Tuesday- Anything Possible – Kreative Kur #440 by Keith Channing

July 16, 2024July 15, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.”

Link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/07/15/kreative-kue-440/

The Photo.

“Okay, that didn’t go well.”

“I don’t know. Looks like everything is in one piece.”

“That descent could have done us in.”

“You didn’t tell me about that lever.”

“One of the main reasons I didn’t is I didn’t want you to be tempted to touch it.”

“It was right there, almost begging me to pull it. It even had the word ‘pull’ on it.”

“If you had read the rest of the words, it says ‘pull for fire.'”

“Well, obviously, it didn’t work.”

“What do you mean?”

“There was no fire.”

“Going forward, there have to be some rules.”

“Look, I’m here to take lessons from you. I would hope there are rules.”

“The first is no touching anything until I tell you.”

“Sounds like a good one. What’s the second rule.”

“The second is for me, actually.”

“That’s interesting. What is it.”

“Never, ever book a student who obviously has the mental capacity of a grape.”

“Hold on. You referring to me?”

“Oh, no, sir. I’m just making a rule for the future.”

“That’s good. Now, what is this thingy here.”

“The thingy that says ignition?”

“Yeah, that’s the one.”

“It is a magic converter that turns electricity into an order for the engine to begin to rotate in anticipation of igniting the spark that will fire this sucker into action.”

“When do we use it?”

“After you open that door and get out.”

“But how will I be able to fly if I’m not in the vehicle.”

“Try beating your arms, or I’ve heard there are some drugs that may help. Try not to slam the door on your way out. Mind that seat belt release; it can be tricky.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Reading a Book

July 15, 2024July 14, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

This post was published on June 18, 2018. The advice still looks good.

* * *

I was inspired to create this list while traveling. As I watched several people reading books and doing other things, I realized that there are several things that one should not do while reading a book. I hope you enjoy this list.

10 If you are reading a book, do not drive a car. If you do, at best, you may lose your place when you drop the book to avoid an accident. At worst, you may lose the book when you end upside down in a culvert. (Didn’t see that curve while you were wrapped up in the murder scene, huh, Esau?)

9 If you are reading a book, do not walk in heavy pedestrian traffic. If you do, at best, you’ll avoid getting knocked down. At worse, you will run into Tiny, the WWF champ, as he is leaving his tactile psychosis support group. (Hard to believe someone has such a problem with being touched. I don’t think offering Tiny the book will offset his reaction, Efrain. Maybe running is a better choice.)

8 If you are reading a book, do not sip hot coffee without taking your eyes off the book. If you do, at best, you’ll only spill a drop. At worst, you might miss your mouth and feel the joy of 180-degree liquid on your chest. ( Lucky for you, Eloi, your lap was under the table.)

7 If you are reading a book, do not step onto an elevator. If you do, at best, there is room for you. At worst, the elevator is packed with members of the NFL bargaining unit members, and they just lost a bargaining point to the owners. (Kind of shocking they wouldn’t make room for a dweeb with a book, Ealdun. Lucky for you, your foot didn’t get stuck in the door.)

6 If you are reading a book, do not eat pasta marinara. If you do, at best, your book is on Kindle, and the screen is cleanable. At worst, you are reading the first edition of War and Peace, which you borrowed from the Library of Congress. (It looks like destroying a national treasure carries a significant penalty, Eban. Maybe a fishing trip to Canada is in order.)

5 If you are reading a book, do not operate machinery. If you do, at best, the mechanism doesn’t have spinning blades. At worst, your machine is designed to chop a twelve-ton steel block into one-inch pieces. (You might want to put that book down, Ebo. It looks like the feeding phase inadvertently has your shirt tangled with the twelve-ton steel block.)

4 If you are reading a book, do not continue your free fall while skydiving. If you do, at best, the exciting part will end in time for the ripcord pull. At worst, you are at the part in the book where the detective is about to expose the murderer’s identity. (Only two more pages, and you’ll know, Edoardo. Too bad the ground is there in one.)

3 If you are reading a book, do not take the black five-diamond downhill ski run. If you do, at best, a ski patrol member will be close. At worst, your fall and roll was the beginning of the giant snowball that crashed into the lodge through the huge dining room floor-to-ceiling window. (Lucky you survived, Eero. The hotel management would like to know if you want to put the $50,000 window on your room tab.)

