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

April 17, 2026April 16, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

A rendering of a fully-electrified Chinese vessel at the port of Suzhou – credit CATL ©

World’s Largest Battery Maker to ‘Spare No Effort’ in Electrifying Marine Cargo Industry

By Andy Corbley –Apr 16, 2026

Today’s good news comes from the Good News Network

A Chinese conglomerate that controls 37% of the global market for EV batteries has recently said it will “spare no effort” to electrify parts of the marine shipping industry.

The cost of lithium ions has fallen by 90% over the past two decades, epitomizing the overall reductions in battery costs that have facilitated the resulting boom in EVs.

In all that, however, little has been done to investigate the use of battery-powered maritime systems. It’s for good reason: batteries produce lower-density energy than the heavy fuels used to power container ships or tugboats. Displacing water requires a lot more umph than displacing air.

Now, CATL, which also controls some 22% of the world’s energy storage systems, is planning to double its maritime applications division to pioneer early battery systems for near-shore vessels.

“We will spare no effort in investing in R&D, human resources, and materials to build the supply chain for this industry,” said Su Yi, who leads the group’s Maritime Business Unit.

The International Maritime Organization aims to halve the industry’s share of global shipping emissions to 1.5% from 3% by 2050, a goal that has so far been pursued through greener fuels such as green methanol and hydrogen.

In 2024, GNN reported that a consortium of Japanese firms successfully demonstrated the first-ever zero-emissions ship above 20 gross tons, with the pilot sailing it 30 kilometers (18 miles) out to an offshore wind farm and back.

A year earlier, GNN reported that global shipping leader Maersk had ordered a green methanol-powered ship two years earlier and had already placed an order for 25 more methanol-powered vessels, in addition to retrofitting existing ships with methanol engines and turbines.

Su told the Financial Times that the current focus is on producing batteries that meet the extreme requirements of powering large vessels near shore. In addition to requiring maximum discharge rate, the batteries would need to last long and remain safe in ocean conditions.

CATL reported impressive 2025 earnings, with 42% year-over-year revenue growth to $10 billion, driven by demand for data centers and energy storage. Su didn’t provide timelines or sales targets, but merely mentioned that she and her team were confident there’d be market demand.

Its existing strategy since 2017 has been a battery-swap model whereby near-shore vessels like tugs can swap their batteries at a station for a fully-charged one to enable ’round-the-clock operations.

The group had previously seen success with such a model in its long-haul trucking division. Previously, the company developed hybrid battery-fossil fuel solutions for still-water and near-shore vessels, as well as for cruise ships.

The good news in this story is that more resources are being invested in alternative power sources for the maritime industry. Today’s JohnKu talks about ongoing solutions to the world’s carbon problem. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Alternative ways,

Are continuously being sought . . .

To help Mother Earth.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste

April 16, 2026April 15, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 91 Comments

”

“What is that, Twiggy?”

“What is what?”

“That sound.”

“Hmm. If I didn’t know better, I would say it’s a 3.2-liter truck engine.”

“How far away do you think it is?”

“I figure it is leaving the FedEx warehouse in Austin.”

“I wonder how long it will take to get here?”

“I’m not a math whiz, but I figure it will be three hours at least.”

“Well, that’s a shame. I was hoping to get in a St. Louis barkathon before my nap.”

“Not everyone operates at our convenience, Little One.”

“Can you keep a lookout for me?”

“Sure. You take a nap, and if the FedEx guy turns into our cul-de-sac, I’ll wake you.”

“Sure it’s not too much trouble?”

“Naw. I’ve already had a nap so I can do that for you.”

“That would be swell.”

“You would do the same for me.”

“You bet. I’d do anything for you.”

“I know. You and I have to stick together.”

“We can still play Panther and Puma, even though it gets rough at times.”

“Of course. That is a game we both love.”

“Oh, good. I’m going to take a nap then.”

“Pleasant dreams.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Fingerpoint Prompt – “System”

April 14, 2026April 14, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

Today I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 199. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “system.” That is our prompt today.

“I’m telling you the system won’t allow it.”

“The system? What are you talking about?”

“The way things are organized. How the world is set up.”

“Oh, come on. There really isn’t a system.”

“To do what you want, there definitely is a system, and it won’t allow it.”

“Well, how about I just go ahead and ask for forgiveness later?”

“That’s up to you, but I can predict the outcome.”

“I don’t know how you became an expert all of a sudden.”

“Look, I’m older than you and have been around.”

“Have you ever tried doing what I’m thinking of doing?”

“No, of course not.”

“Okay then, just let me go.”

“Very well. It’s your funeral.”

“Now you have me wondering.”

“I’m glad, since I would hate to see you crash into the valley.”

“It does look pretty far down.”

“Changing your mind?”

“I’m thinking.”

“Let me help. Never in the history of our breed has anyone been able to fly.”

