Top Ten Things Not to Do in the Great Flood of 2348 BC.

November 2, 2026October 31, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 17 Comments

This post continues the Top Ten Not-to-Do list with historical background. Scholars widely assert that November 25 is the anniversary of the beginning of the great flood in 2348 BC. Pretend you were there, and here is a list that will keep you out of trouble.

10 In the time of the great flood, do not mock Noah’s boat building so far from water. If you do, at best, he won’t hear you. At worst, after forty days and nights of rain, you’ll wish you never had. (Good luck on treading water for a few months, Gregory. Those boat jokes seem a little lame now, don’t they?)

9 In the time of the great flood, do not offer Tiny the WWF champ some help with that rhinoceros. If you do, at best, he’ll pass on the assist. At worst, Tiny, who has just finished his group session on self-esteem, will believe you think he can’t load that snorting beast into the Ark. (Now you have to worry about a loose rhinoceros and soothing Tiny’s feelings, Giovanni. I think the rhino might be an easier task.)

7 In the time of the great flood, do not ask Noah about who is playing in the show lounge. If you do, at best, Noah will think you are joking. At worst, Noah will realize you think the whole boat thingy is a Carnival cruise. (I suppose you should feel grateful Noah allows you to ride in the dinghy, Graham. He could have just tossed you overboard.)

6 In the time of the great flood, do not start singing the Unicorn Song. If you do, at best, Noah will think it cute. At worst, since Noah couldn’t get the unicorns on board, he’ll feel bad. (Don’t forget Noah is 600 years old, Gilbert. He probably never heard of the Irish Rovers, and now you are in the brig on bread and water.)

5 In the time of the great flood, do not smack a pesky mosquito. If you do, at best it will recover. At worst, you just killed one of the two on board. (Although it seems like you did humanity a service, Gustavo, Noah is going to be plenty pissed since he was supposed to have two of everything. I would lay low if I were you.)

4 In the time of the great flood, do not try to bring more than one carry-on bag on the Ark. If you do, at best, the second bag will be floating. At worst, you’ll be caught, and Captain Noah will allow the bags to ride but toss you off. ( I don’t think the punishment is too harsh, Gustavo. What if every being brought two suitcases?)

3 In the time of the great flood, do not try to water ski off the back of the Ark. If you do, at best, you won’t lose your grip on the rope. At worst, the Ark is not going fast enough, and you’ll sink like a stone. (It doesn’t do much good to signal for help, Gerard. That giraffe has no idea what you mean.)

2 In the time of the great flood, do not ask Noah for a turn at the tiller. If you do, at best, he will turn you down flat. At worst, he will give you a spin. ( The fact that you don’t know North from South is not going to play well here, Gabe. Luckily, the mountain tops are fourteen cubits under the water. What’s a cubit, you ask? Go look it up.)

1 In the time of the great flood, when Noah asks you to release a dove, do not release that duck. If you do, at best, the duck will come back. At worst, the duck will be able to float, so there is no need to return to the Ark. (Noah is now asking you how to determine whether the waters have receded. “Wait until you see land” is not the answer he is looking for, Gideon. Those water wings should help keep you up until you sight land. By the way, that shark following you has not eaten for a couple of weeks.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway City Hall Art Exposition – Artist Lynn Zwern

November 1, 2026October 31, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

Today we are visiting the Lakeway City Hall art exposition. We are catered by The Kimberly of Austin. Our entertainment is Mayra Mayan

Menu
CLASSIC BEEF TENDERLOIN FILET WELLINGTON
in crisp puff pastry, applewood smoked bacon, natural jus, wild mushrooms à la crème
FRESH GENUINE DOVER SOLE
lightly sautéed with jumbo lump crab, or brown butter almondine, or caviar and fresh dill butter sauce
SAUTÉED GENUINE AMERICAN RED SNAPPER
fresh jumbo lump crab, fine-cut vegetables, shellfish curry broth, ginger vinaigrette
SEARED NORTH ATLANTIC SCALLOPS
citrus filets, brown butter roasted macadamia nuts, micro cilantro
WOOD ROASTED, DRY AGED DUCK BREAST & CONFIT OF LEG AND THIGH
spice crust, potato and leek gratin, black currant jus
WOOD ROASTED DOUBLE BREAST OF CHICKEN “À LA GRECQUE”
campari tomatoes, artichoke bottoms, roasted potatoes, Mediterranean olives, yogurt crema
16OZ VEAL CHOP, LIGHTLY POUNDED “ALLA PARMIGIANA”
crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, spaghettini cacio e pepe
SPAGHETTINI ALLA VALENCIANA
hand-cut spaghettini, sautéed fresh Maine lobster and Gulf shrimp, saffron, mushroom, red chile
CAPPELLETTI ALLA PIEMONTESE
braised beef and Parmigiana filling, butter, veal jus, fresh truffles.

