Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF – Fry-Yay/Good News

October 9, 2026October 8, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

Today’s Good News story comes from Facebook. Thanks to Tom Okragly for bringing it to my attention.

A 16-YEAR-OLD MEXICAN STUDENT HAS DEVELOPED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER THAT USES SOUND INSTEAD OF WATER OR CHEMICALS

Ángela Karime Venegas Hernández, a 16-year-old student at CETIS 78 in Altamira, Tamaulipas, Mexico, developed an experimental device called “Vortex Tech.” According to the report, the prototype uses a 12-volt battery, a frequency generator, and a speaker that produces 30 pulses per second. The resulting vibrations reportedly disrupt the conditions around a flame by pushing oxygen away.

In tests described by the report, the device extinguished flames in approximately 5–8 seconds. Ángela reportedly tested it more than 100 times, and the article says it worked on wood, flammable liquids, cooking grease, and electronic equipment. The reported advantage is that the method produces no water or chemical residue.

What started as a school experiment has now become Vortex Tech, with Ángela reportedly selected to represent Mexico at an international fair. The concept uses acoustic energy to interfere with combustion rather than relying on conventional extinguishing agents.

Important: These performance claims come from the source report and should not be interpreted as evidence that the prototype can replace certified commercial fire extinguishers or handle large fires. Independent testing and technical validation would be needed before anyone could consider such a system for real-world fire safety.

Could sound waves become another tool for fighting fires in the future?

A bit of historical context: the underlying technology isn’t entirely new. DARPA ( Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) demonstrated acoustic fire suppression back in 2012 under its **Instant Fire Suppression** program, and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory later supported additional research into using acoustics to extinguish flames. George Mason University students also demonstrated a handheld version in 2015.

The good news here is seeing a 16-year-old take an established scientific principle and engineer her own functional approach. That deserves recognition. Today’s JohnKu talks about original discovery. I hope you have a lovely weekend.

Not all useful things,

Need to be original . . .

Adaptation works.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – “Transport

September 8, 2026September 7, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

Today I randomly opened The Last Drive to page 145 and, with my eyes closed, pointed to it. The word closest to my finger is “transport.” This is our prompt today.

“How are we going to get there?”

“I have arranged a transport for us.”

“I’m not sure why we have to leave.”

“I’ve already told you. This place can no longer support us.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means that our gracious host can no longer keep us.”

“What did we do?”

“Nothing. But it appears there will be a major cleaning, and we will be in the way.

“Can’t we just stay out of the way?”

“It is very difficult. When they clean, it is very thorough.”

“Sounds like you’ve been through the process before.”

“I have, and I was lucky to escape.”

“So what’s the transport situation?”

“In a couple of minutes, the vehicle will be here. When it shows up, we have to be quick.”

“How quick?”

“We’ll have to jump; otherwise, we will miss it.”

“Okay.”

“You all packed?”

“I’ve got nothing to pack.”

“There’s our ride.”

“That’s a cat.”

“It’s only temporary. The dog gets a bath, and then, when dry, we can go back home.”

“So we jump?”

“Yes. Give it your best flea hop. I’m right behind you.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First French Settlement in 1608

August 3, 2026August 2, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

Quebec flag

The anniversary of the first French settlement in Quebec, in 1608, by Samuel de Champlain, is in July. It might be fun to go there, but there are some things we need to be careful about. Take this list, and maybe you will avoid an international incident or a tear in the time continuum.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First French Settlement in 1608

10 If you are at the settlement, do not think everyone should speak English. If you do, at best, no one will talk to you. At worst, you might be called a Britanique and tossed out into the snow. (These French take their language seriously, Issac. Best not mess with them.)

9 If you are at the settlement, do not mess with Tiny the WWF champ’s Molson Ale supply. If you do, at best, you’ll get a hand slap. At worst, you won’t have the use of your right arm for a few weeks. (Don’t be concerned, Ivan. The feeling should return. After all, no bones were broken.)

8 If you are at the settlement, do not ask for an order of Poutine (Cheese curds, French fries, and brown gravy). If you do, at best, you’ll get some strange looks. At worst, you’ll describe the dish, and everyone will rush to leave the room. (Any wonder you scared them, Isaiah? Although the plate was developed in Quebec, it did not become popular until the 1950s.)

7 If you are at the settlement, do not ask for pancakes and maple syrup. If you do, at best, you’ll get strange looks. At worst, your description of extracting sap and refining it into syrup will get you a few minutes in the dunk tank. (You have to remember, Ignacio. The giant Quebec maple syrup reserves are a modern development.)

