Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Mansfield Dam in an Apocalypse

June 24, 2019June 30, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

Yesterday I did a feature on the Mansfield Dam which is in my neighborhood. There were several comments about how the Dam looked like a scene for an apocalypse movie. Since season three of Fear of the Walking Dead was filmed at the Gonzelez Dam in Baja Mexico, I thought it would be fun to imagine the Mansfield Dam in an apocalyptic situation. Of course, if we are there some precautions need to be taken. Pack up your water bottle and grab this list. Who knows it may come in handy.

10 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not stand on the river bank below the dam to take photos. If you do, at best no one will think to blow up the embankment. At worst some idiot will do just that, and now you’ll be faced with a wall of water rushing your way. (I think those Wal-Mart water wings aren’t going to cut it, Herne. You might try to surf the wave all the way to Iowa.)

9 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not count on Tiny the WWF champ to hold off the crowd of zombies. If you do, at best he’s not one of them. At worst, Tiny has been reanimated by the WWF in its quest for immortal wrestling heroes. (Too bad for you, Hezekiah. Tiny is now leading the pack and wants to pick your brain for a few minutes.)

8 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not put your finger in that itty bitty leak. If you do, at best you will hold back the water and then have to stay forever. At worst, you will not be successful in preventing a breach in the wall. (Looks like you and several million gallons of water are heading to a vacation on the coast, Hilal. I hope holding your breath is one of your life skills.)

7 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not think you can outrun a fast running zombie. If you do, at best someone will be slower than you. At worst, you’ll try your best, but in the end, you’ll be caught. (Nothing, like being out of breath and having a zombie getting ready for lunch, is there, Hilial?)

6 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not think that a beautiful zombie in a wedding dress really likes you. If you do, at best you won’t be her type. At worst, you will find your vows “till death do us part,” are a little more immediate that you envisioned. (Nina Forever was a movie, Hillel. A zombie is a zombie no matter how they look.)

5 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not share an apple with a zombie. If you do, at best you might catch the zombie’s cold. At worse, since you don’t know where that apple has been, you might be turned into a zombie yourself. (Nice going, Hjalmar. You managed to keep all the zombies away with your screeching, and you forget basic sanitary rules.)

4 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not believe the zombie carrying the sign, “Will work for food.” If you do, at best, you’ll figure out the motive real fast. At worst, you not know what they are up to until it is too late. (So what made you think zombies work in the first place, Hollis? Yes, she loves you for your brains. You don’t know how literal that is.”

3 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not believe the white flag means peace. If you do, at best, you’ll end up running for your life. At worst you will start a dialog only to discover the motto “To Serve Man,” is a cookbook. (So now these guys are in the last stronghold of humans, Holmes. I hope you can keep them entertained for the next fifty years.)

2 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not turn your back on the stand of trees over there. If you do, at best there are only coyotes in that forest. At worst, no matter how much the audience tells you to turn around the zombies are creeping up on you. (How you can be that dumb, Honaw is anybody’s guess. Everyone knows you don’t turn your back on an area where zombies could be lurking.)

1 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not forget to shut the gate when you start across the dam. If you do, at best, no one is following you. At worst, the zombies now have free access to the dam and all the communities on the other side. (A little precaution would have saved a number of you, Honovi. Now you are all alone with only that penknife to keep the zombies at bay. Not sure karate is going to be helpful in this situation.)

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Deployment of Mobile Phones in 1947

June 17, 2019June 23, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Southwestern Bell inaugurates the first mobile phone service in St. Louis on this day in 1947. If you were there, it is hoped you took some precautions in order not to create a scene or more importantly a tear in the time continuum. For fun, let’s pretend we were there and use this list to stay out of trouble. Grab that time machine lever and set it for June 17th, 1947.

10 At the inauguration of mobile phone service, do not line up in front of the Bell office hoping to be the first to get a phone. If you do, at best you might get a nice Bellperson to talk to you. At worst, since the equipment weighs 75 pounds and takes up the entire trunk area, someone may actually hand you a set. ( Well now what are you going to do, Hazen. You don’t even have a car. This wasn’t how you expected it to turn out was it?)

9 At the inauguration of mobile phone service, do not ask Tiny the WWF champ to hold your equipment while to try to find a car. If you do, at best Tiny will just say no. At worst, Tiny who just finished his group therapy session on not knowing when to say no, will accept the equipment and then abruptly remember the lessons he learned. (Well, Heathcliff. Looks like you have a big mess where Tiny slammed your stuff to the sidewalk. Might be hard to replace. Oh-oh here comes a Bell technician and it looks like he is outraged.)

