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

July 11, 2025July 10, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

Today’s good news story come from the TCD newsletter and is some further information on controlling microplastics. Noelle Granger sent this story to me. Thank you, Noelle

Fraternity brothers invent high-tech device that can solve dangerous issue with modern laundry machines: ‘We couldn’t be more proud’

“Finding solutions to reduce pathways of exposure to them is critical.”

by Jon Turi

Microplastics are a global problem, but three Case Western Reserve University engineering alumni have created a new device to tackle a major source of this pollution.

Max Pennington, along with Sigma Chi fraternity brothers David Dillman and Chip Miller, helped develop a washing machine filtration system called CLEANR that can remove over 90% of microplastic particles before they leave the washing machine and enter the environment, the New York Post reported.

The device was introduced in 2023 at the IFA Berlin appliance industry conference, where the company first showcased its VORTX filtration design that was inspired by the natural filtration system of fish gills.

That core technology employs a novel vortex filtration process that CLEANR says is 300% more efficient than other traditional filters.

The Shaw Institute, a nonprofit science research organization, put the company’s claims to the test and officially certified that it’s over 90% efficient at removing microplastic particles as small as 50 microns from washing machine wastewater.

“We couldn’t be more proud to have worked with CLEANR as part of our new program to validate innovative technology designed to greatly reduce plastic pollution,” said Dr. Charlie Rolsky, executive director of the Shaw Institute, in a press release.

“Microplastics are a major threat to human and environmental health. Therefore, finding solutions to reduce pathways of exposure to them is critical.”

Around 16% to 35% of microplastics in the environment originated from synthetic textiles, according to the European Environment Agency, with the majority of them being released during the first few washes.

Microplastics have even been discovered in remote ecosystems and are permeating our bodies, posing a massive threat to the environment and our health.

The good news in this story is there is another way to combat the release of micro[plastics into the environment. Today’s JohnKu talks about keeping the pressure on eliminating microplastics from our planet. I hope you have a beautiful weekend.

Each little battle,

Will add up to a final win . . .

On the plastic war.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Mourning Texas Losses

July 10, 2025July 9, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 87 Comments

As you know by now, there was severe flooding in Texas, which as of today has killed 111 persons. There are still 170 missing. Initially, I was going to post a story about Twiggy and Tempeste in the rain, but in retrospect, it seems a little disrespectful at this stage of the search and rescue operation. So to those who lost loved ones, and to those who still have had no word on their missing moms, dads, sons, and daughters, we respectfully offer our prayers.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Eternal Road The final stop is on Promotion

July 8, 2025July 7, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

Eternal Road – The Final Stop is included in the Kindle Unlimited Reader Giveaway sponsored by Authorsxp.com

eBook, Paperback & Kindle Reader Giveaway!

(1) Kindle Reader Winner
(2) Winners of eBook “Gift Baskets” of ALL ebooks
Other Winners of individual ebooks or paperbacks (randomly selected)

Also, Eternal Road – The final stop Ebook is on sale from Monday July 7th to Monday July 14th for 99¢ in the US. Here is the link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GL135KQ

The first book in the Eternal Road series has Sam and James battling Lucifer for the welfare of mankind.

Top Ten Things Not To Do When Trying to Get Published

July 7, 2025July 7, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

This list was posted in October 2013 and authored by Marie Ann Bailey and me. Since many people are trying to get published, it may be useful today.

Top Ten Things Not To Do When Trying to Get Published

10 When trying to get published, do not send a query letter to a publisher with the opening phrase “You probably have never heard of me, but that will change.” The publisher will no doubt get a big laugh, and your query will get a direct pitch into the trash can with the words, “Want to bet,” on the publisher’s lips.

9 When trying to get published, do not use cute gimmicks in your query letter to get the publisher’s attention. They will not appreciate whatever you send along with the letter, and may charge you for the cleanup later. This includes: glitter hearts, artificial snow, two tickets to the Bruins hockey game, a six-pack of beer, sand from your beach story, or anything else not on paper.