6 If you are at the settlement, do not ask for a bag of milk. If you do, at best, you’ll be led to a cow. At worst, once you describe your request, you will convince the locals that you need to be given a foot warming on the stake. (You keep getting the modern confused with the ancient, Irving. If you keep it up, you may never get out of there.)

5 If you are at the settlement, do not ask for directions to the nearest Tim Hortons. If you do, at best, you’ll get a vague finger point meaning, “Out there, Eh?” At worst, when you describe Tim Hortons, you will have the entire settlement up in arms over a donut. (They are looking to you to deliver, Ira. Best get cracking on a donut-and-coffee delivery. That one guy looks particularly anxious. Yeah, the one with the musket.)

4 If you are at the settlement, do not wish out loud for a box of KD. If you do, at best, no one will hear you. At worst, a few will overhear your mutterings and want some too. (Now you have gone and done it, Isiah. You have created a demand for Kraft Dinner long before the product is available. Well, hopefully, they will all forget about it by the time it is introduced in 1937.)

3 If you are at the settlement, do not correct the spelling of certain words. If you do, at best, they will be changed back. At worst, the speller will become angry with your attempts. (Even though you may think it is okay to correct the spelling to American usage, Ingmar. I would fetch your own coffee if I were you.)

2 If you are at the settlement, do not attempt to describe Justin Bieber. If you do, at best, people will think you are joking. At worst, the elders will pass a resolution to hunt down anyone named Bieber. (You have made a time continuum mistake, Immanuel. Lucky, the elders also agree to deport any Biebers to America, where they will flourish for some unknown reason.)

1 If you are at the settlement, do not refer to a monetary coin as a loonie. If you do, at best, you’ll get a laugh. At worst, the population will wonder where you came from and, as a result, will need to have an inquisition. (The fact that the Canadian one-dollar “loonie’ was introduced in 1987 is not going to help you, Ida. I think you’re going to enjoy your time in the stocks. Better pray your butt holds out.)

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste Deal with the Deer.

July 2, 2026July 1, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 107 Comments

“Tempest, come here.”

“What’s the problem?”

“That deer came right up to the window.”

“Well, it is telling mom to get the carrots.”

“I’d say that’s a little pushy, wouldn’t you?”

“You know how it is when handouts are free. They are expected.”

“I suppose. It just took me by surprise.”

“I can understand that.”

“You know I almost feel that a good bark to St. Louis might be a good lesson.”

“I think Mom might have something to say about that.”

“Yeah, she does love to see the deer come around.”

“We could pretend that the FedEx guy just arrived.”

“That’s a pretty good thought.”

“Come on, let’s go to the door. We can bark them through it.”

“Are you going to come over here and help?”

“I think we need to change strategy. Mom’s out there with the deer.”

“I think barking Mom to St Louis would be a big mistake.”

“You can say that again.”

“So, we’ll just have to wait for another opportunity.”

“I could almost taste the victory.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – The Puma and the Panther

May 7, 2026May 5, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 100 Comments

“The panther catches the puma off guard.”

“The puma reacts as an always-ready warrior.”

“The panther gets a jaw lock on the puma.”

“The puma thumps the panther on the head.”

“The panther breaks the puma’s hold.”

“The puma readies for the next attack.”

“Another jaw lock by the panther.”

“A ferocious roar by the puma throws the panther off.”

“The panther gets a nice chunk of chest fur.”

“The puma’s not worried since there is a lot of it.”

“The panther breaks the hold and gets ready for the death blow.”

“The puna prepares for the final thrust of the panther.”

“And so it comes. The panther siezes the puma by the throat.”

“The puma gives out another huge roar, scaring the panther.”

“The panther decides to let the puma live another day.”

“The puma congratulates the panther on a well-done game.”

“The panther wants to know where the puma is going.”

“The puma tells the panther that it is time for a trip outside.”

“Oh, good.”

“That’s what I thought.”

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Activity Center – Art and Craft Show

September 14, 2025September 14, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

FOIE GRAS TORCHON – Gala Apple, Black Truffle Hone
SWEET POTATO PANCAKE – Creme Fraiche, Herbs
VICHYSSOISE – Scarlet Crab, Brown Butter, Arugula
GARDEN SALAD – Rose Vinaigrette, Black Sesame
COLUMBIA RIVER KING SALMON – Sea Bean, Beurre Rouge, Pecan Crumb
DUCK CONFIT – Hoisin, Bok Choy, Orange, Fennel
HANGER STEAK – Texas Wagyu, Sweet Potato, Salsa Verde

Let’s go.

Welcome to the Activity Center.

Here we are. Looks like a lot to see.

Turnout looks great.

Paintings and figurines.

Some bright colors.

Smiling face and abstracts.

Note cards and art.

A lemonade stand.

