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

September 13, 2024September 12, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

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

This Sleek New LA Commuter Train Is Pollution-Free

Andy Corbley–Sep 12, 2024

In Los Angeles County, a new, low-emissions commuter train is powering itself with hydrogen fuel cells to combat local and global smog.

Liquid or gaseous hydrogen is considered the best green alternative to the heavy fuels that power society’s largest machines, and this ZEMU train is just a few months away from starting routine service from San Bernadino and Redlands to LA proper.

ZEMU stands for zero-emissions multiple units and possesses several advantages over other decarbonized rail transport. Electric trains recharge via overhead powerlines, which require millions in funding to install and maintain and aren’t practical for long distances.

“The reality is it can be used anywhere existing rail happens now,” says Tim Watkins, chief of legislative and public affairs at the San Bernardino County Transit Authority, the agency behind the project. “It doesn’t require a new capital investment into infrastructure.”

Manufactured by the Swiss company Stadler, ZEMU trains take on hydrogen fuel split into hydrogen molecules, generating energy that recharges an electric battery that powers the train’s motors. The battery is also recharged by breaking, and the only emission of any sort is water vapor.

“I think it’s going to enable a lot of places to decarbonize without having to make costly investments in infrastructure,” Watkins told Fast Company Magazine.

The trains are currently undergoing the final testing phase on local tracks, and service is slated to begin in early 2025. At the moment, they use hydrogen created via fossil fuels, so while the localized emissions are still zero, the trains still have a carbon footprint.

Green hydrogen, made using renewable energy sources, is expected to be available in the not-too-distant future. However, as Adele Peters at Fast Company details, even if the trains lead to CO2 entering the atmosphere, San Bernadino needs zero-emissions transport quickly.

A leading air quality index survey recently gave the San Bernadino area an ‘F’ grade for air quality. The city suffers from more days of smog than almost any other city in America.

The good news in this report is that hydrogen fuel cell practicality is now a reality. Today’s JohnKu talks about exploring alternatives. I hope you have a terrific weekend.

Alternatives thrive,

When out of the box thinkers . . .

Dare to innovate.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Tempeste Tries Twiggy’s Patience

September 12, 2024September 10, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 97 Comments

“Do you see you are pulling the covers off the couch?”

“Yeah. It is so much fun, too.”

“I wish I could tell you the consequences, but you’ll find out yourself.”

“Oh, please? What harm does burrowing under the couch covers do?”

“Well, if you have dirty paws, it gets on the couch and not the cover.”

“I never have dirty paws. Besides, I hear all this stuff is like iron.”

“What’s like iron?”

“Oh, Hi, dad. We were just talking about how durable the couch is.”

“You are going to get a taste of durable on your butt if you don’t stop messing with these covers.”

“I tried to tell her, Dad.”

“Not sure I can get this stuff back the way it was, but I’ll try.”

“Dad. Give us a minute, and we’ll figure this out.”

“Twiggy, I can’t get this cover to co-operate.”

“This mess is the moral equivalent of the Titanic. I need to move.”

“Don’t leave me. I think I almost have it.”

“I see they are loading the last lifeboat. Bon Voyage, Tempeste.”

“What’s going to happen?”

“I think I hear Mom coming, so you may have to explain to her on your own.”

“Do you think she’ll be mad?”

“No more so than the captain of the Titanic.”

“Oh, that’s good.”

“Yeah. See ya.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Speedometer

September 10, 2024September 9, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

Today, I randomly opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 199 and, without looking at the page, I pointed. The word nearest my finger is ‘speedometer.’

“How fast are we going?”

“Looking at the speedometer, we are standing still.”

“Yeah, but the trees are rushing by, so we are moving.”

“I suppose there is no way to tell since the speedometer is on the fritz.”

“Just feels like we are going too fast.”

“I think that’s because you are used to slower speeds. Your walking speed is below 6.”

“I suppose you’re right. I have this funny feeling.”

“What feeling.”

“When I was climbing and took a dive, I got weightless. It feels like that.”

“Well, we’re still on the road and not flying.”

“Maybe the speed has something to do with it. The trees are now a blur.”

“Why am I not getting these feelings.”

“I think your size may have something to do with it.”

“I suppose that’s possible. Stop looking out the window.”

“How can I help it? There are windows all around. I don’t feel well.”

“How about I cover you so you don’t have to look.”

“Better than that, I’ll get on the floor. Can’t see anything from down there.”

“I told you this would be a bad idea.”

“I just hate to be left alone.”

“The trip is only an hour.”

“Still an hour of my time is seven of yours.”

“They told me cats hate to ride in cars.”

“I want to break that stereotype.”

“Just don’t barf, okay.”

“I feel better. I’ll reserve barfing for the living room.”

“Thanks.”