8 When trying to get published, do not think a personal phone call to the publisher will make a difference. You will only risk sounding like an idiot, even though you have thoroughly rehearsed your pitch. If you happen to find someone to talk to, being able to locate your query letter to receive the feedback you need may put you on hold permanently.

7 When trying to get published, do not, under any circumstances, show up at the publisher’s place of business in person. The publisher will be extremely embarrassed since they will have no idea what to do with you. Your query might just be placed in your back pocket as you are shown the exit into the alley.

6 When trying to get published, do not tell the publisher in your query letter that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them. The only thing that may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is the one second it takes for the publisher to pitch your query into the wastebasket with the words, “I’ll take that chance.”

5 When trying to get published, do not try to build rapport with the publisher with words like, “If I were in your shoes, I would be looking for a talented writer and by golly, I just happen to know one.” The publisher will have a nice laugh at your expense and will probably use your query in the next seminar on How Not to Query. Of course, he will be paid an enormous fee, and you will get…well…nothing.

4 When trying to get published, do not send a query letter before you have your fiction manuscript finished. Unless you are Stephen King, there is no publisher in business today who will jump at the chance to publish your story if it is still in the concept stage. Describing in detail what might be will probably get you a response of what actually is happening, a flat “no.”

3 When trying to get published, do not assume you have only writing in mind. The publisher will want you to carry most of the marketing work on your shoulders. Your query letter should stay away from self-descriptive words and phrases like: artist, literary principles, clean hands, introvert, higher calling, too good for others, filthy capitalism, save trees activist, reclusive researcher, and only want to write.

2 When trying to get published, do not admit you are only in this for the money even if you are. There may be a time when the publisher contacts you in response to your query. This is not the time to start pressing the publisher for a compact timetable because you need the money. Like banks do not lend money to people who need it, publishers know there is little money for authors and will pass on you for another, more motivated by non-monetary reasons.

1 When trying to get published, do not give up. There are a million potential reasons to keep sending queries, and who knows, your manuscript just might be the next million-copy seller.

Eternal Road – The final stop is on sale beginning today until July 14th. Here is the link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GL135KQ

The first book in the Eternal Road series has James and Sam battling Lucifer to save mankind.

Views of the Neighborhood – Flora

July 6, 2025July 5, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

Today, we are cruising the neighborhood to see what kind of summer blooms are available. We are catered by ABA of Austin. Our entertainment is The Cowsills.

Texas Peach Biscuit – peach compote, whipped cream

Avocado Toast – pomegranate, preserved lemon, mint

Khachapuri – baked egg, cremini mushroom, graviera, green onion

Açaí Bowl – blueberry, banana, pomegranate, dukkah, coconut, mint

Short Rib Shakshuka – local eggs, spicy harissa, graviera, roasted potato

Kefta & Eggs – lamb & beef kefta, fried eggs, tzatziki, lemon dill rice

Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak & Egg – fried eggs, crispy potato, tzatziki

Jerusalem Bagel & Smoked Salmon Spread – sumac red onion, tomato, caper, labneh

Kebabs – served with basmati rice, Grilled Mushroom, date, sherry vinaigrette, zhoug

Grilled Chicken – yogurt marinade, sweet pepper, zhoug

Lamb & Beef Kefta -lemon, olive oil, tzatziki

Grilled Salmon – sweet pepper, red onion, zhoug

Beef Tenderloin – bell pepper, cippolini onion, zhoug

The bus is waiting.

Our first bloom is a beautiful red Crape Myrtle.

Next, we have Mexican Bird of Paradise and white Angel’s Trumpet

A lovely example of Mexican Sage in bloom. A signal rain is coming.

Checking on the mom and baby in our yard. (I know not flower blooms but blooms of another kind.)

A gigantic pink Crape Myrtle.

Another lovely red Crape Myrtle.

A Century plant (Agave Americana) with it’s one and only bloom before dying.

A Crape Myrtle that has a purple hue.