Craft Jewelry.

Another smiling face and more abstract art.

Ceramics.

Some music to help appreciate the art.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Hand”

September 13, 2025September 12, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

On one hand, waking to the sound of an alarm, the first thought was to make sure everyone was safe. On the other hand, the attempts to round up and evacuate those in the house were met with some degree of resistance. It was then that the source of the alarm was discovered. The coffee machine had somehow figured out how to copy the screech of the smoke detector. There it was screeching like a banshee. One touch of the trouble button disclosed the reason. The water level was low. Filling the reservoir caused the alarm to come to a sputtering halt. The halt acted like a signal for the two Baskerville hounds to cease their protestations.

Pressing the two coffee button soon gave me the liquid soothin’ syrup that promised to quell the hammer on anvil chorus that was playing in my head. After the third sip, another chorus joined the cacophony. It was the Westminster chime routine of the doorbell touching off another round of the Bark-You-to-St. Louis symphony. Throwing two stuffed toys into the soundproof room and slamming the door after the eager fetch-it twins brought peace back to the valley.

Checking the security monitor, all that was visible was the blurred outline of something running in a circle. The “Who’s there?” challenge was answered with a “beep beep.” Knowing further communication was futile, the security system shutdown began.

The SWAT team needs to be put on standby. A quick text to the leader confirms that status. Also, the flight of A-10 Warthogs must be diverted. Another call to the commander puts that worry to rest. The SEAL team needs to be called off, and a call to the leader makes that possible. A call to the tow truck driver stops the deployment of an M1A1 Abrams Tank. The control panel simplifies the shutdown process of the security system. The boiling oil vats are put on standby, the turret mortars disengaged, the Trebuchet on safety, the concertina wire rolled, the Claymore mines reset, the tower Gatling guns on safety, the moat net dropped, the alligators fed, and the IEDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The Proton torpedoes switched off. The gamma ray beams covered. The high-powered maser guns switched to standby, and the nanorobots were chained in the basement. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.

Running in a circle was a roadrunner bird. On one pass, an envelope flew out of the blur into my hand. It was from Linda Hill. A thanks you to the bird caused it to stop and raise one leg in the classic “Tip me” fashion. “Here’s a tip. Avoid all things ACME,” and slammed the door. I opened the envelope, and a note was inside. It read:

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “hand.” Use it as a noun, use it as a verb, use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2025/09/12/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-13-2025/

“We need to hurry.”

“Why?”

“You ate up 500 words with that intro. Need to use as few as possible and get out of here.”

“Okay, call Uber.”

“Already did. It’s over there.”

“Wow, that looks like a 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Brougham.”

“It’s hard to tell those rear sidelights look different.”

“Well, anyway, it is a nice ride.”

“I agree.”

“I have to hand it to you.”

“Oh yeah?”

“This one you got right.”

“Why, thank you. There is just one thing.”

“Oh no.”

“We just have to make some Uber Eats deliveries.”

“Doesn’t sound too bad.”

“Pastrami sandwiches.”

“Sounds good, actually.”

“Here is a clothespin.”

“Oh, come on.”

Views of the Neighborhood – A Remembrance of VJ Day

September 7, 2025September 6, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

Today we are going to visit a ceremony in Lakeway for the remembrance of the day 80 years ago when the Japanese surrendered to end World War II. We will be going to Heritage Park and will be catered by Jeffreys of Austin. Our entertainment will be Lee Greenwood.

Tournedos de veau & escargot – veal tenderloin in bacon, escargot, butterwhite bean, confit tomato, peppered ham jus

Gulf snapper en papillote – lemongrass carrot broth, baby turnips, king trumpet mushrooms & thai basil

Pekin Duck breast “au Poivre” – roasted rapini, le puy lentils, bronze fennel, caramelized figs & banyuls vinegar

Alaskan halibut & squash blossoms – scallop mousseline, chanterelle mushrooms, dulse butter & lemon thyme

Braised beef short rib – crushed English peas, caramelized shallot vadouvan curry & preserved garlic

Grilled meats

Dean & Peeler Floresville, Texas, USDA Prime, all-natural Black Angus beef
8 oz tenderloin fileT, 16 oz ribeye
Mishima Reserve Northwest, reserve ultra, all-natural Wagyu beef
6 oz tenderloin filet, 12 oz New York strip, 16 oz ribeye
Niman Ranch Midwest, USDA Prime, all-natural Black Angus beef 24 oz bone-in strip, dry aged 32 days
26 oz bone-in ribeye, dry aged 32 days, 42 oz porterhouse, dry aged 32 days
Wood Roasted Chops
16 oz Colorado rack of lamb, served with mint jelly
16 oz tomahawk pork chop, served with truffle butter

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s get going.

