Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

February 4, 2022February 3, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 115 Comments

Good to see Friday here. This means we can take a short break from the week and do some fun things.

Today’s Good News story is about Bee Cave Bob You all have heard of Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog who predicts the arrival of spring . This year he predicted 6 more weeks of winter. I bet not too many of you have heard of Bee Cave Bob.

You see,, Bee Cave Bob was born in Bee Cave,, Texas, which is a short way up the road from our house, and he is an Armadillo. Bob has the distinction of being the Texas answer to Punxsutawney Phil. Now you may wonder why Texas feels the need to have its own version of a prognosticator of the duration of winter. The answer is best explained by Bob’s owner Ralph Fisher. “The Armadillo is the Texas state small mammal.”

Athough Bob lives in a farm community named Swiss Alp he travels back to Bee Cave every year to predict the end of winter. In an event, sponsored by the Benevelent Order of the Racoon (Not a typo), Bob is released on Feburary 2nd and watched. If Bob sees his shadow there will be 6 more weeks of winter.

In contradiction to Punxsutawney Phil, Bob is predicting an early spring. As I sit here with below freezing temperatures and a wind chill in the teens I can say Bob’s prediction is good news indeed.

Here is a Video telling the story.

Today’s JohnKu is about the weather. I hope you have a great weekend

There is Bob and Phil,

Trying to decide how long . . .

I’ll wait for mother.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

January 28, 2022January 27, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

Today’s good news story is taken from the Good News Network about the sighting of a bird not typically seen in the US. Here’s the story in its entirety. Thanks to the Good News Network.

The Steller’s sea eagle. It’s ripped, royal, and rare. To see the world’s heaviest eagle, with its eight-foot wingspan, an American would typically have to visit Korea, Japan, or eastern Russia. Never had one of the sea eagles ever been spotted in the lower 48 states—until now.

Five days before Christmas, one of the majestic birds flew into Boothbay Harbor, Maine, and it’s pulling birdwatchers from all over the east coast to see it.

Members of the Massachusetts Audubon Society first spotted the raptor known for its huge golden bill.

NPR reports that the unique tail feather arrangement suggests this is the same bird that was spotted in summer in Canada and Alaska. Straying outside of its native range, it’s known as a “vagrant.”

As of January 16th, the wayward bird was still in Maine, having first been documented as a vagrant in Alaska’s Denali National Park, 4,700 miles away, in August.

The chance to see this eagle would normally involve a plane ride anywhere from 6-12 hours and a passport, so the bird’s appearance in the US is pulling amateur ornithologists from their nests in places like New Jersey for a spontaneous road trip known as “chasing.”

When a rare species, especially a rare vagrant, is spotted, intrepid birders chase reported sightings around the region using apps like eBird, or through various Facebook groups.

John Putrillo recently photographed this celebrity bird of prey. His Instagram, Manbythesea, is now filled with beautiful images showcasing its dark brown feathers and a bill that’s built to tear fish like salmon into bitesize pieces.

The eagle has given Putrillo a new passion: “I want to learn about all bird species now,” he says. “I want to find every bird I can from the smallest to the largest.”

The good news here is at least some of the bird watchers in this country have a chance to see this magnificent bird. Today’s JohnKu talks about the miracles of nature. I hope you have a great weekend.

Nature by John W. Howell

A vagrant or not,

The Steller’s Sea Eagle is . . .

Nature’s miracle.

I am at Story Empire today in case you want to come over. I’m talking about things you can do if the desire to write is missing. HERE is the link.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

January 21, 2022January 20, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 86 Comments

BETHEL PARK, Pa. — A football coach in Pennsylvania canceled his team’s scheduled weightlifting session on Monday after a snowstorm blanketed the eastern part of the country.

When there’s a snow day or school is closed, Bethel Park football players typically meet in the workout room at 9 a.m. But instead of hitting the gym on Monday, the team hit nearby neighborhoods to help dig people out of the snow.

“It brought tears to my eyes, and I just feel like it’s a really great thing for them to do on their day off,” said Bethel Park resident Greg Hardy.

Hardy was getting ready to shovel his driveway when he was surprised that it was already being done for him.

“My wife said, ‘You don’t have to bother.’ And I said, ‘Why not?’ I looked outside and there they were, two snowblowers and five young gentlemen,” Hardy said.

They were all players from the football team who were just following orders from their coach, Brian DeLallo.

DeLallo, who’s both a football coach and teacher at Bethel Park High School, tweeted out that Monday’s weightlifting workout was canceled and to find an elderly or disabled neighbor who needs their driveway shoveled. He specified that this was an act of kindness, saying the team shouldn’t accept any money for their service.

“If you go on Twitter, you see high schools all over western Pennsylvania doing this. I think it says more about the kids and coaches involved in our game and gets kids out to help our community. That’s what it’s all about,” DeLallo said.