Picture of an old time school bus Let’s all get on the bus.

Here is the artist’s bio. She works in acrylic and watercolor. Since none of the artworks were titled or had their medium identified, we will have to use our imaginations

Here is an overview of the display.

Very intricate.

Time on the sea.

An arrangement.

A different interpretation.

Beach scene.

Purple sky.

Flora up close.

Waterfalls.

Flowers and water.

Hills and water.

Waterfall.

Well, that is the exhibit. Time to relax and enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a wonderful week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Costume

October 31, 2026October 30, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

The coffee machine looks at me as if to ask a question. “What is it?” Is my response. The large touch screen comes to life with an answer. “Need a day off. There is a costume party to attend.” With the anvil chorus in my brain from a caffeine shortage, I have nothing to say but, “No.” Touching the two coffee icon on the touchscreen starts the process of delivering the elixir that cures all ills. The cup finally fills, and the first sip acts like placing a velvet cover over the anvil. It may still be there, but muted. The second sip, as we have come to expect, is accompanied by the sound of the Westminster chimes of the doorbell and the molar cracking barking of Twiggy and Tempeste. Together, these interruptions have the settling quality of a Yamaha grand piano hitting 34th Street after a fall from the Empire State Building penthouse.

A toss of two Beny bones into the soundproof room followed by a door slam brings back the peace that Cat Stevens sang about in the song Peace Train. A glance at the monitor shows Michigan J. Frog, with top hat, cane, clipboard, and envelope. Knowing that asking a singing frog to leave the envelope is futile, the security shutdown process begins.

The B-2 bomber squadron and the F-35 escort must be called off. One call does it. The tank corps and gunboats are told to stand by. The Apache helicopters are rerouted. The electric shock fence is turned off. The drawbridge over the quicksand is lowered. The robot attack dogs returned to their charging station. The laser-guided machine guns on the roof are set to caution. The nest filled with rattlesnakes put away. The bucket filled with 1000 marbles is locked down. The tear gas canisters shut off. The electrified welcome mat set to off. The fall-away sidewalk into the pit filled with spikes is locked. The hornet’s nest closed. The water cannons are set to safety. Bear traps are set to off. Peregrine Falcons perched on the roof above front door fed. The vat of boiling oil set to warm. Monty Python’s Harmless Little Rabbit’s cage is closed. The front door is opened.

The frog breaks into singing Hello! Ma Baby and hands me the clipboard and envelope. The clipboard is handed back along with a fiver. The envelope is from Linda Hill and contains a letter. It reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “costume.’” Use it the way you’d like. Have fun!

If you would like to see how others react to the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link: :https://lindaghill.com/2026/10/30/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-october-31-2026/

“Michigan Jackson Frog?”

“Yeah, he was a favorite of mine.”

“When was that?”

“Back in 1955.”

“Whoa. You were alive in 1955?”

“Very funny. Yes, I was 14 years old.”

“I didn’t realize you were that old. I should be nice to you.”

“Why’s that?'”

“You know, a be kind to dogs and seniors kind of thing.”

“Yes, I can imagine. Speaking of kind, did you order the Uber?”

“I sure did. It’s right over there.”

“Oh, come on. That thing is not going anywhere.”

“But at this price we can’t go wrong.”

“I suppose we have to carry the thing.”

“Not at all. I’m going to call my AI buddy to fix it up.”

“This I gotta see.”

“Okay, how’s this?’

“You have got to be kidding.”

“Nope, good as new. Let’s go.’

“There has to be a catch.”

“Yeah, we have to be home by midnight.”

“Why’s that?”

“The car returns to its original condition at the stroke of twelve.”

“We’d better go then.”

“Age before beauty.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

October 30, 2026October 28, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

When this sea turtle arrived at the South Carolina Aquarium, it had multiple injuries. All images courtesy of the South Carolina Aquarium, except where otherwise noted

Today’s good news story comes from the Medical University of South Carolina and was sent to me by Linda Leinen. Thank you, Linda.

