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

October 18, 2024October 17, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

Waste2Race Le Mans Prototype race car – credit, SWNS

Today’s story comes from the Good News Network.

Hydrogen-Powered Car Fueled by Sewage Attempting to Break Land Speed Records

By Andy Corbley–Oct 17, 2024

A hydrogen-powered car fueled by sewage and manufactured with various recycled materials may soon attempt to break several land speed records.

The car was built by Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) students at the University of Warwick. It will run off a byproduct of wastewater from the utilities company Severn Trent Water.

The Waste2Race Le Mans Prototype race car (LMP3) has been built from a selection of spare and unused parts to further its sustainable street cred in a world little-regarded for its sustainability—motorsport.

The car itself will be used to try to break one of several land speed records depending on how it performs, including the fastest standing and flying starts for both a mile and a kilometer. Its creators hope to have the car fully up and running in the next 6 to 12 months.

The parts themselves come from Ginetta, a British specialist builder of racing and sports cars based in Leeds. Among its green bits and bobs are recycled carbon fiber materials and a wing mirror made from beetroot waste.

The steering wheel is also 100% natural, while the firm ENRG Motorsport contributed a battery recovered from a crashed road car.

“These sorts of collaborations are a great example of how businesses, universities, and the endless curiosity of our students can break barriers and push the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Head of the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Research Group at WMG, Professor Kerry Kirwan.

“We’re incredibly proud of the ingenuity of our students and wish them all the best of luck in their land speed record attempt.”

WMG staff and students aim to complete the car in 2025 and use it to showcase a wide range of sustainable concepts being developed across the university and industry.

“We have a firm commitment to support technologies that have positive impacts on our environment, from reducing the process emissions at our sites to developing the circular economy in our region and helping partners like the University of Warwick to realize potentially game-changing new technologies like this,” Richard Walwyn, Head of Asset Intelligence & Innovation at Severn Trent Water, said in a statement.

The project, ‘Waste2Race’, comes as manufacturers such as Alpine and Toyota are exploring hydrogen as a fuel for future racing cars. BMW recently announced plans for its first hydrogen car to go on sale in 2028.

Typically, hydrogen fuels are investigated for their potential to power heavy machinery such as planes, trains, and construction equipment.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most famous motorsport events in the world, will open the race to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in 2026 as a way of greening the event.

The Good News in this story is that motorsport racing is getting serious about carbon emissions. Today’s JohnKu talks about carbon emissions efforts. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

We want to reduce,

Emissions in the U.S. . . .

Who else is on board?

Thursday – A Little Personal – Tempeste and Twiggy at Play (sort of)

October 17, 2024October 16, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 106 Comments

“Well, Twiggy. Looks like another day.”

“Yes, it is. A new opportunity for fun and learning.”

“What kind of fun and learning?”

“We can start off with a jungle ruckus.”

“Great idea. The Panther strikes fast and first.”

“Hey, we didn’t say go.”

“The early bird gets the worm.”

“I’ll show you early bird and worm.”

“Whoa, that was some move.”

“I’ve got more too.”

“Okay, okay. You got me pinned.”

“So much for the early bird. More like a dirty bird.”

“I guess I’ll think first before trying a preemptive strike.”

“Might be a good idea. How about a nap?”

“Ah, this is more like it. Are you going to lay down?”

“Yes, but I must make sure everything is okay first.”

“While you’re checking, I’ll make myself more comfortable.”

“Yeah, why not. The puma sniffs the air.”

“You hear that?”

“I sure did. I think it was a UPS van a couple of miles away.”

“A couple of miles? Still time for a snooze.”

“You better be ready on my signal. Those guys can sneak up on you.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Contemplation

October 15, 2024October 14, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

Today, I opened Our Justice randomly to page 151. I pointed to the page with my eyes closed, and the word contemplation was closest to my finger.

“You’re quiet.”

“Yeah.”

“Is it a contemplation, or are you not feeling well?”

