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

~ John W. Howell ~ 98 Comments

 

Photo courtesy of NOAA

Today’s story comes from the Good News Network. Here it is without editing.

World’s Largest Container Line is Rerouting its Fleet to Avoid Collisions with Endangered Blue Whales

By

Andy Corbley

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has taken a major step to help protect blue whales and other cetaceans living and feeding in the waters off the coast of Sri Lanka by altering shipping lanes to avoid their habitat.

A global leader in container shipping and logistics, MSC began in mid-2022 to voluntarily reroute its vessels passing by Sri Lanka on a new course that is approximately 15 nautical miles to the south, in line with the advice of scientists and other key actors in the maritime sector.

The decision was based on research surveys completed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), with the World Trade Institute (WTI), Biosphere Foundation, University of Ruhuna (Sri Lanka), and supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Westbound ship traffic is now limited to a latitude between 05 30N and 05 35N, and eastbound traffic is limited to a latitude between 05 24N and 05 29N in order to avoid designated cetacean habitats.

– Released.

Sri Lanka lies in the Indian Ocean, between Asia and Europe, and the port of Colombo is a major transshipment hub for global trade.

The area off its southern coast is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and is also inhabited by large populations of whales, meaning that these animals may be at risk of colliding with ships.

Simulations have shown that moving the official shipping lane 15 nautical miles to the south could reduce the strike risk to blue whales by a whopping 95%. However, despite years of advocacy by scientists, the shipping industry, and NGOs, the boundaries of the official shipping line have not been reassigned to reduce the risk of ship strikes on cetaceans.

MSC is now taking measures to protect marine wildlife seriously, from adapting shipping service networks to keep away from designated whale breeding and feeding grounds to reducing vessel speed and rerouting ships to avoid reported marine wildlife populations.

“We believe that the commercial shipping sector has an important role to play in protecting cetaceans, specifically in helping to reduce the risk of ship collisions with whales,” said Stefania Lallai, Vice President – Sustainability at MSC.

“MSC is proud to rank at or near the top of whale safety shipping rankings. However, we are not at all complacent. We believe that raising awareness of these issues and encouraging collaboration between industry, scientific bodies, civil society, and governments is essential as we strive collectively to do more to minimize the risk of ship strikes.”

In Sri Lanka specifically, the liner shipping industry led by the World Shipping Council, of which MSC is a member, has advocated creating a new official marine traffic scheme that is fully separated from the blue whale feeding area.

It is hoped that this will soon become a reality, so all large-scale commercial marine traffic moves to the more southerly zone that MSC ships are now guided to follow. In the meantime, MSC urges all other ship operators to consider choosing a more southerly route past Sri Lanka to significantly reduce the possibility of whale strikes.

The good news here is that big business is beginning to take some stewardship of the planet. Today’s JohnKu talks about sharing the planet. I hope you have a terrific weekend.

Neighbors by John W. Howell © 2022

We often take care,

Of our neighbors when in need . . .

Why not animals?

Today I’m at Story Empire talking about lousy story endings. Here’s the LINK if you want to visit

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy with Toys

~ John W. Howell ~ 131 Comments

“Hey, Lucy. Want to play tug ‘o war?”

“Umm, I was thinking more about who can keep their eyes closed the longest.”

“Oh, come on. This thing is fun. It is almost indestructible.”

“It is the ‘almost’ part that worries me.”

“So that’s a ‘no’ then?”

“I guess we could consider it. What else is there?”

“We could go outside and hunt pumas.”

“We just did that. Besides, I don’t think it is puma hunting season.”

“Well, let me see. We could always play with cheeseburger.”

“You put your tooth through the squeaker. Now it doesn’t make any noise.”

“Where did I put that big chuck-it ball?

“It’s in the basket. You need someone to throw it, though. Remember the opposable thumb lesson from school?”

“Yeah, okay. Looks like it is break time.”

“Oh, come on. Look at all these toys. Surely you can find one to play with.”

“I made several suggestions, and you rejected them all. Also, don’t call me Shirley.”

“I merely pointed out some of the pitfalls of your suggestions.”

“Okay then. You make a few suggestions, and I’ll do the pitfall point-out job.”

“I guess you have a point. Okay, whatever you say to play with we’ll play.”

“I bet I can keep my eyes closed longer than you.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 377 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 68 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 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.

