Tag: author

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Cool

~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

A picture of a string with drops of water- the logo for SoCS

 

How cool is this? My coffee was waiting for me when merely approaching the machine. How that happened is anybody’s guess, but it seemed like a nice thing to have happened. After the first sip, the time travel clock came to mind. The time is set to November 30th, 1924. The place is Cleveland Ohio and the duration is for an hour. The plunger is pulled, and we find ourselves at the headquarters of the National Football League. We are hear for the announcement of the 1924 champions.

The 1924 NFL season officially ended with the Cleveland Bulldogs as champions based on having the best record (7-1-1) for a .875 winning percentage. Second place went to the Chicago Bears (6-1-4 or .857), whom Cleveland had defeated, 16 to 14, in the Bulldogs’ first game on October 5.

The league was founded in 192o. Joseph Carr, the commissioner, announces the standings.

NFL standings
Team W L T PCT PF PA STK
Cleveland Bulldogs 7 1 1 .875 229 60 W2
Chicago Bears 6 1 4 .857 136 55 W3
Frankford Yellow Jackets 11 2 1 .846 326 109 W8
Duluth Kelleys 5 1 0 .833 56 16 W1
Rock Island Independents 5 2 2 .714 88 38 L1
Green Bay Packers 7 4 0 .636 108 38 L1
Racine Legion 4 3 3 .571 69 47 W1
Chicago Cardinals 5 4 1 .556 90 67 L1
Buffalo Bisons 6 5 0 .545 120 140 L3
Columbus Tigers 4 4 0 .500 91 68 L1
Hammond Pros 2 2 1 .500 18 45 W2
Milwaukee Badgers 5 8 0 .385 142 188 L2
Akron Pros 2 6 0 .250 59 132 W1
Dayton Triangles 2 6 0 .250 45 148 L6
Kansas City Blues 2 7 0 .222 46 124 L2
Kenosha Maroons 0 4 1 .000 12 117 L2
Minneapolis Marines 0 6 0 .000 14 108 L6
Rochester Jeffersons 0 7 0 .000 7 156 L7

As the champagne is being served, the alarm goes off, and we are on the couch. A test has arrived from Linda Hill. It reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “cool.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link: https://lindaghill.com/2024/11/29/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-30-2024/

Cool by John W. Howell © 2024

“That was a cool trip.”

“It was fun to see all the teams that were in the NFL at the time.”

“So the league was only four years old in 1924.”

“Yup. Organizers tried to get one together before 1920 but were unsuccessful.”

“Makes you wonder the keys to success.”

“I think the owners all decided it would be good for their pocketbook. They weren’t wrong.”

“So the season was over by November 30th?”

“Yes. Can you imagine that today?”

“No. Think of the revenue lost without a Super Bowl and playoffs.”

“I’m glad we still have those to look forward to. Speaking of looking forward.”

“Yeah, I know. You have VooDoo Ranger on the mind.”

“How did you guess?”

“Just lucky, I suppose. Uber?”

“Over there.”

Photo by Dan Antion

“Who’s junk are they talking about?”

“What?”

“The truck says junk removal.”

“Oh. I think that’s a service they provide.”

“Lucky there is room in the cab.”

“Yes, plenty of room there. Also, the price is right. We do have to make one stop, though.”

“One stop? Where?”

“The guy needs to move some stuff into a house.”

“That could take hours.”

“No, ’cause we are going to help him.”

“Well, this is another nice kettle of fish you’ve pickled me in.”

 

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

~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments
Credit: Department of Conservation

Today’s good news story is from the Good News Network.

More Than 30 Stranded Whales Rescued in New Zealand by People Lifting Them on Sheets

By Andy Corbley –

After a pod of more than 30 pilot whales were stranded on a New Zealand beach, over a thousand volunteers and professionals organized to save them by carrying them back out to sea on sheets.

The sheets were suspended from the prow of a boat operated by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DoC).