The players took their workout seriously and went door to door throughout their neighborhoods.

“We have been going house to house around the neighborhood seeing who still needs their driveway shoveled, and we tell them we will do it for free,” said freshman Jack Bruckner.

It was a workout that the team welcomed.

DeLallo said his players were texting photos of each other clearing driveways, one after another, first thing in the morning.

“It’s great to see the kids buy-in and get out there. They’ll shovel all morning, and then, hopefully, they’ll go sled riding in the afternoon and get to be kids,” DeLallo said.

And for neighbors like Greg Hardy, he’s now forever a Bethel Park football fan.

“They wouldn’t take anything! And I wanted to tell them, ‘Next fundraiser, put me down for whatever they need!’ It just made my day,” Hardy said.

The good news here is a coach, and his team made a difference. Today’s JohnKu talks about service. I hope you have a great weekend.

A coach takes the lead,

His team makes his word golden . . .

Service looks like this.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Good News/ Fri-Yay

January 14, 2022January 13, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Video grab of the moment Lewiston Police Department officer Jonathan Smith jumped into a frozen lake to save a dog near Lewiston, New York, USA.

Here is a good news story from the Good News Network about a police officer saving a dog’s life without considering his own danger. The story is replicated in its entirety.

Officer Jonathan Smith, 30, was called to Bond Lake near Lewiston, New York, after receiving reports of a Labrador falling in about 50 yards from the shore.

In this heart-in-mouth footage captured by a fellow officer’s bodycam, the brave cop throws off some equipment before dashing out onto the ice without any caution for his own safety.

The owner walked the 10-month-old pup around the lake on January 5 when Kona spotted a distant flock of geese landing on the water and bolted towards them.

Horrified, Kona’s owner watched as the dog fell into the freezing water at the edge of the ice.

In an email to Lewiston Police Department, the owner wrote: “Although she is a strong swimmer, there was zero chance of her getting back out onto the ice, and she began to panic and tire quickly.”

Frantically they called 911, and 15 minutes later, Officer Smith and two other officers from the Police Department arrived.

Without hesitation or rescue equipment, the officer removed his vest and gun belt and hustled over the ice towards an exhausted Kona.

When he got close enough to her, Officer Smith grabbed the 75-lb. pooch and pulled her from the water, so she was able to run back over the ice to her owner.

“Kona and I and everybody that loves her are extremely grateful for his selflessness and courage,” the owner wrote. “His professionalism and bravery should be applauded.”

“I have witnessed countless acts of selfless heroism. Officer Jon Smith’s actions rank high in my book.”

Officer Smith was also honored recently for pulling a woman from a burning building in November and has been working at Lewiston Police Department since July 2020.

WATCH the outstanding rescue below…

The good news here is officer Smith knows what ‘To Protect and Serve’ means. Today’s John Ku talks about good people. I hope you enjoy the weekend.

They come in all sizes,

colors, and social standings . . .

Good folks everywhere.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – Fri-Yay/Good News

January 7, 2022January 6, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Today’s good news is about an endangered species in Scotland.

This story appeared on the Good News Network and is duplicated here in its entirety.

A man who found a tiny kitten buried in snow thought it was a lost cat—only to find it was one of the most endangered mammals in Europe.

32-year-old chef Pete MacNab was out for a walk in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park with his baby son and a friend.

They spotted a group of sheep circling something. As they drew closer, the animals scattered, revealing a tiny tabby kitten lying in the snow in rural Dava Way.

The feline was unable to get on its feet. It looked freezing and its coat was all matted with snow. Not wanting to leave the creature in difficulty, Pete’s friend, Piotr, carried it the three miles back to town. He noted its claws were like “miniature razors,” and the pair joked that the little creature must be a Scottish wildcat: a rare species known to live in the Highlands.

After it was left at the vets on Wednesday, Pete began posting on local Facebook groups but no owner came forward.

Piotr and his partner began planning to get a cat bed and re-home the kitten—which they’d named Huntleigh.

But, the following day, the vet confirmed a specialist had in fact identified the wee tabby as a Scottish wildcat.

There are only around 100 to 300 of the species left. The only wild member of the cat family in the UK, it’s also one of the most endangered mammals in Europe.

Because of their bond with the kitty, Peter and Piotr have since begun a fundraiser to raise money for a charity helping other wildcats—which has raised more than £5,000 ($6,800) so far.

Peter’s now been contacted by the Royal Zoological Society, which is part of the breeding program, to say the campaign has happily boosted their fundraising, too.

If you’d like to donate to the GoFundMe these friends have started on behalf of Huntleigh, just head to this link.

The Good News here is money is being raised as a result of finding and rescuing one little kitten that will go to help restore the endangered species.