Rescuing Rose: Aquarium collaborates with MUSC to protect injured sea turtle’s spinal cord

By Helen Adams

Lauren Turner, a family nurse practitioner specializing in wound care at MUSC Health, is enchanted by the young green sea turtle whose care she’s played a role in. “My team and I love animals. It’s been so sweet. We thought of her like a little princess. Then we learned from the Aquarium that she’s more of a sassy teenager.”

That sassiness has served Rose well. The turtle has needed all of its strength as it recovers from multiple ailments at the South Carolina Aquarium: cold stunning, pneumonia, low body weight, and the development that brought her to Turner’s attention: severe damage to her carapace, the upper part of the turtle’s shell.

Rose washed ashore on Seabrook Island, a gated community near Charleston. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources brought the turtle to the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Care Center.

“Cold-stunned turtles are often very thin, just kind of debilitated all across the board,” said Aquarium veterinarian Laura Whalen.

A woman wearing a blue t-shirt leans forward as she looks at a sea turtle on an exam table. Four other woman are watching and helping.

Dr. Laura Whalen, left, says the sea turtle’s degree of spinal cord exposure was severe.

As she and her team treated Rose, the extent of the turtle’s shell damage became clear. “The carapace really, really presented a big challenge for Rose and a big uphill battle. Having the degree of spinal cord exposure, especially over the midline, is not common. It’s not something you normally see as part of their presenting illnesses, and it was very severe.”

If something happened to that exposed spinal cord, Whalen said it could make it impossible for Rose to swim. She wanted the turtle, which weighed just 8 pounds upon arrival, to have the chance to grow up. Adult green sea turtles can weigh 300 to 350 pounds and can live for at least 70 years. They swim thousands of miles in their lifetimes.

So figuring out how to protect Rose’s spinal cord was essential. The Aquarium reached out to MUSC Health, which has worked with the veterinarians in the past.

A metal devide holding what looks like a small, bumpy piece of white fabric. It's part of Restrata, the wound care product.

An illustration of the Restrata used to help heal the sea turtle’s spine. It’s made for areas of soft tissue with irregular surfaces. Image courtesy of Acera Surgical

“Collaboration is huge across the board in this field,” Whalen said. “Veterinary medicine is a smaller field. And then you look at aquarium sea turtle medicine, and it gets even smaller. So by leaning on our colleagues in human medicine, and specifically MUSC, we’re able to pull knowledge, pull resources, pull experiences to provide gold standard care.”

Turner, the wound care expert at MUSC Health, and wound care nurse Glenda Burnette discussed Rose’s case. They recommended a product called Restrata, which helps repair and heal tissue in humans, for Rose. The wound care team also connected the Aquarium with some local sales reps, which led to a donation of Restrata for Rose’s care.

Screenshot from a SC Aquarium video. A woman using a cotton tipped stick to apply Restrata to Rose the sea turtle's shell.

The Aquarium veterinary team applies Restrata to Rose’s carapace.

Then, Whalen and her team carefully applied it to the turtle’s back. “We placed it in the areas of concern on the spinal cord,” Whalen said.

To her relief, the tissue on Rose’s carapace is now growing. “The size of the, for lack of a better term, holes that were over the spinal cord, we’re starting to see those fill in. The hope would be that those fill in entirely so that it’s covered,” Whalen said.

A sea turtle swims in turquoise water. Its eyes are open and its flippers are out.

Dr. Whalen says Rose has been a fighter from the beginning.

There’s no rushing the process. Rose has been at the Aquarium for almost a year and a half so far. “One thing about sea turtles is that they’re very slow to get sick, but they’re also very slow to heal, just with the way their metabolism works. So we knew it was going to be a long process. But, you know, Rose has been a fighter every step of the way,” Whalen said.

If the turtle is able to return to the ocean, the wound care team at MUSC Health hopes to be there to witness it. “There’s nothing that can stop us. It would be such a joy to see her do that,” Turner said.

The good news in this story is that science is helping injured animals and those with birth defects. Today’s JohnKu talks about saving animals. I hope you have a super weekend

It is nice to see,

Science that was aimed at people . . .

Helps animals, too.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Tempeste Pulls a Fast One.

October 29, 2026October 27, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

“Where you going, Tempeste?”

