Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Goodnews

October 21, 2022October 20, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 90 Comments

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

275 Rare Parrots Saved From Hurricane at Florida Sanctuary: ‘They’re Family.’

–

Oct 18, 2022

275 exotic parrots are now on their way to a new wildlife sanctuary after their heroic caretaker pulled all of them up into his stilted house like Noah’s Ark to ride out Hurricane Ian.

There’s no question in Will Peratino’s mind that if he had not done so, the waves which crested his 5-foot high fencing around Malama Manu Sanctuary on Pine Island would have drowned all of them.

After the devastation, a full-scale volunteer effort transported all 275 parrots by boat through flooded canals to solid ground, where they will be taken to another wildlife sanctuary.

The efforts were led by Project Dynamo, a volunteer rescue operation from Tampa that heard about Peratino’s plight. They put together a team and four boats to put all the parrots into cat-sized pet carriers and bring them off the ravaged Pine Island.

One of the volunteers from the new sanctuary said they are likely to take the birds in for 6 months to a year.

“It’s been a long week,” Peratino said once all his birds were safely on their way. “This represents us being able to accomplish what we wanted to do, which was to save all these birds. We heard other people just abandoned their pets, and there’s no way we could do that.”

There is a lot of work ahead for this parrot-loving man, to build a new home for the flock, which includes breeding pairs meant to safeguard populations of endangered animals from becoming extinct.

It’s as close to a modern reproduction of the story of Noah as one can find.

Here is a video of the rescue.

The good news here is that even though human life was not at risk, preserving an animal species raised a call to action and response. Today’s JohnKu talks about priorities. I hope you all have a super weekend.

When the call goes out,

To rescue a troubled soul . . .

No questions are asked.

Thursday- A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy Play Inside

October 20, 2022October 19, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 105 Comments

“Looks like we need an inside game. Little One.”

“I’ve been sitting here thinking what it should be.”

“Maybe we could toss around a couple of these balls.”

“Um. Seems like we just did that.”

“One thing is certain.”

“What’s that?”

“As long as you lay on that couch, nothing will get started.”

“I suppose you are right. Race you to the toy pile.”

“You won, as usual, Fast feet. Uh oh. I see your inner puma coming out.”

Yes. The sleek puma turns at the sound of a stick breaking under the hoof of a water buffalo.”

“The water buffalo pauses when she catches the scent of the puma.”

“The puma turns to face her foe head-on.”

“The water buffalo lowers her head in anticipation of skewering the puma on her huge horns.”

“Hey, hold on. I don’t think female water buffalos have horns.”

“Don’t be silly. Females have horns. They are smaller than males but still sharp.”

“How do you know that?”

“Everybody knows that. Look it up if you don’t believe me.”

“No, I believe you. It just seemed strange, is all.”

“That a female could be strong and fight off a puma?”

“No, not that exactly. It’s just when you think of fighting, males come to mind.”

“Well, females can fight too, but I get what you are saying.”

“Yeah, females tend to work things out instead of getting into a ruckus about it.”

“So the Water Buffalo should have a conversation with the puma?”

“Well, no. That takes the fun out of the game. After all, it’s just pretend.”

“I think I’m going to need a rest after that session of gender awareness.”

“I see what you mean. Too much thinking takes the fun out of the game.”

“That might be true of life too, Little One.”

“Careful, Lucy. Someone may accuse you of being a philosopher.”

“I’ve been called worse.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #382 by Keith Channing

October 18, 2022October 17, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 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 your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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. Thank you for taking part.”

A link to Keith’s post

https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2022/10/17/kreative-kue-382/

The photo.

“What do you have there?”

“It’s an old photo.”

“Let me see. OMG, it’s of that stupid van.”

“Whatya mean stupid van? We had a lot of fun with it.”

“I have to admit we took it to a lot of places when we were young.”

“We could see things we never would have been able then. Good times”

“Yeah, okay. I also remember some of the not-so-good times. Like the day you pulled up in it to take me out.”

“Your dad sure had a lot to say, didn’t he.”

“You blame him? Some hot blood pulls up in a bedroom on wheels. I remember that silly grin on your face too.”

“I didn’t own it. Then I had just borrowed it .”

“And I remember watching television that night with my dad watching you.”

“We can laugh about that now.”