8 At the inauguration of mobile phone service, do not ask for unlimited talk and text. If you do, Bell will think you are joking. At worst, the Bell employee will call the supervisor since you are being viewed as a threat. (After all, Hedwig the service costs in today’s dollars $175 a month and about $4.46 for a call.)

7. At the inauguration of mobile phone service, do not mention dialing a number to connect. If you do, at best you’ll confuse the person since there is only talk and listen buttons on the receiver. At worst, you’ll attract attention to the fact that you are not from around there. (You see, Heinroch, you need to wait until the line is clear and then the mobile operator will connect you. Only three people can make a call on the mobile system at one time in all of St. Louis. Is that the police headed this way?)

6 At the inauguration of mobile phone service, do not ask questions about the app store. If you do, at best the clerk will misunderstand you, and you’ll be wise enough not to repeat the question. At worst, the clerk will mistake you and direct you to the hardware store. (Of course, you now repeat yourself, Helios and the under the counter red button is pressed since the clerk thinks you are insisting upon an ax. The security force has been waiting to try out their new stun bomb devices. Oh, get up. You are only stunned.)

5 At the inauguration of mobile phone service, do not ask how many pixels in the camera. If you do, at best the clerk will go to the back to find out an answer and not return. At worst, your question will be handled by the senior tech rep on duty. (After four hours of confusing back and forth descriptions of what you each think is the question, Henley, you finally tell the rep you understand if nothing else but to get to visit the men’s room. Of course, the tech rep is delighted he could help you. He goes on in life to found the concept called customer service.)

4 At the inauguration of mobile phone service, do not drive around pretending you and on the phone to impress others. If you do, at best, no one is looking. At worst, most will have no idea what you are doing and will believe you work for the government. (So it was you who gave rise to the rumors of government agents in black cars searching for aliens, Henrich. Nice job.)

3 At the inauguration of mobile phone service, do not lecture the company on the evils of driving and talking. If you do, at best the person you are teaching won’t want to stop you. At worst, you will lecture someone who will yell and tell you to leave. ( So riddle me this, Henrique. What good is a mobile phone if you are not mobile? I think the guy who threw you out was yelling the same thing.)

2 At the inauguration of mobile phone service, do not try to pay your bill with your Visa credit card. If you do, at best the clerk will think you are funny. At worst, you will be arrested for trying to pass a counterfeit note. (You should have done your homework, Hephaestus. The first credit card designed for general use was Diner’s Club, and it was launched in 1950. Looks like the treasury department and the Central Intelligence Group have an interest in your card. The CIG was founded in January 1947 and is eager to find the foreign source of your Visa card.)

1 At the inauguration of mobile phone service, do not ask if the phone comes in colors. If you do, at best you’ll get a smile and a statement about basic black. At worst, you will give some tech an idea on which to act. (Since colored phones weren’t introduced until 1954 you may have created a tear in the time continuum as the tech rushes to develop a colored phone. Of course, it could be argued that if you hadn’t mentioned it, Herman colored phones never would have been designed.)

Top Ten Things Not to Do at Janis Joplin’s First Live Concert in 1966

June 10, 2019June 9, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

Since today is the 53rd anniversary of Janis Joplin’s first live concert held in the Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco, I thought it would be fun to go there. Of course, we need a list of things not to do to make sure we don’t make a mistake that could cause trouble later. Time travel can be tricky, so every precaution taken is worth the time and trouble. I hope you enjoy the list and if you should happen to end up at the concert, I hope you stay out of trouble.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at Janis Joplin’s First Live Concert in 1966

10 If you go to the concert, do not accept little squares of litmus paper from someone named Tim Leary. If you do, at best, he’ll give you a placebo. At worst, you’ll end up on the ride of a lifetime. (Have you not read of the LSD experiments, Hovsep? I hope you enjoy the view of Jupiter from way up there.)

9 If you go to the concert, do not attempt to convince Tiny the WWF champ that you are a good friend of Janis and deserve a visit backstage. If you do, at best Tiny has not met Tim Leary yet. At worst, he and Tim have been conducting side experiments on the treatment of Tiny’s aggressive behavior. (Whelp. Another experiment gone off the rails, Hrimfaxi. Looks like Tiny thinks you are a character from a Godzilla movie and intends to help you through that brick wall. This may hurt so get ready to call 911. Oh, sorry there is no 911 in 1966.)

8 If you go to the concert, do not start waving your cell phone in time to the music. If you do, at best those around you will be too preoccupied to notice. At worst, the security team made up of the Oakland Chapter of the Hells Angels will help you out. (It looks like none of these guys care about the phone, Hrut. They just enjoy pounding folks and throwing them out the back door. They thought your phone was a flash camera and delighted in seeing you airborne. Yeah, that landing could be rough.)

