 1


Michelle Rice Story
The Geography of Despair: Michelle L. Rice Story The city of Springfield, Ohio, is a place composed of perpendicular ambitions and horizontal silences, a geometric arrangement of brick and limestone nestled within the humid embrace of the Mad River valley. To the casual observer traveling the National Road, it appears as a typical relic of the American industrial heartland, a landscape where the towering stacks of defunct factories lean against a grey Midwestern sky like the

James Blanken
Apr 22


Tonica Jenkins Crime
Tonight, on TRUE CRIME Podcast With James Blanken on the Empty Pockets Podcast We have attempted Murder, Fraud, Embezzlement, Arson, Drugs, the DEA, and countless crimes committed by one person – What’s the Springfield connection? Tune in tonight at 7:00 PM Tuesday, March 24, 2026 The story you won’t believe! On Rumble https://rumble.com/user/EmptyPocketsPodcast If you have a Roku TV, download the app and watch on your TV

James Blanken
Mar 24


Monday Night
Time to Nerd out - All the cool databases for Springfield, Clark County and the State of Ohio. Clark County Municipal Court https://clerkofcourts.municipal.co.clark.oh.us/web.nsf/CaseSearch?OpenForm Clark County Daily Cases https://cases.clerkofcourts.municipal.co.clark.oh.us/newsfeed Clark County Common Pleas Court https://eservices.clarkcountyohiocourt.com/eservices/home.page.2 Domestic Violence Reports – Ohio Attorney General https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Files

James Blanken
Mar 21


NCAAB
Looking for the ultimate edge before you lock in your 2026 brackets? 🏀 Join James Blanken and Jimmy Steward tonight on Empty Pockets for a deep dive into the NCAAB tournament! We’re breaking down the toughest regions, identifying the Cinderella stories, and dissecting the betting lines you need to see. Whether you're playing for bragging rights or looking for the best value on the board, we've got you covered. 📺 Tune In Details When: Tonight, Wednesday, March 18 Time: 6:00

James Blanken
Mar 18


The Story of Ama
The Story of Amanda Ward-Romine Tuesday March 17, 2026 In the summer of 2013, the air hung thick over Springfield—a physical weight pressing down on limestone and asphalt, trapping heat and secrets in equal measure. Through the heart of this landscape runs Buck Creek, a waterway that was once the lifeblood of milling and industry but had become, in the local psyche, something more opaque. A place of recreation, yes—boaters and fishermen casting lines into the C.J. Brown Rese

James Blanken
Mar 11


Conservative Budgeting Tips for Financial Stability
Let’s face it - managing money can feel like walking a tightrope over a pit of financial uncertainty. But what if I told you there’s a way to keep your balance without sweating every step? That’s where conservative budgeting comes in. It’s not about pinching pennies until they scream; it’s about smart, steady moves that build a solid financial foundation. If you’re ready to take control and stop worrying about what’s around the corner, stick with me. I’ll share practical, no-
emptypocketsgarage
Mar 11


MONDAY WITH JIMMY & JAMES
Follow along with the spreadsheet on The City of Springfield Finance files. We will go through all budgets from 2019 to 2023. You might even learn a few things! Open PDFs

James Blanken
Mar 9


Join the Shop Talk: Online Car Tips for Everyday Drivers
Let’s face it - keeping your car in tip-top shape can feel like a full-time job. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Whether you’re cruising through Springfield, Ohio, or anywhere else, a little know-how goes a long way. I’m here to share some down-to-earth, practical car maintenance tips you can find online that’ll save you time, money, and headaches. Ready to join the shop talk? Let’s dive in. Why Online Car Tips Are a Game-Changer You might be thinking, “Why bother with on
emptypocketsgarage
Mar 4


What a City Manager Really Does — And Why It Matters in Springfield, Ohio
Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck is juggling tight budgets, rising service demands, and the unfolding TPS situation — all while trying to keep the city running. Here's a working‑class look at what his job really involves, why transparency matters, and how national decisions are hitting Springfield at the local level.
Fun Johnny
Mar 4


The Impact of Supreme Court Decisions on Presidential Authority Over Foreign Tariffs
The power to impose tariffs on foreign countries has long been a critical tool in the United States' economic and foreign policy arsenal. Yet, the scope of the President's authority in this area is not unlimited. Supreme Court decisions have played a pivotal role in defining what the President can and cannot do when it comes to tariffs. This blog post explores how these rulings shape presidential power, affect international trade, and influence the balance between the executi
emptypocketsgarage
Feb 24