“A little of both, I suppose.”

“Aw. What is bothering you?”

“I think I overate at lunch.”

“I thought you seemed overly hungry.”

“I don’t think it was that.”

“What was it then?”

“I have been wondering why we were put on the Earth. I think the contemplation of that question just got me to a point where I binge ate.”

“Well, I have certainly had that feeling myself.”

“You have?”

“Yes. A while back, I was also wondering what is the ultimate meaning of life?”

“Oh wow. Then I’m not weird.”

“Not at all. I think most thinking beings ask themselves that very thing. Especially in our case, given the way we live.”

“By the way we live, what do you mean?”

“We have to rely on some unfortunate circumstance to happen in order to get a meal.”

“What do you mean by unfortunate?”

“Like today. We would never have had such a beautiful lunch had that raccoon not run under that car.”

“Oh, I get it. We need road kill to survive.”

“Exactly.”

“But I never thought such a thing was unfortunate.”

“No. Then ask our lunch host the next time.”

“Oh, my goodness. I never thought of them. Is there a way to change how we find food?”

“Like become vegans? Don’t make me laugh. We are vultures, and we are destined to eat what has gone before us.”

“So contemplation about such things is not very healthy.”

“Just think of this. If we weren’t here, who would clean up the mess left by a dead animal? Certainly not humans. They can’t seem to pick up a beer can, let alone a skunk.”

“So we have purpose.”

“You bet. And some pretty fine eats.”

“Thanks, you’ve helped me.”

“Good. Feel better?”

“Yeah. Let’s catch a thermal and find another meal.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do Yourself

October 14, 2024October 13, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 94 Comments

This post ran on October 2, 2017. I’m still heeding its advice. I hope you find it useful too.

Ten things not to do

Top Ten Things Not to Do Yourself

10 If your electrical service is out, do not try to diagnose and fix the problem. If you do, at best, you’ll melt a screwdriver. At worst, the jolt you receive will clear your mind and sinus. (The manual said the white wire was dead, huh, Bandos?)

9 If your pipes leak, do not try the DIY plumber ploy. If you do at best, you can get the leak to stop a little. At worst, you will finally give up when the water level is above your knees. (Did that last tighten move break everything loose, Berto?)

8 If you need to fix the drywall, do not do it alone. If you do, at best, you’ll finally give up. At worst, you’ll pull something that really hurts. (I hope you enjoy the body cast, Brandt. It is only for twelve weeks.)

7 If your roof needs repair, do not go up there. If you do, at best, the gutters will break your fall. At worst, you can be heard screaming for blocks as you slide down the roof only to land on Tiny, the WWF champ, who just started his new job at UPS. (Notice how fast Tiny recovers from a sneak attack? Too bad every bone in your body won’t let you run away, Burley.)

6 If your window needs replacement, do not try it alone. If you do, at best, it will fall out while your back is turned. At worse, the first wind will cause the window to fall from the second story just as the minister rings your doorbell. (Belonging to that church was optional, right, Burt?)

5 If your siding needs to be replaced, do not do it with friends. If you do, at best, no one will get hurt. At worst, the job will go well until your neighbor steps off the ladder, thinking he is at ground level. (A little too much beer and the second story does seem like ground level, Boswell.)

4 If there is concrete work to do, do not do it. If you insist, at best, the work will look like a kindergarten class project. At worst, the idea of handprints and initials will take on a sinister aspect when you can’t get free. (On TV, that Hollywood Walk of Fame thing looks easy. Right. Brinsley?)

3 If you have a tree that needs removal, do not think you are Paul Bunyan. If you do, at best, the only limbs affected are on the tree. At worst, your scream of “timber” is totally ignored by your house, which never moved. ( Nice to have that two-story view of the sky, huh, Buzzy?)