2 If you are reading a book, do not shoot the curl of a gigantic wave off the coast of Hawaii. If you do, at best, your wipeout will be well offshore. At worst, you will ride the wave entirely distracted until you land on the shore. (Just how hard did you hit the sand, Egon? We sure hope you can get out of that ten-foot-deep crater. Give Egan a hand for that unorthodox landing, folks)

1 If you are reading a book, do not continue to compete in the world airplane aerobatics competition. If you do, at best, you might miss a loop. At worst, you may lose your orientation and think up is down and down is up. (Time to put the book down, Ekon. If you are quick, you just may pull out of this dive before dropping below the horizon. It is very hard below that horizon.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway City Hall Art Exhibit – Artist Christy Stephens

July 14, 2024July 13, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

Today we are going to Lakeway City Hall to view an exhibit by artist Christy Stephens. Here is some information about the exhibit and the artist.

*Christy Stephens* is a graphic designer, illustrator, and ceramic artist based in Austin, Texas.

Pottery Wall Art- “I like to evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the intricate yet extraordinary moments that occur in nature. The interplay of color and texture inspires the magical process of transforming raw clay from nature into functional works of art. I love the contrast between something new and fresh next to something weathered and worn. I invite you to explore my creations, discover the stories behind each piece, and find something that speaks to your heart to treasure for your home.” Christy can be reached online at http://cstreetstudio.com

We are catered by Moonshine in Austin, and our entertainment is The Righteous Brothers, Patrick Swayze, and Demi Moore.

CHICKEN & WAFFLES lemon butter, maple syrup, chipotle cream gravy

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK chipotle cream gravy, Yukon mashers

CHICKEN ALMONDINE artichokes, lemon cream, Yukon mashers

GREEN CHILE MACARONI roasted chicken, corn bisque, bacon gratin

SALISBURY CHOP STEAK .mushroom gravy, Yukon mashers

SEARED RAINBOW TROUT bacon cornbread stuffing, soft grits, chile sage butter

ST LOUIS PORK RIBS Dr. Pepper BBQ, tobacco onions, Yukon mashers

CENTER CUT PORK CHOP peach chutney, herb salad, demi-glace, yukon mashers

BLACKENED CATFISH crawfish tails, hot sauce, pecan meunière, soft grits

JALAPEÑO HANGER STEAK salsa verde, demi-glace, yukon mashers

HORSERADISHCRUSTEDSALMON lemon dill butter sauce, brussels sprouts

CREOLE SHRIMP & GRITS creole sauce, tasso ham, toasted baguette

BEYOND VEGGIE BURGER red onion, red leaf, tomato, pickles, mayo, seeded wheat bun

Picture of an old time school bus

The bus is ready.

A view of the entire exhibit.

Consider the Lillies – Ceramic tile on wood.

Selah – Ceramic tile on wood.

Birds Don’t Worry – Ceramic tile on antique white oak.

Serene – Ceramic tile on wood.

Restoration – Ceramic tile on wood.

Harmony – Ceramic tile on wood.

Poppy Study – Ceramic tile.

Ladybird II- Ceramic tile on wood.

Beauty from Ashes – Ceramic tile on wood.

Ornate Study – Ceramic tile.

Reflections – Ceramic tile on wood.

Morning Dove – Ceramic tile.

So there you have it. Time to relax and enjoy the food and entertainment. I hope you have a super week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt -“Can”

July 13, 2024July 12, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

The new machine has arrived; since it is not from IKEA, it is ready to go. A punch of the Cappuccino button can produce a heavenly brew that is certain to be addictive. A sip and a wipe of the milk foam mustache can make us ready for the clock. The date is set for July 12, and the location is Arpajon in Northern France. The duration is an hour, and when the plunger is pulled, we land in time to witness a new land speed record.

Driving at 146.16 miles per hour (235.22 km/h) in his Fiat Mephistopheles, Ernest Eldridge of Great Britain broke the land speed record of 145.89 miles per hour (234.79 km/h) set earlier in the week (on Sunday, July 6) by Rene Thomas of France. Both records had been set on a public road at Arpajon, after which the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile announced that it would only recognize records set on closed racing circuits, bringing an end to attempts to set a land speed record on a roadway used by other motor vehicles.

Just when the champagne started flowing, the alarm goes off, and we are once more setting a land speed couch record. There is a text from Linda Hill. It reads

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “can.” Use it as a noun or a verb. Enjoy!

Here is a link to Linda’s post to see what others have done with the prompt. https://lindaghill.com/2024/07/12/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-13-2024/

“You snuck the ‘can’ in nicely.”

“Why, thank you. I’m glad you noticed.”

“A question.”

“Go ahead.”

“What made those guys think they could race on city streets?”

“That is a darn good question that I can’t answer.”

“Drat, I thought you were the answer, man.”

“Sorry, this one escapes me.”

“Well, that society put an end to it, so I guess it is a moot question.”

“I suppose you are right.”

“Another question.”

“Shoot.”

“How long are we going to stand here and not mention Voo Doo Ranger?”

“I guess zero time. You call Uber?”

“Yup, he’s over there.”

“Can you believe it? That’s a 1966 Chevy pickup that has been restored and modified.”