We are here at the Heritage Center.

Welcome remarks by Patrick D. Hall, Rear Admiral USN (retired).

The invocation by Pastor Scott Rogers.

The Star Spangled Banner by the Wildflowers.

Moving remarks by Tom Kilgore, Mayor of Lakeway. The Spirit of Freedom monument behind the mayor has over 500 names of those from Lakeway who served during World War II.

Presentation of the memorial wreaths by Admiral Hall and Nancy Jo Forage.

A beautiful rendition of Taps played by Emily Muckelroy of Lake Travis High School.

God Bless America by the Wildflowers.

The Benediction by Pastor Scott Rodgers.

We are all reminded not to forget the men and women of the greatest generation who answered the call for freedom.

Now it is time to enjoy that freedom with music and food. I hope you have an easy week.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste Have a Discussion

August 14, 2025August 12, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

“Hey, Tempest. What are you doing?”

“You know I was just getting ready to attack cheeseburger.”

“You seem to have a pretty good grasp on the concept of attack.”

“It’s the only way to handle cheeseburger.”

“So what do you intend to do with cheeseburger?”

“I thought maybe we could play tuggy with it.”

“Tuggy is real hard with cheeseburger. Cowie might be better sinceit is bigger.”

“I’ve been meaning to ask how are you feeling today?”

“Well I have been better but all in all I feel pretty good.”

“You went to the Neurologist. What did he say?”

“Well he agrees with my regular doctor that I have bacterial meningitis. He also concurs that I have fluid in my ear canal which will require an operation to fix.

“Oh dear. That doesn’t sound good.”

“No it’s okay. Once done the threat of reinfection will be gone. Also my head tilt should go away.

“Are you scared?”

“No, I have had a surgery on my leg before. and it was fine.”

“That’s good. You know I liked your idea of the cow.”

“Get it and we can play.”

“When does the surgery happen?”

“The doctors all have to get together and agree on the course of treatment. Then we will consult with a surgeon and set a day.”

“A lot of waiting.”

“I will be continuing my antibiotic and prednisone in the meantime so nothing gets worse.”

“You seem calm about this.”

“Yeah, I don’t have a choice.”

“Maybe I’ll worry a little for you.”

A reminder that I will be on a blog break from tomorrow until next Thursday. Totally off the grid

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

June 13, 2025June 12, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 86 Comments

Today’s good news story comes from Clever Journey’s newsletter. It was sent to me by GP, whose blog is at https://pacificparatrooper.wordpress.com

Breakthrough at Texas University as Researchers See Plant Extracts Remove Microplastics From Water

Researchers from Tarleton State University in Texas have discovered that plant-based extracts, particularly from okra, fenugreek, tamarind, and cactus, can significantly remove microplastics from wastewater.

In San Francisco Bay

Some plastics are made to be small. These are known as primary microplastics, like the microbeads intentionally added to face washes and other personal care products. But most microplastics come from the slow disintegration of larger plastic products, including plastic wrap, takeaway containers, polyester clothes, tires, paint, and artificial turf. These are known as secondary microplastics.

Exposure to microplastics can also occur through inhaled air. Data from animal studies have shown that once absorbed, plastic micro- and nanoparticles can distribute to the liver, spleen, heart, lungs, thymus, reproductive organs, kidneys, and even the brain (crosses the blood–brain barrier).

Key highlights:

Okra and fenugreek mucilage (plant-based goo) work by acting as a natural coagulant.

When combined in the correct ratios, they can remove up to 90% of microplastics from water.

Unlike synthetic coagulants (like polyacrylamide), these natural alternatives are non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

The study is part of an effort to find sustainable solutions to the growing problem of microplastic contamination in water bodies.

The extracts are especially effective when removing microplastics from the ocean and freshwater sources.

The lead researcher, Dr. Rajani Srinivasan, emphasized that this approach could make wastewater treatment safer and more eco-friendly, especially in areas lacking access to expensive treatment technology.

Meanwhile, common chemicals found in plastic products—especially phthalates and BPA—have been linked to a significantly increased risk of heart disease.

These chemicals are widely used in items like water bottles, food packaging, and toys. According to research, such exposure may contribute to over 350,000 deaths globally each year due to cardiovascular complications.

Phthalates are known to disrupt hormones, raise blood pressure, and increase the risk of conditions like diabetes and heart failure.

Scientists are urging more regulation and awareness as plastic pollution continues to impact public health.

The good news in this story is that there is continued concentration on solving the single-use plastic problem. Today’s JohnKu talks about hope. I wish you a very peaceful weekend.

There are several ways,

To eliminate problems . . .

Keep hope up on all.