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

July 22, 2022July 21, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

Today’s good news comes again from the Good News Network, so here it is unedited.

Teen Finds Woman’s Purse and is Rewarded With $17,000 After He Delivers it to Her Door By Good News Network Jul 17, 2022

A 17-year-old teen in San Diego returned a purse left in a grocery store parking lot—and although he expected nothing in return, hundreds of strangers have offered him a big reward.

Adrian Rodriquez found the green handbag in Ralph’s parking lot in Chula Vista, California, two weeks ago. Instead of bringing it inside the store, he decided to deliver it himself to the woman’s front door.

Although the owner, Eliana Martin, wasn’t there, the purse was left with the roommates, and the home’s surveillance video was later used to track down the high school graduate to show him some love.

“I looked into the Ring camera, and I was like, ‘Oh my God. He’s such a young kid’,” recalls Melina Marquez. “We need to find him and just give him a little piece of gratitude.”

She and Martin posted the striking image on social media, and found the young man who returned the bag, which contained $20 and a wallet full of credit cards.

“My mom always told me since I was little to always do the right thing when nobody’s around,” Adrian told NBC News. “I didn’t expect nothing back, honestly.”

“If someone found my stuff, I’d want them to bring it back to me,” said the humble youth.

But the good news didn’t stop there. Marquez organized a GoFundMe campaign as a way for friends and new admirers to reward Adrian’s honesty.

764 donors sent money that totaled over $17,000.

“Every parent right now hopes that their children grow up to be just like this young gentleman,” Marquez told 10News in the video below.

Watch the video from the 10News segment, Positively San Diego…

The good news here is that some do for others without expecting anything in return. Today’s JohnKu talks about the highest good done for others. I hope you have a super weekend.

The very best good deed,

Is done without selfish thought . . .

And when no one knows.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy on the Hot Seat

July 21, 2022July 20, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 115 Comments

“Well, Lucy looks like another scorcher.”

“Yeah, Little one. It’s going to be a high of 106 today. That’s over 41 C to our metric friends.”

“So we have something in common with those folks in London.”

“Yeah, but unfortunately for them, they usually have a high of about 70 F this time of year. That’s around 21 degrees C.”

“Goodness. We’re used to sitting on Hell’s back porch. Those folks must be suffering.”

“I don’t think these temperatures are very healthy. But, look at us still standing here.”

“I hear you, but who wants to go out there and have to do the hot coal shuffle.”

“Good point, Little one. As for me, I think a nice lay down in the A/C is next on the agenda.”

“Whew. It is hard to catch a breath today.”

“With the humidity, you can add at least 8 degrees to the temperature.”

Aww, that is just insane. How can we play in this kind of weather?”

“I think we need to take it inside.”

“I’m beginning to wonder about the lack of exercise.”

“There are still walks in the morning and doing a world-class ruckus in the house.”

“And drive the rents crazy in the process.”

“Yeah, the poor things are collateral damage.”

“You coming? Mom’s on her way to the door.”

“Yeah. One more sniff of the air and one more kiss from the sun.”

“You gotta stop reading those poetry blogs.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #369 by Keith Channing

July 19, 2022July 18, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.combefore 6pm on Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). 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.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next time.”

The photo.

The morning paper has an ad that is hard to ignore. The headline reads; Estate Sale Camelot Castle – Everything Must go.

Further down is a description of the items being offered. Reading the list makes attendance mandatory.

For sale: Large round table reportedly used for meetings and late-night dinners. A sword still in its original stone. Antique chairs, tapestries, beds, tables, and sideboards too numerous to mention and detail. Two crowns (One king-sized and one queen-sized) 12 suits of armor size 38 regular, (Some polishing needed), chainmail, Longbows, crossbows, broad swords, spears, lances, maces, daggers, and knives. Wagons, tumbrels, horse halters, saddles, and feed bags. Cauldrons, catapults, rocks. Antique goblets, tableware, pewter forks. Original candelabras, sconces, and torches. Complete magician’s kit including, hex instructions, hat, and powders.

Refreshments available for purchase, major credit cards honored, all sales final.

Want to go with me?

Top Ten Things Not to Do Returning From a Long Trip

July 18, 2022July 17, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

This was originally posted on July 3rd, 2017. Now that we are back to making trips, I think it might still be current.

* * *

The inspiration for this list was my return from a ten-day trip. In case you wonder, I am entirely innocent of these incidents. Hope you enjoy it.

Top Ten Things Not to Do Returning From a Long Trip

10 If you are returning from a long trip, do not forget where you parked your car. If you do, at best, security will help you find it. At worst, you’ll have to catch a cab home, convincing your family that you need a physical intervention. (That brain MRI was a pleasant experience, right, Bosco?)