The stranding happened on Ruakākā Beach near the city of Whangārei in New Zealand’s north island, a particularly prolific stranding location for pilot whales. DoC agents routinely survey the beach and ask the public to report any whales coming too near.

Rescue efforts saw almost all of the pilot whales survive, while three adults and one calf perished. A Māori ceremony was held to honor their spirits, as the Māori believe the animal to be a sacred cultural treasure.

“It’s amazing to witness the genuine care and compassion people have shown toward these magnificent animals,” Joel Lauterbach, a Department of Conservation spokesperson, said in a statement. “This response demonstrates the deep connection we all share with our marine environment.”

WATCH the story below from Straight Arrow News…

WATCH on CBS News HERE to see how they used the sheets…

The good news in this story is seeing folks pull together to save other Earth residents. The JohnKu talks about thinking of others as more than just animals. I hope you have a super weekend.

Neighbors by John W. Howell ©2024

We are one species,

Among millions of others . . .

We should honor them

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Call

~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

Today, I randomly opened Circumstances of Childhood to page 251 and pointed to the page without looking. The word closest to my finger is “call.”

Call by John W. Howell © 2024

“There is a call for you.”

“For me? I don’t know anyone who would call.”

“Well, it is obvious that it’s for you.”

“I am really confused. Who would be calling me.”

“Why don’t you answer the call and find out.”

“It could be someone selling something, that’s why.”

“Oh, come on. You can just say no, right?”

“You would think, but I’m a pushover regarding sales pitches.”

“How about I go with you, and if it is a pitch, I’ll tell them no.”

“You would do that for me?”

“Of course.”

“Since it is Thanksgiving time, I just want to say I’m thankful for you.”

“Aw, that is sweet.”

“Okay, let’s go answer the call.”

“On second thought, maybe we should just stay here.”

“Why a change of mind?”

“There is something strange about that call.”

“Like what?”

“The quack sounds artificial. Listen.”

“Yeah, I hear what you mean. Wait a minute. Do you think duck season has opened?”

“I’ll bet you are right. You better lay low.”

“How about you?”

“I don’t think goose season is open yet. If it is, though, I think the turkeys have more to worry about.”

“Let’s just stay here.”

“Good plan.”

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the George Washington Proclamation of Thanksgiving in 1789.

~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments
Photo by Jed Owen on Unsplash

This post ran on November 25, 2019. I thought it would be fun to reread it since this is Thanksgiving week here in the US.

* * *

George Washington proclaimed November 25 as a day of Thanksgiving in honor of the new constitution. This day has been used to set Thanksgiving as the last Thursday in November. Although the first Thanksgiving might have been held with the pilgrims and native Americans much earlier, George established the date. As a side note of interest, it wasn’t until 1863 that a national day of Thanksgiving was held. I’m sure you would like to go to George’s house and help him and Martha celebrate the day. Here is a list of things not to do to keep history intact.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the George Washington Proclamation of Thanksgiving in 1789.

10 If you go to George’s place, do not bring a box of stovetop stuffing as your contribution to the dinner. If you do, at best, no one will know what it is. At worst, someone may feed it to the horses. (Now you have a problem, Josephe. George wants to know who brought the stuff that gave his horses the colic)

9 If you go to George’s place, do not hand Tiny the WWF champ a dollar for holding the door for you. If you do, at best, Tiny will need the money. At worst, Tiny just left his self-esteem discussion group and believes he is a close friend of George Washington. (So now you have made Tiny feel like the help, Josue. Don’t worry that step over toe hold never works to take off the toe. Of course, there is always the first time.)

8 If you go to George’s place, do not suggest a game of Monopoly after dinner. If you do, at best, you’ll get some stares. At worst, George will think it a fun idea. (Now ymust to construct the whole game out of paper and a quill pen, Jourdan. Good luck making the tokens.)