Where? by John W. Howell © 2022

“What do those signs say?”

“We have reached The Magic kingdom.”

“The what?”

“The magic Kindom. You know Disney.”

“Who the heck wants to be here?”

“Aww, come on. Every kid on the planet.”

“How did we get into this situation?”

“What is the matter with you. We went for a car ride, and here we are.”

“I had no intention of going this far.”

“That’s just like you. Start a trip and then complain when we reach the destination.”

“I started the trip all right but never figured on ending it here.”

“So now, why don’t you just relax and enjoy yourself.”

“I could do that back home. Didn’t need to go on a fool’s journey.”

“Alright, we need to make a deal.”

“Like what?”

“You shut up about the trip, and I’ll let you have a drink and a rest.”

“I need to rest a week.”

“I know that. All us mosquitoes need to rest a week after a drink.”

“Can I bite the blond one?”

“Sure. You take your pick.”

“You’re a good brother, you know that?”

“Thanks, sis. You’ll feel better after your rest.”

 

 

Top Ten Things to Pass Up Even if on Discount

~ John W. Howell ~ 120 Comments

 

 

This post was originally published on September 14, 2015. I think we can squeeze in a bit of learning from it still. I hope you enjoy it.

* * *

This list is inspired by watching some of the funny things people buy solely because they are being offered at a discounted price. Of course, I’ve taken the list to extremes (which I’m sure you have come to understand by now), but the spirit still lives.

Top Ten Things to Pass Up Even if on Discount

10 Even on discount, do not purchase cut-rate bungee jumping lessons. If you do, at best, you will only be scared poopless. At worst, your family will wonder what you were thinking as they hold a memorial for your three-foot-tall body. (Not to mention that you are six feet wide as well)

9 Even on discount, do not purchase cut-rate meat. If you do, at best, you will only miss a couple of days’ work. At worst, you will be one of the morbidity statistics as the USDA issues a countrywide recall of the E-coli tainted horse meat. (It tasted good going in, right?)

8 Even at a discount, do not buy a truckload of cut-rate toilet tissue. If you do, at best, you will spend more on storage than the original price. At worst, you will be selected for the Dr. Phil TV show segment “Am I full of it since I can’t stop myself from feeling like I need more toilet tissue.” (You’ve noticed how thin the paper is and have taken appropriate action, right?)

7 Even at a discount, do not buy that cut-rate hair restorative product. If you do, at best, you will need to explain your new Day-Glo orange color to the boss. At worst, you will be going through the day answering to the name Uncle Fester and fielding cue ball and reflecting head jokes. ( You always thought Yul Brenner was cool looking, right?)

6 Even at a discount, do not buy that cut-rate wrinkle injection. If you do, at best, you might resemble Donald Duck for a few months. At worst, you read about your doctor being accused by the FDA of using industrial silicone for some procedures, and now you know why you haven’t been able to feel your cheeks. (You do look good, though.)

5 Even at a discount, do not buy that cut-rate parachute for skydiving. If you do, at best, you could experience the thrill of trying to slow down with a tattered canopy. At worst, you will make a lasting impression in the field as you land without the benefit of an active drag-creating device. (Looking as if you did it on purpose doesn’t help the bystanders forget.)

4 Even at a discount, do not buy that cut-rate beer. If you do, at best, you will have all the taste and satisfaction of drinking carbonated defrost. At worst, you will realize your mistake as you read the label and see that the product is 99% salmonella free. (You only noticed that after six bottles, right?)

3 Even at a discount, do not buy cut-rate gold. If you do, at best, you won’t notice until the day your neck and finger turn green. At worst, you will realize that you have paid the highest amount of money for the least amount of gold, and you thought a pound would be a good buy. (you now have an attractive doorstop. Don’t get it wet.)

2 Even at a discount, do not buy cut-rate fruit. If you do, at best, you will have enough left after you cull the spoiled to make one salad. At worst, the USDA you may call to ask you to donate your generations of fruit flies to genetic research. (And you thought those spots in front of your eyes resulted from too little sleep.)

1 Even at a discount, do not buy a cut-rate used car. If you do, at best, you will understand the phrase “Get a horse.” At worst, you might be called by your homeowner association to move what they interpret as a mobile home for stray animals out of your driveway. (It seemed like a good idea to leave the windows down to circulate fresh air since the thing wouldn’t run, right?)