Today’s JohnKu talks about accidental discovery that leads to great things. I hope you have a great weekend.

A small kitten found,

Unravels a mystery. . .

That saves a species.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

December 31, 2021December 30, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

We have two good news stories today.

The first is about saving turtles with a twist.

From the Port Aransas South Jetty of December 22

Thirty-two cold-stunned sea turtles were flown in for treatment at facilities, including the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) in Port Aransas, Texas.

All of the turtles are juvenile Kemp’s ridleys, an endangered species, rescued after they were found in distress in the area of Cape Cod, in coastal Massachusetts.

Eleven were being transported to the ARK, according to Lee Harrison, president of the non-profit Friends of the ARK organization. (Harrison also is a South Jetty staff photographer.)

The rest went to the Texas Sealife Center and the Texas State Aquarium for rehabilitation.

Sea turtles are cold-blooded reptiles that require warm temperatures to stay alive.

When the water temperatures dip below 50 degrees, sea turtles can suffer from decreased heart rate and circulation.

Lethargy can be followed by shock, pneumonia, and possibly death.

It is good that Texas could help out and good that there is an organization that flies turtles to points of rescue.

And now a relaxing story from the North.

Photo courtesy of Aurora Borealis Observatory

As winter begins to settle across the Northern Hemisphere, webcams in wild places have been picking up some startling sights.

Pictured is a reindeer in a snowy birch forest. The aurora pulses overhead in swirls of iridescent light as it grazes. It’s beautiful, a truly relaxing sight.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the new year. I hope you have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve.

We hope it’s better,

Than the mess 2021 . . .

Let us make it so.

* * *

There is an issue leftover from yesterday’s post. So to Twiggy and Lucy. Yes, Dad did the leaves.

Here’s the proof. (photo was taken at 11:57 AM Central time December 30, 2021)

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay Good News

December 24, 2021December 23, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

Two widowed penguins seemingly comfort one another as they gaze upon Melbourne’s lights. St Kilda, Australia. Tobias Baumgaertner, Finalist Community Choice Award

An excerpt of a story by By Margherita Cole on December 29, 2020, in My Modern Met. For the whole story, click on Margherita’s name.

In 2019, photographer Tobias Baumgaertner snapped a romantic shot of two widowed penguins overlooking a pier in Melbourne, Australia. He shared the photograph on his Instagram during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to help lift people’s spirits, and it quickly went viral, garnering thousands of likes, comments, and shares. So, it’s only fitting that Baumgaertner’s photo, nominated for the Community Choice Award in the 2020 Ocean Photography Awards, won the title by popular vote.

“I posted this image of these two Fairy penguins a little more than half a year ago, and since then it has circled the globe, it has been seen by millions, and I have received thousands of messages and comments of how these two little guys have touched and mended broken hearts, brought joy, hope, and love into your lives,” Baumgaertner said on his Instagram. “It has become a symbol of togetherness and love. Times are still not easy for many of us, [so] I repeat what I wrote back then. During times like this, the truly lucky ones are those that can be with the person/people they love most.”

The German wildlife photographer spent three nights with the Fairy penguin colony in St. Kilda in hopes of attaining the perfect picture. Although the conditions were difficult, and he wasn’t able to use any lights, his patience finally paid off when he captured two penguins comforting each other in front of the pier. “A volunteer approached me and told me that the white one was an elderly lady who had lost her partner and apparently so did the younger male to the left,” Baumgaertner wrote. “Since then, they meet regularly, comforting each other and standing together for hours watching the dancing lights of the nearby city.”

Today’s JohnKu talks about Christmas Eve. A very Merry Christmas to all who celebrate.

Christmas Eve by John W. Howell.

Tis the day before,

We celebrate Christ’s birthday . . .

Peace on Earth to All.

Friday – JohnKu – AKA – TGIF Fri-Yay Good News

December 17, 2021December 17, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 102 Comments

Here is a story from the Good News Network. Retired couple Avril Rowlands, 75, and her husband Christopher, 76, from Inkberrow, Worcestershire, have decorated their giant Christmas tree, which they planted as a sapling more than 40 years ago. This vast 60ft Christmas tree lights up an entire neighborhood over 40 years after being planted as a sapling. Avril Rowlands and her husband Christopher stuck the 6ft fir in their front garden after enjoying their first Christmas at their new home in 1978. The tree purchased for £6 from a local garden center now towers above their four-bedroom detached property, and the couple hired a cherry picker to decorate it with more than 1,000 lights.

They planted the 6-foot tree in the front garden and took a photograph to commemorate the occasion.

The tree took root and thrived.

Today it towers, 43 years later, over the village of Inkberrow, Worcs.