“But I read that book.”

“Dumbo the flying elephant?”

“Yeah, that’s the one.”

“Fiction. Made up by some lunatic. Trust me, you can’t fly.”

“All right, I believe you.”

“Let’s go get some nice warm peanuts. You’ll feel better later.”

“Where do we get peanuts?”

“In the tent, of course. Follow me.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do if You are Caught at the Battle of the Alamo

April 13, 2026April 12, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

In August of 2018, I decided to match Top Ten Things with historic events. What we would do during the event is fiction, but the event actually happened. This post ran on August 27, 2018. I hope you enjoy this series.

10 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not think offering margaritas all around is going to help anything. If you do, at best, everyone will be too busy to take you up on the offer. At worst, only the best shooters on your side decided to have a couple and now can’t hit the broad side of a barn. (I guess you were hoping the Mexicans would be in a similar shape, huh, Fritz?)

9 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not ask Tiny the WWF champ if you can borrow his gun. If you do, at best, he’ll just say no. At worst, since he is extremely nearsighted, he may mistake you for a Mexican soldier and give you a body slam over the wall. (It only hurts getting up, Felco, so I would just lie there.)

8 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not walk around eating a bean burrito. If you do, at best, you will have to share. At worst, from far away, a sharpshooter may mistake you for a Mexican Federal soldier. ( I know you were hungry, Freddie, but the food of the day is hardtack and salt pork. Tortillas are the other side’s food of the day.)

7 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not wear your Santa Anna Sucks t-shirt. If you do, at best, no one will notice. At worst, Santa Anna will want it as a souvenir. ( I think you heard him right, Faris. He said he didn’t care if it was bloodstained or not. Just give it to him.)

6 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not ask Davy Crockett for an autograph. If you do, at best, he’ll just laugh. At worst, he’ll give you a lesson in flying. (You could flap your arms harder, Farid, but I think you are going to hit the ground pretty hard. That wall is quite high.)

5 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not tell someone you know all about cannons if you don’t. If you do, at best, you won’t be asked to fill in on one. At worst, you’ll be put in charge of the only cannon that guards the entrance. (Now what did the manual say, Fabumi? Load the ball, then light the fuse? Or was it the other way around? You’d better hurry, looks like those doors won’t last another minute.)

4 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not think it is time to start Spanish lessons. If you do, at best, you may learn a few words. At worst, whether you speak Spanish or not will not help you in the end. (It looks like the order of the day is take no prisoners, Fadeyka. I think it’s going to take a little more than a few “holas” and “Buenos Dias” to save you.)

3 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not think that a sombrero and a serape will be an effective disguise. If you do, at best, no one will laugh at you. At worst, the troops will consider you a spy. (You know what they do to spies, Fallon. Dump that outfit now.)

2 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not wave that “Come and Take It” cannon flag from the Battle of Gonzales. If you do, at best, you will make the Mexicans angry. At worst, you will be singled out for elimination. (That flag has been a sore spot since the Texas Revolution began, Falk. No need to start that fire again.)

1 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not make plans for your summer holiday. If you do, at best, your heirs will have to cancel. At worst, you may lose some of your deposits. (I guess no one told you that getting out of the Alamo was a feet-first proposition, huh, Farnley?)

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Wilderness Run

April 12, 2026April 11, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

Today, we are going to see the Lakeway Wilderness Run, organized by Lakeway Parks and Recreation and Friends of the Park. The run takes place at the Greenbelt. We are catered by ABA of Austin. Our entertainment is Bon Jovi.

BLACKBERRY DROP BISCUIT – blackberry compote, balsamic whipped cream

AVOCADO TOAST – pomegranate, preserved lemon, mint

AÇAÍ BOWL – blueberry, banana, pomegranate, dukkah, coconut, mint

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

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 & EGGs – fried eggs, crispy potato, tzatziki

JERUSALEM BAGEL & SMOKED SALMON SPREAD – sumac, red onion, tomato, caper, labneh

Let’s go

The Wilderness Run Logo.

Looks like a great turnout.

Hope no one needs it.

Our grocery chain is very supportive.

Always need a T-shirt.

We know we are in the right place. My money is on 24.

The place to register. No, I’m not running today. Feel fortunate to make it from the car.

In case of an emergency, and to start the race with an airhorn.

Dan Moyer of Friends of the Park has a welcome message.

The starting line.

Tacos at the finish.

Mayor Tom Kilgore welcomes the runners and is the official starter.

The countdown to start is done.

And they are off.

The heron sculpture cheers the runners on.

The finish. Nineteen minutes.