9 If you are returning from a long trip, do not argue with the parking attendant about the price of parking. If you do, at best, he will call the police. At worst, the attendant is Tiny, the WWF champ working nights to pay his fine for the last criminal assault charge. (Looks like you had better use your feet to avoid this one, Buford.)

8 If you are returning from a long trip, do not arrive in the middle of the night and expect a warm welcome. If you do, at best, you will be disappointed. At worst, your watchdog, which is especially protective, will confuse you with an intruder. (Good thing you have that tall tree in the front yard, huh? Putz.)

7 If you are returning from a long trip, do not think the hotel shampoo and conditioner bottles count as souvenirs. If you do, at best, the only one talking to you right now is you. At worst, you’ll have to find an alternative sleeping arrangement. (That couch is as lumpy as you thought, isn’t it, Buster?)

6 If you are returning from a long trip, do not dump your laundry on the floor and declare, “No rush.” If you do, at best, the pile will stay there forever. At worst, you may wonder why the Goodwill receipt is on your bureau. (On the plus side, you can deduct the donation, Ferd.)

5 If you are returning from a long trip, do not make comments at dinner about how good the food was on the trip. If you do, at best, you will be eating out for weeks. At worst, you will be invited to prepare the meals according to your taste. (That includes menu and shopping, Bunky.)

4 If you are returning from a long trip, do not think everyone you meet wants to hear about your experiences. If you do, at best, people will avoid you. At worst, you will have to listen to the experiences of others. (It really gets to you when their trip sounds better than yours, doesn’t it, Tex?)

3 If you are returning from a long trip, do not think everyone wants to hear you speak in the language of the place visited. If you do, at best, most will believe that you are affected. At worst, you will meet someone fluent in the language, and you’ll be stumped. (A little hard to keep up after hello, don’t you think, Pard?)

2 If you are returning from a long trip, don’t keep saying, ”It’s good to be home.” If you do, at best, people will think you had a lousy time. At worst, most will wonder why you left in the first place. (Of course, they may also see through your desire to answer the question, “Where have you been? Leroy.”)

1 If you are returning from a long trip, do not think you won’t have to resume helping out around the house. If you do, at best, you will get a gentle reminder. At worst, you may find your suitcase repacked and ready for another trip. (That one-way ticket is sobering, don’t you think, Cousin?)

Views of the Neighborhood – Bee Cave Sculpture Park – Part I

July 17, 2022July 23, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

The Producer was out scouting for some new views and discovered the Bee Cave sculpture park. I think you will find it as interesting as we did. We are being catered to today by Veracruz All Natural. Our entertainment is Sara Evans.

Grilled Steak Taco: Cilantro, onion, queso fresco, avocado

So jump on.

Here is the entrance stone.

This plaque honors the donors. The park was established by a call to artists by the Bee Cave Arts Foundation.

This is Bee Hive mentioned in the plaque by Susan Gulla O’Leary.

Hard Headed Man by Anthony St. James.

The Flame Man by Terry Condrasky.

This one is titled, What? It could even be without a question mark, What. by John Huke.

The Prelude by Itsik Benshalom is the largest sculpture in the park.

Birdview by Terry Condrasky is suspended from the trees.

Selena Open Casting by Travis Boyer

Foreground – Desert Blossom Damian Priour. Background – Leap of Faith GiGi Miller

Inspired World by Mel Meyer is certainly brightly colored.

You have to look close to see the wings of Great Bird by Peter Mangan.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Bagged

July 16, 2022July 15, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Waiting as usual for the meister of brew to cough up my hot, steaming, frothy cup of joe, a glance toward the newspaper captures a disturbing headline. Customers who have bagged their own groceries are seen as a minimum wage worker threat. Needing more information after the cup is delivered, I grab the paper and head for the back porch.

The story details that the habit some shoppers have of bagging their own groceries is viewed by store bagging employees as threatening their way of life. “Minimum wage phobic,” was how one worker put it. The worker went on to say that a law ought to be passed, making those who have bagged their own groceries guilty of a hate crime.

Sipping my brew and thinking deeply about the issue causes me to miss the first blaring second of the klaxon horn we call a doorbell. Twiggy and Lucy have already gone airborne, so it’s best to see who is there. Then, casting about some turkey treats to turn the dog’s attention to something other than the door, I do the ritual and finally open it.

“I say, boy. This here. I say this here is delivery.” The line came out of Foghorn Leghorn with the velocity to raise my thinning hair. “I say, boy. Don’t. I say, don’t just stand there. I say take this envelope.” It is strange to have someone blowing hot air that has the scent of corn. I take the envelope, and Foghorn Leghorn wishes me a good day and struts off down the street.