2 If you have necessary tile work, do not think it is as easy as it looks. If you do, at best, that herringbone pattern appears like a fun house mirror. At worst, your first shower in the newly tiled space will resemble a melting marshmallow flow. (There was something about waiting for 72 hours for the grout to dry, wasn’t there, Bodie?)

1 If your house needs to be power washed, do not think you can do it. If you do, at best, you’ll quit in time. At worst, you won’t notice that the strong spray is taking off the paint along with the dirt. (If you pay attention, Burl, you can also see the lighting fixtures blown into the neighbor’s yard.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Halloween Decorations

October 13, 2024October 12, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 94 Comments

Today, we will cruise the Neighborhood and look for Halloween decorations. Acre 41 of Austin will cater our event, and Mitch Ryder will entertain us.

Faroe Islands Salmon – ACRE 41 Specialty Item. Wild rice, manchego roasted asparagus, heirloom tomato salsa

Gulf Shrimp and Grits – charred corn, bacon, white cheddar, grits, blistered tomato, jalapeño

Diver Scallops – miso-ginger cream, roasted trumpet mushroom, wilted spinach

Truffled Bucatini – beurre fondue, pecorino romano, black pepper

Belly-On Pork Chop – ACRE 41 Specialty Item. Heirloom carrot, roasted brussels, cider-maple jus

Chile-Glazed Organic Chicken – broiled sweet potato, blistered sweet peppers, red chile glaze

14oz Prime Rib- natural beef jus, horseradish cream, whipped potato

Come on, get on the Halloween bus.

A spider with a smile.

Scary ghosts and not so scary pumpkin.

Taking a nap before Halloween.

A very strange decoration for sure.

A flower child past her prime.

Whole house decorations.

A big threat.

Tall ghoul. Frightened skelly.

A fun wish for Halloween.

A very happy display.

Witche’s cauldron.

Orkin man needed here.

Don’t go here for trick or treat. It’s a trap.

The yard needs something for Halloween.

Time to get the mail.

I hope you enjoyed the tour. It is now time for food and to enjoy the music.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Clip

October 12, 2024October 11, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

A note on the coffee machine held in place by a clip made a heart-stopping announcement: THE MACHINE IS OUT OF ORDER. This is the message from hell. There is no signature and, therefore, no avenue of appeal. How can the machine be out of order? What manner of trickery is this? Who is responsible? All are good questions, followed by the sound of crickets.

There is only one thing left to do before my carbon unit goes into shutdown mode.

A trip to the coffee store is now a matter of life and death. There can be no delay since neurons in my brain are beginning to misfire. One fist won’t open so it is clear before any more symptoms develop, survival demands a shutdown of the security system and quick exit.

The turret machine guns are set to stand by, the boiling oil cauldron tipping mechanism is turned off, and the automated arrow launching pods are unarmed. In addition, the Trebuchet, ballista, and falling rock device are switched to manual. The claymore mines are set to manual, the mote net rolled back, and the concertina wire retracted. The Iron gate is raised, and the bolts are thrown on the front door.

There is a guy standing on the porch with a large carryout container of Dunkin Donuts coffee. “Is that world-famous author J.W. Howell?”

“Uh, I’m J. W. Howell”

“Good. Here’s your coffee.”

I take it in my only functioning hand and thank the man. He nods and then leaves. Not looking a gift horse in the mouth, a big sip of the magical liquid brings me back to life. Just as my memory returns, I feel the buzz of an incoming text. It is from Linda Hill and reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “clip.” Use it as a noun or a verb, 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/2024/10/11/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-12-2024/

“Did you ever find out what was wrong with the machine?”

“No. I did a self-repair and was good as new by the afternoon.”

“Who put the clip with the note?”

“I have no idea.”

“Who called for the delivery?”

“I know this will sound strange, but I think the machine did.”

“Oh, come on. Machines can’t do that.”

“This one almost seems alive. I haven’t told anyone this, but I lock the kitchen door when I go to bed.”

“You’re kidding.”

