Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

Ah, Friday at last Little One.”
“Feels good, Lucy.”
“Yes it does.”

 

Friday again so soon? WTH. Okay, enough of the “Is life moving too fast? rant.” Of course, it is. We haven’t seen anything yet. Wait until everything opens up, and we all jump on the gerbil wheel.

The political wags are making a big deal out of certain states cutting short the unemployment pandemic bonus payments of 300 dollars a week. The real facts are 1. The number of unemployment claims is at the lowest level since the pandemic started. 2. Businesses are trying to attract workers, but with the prospect of earning that $300 by not working, there are staffing shortages everywhere. There is another lesson here. Some business sectors need to raise their wages to get the workers they need. I’m just saying.

We finally got three inches of rain here at the house. We needed it badly, and more is on the way. The folks in Louisana did not need the rain they got, so now there are emergency situations. It would be nice if there was an even allocation of the weather.

Had a great time on Fresh Ink Group’s Voice of Indie Podcast last night. Thanks to Beem Weeks and Stephen Geez for having me on. Here’s the link https://t.co/W0RkRhUm6Z?amp=1

If you haven’t seen the post on my review of Andrew Joyce’s Yellowhair, I hope you do. I have a lot of respect for his work.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the situation in the Middle East with the prospects of a cease-fire set for today. Let’s hope it is in place for a long time.

I hope you all have a great weekend.

Stop by John W. Howell ©2021

I am killing you,

You are killing me as well . . .

Let’s stop this madness.

67 comments

  1. Dreading that gerbil wheel. Mostly because I’m too exhausted to run these days.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I know what you mean. 😁

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  2. Great points today. I’m glad you got the rain you needed and sorry for those folks with too much. We’re getting hammered with torrential downpours and gales at the moment. Sea surges of around 18 feet are expected today too. Hatches duly battened down.
    I love the Haiku, John. Spot on.
    Have a good weekend, John and all 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. You have had the worst weather, Harmony. I hope you stay dry and well. 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

  3. I totally agree John. The madness has gone on too long. It should end even if just to save the lives of more children who may one day grow up to be the ones who beat cancer. They’re killing the future. Have a great weekend.
    Hugs

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, David. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  4. I, too, dread some aspects of the return to ‘normal.’ Going to try to hold onto the simple pleasures. Happy Friday, John…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Lori. 😊

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  5. I’ve found people being even nicer during the pandemic, I hope they stay that way after it’s over.
    I can understand why businesses fight the wage increases. Especially after the pandemic, IF they are still in business, they can’t afford to pay more.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Good point, GP. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Lucy looks particuarly happy to see Friday. I’m going to take a page from her book today.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes she is an expert in living in the moment. She enjoyed each one. Thanks, Liz.

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  7. I agree with GP, many small businesses can’t afford to pay higher wages. Perhaps the government should direct those unemployment wages to the businesses in order to increase pay. I was raised that you work for your money, not have it handed over to you, except in situations where people are physically unable to work. Oh well…at least its Friday!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Or provide some tax incentives to put more money in saleries.

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  8. Is it OK Gerrible Wheel ? Yes lets not kill each other. Happy weekend John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You as well, John

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Glad you got some rain, John. Lots of businesses are hiring here, but I know wages are an issue. Have a great weekend!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Most restaurants here are in a big help shortage.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Gwen M. Plano · ·

    Complicated issues for sure, John. During emergencies, handouts may be essential. But long term, they create dependency and once that occurs, we’ve all lost. Just my simple thoughts. BTW I love the photo of the girls and their exchange. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes. Handouts never work in the long haul. Thanks, Gwen.😁

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  11. We could sure use a little of your rain out West.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes. I would send a little if I could.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Yes to raising wages, but we should also be mindful of how most companies get around the wage increases by cutting worker’s hours and eliminating benefits. I get that they have to make money, but how comes the most successful companies somehow figure a way to pay living wages, offer benefits and make big profits?

    As for your Ku, I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been reading Gandhi this week and it fits so nicely.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It can be done.