Views of the Neighborhood – Remembering 9-11

~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

 

 

Usually I would have a tour here but today is one of those days that a lighthearted time just doesn’t seem appropriate. We all were stunned into disbelief twenty-one years ago. As a nation, we were horrified that anyone had the lack of humanity to destroy innocent lives in such a brutal manner.

The leaders of this attack have been eliminated and we are left with the memory of the crime. Those who lost mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters are left with the heartbreak of living a life devoid of the warmth and love that was taken away.

Let’s remember those who were lost and those left behind and pray for peace.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Word with Silent Letter

~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

 

A picture of a string with drops of water- the logo for SoCSA look out the back windows confirms the Mosler safe is still half buried in the backyard. For those of you in the dark, last week, a safe came out of the sky. Inside was someone who looked like Yosemite Sam in his underwear. Good, now we are all caught up. (Please don’t try to understand what a safe is doing falling from the sky. Just go with it.)

A hardy thump on the espresso machine brings it to life and produces a ten-ounce mug of soothing syrup before my hearing goes out. Before approaching the safe again, several long sips of the coffee takes priority over anything to follow.

Communing with my thoughts is suddenly disturbed by the shrill sound of the klaxon warning horn announcing someone at the front door. Having successfully gotten Lucy and Twiggy to stop throwing themselves at the door, my attention turns to the security control panel. I disengage the iron gate, concertina wire, bouncing betty land mines, stinger rocket launchers, tower machine guns, automatic boiling oil dispenser, and all double locks and bolts.

It is time to open the door. As it swings inside, the sight of an odd device is visible sitting on the drive. Looking right and left and deploying the heat-sensitive scanner, it appears no one is on the porch. Approaching the contraption brings into focus a label attached to one leg. The label reads Trebuchet -Acme Amalgamated Industries. Distributed by Daniel Conti Enterprises, Granger, Indiana.

Scratching my head, trying to figure out what the heck this thing is, my central nervous system takes a jolt from a piercing voice from the unexpected. “Dad gum it. What’s the matter, boy? Never seen a Trebuchet before?”

Aghast and Jumping almost out of my skin, I realize on the way down that the Yosemite Sam-looking character has snuck up behind me. “I didn’t see you on the scanner.” This was the best that could be said through my constricted throat. “You varment. I’m wagering that there machine doesn’t pick up figments of your imagination.”

Sam was right. It only picks up heat from living organisms, not some ghost from my imagination. Sam motions me to come closer and hands me an envelope. Before the question, “How long are you going to be here?” is asked, he disappears. Now the only things left are a safe in the back yead, this Trebuchet, and an envelope that must be from Linda Hill. Sure enough, when opened, the message reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “a word that contains a silent letter.” Choose a word that contains a silent letter and use it in your post, or write about words with silent letters in general. Enjoy!

If you would like to enjoy visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/09/09/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-10-2022/

Silent H by John W. Howell © 2022

“I don’t see where you used the prompt.”

“Aghast and ghost? You missed those?”

“Okay. Pretty subtle, though.”

“Clever.”

“What?”

“Throwing in, though.”

“Wasn’t on purpose. What the heck is a Trebuchet?”

“It is a rock-slinging thing much like a catapult.”

“Why didn’t you just say catapult?”

“A friend of mine suggested a Trebuchet would be a nice addition to my security system. so I thought I would honor the suggestion.”

“Two more silent Hs. Thought and honor.”

“We are done with the prompt.”

“What was Sam wearing. Last week he was in his underwear.”

“Oh yeah. He had on long johns with a bum flap.”

“That sounds ghastly.”

“Let’s go get some beer before we lose any more readers than we already have.”

“You buying?”

“VooDooRanger. You bet.”

“Call Uber then. I’ve worked up a big ole thirst.”

“Done.”

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

~ John W. Howell ~ 95 Comments

Today’s Good News was submitted by dear friend Harmony Kent from the UK. She thought we would all enjoy it and sent it on. I have reproduced it here in its entirety. (Left the British English alone.) Thank you, Harmony.

Leeds: M62 motorist brings sick driver’s car safely to a stop

A car whose driver had fallen seriously ill while at the wheel on a motorway was brought to a halt by a quick-witted motorist who had realised his plight.

