“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 next 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 Monday.”
“Ladies and gentlemen. We want to welcome you to our main event tonight. This is a special charity auction to raise funds for the Evergreen Project. For those the few of you who aren’t familiar, the Evergreen Project has as it’s mission to restore the Earth back to a pristine condition that existed prior to the 1800s. Oh, I know. It is a very aggressive goal but that’s not to say it won’t be achieved. It will be people like you who support efforts like this that will make the difference. Tonight we hope to raise ten trillion dollars and coupled with other auctions already held, will bring the total war chest to one-hundred trillion. Yes, that’s right that is trillion with a T. Now unless there are any questions I think we can get started.
Our first item up for a teaser bid to get you in the mood is this beautiful piece of art titled Moon Over Miami. It has been rendered in canvas and oil by the internationally known artist, Keith Channing. I would like to open the bid for twenty million. Do I hear twenty? Yes, sir thank you. How about twenty-five. Thank you, Miss. Now thirty. Yes, sir thank you. Thirty-five? Thank you, Miss. Forty? Do I hear forty? Going once. Going twice. Sold to number 10 for Thirty-five million. Thank you all.
The next item up for bid is Burmuda. This lovely Island can be yours at a very special rate. As a reminder, if you do win the bid for Burmuda it is expected that you will eliminate all life there within a fortnight. Do I hear an opening bid of one trillion? Yes, sir thank you.”
April 19th marks the anniversary of the first Boston Marathon, which was run in 1897. This is an event that we all would like to see. If you decide to jump on the time travel train, please take this list to ensure you don’t put a big ole tear in the time continuum. All aboard.
Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Boston marathon.
10 If you go, do not think you can sneak into the race and be lost in the thousands of participants. If you do, at best you’ll double think your decision. At worst, you will be noticed immediately by the judges since there are only fifteen participants. (You have a choice Lucian. Pay the entry fee or drop out. That policeman over there is going to make sure you choose one or the other.)
9 If you go, do not try to tell Tiny the WWF champ that the 24.5-mile course he has laid out should be 26.2 miles. If you do, at best, Tiny will ignore you. At worst, Tiny, who just finished his remedial math training, will think he’s made a math error and needs to cover it up. (There was no error, Lucius. The course distance was determined by a committee. It was changed to 26.2 miles in 1908. This is not going to help you now that Tiny has decided you need to be silenced. I’m sure he will let you out of that barrel once the race is over.)
8 if you go, do not suggest that the race be held on a Sunday. If you do, at best, you’ll be ignored. At worse, you’ll make that suggestion in earshot of the Boston Bishop. (Sundays are sacrosanct here in Boston, Lukas. The race was designed to be held on Patriots Day, which commemorates the beginning of the Revolutionary War. If Patriot’s Day fells on a Sunday, then the race was held on Monday. It took until 1969 for Patriot’s Day to be established as the third Monday of April. All this is well and good but too late to prevent you from being declared a heretic.)
7 If you go, do not mention the under the two-hour finish of Kenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchoge in 2019. If you do, at best, folks will think you have been drinking. At worst, you’ll mention it to John Mc Dermott, the winner who finished at 2:55:10. (Now John is wondering where you came from Lionel. Telling him Kipchoge’s time was 1:59:40 won’t stop him from the nose punch that is heading your way. in fact that info might just speed it up.)
6 If you go, do not wear the freebee Gateraid T-shirt that you scored at the Micky Mouse marathon last year. If you do, at best, it is under your sweatshirt. At worst, John Graham, the first Olympic team manager, and Boston Athletic Association member, will want to know all about it. (Now you are in a fine kettle of fish, Luciano. How are you going to explain sponsorships since the first did not start until the 1980s? Better think fast, cause Graham doesn’t look like a guy who suffers fools lightly.)
5 If you go, do not ask about the Red Sox baseball game that usually accompanies a marathon event. If you do, at best, no one will understand what you are talking about. At worst, the organizers will think you are trying to take over the event. (Although it is a tradition for the Boston Red Sox to play a game before each marathon, they didn’t start doing it until 1903. It looks like you have created quite a stink, Leif. Tell em you lost your head there for a moment.)
4 If you go, do not ask about the lack of women participants. If you do, at best you’ll get a “What are you thinking?” look. At worst, the Boston Athletic Association will take you for a sufferage militant. (Those big Policemen over there, Lennon are just waiting for orders to clap you in irons. The first woman did not officially participate in the Boston marathon until 1972. Nina Kuscsik became the first official female participant to win the Boston Marathon in 1972.)