To Ten Things Not to Do on Social Media

September 9, 2024September 8, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

This post was originally published on August 6, 2018. Since we are all involved in social media, it may be worthwhile revisiting it.

* * *

Top Ten Things Not to Do on Social Media

This post was inspired by another post by award-winning author Jan Sikes. Jan wondered out loud whether we were all sharing too much on our social media efforts. In a comment back-and-forth, she suggested doing a “Top Ten Things Not to Do” post. You can see Jan’s post HERE.

The Top Ten Things Not to Do on Social Media.

10 If you are on social media, do not publish a photo of yourself making a hand gesture. If you do, at best, the gesture has an innocent intent. At worst, your gesture, no matter how honest, is seen by others as a reason to find out where you live. (It is incredible that you have all those people on your front lawn, Espen. Why do you think they are carrying torches and pitchforks?)

9 If you are on social media, do not post that you believe WWF wrestling is fake. If you do, at best, Tiny, the WWF champ, is out of the country without access to the internet. At worst, your post pops up on Tiny’s feed. (Looking through the peephole in your door does not give you the whole view of what is about to happen, Ethan. In fact, I would back up a bit so you are not hit by flying splinters. Better yet, run for your life.)

8 If you are on social media, do not engage in a back-and-forth discussion on politics with someone who has an AK 47 as a Gravatar. If you do, at best, you’ll stop before going too far. At worst, your last comment, which has no retort, will be followed by a high-pitched tone. (That tone is the sound of an incoming rocket-propelled grenade, Eupeithes. I would take cover.)

7 If you are on social media, do not publish pictures of your dinner, no matter where it is to be eaten. If you do, at best, most will miss it. At worst, the two likes you receive will indicate how poorly ham hocks and sour kraut with a side of succotash come across in a photo. (The fact that most of your readers decided to skip their dinner will return to haunt you, Eurystheus.)

6 If you are on social media, do not publish a GIF that blinks on and off with colorful stars and a giant pair of lips. If you do, at best, at least one reader will think it is cute. At worst, you will trigger several psychological and physical events that will hold you forever libel. ( I guess you had no idea the strobe effect would cause such a reaction, Evann. The injury attorneys will find that laughable.)

5 If you are on social media, do not broadcast that you are not home. If you do, at best, none of your readers will be cat burglars. At worst, you’ll return home from your trip to an empty house. (Normally, you are used to being alone at home, Everardo, but no furniture is a bit stark.)

4 If you are on social media, do not rant about a minor inconvenience in your day. If you do, at best, folks will just ignore you. At worst, you’ll get other stories that make your problem sound like a blessing. (Now, don’t you feel like a dope, Evgeni. You just had to demonstrate how shallow you are, didn’t you?)

3 If you are on social media, do not publish pictures of your new expensive purchases. If you do, at best, your materialism will define you. At worst, those followers with significantly less than you seem to have will drop you like a hot potato. ( I know you were happy you got that BMW, Evzen. All those folks in a ten-year-old Honda can’t help but be jealous.)

2 If you are on social media, do not pretend to recommend products that you like when, in reality, you are being paid. If you do, at best, your recommendations will be ignored. At worst, you will support something that doesn’t work. (Now you have an angry bunch of readers, Eric. What’s that they are saying about a class action suit?)

1 If you are on social media, don’t forget that your followers are individuals and deserve the best you have to offer. If you do forget, at best, a few unfollows will wake you up. At worst, you will need to start over with a new approach. (Funny how those thousands of followers disappeared, isn’t it, Edward?)

Views of the Neighborhood – City Hall Art Gallery

September 8, 2024September 7, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

Today, we are visiting the Lakeway City Hall Art Gallery. The artist whose work is on display is Gloria Hagan. We are catered by Juniper of Austin, and our entertainment is Kermit the Frog

Picture of an old time school bus

So Let’s go

About the artist

“Georgia’s love for painting blossomed during two weeks of lessons at a local Tulsa art museum in her teens. Years later, she had the opportunity to learn Chinese Brush Painting while living in Indonesia. The teacher was an artist who had escaped to Indonesia from China during Mao’s Cultural Revolution. Lessons were unusual, as the teacher spoke no English, while Georgia spoke no Chinese and only limited Indonesian.

Georgia picked up her paintbrush again in earnest as a post-retirement hobby when she moved to Lakeway. Friends from the Lakeway Church encouraged her to join the Lakeway Painters organization in 2015. The paintings displayed here result from her continued association with that group.

Here we are at the installation. As you can see, all the art is framed and matted. Because of light challenges, I was forced to crop out the frames so you could see the art close-up. Any smudges are from removing glare since all the art was under glass.

