with John W. Howell
Today, we are going to check out new mailbox toppers. Swifts Attic of Austin is catering our event, and Stevie Wonder is our entertainment.
Menu
Waiting on the nectar that sustains all life. I’m not sure why it is taking so long, but to investigate, a fork is put into play to remove the inspection hatch plate. All seems normal until it appears the start button has not been pushed. This demonstrates the need for the glorious liquid before doing anything important.
Once started, the coffee is delivered post haste. The first sip suggests that a little time travel might be welcome this morning. The clock is set for October 4th, 1924. The location is Washington, D.C., and the duration is an hour. The plunger pulled finds us in President’s Park, south of State Place Northwest, between 17th Street Northwest and West Executive Avenue Northwest.
We are here at the dedication of the First Division Monument. The Monument commemorates those who died while serving in the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army during World War I and subsequent wars. We arrive in time to hear Calvin Coolidge’s comments, which include dedication and speaking out against the Geneva Protocol, which would mandate all countries to seek arbitration of disputes in a world court.
The Monument inscribes 5,516 names of fallen heroes from WWI and over 7,000 additional names from subsequent wars. As Calvin wraps up his comments, our alarm goes off, and we land softly on the sofa. A text from Linda Hill comes in and reads:
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “fork.” 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/2024/10/04/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-5-2024/
Fork by John W. Howell © 2024
“A lovely monument.”
“Yes, it is. Sad that it is necessary, though.”
“Yeah, I agree. That Geneva Protocol sounded like a good idea.”
“It did require countries to give up their ability to formulate their own response to aggression by another. It also allowed countries not signing up to do as they please. Long story short, no one was buying the concept.”
“I noticed you did October 4th when this is the 5th.”
“October 4th in 1924 was a Saturday, so I thought I would keep it the same day.”
“You really plan this stuff out well.”
“Sometimes, I reach a fork in the road. To the right is too much information. To the left, not enough. I have to choose the best course.”
“Yeah, I think the best course is the cocktail hour. Even beats the appetizer.”
“Okay, I get it. Did you call Uber?”
“Yup, they are here.”
“I love that. So secure. We could even have a VooDoo Ranger on the way to the pub. We should stop on the way and get some.”
“Maybe we could pick up a couple of bags of money too.”
“Let’s not be talking felonies here.”
“I’m just sayin'”
“Just get in and mind your own business. Speaking of money, it looks like that’s what we have to sit on.”
“I’m game.”
“Just keep your hands to yourself.”
“Yes, boss.”
Today’s story comes from the Good News Network.
The analysis of health records of more than 120,000 adults in the UK with an average age of 57 found that people who are happy with their lives are significantly less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.
They were also less likely to develop coronary artery disease, suffer a heart attack or heart failure, or have a stroke than those with lower levels of well-being, according to the study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Researchers suggest that a holistic approach to life that includes regular physical activities, social activities, and/or stress management techniques is an effective way to enhance personal well-being.
The study found that, compared to adults with a low sense of well-being, the overall risk of developing cardiovascular disease was 10% to 21%—being lower for people with the highest well-being scores.
Compared to adults with a low sense of well-being, people with the highest well-being scores had a 44% lower risk of coronary artery disease, a 45% lower risk of stroke, a 51% lower risk of heart failure, and a 56% lower risk of heart attack.
“Our findings support a holistic approach to health care, where enhancing a person’s mental and emotional well-being is considered an integral part of preventing heart disease and stroke,” said study senior author Professor Wen Sun of the University of Science and Technology of China.
“Health care professionals might consider including strategies to improve life satisfaction and happiness as part of routine care, such as recommending regular physical activities, social activities or stress management techniques as effective ways to enhance personal well-being.”
It is well-known that life satisfaction, or well-being, can increase mental health.
But, until now, the influence of well-being on cardiovascular health was less clear.
After reviewing questionnaires from more than 120,000 participants in the UK Biobank database, the Chinese research team assessed well-being related to satisfaction with family, friendships, health, finances, and general happiness.
They analyzed the potential connection of well-being with the development of four major cardiovascular diseases: coronary heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
The study also examined the impact of well-being on lifestyle factors and inflammatory markers.
“These results underscore the profound impact that emotional and psychological health can have on physical well-being, shedding light on intricate biological mechanisms that were not fully appreciated before,” Professor Sun said.