“I suppose we can. At least we don’t have to travel like that anymore.”

“I have a surprise for you.”

“The tone in your voice is the same as when you pulled up the first time so long ago. I can never forget that tone. So tell me, my worst fear is not coming true.”

“What is that?”

“That somehow you found a van like the old one sitting on the driveway.”

“Nah. I wouldn’t do that.”

“Thank heavens. So what’s the surprise?”

“Two first-class tickets to Paris. We’re going top drawer.”

“I can’t believe it. Sounds great.”

“And we can check out a new van while we are there.”

“Don’t tell me.”

“Just messin’ with you. Nope, five-star hotels and a leisurely six weeks to see the country. We even have a driver.”

“You are the best.”

“No smooching in the back seat, though.”

“Is that a dare?”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on a Windy Day

October 17, 2022October 16, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 93 Comments

This post was published originally on November 9th, 2015. Although the wind has not been bad this fall, it just might turn and come in handy.

* * *

The inspiration for this list is the over twenty-five-mile-an-hour winds we have been experiencing since Thursday. Most of these warnings are a matter of common sense, but in the spirit of public service, I will state the obvious. Hope you enjoy it.

The Top Things Not to do on a Windy Day

10 On a windy day, do not think it is a good time to inspect your roof for leaks. If you do, at best, the fire department rescue team will not be happy getting you down from there. At worst, you now need the rescue team to splint and bandage the results of a three-story fall. (Recall your last words? “Honest honey, I’ll be careful.”)

9 On a windy day, do not spit, period. If you do, at best, you might catch a gust in the opposite direction. At worst, you will need to pause your busy schedule for a shower. (Too bad you were eating licorice at the time.)

8 On a windy day, do not think you can control the weed and grass killer spray. If you do, at best, you will only take out the edge of the lawn. At worst, in three days, your yard will have all the life of the Sahara Desert. (Did you not see the warning on the label? By the way, the damage is permanent)

7 On a windy day, do not think you can spray paint that swing set. If you do, at best, you will have an ongoing shadow of it on your lawn. At worst, the next-door neighbor just realizes his new yellow convertible has a light overlay of Rustoleum brown. (Is that him at the front door with the police?)

6 On a windy day, do not get up on that twenty-four-foot extension ladder. If you do, at best, you will soon be calling for help as you slowly lose your grip on the uppermost gutter. At worst, you and the ladder will end up in your living room after passing through the house’s largest and most expensive picture window. (Don’t worry,. A tourniquet properly applied will stop that gushing. You don’t know what I’m talking about, you say?)

5 On a windy day, do not be coerced into allowing the kids to fly their kites. If you do, at best, one may be dragged through Mrs. Jones’ rose bushes. At worst, the FAA will be asking tough questions about the airspace violation by your kid and his Sponge Bob Square Pant kite. (You were almost sure that tree would have stopped him)

4 On a windy day, do not think going fishing is an excellent way to spend the time. If you do, at best, you’ll end up cold and wet without any fish. At worst, your rescue will be featured on the six o’clock news with the lead in line,” Foolish tourist risks life by ignoring the small craft warnings.” (We forgot to turn on the radio, did we?)

3 On a windy day, do not think the golf game can go on as usual. If you do, at best, you will break your high score and lost ball record. At worst, the wind direction is such that you teed off, the ball comes back and knocks you off your feet, and you get an expensive airlift to the hospital. (You thought that was going to be one of your longest drives)

2 On a windy day, do not take a leisurely walk on the beach. If you do, at best, you will be covered in sand from head to foot. At worst, you will receive dermabrasion with the delightful side benefit of a bird-dropping mask. ( No. That stuff does not wash off.)

1 On a windy day, do not think it is a good time to fertilize the lawn. If you do, at best, you will waste a lot of fertilizer on your neighbor’s property and shrubs. At worst, you will end up in the pulmonology wing of the hospital as a subject of study of the after-effects of poop in the lungs. (I could have worn a mask but nooo too much trouble.)

Views of the Neighborhood – City Wide Garage Sale – Oh My

October 16, 2022October 15, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 118 Comments

Today we’re going to the Lakeway City Wide garage sale at the Activity Center. We are being catered by Gourdough’s of Austin. Our entertainment is Green Day.