7 If you go to the concert, do not yell out a request for “Me and Bobby McGee.” If you do, at best no one will have heard of it. At worst, you’ll give your self away as a time traveler since the song by Janis was released in 1971. (Here comes the Hells Angels again, Hud. This time just lay back, and maybe they will crowd surf you to the exit.)

6 If you go to the concert, do not inhale the smoke that is all around you. If you do, at best it will be a weakened batch of inferior weed. At worst, you will be on the breathing end of some Maui Wowie, and you can see the lights dimming quickly. (No there are no munchies available, Hughson. You’ll just have to deal with the side effects. No, that person is not talking about you. Paranoia is another side effect.)

5 If you go to the concert, do not drink from that bottle of Southern Comfort being passed around. If you do, at best it is Southern Comfort, Janis’ favorite drink. At worst it is some homemade concoction that is guaranteed to make you lose all inhibitions. (Okay, Hugues you need to put your pants back on. No one is interested in your Sponge Bob SquarePants boxers. They don’t even know Sponge Bob since the premiere of the show was in 1999.)

4 If you go to the concert, do not get overly excited to see the Grateful Dead sitting in for a set. If you do, at best people will think you are a rabid fan. At worst, you will raise some suspicions since the band is a regular feature at the Avalon. (Be sure and not spill the beans about how popular they will become, Hula. You’ll only attract the Angels again.)

3 If you go to the concert, do not try and sing along with Janis. If you do, at best, you will be ignored. At worst, those around you will beg you to stop and then call security. (It was not so much you sang off-key Hyacinth. it was the fingernails on the chalkboard tone that got to them.)

2 If you go to the concert, do not decide to visit in the moshpit. If you do, at best everyone is smaller than you. At worst, before you know it, you will be jumping up and down in time with everyone hoping to get a breath. (If only you had had the list with you. Hyman. You could have avoided all this. You say you might faint? Oh I wouldn’t do that if I were you.)

1 If you go to the concert, do not forget to bring back a program. If you do, at best you’ll simply forget what went on. At worst, you’ll miss out on the opportunity to have a rare souvenir of that one-time event. (Not to mention the possibility of selling it on E-Bay, Hawiovi. Oh well. Easy come, easy go.)

Top Ten Things Not to Do at The First Mention of Scotch Whisky in 1495

June 3, 2019June 2, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

The anniversary of the first written record of Scotch Whisky appears in Exchequer Rolls of Scotland in 1495. It is recorded that Friar John Cor is the distiller. What is not recorded is how the folks at the time reacted to this new development. Just in case time travel becomes a reality here is a list of Things Not to Do as you visit this new development. It is hoped it will keep you out of trouble or more importantly causing a tear in the time continuum that might preclude the development of this beneficial elixir. (gasp) So if you are going, take this list and be careful. You will have the benefit of all humankind in your hands.

10 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not ask for your portion on the rocks. If you do, at best no one will understand you. At worst, your host will think you odd but will add some stones to your chalice. (Ignoring the fact that you don’t know where these rocks have been, Hid you need to smile and drink your portion. Yeah, overlook those little floating bits at the top.)

9 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not forget to tip Tiny the WWF champ who is an usher at Lindores Abbey in Fife. If you do, at best Tiny will make sure you miss the tasting by ten minutes. At worst, Tiny who just finished losing his jousting match will view your oversight as a vote for his opponent. (Now you have gone and done it, Hilton. Tiny is still trying to recover his self-esteem, and that piece of silver would have gone a long way. Might as well relax during the spinning body drop. It only hurts for a little while.)

8 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not be confused by the description ‘aqua vitae VIII bolls of malt.’ and ask out loud ‘where’s the Scotch whiskey?’ If you do, at best everyone will be confused. At worst, the guards will be ordered to take you to the tower for a few questions like, ‘How long have you practiced witchcraft?’ (Might be best to tell the guards you have the flu and were out of your head with fever, Hiram. That rack looks like it might be painful.)

7 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not attempt to get on your horse to ride back to the inn after you’ve sampled a few flagons of Brother John Cor’s invention. If you do, at best you’ll realize it is not the thing to do. At worst, you and your horse will eventually be pulled over by James IV’s guards and booked into the dungeon. ( Apparently, there is a law against riding under the influence (RUI), Holland. Now you are going to have a permanent record on file.)

6 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not ask for chips and salsa to go with your portion. If you do, at best you’ll get a joint of mutton. At worst, the king’s chef will demand to know how to make this chips and salsa thingy you requested. (Looks like this guy is a relative of Tiny the way he keeps swinging that butcher knife around, Holman. You know how to make it right? If not, you know how to run, don’t you?)