While those guys are still running, it is time for us to have brunch and enjoy some music. I hope you all have a great week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Bookmark”

April 11, 2026April 10, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

Leaving a bookmark last week on the subject of an AI assistant was a good idea. It seems the Coffee machine has hired an AI assistant, and that assistant is asking me for the password to the touchscreen. Doing the research paid off, and the message delivered to the machine was, “My AI assistant will beat the crap out of you if you don’t give me access right now.” Like magic, the touchscreen appeared, and the order for two coffees was placed. As always, the first sip brought an end to the Anvil Chorus playing in my head. The second was spoiled with the Westminster chime of the doorbell, accompanied by the crystal-cracking cacophony (Ooo, nice alliteration) of Tempeste and Twiggy. Two new toys were tossed into the soundproof room, and the slamming of the door brought back peace.

A glance at the monitor showed me that Chewbacca was waiting to deliver an envelope. There is no hesitation to shut down the security system.]

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 MH-60 Jayhawk Helicopter hovering over the house is diverted. A call to the tow truck driver stops the deployment of an M1A1 Abrams Tank. The control panel simplifies the security system’s shutdown process. 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 Klingons are called back, and the Targ is caged. Robbie’s Bot is sent to the basement. The Tasmanian Devil is directed to the food in his cage, and the door drops. The electronic jammer is kept active, given a situation with a robot not too long ago. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.

Chewbacca hands me an envelope and a clipboard. Once signed, the clipboard goes back to an open palm. Not wanting to lose the house, a ten-spot is quickly produced, which is acknowledged by an ear-splitting roar of appreciation and the feeling that Chewbacca needs to see a Periodontist. Back in the house, the envelope is opened, and the message from Lind Hill reads;

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “bookmark.” Use as a noun, use it as a verb, use it 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/2026/04/10/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-11-2026/

“Well, that was fun.”

“Glad you liked it.”

“What caused you to bookmark the AI assistant in the first place?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I have been dealing with ChatGPT for quite a while and thought it would be nice to have an assistant take care of some of the routine tasks without prompts.”

“Like what?”

“Well, like organizing e-mails into Important, Not important but should be read, and junk.”

“Doesn’t Gmail do that already?”

“Sort of, but not very well. I thought it would be good for a program that could learn the subtle differences by reading the mail and then making a decision.”

“Okay. Way above my capacity.”

“I think the use of an assistant could be limitless.’

“Name another use.”

“Could edit manuscripts.”

“You have an editor.”

“True, but the cost puts the break-even mark out of reach.”

“Can we talk about something important to me?”

“Voo Doo Rangers?”

“Now that’s important.”

“Uber?”

“Right over there.”

“My goodness. A 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 hardtop station wagon.”

“We will be styling.”

“And the catch?”

“No catch. Just a favor to the owner.”

“Okay, let’s have it.”

“We can’t go more than 5 miles an hour.”

“What? Why’s that?”

“The owner doesn’t want the paint chipped by a stone.”

“That’s going to take three hours to get there.”

“Think of living life full measure.”

“Don’t bring a Twilight Zone episode into this. We will be bored out of our minds.”

“We can play cards or something.”

“That will also mean three hours back.”

“Yeah, but we can nap.”

“I give up. Let’s go now before the pub closes.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste Have a Snowman Toy

April 9, 2026April 8, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 91 Comments

“What’s your favorite part of playing with snowmen, Twiggy?”

“I like pulling his arms. A nice twisted cord with a knot at the end.”

“I like making him squeak till everyone in the house wonders what’s going on.”

“That’s okay till you get to the stuffing and the squeaker is out.”

“Oh yeah. Then all heck breaks loose.”

“Well, you have to admit, Mom is trying to keep you out of the vet’s office.

“Lucky for us, we haven’t had to go. But it’s not from a lack of trying.”

“Watch those feet, will ya. I don’t know why you try so hard to rip toys apart.”

“I wish I could tell you. Maybe it’s the panther in me.”

“You sure give us all moments of concern.”

“Big stretch. What moments?”

“Well, like when a toy is ripped, and a big chunk is missing.”

” Feels good to stretch. We have had a few of those moments. Lucky for me, nothing came of it.”

“You can say that again. Good thing you have the stomach of a hippopotamus.”

“Oh, good shake. Well, now that I’m older, I don’t do that as much.”

“Except when you hit the leaves.”

“Okay, all this talk about eating things has me tired out.”

“I think I’ll join you.”

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

April 7, 2026April 7, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

Today I opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 205. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “quality.” No, that isn’t dirt on my finger. It’s a bruise from heaven knows where or how.

“It’s the quality that counts.”

“To me, they all look the same.”

“Well, I can assure you they are not.”

“So what’s the difference?”

“For one, the outside needs to be blemish-free and uniform in color.”

“Okay, a nice uniform brown.”

“Yes.”

“What else?”

“They need to be fresh.”

“How can you tell?”

“You look to see that they are moving. You don’t want one that has passed.”

“I pretty much grab one without all this scrutiny. Never checked to see that they are moving.”