“Looks like enough room in the cab for both of us.”

“Yeah, bench seating makes it possible.”

“Before we go, one last question.”

“Go ahead.”

“Do I need to go get my wallet?”

“And disturb the moths? No, I’ll buy.”

“It doesn’t get any better than that.”

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

July 12, 2024July 11, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

The bell frogs in their sauna – credit, Anthony Waddle

Today’s good news comes from the Good News Network

In humans, sauna use is so beneficial that some medical researchers are attempting to add it to the standard of care for those at high risk of heart disease.

Well, researchers in Australia have found that this same leisure activity can save certain species of frogs from the ongoing fungal pandemic called chytrid.

GNN has already reported on chytrid and ways to combat it. Documented as having infected 500 species of frog or more, it’s a massive threat to the amphibiome.

Anthony Waddle at Macquarie University in Australia built a series of “frog saunas” to see if they could help golden bell frogs and green bell frogs native to Australia recover from chytrid. The fungal pathogen thrives in cooler tropical temperatures and is unviable above 84°F (29°C).

Consisting of unshaded black brick structures with narrow holes inside an artificial greenhouse habitat with water and plants, the frogs quickly made themselves at home inside the saunas.

Four healthy frogs were used as controls for a study group of eight frogs, half of which were infected with chytrid. Some habitats were shaded, and others were left uncovered to test a range of temperatures. Infected frogs who frequented the unshaded structure, where temperatures could climb as high as 97 to 100°F, had milder infections, but access to any sauna helped the frogs fight off the disease.

Once they recovered via the saunas, the bell frogs were 23 times less likely to die from a repeat infection with chytrid.

Bell frogs “used to live in people’s toilets and letterboxes and everywhere before chytrid,” Waddle told Science News. “Setting up these habitats where they still persist might give them enough of a boost that you could see a population increase.”

Building these simple structures in a garden could help frogs survive chytrid outbreaks and help the local population develop resistance.

Not all frog species enjoy roasting, however, so saunas are limited to warm-weather species. Another solution needs to be found for those who enjoy cooler temperatures.

The good news in today’s story is that folks are working on eliminating a threat affecting a whole animal species. Today’s JohnKu talks about those folks. I hope you have a terrific weekend.

It’s hard to define,

What actions are heroic . . .

The frogs could tell you.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste Do The Blues Brothers

July 11, 2024July 10, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 98 Comments

“I think we need something to do today.”

“I have an idea. Let’s do Soul Man. We love that song.

“Coming to ya on a dusty road

Good lovin’ I gotta truckload.”

“And when you get it, you got somethin’

So don’t worry ’cause I’m coming.”

“I’m a soul man.”

“Got what I got the hard way

And I’ll make it better each and every day.”

“So honey, don’t you fret

Cause you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”

“I was brought up on a side street

I learned how to love before I could eat.”

“I was educated from good stock

When I start lovin’, I just can’t stop.”

“Well, grab the rope, and I’ll pull you inGive you hope and be your only boyfriend.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.”

“I’m a soul man“I’m a soul man.”“You’re a soul man.”

“I’m a soul man.”

“I’m a soul man.”“I’m a soul man.”

Apologies to the Blues Brothers

Thursday – A Little Personal – Happy Fourth of July

July 4, 2024July 3, 2024 ~ John W. Howell

We wish you all a Happy Fourth of July from our house to yours.

“Mmmmfgehhn.”

“Don’t talk with your mouth full, Tempeste. I’ll wish everyone a Happy Fourth of July.”

Comments are turned off. We hope you enjoy our Nation’s birthday.

Also, I will be taking some days off until next Thursday.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Prompt – Kreative Kue #438 by Keith Channing

July 2, 2024July 1, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.”

Keith post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/07/01/kreative-kue-438/

The photo.

“Sir, could you please step over her for a minute?”

“Of course, is something wrong?”

“No sir, Is this your bag?”

“Why yes. Yes it is.”

“Would you open it for me?”

“W-why?”

“We just need to check the contents, sir.”

“Am I under suspicion?”

“Sir, this is routine. You have been randomly selected. To ensure the safety of our travelers, we conduct random bag checks.”

“Is this allowed?”

“Yes, sir. Congress has authorized TSA to conduct searches of any bag that is on airport property. By the way. Are you a lawyer by chance?”

“No, I’m not. Just a concerned citizen.”

“As a concerned citizen, do you have anything in this bag that might cause harm to other passengers?”

“Not that I’m aware of.”

“Then you shouldn’t mind if we look inside your bag.”

“Okay. Please do.”

“Thank you, sir. First, I’m going to wipe your bag with a narcotic and gunpowder detection strip.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“Now I’m going to open your bag. Oh my.”

“What?”

“You have a stuffed pumpkin in here.”