SOUTHERN SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE

THE TOWANDA – HOUSE-BATTERED FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, POACHED EGG, AND HORSERADISH HOLLANDAISE

THE FRENCH-EE – DONUT FRENCH TOAST TOPPED WITH POWDERED SUGAR,
SERVED WITH BACON AND SYRUP, MAKE IT BANANA CARAMEL STYLE OR STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE STYLE

THE McGOURDOUGH 1 – MAPLE SAUSAGE, SCRAMBLED EGGS, AMERICAN CHEESE SANDWICHED BETWEEN TWO DONUT BUNS, WITH A MAPLE SYRUP POUR OVER

PETUNIA – POTATO PANCAKE, SLOW-ROASTED PULLED PORK, OVER EASY EGG, SMOTHERED IN A WHITE CREAMY GRAVY

DIRTY PLUCKER 1 – CRISPY FRIED FILLETED CHICKEN BREAST SMOTHERED IN HONEY BUTTER AND DRIZZLED WITH MAPLE ICING

EL DIABLO – SMOKED JALAPEÑO SAUSAGE, OVER EASY EGG, PEPPER JACK CHEESE, TOPPED WITH PICKLED JALAPEÑOS AND HORSERADISH HOLLANDAISE

FATBACK – FAT PORK BELLY BACON, POTATO PANCAKE, EGGS THE WAY YOU WANT ‘EM, AND TWO MINI DONUTS SERVED WITH BUTTER OR JAM

FRESH & FANCY – CHOPPED ROMAINE LOADED WITH FRIED CHICKEN BITES, BLUE CHEESE CRUMBLES, CANDIED PECANS, GRANNY SMITH APPLES, STRAWBERRIES, AND RED GRAPES, SERVED WITH FRESHLY MADE POPPYSEED DRESSING

RON BURGUNDY – ANGUS BEEF, APPLEWOOD SMOKED BACON, FRIED EGG, TWO SLICES OF AMERICAN CHEESE, CILANTRO, GUACAMOLE, SLICED TOMATO, AND GARLIC MAYONNAISE

EVERYTHING NICE – SPICED APPLES AND CHEDDAR CHEESE OR CREAM CHEESE AND STRAWBERRIES

CACHE ME OUTSIDE -NUTELLA, BANANAS, PECANS, HONEY, AND WHIPPED CREAM

Lets get on the bus.

Here we are at the Activity Center

This looks like it’s going to be good.

Got your Halloween decorations.

Ganes, clothes, and La Crosse helmets (You do play don’t you?)

Here is a little bit of everything

Ceramics and pottery.

Rings, beads, and things.

This looks interesting. Wooden long horn skull, Skate board and Marty McFly poster.

Either a big joke or we need to call 9-1-1. Lamps, sleds, and Minnie mouse.

Sports anyone? Putters, rackets, and poker chips.

Here you go. A Bavaria Alp dinner service for eight, swan bowl, dog crate and trike.

Some hardware including fire screens, Birdcage, frame, and bench for faries

Unusal lamps made from other things like a french horn

Lamps of the past and future. I love the movie projector lamp.

More lamps. One of a shoe and one a saw.

Well if you are like me I think we have had enough of the garage sale. Relax now and enjoy the music and food.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Happy Place

October 15, 2022October 14, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 95 Comments

The last gurgle from the pretentious coffee maker has me near my happy place. The aroma of those Columbian beans freshly ground and tamped into submission, then doused with scalding water, makes me drool. The twin spouts give forth the elixir of life that soon will be crossing my lips. One final drip and a grab of the mug, followed by a big sip of the soothing syrup, will allow the day’s trials to be faced.

Speaking of trials. As the caffeine hits the brain, the realization that the safe problem, followed by the Yosemite Sam problem capped off by the Wile E. Coyote problem, is still unsolved. A look out the back windows verifies that the safe is still there. That means the other issues remain as well. My front security alert tone hits my phone as if to underscore the fact. Lucy and Twiggy live for that sound and are now acting out the part of Igor’s baying hounds. A quick handout saves the walls around the front door from total annihilation.