“Which gives rise to an old saying.”

“What’s that?”

“A saying that describes someone who is not very discerning.”

“Okay, I give. What’s the saying?”

“Like a duck on a junebug.”

“I resemble that.”

“No kidding. Like every Mallard on the planet.”

“You Muscovys are so stuck up.”

“Look, junebug.”

“I’m on it.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on the First Tax Day in 1861.

April 6, 2026April 5, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

This post was first published on August 5th, 2019, which was the anniversary of the establishment of a tax to help pay for the Civil War. Since April 15th is coming up fast, I thought it might be fun to time-travel back to 1861 to get a feel of what it was like. Of course, there are rules to follow, so this list was developed to help stay out of trouble.

Top Ten Things Not to Do on the First Tax Day in 1861.

10 On the first tax day, do not try to find an H&R Block office for relief. If you do, at best, it will be an ice supply house. At worse, you will raise so much concern from those you ask that they will point you out to the tax collector. (The belief that you are trying to avoid your tax obligation is what landed you behind bars, Issac. Just tell them you made a mistake and intend to pay, and maybe they’ll let you go.)

9 On the first tax day, do not tell Tiny the WWF champ that he can’t come in to assess your net worth. If you do, at best, he will come in anyway. At worst, Tiny, who just left his rejection support group meeting, will reduce the place to sawdust. (The upside to Tiny’s visit, Iulio, is that you have no assets and therefore don’t owe any tax. Let’s not talk of the downside.)

8 On the first tax day, do not try to deduct your stay and meals as a business expense. If you do, at best, you will be laughed out of the room. At worse, the tax collector will call the Marshall, and you’ll be labeled as the first tax fraud case in the US. (The first tax was a 3% flat rate over 800 dollars ($13,000 today) of income, Iwdael. There are no deductions. Now tell the man you are sorry and cough up the money.)

7 On the first tax day, do not carry your “No Taxation Without Representation” protest sign. If you do, at best, no one will be able to read. At worst, you will be invited to spend the night at the Hoosegow Hotel. (These new revenuers have no sense of humor, Izeyah. I wouldn’t press my luck any further.)

6 On the first tax day, do not try to pay your taxes with corn. If you do, at best, the agent will think you are joking. At worst, the interpretation is that you are trying to evade your taxes. (You have to admit, Izreal trying to unload 100 bushels of corn in the tax office looks a little suspicious. You’ll find a broom and a shovel in the corner. Best to clean up the mess before you leave.)

5 On the first tax day, do not try to convince the tax collector that you are part of the 97% of the population that does not earn 800 dollars a year. If you do, at best, the collector will respect your attempt at avoiding the tax. At worse, the collector just declared to his staff that the next person who tries to lie about their income will be shot. (I think you’d better cough up the tax quickly, Ian. That collector is resting his hand on a very big six-shooter.)

4 On the first Tax day, do not show up in your most elegant clothes on the best horse. If you do, at best, the collector won’t notice. At worst, since your clothes and horse are better than the collector’s, your bill will be higher than it should be. (At this stage, Ibrahim, you might as well just pay it. Why you didn’t think to wear those old shoes and overalls is beyond me. You could have parked your horse down the street, too.)

3 On the first tax day, do not try to dazzle the tax collector with stacks of paperwork proving your lack of income. If you do, at best, you will be ignored. At worse, the agent will assume you are up to something illegal and double your tax assessment. (It would have been better just to tell them the truth, Igore. After all, 3% is not a lot to pay.)

2 On the first tax day, do not put in an application to join the IRS. If you do, at best, no one will understand you. At worst, you’ll give away your time traveler status since the IRS wasn’t established until 1862. (Well, easy come, easy go, Ishmael. It is now time to hit the bricks and get back to your own timezone. Otherwise, you might be spending a lot of time in a very damp and chilly place.)

1 On the first tax day, do not think you can tell the tax collector to send you a bill. If you do, at best, the collector will share a laugh with you. At worst, the collector will take measures to collect the tax today. ( That big guy in the corner is the enforcer, Ignatius. It is his job to extract the payment right now. He has been known to hold some by their ankles until the money falls to the floor. Just save us all the misery and pay the bill.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Eggstravaganza.

April 5, 2026April 4, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

Today is Easter, a good time to visit the Lakeway Easter Eggstravaganza at the park, sponsored by the Lakeway Parks and Recreation Department. We are catered by Acre 41 of Austin, and our entertainment is Judy Garland and Fred Astaire.

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

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

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

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

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

Prime Rib Hash – Caramelized onion, sweet peppers, Swiss cheese, fried egg

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

Bacon, Egg & Cheddar Sandwich – English muffin, thick-cut bacon, fried egg, cheddar

Chilaquiles Verde – sunny egg, tortilla chips, black bean, queso fresco, lime crema