“They add to the growing body of data that psychological health can impact cardiovascular risk,” said Professor Glenn Levine of Baylor College of Medicine, who was not involved in the study, said of the findings. “Much of the focus on psychological health has understandably been on negative factors such as depression and stress.”
“This study emphasizes the importance of positive psychological health, including the more global factor of a person’s sense of well-being.”
The good news in this article is that we can control our physical health through our mental health. Today’s JohnKu talks about mind over matter. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
The Mind by John W. Howell © 2024
Research shows the mind,
It is an effective health tool . . .
Needing care, as well.
“What was the surgery for this time?”
“Tempest had an elongated soft palate that, if not taken care of, would cause problems later. She will be able to breathe better and not have issues with gagging later in life.”
“Is she going to be okay?”
“Yes. She is a little sleepy from the anesthesia.”
“Come on, Dad. Give it to me straight. She doesn’t look okay.”
“This is perfectly normal. Her body needs to rest, and traces of the anesthesia cause her to be sleepy.”
“I guess I’ve never seen her so still. When can she play?”
“Her recovery time is going to be at least three days. Playing will be based on how she feels after that.”
“Three days? How are we going to keep her quiet for three days?”
“For one, you can help by not engaging in any incidences of ruckus.”
“I can do that. You must know, though, that she’s the one who usually starts it.”
“I do know that, but you’ll be a big sister and not engage even if she tries.”
“Okay, I will do my best.”
“That’s all we can ask.”
“I must admit I like her as an awake panther better.”
“It won’t be long, Twiggy. She’ll be attacking you before you know it.”
“Don’t tell her, Dad, but I hope you’re right.”
I randomly opened the book His Revenge to page 109. Without looking, I pointed to the page, and the closest word to my finger was a tie between hot and water, so I used both.
Hot Water by John W. Howell © 2024
“What are you reading?”
“A fascinating book about scientific experiments.”
“Really. You don’t look like the science type to me.”
“Oh yeah. I have been interested in science ever since I was little.”
“Funny you think you know someone, and then they surprise you.”
“Well, it’s not like I’m a dolt, you know.”
“I didn’t mean to imply you were. I’m just surprised, is all.”
“Okay. I can see that.”
“Any experiments touch your fancy?”
“Yes. One in particular stood out for me.”
“What was it.”
“It was where a frog was put into some water and gradually heated.”
“Oh, I remember. The frog finally was boiled in the hot water.”
“That’s the one.”
“Wait a minute. You are sitting in water.”
“Yeah, and it’s becoming hot water.”
“You should get out.”
“But it doesn’t feel hot to me.”
“Hello. That’s cause you are a frog, and you’ll end up dead.”
“I guess you are right. It is amazing how our bodies adapt to the changing temperature, isn’t it?”
“Amazing and dangerous. I only find that trait useful when it gets freezing.”
“Now that I’m out of there, it seems cold.”
“Well, duh. No more temperature experiments, okay?”
“I could use a coffee.”
“Good idea. Let’s hit the Lilly Pad Thai place.”
This post ran on April 1, 2019. Since there are still birthdays to consider, I hope it is useful now.
* * *
If your significant other is having a birthday, there are things that you should not do. Yesterday was my significant other’s birthday, except for one thing: I managed to avoid the other stuff on the list.
Top Ten Things Not to Do on Your Significant Other’s Birthday by John W. Howell © 2019
10 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not take a lot of time writing a Ten Things Not to Do list. If you do, at best, there is still time for other activities. At worst, you will run out of time to celebrate the birthday. (Now you are in deep yogurt, Ghoukas. What happened to the cake, presents, and good wishes? You better pray for understanding.)
9 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not go to the gym with Tiny, the WWF wrestling champ. If you do, at best, you’ll only have sore muscles from sparring with him. At worst, Tiny will show you his latest helicopter spin and drop maneuver. (Hard to celebrate from the ER, huh, Giancarlo? Don’t worry; someone will call and let your significant other know you won’t attend the party.)
8 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not think a packet of beef jerky from the convenience store is the perfect gift. If you do, at best, your significant other will take it as a joke. At worst, you’ll be dining alone tonight. (That beef jerky helps cover the taste of the crow, Gili. Better luck next year.)