With its 17th-century pub that inspired The Bull in Radio 4’s The Archers, the village is one of the darkest places in the UK as one of the only towns without any street lights.

The Little Tree That Could, 1979 – SWNS

But last week, its 2,000 residents turned out to see the switching-on ceremony, which lit up the giant tree that can be seen from miles around.

“The switching on of the lights has become quite a village tradition,” said Avril. “A lot of people in the village say that it’s the start of their Christmas.”

This year was quite remarkable because last year, the Rowlands had to do the switch-on by themselves due to Covid restrictions.

“We had fireworks, too, this year, plus a friend who brought down a trailer that had Christmas music on.”

The tree has grown so big that a cherry picker is needed to help the couple decorate it with 3,000 lights ahead of the big unveiling.

“It’s been wonderful to see so many people enjoy the lights this year,” said the 75-year-old retired TV writer.

And, since the tree is getting more and more attention, they decided to ask people to donate to a Cancer Research charity online in memory of a close friend who died this year.

The couple says they are still stunned by the size of the tree, which grows more than a foot each year: “We had no idea just how big it would grow. It’s absolutely huge now and towers over our house.”

Drone aerial view of the giant Christmas tree in 2019 –SWNS

Avril swooned, “We even get cards addressed to the tree, which is quite sweet.” Good news indeed

Today’s JohnKu talks about the holiday spirit. I hope you all have a terrific week.

Is the spirit real?

It seems to be growing strong . . .

Could be peace on Earth,

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay Good News

December 10, 2021December 9, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

By Sara Hysong-Shimazu / Pacific Whale Watch Association

According to the Good News Network, a record number of 21 calves have been recorded off the coasts of Washington State and British Columbia this season, marking a significant rebound for a species endangered just 25 years ago when zero Humpbacks were counted. In addition, this year, 500 Humpback whales were observed.

According to Mark Malleson of the Center for Whale Research, that is the highest annual number of calves on record so far for the region and is near twice as many as were reported last year, when 11 calves were documented.

“2021 has been a banner year for female humpbacks coming into the Salish Sea with new calves,” says Wendi Robinson, a naturalist with Puget Sound Express. “Calves only travel with mom for a year or so, and then they’re on their own. Once they’re familiar with our waters, they will often return year after year to feed.”

As to the cause of this year’s baby boom, Erin Gless, Executive Director of the Pacific Whale Watch Association, can only speculate.

“We’re not sure why there were so many calves this year,” she says. “It’s possible the last two years had an abundance of food for the whales.”

“25 years ago, here off of inland B.C. waters, we had zero humpback whales, so this is a new phenomenon in our waters … they’ve made up for lost time. We are seeing lots and lots of whales, which is super exciting.”

Humpbacks have also bounced back in the South Atlantic. After the population had diminished to only 450 whales, 2019 research showed to 25,000—an estimate now close to pre-whaling numbers.

Today’s JohnKu talks about nature’s strength. I hope you have a super weekend.

Left alone awhile,

Nature has the way to fix . . .

Mistakes of mankind.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Good News Fri Yay

December 3, 2021December 2, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 82 Comments

Good News from Mexico. The jaguar population there increased by about 800 animals from 2010 to 2018. This is according to the latest census. The news confirms that Mexico’s national strategy to protect jaguars is working.

The jaguar (Panthera onca) ranges from northern Mexico through Central America, the Amazon Basin, and northern Argentina. Before 2010 ecologists had never properly counted jaguars in Mexico, making it challenging to design a conservation program in the iconic cat’s northernmost ranges. An alliance created by Gerardo Ceballos of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and founder of Mexico’s National Alliance for Jaguar Conservation used the results of the first Mexican jaguar census in 2010 to create a national strategy endorsed by government policy and scientists alike. The latest count is most encouraging for the cat and we humans.

“It was incredible to see jaguars in so many places where there weren’t any before,” said Ceballos. Good news indeed.

Our next good news story is about the marriage of farming with renewable sources.

Jack’s Solar Farm – Photo by Werner Slocum: NREL

Planting crops under solar panel arrays called Agrivoltaics, the plants grow better and need less watering, while the panels produce more electricity. Our good news comes from Jack’s Solar Garden in Boulder, Colorado. There the owner Byron Kominek has successfully planted crops under about 3200 solar panels. In doing so, he can generate enough power to serve 300 homes. In addition, the plants do better since the panels shield the crops from damaging sun, rain, and hail. Also, the shade reduces the need for water by 150%.

It is estimated that if one million acres of US farmland were covered with solar panels and crops planted below, there would be enough power generated to meet the country’s renewable energy goals. Wouldn’t that be something?

Today’s JohnKu talks about signs that nature is responding to conservation efforts. I hope you have a great weekend.

Every day the news,

Has nature information . . .

Good progress reports.