John Barlow said he spotted the Audi going slowly in the outside lane of the M62 near Leeds on Saturday. The driver was slumped with a bloodied face.

Mr. Barlow managed to get his car ahead of the Audi and eased it to a stop before getting out to help the man.

It emerged the driver had suffered a seizure but was well enough to go home.

Mr. Barlow, 59, from Middleton in Greater Manchester, said he first noticed the Audi travelling slower and slower and he pulled alongside to see the driver.

“He looked dead at the wheel. I could see his lips were blue, and he had blood trickling down his face,” Mr. Barlow said.

He pulled into the lane ahead of the Audi, which was travelling at about 30mph (48km/h), before taking his foot off the accelerator and bringing both cars to a stop.

John BarlowPA MEDIA

John Barlow used his car to stop the vehicle after he spotted the driver was seriously ill.

The incident happened at about 15:15 BST on Saturday (September 3) on the M62 eastbound carriageway between junctions 29 and 30, a West Yorkshire Police spokesperson confirmed.

Officers said a man in his 70s had fallen ill, and Mr. Barlow’s actions to stop the car had prevented a “potential serious collision.”

Two cars stopped bumper to bumperJOHN BARLOW

Mr. Barlow pulled in ahead of the ill man’s vehicle and helped ease it to a stop.

After the Audi was stopped, another man helped Mr. Barlow break into the vehicle.

He opened the seriously ill driver’s airway by tilting his jaw backwards, at which point the Audi driver took in a gasp of air.

Other drivers also stopped at the scene, bringing the four-lane carriageway to a halt.

A physio and an off-duty police officer took over the first aid until paramedics arrived.

Meanwhile, a doctor on the opposite carriageway of the M62 travelled to the next junction, turned round, and battled through the backed-up traffic to get to work with a defibrillator.

Mr. Barlow said: “Everyone was amazing, it was a real team effort. They got the man on the floor, then the doctor jumped in as well.”

Cars stopped on the M62JOHN BARLOW

Motorists stopped to help the seriously ill driver, who had suffered a seizure at the wheel.

Mr. Barlow had been travelling to Pontefract with his wife Kirsty and son Joey, 7, to pick up a new kitten at the time of the incident.

The next day, he received a call from West Yorkshire Police thanking him, and he was told the driver had suffered a seizure but was well enough to go home.

He said he hoped to meet the man he saved in the future, adding: “I’d shake his hand and give him a hug.”

The good news here is someone cared enough to save a life. Today’s JohnKu talks about caring. I hope you all have a delightful weekend.

Caring by John W. Howell © 2022

Sharing is caring,

So they say when raising funds . . .

A life saved is too.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy Contemplate Life

~ John W. Howell ~ 133 Comments

“I can’t help feeling there should be more to life, Lucy.”

“What do you mean more? We have all we want to eat, drink, and are safe. What more is there?”

“I’m not sure, but every day seems to be the same ole same ole.”

“I always take that as a good thing. I don’t really like surprises.”

“I’m not talking surprises, but maybe we should be going to school or something.”

“We’ve been to school. Look at us a couple of happy dogs living the life. But, hey, don’t lie down. We have games to play.”

“I still don’t think you understand what I’m saying.”

“No, I guess I don’t. So come with me, and we’ll continue to talk.”

“Don’t you ever want to do something different?”

“Like fly an airplane or drive a car different?”

“No, but think about it. We get up every day and do the same stuff.”

“Let me ask you. What of the same old stuff would you like to eliminate?”

Hmmm. Now that I think about it, I’m not sure.”

“How about not having enough to eat. That would be different.”

“I see where you are going with this. Not enough to eat would be different but not a good different.”

“Exactly. The same with your house, yard, taking naps, going for walks, chasing a ball, and playing with me.”

“Those are all things I would miss if they were gone.”

“So maybe you should be a little more grateful for them.”

“Okay. I see what you mean, and I have been very first world in taking all that for granted.”

“Now you’re talking. How about a game of tag, then?”

“You hear that? I think there is a puma over there.”

“Let’s go get it then.”

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 376 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 57 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.

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

The photo.

Yes Dear by John W. Howell © 2022

Here comes the wife. I’ve got this snake right where I want him. If I stop playing, he will strike, and I am a dead man.

“Good morning Ravi.”

“Mum hum.”

“Is that all you can say on a glorious day like today?”

“Mum hum.”