More Mexican Bird of Paradise.

Prairie Verbena.

Cactus flower.

More sage.

Mexican Birds of Paradise.

Blackfoot Daisy.

Well, that is the tour today. Time to relax and enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a terrific week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Something That Opens”

July 5, 2025July 4, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

Woke to the sound of rain, so a coffee will be quite welcome. A message on the touchscreen leads me to believe the AI inside is seeking entertainment. The message reads, I’m thinking of something that opens. How great is it to have a machine that wants to play games when the low caffeine warning klaxon horn is ready to split the skull. Give up? is the next message. Nodding my head, the machine responds with An application.

I’m not sure if laughing or crying is the correct response, so a smile is all I can offer. The touchscreen comes to life, and the two coffee buttons are quickly pressed. The cup is delivered, and the doorbell delivers a Westminster melody. The hounds of Baskerville want me to know the world is coming to an end. Lucky for me and the glass windows, a knuckle bone is near and tossed into the soundproof room. As the quiet descends, a glance at the security monitor shows someone looking very much like Yogi Bear standing on the porch. Calling out through the intercom verifies that whatever is to be delivered needs a signature.

With a sigh, the security system shutdown process has begun. 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. 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, the IEDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The Proton torpedoes switched off. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.

“A pic a nic basket for Howell. Sign here.”

“A big surprise you didn’t keep it.”

“Don’t think I didn’t think about that. BooBoo kept me honest.”

Looking in the basket, there is a note in sight. It is from Linda Hill. It reads Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “something that opens.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

“Take this basket as a tip.” The bear smiles, and he and the basket disappear down the driveway.

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. https://lindaghill.com/2025/07/04/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-5-2025/

“That machine is going to be the death of you.”

“Tell me.”

“You know, we could have fun with that prompt.”

“How so?”

“I know of something that opens.”

“Let me guess. VooDoo Ranger bottles.”

“Well, there is that. But I had something else in mind.”

“I find it hard to believe you have anything else in mind.”

“I guess it could be associated with VooDoo Rangers.”

“The pub door?”

“Now that is a good one, but no.”

“My wallet.”

“Ha ha ha. I like that one. No again.”

“Okay, I’m giving up now.”

“Think hard.”

“Still nothing.”

“The Uber car door.”

“Oh my gosh. How did I not think of that? You’re a pain, you know that?”

“He’s right over there.”

“Wait a minute. The something that opens is not that car. Look at the rope holding the passenger door closed.”

“It’s tied with a bow. All you have to do is pull it and untie.”

“Will it get us there?”

“Of course. There is one thing, though.”

“Why is there always one thing?”

“It used to be a chicken coop.”

“What?”

“Yeah, we have to help clean out the back.”

“Why can’t we get a normal car?”

“And pay full price? Here, put on these overalls and gloves. The guy said we could keep the eggs.”

“Be still, my beating heart.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News – Happy Birthday America

July 4, 2025July 3, 2025 ~ John W. Howell

Today is the celebration of independence here in the United States. Wishing all of you a very Happy 4th of July.

JohnKu for the 4th

A celebration,

And remembrance of . . .

All who kept us free.

Comments are off, and I hope you enjoy the day.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – “Planet”

July 1, 2025June 30, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

Today I randomly opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 201. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page, and the word nearest my finger was planet. Planet is our prompt today.

“What planet are you on?”

“Whatya mean?”

“I mean, are you crazy?”

“What makes you ask that?”

“The way you are looking at that plant.”

“I just think it looks terrific, is all.”

“That is not the look I see.”

“Okay, smart one. What do you see?”

“I see someone who is coveting something that he has no business coveting.”

“Covet? What does that mean?”

“Means you have designs on making something that doesn’t belong to you, yours.”

“Wow. You are deep into psychology today, aren’t you?”

“I just know you. When you get that look, you’ll move Heaven and Earth to get what you want.”

“I always admire that in myself.”

“That may well be, but that plant does not belong to you.”