7 If you go to George’s place, do not bring up politics as a dinner discussion item. If you do, at best, everyone will ignore you. At worst, you’ll pick a fight with Aaron Burr. (The instructions are correct, Jovan. You walk 25 paces, turn and fire. Yes, I think Aaron has done this before.)

6 If you go to George’s place, do not tell George the turkey is tough when he asks. If you do, at best, he won’t hear you. At worst, he’ll hand you a musket. (He politely suggests you go out and shoot your turkey, Jozsef. Maybe next time, you’ll just say it is excellent.)

5 If you go to George’s place, do not suggest to Martha that the sweet potatoes would be better with marshmallow bits. If you do, at best, Martha will be too busy to hear you. At worst, Martha will think your suggestion is a good one and hand you a ten-pound bag of sweet potatoes. (Well, now you are in a pickle, Judd. You must figure out how to make sweet potatoes and marshmallow bits.)

4 If you go to George’s house, do not ask for jelly-cranberry sauce. If you do, at best, you have created a discussion topic. At worst, the chef had just reached the end of his rope. It seems there have been several menu changes, Julito. Yours is the straw that broke the camel’s back. That knife looks pretty big from here. I think a good before-dinner run is in order.)

3 If you go to George’s house, do not decide to give a toast to the new constitution. If you do, at best, there will be too many in line before you. At worst, George will ask you about one of the articles. (So as a product of public education, Jullien, have you ever read the constitution, let alone know what is in the section? I thought not. Just say you need the outhouse and be gone.)

2 If you go to George’s house, do not stare at George’s teeth. If you do, at best, he’ll think you are looking at something else. At worst, he will catch on. (So now that you have made your host uncomfortable, Junien. I think you better cut your losses by saying something like, “Are those mahogany?” Or I guess you could say you were looking at his nose. Either way, I hope you have a horse standing by.)

1 If you go to George’s house, do not ask if you can try on a powdered wig. If you do, at best, you’ll be told no. At worst, someone will plop a wig on your head. (Lucky you, Jurgen. You are now wearing the lice and bedbug infected wig that remained after the last redcoat left Washington. Maybe setting your hair on fire will save you. In any case, you have got to find some alcohol fast.)

Views for the Neighborhood – The Search for Thanksgiving Decorations

~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

Today, we are on a quest to find any Thanksgiving decorations available in the neighborhood. Traditionally, Thanksgiving is somewhat ignored in terms of decorating, so we are off to see if we can find any. We are catered by Caroline of Austin. Our entertainment is Nat King Cole.

Menu

Biscuits & Gravy – buttermilk biscuits, sausage gravy, fried eggs

Spinach & Feta Egg White Omelet – grilled red onion, cherry tomato, breakfast potatoes, choice of toast

Ham & Cheddar Omelet – smoked ham, aged cheddar, breakfast potatoes, choice of toast

Eggs Your Way – choice of chicken sausage or peppered bacon, breakfast potatoes, choice of toast.

Whipped Ricotta Pancakes – syrup, whipped butter, powdered sugar

Crispy Chicken & Waffles – maple syrup, honey butter

Sweet Corn Cake Benedict – jalapeño cheddar corn cake, avocado, tomato & corn salsa

Huevos Rancheros – sunny eggs, crispy tortilla, black bean, jalapeño, avocado, queso fresco

Green Chili & Chicken Enchiladas – fried egg, yogurt crema, cilantro, avocado, lime

Picture of an old time school bus

So, let’s get rolling.

Here’s the first. Well, at least it is a decoration.

A mixed take on Thanksgiving but festive.

A little more spirit in this grouping.

Well, now this is more like it.

A turkey pilgrim adds the right message.

This is a unique symbol of Thanksgiving.

Another turkey pilgrim ignores that the turkey was invited to dinner, although not as a guest.

Here is the mother of all decorations.

There weren’t many decorations, but I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving. It’s time for food and entertainment.

