For the second week in a row, the coffee appears without drama from the AI drama queen. The cup to the lips and a long slow sip is interrupted by the sounds of a calliope followed by the amplified voice of Phil Harris. “Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages. Welcome to the Warner Brothers Looniest Show on Earth.”
A quick run to the back door confirms the big top is up and packed with people. “And now I turn your attention to the center ring where, for your entertainment, the most recognized animal trainer in the world. The trainer of trainers. The honorable Elmer Fudd puts the ferocious beasts through their paces.” Slipping into the tent during the applause, taking in the scene is overwhelming. A white-hot spotlight converges on the likeness of Elmer Fudd decked out in high boots, jodhpurs, and a pith helmet. He is snapping a whip, and the so-called ferocious beasts are cowering on their perches. Claude Cat, Arnold the Pit Bull, Hector the Bulldog, Baba Looey, Charles the Dog, Lola Bunny, and Toro the Bull look like they would rather be anywhere else.
To make matters worse, the calliope music is obviously on tape, and Phil Harris is nowhere in sight. Elmer coaches each to perform. Claud gives a half-hearted roar. Arnold barks at the audience. Hector and Baba Looey chase each other, Charles and Lola do a leapfrog routine, and Elmer shoots his pistol when Toro takes a run at his backside. The audience loves it. Elmer grabs a chair to force toro back on his perch.
Underneath the chair is an envelope held by tape. Elmer rips it off, opens the envelope, and reads the contents over the sound system. He announces it is a message from Linda Hill. The message reverberates around the arena.”Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is ‘tape.’ Use it as a noun or a verb. Use it any way you like. Enjoy!” The crowd goes nuts, and Elmer takes a bow. If you would like to enjoy go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2023/03/17/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-18-2023/
Tape by John W. Howell © 2023
“Calliope on tape?”
“Well, there is a matter of the prompt.”
“Yeah, but that seems like cheating.”
“I didn’t see you in there helping.”
“Hey. I didn’t create this whole Saturday fantasy gig. You did.”
“You are right about that.”
“I wish I had that Fudd performance on tape.”
“On tape? You crazy? You could just use your iPhone.”
“It’s an expression. I didn’t really mean tape. I meant a recording.”
“Shows your age.”
“I guess. You know what else shows my age?”
“Let me guess. Time in a bar.”
“Shows I’m at least 21.”
“Times three.”
“Aw, come on.”
“I’m buying.”
“Make it times four. Hitting the uber app.”
Fiction Favorites 
You must not live under the rules of a homeowners association. That’s quite the circus! I had to jog my memory and look up Claud and Charles. Loved it, John.
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Thank you, Maggie. I asked the city to deny a permit but nooo. So here we are. Glad you liked it. 😁
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It makes me concerned with what might happen next. Your neighbors definitely get treated to some unusual sights. 😉
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I’m sure they are not happy. That’ll teach em to run a leaf blower on Sunday.
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😂😂😂😂
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🤣
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I read this with trepidation, John, fearful of the possible compounds of tape. Happily, I saw no mention whatever of tapeworm.
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I always try to avoid the compounds if I can so tapeworm never entered my mind till now. Like you I am relieved. 😁
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Sorry to have put it there. You don’t suppose the tapeworm and earworm are related, do you?
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Only in what could be a terrific horror story.
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😬😳😱
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🤓
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Elmer did better than I expected. Thought had get sent flying by the bull.
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I think Toro has rubber horns. I thought Elmer would have more trouble. 😁
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It’s been ages since I’ve thought about a calliope, but I delighted in the journey down memory lane — a circus, a showboat, a fair, and an antique store in northern CA. Always loved them — taped or not. Well done, John. 😊
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Thank you, Gwen. Always good to have a pleasant memory called up. 😁
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You do find things that stretch my memory. Being as I think of my brain as a black hole (everything gets sucked in, but nothing ever escapes), You make me dig deep into that abyss.
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Which is a good thing for us “senior citizens.” Thanks, GP.
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I hope the bar has some popcorn to go with that VooDoo Ranger. Nice job, John.
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Thank you, Dan.
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👏 Yeah! We got the show and what show it was! I had to look Elmer Fudd up though 🤣. Happy Saturday despite everything 🤗
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Thank you, Bee. Glad you could make it. 😁
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Your mind is an amazing place.
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Given your creativity, that is a big compliment. Thanks, Craig.
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A circus with Elmer Fudd – what a concept!
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Lucky he doesn’t have a speaking part. 😁
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Agreed!