“I think I would be a better steward. Look at those leaves. They look wilted to me.”

“They are not wilted. You are just making that up. Besides, that plant is way too big for you to carry.”

“Oh, come on. Where there is a will, there is a way.”

“Is that the secret to your success?”

“No. I think my secret is high hopes. High apple pie in the sky hopes.”

“So you are going to take that rubber tree plant?”

“Hold my beer.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at a Corporate Team Building Event

June 30, 2025June 29, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

This post was published on October 20, 2014. Since corporation are still holding these events it might be useful.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at a Corporate Team Building Event

10 If your company is having a team building event, do not think your team relationships will last. If you do, at best, you will be seen as weak and someone to avoid. At worst, the next promotion will go to your new friend who explained to the boss how needy you are.

9 If your company has a team building event, do not fall for the old trust building exercise. If you do, at best, your trust will not be reciprocated. At worst, you will place your trust in someone who in the end wants to see you dead.

8 If your company has a team building event, do not get paired with the boss. If you do, at best, you will get low grades for being too subservient. At worst, your boss will think you are not made of the stuff originally thought and will introduce you to the meaning of the phrase persona non grata.

7 If your company has a team building event, do not believe the idea is to have fun. If you do, at best, you will be the only one. At worst, the note taker will immediately label you as someone who does not take work seriously.

6 If your company has a team building event, do not believe the wearing apparel instructions. If you do, at best, you and the company psychologist will be the only ones dressed in jeans and sweatshirt. At worst, the biggest boss on the planet will drop by the exercise to see how it is going and will inquire of your boss, “who’s the other psychologist?”

5 If your company has a team building event, do not try to be the best player in the skill competition. If you are, at best, your boss will believe you have too much time on your hands. At worst, your boss will appoint you as team leader for the next team building event.

4 If your company has a team building event, do not think the free food and drinks are on an all you can eat buffet. If you do, at best, you will be seen as someone who is obviously lacking self-control. At worst, your boss will wonder if you always take advantage of the company expense account and inform finance to conduct an audit of your expenses.

3 If your company has a team building event, do not think the truth hour is for telling the truth. If you do, at best, you and the company psychologist will become simpatico. At worst, your boss will be counting the moments until you and they will be alone so that the longer term franchise you were counting on can be terminated.

2 If your company has a team building event, do not try to bring any new ideas during creative hour. If you do, at best, your peers will poke enough holes in your idea to kill it. At worst, thinking outside the box will only convince your boss that perhaps your belongings should be in a similar container and both of you escorted out by security.

1 If your company has a team building event do not sing along when the psychologist puts the Queen CD in the player and “We Are the Champions”starts playing. If you do, at best, your co-workers will think you are a throwback to the 80s. At worst, your boss loves “We Are the Champions” and your off note singing is making the neck hair stand up which will be a reminder to ask HR to have you transferred to Guam before the next team building event.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Farmer’s Market

June 29, 2025June 28, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 95 Comments

Today, we are going to check out the Lakeway Farmers Market, which is a once-a-week happening during the summer. We are catered by Acre 41 of Austin. Our entertainment is Annie Ross

Eggs Your Way – bacon or sausage, breakfast potatoes, toast

Spinach & Mushroom Egg White Omelet – havarti, breakfast potatoes, toast

Smoked Ham & Pinmento Cheese Omelet – house pimento cheese, breakfast potatoes, toast

Tres Leches French Toast – strawberries, powdered sugar, whipped cream

Wagyu Flat Iron & Eggs – eggs your way, breakfast potatoes

Huevos Rancheros – sunny egg, crispy tortilla, black bean, avocado, jalapeno, queso fresco

Sausage & Egg Burrito – chicken sausage, queso chihuahua, pepperjack, salsa roja

Thick Bacon Benedict t – hollandaise, english muffin, asparagus, poached eggs

Salmon Poke Bowl l – maitake, edamame, cucumber, avocado, ponzu, sushi rice

14 oz Prime Rib – natural beef jus, horseradish cream, fries