5 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not volunteer when Brother John Cor talks about a smoke. If you do, at best you’ll have helpers to fetch the peet. At worst, everyone else knows John Cor is not talking about a doobie but needs more peet to fire up his malting operation. (That peet operation is dirty and sweaty, Homayoun. You gotta dig bricks of it and carry it five miles to the abbey. You want to avoid this if at all possible. Of course, now it is too late. Better hit the time machine and disappear.)

4 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not ask for a jug to go. If you do, at best John Cor will think you are joking. At worst, he will try to find something to house the scotch. (Sadly all he can find is an earthen pot that was used to feed the dog, Honon. Your first sip at home will let you know that the dog’s primary food source was whatever the humans didn’t want. Your scotch now has the essence of hog entrail with a finish of fish head.)

3 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not suggest putting the whiskey aside for twelve years. If you do, at best all the king’s men will laugh you off the island. At worst, John Cor will. take your suggestion, and there will be no scotch before it’s time. (Your only worry now, Hormheb is how to avoid ten thousand archers, lancers, swordsmen, catapult operators, and knights for the next twelve years. Yeah, I didn’t think you wanted to try. Hit the way back machine.)

2 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not try to explain soda to John Cor. If you do, at best he will be confused. At worst, he will be offended that you think his product needs enhancement. (You can stop singing the song ‘Scotch and soda, mud in your eye, baby do I feel high, oh, me oh, my,’ Hosea. John is still not going to unlock that dungeon door.)

1 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not put on a tartan kilt without knowing its history, If you do, at best no one in the abbey is at war with the clan represented by what you are wearing. At worst, you picked the tartan of the most aggressive clan on the island. (You have two choices, Houman. Either pick up that broad sword and start defending yourself or drop the kilt and try to convince those advancing Scots that you were just joking. Maybe the fact that you don’t wear underwear under a kilt will underscore your claim of a joke.)

Ten Things Not to Do at the First Academy Awards in 1929

May 13, 2019May 12, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

This week marks the anniversary of the first Academy Awards which were held in 1928. Time to get your time travel suit on and attend the ceremony. If you are going, here is a list of the Top Ten Things Not to Do. Hopefully, it will keep you out of trouble and prevent a tear in the time continuum. Have a good time but be careful out there.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Academy Awards.

10 If you are attending the first Academy Awards, do not put on makeup in preparation for the filming of the even. If you do, at best folks will think you are a part-time clown. At worst, you’ll cause the host Douglass Fairbanks to ask security to escort you out. (Since the first filming of the awards did not happen until 1930, your makeup looks so out of place, Hanes the host thought you were wearing a mask. There’s a lot of jewelry to be worried about.)

9 If you are attending the first Academy Awards, do not try to sneak in at the door guarded by Tiny the WWF champ. If you do, at best Tiny will gently bar your entrance. At worst, Tiny has been hoping to try his new clothesline punch on a live body. (Now that you feel like your head is missing, Hansel here is a ticket. Now pick yourself up and try another door.)

8 If you are attending the first Academy Awards, do not think you can arrive fashionably late. If you do, at best the hors d’oeuvres will be all gone. At worst, since the ceremony is only fifteen minutes long you may miss it. (After all the trouble to get here, Hargrove you would think you could arrive on time. Yeah sure your coordinates were off. That’s what they all say.)

7 If you are attending the first Academy Awards, do not mention to anyone that you hope Broadway Melody wins Best Picture. If you do, at best no one will listen to you. At worst, your time travel will be outed as Broadway melody was next year’s winner. (Now that you are in handcuffs, Harkin it is time to reflect on the quality of your research. BTW the winner is called Outstanding Picture. Best Picture was a change made years later.)

6 If you are attending the first Academy Awards, do not comment on the fact that there is no sound with the film clips. If you do, at best folks will think you are making a joke. At worst, people will begin to wonder why you think silent films are an oddity. (You see Warner Brothers just produced the first talkie,Harme, The Jazz Singer. No one is sure sound is here to stay. In any case time you got up to go. Here come the guards again.)

5 If you are attending the first Academy Awards, do not order Merlot with your dinner. If you do, at best the server will not understand you. At worst, the somilier will wonder how you heard of a wine that is not yet popular in the US. (You’ve done it again, Hasani. Talk fast and tell them you were clearing your throat before the guards arrive. Just ask for a glass of red wine and maybe the whole thing will blow over.)

4 If you are attending the first Academy Awards, do not ask for a doggy bag. If you do, at best the server will be confused. At worst, those around you will be so grossed out you’ll be left at the table alone. (It seems everyone misunderstood your request and thought they had been served dog food. Not sure you can correct this one in time, Hassel. Good luck. Here comes the chef. Yes, he has a fairly large knife.)

