Today’s Good news story comes from The Cool Down. This was sent to me by my correspondent, Noelle Granger Gophers become unexpected heroes after scientists introduce them to site of Mount St. Helens eruption Jordan Carlton Wed, April 1, 2026 at 7:30 PM CDT In the late spring of 1983, scientists set out to help […]
“What’s your favorite part of playing with snowmen, Twiggy?” “I like pulling his arms. A nice twisted cord with a knot at the end.” “I like making him squeak till everyone in the house wonders what’s going on.” “That’s okay till you get to the stuffing and the squeaker is out.” “Oh yeah. Then all […]
Today I opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 205. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “quality.” No, that isn’t dirt on my finger. It’s a bruise from heaven knows where or how. Quality by John W. Howell © 2026 “It’s the […]
This post was first published on August 5th, 2019, which was the anniversary of the establishment of a tax to help pay for the Civil War. Since April 15th is coming up fast, I thought it might be fun to time-travel back to 1861 to get a feel of what it was like. Of […]
Today is Easter, a good time to visit the Lakeway Easter Eggstravaganza at the park, sponsored by the Lakeway Parks and Recreation Department. We are catered by Acre 41 of Austin, and our entertainment is Judy Garland and Fred Astaire. Menu Eggs Your Way – bacon or sausage, breakfast potatoes, toast Spinach & Mushroom Egg […]
The coffee machine touchscreen is in the hide mode. One touch of the two coffee selection brings it to life. The aroma of freshly ground beans fills the air, and the soothing syrup slowly fills the cup. The low caffeine warning horn in my head goes silent with the first sip. The second sip brings […]
Today’s good news comes from Science Daily. Thanks to Noelle Granger for sending it in Scientists uncovered the nutrients bees were missing — Colonies surged 15-fold A lab-made diet supercharged bee colonies and could help save our food supply. Date: March 27, 2026 Source: University of Oxford A team of researchers led by the […]
“The Panther looks over and sees two victims. A hapless Puma or helpless chicken.” “Brother, so the drama begins.” The Panther decides it will be Chicken Licken for lunch.” “Nice illiteration there, Panther.” “The Panther decides to take her prey to the mountain top for a peaceful meal.” “Where else is there to go? No […]
Today I randomly opened Circumstances of Childhood to page 127. I closed my eyes and pointed to the page. My finger is closest to the word “urgent.” That is our prompt today. Urgent by John W. Howell © 2026. “Hurry up.” “What’s the deal?” “It’s urgent.” “What?” “The thing you have to see.” “For heaven’s […]
This post was published on July 21, 2014. For some reason, I had it in my mind that another author would like to co-write the top ten not-to-do lists with me. I learned a valuable lesson, but it was a fun list, so I’m sharing it again. No, I am not soliciting another co-author. […]
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