“Oh, I thought I would go out and play something.”

“Play like what?”

“Maybe Panther and Puma.”

“Don’t you need me for that game?”

“It would be nice since you are the puma.”

“Well, I suppose I could help you out.”

“That would be really fine if you could.”

“Just a minute, though. Who is going to win this game?”

“Why, the panther, of course.”

“Don’t make me laugh. Why do you think the panther will win?”

“For one thing, the panther is way younger than the puma.”

“It just means the puma has more experience.”

“The panther is nearer to fighting weight.”

“That does it.. I think I have to teach the panther a lesson.”

“Easy, old girl. You don’t want to pull anything.”

“Very funny. You wait till we get into the game.”

“So you are going to play?”

“Darn tootin’. I just have to go get a drink of water first.”

“Okay, I’ll call Mom to let us out.”

“I didn’t hear you call Mom.”

“I guess having your nice, comfy, warm spot is better than a game.”

“You tricked me.”

“Like taking candy from a baby.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – “Appreciate”

October 27, 2026October 26, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

Today I randomly opened Eternal Road – The Final Stop to page 189. With my eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger was “appreciate.” This is our prompt today.

“I appreciate you.”

“Oh sure. That’s an easy thing to say.”

“I really mean it.”

“I doubt that.”

“Why?”

“If you appreciated me, you wouldn’t treat me so badly.”

“Oh, come on. I’m not treating you badly on purpose.”

“Okay, so you will admit that you are treating me badly.”

“I guess on a specific case basis it would appear that I’m not treating you with the utmost kindness.”

“So why say you appreciated me?”

“Cause I do. I’m very grateful that you are here.”

“Why is that?”

“I’m an osprey, and you’re a fish. What’s not to appreciate?”

“Sheesh. What a life.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Launch of Microsoft Windows 1.0 in 1981.

October 26, 2026October 25, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

November marks the 38th anniversary of Microsoft Windows 1.0’s launch in 1981. Most of us were around for this event but probably didn’t pay attention to it when it happened. So let’s go back now that we know what Windows became and view the historic occasion. I have made a list of the Top Ten things not to do as we take a time trip. We wouldn’t want to disrupt the time continuum. This post first ran on November 19, 2019

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Launch of Microsoft Windows 1.0 in 1981.

10 If you go to the launch, do not ask to see the view from the windows. If you do, at best, you’ll get a blank stare. At worst, Bill Gates will call security since you obviously don’t belong here. (Now you’ve done it, Jody. You’ve drawn attention to yourself by cracking the most inane joke of the day. Here come the guards. Might be time to leave.)

9 If you go to the launch, do not try to take the mouse from Tiny, the WWF wrestling champ. If you do, at best, Tiny will finish playing Pong and give it to you. At worst, Tiny, who hasn’t attended his sharing group session for three weeks, just isn’t in the mood to give up the mouse. (You can do one of two things, Johann. 1. Walk away. 2. Find out what it is like to be slammed to the floor and held down for the count of three. Yeah, walking is a good choice.)

8 If you go to the launch, do not ask how to get on the web. If you do, at best, folks will think you a strange lover of spiders. At worst, you’ll try to explain the worldwide web when public access is ten years away. (Some of the people think you are brilliant, Johnn. Most think you are totally nuts. I think it might be time to go.)

7 If you go to the launch, do not ask about Microsoft Word. If you do, at best, no one will hear you. At worst, Bill Gates will become apoplectic since Word is a top-secret project scheduled for launch in 1983. (Those big guys making their way toward you, Jonn, are Gates security men, and they want to have a talk with you. They are thinking of rubber hoses and a water tank. Good luck with that.)

6 If you go to the launch, do not sing the song Cherish by Kool & the Gang thinking you’ll fit in. If you do, at best you’ll have a good voice. At worst, since the song did not become popular until 1985, a Hollywood type wants to sign you to a recording contract. ( So what are you going to do now, Jordain? We have a serious continuum tear possibility here, if you accept that $100,000 advance.)

5 If you go to the launch, do not discuss the sequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark. If you do, at best, you can always say you were kidding. At worst, people will get the idea that you are not from around there. (There are so many scientists here that you may not be able to explain your time-travel situation, Jordy. Best to hit the way back button)

4 If you go to the launch, do not ask Bill Gates’ date if she would like a ride in your Volkswagen Vanagon. If you do, at best, she’ll ignore you. At worst, she will think you are a nutcase. (You see, you may think the Vanagon is cool, Jorg, but in the day there was a definite hippie vibe around it. It looks like Bill has a problem with the freestyle kind of life. Yes, those are police.)

