Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “In a Nutshell”

~ John W. Howell

A picture of a string with drops of water- the logo for SoCS

When the coffee machine knows the need and desire for the relief the beverage promises, has reached an apex, it then decides it needs a cleaning. Empty Grounds is the message blinking to get my sore eyes to notice. In a nutshell, no empty, no coffee. With unsteady movements, the grounds receptacle is emptied, washed, and replaced. In gracious appreciation, the two spouts pour forth the life-saving elixir.

Once the caffeine has hit the brain, the clock is set for January 19th, 1923. The location is the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. The time is set for two hours, and the plunger is pulled.

We arrive at the university just in time to see physicist Dirk Coster of the Netherlands and chemist George de Hevesy of Hungary read from the journal Nature about their discovery of the 72nd element, Hafnium, Latin for Copenhagen. Hafnium is not found as a free element but is dispersed in Earth’s crust to the extent of three parts per million and is invariably found in zirconium minerals. Dirk and George did not know it then, but the metal is very useful for controlling rods in nuclear power plants because of its high melting point.

As champagne is being served, the alarm goes off again. The couch is my landing spot. The tone on my phone is the expected text from Linda Hill. It reads:

Your prompt for #JusJoJan the 20th and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “in a nutshell.” Use it as an idiom, or use it literally. Enjoy!

If you want to see what other bloggers do with the prompt, visit Lindas’s post at this link: https://lindaghill.com/2024/01/19/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-2024-daily-prompt-jan-20th/

In a Nut Shell by John W. Howell © 2023

“That was a nice trip. You did that 1023 thing again.”

“Yeah, I blew it again. Even so, I thought a little education would do us all good.”

“Or provide an incentive for a nap.”

“Oh, come on. I’ll bet you never heard of Hafnium.”

“You are so right, and I’m afraid to go near water. I’m so heavy with that knowledge.”

“Yeah, very funny. I’m sure someone appreciates it.”

“I certainly hope they let you know in the comments.”

“Well, even so, It is good to keep learning.”

“I’ll bet the kids in Chemistry back then were pleased these guys found another element to memorize.”

“It was number 72, so I don’t think the kids would notice.”

“Anyhow, I’m tired of learning, so how about a trip to the pub.”

“Good idea. Give Uber a call.”

“Already done. He’s waiting over there.”

“Where? I can’t see anything beyond that giant peanut.”

“That’s it. The driver is there too.”

“You gotta be kidding me.”

“Transportation in a nutshell.”

“Great tie-in to the prompt.”

“Thank you. Let’s go.”

 

73 thoughts on “Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “In a Nutshell””

  2. Dirk and George deserved the champagne props but your coffee comes first Boss. After which we time travel to New Orleans for the nectar of the Gods.

    And yes, in that Nut-mobile. Because we can.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Pingback: Wrap It Up — SoCS JusJoJan – No Facilities

  6. Good choice for the prompt, John. Tell your buddy it did make this old chemistry student smile. Well, I didn’t actually smile, but I remembered learning about transition elements, and–appropriate for this post–their partially filled D-Shell. See, he could have been climbing into the big peanut with someone more boring 😉

    Perfect Uber vehicle

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I believe people interview for the ‘prestigious’ job of driving that nutshell. Imagine how that looks on one’s resume, ‘I was Mr. Peanut’. I remember memorizing the elements in high school chemistry but can’t recall that one. I do remember the pretty girl sitting next to me😉.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. The effect hafnium has had on many things is really interesting, John. The Danes have come a long way since their Viking days. Riding in a peanut shell with Mr. Peanut driving is really amusing! Great job!

    Liked by 1 person

  20. I think it’s fabulous that we learn something new as we sip on our café. And, call me nuts, but I think that would be a fun trip to the pub in that mobile!

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Well, well.. I’m in a nutshell.
    1023?
    Hafnium backwards is Muinfah. Cant beat that!

    Love the history lesson. Thanks John! # 72 sounds like magic. Add them together 7+2=9. I rest my case.

    𝟡𝞌 𝟡𝞌 𝟡𝞌 𝟡𝞌

    Liked by 1 person

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