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

January 27, 2023January 26, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 104 Comments

The plane that made the hydrogen-powered flight. credit: ZeroAvia

Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network. Here it is in its entirety.

Aviation Startup ZeroAvia Flies Largest-Ever Hydrogen Electric Aircraft

By

Andy Corbley Jan 24, 2023

An aviation start-up just set a new world-first for the largest hydrogen-powered aircraft flight in history—a 19-seat aircraft called the Dornier 228.

Designed by ZeroAvia, the start-up is developing hydrogen-powered engines for regional flights and has taken off over the last 12 months.

This most recent flight was a 10-minute affair from the Cotswolds Airport in Gloucestershire, England, but was only the most recent manifestation of their success.

ZeroAvia counts American and United airlines as their investors, and by 2025, the firm has 1,500 pre-orders of their hydrogen-electric powertrains to fulfill. In addition, the prototype powertrains have received approval from the UK and US civil aviation authorities.

“This is a major moment, not just for ZeroAvia, but for the aviation industry as a whole, as it shows that true zero-emission commercial flight is only a few years away,” ZeroAvia founder and CEO Val Miftakhov said in a statement Thursday.

The flight comes after news in August that the company signed a memorandum of understanding with American Airlines for 100 of the powertrains being developed for 90-seat aircraft.

“Having support from [one of the] world’s largest airline is a strong indication of the progress we’re making on the development of hydrogen-electric, zero-emission flight,” added ZeroAvia Founder and CEO Val Miftakhov. “We are focused on delivering sustainable travel and are delighted that American, a visionary leader in the industry, sees ZeroAvia as a part of the future of aviation.”

Hydrogen as a fuel source is currently one of two more sustainable alternatives to powering aviation. Accounting for 2.8% of all global emissions, passenger aircraft need high-octane, energy-dense fuel sources because of the weight limitations that batteries can’t account for.

The ZA2000-RJ powertrain from ZeroAvia is predicted to have a 500-mile range on a full tank, which United Airlines said would restore the economic viability of smaller regional flights.

“A lot of small cities have lost service because of the cost, and we think that these technologies will allow United to bring back more frequent service and service to airports that don’t have any service today,” Michael Leskinen, president of United Airlines Ventures, told CBS.

For reference, 500-mile jumps could service distances such as Pittsburgh to Chicago, Amarillo to Austin, or Fort Myers to Savannah. In Europe, the benefits compound because of the size of the continent. ZeroAvia could easily service Milan to Naples, Munich to Hamburg, or Newcastle to Exeter.

The good news here is zero emissions are possible for air travel. Today’s JohnKu talks about innovation. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Like we always have,

Is not an excuse anymore . . .

Innovation rules.

The Last Drive Tour with Joan Hall

January 26, 2023January 25, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 1 Comment

I am excited to be with Joan Hall to talk about The Last Drive. You can visit her post HERE.

Joan and I are both members of Story Empire. Since the time I joined, I have always been impressed by Joan’s professional approach to writing. Also, she is quick to help fellow writers with questions about their stories or any concerns in general. Joan is always giving the group links to some of the latest improvements in applications designed to help make the job of writing easier.

Joan is the author of ten books, and you can see them on her Amazon page

Here is a little more about Joan.

Joan Hall has always enjoyed reading or listening to stories about inexplicable events, so it’s not surprising she writes mystery and romantic suspense. A lover of classic rock music, songs often serve as the inspiration for her books.

When she’s not writing, Joan likes to observe the night skies, explore old cemeteries, and learn about legends and folklore. She and her husband live in Texas with their two cats. Learn more about Joan at her website, http://JoanHall.net.

Thank you, Joan, for helping spread The Last Drive word.

I have closed the comments so that Joan will have your original thoughts.

The last Drive Tour with Keith Channing

January 25, 2023January 25, 2023 ~ John W. Howell

I am delighted to be visiting Keith Channing’s blog today. He is helping spread the word about The Last Drive. You can visit the post HERE.

Each Monday, Keith publishes a photo and asks for submissions. I have been submitting a story using his photo as a prompt since August 6th, 2015. Prior to my joining in Keith had published 39 photos. He just finished number 392. So I have participated with Keith in 353 stories over the last seven years. Keith has also published 13 books. You can see them all on his Amazon page.

More about Keith in his own words.