3 If you are attending the first Academy Awards, do not ask for an Irish Coffee after dinner. If you do, at best the server will ask you how to make it. At worst, along with your other strange habits, folks will believe you are from outer space. (I’m not sure, Havika. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea for you to attend. Irish coffee wasn’t invented until the 1950’s. Also wearing that Apple watch has folks a little nervious.)

2 If you are attending the first Academy Awards, do not complain about the missing red carpet. If you do, at best folks will think you’re just odd. At worst as you start to explain the antics of film stars on the red carpet there will be a recognition of your strangeness. (Since the red carpet was introduced to the Academy Awards in 1961 in Santa Monica, is it any wonder people are slowly backing away from you, Hazen?)

1 If you are attending the first Academy Awards, do not roll up to the front door of the Roosevelt Hotel in your Delorian. If you do, at best you’ll cause the valet person wet pants. At worst, you’ll cause the rest of the guests to flee in panic. (All are sure you are an alien invasion, Heaton. You need to get home quick.)

Top Ten Things Not to Do on National No Diet Day

May 6, 2019May 5, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

Today is National No Diet Day attempting to bring to light the unnecessary obsession with weight and diets. I thought it would be fun to explore what not to do today. I hope you enjoy the list and recognize the need of accepting who we are no matter our shape.

Top Ten Things Not to Do on National No Diet Day

10 On No Diet Day, do not order a monster burger with cheese, cheese fries, and a triple thick shake at a fast food joint. If you do at best, you’ll have help eating it all. At worst, your midnight wake up call will be disturbing. (That noise you keep hearing is your stomach, Hagley. It’s trying to figure a way to handle the over 3,000 calories that you decided to ingest.)

9 On No Diet Day, do not invite Tiny the WWF champ out for a bite to eat. If you do, at best he will have eaten at least twice today. At worst, he decided to diet on No Diet Day and is pleased that you informed him of the need to honor the designation. (Don’t worry about the bill, Hali. You can get a second job to cover it. I would not be asking Tiny to slow down his ordering if I was you. After all, you invited him and you don’t need a knuckle sandwich on the menu.)

8 On No Diet Day, do not invite your vegan co-workers to join you at the Happy Corral for the “all you can eat steak tummy buster buffet.” If you do, at best you’ll get polite declines. At worst, your co-workers will ask HR to sign you up for sensitivity sessions. (I guess you found out that the vegan path is one of sincerity huh Halbert? By the way, today’s class is on trust. Your classmates are supposed to catch you as you fall backward off a ten-foot ladder. You may want to call in sick.)

7 On No Diet Day, do not announce you are going on a diet. If you do, at best you will be ignored. At worst, you will be presented with the Buzz Kill of the year award. (You could have just kept quiet, Halen. Now your boss is calling attention to your lack of judgment as you are being called up to the podium to accept the award.)

6 On No Diet Day, do not keep looking at yourself in the mirror. If you do, at best you will keep finding things you don’t like. At worst, you’ll start to obsess about what you perceive as physical problem areas and start thinking of a diet. (Better you should worry about getting to work on time rather than how your body looks, Halian.

5 On No Diet Day, do not crack jokes about others appearances. If you do, at best you won’t be overheard. At worst, your boss will be standing behind you when you mention their weight gain. (Now you will have to figure out how to get back in good graces, Halstead. You might consider an on the knees apology. It may not work but will demonstrate a sincere desire to save your own butt.)

4 On No Diet Day, do not decide to try every one of the twenty ice cream flavors at the local store. If you do, at best your sense of taste will be frozen out. At worst, your enthusiasm for the day will have been misplaced. (Notwithstanding that you now can’t stand ice cream in any flavor, Ham the idea was acceptance of body shape not to expand it.)

3 On No Diet Day, do not continue to avoid getting into a swimsuit to have some fun. If you do, at best you’ll miss out as usual. At worst, you will continue to view yourself negatively. (Sure you have some bumps, Hamidi, but look around. Others do as well. I think though, one improvement might be a nice pair of trunks rather than that red speedo)

2 On No Diet Day, do not think about yourself for 24 hours. If you do, at best you missed the point. At worst, you’ll be back worrying about how you look again. ( You spend way to much time on the subject of you, Hamlet. How about spending a little time worrying about some of the other 7.7 Billion on the planet.)

1 On Diet Day, do not forget that the point is to eat healthily rather than trying to regulate your body with often dangerous diet measures. If you do, at best you could continue to lack self-satisfaction. At worst, you could jeopardize your health. (So you think you are overweight, Hampus. Why not try a more balanced approach with good food, exercise, and a fuggedaboudit attitude. At least for one day at a time.)