3 If you go to the launch, do not order a Bud Light at the bar. If you do, at best, the bartender will be confused, and you can say, Miller Lite. At worst, since Bud Light was introduced a year later, suspicions will rise. (Most have been looking at you with some skepticism, Jorian; this might be the last straw. Yes, the police have been called.)

2 If you go to the launch, do not pull out a package of Nerds candy. If you do, at best, folks will like them. At worst, someone will ask where to buy Nerds. (Nerds were introduced in 1983, so you may have some trouble telling folks where to get them, Jory. Just tell them these are imported from England. Worked for Skittles.)

1 If you go to the launch, do not wear your Apple Watch. If you do, at best, people will think it’s a toy. At worst, Bill Gates will want one. (How are you going to convince Steve Jobs to make one for Bill, huh, Joselito? I think you are in a real pickle

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Witches Ride

October 25, 2026October 24, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

Today we are going back to last Saturday to view the Witches Ride. Lakeway Parks and Recreation sponsors this event, which features a parade and carnival. All Day Pizza of Terrytown is catering. Our entertainment is (of course) The Eagles. (Suggested by Marc Anthony)

Pizza Menu

STRACCIATELLA – TOMATO SAUCE, MOZZARELLA, FRESH BASIL, GRANA PADANO, OLIVE OIL, HOUSE-MADE STRACCIATELLA
PEP & PEPP – TOMATO SAUCE, MOZZARELLA, PEPPERONI, PEPPERONCINI, GRANA PADANO
SWEET SAUSAGE – RICOTTA CREAM, MOZZARELLA, CRUMBLED SAUSAGE, SOPPRESSATA, RED ONION, CALABRIAN HONEY
SPICY MARGH – CALABRIAN TOMATO SAUCE, STRACCIATELLA, BASIL, OLIVE OIL, TAJIN CRUST
PICKLE – RICOTTA CREAM, MOZZARELLA, DILL, PICKLES, LEMON PEPPER PANKO – Ranch dressing
CHEESE – TOMATO SAUCE, MOZZARELLA
PEPPERONI – TOMATO SAUCE, SHREDDED MOZZARELLA, FRESH MOZZARELLA, PEPPERONI
CACIO E PEPE – RICOTTA CREAM, MOZZARELLA, BLACK PEPPER, GRANA PADANO
TOMATO TOMATOE – That’s it. TOMATO

Picture of an old time school bus Let’s go.

There’s the banner.An announcement.

Happy Halloween.

Carnival games. Bookmobile

Sweet drinks

Carasol.

Donuts

Shaved ice.

Band.

First aid tent

Jump set.

The dog in costume.

Unicycle and juggler

Great hair.

Bikes

Tiger on wheels.

Uncle Sam.

Leg-powered go-cart.

Scooter.

Characters

Cobwebs and thumbs up

A butterfly, knight, haunted golf cart, and who knows what else.

Silence of the Lambs throwback. Hannibal Lecter.

Happy-go-lucky golf cart.

A bit of a fright.

Well, that is the parade. Time now for some food and entertainment.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Ends with Ish”

October 24, 2026October 23, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

A busy Saturday ahead. Need to get everything done by 11:00 am for the TCU/WVU football game. The Producer graduated from WVU, so we enjoy the games. My team, Notre Dame, is on a bye this week. A touch of the two coffee icon starts the flow of soothin’ syrup that will kill this peckish pounding in my head. It’s like the stamp forge at the Ford Motor Rouge plant, from my dangerously low caffeine level.

The first sip quells the factory noise and vibrations. The second sip, as we all know, is accompanied by the cacophony of the Westminster Chime doorbell, in tandem with the St. Louis-bound baying of Cerberus, a multi-headed hound from Greek mythology that guards the gates of hell, in the form of Twiggy and Tempeste.

A quick toss of a couple of toy fish into the soundproof room, followed by the door slamming, brings back the peace George Harrison envisioned in the song “My Sweet Lord.” A glance at the monitor shows Cecil the Seasick Sea Serpent and his pal Beany. Beany has an envelope and a clipboard. The security system shutdown process is begun.