Knowing it was from Linda Hill, in no hurry, I watch as the giant chicken disappears around the corner. Turning to the envelope, a quick opening reveals this message. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “bagged.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy! If you want to enjoy, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here’s the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/07/15/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-16-2022/

“No one is going to believe this, you know.”

“It’s fiction. They don’t have to believe it.”

“But you are spreading falsehoods.”

“Happy falsehoods.”

“Huh.”

“Readers like to hear about happy, no-brainer stuff.”

“You certainly have the no-brainer covered.”

“What’s wrong with a little fantasy fun?”

“Well, for one, this is a serious world full of serious problems that should be taken seriously.”

“All the more reason to have a diversion from all that seriousness.”

“This is getting tense. I’m all for getting this discussion bagged and heading for the pub.”

“What about all those serious subjects?”

“You have your fantasy way of coping. I have my barley pop method.”

“It’s good you are buying.”

“Yes, with that in mind, let’s walk.”

“You going to be overserved?”

“Let’s just say it might be a possibility.”

“Walking is good.”

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

July 15, 2022July 14, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

Today’s good news is taken in its entirety from the Good News Network.

DC Subways Will Have $50M in Revenue From New Solar Panels Covering Parking Lots With Shade By – Good News Network – Jul 10, 2022

The transit agency for the Washington, DC Metro area announced Friday a deal worth up to $50 million over 25 years to install solar panels atop buildings and parking structures at four subway rail bus stations.

Combined, Metro says the four sites will generate 12.8 megawatts of electrical capacity and make this “the largest community solar project in the National Capital Area and one of the largest in the nation.”

It will also provide Metro customers who park their cars at the stations with new shaded parking and protection from the elements.

Under the agreement, SunPower Corp. will install photovoltaic solar panels over carports and canopies that shade surface lots and above parking garages. The four Metro sites are Anacostia, Cheverly, Naylor Road, and the Southern Avenue stations.

Goldman Sachs Renewable Power will own the solar power system and provide annual payments to Metro through 2047, providing a long-term revenue stream that will support the regional transit agency’s operations—at no cost to Metro, which is run by the governments of DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

“This project benefits residents of our region, even people who don’t ride Metro, by leveraging the potential of our stations to generate revenue and increase the community’s access to a clean, renewable source of energy,” said Metro CEO Paul Wiedefeld. “This project advances the region’s sustainability goals while generating revenue to help keep Metro safe and affordable in an extremely tight budget environment.”

When complete, the stations (located in DC and Prince George’s County, Maryland) will have 17 acres of photovoltaic solar panels—the equivalent of 13 football fields—and generate enough electricity to power at least 1500 single-family homes. Homes and businesses in the local PEPCO area will be able to sign up for a share of the clean, renewable energy generated by the project while saving on their utility bill.

The project is part of Metro’s sustainability initiatives and will help advance the Clean Energy DC Plan that seeks to cut carbon emissions in half—and transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2032. Construction is expected to begin early next year.

The good news here is sustainability need not cost money but, if planned, can save money. Today’s JohnKu talks about intelligent projects.

Clean energy goals,

Can be met through a good plan. . .

That benefits all.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy, Lucy and Hell’s Back Porch

July 14, 2022July 13, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 106 Comments

“We playing ball today, Little One.”

“Well, it is the right ball this time, but it is so hot out here.”

“You are so right. I think I’m getting sweat in my eyes.”

“That’s pretty funny since you don’t sweat. I’m heading for the A/C.”

“We are supposed to exercise.”

“Not in temperatures of 106 F. That’s 41.1 C for our metric friends.”

“I don’t know if you will get anyone to let you in.”

“Mom is always good about ensuring we don’t get too hot.”

“Mom is at the store.”

“OMG. Let me break the fourth wall.”

“And do what?”

“Have someone call 9-1-1 and tell them we are suffering from heat stroke.”

“Hey, folks. Twiggy has a flair for the dramatic. We’ve only been out here for four minutes.”

“Well, speak for yourself. Seems like four hours to me.”

“Why don’t you give it the old ‘I have been wounded’ howl.”

“Don’t tempt me. Wait, someone’s coming.”

“There you go. Now a cool place. You are saved.”

“Do I sense dark sarcasm in the classroom?”

“Okay, everyone. It looks like another disaster has been averted.”

“I can hear you.”

“You comfy now?”

“Yes, I am.”

“In fact, it’s downright delicious.”

“So glad.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #368 by Keith Channing

July 12, 2022July 11, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm on Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). 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.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next time.”