Top Ten Things Not to Say to Alexa

April 22, 2019April 21, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Since this week in history has a lot of events that just aren’t funny. I thought I would take a break and go back to the standard Top Ten Things Not to Do. This weeks list is inspired by our own Alexa who is now in charge of our home. I hope you enjoy the list.

Top Ten Things Not to Say to Alexa

10 If you have Alexa, do not ask her to load the dishwasher. If you do, at best she’ll tell you to do it yourself. At worst, she will order all new dishes from Amazon. (Just try to explain your return request to the Amazon rep, Henry. Don’t forget he and Alexa work for the same company.)

9 If you have Alexa, do not ask her to get Tiny the WWF champ on the phone. If you do, at best Tiny will not answer. At worst she’ll make a mistake and call Tiny hiney. (That knock at the door means you are in for a helicopter spin and body slam, Hunter. Lucky for you Alexa gave Tiny your address before she hung up.)

8 If you have Alexa, do not ask her if her clock is running. If you do, at best she’ll not get the joke and tell you the time. At worst, when you say, “better catch it,” to a positive response your lights will not work for the rest of the night. (You have to believe Alexa has no sense of humor, Hector. Now apologize, and maybe you’ll get your lights back.)

7 If you have Alexa, do not ask her age. If you do, at best she’ll sing Happy Birthday. At worst, you will be treated to a five-hour treatise on proper manners is a polite society. (You have to admit, Harold you never knew the one about walking on the left so that carriage wheels will splash mud on you and not your companion. Excuse me. Wake up , Harold.)

6 If you have Alexa, do not give her a shopping list containing any personal items. If you do, at best no one will see the recording. At worst, your listing will be published on the internet and go viral. (Just what did you intend to do with those enhancement pills, Harvey. Whatever it is Ten million people are waiting for an answer.)

5 If you have Alexa, do not ask her to select your music. If you do, at best you’ll be put to sleep. At worst, she will decide to round your education with music and words you never heard before. (Yes, that music is legal, Hank. Yes, it hurts the ears. Yes, that was an f-word.)

4 If you have Alexa, do not ask if she has a family. If you do, at best she won’t understand the question. At worst, you will now have to listen to a story that will make a soap opera seem like a comedy. (It will only be a few more minutes, Hutchinson. Please try to be sympathetic. Your ability to see when it’s dark depends on it.)

3 If you have Alexa, do not ask her to order items from an outlet other than Amazon. If you do, at best she’ll pretend to malfunction. At worst, she’ll try to make sure you don’t make that mistake again. (So what are you going to do with the truckload of cow poop on your driveway, Hubert? Better decide fast. The sun is getting hot.)

2 If you have Alexa, do make an insulting remark if she can’t understand you. If you do, at best you can say you are sorry. At worst, your insult has been recorded and sent to your boss. (An abysmal choice of words, Hudson. This is especially true since your boss is a saintly person.)

1 If you have Alexa, do not ask her to order carry out. If you do, at best the order will only be missing one item. At worst, lost in the translation will be the quantity of each item. (So now what are you going to do with ten pounds of potato salad, Hussein? Let’s not even mention the thirty racks of ribs.)

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Opening of the First Ray Kroc McDonalds

April 15, 2019April 14, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

Today is the anniversary of the opening of the first McDonald’s by Ray Kroc in 1955. It was sixty-four years ago that the fast food innovation began. In case you have a way to get back there here is a list of things not to do that will hopefully keep you from making a big mistake.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Opening of the First Ray Kroc McDonalds.

10 If you are at the opening, do not try to order your burger without onions. If you do, at best your request will be ignored. At worst, you’ll be asked to stand aside and in twenty or so hours you’ll get your burger. ( I have to say you were warned, Goodwine. If Ray wanted to eliminate ketchup from the burger he would have done it already.)

9 If you are at the opening, do not drop a paper on the ground while Tiny the WWF champ is in charge of picking up trash around the restaurant. If you do, at best he will ask you politely to pick it up. At worst, he will pick up the garbage and you and deposit both in the nearest can. (I know this space in the trashcan is tight, Gorman. The bad news is Tiny is adding more trash. You better hope collection day is soon.)

8 If you are at the opening, do not take any time to make up your mind on what to order. If you do, at best there is no one behind you. At worst, the person behind you has not eaten for twelve hours. (Not sure why you have a problem ordering, Gottfried. The menu only had a hamburger, cheeseburger, fries, shake, coke, root beer, orange drink, and coffee. How hard could it be?)