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😁
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Phil Harris is an awesome addition. Great voice. And you put him in a perfect place. Loved all the characters including Baba Looey !
Will there there be a second performance ? If so I’ll be there. I’d like to TAPE it.
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Next week we have more characters going to perform. Think Porky and Petunia on trapeze.
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Hi John, It sounds like Elmer Fudd’s performers are quite reluctant. He’ll have to give them a Pat increase. 😂
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*pay
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I got it.
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Good idea. Thanks, Robbie.
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Hope you didn’t have to cut thru a lot of red tape to exhume Phil for the show. Congratulations, it sounds like it was a great event.
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He was more than willing. Thanks, Dan
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“Sumthin scwewy goin’ on around here!” (EF)
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Yup. 🤣 Damn waskels
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😂
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😁
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Good one, John! So many of the characters brought a grin to my face. 🙂
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I’m glad. This required some imagination to visualize them. For younger folks a look-up might be necessary. Thanks, Tim
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Ha! Ha! I can visualize this, John. It might have made for an interesting cartoon episode. 🙂 Good think this is fantasy. Otherwise, the HOA would be sending you a large notice! 🙂
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I asked them to deny permission but they said the show must go on.
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Now that is quite the circus! I had to look up Claude the Cat as I had forgotten about him. I love how you have brought them all to life (not that your neighbours appreciate it, I’ve no doubt).
Happy Saturday and Cheers! It’s VooDoo Ranger night! It’s wine over here 😉
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Looking forward to my Ranger and clams linguini
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Oooh… That sounds delicious!
Roast chicken over here 🙂
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Sounds good too.
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It smells divine in here! 🙂
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I’ll bet.
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Tasted pretty darn good, too….
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Even better. 😊
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🤗
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I wouldn’t mind a Looney Toones Circus in my backyard 🙂
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Would be fun I think. Thanks, Denise.
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As Foghorn Leghorn would say ‘Well son I say you got out of that one. Now does that bartender have enough energy to wander back over here ? Or do I have to pass out from thirst waiting ? ! ? !
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The DEMT (Drink EMT) should have reached you by now.
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What a wonderful trip down memory lane!
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Thank you, Pam. There’s more next week.
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As always John that coffee Goddess is keeping you wired and boy your garden is still so busy 💜💜
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I know. I don’t know how all these folks fit in here. (must be fiction eh?)
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You think 🤔??
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😁
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I am positive everything is gonna run smoothly at this circus with Elmer in charge…yeah, right. 🎪
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Waskily Wabbit.
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Thanks for sparking so many fond memories, John.
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I’m gald you liked it. Happy Saturday to you. *sung to the tune of MacArthur Park by Richard Harris.
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Well, at least it’s not time in prison behind bar(s).
The circus sounds like mayhem. Fudd in a pith helmet? Mine is missing.
Could it be? It seems anything is possible with this stream of consciousness thing going on.
OX 🐂 OX 🐂
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He might have yours for sure. You’ll never know cause he’s not talking or giving it up. 🐂 🐂 🐂 🐂
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I knew it!
Fudd (le) Duddle!
💋💋💋💋
That will put the ox back in 2nd place!
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🐂 🐂 🐂 🐂
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Alright… but only because I’m on a sort of break. 🐂 🐂 🐂 🐂
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Have a beautiful Sunday. O24 O24 O24 O24
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Hurray for the Loony Tunes circus–and no creepy clowns! Expect delivery of you imaginary Bentley with the week.
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Sapphire black please.
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You got it!
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😁
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Oh, what a great Loony Tunes circus! Way to go, Elmer. I loved the times three and times four over the age of 21.
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A little age humor there. 😁
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Yes! I certainly laughed (and related.)
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😁
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Great classic characters, John! I thought of “roll tape” last week, but newer generations probably don’t know what that means.
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I’ll bet you are right.
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😄
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That would sell a lot of tickets!
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Thanks, Traci. 😊
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[…] Favorites https://johnwhowell.com/2023/03/18/stream-of-consciousness-saturday-prompt-tape/ For the second week in a row, the coffee appears without drama from the AI drama queen. The cup to […]
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Thanks for the link, Traci
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Don’t worry Sheriff, I date myself all the time. I’ve learned what a cheap date I am!
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Ha ha ha. Thanks for the laugh.
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What a circus, John, and a stroll down memory lane. A fun post, and I guess we’re all at least 21, right? 😀 🥂🍻
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I think we are all at least 21, Lauren. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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😀
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[…] Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Tape” […]
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Thank you for sharing my post.
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