 

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Just”

~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

A picture of a string with drops of water- the logo for SoCS

The black machine just sits, waiting for a command. The touchpad offers selections to please every coffee lover’s taste. The conundrum is which to select. There’s the Americano, flat white, cappuccino, Latte, espresso, single cup, and double cup. My finger follows its muscle memory and selects the double cup. The icon lights up to let me know the order has been received. The grinding, groaning, and sputtering precede the slow delivery of fluid that makes life worth living again.

One sip and the clock comes to mind. It is set for November 23, 1924, in New York City, and the duration is an hour. The plunger is pulled, and we find ourselves at a newsstand on Lexington Avenue. We grab a newspaper and read.

The article states that Edwin Hubble announced his discovery that Andromeda, previously believed to be a nebula, is another galaxy and that the Milky Way is only one of many such galaxies in the universe. Hubble disclosed his discovery to The New York Times, and they broke the story. Hubble went on to publish a paper on December 30 after peer review and was presented by him at a meeting of the American Astronomical Society on January 1. The idea that our Earth and galaxy were unique has been turned over as a result.

Just as an order was placed with the hot dog vendor, the alarm went off, and we were back on the couch, having a strange craving for sauerkraut. A text has come in, and it is from Linda Hill. It reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “use ‘just’ in your first sentence.” Use the word “just” any way you’d like in your first sentence, then just write to your heart’s content. Enjoy!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link: https://lindaghill.com/2024/11/22/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-23-2024/

Just by John W. Howell © 2024

“Just what made you pick a double cup?”

“What do you mean?”

“All those choices. You could have had something other than your usual.

“I just wasn’t in the mood for the others.”

“Well, I guess that explains why you only put catchup on your burger.”

“Anything other than cheese muddies the water.”

“Says the guy in a rut.”

“So what would you choose?”

“Right now?”

“Yes.”

“It comes in a brown bottle and goes by the initials of VooDoo Ranger.”

“Of course it does. Uber?”

“Right over there.”

Photo – Dan Antion

“A 1978 Mercedes Turbodiesel Wagon. That puppy is a classic.”

“I thought you would like it.”

“That model was the first Mercedes wagon to be powered by a diesel engine. It was part of the W123 series, which was known for its reliability and durability. The 300TD was a luxury station wagon with a 3.0-liter, five-cylinder diesel engine that produced 123 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque”

“And who cares?”

“Well Dan Antion would and me of course.”

“You are putting the rest of us to sleep. Let’s get in.”

“Fine. I should make you buy.”

“Wait. Tell me more about the Mercedes.”

“Too late. Just get in.”

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

~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments
United Pilot Scott Wardle buys pizza for passengers – By Tanya Stamos via FB.

Today’s good news comes from the Good News Network. You may have seen this story, but I think Captain Wardle’s action is worth another look. Today is also the anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy in Dallas Sixty years ago. I think he would like this story as well.

United Pilot Orders 30 Pizzas to Feed Passengers After Emergency Landing for Medical Care

By

Andy Corbley–

A United Airlines pilot has become a social media sensation after personally overseeing the order and distribution of 30 pizzas to 155 passengers on his flight.

Now monikered the “Pizza Pilot,” Scott Wardle says that after 30 years of piloting for the Air Force and as a civilian, he knows what it feels like to be stuck at the airport and that he just “had to do something to show we care.”

United Pilot Scott Wardle serving dinner he bought for passengers – Tanya Stamos via FB.

Well, that care took off, with posts and photos of Wardle handing out pizzas using the check-in counter at the gate as a kitchen counter going viral.

The story began when the Boise-based Wardle was all set for a flight to Phoenix via Houston. About 45 minutes into the trip, the flight crew called to inform him that a patient had fallen unconscious.

Though two nurses and a medic were on board, Wardle felt he couldn’t take any chances, so he came in for an emergency landing at Albuquerque.

Hoping to get the passengers back underway as soon as possible, he suddenly received word that his cabin crew had maxed out their hours, meaning he had to wait for a new set of attendants.