Understanding Traditional American Values: A Modern Guide to American Cultural Values
When you hear the phrase traditional American values , what pops into your head? Maybe it’s hard work, family, or freedom. But what do these values really mean today? And how do they fit into the fast-changing world we live in? I’ve been digging into this topic, and I want to share a straightforward, no-nonsense look at what traditional American values are all about—and why they still matter. What Are American Cultural Values Anyway? American cultural values are the beliefs a
emptypocketsgarage
Feb 16


The Value of Car Maintenance Discussions: Why Shop Talk Matters Online
When it comes to keeping your car running smooth and steady, there’s more to it than just routine oil changes and tire rotations. I’ve found that car maintenance discussions —those casual, no-nonsense talks about what’s going on under the hood—are pure gold. Especially when you can tap into them online. It’s like having a trusted mechanic in your corner 24/7, without the grease on your hands. Let’s dive into why these conversations matter so much, how they help you save money
emptypocketsgarage
Feb 9


T.P.S. and Its Impact on Springfield: A Call to Action
What is T.P.S. and Why Should You Care? If you’re scratching your head wondering what T.P.S. even is, you’re not alone. Temporary Protective Services is supposed to be a government program designed to protect vulnerable people—think of it as a safety net. Sounds good, right? But here’s the kicker: in Springfield, T.P.S. has become a tangled mess of bureaucracy and unintended consequences. The idea behind T.P.S. is simple: step in when someone’s in danger, provide immediate he
emptypocketsgarage
Feb 5


How These Lower Court Federal Judges Interfere with the Executive Branch and That Interferes with Our Lives
You ever feel like some folks just can’t mind their own business? Well, that’s exactly what’s happening with certain lower court federal judges. They’re stepping on the toes of the Executive Branch, and it’s not just a political squabble—it’s messing with everyday life for folks like you and me. Let’s break down how this judicial interference works, why it matters, and what it means for our communities. When Judges Play Traffic Cop to the Executive Branch The Executive Branch
emptypocketsgarage
Feb 5


Budget-Friendly Car Maintenance Tips for Everyday Drivers: Affordable Car Maintenance Tips You Can Trust
Keeping your car in tip-top shape without breaking the bank might sound like a tall order. But trust me, it’s totally doable. I’ve been there—juggling work, family, and a tight budget, all while trying to keep my ride running smooth. The good news? With a little know-how and some smart habits, you can save a bundle on car upkeep. Let’s dive into some affordable car maintenance tips that’ll keep your wheels rolling without draining your wallet. Affordable Car Maintenance Tips
emptypocketsgarage
Feb 2


Looking Beyond the Headlines The human side of I.C.E. Agents in recent Minneapolis shootings.
In the past few weeks, Minneapolis has witnessed several shootings involving I.C.E. agents. The media and public conversation often focus on the individuals who were shot and their families, highlighting the tragedy and loss. While these stories are important, there’s another side that rarely gets attention—the agents themselves. Most discussions overlook what the agents might be experiencing. These are people who, in the course of their duties, found themselves in situations
emptypocketsgarage
Jan 29


Practical Online Finance Tips for the Blue-Collar Worker: Blue-Collar Financial Strategies That Work
Managing money can feel like trying to fix a leaky faucet with a butter knife. It’s frustrating, confusing, and sometimes downright impossible. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a fancy degree or a Wall Street job to get your finances in order. If you’re working hard with your hands and want to make your dollars stretch further, I’ve got some practical online finance tips tailored just for you. Let’s dive into some blue-collar financial strategies that actually make se
emptypocketsgarage
Jan 26


Politics and Cars: The Connection You Didn't Know You Needed
What’s Making News in Politics Today Political news changes rapidly, but some stories stand out because of their impact on society, the economy, or international relations. Here are some of the most important political headlines currently shaping the conversation: Government Policy Changes Affecting Everyday Life Recent policy announcements have focused on areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. For example, several countries are debating new healthcare refor
emptypocketsgarage
Jan 23


Welcome to Empty Pockets- Pull up a stool.
Welcome to Empty Pockets — the digital bars tool where the opinions are loud, the wallets are light, and the conversations sound a whole lot more like real America than anything you’ll hear on cable news. If you’ve ever fixed a problem with duct tape, yelled at your TV during the news, or solved the country’s biggest issues over a cold beer with your buddies, you’re in the right place. This is where working people get to talk about the world the way we actually live it — not
emptypocketsgarage
Jan 23
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