“No. I know it sounds nuts, but that thing gives me the willies.”

“Why not get a different one?”

“Cause it makes the best coffee.”

“Yeah, that reminds me of the old joke about the five-dollar-a-day workhand.”

“Haven’t heard it.”

“This farmer has a five dollar-a-day work and who burned all his crops and set fire to the barn and house. When asked if he fired the guy, he said. ‘No.'”

“No? why not?”

“His answer was, ‘Where am I going to get a five-dollar-a-day workhand to replace him.'”

“Good one, Henny Youngman. Order an Uber.”

“Right over there. You have a choice today.”

A new FJ40 Toyota Land Cruiser or..”

“Your old 1978 FJ40 Land Cruiser

“Wow, that is a tough choice. In fact, my old FJ brings a tear to the eye.”

“Don’t get carried away. Just choose.”

“I’m choosing the old one.”

“Good. Let’s go. Remember that the old one has a top-end clip of 60 miles an hour, so it will take a little time.”

“I’m ready.”

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

October 11, 2024October 10, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

Today’s good news comes from the Good News Network.

Huge environmental win’: Australia to Protect 52% of its Oceans, More Than Any Other Country

Andy Corbley–Oct 10, 2024

Over 10,000 square miles of protected area will be added to the Heard and McDonald Islands in Australia’s far southern territorial waters.

Coupled with other expansions of existing marine sanctuaries. By the end of the current administration’s term, Australia is on course to have 52% of its ocean territory protected, more than any other nation.

“This is not just a huge environmental win for Australia, it’s a huge environmental win for the world,” said Australian Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. “This is a unique and extraordinary part of our planet. We are doing everything we can to protect it.”

Located over 2,000 miles south of the Australian continent, the Heard and McDonald Islands are about 144 square miles of volcanic terrain and represent one of the most remote places on Earth.

They are important breeding grounds for 19 bird species, including 4 species of penguins, and dozens of other bird species take refuge there. The area is a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site, a RAMSAR Wetland, and an Australian national marine sanctuary.

The quadrupling of the sanctuary borders amounts to 11.5 thousand square miles (30,000 sq km) of additional protection but represents one-tenth of the total proposed expansions of marine protected areas.

Under the current guidance, prepared by nationally sanctioned scientific surveys, the total marine protected areas will make up an area the size of Italy.

The current administration of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is seeking to establish a new environmental protection agency, as well as set a high bar for the country’s commitments to an international philosophy of conservation governance known shorthand as “30×30” or “30 by 30,” which states that to prevent the worst effects of general environmental degradation worldwide, 30% of land and waters should be under protections. Often, the second thirty refers to a hypothetical 2030 deadline.

The good news in this article is that Australia’s leadership is taking serious steps to protect precious resources. Today’s JohnKu talks about serious environmental measures. I hope you have a terrific weekend.

Serious efforts,

Must be made to bring the world . . .

Into compliance.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste at Play

October 10, 2024October 8, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 119 Comments

“The panther spots the unsuspecting puma in the valley.”

“The puma senses a lurking presence.”

“The panther goes for the throat.”

“The puma wards off the attack.”

“The panther finds herself in a bit of trouble.”

“The puma gives the panther a chance to surrender.”

“The panther breaks the hold and parries with a jaw thrust.”

“The puma avoids the razor-sharp teeth.”

“The panther tries for an upper leg grip.”

“The puma shakes the grip off.”

“Well, that was fun, Twiggy. I say it is a draw.”

“It is so good to see you back to near normal.”

“I have to say it feels better, and I’m happier off the medicine.”

“You still have to take it easy but are recovered.”

“What now?”

“I hear the call of a nap.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Recognized

October 8, 2024October 7, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

Today, I randomly opened Circumstances of Childhood to page 177 and pointed to the page with my eyes closed. Under my finger is the word ‘recognized.’ Our prompt.

“Why the clown mask. You going to a party?”

“I don’t want to be recognized.”