7 If your significant other is having a birthday, don’t forget to cancel your participation in the weekly bowling event. If you do forget, at best, you’ll stay home. At worst, you’ll go to the event and suffer dire consequences. (Did no one ever tell you about life choices, Gilvaethwy? You now must live with the results of your neglect. Please remember it was Fido’s house before you moved in.)
6 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not think going to your favorite place is the best experience for a birthday. If you do, at best, none of the usual crowd are there. At worst, your bowling team members and the local motorcycle club are having a beer-chugging contest. (You could have made a reservation at a beautiful place, Giovany. But no, your significant other is being cheered on as she downs a quart bong. Tomorrow is not going to be a good day for you.)
5 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not expect a home-cooked meal instead of dinner out. If you do, at best, you’ll get cold cuts. At worst, your significant other will cook something and leave it with a note telling you a restaurant visit was expected. (It looks like your significant other and a bunch of friends are having more fun than you, Girvin.)
4 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not offer to bake a cake unless you know what you are doing. If you do, at best, you can still have time to call the bakery. At worst, the suggestion will be made to use your masterpiece as a doorstop. (Never knew frosting would get that hard, did you, Glaucus? Maybe NASA would like to know about your formula.)
3 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not buy a card with a message that is obviously not a natural expression of your feelings. If you do, at best, your significant other will get a chuckle. At worst, the inscription, “Roses are red, Violets are blue, I want to run away, How about you?” will be taken the wrong way. (You were talking about a trip together, Gobrwy. What the heck are you doing in court?)
2 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not give a gift you know is unsuitable. If you do, at best, you might be able to keep it. At worst, you might be wearing it. (They say to give a gift you would like to receive, Godric. I’m not sure your significant other had a cordless weed trimmer in mind as the perfect gift.)
1 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not invite guests who your significant other does not know to the celebration. If you do, at best, some new friendships will be made. At worst, you will get no kudos for the uncomfortable feeling your significant other will have in a room filled with strangers. (It seemed like a good idea at the time, Gofraidh. You better get over there. It looks like your significant other and your boss are having some kind of argument.)
Today, we are going to explore the neighborhood and check out what some consider trash. Is there treasure? You can decide. We are catered by Arlo Grey of Austin. Or entertainment is Mary Heather Hickman.
Menu
OLIVE OIL POACHED HALIBUT
cioppino broth, clam escabeche, kennebec potato, tarragon, baby carrot
BRICK HALF CHICKEN
sweet pepper puree, butterscotch squash, romesco, celery & pickled pepper salad
16 OZ GRILLED BERKSHIRE PORK CHOP
field pea, scallion & apple salad, sunflower seed, ginger pork jus,
TX summer squash
17 OZ PEELER RANCH WAGYU RIBEYE
crispy crepe, turnip, little gem, pickled mushroom, yukon potato, beef fat aioli
AG BURGER & SALAD
caramelized onion, pickles, mayo, whipped potato, greens
sub fries, add bacon
BUCATINI
toasted corn sauce, black truffle, corn nut, chanterelle
MAFALDINI
champignon sauce, pearl onion, parmesan
CRISPY RICE
saffron aioli, crab, bacon, cucumber, cilantro, haricot vert
So Let’s go.
Good looking pool float chairs.
Aw, come on. A perfectly good chair,
Baby seat looks new.
A lounge chair. You do have to wonder what’s under the cover.
This looks like it will still work.
Okay a mattress might not be good used.
Kitchen sink.
An attic pull-down stairway. This might be trash.
Okay, more trash.
Nothing wrong with that dolly that a bit of paint and fresh rope couldn’t cure.
Just needs to stand up and a game of horse is instant.
Plastic wrap headboard. Just waiting for a bed.
Time now to enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a great week.
&
The desire for something different led to punching the Latte button instead of plain coffee. Had to stand back as the machine did its work. Much hissing and bubbling produced a tall glass of delightful milk foam and a layer of golden nectar. Someone called out my name, so I knew it was ready. While taking a big sip and noting the foam mustache, the Westminster chimes of the doorbell caused an instant eruption.
Twiggy and Tempeste were all about barking the intruder to St. Louis. Getting them settled was not easy. The question of what idiot would ring a doorbell when there is a sign to not do that is still unanswered.
Moving to the security system, the shutdown process begins.
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.
Standing there is a character who looks very much like Elmer Fudd. I ask what he wants, and he responds, “Have you seen a wabbit around here?”