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  13. portmanguy · ·

    Pleased to hear you got some rain, John. We’ve had three inches while I’ve been penning this comment. Have a good weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hahaha. I hope your rain gives you some respite

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  14. Much to ponder these days, John. Thank you for offering your wisdom. Have a gin and tonic later? Meet ya out back. ♡

    Liked by 1 person

    1. See you there.

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  15. John, I’m with you about things flying by. It feels like the second half of my week just disappeared. And I feel like I need to do an extra three days’ work to get my head above water. But (to the weather) no danger of me drowning here. NM is in its worst drought since the 1950s. Okay, time for my other cup of coffee, because I need to hit the ground running. Stay safe and well. Hugs!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Teagan. In NM it is hard to know when there is a drought it is so normally dry. Thanks for checking in. Hugs

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  16. D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    I don’t think I’ll go back to that fast pace again open things open up. I liked the slower pace:) I do hope lower wages go up to attract workers. Yes, the killing is madness and senseless, I hope its over at least for now.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m not sure it’ll ever be over.

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  17. Thousands of years of history would suggest it eont last, John but we can hope.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, indeed.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Lucy and Twiggy, I see, have their Friday Faces on! Lookin’ good, girls! John, I’m with you. This week has flown by, leaving me with work to complete over the weekend. Ugh.

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    1. Yes the curse of the drinking class.

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  19. The situation in the Middle East is heartbreaking.- Your JohnKu is perfection.
    The incentives payments don’t incite the lazy people to go out and get a job that pays the same or less. Employers really have to figure out how to pay their employees proper wages.
    So cool to listen to you speak! Interesting interview. Loved it. We tend to try to picture what the voices of those we follow have so now I no longer have to imagine 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m so glad you could stop by, Dale. no you don’t have to imagine. Thanks, Again. 😁

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      1. It’s cool to put a voice to the face!

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      2. Thank you, Dale, 😁

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Nice voice by the way 🙂

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      4. Aw. Thank you, Dale. ❤️

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  20. We are still enjoying our hot streak but I think rain is in the forecast early next week. There is no sense to the weather these days.

    Your JohnKu says it all.

    Happy Friday, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. thank yo, Mae. There is no sense to the weather. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  21. On occasion of a great Friday anniversary Lucy & Twiggy sing “Don’t worry. Be happy!” Ha-ha-ha! They are so funny smiling, dear John! 🙂 🙂 🙂

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    1. Don’t they look happy though? 😁

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      1. Absolutely! Two extremely happy Friday dogs & great bird guardians at week-ends! 😁😁😁

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      2. PS. I have just listened to the podcast “Voice of Indie”. That’s amazing! My congratulation, dear John! Your voice sounds very young & it fits to the real age of your soul. 🍹🍹🍹🌺

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      3. Aw, thank you Dear Maria. I guess I do have a younger soul in this old carrage. I love your comment 🤗❤️🍰

        Liked by 1 person

      4. 😂😂😂 My pleasure, dear John. Your sense of humour is brilliant! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Your answer made me think in our pets ever ponder upon their age…I doubt. They just live & enjoy!

        Liked by 1 person

      5. They do live and enjoy. As for me, I have stopped pondering age. It is what it is. 😁

        Liked by 1 person

  22. We got plenty of rain here too and are grateful for it. Thanks for the link to the interview – I enjoyed getting to hear you and learn more about you. Good interview! TGIF to you!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Jo. So glad you could make the broadcast. 😁

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  23. petespringerauthor · ·

    Weather distribution sounds like a plan. We’re looking at another ugly year of wildfires in California as droughts seem to be the norm instead of the exception in the last decade.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It seems that way, Pete. When we moved there in 1993 it rained constantly which was normal for the winter months.

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  24. Well said, John.

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    1. Thank you, Barbara.

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  25. Some of our best restaurants are closing, not because of lack of customers, but because of no staff. Can you please send some rain up here? 90 in New England with no AC feels like… well, you know. Best to you, John.

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  26. Perfect Ku, John, and even weather allocation would be amazing, wouldn’t it? From one extreme to the other. We need some of that rain as we’re in a severe drought and fire season is upon us. Honestly, I dread this summer and early fall because of these reasons. But I’m trying to stay positive. 🙂 Hope you have a great week ahead.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Lauren. I hope you get rain.

      Liked by 1 person