“My work background was in insurance and IT. When I retired in 2005 at the tender age of 56, my wife Clare and I sold up and moved to a small hamlet in the middle of France, where we stayed for thirteen years. In 2019, we relocated to South Yorkshire with our two dogs.

During my working life, I spent five years living in Dubai and two years in Tanzania, which had an enormous effect on shaping my world view and my way of looking at life.

As a writer of fiction, I make up and write lies (and some poetry – mostly limericks) for the sheer pleasure of doing it. These lies generally end up on my blog at keithkreates.com, as do a few of the photographs I take from time to time.”

Thank you, Keith, for helping to spread the word on The Last Drive.

I have closed the comments so that every word in Keith’s comment section is original.

Views of the Neighborhood – GOOD “TIME” SCAVENGER HUNT – Part II

January 22, 2023January 21, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

Well, we are back to finish the scavenger hunt. If you missed part I, you can go HERE and check it out. We will be doing the even numbers today. We are catered by Nixta of Austin. Our entertainment is Chicago.

Picture of an old time school bus

So jump on, and let’s go.

So, right away, we have a problem. This should be number two, but it looks like someone took it. So, after we complete the puzzle, we will have to figure out which letter goes with the number 2.

Ah. At least we have number 4.

Number six, taking a nap.

Number 8 overlooks the drought-ravished Lake Travis.

A certain number, 10.

Number 12 in the mountain laurel.

High flying number 14.

Number 16 on the ground.

Looks like a ground pandemic. Number 18 is there as well.

Number 20 in the trees.

Number 22 has been benched.

Number 24 on a spindly oak.

Numer 26 marks the end of the hunt.

The missing letter was U. The puzzle is solved. I hope you had a good time. Now relax, have some food and listen to the music.

Saturday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy Check the Plants

January 21, 2023January 20, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 132 Comments

“Little One. Did you see this Fig tree?”

“Yeah. It’s getting some new leaves.”

“Well, that’s not good. There’s more cold coming.”

“Don’t you think the fig knows what it’s doing?”

“I’m not so sure. These crazy winters have most plants confused.”

“These begonias seem to be doing sorta okay.”

“Yeah, for now. Wait till a freeze hits.”

“These roses are getting new leaves too.”

“I sure hope they aren’t sorry. I’m going over to the patio.”

“What’s over there?”

“There were a bunch of flowers in pots. I want to make sure they aren’t budding as well.”

“If they are, what are you going to do?”

“Well, they’re not, so your question doesn’t need an answer.”

“Lucky for you, ’cause I don’t think you had an answer.”

“You may be right. How about we play in the yard.”

“I see a bud here, Lucy. What are we going to do?”

“You know everyone dislikes a wise guy.”

“Good thing I’m a girl, then.”

“How about a game of hide and seek?”

“Great, you’re it.”

“One one thousand, two one thousand….”

“No peeking.”

The Last Drive Tour with Staci Troilo

January 18, 2023January 17, 2023 ~ John W. Howell

Today I’m with Staci Troilo, who has graciously given me the opportunity to talk about my latest book, The Last Drive. You can visit her post HERE.

I have known Staci to be an excellent blogger and author. She is also a member of Story Empire, and that association gave me insight into Staci’s big-heartedness and sense of humor, as well as her desire to help her fellow authors. I understand she calls on her Italian heritage to produce killer recipes.

Here is her bio in her own words.

I grew up in Western Pennsylvania, writing stories and poetry in my free time, so no one was surprised when I became a writing major in college. After receiving creative and professional writing degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, I went on to get my Master’s Degree in Professional Writing, and I worked in corporate communications until I had my children. Now I’m a freelance writer and editor and spend many of my days happily immersed in fictional worlds.

Staci is also a prolific novelist who has 23 titles to her credit. You can see them all on her Amazon Page

Thank you, Staci, for having me today.

I have closed the comments so that all your words will be conserved for Staci’s post.

The Last Drive Tour with Jan Sikes

January 17, 2023January 16, 2023 ~ John W. Howell

I am pleased to be hosted by Jan Sikes today on The Last Drive tour. You can visit Jan’s post HERE.

Jan and I have been colleagues and friends since we published our debut Novel. I first met Jan in an author’s club and was taken by her passion for writing. Now that she has seventeen titles, she has never lost that passion. You can go to her Amazon page and see all her books.

Here is Jan’s bio in her words

I’ve been an avid reader all my life. I still remember the excitement that surged through me the first time I realized I could decipher words. There’s nothing I love more than losing myself in a story.