“No, I have not seen a Wabbit.”
“If you do can you give me a call?”
“Might I ask what business you have with the Wabbit?”
“I want to shoot him. Here’s my card.”
“Okay Thanks. I’ll call if I see him.”
The guy turns around and heads off the porch. My mental note reads “No way Jose.” After dumping the card and touching the security activate switch the text tone causes me to check my phone. The text reads Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “i before e.” Find a word that has an “i” before an “e” even if there’s a letter between them, and use it for your prompt word. Have fun!
To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2024/09/27/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-28-2024/
I before e by John W. Howell © 2024
“I missed it.”
“What?”
“Your i before e word.”
“Yeah I snuck it in there.”
“Mind telling me where?”
“The first sentence.”
“For goodness sake. I believe you fooled us all.”
“I doubt that. There are efficient readers who will catch it right away.”
“Well I’m not one of them.”
“You are sharper at other science subjects.”
“Like what?”
“The benefits of a good VooDoo Ranger.”
“You said it not me.”
“Call Uber.”
“Already done. He’s over there.”
“A 1965 Shelby Cobra. We are going to need two trips.”
“Yeah, but what a sweet ride.”
“Since you are the neediest, I’ll let you go first.”
“You are a mensch. Still buying, right?”
“Yes, I’m still buying.”
“See ya.”
A team of student archaeologists in France was surprised while working on a site dating to Gaulic times.
The excavations, carried out under the direction of Guillaume Blondel, director of the municipal archaeological service of the city of Eu, delivered, among other things, a moving and very special testimony from the past.
Located in a previously investigated section of the site, a message was discovered in a small glass bottle from the 19th century accompanied by two coins: a “time capsule” buried almost 200 years ago, a statement from the service read.
“P. J. Féret, a native of Dieppe and member of various intellectual societies, excavated here in January 1825. He continues his investigations in this vast area known as the Cité de Limes or Caesar’s Camp.”
The message in a bottle had been carefully placed in a ceramic pot dating to a much earlier century so that future archaeologists would be sure to find it.
“It was an absolutely magic moment,” Mr. Blondel told the BBC. “We knew there had been excavations here in the past, but to find this message from 200 years ago… it was a total surprise.”
“Sometimes you see these time capsules left behind by carpenters when they build houses. But it’s infrequent in archaeology. Most archaeologists prefer to think that there won’t be anyone coming after them because they’ve done all the work!”
Local archives indeed record P. J. Féret in the area as a historical excavator when the letter was dated.
The work was funded and carried out in partnership with the Regional Archaeology Service to preserve archaeological sites endangered by the coastline’s decline. Already a part of the ‘oppidum’ or fortified Gaulic camp, has fallen away with the crumbling of the coastal hillside on which it was perched.
The Gauls were a series of interconnected feudal (at best) and tribal (at worst) societies that shared societal, cultural, and warrior practices and who inhabited most of central and western Europe during the time of the Roman Republic.
Gaius Julius Caesar waged a campaign to pacify Gaul, hence the name “Caesar’s Camp,” which brought Spain, France, and Belgium under Roman control.
The good news in this story is that the past has been preserved to be studied today. Today’s JohnKu talks about history. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
History by John W. Howell © 2024
The past can teach us,
Many lessons about now . . .
If we want to learn.
“So Twiggy, what makes you think someone’s coming?”
“I heard Mom mention a delivery.”
“FedEx or what?”
“Hmm. I think she said UPS. Maybe I’ll ask her.”
“If you ask, she’ll be on to us. We might be put in the no barking place.”
“Good thinking. I would hate to miss the opportunity.”
“I know. You taught me that barking UPS to St Louis is one of life’s pleasures.”
“The greatest is when UPS, FedEx, and Amazon all show up.”
I don’t think I have ever seen that.”
“No, but trust me. It will happen.”
“Are you sure you heard Mom correctly?”
“Well, yeah. I was standing by the sink, and she was looking at her phone.”
“Looking at her phone? You said she mentioned a delivery.”
“When she looks at her phone, it is usually a delivery on the way.”
“So you never heard her say ‘delivery.'”
“Give me strength. It doesn’t matter if she said it or not. A phone look is a delivery.”
“What about a text or something else?”
“Do you want to bark? Yes or no? If you do, you have to have faith.”
“Okay, I have faith.”
“Good. Stand by for a good bark, then.”
