In Keith’s words. “Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.”
Here is a link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/04/22/kreative-kue-429/
The photo.
Professionalism by John W. Howell © 2024
“So, guys. As you know, this podcast is heard around the world. I want you all to enjoy the discussion but watch your language. Although we are not FCC-regulated, our audience expects a high degree of professionalism. We will be live in one minute. Are there any questions?”
“Er, I have one.”
“Sure, Jerry, go ahead.”
“The subject today is the mating behavior of the yellow banana gnat.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
“When it comes time to talk about the actual act of reproduction, what words can we use.”
“Well, Jerry, as you know, our audience is made up of knowledgeable and sophisticated listeners. I would use the proper terms where necessary.”
“That is helpful. What about the terms for the gnat’s body functions?”
“Again, Jerry. I would stick to the terms that are recognized by professionals.”
“Thank you. I just don’t want to make any mistakes.”
“Jerry, you are a renowned Entomologist. You are one of the few who have studied the yellow banana gnat extensively. You have nothing to fear in terms of your knowledge and respect in the field. You are a special guest, and we are fortunate to have you on this broadcast today. There is no reason to be nervous. Whatever you say will be taken as gospel. So I hope you feel empowered to relax and share your knowledge.”
“I do, Ralph. Thank you.”
“All right, we are live in three, two, one. Good afternoon, listeners. Welcome to our podcast ‘You, Me, and the Insect Makes Three. Today, we are broadcasting in the open air from the village green and are especially pleased to have Jerry Manning, Chief Entomologist with the US Forest Service. You all know Jerry’s background, so without further ado, welcome Jerry.”
“Thank you, Ralph.”
“So tell us, Jerry. What makes the yellow banana gnat so special?”
“In a nutshell, Ralph, the yellow gnat is special in two areas.”
“Two areas. That is different. What are they?”
“The way it poops and the way it lays one on it’s mate.”
“Oh, I have just been informed that our transmitter has gone down. I’m sorry to say the broadcast has been canceled.”
“Was it something I said?”
“No, Jerry. Not at all. You were great.”
Fiction Favorites 
Poor Jerry. At least he tried.
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Must have a case of mic fever.
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Hahaha! Well, in HIS mind it was perfectly fine…
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I guess so.
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Atta boy, Jerry.
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Ha ha ha.
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The terms used were a bit too simple and clear? LOL!
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Too bad the transmitter went down. I think Jerry had more to say.
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No fair, how would the FAA know he wasn’t speaking in professional terms?
I thought the guy in the middle (Jerry ?) looked like George Peppard, so I was thinking in way of an A-Team remark.
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Wow. Haven’t thought of the a-Team in quite a while.
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Cool, John, so imaginative. 😀
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Thank you, Tim. 😊
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Bwahahaha! The yellow banana gnat…try saying that fast 6 times in a row. Good one, John.
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I tried and failed. Thanks, Monika.
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Jerry did ask for specifics… lol
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That is true. Thanks, Denise.
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looks like a certain club in Atlanta.
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The only one I know is Cheetah.
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yes sir !!
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Know it well.
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Too funny, John. 😂 The stories that run around in your mind continually amaze me. If the producer decides to write a biography, I’m sure it will be a bestseller.
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Or a snoozer. As you can imagine, The Producer does not find me all that humorous.
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such humility 😂
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😊
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LOL! This was funny!🌺😂
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I’m glad, Kymber.
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😂😂😂😂😂 (I’d say more, but I’m laughing too hard!)
Great one, John!
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So glad you liked it, Marcia.
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hahaha! Oh, Jerry. I figure the guys working the transmitter fell out laughing so hard, they had to shut down production. This is hilarious.
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I like that explanation, Lois. Thank you.
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Nice to see a plain-talking scientist!
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Very plain I might add.
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🙂
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😊
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never in a million years would I have guessed a banana slug gnat could be the “butt of a joke”. Only you, John 😂😂
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Thank you, Cindy. The sad thing is I even made up the gnat. 😁
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😂😂😂 you have a knack❣️
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😊
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Ha! Ha!! Hilarious, John. I would have never imagined that from this photo. Your brilliant sense of humor ran with it!
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Thank you, Jan. So glad you liked it.
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HAHAHA A valiant effort by Jerry.
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I’ll tell him. Thanks, Pam.
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He needs that time delay and “Beeep” button. Well done, John.
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He does for sure. Thanks, Dan
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Be professional. Be scientific. Use proper terminology. What could possibly go wrong?? Nicely handled, John!
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Yes. What could go wrong.
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Jerry was JUST getting started! And now we’ll never know if he might have had a career in comedy as well.
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Poor Jerry.
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Seriously
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😊
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Good stuff, John. I’ll wait for the book: Everything You Wanted to Know About the Yellow Banana Gnat But Were Afraid to Ask.
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Will be out in the fall.
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This could be hilarious. I love the idea of a bunch of men–or women–together making each other laugh.
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Me too. In business we used to make each other laugh all the time.
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That was really funny!
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I’m glad you liked it Jennie.
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So funny and I liked the quick ending. Very good, John.
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Thank you, Steve. Gotta know when to fold ’em. 😁
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And you do!
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Thank you.
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FUNNY. Those broadcasters have gnat brains.
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Yes indeed sorta lie not brains. Thanks, Pamela. 😊
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😂 Poor Jerry.
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He’ll recover after his shock treatments. Thanks, Marie.
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[…] Professionalism by John W. Howell © 2024 […]
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Thanks, Keith.
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