The Photo.

“Trevor, listen to me.”

“What?”

“I’m grinning like an idiot, and the human is eating it up.”

“Yeah, so?”

“So? You dope. Now’s the time for our break.”

“What break?”

“Remember you were complaining about how you are being treated?”

“I always do that. When exactly?”

“Last night, right after you were sent to bed without a biscuit.”

“I had every right.”

“Of course you did. So that’s why I’m saying while I have this two-legger mesmerized, you go open the door.”

“Open the door? Why?”

“So we can make a run for it.”

“Then live on the streets?”

“Yeah, a couple of crazy guys living the free life.”

“Two problems with that.”

“Tell me.”

“Number one, I don’t have an opposable thumb, so I can’t open the door.”

“We can work that out. What’s the other?”

“It’s raining.”

“A little water never hurt.”

“And cold.”

“My goodness. Where’s your adventurous spirit?”

“Let me remind you, it’s almost dinner time.”

“Alright then. You come grin, and I’ll make a getaway.”

“I’ll be happy to take your food portion too.”

“Wait a minute. Who said you could do that?”

“I’m just saying. Once you’re gone, the uprights will continue to moan and groan and put your food down, hoping you’ll come back.”

“I see what you’re saying.”

“So?”

“I think I’ll sit up. That’s usually a game-changer.”

“You go, boy.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Watching Competition Shows.

July 11, 2022July 10, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

This post was published on September 12th, 2016. Let’s hope it has legs.

* * *

The inspiration for this list came to me while watching a few shows where people compete for money, a hosting berth on a food show, to see if they would like to sell or list their house, or just want a new place to live. I did not know what to call these shows, so I labeled them competition shows. Anyway, I think you get the idea.

10 If you are watching a competition show and it involves food, do not think you need to match bite for bite. If you do, at best, you’ll be too full to sleep. At worst, your doctor will conduct an intervention and perhaps admit you to a sanitarium to lose weight. (Man, that first 100 pounds came quick, didn’t it?)

9 If you are watching a competition show that involves racing from one place to the next, do not think you need to rush to the store after it is over. If you do, at best, the kindly officer will let you off with a warning after he hears your story. At worst, your insurance company will not reinstate your policy in spite of your promise to get rid of the racing gloves. (You would have been okay had you not slid sideways into the 7-11.)

8 If you are watching a competition show and the players are all on an island with no food, do not plan your vacation while watching. If you do, at best, your room choices will seem luxurious when in fact, they should be condemned. At worst, you’ll arrive at your destination and realize that primitive camp living might not have been the best option. (Especially since your family considers roughing it to be no room service.)

7 If you are watching a competition show and the favorite day of the show is demolition day, do not tackle that small home improvement. If you do, at best, you will spend three minutes on demolition and ten days on reconstruction. At worst, your demolition fever will go unchecked until you realize you have no more bedrooms. (That night sky is sure filled with stars, isn’t it?)

6 If you are watching a competition show and the principles pay for rundown houses with cash, do not make an offer on a house. If you do, at best, you will overlook some needed repairs. At worst, you will realize there is no one to help you with what has been described as a “tear down.” (It looked so easy on TV, didn’t it, Bunky?)

5 If you are watching a competition show and the homeowners are asked if they love it or should they list it? Do not call an agent to list your house. If you do, at best, you will have second thoughts about your beloved home. At worst, your house will sell in two days with the new owners wanting to move in a week, and you have nowhere to go. (How come everything for sale is higher priced than what you got for your house? Huh?)

4 If you are watching a competition show and there are judges eliminating chefs, do not decide you can cook better than all of them. If you do, at best, your offerings may not be enthusiastically received. At worst, you will have a food walkout at your house, and you’ll be the last chef standing. (Seems kind of lonely, just you and that pot of stew.)

3 If you are watching a competition show and it involves food trucks, do not think that may be an easy way to make a buck. If you do, at best, your first week will be a killer. At worst, after you spend all that money to buy the truck, you realize you can’t sell the truck. (Kind of cramped to live in, right?)

2 If you are watching a competition show that involves two guys giving the homeowner a complete makeover for $30,000, do not ask for bids on your remodel. If you do, at best, you’ll never get a price low enough to proceed. At worst, you will find someone to do the job at your price and have to hire another contractor to redo the job at twice the price. (All looked good until the ceiling fell. Right?)

1 If you are watching a competition show that involves selecting a home from three choices of houses, do not think you will be that lucky. If you do, At best, you will need to see more. At worst, you will look at three, pick one, and discover that a better house has come on the market and is cheaper. (So much for being in a rush, huh, Rube?)