“By whom?”

“That guy standing by the tree.”

“Who is he?”

“I have no idea, but he’s been there for a while.”

“What makes you think he has any interest in you?”

“Just a feeling.”

“You think he won’t notice the clown mask?”

“At least he won’t know it’s me.”

“Have you been into the marijuana again? You sound paranoid.”

“No, I haven’t. Just look at the guy, though.”

“Okay, what am I looking for?”

“Notice the hat.”

“Yeah. What about it?”

“Says John Deere.”

“So?”

“Check the jacket.”

“Yeah.”

“Down filled.”

“Okay.”

“Now look at that shotgun.”

“I didn’t see that before. Yikes, I know what you mean. ”

“Yeah, it’s hunting season, and that is a hunter.”

“From one pheasant to another, let me tell you something.”

“What?”

“That clown mask won’t fool him for a minute.”

“I guess you are right. My tail feathers are a dead giveaway. I think I’ll just stay in today.”

“Good decision. Me too.”

Top Ten Things Not to Say in a Text

October 7, 2024October 6, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

This post ran on October 28th, 2019. I think it still may have some merit.

* * *

Top Ten Things Not to Say in a Text

10 If you are texting, do not say, “Will you marry me?” If you do, at best, your intended battery has failed. At worst, your reply will be a short and sweet “Kiss off.” (You see, Jayyed, marriage is a serious thing. Your casual approach does not instill confidence that you would make the right partner.)

9 If you are texting, do not say “yes” to Tiny, the WWF champ, when he wants to buy you a couple of rounds. If you do, at best, Tiny won’t be able to find you. At worst, when you meet Tiny at the gym, you suddenly understand that he wasn’t talking about drinks. (Well, here you are, Jedd. I would lie back during the rounds and try not to break any bones.)

8 If you are texting, do not tell someone a family member has passed. If you do, at best, your server will be down. At worst, the news will not be taken well. (So now you are responsible for another mental breakdown, Jedidiah. It’s no wonder they are not speaking to you anymore.)

7 If you are texting, do not tell someone you are breaking up with them. If you do, at best, they didn’t like you anyway. At worst, you now have a lifelong enemy. (Way to go, Jennis. This could have gone so much better face-to-face. How did that boiling bunny get on your stove anyway?)

6 If you are texting, do not answer the text and photo that asks, “How do I look in this?” If you do, at best, you’ll say, “Great.” At worst, you’ll try and be helpful. (Admitting that hat looked ridiculous has just earned you a cold night in the dog house, Jensen. You see, that was the favorite pick.)

5 If you are texting, do not send an “I’m mad at you” text. If you do, at best, the recipient has turned off their phone. At worst, the recipient will become very defensive. (So how are you going to patch this up, Jeremias? You weren’t all that angry in the first place, and now you have WWIII on your hands.)

4 If you are texting, do not ask, “What do you like about me?” If you do, at best, the response will be something you like. At worst, the answer will be something like, “You have a great personality.” (What did you expect, Jerett? This is not the kind of question to put in a text. You are lucky you didn’t get a compliment on your deodorant.)

3 If you are texting, do not ask where the relationship is going. If you do, at best, the recipient will call you. At worst, you might get a reply like, “To Milwaukee.” (Well, I guess you could have predicted that response, Jerico. What did you want the person to say in a text message? HUH? Dope.)

2 If you are texting, do not send a message with the words “I love you” for the very first time. If you do, at best, the recipient will think you are drunk. At worst, the recipient will get the idea you cannot face commitment in person. (That was a lousy idea, Jerren. Let’s hope an in-person statement will undo the damage. You are a bit of a clod, though.)

1 If you are texting, don’t send a message that has drama around it, like, “Where were you last night?”. If you do, at best, the recipient will delete it. At worst, you’ll get a response that you hate. ( “I was out with Bill” is something you didn’t expect, huh, Jerrick? I guess that will learn ya.)