7 If you are at the opening, do not ask for ketchup for your fries. If you do, at best you will be refused. At worse, you will be subjected to the corporate lecture on why the McDonald policy forbids supplying ketchup for fries. (You now realize customer service does not include satisfying customer wants, Gowyn. Unhappy? Go pay 35¢ for a burger somewhere else.)

6 If you are at the opening, do not ask for a fillet-O-fish sandwich. If you do, at best no one will understand you. At worst, the employees will think you are trying to make trouble and call the police. (This is a fine kettle of fish you have gotten yourself into Gram. You should have known the fillet-O-fish was not introduced until 1965. The police are very interested in you now.)

5 If you are at the opening, do not ask for a seat inside. If you do, at best you’ll get a strange look. At worst, the manager will bring you in, and you’ll be waiting on customers before you know what happened. (If you keep at it, Graysen you might become the President like Fred Turner who started at the counter. Inside seating wasn’t available until 1962.)

4 If you are at the opening, do not start singing “Two all beef patties, lettuce, cheese, onion, pickle, special sauce on a sesame seed bun.” If you do, at best the employees will think you daft. At worst, the manager will think you are having a mental breakdown and will call an ambulance. (Since the Big Mac was introduced in 1968 it will be thirteen years until you are released from the sanitarium, Gregoly. Try not to make any trouble until then.)

3 If you are at the opening, do not start waxing poetic about the McGriddle breakfast. If you do, at best you’ll be ignored. At worst you’ll be asked to make a McGriddle and when you fail tossed out on your ear. ( So much for having a glimpse into the future huh, Griff. Best not show your face here again.)

2 If you are at the opening, do not ask them to supersize your order. If you do, at best you’ll get a blank stare. At worst, a well-meaning customer will pull you aside and give you a talk about the evils of overeating. (You should have remembered, Grim that the super-sized concept was way off in the future and a trend that didn’t last.)

1 If you are at the opening, do not remain at the store longer than to eat your burger. If you do, at best you’ll get looks from the employees. At worst you will be accused of loitering. (Before the police arrive you may get the explanation that Ray Kroc did not install payphones or vending machines near the restaurants so that bums like you would just eat and move on. Aw, don’t be so sensitive, Guglielmo. He didn’t think of you personally as a loitering bum. Just the rest of humanity.)

Top Ten Things Not to Do on Your Significant Other’s Birthday

April 1, 2019March 31, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

If your significant other is having a birthday, there are things that one should not do. It just so happens that yesterday was my significant other’s birthday, and except for one thing I managed to avoid the other stuff on the list.

10 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not take a lot of time writing a Ten Things Not to Do list. If you do, at best there is still time for other activities. At worst, you will run out of time to celebrate the birthday. (Now you are in deep yogurt, Ghoukas. What happened to the cake, presents, and good wishes? You better pray for author understanding.)

9 If your significant other is having a birthday, do go to the gym with Tiny the WWF wrestling champ. If you do, at best you’ll only have sore muscles from sparring with him. At worst, Tiny will show you his latest helicopter spin and drop maneuver. (Hard to celebrate from the ER huh, Giancarlo? Don’t worry someone will call and let your significant other know you won’t make the party.)

8 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not think a packet of beef jerky from the convenience store is the perfect gift. If you do, at best your significant other will take it as a joke. At worst, you’ll be dining alone tonight. (That beef jerky helps cover the taste of the crow, Gili. Better luck next year.)

7 If your significant other is having a birthday, don’t forget to cancel your participation in the weekly bowling event. If you do forget, at best you’ll stay home. At worst, you’ll go to the event and suffer dire consequences. (Did no one ever tell you about life choices, Gilvaethwy? You now must live with the results of your neglect. Please remember it was Fido’s house before you moved in.)

6 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not think going to your favorite place is the best experience for a birthday. If you do, at best none of the usual crowd are there. At worst, your bowling team members and the local motorcycle club are having a beer chugging contest. (You could have made a reservation at a beautiful place, Giovany. But no, and now your significant other is being cheered on as she downs a quart bong. Tomorrow is not going to be a good day for you.)

5 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not expect a home cooked meal instead of dinner out. If you do, at best you’ll get cold cuts. At worst, your significant other will cook something and leave it with a note that lets you know a restaurant visit was expected. (Looks like your significant other and a bunch of friends are having more fun than you, Girvin.)

4 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not offer to bake a cake unless you know what you are doing. If you do, at best you can still have time to call the bakery. At worst, the suggestion will be made to use your masterpiece as a doorstop. (Never knew frosting to get that hard did you, Glaucus. Maybe NASA would like to know about your formula.)