Untitled – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Look Out Below” –

Colored pencil on sanded paper

“How May I Serve You” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Pair of Oranges” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Harvest Spectacular” – Acrylic on canvas board

“Christmas Nutcracker” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“We’re Getting a Dog??” -Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Watching TV” – Penci on sanded paper

“Rocket” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Crested Crane” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Great Crested Grebes – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Where’s My Coffee?” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Buddy” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“You Call Uber?” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Goldie” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“I’ll Have What He’s Having” – Print of a colored pencil original

“Bambi’s Buddy – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Got Carrots?” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

Well, that’s the tour. Now it’s time to relax, listen to music, and enjoy some food. I hope you have a peaceful week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “tack/tech/tick/tock/tuck.”

September 7, 2024September 6, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

Coffee can’t come soon enough. There should be a way to start an IV while still in bed. In that way, stepping on legos, stubbed toes, tripping over footstools, and all manner of mayhem might be avoided. Such is impractical, so one must go through the minefield to reach the golden elixir. The first sip is worth the trouble. Once the brain came to life, the clock was the first thought. Although there was no tock to accompany the tick, the tech behind it is intact. It is set on September 6, 1914, and the tack is Atlantic City, New Jersey. A safety tuck under the arm and a plunger pull find us immediately at the Miss America pageant.

The fourth annual Miss America Pageant was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and won by Miss Philadelphia, Ruth Malcomson (1906—1988). The 1922 and 1923 winners, Mary Katherine Campbell (who had entered from Ohio as Miss Columbus), placed First Runner-Up. The pageant marked the last time previous winners were eligible to enter the Miss America pageant.

Mary Katherine Campbell ( December 18, 1905 – June 7, 1990) was The only person to win the Miss America pageant twice and the second woman in history to win the title.

Just as we were about to meet and greet the winners, the alarm drops us onto the old trusty couch. A text has arrived from Linda Hill. It reads:

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “tack/tech/tick/tock/tuck.’” Use one or use ’em all for the bonus points. Enjoy!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link: https://lindaghill.com/2024/09/06/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-7-2024/

“All those women and you didn’t get to talk to any?”

“That’s right. A sad thing, too.”

“I think you should take me with you on these ventures.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I would know what to do instead of standing around until the time ran out.”

“What would you do?”

“Get a few phone numbers. Maybe ask one out.”

“They are in the past. You know that, right? What good would a phone number do you?”

“Hmm. You make a good point. Okay, maybe just a quick hug.”

“I could see you getting hauled off to jail for assault.”

“All right, never mind. Let’s take a new tack.”

“Okay.”

“Does the tech in that tick-tock allow for return visits?”

“I suppose it does.”

“There you go then. We tuck that puppy in a bag and take it with us.”

“And?”

“When we need to extend time, we reset it and return.”

“Let me think on that.”

“I know the perfect thought juice.”

“VooDoo Ranger, right?”

“How did you guess?”

“How about Uber?”

“Right over there.”

“A 1949 Ford truck.”

“Looks that way. Of course, the 49 and 50 looked just like it.”

“The important part is you seem fascinated with trucks.”

“Yeah, I guess a soft spot, and we can buy two more VooDoo Rangers with what we save on the fare.”

“What do you mean ‘we?'”

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

September 6, 2024September 5, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

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

In the Choctaw Nation’s territory in Oklahoma, tribal leaders have erected a knotted statue to honor a 170-year-old cross-continental connection.

The “Eternal Heart” sculpture, combining a heart with a Celtic trinity shape, was designed to honor the eternal bond forged between the Choctaw Nation and the most unlikely of people: the Irish.

In 1847, when Ireland was experiencing years of starvation due to potato blight, the North American Choctaw tribe joined a compassionate campaign in the U.S. to help these strangers a whole ocean away from them.

Despite their own suffering, having been forced to relocate hundreds of miles from their native land, the tribe pooled their pennies and raised $170 (almost $5,000 in today’s currency) through a relief fund to send to Midleton in County Cork.

An early artist impression of the sculpture in Cork—released to the press.

Nine years ago, a soaring silver monument to honor these donations was unveiled in Cork, and Choctaw leaders were invited to the grand unveiling.

“The bond between our nations has strengthened over the years,” Chief Batton said. “We are blessed to have the opportunity to share our cultures, and meet the generous people who have continued to honor a gift from the heart.”

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Navajo and Hopi nations were experiencing high rates of infection, and the Irish saw their moment to demonstrate that they remembered the kindness shown to them by America’s native peoples. Irish donors raised $2.7 million for water and supplies through a GoFundMe, with many leaving messages of remembrance and hope.

“Ours is a debt that can never be repaid, but please consider this a small token of love and solidarity from your Irish brothers and sisters. Praying for the strength, well-being, and prosperity of your community always,” said Caroline Kelly, adding a Gaelic message of unity. “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.”