“I made sure to confirm they were on the way with the company, and then I thought, I got to do something with all these people,” Wardle told KTVB 7. “So, I started exploring some options at that point for what I want to do. I came up with the idea of doing pizza for everyone. It’s an easy thing. Most people like pizza.”

Wardle says he loves his job, and the only burden he felt during the whole ordeal was compassion and sympathy for the passengers. He picked up the phone and started ordering dozens of pizzas.

As he began passing them around with plates and napkins, the passengers took notice.

The viral photos and videos reached virtually every corner of Wardle’s social life, with old Air Force buddies and even his graduation class of 1984 and phoning him to say they saw him serving pizza in his pilot uniform.

Pilot Scott Wardle ‘recharges with pizza for free’ – Tanya Stamos via FB

“I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. I just did my thing,” Wardle said. “Many pilots in our company do this sort of thing; I just happened to get my picture taken.”

United Airlines insisted on reimbursing him for the pizzas. They applauded a hero of the friendly skies who waited until every passenger had a slice before sitting down for a pie.

The good news in this story is one person cared about the care and comfort of others. Today’s JohnKu talks about caring. I hope you have a peaceful weekend.

Others by John W. Howell © 2024

When someone has care,

For others more than themself. . .

Angel makin’s there.

Thursday – Anything Possible – Twiggy and Tempeste in the Yard

~ John W. Howell ~ 133 Comments

“Looks beautiful out there.”

“Let me see.”

“See. Nice and cool and sun.”

“You are right. Let’s call the doorman and go out there.”

“Hey. The tent is back up.”

“So it is. I think that is a good thing.”

“Look at this sun. Feels good.”

“Wait, I forgot my sunscreen.”

“You don’t need it. The sun isn’t that hot.”

“There are UV rays all the same, and a girl doesn’t need sun-damaged skin.”

“I think you are overreacting, but suit yourself.”

“I’ll be right back.”

“You all better now?”

“Yes, I feel protected.”

“I’m glad. You want to play ball?”

“Sure sounds fun. This tent is supposed to keep the leaves off the turf.”

“What did you say, and where are you going?”

“I must tell Dad the tent isn’t keeping all the leaves off the turf.”

“It keeps most of them away. Why are you standing there?”

“Dad isn’t hearing me. I can’t imagine how things are supposed to work if people ignore me.”

“Of course, they have been here longer than us, so maybe they have things figured out.”

“You know why this tent and fencing had to be put up, right?”

“I heard rumors that it was to keep me from eating leaves.”

“That’s right. And these leaves were your favorites.”

“Well, I certainly have matured. Oh, look at that big juicy leaf.”

“It’s not juicy. It’s all dried up, and you should leave it alone.”

“When they are dry, they are nice and crunchy.”

“And will give you an upset tummy. Leave it alone. Where is Dad anyway?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Small

~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

I randomly opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 131. Without looking, I pointed to the page, and the word “small” was closest to my finger.

Small by John W. Howell © 2024

“Can you see it?”

“Damn, that is pretty small.”

“Here, take this magnifier.”

“It still is too small to see clearly.”

“For heaven’s sake. What’s the problem.”

“My hand is shaking too much to determine what I’m looking at.”

“Maybe if we get closer, it will come into view.”

“It’s not like I can’t wait.”

“It won’t be too long.”

“How long?”

“A couple of light years.”

“That’s all? Why am I straining my eyes then?”

“I thought you would want a first glance.”

“Naw, I can wait. After all, it has been eons since we have been on the road. What’s a couple of light years?”

“That’s very mature of you.”

“I forgot the name of the place.”

“It’s a rather stupid name.”

“What is it?”

“Earth.”

“Boy, you are right. Being so close to the Milky Way Galaxy, you would have thought they could come up with a better name.”

“Yeah, all the others have pretty catchy names. Since we have discovered this one, we should rename it.”

“Great idea. Got any names in mind?”

“Humm. The only one that comes to mind immediately is yogurt.”

“I like it. Let it be so.”