3 If you go, don’t mention running in a costume. If you do at best, you’ll get a laugh or two. At worst, you’ll be banned from the city. (The idea of running in costume did not become popular until Gary Fanelli did it as Elwood Blues, Dan Aykroyd’s character from The Blues Brothers, in 1981. Since he was successful, the idea caught on. Don’t try to tell the marathon organizers this fact, Ludwig. You may end up in a padded room.
2 If you go, do not ask the organizers if they allow bandits. If you do, at best, they will think you are talking about bandannas. At worst, someone will call the sheriff. (You know that bandits are unregistered runners that were tolerated, Lenny. Although not forbidden bandit runners have been discouraged since 2015. I think I would try an exit strategy since that sheriff’s deputy looks like he has no sense of humor at all.
1 If you go, do not wear your Hoka One One Carbon X running shoes and your Lululemon running suit. If you do, at best people will stare. At worst, someone will yell “Alien,” and your day is over. (A cardinal rule is to fit in, Langston. The running gear of the day should look like you are in your underwear and wearing combat boots. Yes, now that is more like it.)
Our walk in the neighborhood turned up evidence that we humans have a sense of caring for one another. An anonymous person or persons left messages of hope throughout the Hamilton Greenbelt. This is the first of two parts since there are too many photos for one post.
We have all been here before. As a reminder, here is the entrance to the Hamilton Greenbelt.
We immediately see the first message.
A lovely little water feature greats you.
Another message by the water feature. Yup, I’ll do that often.
In honor of the benefactors of the greenbelt. Thanks, indeed.
Another shot of my serene thinking place.
A group of rocks nearby.
With a message that may be more general than a specific day. Maybe the Earth has been reborn.
Another group of rocks.
With the answer to all our concerns.
Shine Brite is what we all need to do.
I think we all can use some hugs. Next week we will finish the tour. Thanks for coming along. Have a great week.
It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and here is Linda Hill with this week’s prompt. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “practice/practise.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!”
“Its Friday, Lucy.” “It sure is beautiful Little One.” “I agree.”
Well, here we are on a Friday. It seems like it was yesterday (or maybe last year) that it was Friday. The days do take on some kind of similarity. Hmmm, maybe I better check to see if it is Friday. Yeah, it’s Friday for sure.
We got word from the landscaper that the new sod is going to be installed this weekend. If you notice in the photo above, you can see that the lawn is pretty sparse. We were supposed to have the sod replaced a month ago, but due to COVID-19, all construction around here was halted. (including landscaping) That restriction was lifted, and so our project moved forward. Of course, if we get rain, then there will be a delay. You just know it’s going to rain, right?
Our governor is trying to figure out how to open some businesses. As for me, I don’t trust that the virus is anywhere near contained, so I’m going to continue to practice safe living no matter what those guys in government intend to try. I saw a report where a bunch of folks in Michigan were demonstrating at the capital to open the state. They should talk to the Detroit ME, who is still trying to find places to house those who have succumbed to the virus. I think big mistakes are going to be made in this realm.
Today’s JohnKu talks about individual freedom. I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend.
“It’s day thirty.” “It’s Wednesday. You’ll feel better Friday. Little One”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we were left in Starbucks while Larry and Andrew were once again dodging lead. In the fit of battle, Andrew asks Larry if he’s okay, and we find out the guy with the shotgun went out the door. The bad news is the guy with the UZI is still there and firing away. Let’s get back so we can see if our pair is okay.
“How do you like that, you dirty copper?”
“Well, you missed. Did anyone ever tell you that you sound like James Cagney?”
“Most of the people I talk to don’t have time to say anything.”
“Ah, a hired killer. I should have known. You do know that you owe me for two 20 oz coffees.”
“Yeah, well, I’ll pay you in hell.”
“My goodness, are you sure you aren’t James Cagney? By the way, I’m asking you to put the UZI down and give yourself up.”
“Cut the chin music and prepare to meet your maker.”
“The movie Angels with Dirty Faces, right?”
“That’s it you’re toa—”
“Sorry, my man, but I just had to put an end to this disturbance. Oh, that is a nasty wound. Andrew, you okay?”
“I am. What about the other guy?”
“We better be careful. Call 9-1-1, and I’ll have a look. You stay down there with eh..I’m sorry I didn’t get your name.”
“Barista, Bob sir.”
“Okay, Bob. You just hang tight there on the floor, and I’ll be right back.”
“Your coffees are still okay if you want them.”
“Maybe later, son. Maybe later.”
“Pass one to me, Bob.”
“Okay, you two stay. I’m going over to the window to have a look. Hmmm.”
“Hmmm, good or hmmm bad?”