“When the Choctaw people had nothing, they gave Ireland all they could at a time when we needed it most. I know it’s not much, but I hope this helps our friends in their time of need,” added Ciaran Mc Brearty.

One of the truly wild parts of this historical story is that the people of 19th century Ireland who ultimately benefitted from the Choctaw donations didn’t learn about the aid money’s origin until decades after the famine had ended.

One can only imagine their surprise when the Midleton residents found out that it came not from Catholics or countrymen but from a group of ‘Indians,’ the conceptualizations of whom the Irish would have only possessed via written accounts of colonial explorers, and the high drama contained in early Wild West, Cowboys and Indians-like material distributed by publishers in America.

In 1995, then-Irish President Mary Robinson visited the Choctaw Nation to express gratitude and rekindle the friendship between the two nations. During the visit, President Robinson was appointed “Honorary Chief of the Choctaw Nation.” This historic visit began a renewed commitment to honor the bond forged by the Choctaws’ selfless act.

“It is a great honor to have a hand in exemplifying the Choctaw-Irish connection through my art,” said Choctaw sculptor Samuel Stitt. “The Choctaw culture of giving and caring for others is passed down to each generation. The ‘Eternal Heart’ is an artistic interpretation of how the Irish people and Choctaw Nation will forever be connected by that human characteristic of compassion—one people for another.”

The unveiling of the “Eternal Heart” sculpture reminds us of the power of compassion and solidarity and stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between the Choctaw Nation and the people of Ireland.

The good news in this report is helping others form a bond that could last a lifetime. Today’s JohnKu talks about helping others. I hope you have a wonderful week.

A simple gesture,

Of kindness to one in need . . .

Brings both together.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Tempeste Shows Twiggy Agility

September 5, 2024September 4, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 126 Comments

“Hey, Twiggy. I’ve been to an agility class. You want to see what I learned?”

“I would like that. I’ve never been.”

“Okay, so this thing is called a tire. I don’t know why, but it is.”

“So what do you do with it?”

“The idea is to jump through it.”

“Wow. You did that nicely.”

“They raise it up, so jumping through gets harder. Right now, it is perfect.”

“Are there other things to jump?”

“Oh yeah. There is a crossbar, and they also have these sticks you have to weave through. My favorite is the tunnel.”

“Sounds like work. I’ll meet you in the yard. The sun isn’t on the turf yet, so we can play.

“The panther sees movement in the tall grass.”

“The puma stays downwind and is ready to spring a trap.”

“The panther slowly stalks its prey. The sight of the puma’s pointy ears makes an easy target.”

“The puma regulates breathing to minimize movement .”

“The panther makes contact and wishes the puma a good day.”

“The puma returns the greeting and decides to make a confrontation some other day.

“The panther executes a sneak attack.”

“The puma readies razor-sharp teeth for a bite on the panther’s neck.”

“Have you ever noticed how my shadow looks like Batman?”

“Another score for attention deficit on the panther side.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Communicate

September 3, 2024September 2, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Today, I randomly opened the book My GRL to page 241, and without looking, my finger landed closest to the word ‘communicate.’

“So what did you say?”

“I said that is no way to communicate.”

“What happened then?”

“He reached in his pocket and pulled out a little pad and pencil.”

“Then what?”

“He wrote out a note. Tore it out of the pad and handed it to me.”

“A note? He already threatened you with his fist and then wrote out a note? What did it say?”

“Put all the money in a bag, or you’ll get it.”

“Get what?”

“That’s what I asked.”

“And.”

“He looked at me for a minute and then scribbled another note.”

“I can’t wait. What did this one say?”

“It was a crude drawing of a gun with the word ‘this’ under it. I held it up in the air and said, ‘This?’ He nodded.”

“Then what?”

“The police came in and took him away.”

“Did they disarm him?”

“He didn’t have a gun. I did give them his drawing.”

“Imagine that?”

“I sort of felt sorry for him. Doesn’t seem like he knew what he was doing.”

“Wait a minute. He was robbing you.”

“Yeah, I know. I probably should have just given him some money and let him go. He looked desperate.”

“Now, you are sounding crazy.”

“At least he won’t be charged with armed robbery. A drawing of a gun is not a gun.”

“At least not yet.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on Labor Day

September 2, 2024August 31, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

This post ran first on Labor Day 2015 and every Labor Day after that. I thought it was pretty good advice, so here it is again.

***

In honor of Labor Day, I’ve decided to boil the top ten list down to the most essential items. Let’s all remember those who make our lives easier and more pleasant. Of course, the remembrance includes us authors.

Top Ten Things Not to Do on Labor Day

10 through 1

On Labor Day, have fun, but do not drink and drive. If you do, at best, you are a fool. At worst, you could hurt or kill an innocent person, not to mention your guilty self.

Happy Labor Day, all.