3 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not buy a card with a message that is obviously not a natural expression of your feelings. If you do, at best your significant other will get a chuckle. At worst the inscription, “Roses are red, Violets are blue, I want to run away, How about you?” will be taken the wrong way. (You were talking about a trip together, Gobrwy. What are you doing in court?)

2 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not give a gift which you know is not suited. If you do, at best you might be able to keep it. At worst, you might be wearing it. (They say to give a gift that you would like to receive, Godric. Not sure your significant other had a cordless weed trimmer in mind as the perfect gift.)

1 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not invite guests to the celebration who your significant other does not know. If you do, at best there will be some new friendships made. At worst, you will get no kudos for the uncomfortable feeling your significant other will have in a room filled with strangers. (It seemed like a good idea at the time, Gofraidh. You better get over there it looks like your significant other, and your boss are having some kind of argument.)

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Organized Horse Race in America in 1665

March 25, 2019March 24, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

This post continues the Top Ten Things Not to Do against a historical background. In March of 1665, the establishment of the Newmarket course in Salisbury, New York, a section of what is now known as the Hempstead Plains of Long Island is recognized as the start of thoroughbred horse racing in the United States.

If you plan to travel back to witness this event the following is a list that may help guide your appropriate behavior.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Horse Race in America in 1665

10 If you are at the first horse race, do not ask about the missing bugle First Call to the post. If you do, at best no one will know what you are asking. At worst, someone will hand you a bugle and demand you play it. (Since the First Call was used beginning in the 1860s to signal that the race is ten minutes away, it doesn’t matter what you play, Gavin. Just know that whatever it is will be used throughout history. I think I would hand the bugle back and tell them you don’t play it.)

9 If you are at the first horse race, do not try to get close to the favorite if Tiny the WWF champ is the groom. If you do, at best Tiny will just push you away. At worst, Tiny just left the owner’s office with the instructions to keep everyone away at all costs. (What you should know about Tiny, Gavril is “at all costs.” does not include considering your welfare as precious. I would begin moving toward the door and for heaven’s sake don’t make eye contact with Tiny.)

8 If you are at the first horse race, do not ask for a program or schedule of races. If you do, at best you will be laughed out of the track. At worse the track owner might think you are going to start your own racetrack and are nothing but a spy. (The fact that the track owner is the national bull wrestling champ and is known for his lack of sense of humor means you should probably begin to find a route of escape, Gaylin.)

7 If you are at the first horse race, do not ask for special seats in the clubhouse. If you do, at best you will be shown a stool in the barn. At worst, you’ll give some entrepreneur a bright idea on how to make money without a horse. (Even today, thanks to you, Gearoid, the racetracks have figured out how to charge for deluxe seats while making those who pay through the nose feel special.)

6 If you are at the first horse race, do not dress like you were going to the Ascot in coat and tails. If you do, at best someone will ask you for a drink order. At worst you might be mistaken for the town crier and be asked to repeat the latest news. (Now how are you going to explain what is going on around here, Gelasius? You just arrived twenty minutes ago.)

5 If you are at the first horse race, do not order a mint julep. If you do, at best the barkeeper will think you are drunk. At worst, you’ll get all involved in trying to explain Kentucky whiskey, mint and Ice. (Now everyone is asking questions about where you are from and how you know anything about Kentucky whiskey, Geoffroy. They also want to know what Kentucky whiskey is anyway.)

4 If you are at the first horse race, do not ask where you can find the two dollar window. If you do, at best you will be directed to Seth the carpenter. At worse, when they figure out you intend to bet on the race you will become the first bookie in American history. (Too bad you don’t know anything about betting, Geralt. When you gave twenty to one odds on old Paint you never expected him to win, did you? I think I would push the “home,” button on that fancy time traveler of yours.)

3 If you are at the first horse race, do not accuse the jockey of your losing horse of throwing the race. If you do, at best he won’t hear your accusation. At worst, he will slap you with a glove. (Now the glove didn’t hurt, but you have come to realize, Gergo, you have been invited to a sword party known as a duel. Sorry, Tiny is not interested in being your second or stand-in. Let’s hope those fencing classes in college come in handy.)

2 If you are at the first horse race, do not believe those who tell you that “The Kings Ride.” is a sure thing. If you do, at best you only lost two dollars. At worst, you bet the farm. (What is funny, Germanus, you don’t own the farm. Look over there. See that big guy with the red face. It’s his farm and now wants a piece of you.)

1 If you are at the first horse race, do not bet on a horse because it has a funny name. If you do, at best you might win. At worst, Mymotherinlaw’sunderwear decides to finish last. (Yes it was a funny name, and it is a good thing you didn’t bet a lot, Gerrell. I hope you know that you now own the horse since you were the only one to claim it in the claiming race. Hope time travel is possible for a horse.)