After using the speaker to determine Wile is out there, the security disengage routine is complete the front door slams open. My “What.” caused Wile to jump. “I thought we would go over the demolition plan.” Scratching my head and then giving the go-ahead, Wile proceed to detail placing some ACME explosives under the safe. This would be followed by attaching an extremely long fuse allowing us both to run down the block. Wile assured me the safe would be lifted out of the yard, and with the assistance of previously installed ACME mini rockets, he could guide it to the waiting bed of a truck.

He produced a contract that, for the most part, absolved him from any liability. With no other viable alternative, my signature hit the line marked ‘sucker.’ It didn’t say sucker, but the translation was complete in my mind as the ink dried. Wile also gave me an envelope and indicated that he needed to get to work. I told him to watch out for Yosemite Sam, and he seemed unconcerned as he headed for the backyard.

I opened the envelope, and sure enough, it was a letter from Linda Hill. There were four sentences in the letter. The first three read Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “happy place.” Write the first thing that comes to mind when you think of “happy place.” Have fun!

The fourth read I can’t believe you signed that contract.

Please visit Linda’s blog and read how if you want to join in. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2022/10/14/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-15-2022/

“So your happy place is drinking a cup of coffee?”

“Yes. You don’t have to tell me yours.”

“That obvious, huh?”

“Duh.”

“Well, I could think of worse places than the pub.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I see nothing wrong with your choice.”

“Yeah. You do join me there after all.”

“Not all the time, though.”

“How do you know?”

“Well, I assume you go to the pub without me.”

“You think there is life beyond this post?”

“Um. Never thought of it before.”

“Well, think now. You and I live as long as there is a Stream of Conscious Saturday.”

“What are you saying?”

“As soon as the blog page turns, so to speak, we don’t exist.”

“That’s crazy. What about all those times we hung out?”

“Name one.”

“Last week. We had VooDoo Rangers at my place.”

“That was how the post ended. Do you remember drinking a VooDoo Ranger?”

“Now you are scaring me.”

“You’re right. Let’s drop it and go to the happy place.”

“Sometimes I don’t understand you.”

“Don’t worry. I was just trying to get John’s goat.”

“Who?”

“Never mind. Let’s get going.”

“Yes indeed. I’ll buy.”

“You are the best.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Goodnews

October 14, 2022October 13, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 90 Comments

Plastic pollution in Indonesian ports. Image by Anton Wisuda/Mongabay Indonesia

Today’s story comes from the Good News Network. Here it is in its entirety (with typos outside of quotes corrected)

Fishermen Getting Paid to Collect Plastic Trash at Sea, As Indonesia Slashes Pollution

Andy Corbley

–Oct 11, 2022

In Indonesia, small-time fishermen are being paid as part-time ocean cleanup crews as the archipelago seeks to tidy their seas and raise awareness among stakeholders at the same time.

The Ministry of Fisheries announced on October 4th that they had stashed around $70,000, or 1 billion rupiahs, to pay fishermen for any plastic trash they recovered from the oceans.

Many countries around the world are setting environmental or climate goals for themselves. One of the largest contributors of ocean-going plastic waste, Indonesia is looking to shake off that reputation by spending $1 billion over the next 3 years to reduce plastic entering the oceans from their shores by 70%.

If an Indonesian fisherman working off the main islands can collect 4 kilograms of trash per day, the government will pay out around $10 for it, which is slightly more than they would get if they spent their day catching fish to sell at market prices.

“This activity is very simple,” Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, the fisheries minister, said at a press conference in Jakarta. “But at least this will raise awareness among the stakeholders at sea and the people around the world.”

“The most important thing is prevention,” Sakti said. “If we can properly conduct prevention, then there shouldn’t be any waste in the sea. Because once the trash gets to the sea, then it’s already damaged.”

Indonesia is located in one of the fastest-developing regions on the planet, economically speaking, and the use of plastic waste has outpaced the installation of recycling infrastructure, especially on the smaller islands.

According to the UK’s Pew Trust, 95% of all fishing activities are small-scale. Small fisheries can’t absorb costs from things like ocean pollution or additional taxes like large-scale fisheries can, making this bottom-up approach to ocean cleanup uniquely suited to Indonesia.

Furthermore, Indonesia is surrounded by some of the most biodiverse shallow seas on earth, a Mecca for divers and snorkelers who aren’t interested in wading through plastic while they do it.

The good news here is a major plastic pollution contributor is taking steps to reverse the behavior. Today’s JohnKu talks about stepping up to the plate. I hope you have a fabulous weekend.