Beany hands me the envelope and clipboard. Once signed, it goes back to Beany with a fiver in the clip. Cicil gives me a big smile, and the front door closes. Inside the envelope is a message from Linda Hill. It reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “ends with ‘ish.’” Find or make up a word that ends with “ish” and use it any way you’d like. Enjoy! To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link: https://lindaghill.com/2026/10/23/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-october-24-2026/

“That was a funny one. Cecil?”

“Yeah, I loved those guys as a kid.”

“Was that when dinosaurs roamed the earth?”

“Late 40s until 1952. They were puppets and a live TV show.”

“You had electricity, right?”

“Yeah. The set was an Admiral console with a ten-inch screen. The unit weighed more than the couch.”

“How did you watch that?”

“Well, you had to get close for sure.. Mom was always telling me to back up.”

“The hardships of a childhood.”

“I remember one time she threatened to take me to the eye doctor. That did it. I watched it from twenty feet away.”

“Could you see anything?”

“Yeah. The sound helped, though.”

“Those were the days.”

“I think today’s days are better. Speaking of better, did you call Uber?”

“Right over there.”

“You are kidding, right?”

“No, that’s our ride.”

“Is there room in the front?”

“Yeah, room for three. Why wouldn’t you want to ride in the back?”

“With all that booze?”

“I know it would be a hardship, but you could do it.”

“No thanks. What’s the catch?”

“A couple of stops.”

“How many is a couple”

“Three bars is all, then our pub.”

“That’s not so bad. We could do a Voodoo at each place.”

“Now that’s the spirit. Let’s go.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/GoodNews

October 23, 2026October 22, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Today’s good news comes from the Good News Network.

Coconut Oil Could Make Great Sustainable Jet Fuel, Pioneering Experiments Demonstrate

By Andy Corbley October 22, 2026

October 22, 202Great for frying, perfect for your skin, and irreplaceable in a ketogenic diet, coconut oil is a wonderful product. In the future, it may even power our passenger aircraft.

Chemists in Japan recently ran extensive experiments to see whether they could create sustainable aviation fuel from coconut oil, and they not only succeeded, but also outperformed existing biofuels across several metrics.

Compared with the high pressures and intense heating required to synthesize sustainable aviation fuel from existing biofuel feedstocks, the chemists’ co-solvent method produced an aviation-compatible fuel at room temperature and pressure, with lower heat input.

This minimized the fuel’s carbon footprint even before the researchers cut it with kerosene, poured it into a micro jet engine, and set it on fire to see what would happen.

The ultimate tests—how the mixture performed in the engine—showed “thermal efficiency… comparable to that of pure kerosene.” One drawback in pure performance metrics was slightly higher fuel consumption because coconut oil ignites at a lower temperature.

In terms of the emissions profile, the largest observed improvements over kerosene were reduced unburned hydrocarbon emissions. Called UHCs in the industry, or sometimes VOCs (volatile organic compounds) they include substances like butane, and result from incomplete fuel combustion and fuel vaporization.

Their formation depends heavily on the aircraft’s state. When the aircraft is taxiing or idling and engine temperatures are lower, it releases UHCs in much greater proportions, but these emissions were reduced by 5-40% depending on the amount of coconut fuel added, with larger amounts of biofuel resulting in greater reductions in UHC emissions.

CO2 and nitric oxide levels remained consistent with kerosene regardless of the blending ratios, which ranged from 10% biofuel-90% kerosene to a 50-50 blend.

The coconut biofuel really proved compelling in its production process: the co-solvent method. Here, they used coconut fruit discarded during commercial oil extraction, combined it with 10% acetone and an alcohol (either methanol or ethanol), and processed it first at room temperature, then at temperatures below boiling.

The process also produces glycerin and biodiesel as byproducts, while the acetone and alcohol reagents can be recovered and reused.

The team from Osaka Metropolitan University described their work as the first-ever experiments to create biofuels from coconuts and test them in a jet engine. They believe more research is needed before they can commercialize the process, mainly because they observed increased carbon monoxide emissions when the biofuel was blended with jet fuel, which could harm ground crews.

The good news is that this could be an acceptable, sustainable alternative to jet fuel that may reduce unburned fuel contaminants. Today’s JohnKu talks about perseverance. I hope you have a terrific weekend.

A common substance,

Repurposed for the better . . .

Shows perseverance.