“I think the guy took off.”
“Well, that’s a relief.”
“You make the call?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Don’t get perturbed. With all that coffee discussion, I thought you forgot. Hey, Bob. You can get up.”
“I think I’m going to be sick.”
“Go somewhere else for that, Bob.”
“I mean, I’ve never seen anyone shot before.”
“I would suggest you sit down and take a few breaths.”
“I mean, right in the eye.”
“That will be fine, Bob. Here give me that coffee and go sit down.”
“I think I hear sirens, Larry.”
“Yeah. Here we go again. I can just bet the ADA will want to see us again.”
“I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure that is a good thing.”
“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 next 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 Monday.”
On April 12, 1954, Bill Haley and the Comets recorded what became the declaration of independence for the new rock and roll style of music. This is the kind of event that we need to visit. If you go, please take the list with you so that we can witness the recording without causing a tear in the time continuum.
Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Recording of Bill Haley and the Comet’s Rock Around the Clock.
10 If you go, do not light your bic as if you are at a concert. If you do, at best, someone will point out the no-smoking sign. At worst, since Bic lighters weren’t invented until 1972, you might get a few stares. (Also, Leonard the tradition of holding up candles began at Woodstock in August of 1969. The singer Melanie wrote a song titled “Candles in the Rain,” and while she was singing at Woodstock, the hillsides were filled with people and lit candles. It continued from there.)
9 If you go, do not ask Tiny the WWF champ if you can play Tamborine. If you do, At best, Tiny won’t know the word Tamborine. At worst, Tiny, who flunked out of music school and is now a part-time guard will want to play the Tamborine himself. (Don’t worry, Lucian. That flight of stairs that Tiny is going to toss you down has a landing on the first floor. Maybe you can control your descent somehow.)
8 If you go, do not point out that the group is recording the wrong song. If you do, at best, you’ll be ignored. At worst, the producer will offer to help you out by asking, “How did you get in?” (The song that took so many takes is titled “Thirteen Women.” “Rock Around the Clock was recorded in two takes after Thirteen Women was finished. Oh, you never heard of Thirteen Women. You are not alone, Lucius.)
7 If you go, do not complain that the instrumentals are so loud you can’t hear the vocals. If you do, at best, the producer will send you out for coffee. At worst, since there is only enough studio time left for one more take, the Producer will lose his cool. (I would stay out of the way Lukas. The producer is going to do the vocals over and hope for the best. In fact, he is hoping the guy doing the final mix can save the mess somehow. Yes, he has a knife. I think you’d better be quiet now.)
6 If you go, do not ask who is doing the guitar solo. If you do, at best, you’ll be told it’s handled. At worst, the soloist Danny Cedrone is standing right next to you. (Good thing Danny is a nice guy, Lionel. Since he was only paid $31 to riff perhaps the greatest guitar solo he might have been a little grumpier)
5 If you go, do not mention you saw the movie, Blackboard Jungle, and the tune was playing over the opening credits. If you do, at best the band will think you are drunk. At worst, they will wonder what you are smoking and want some. (Rock around the clock did, in fact, play over the opening credits of Blackboard Jungle in the spring of 1955. The movie starred Glen Ford, who was introduced to the song by his 10-year-old son, Peter. Where was the song, Luciano? On the B side of the record Thirteen Women. That’s where.)
4 If you go, do not ask the Decca engineer what he is doing. If you do, at best he’ll tell you to get lost. At worst, he will find you annoying and call the police. (You see, Leif. It is his job to put the instrumentals and vocals together into something that sounds like Rock Around the Clock. He painstakingly spliced together the two recordings. This was something that was not done in that day and age.)
3 If you go, do not make bets with anyone on how many records Rock Around the Clock will sell. If you do, at best, no one will care. At worst, everyone will wonder how you know and how you can prove the number. (Okay, Lennon, Rock Around the Clock sold 25 million copies. Now you tell me how you can show that on the day it was recorded. I think you better just hit the backdoor and forget it.)
2 If you go, don’t ask the band why they are late. If you do, at best, the session will start before you are heard. At worst, your question will be like salt in a wound. (The band got delayed because the ferry they were taking from Philadelphia to New York got stuck on a sandbar. I think I would just stop asking questions Ludwig.)
1 If you go, do not tell Bill Haley that he will be performing at a command performance for Queen Elizabeth. If you do, at best he will think you are joking. At worst, he will wonder what scam you are trying to pull. (So, you let slip the fact that Bill Haley and the Comets played at a command performance in November of 1979, Lenny. I think you should tell Bill you were just kidding.)