It takes a big heart,

To admit bad behavior . . .

And then correct it.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy Discuss Stuff

October 13, 2022October 12, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 111 Comments

“So, Lucy. What did you mean by the comment, “The more things change, the more they stay the same?”

“It is just an observation about life, Little One.”

“Yeah, but what does it mean?”

“It means there is a certain continuum that seems to control what we do.”

“Can you repeat that in some language I can understand?”

“Let me give you an example. It is starting to turn to fall, right?”

“The leaves are starting to come down, and the day temperatures are less hot, so I would say it is starting to turn to fall.”

“Notice you used your experience of past falls to compare with what is going on now.”

“I didn’t think about it, but now I see that for sure.”

“So my point is even though the weather is changing and it may seem like a new thing, in reality, it is the same changes as last year.

“So the more the weather changes, the more it is the same as last year.”

“I believe you’ve got it.”

“How about another example?”

“Humm. Well, the more our need for food changes, the more our food keeps us satisfied the same way.”

“I think that example was driven by the sound of kibble hitting the bowl.”

“Maybe after lunch, I can do better.”

“I think we have had enough philosophy for one day.”

“Okay then. I think tag will work better.”

Guest Post – Lisa Burton Talking About The Midnight Rambler by Craig Boyack #newbook

October 12, 2022October 4, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 87 Comments

I am very pleased to welcome Lisa Burton-Robot Spokesperson back to Fiction Favorites. Craig Boyack her boss, has a hit series featuring Lizzie and her sidekick The Hat. This is book six in the series. I have read and enjoyed the first three and have the latest three on my Kindle. Craig’s books never fail to deliver in the story’s uniqueness and the quality of characterizations. I also found each book, although part of the series, can be read as a standalone. I know I better get busy before I get further behind. Enough of my blather. I want to welcome Lisa, who will tell us about The Midnight Rambler

I’m sooo excited to be here, John. This is because I got a cameo in this story. Kind of. If you look at it just right. It’s actually one of my old calendars that appeared on a new character’s wall. What Craig calls an Easter Egg. I didn’t get any dialog or action out of the deal, but it seems like I influenced this person’s life.

Ray C. Adair is the result of an experiment. A witch named Professor Lagomorph built him out of… let’s call them spare parts. These parts are kind of multi-ethnic and it makes it hard for Ray to fit in anywhere. He’s kind of a loner. More about him in the blurb.

Let’s talk about me for a change. This is one of my old calendar pages where I was posing as a biker girl. Kind of classic stuff, but it really influenced Ray. Those who want are welcome to share it on Pinterest, various social media, or even use it as wallpaper for their various devices.

Ray became a biker dude, and I’d like to think I had something to do with that. His motorcycle is even a bagger, similar the one in the poster.

Lizzie has a deeper conversation with Ray about what it means to be human, and even uses me as an example. Squee! I’m so excited about that my processors are heating up. This all works, because I was a player in this series at one time. It would be nice if Craig remembered that once in a while. I mean, robot girls are handy, I could help Lizzie and the hat again someday.

Back to the book before us. This is one of The Hat Series, and any of them can be read as solo projects. This one involves an ancient enemy of the hat, coming back to even up the score. People die, monsters roam the streets. There’s music and mayhem, and all the snark hat fans have come to expect. It’s Halloween season and these short novels can be read in an afternoon. Cuddle up with some hot cider and a blanket. Crack this one open and get your mad science on. It’s robot girl approved.

Blurb:

Something evil is after the hat. The ageless enemies have battled many times, but this time Lizzie is wearing the hat. She’s also up against a ticking clock, in that if she can’t find the maker of her new friend’s medicine he will die.

The Rambler has kidnapped the only witch capable of making Ray’s medicine in an attempt to make the hat sloppy in his efforts. He’s also flooded the streets with deadly minions to impede any progress our heroes might make.

As if that weren’t enough, Lizzie is facing more of life’s struggles, both financially and mechanically. This all goes down in the middle of a huge flood event that she’s ill equipped to handle.

Join Lizzie and the hat as they battle the elements, the paranormal, and a being of pure evil. Lizzie might be battling some personal demons along the way as she and Ray grow closer.

Get your copy here: https://mybook.to/TheMidnightRambler