Oddly enough, I never had any ambition to be a writer. But I wound up in mid-life with a story that begged to be told. Not just any story, but a true story that rivaled any fiction creation. Through fictitious characters, the tale came to life in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books. Not satisfied to stop with the books, I released music CDs of original music to match the time period of each story segment. In conclusion, to bring the story full circle, I published a book of poetry and art. I was done.

Wrong!

The story ideas keep coming, and I don’t intend to turn off the creative fountain.

I love all things metaphysical and often include those aspects in my stories.

I am a member of the Author’s Marketing Guild, The Writer’s League of Texas, Story Empire, and the Paranormal Writer’s Guild. I am an avid fan of Texas music and grandmother of five beautiful souls. I reside in North Texas.

Thank you, Jan, for helping spread the word about The Last Drive.

I have closed the comments so that all your fine words can be spent on Jan’s post.

Top Ten Things Not to Do On Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday

January 16, 2023January 15, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

It has been 95 years since Martin Luther King Jr was born. Today we celebrate his birth, although the actual day was January 15th. Today’s Top Ten is focused on just one thing not to do. Do not hate your neighbor, and learn from Dr. King’s non-violent approach to change.

I wish for a day of peace that will become so comfortable that it extends into a week, then a month, then a year. Who knows? It could last a lifetime.

Let’s hope Dr. King’s example serves to guide our behavior going forward.

Views of the Neighborhood – GOOD “TIME” SCAVENGER HUNT – Part I

January 15, 2023January 21, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 99 Comments

Today we are going on a scavenger hunt sponsored by Lakeway Parks and Recreation. It is titled the GOOD “TIME” SCAVENGER HUNT, and here is a description by the city. Happy New Year, Lakeway! It’s a “good time” to celebrate the start of 2023 with Parks & Recreation! As you walk the lower level of Lakeway City Park, you will find 26 clocks along the trail. Each clock has a letter and number that corresponds to the hidden answer key. Solve the secret message and win a prize!

We are being catered by Canje Caribbean of Austin. Our entertainment is Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing.

Striped Bass

Tamarind, Rum Butter, Green Mango, Papaya

Acorn Squash

Coconut Choka, Passion Fruit, Black Beans

Curry Wagyu Beef

Rutabaga, Coconut Milk, Chili Oil

Wild Boar Pepper Pot

Cassareep, Orange Peel, Ginger

Grilled Pork Guisado

Berkshire Pork Chop, Tomato, Tomato

Jerk Chicken

½ Heritage Chicken, Ginger Pineapple Glaze

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s get rolling. We only have time for half of the alphabet when we get there. We will be hunting the clocks in order, starting with the odd numbers (yes, we are making it difficult), and then we will fill out the key at the end of today. After next week we should have the puzzle solved.

Okay, here’s the first one. Letter H.

The number three. Letter Q.

Five and V.

Seven is J

Nine equals A

Eleven S. The wind blew this one to the ground.

Lucky thirteen is a K.

Fifteen a D and another grounder.

Seventeen a lazy Z.

Nineteen a Y. Y? because we like you. (not too many of your know where that came from)

Twenty-one is an I.

Twenty-three a W.

Twenty-five, the last for today is a G.

So here is our Key filled out.

Any guesses?

Now that you have worked so hard sit back and enjoy the food and the show.

The Last Drive Tour with Dan Antion and a Word from Lucy and Twiggy

January 14, 2023January 18, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 3 Comments

“Hey, Lucy. What gives? Where’s dad? He’s supposed to be taking photos of us for a Saturday feature.”

“I know he promised a move to Saturday during the book tour, Little One, but he got an invite to Dan Antion’s bar.”

“He’s over there, and we are left high and dry?”

“You know how he is about more than one post a day. He put us here to let everyone know they should go over there.”

“So we should tell everyone to go to the bar?”

“Yup. He’s talking about The Last Drive with Dan, David, and Skippy, the bartender. We’ll be back next week.

Here is the link to Dan’s Post.

In my mind, Dan is a jack of all trades. His professional life was all things IT in the business world, with a stint as a Cabinet maker. He also is the DYI master of all masters. His tool supply is something to lust after, and he has shown us how skilled he is with home projects. He is the consummate blogger and is now the captain of the popular Thursday Door feature.

At long last, Dan has also published his Dreamer’s Alliance Series.