“We have some things that you and I need to discuss.”

“Um?”

“Could you put down that silly punji and talk to me?”

“Muff a luffla.”

“I can’t understand you. I think you are playing off key too.”

“Mamfp.”

“Okay if you  are not going to stop, here’s what I have to say. First of all you seem to spend a lot of time here in the marketplace yet I don’t see any mony coming home.”

“Ruggerle rap.”

“That’s not all. We have the need to fix the roof. Where are we going to get the money?”

“Merp?”

“My shoes have holes and I can’t even affored the newspaper to fill them.”

“Uk?”

“Those paans make my mouth water yet we can’t affored even one.”

“Upt.”

“I give up. Either stop this stupid nonsense with the basket and snake or I’ll have to ask my mother to come live with us to help.”

“Eeek. Alright my dear. I’ve stopped playing and soon your troubles will be over.

“You going to get a job?”

“Better. My snake and insurance policy will be all you need.”

“I don’t want that ugly snake.”

“Yes dear.”

 

Top Ten Things Not to Buy On-Line

~ John W. Howell ~ 80 Comments
Photo by visuals on Unsplash

 

This list ran on September 21, 2015. I think it is still relevant. I hope you enjoy it.

***

This list is inspired by having some unpleasant experiences with items purchased without having the luxury of trying them out first. Although extreme, this list is representative of some of the potential disappointments a buyer can experience in shopping online.

Top Ten Things Not to Buy Online

10 If you are shopping online, do not buy that cosmetic kit that promises an instant youthful appearance. If you do, at best, you’ll learn that what seems too good to be true is too good. At worst, you will need an intervention by an expensive dermatologist just to remove the facial mask. (And don’t you look good with a Jim Carrey green mask?)

9 If you are shopping online, do not buy that cheap juicer that claims to be as good as the $700.00 version. If you do, at best, you will still be able to use a spoon to eat the pulp that is all you can produce. At worst, the overload on your electrical system as the juicer tries to extract carrot juice will kill your lights and the entire East Coast grid. (And you thought your last electric bill was high)

8 If you are shopping online, do not buy that used car advertised to run like new. If you do, at best, you might get at least fifty miles before your first breakdown. At worst, the claim of running like new had small print where they were referring to a new Yugo. (Yes, that smoke you smell is coming from the engine compartment)

7 If you are shopping online, do not buy that bargain-priced pacemaker. If you do, at best, you may wonder why you are getting the Chicago Bears radio broadcast in your chest. At worst, you may figure out the thing does not keep pace according to the Western ecology. (Yes, it is noon, and you are sound asleep)

6 If you are shopping online, do not buy the do-it-yourself appendix removal kit. If you do, at best, you will have a fool for a patient. At worst, it will be difficult to perform the work and read the instructions. (Yeah, the picture of the appendix looks fuzzy to me too.)

5 If you are shopping online, do not buy those pharmaceuticals that are half-priced. If you do, at best, you won’t be ingesting pharmaceutical-grade cement. At worst, you will have to deal with why your symptoms won’t go away. (Cornstarch is a miracle product but not for the treatment of illness)

4 If you are shopping online, do not buy that half-priced airplane engine part. If you do, at best, you’ll have plenty of warning before it fails, which is not critical. At worst, you will learn maybe too late Murphy’s law of airplane parts which states, “The criticality of a plane engine component is directly proportional to its original cost.” (So the half price was attractive up to the point where the ground and you meet un-expectantly)

3 If you are shopping online, do not buy that hotel room at 70% off. If you do, at best, you will only suffer from no view other than the brick wall outside your window. At worst, you will return from your cheap trip only to discover you have brought home some rare and highly reproductive things that move fast when the lights go on. (That is an interesting rash you have there)

2 If you are shopping online, do not buy that robot kit priced way below what you have seen elsewhere. If you do, at best, you may be able to assemble it even though several parts are missing. At worst, once your new robot is ready, you realize it now has control over your house and a Napoleonic complex. (Sure is fun saluting a robot, isn’t it?)

1 If you are shopping online, do not buy that sale-priced action Xbox games. If you do, at best, you’ll find out on level three that your cheats no longer work, and you get killed every time. At worst, in the course of playing the game, you suddenly realize that it is for real, and now you are running for your life. (Okay, slight exaggeration. Hey, look out, that guy has an ax.)