“And?”

“My daughter has wanted one of those forever. Where did you get it?”

“I have never seen that thing in my life.”

“And what’s this?”

“What?”

“Looks like you are trying to smuggle a rare species.”

“Wait a minute. That’s our family pet.”

“Sure it is, sir. You have any papers to that effect.”

“Huh?”

“Can you prove this is your dog?”

“Um, I’m not sure. Oh, wait. I have some photos on my phone. Here, look.”

“Humm. It looks like your dog. So what is it doing in your suitcase?”

“I would like to know the same thing.”

“You obviously can’t proceed with a dog in your case.”

“I think I’ll have to go back home.”

“Well, sorry, sir, but that’s the right thing to do.”

“Too bad, too.”

“Why’s that?”

“My boss is going to be furious.”

“Yeah, they do react that way. Just tell the story. You can catch a flight later.”

“But I have the cocaine.”

“What’s that, sir?”

“Oops.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do Out of Town if You Are an Author.

July 1, 2024June 30, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

This post ran on June 4th, 2018, but I think the advice holds.

* * *

The inspiration for this list was a trip to Phoenix Arizona this weekend to attend the birthday party of my best friend.

10 If you are an author out of town, do not try to keep up with your e-mails. If you do, at best, in your haste, you’ll trash many e-mails that you want to read. At worst, you will delete your entire e-mail account, including the publishing contract and acceptance letter from Simon & Schuster. (They wanted to hear from you in a week, Eduardo. Oh well, maybe the next book.)

9 If you are an author out of town, do not think Tiny the WWF champ will excuse you for taking all the armrest space on the flight as you work on the next draft of your book on your computer. If you do, at best, you may lose the feeling in that arm. At worst, the plane will be diverted to an alternate airport as the Air Marshals attempt to subdue Tiny, who keeps yelling something about “limb from limb.” (You never knew Tiny had such an uneasy feeling about an arm in his face, did you, Ellis?)

8 If you are an author out of town, do not start reading the hijack scene from your book out loud during your flight. If you do at best, your whisper will be unheard. At worst, some well-meaning passenger will have you in a hammerlock before you can explain. ( I think the part about “This plane is under control of the Hamas empire got the guy upset, don’t you, Esteban?)

7 If you are an author out of town, do not try your latest dialog on a fellow bar patron. If you do, at best, you will be met with stony silence. At worst, the patron will think you are handing out a pick-up line, and your face might be met with the business end of a gin and tonic. (Wow, that was a surprise, huh Emilio? I think the bouncer is headed your way.)

6 If you are an author out of town, do not think you can openly try to explain your next book to a hapless passenger waiting for a flight in the terminal. If you do, at best, you might recognize the eye glaze in enough time to avert embarrassment. At worst, You will have gone one step over the line, and your victim will be anxiously trying to get the attention of the security folks. (Looks like the story might need a bit of rework, Edison.)

5 If you are an author out of town, do not try to place a few of your books on the airport newsstand in the terminal next to a famous author. If you do, at best, they won’t get tossed. At worst, the customer who picks up one of your books suddenly discovers they meant to get the famous author and now demands their money back. (It seems they are quite vocal, Eliot. The clerk cannot find the stock number in the register, and the security is headed this way.)

4 If you are an author out of town, do not try to crash another author’s signing just because you don’t think anyone will recognize you. If you do, at best, you will be asked to leave quietly. At worst, your next-door neighbor just happens to walk in and wonders loudly why you are there. (Looks like the author has noticed you there in the back of the room, Ewan. He is not pleased, and maybe you should not have picked an ex-SEAL author’s party to crash.)

3 If you are an author out of town, do not try to create a new story out of the location of your stay if it is commonplace. If you do, at best, it will be a dead-end story. At worst, once the story is finished, you will realize how boring the location really is. (It would have been nice to discover this earlier, huh, Elgin.)

2 If you are an author out of town, don’t think you must write every sight and conversation in your notebook. If you do, at best, you will miss an authentic experience. At worst, the guy you have been profiling might suddenly catch on. ((You have awakened a sleeping giant, Egan. Too bad the giant is in a witness protection program due to testifying against a mob boss and thinks you made him.)

1 If you are an author out of town, do not miss your flight while trying to get that last paragraph critical to your story written. If you do, at best, there is another flight in an hour. At worst, you just missed the last flight and now must spend the night in the terminal. (It looks like the only spot to sleep is on the floor, Errol. I don’t like the looks of that guy in the hoodie. Do you?)

Views of the Neighborhood – Potpourri and A 4th of July Search

June 30, 2024June 29, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

Today, we are going to see numerous things, including some random, some cute, and some hard to describe. We will also look to see if there are any decorations for the Fourth of July. We are catered by Birdies of Austin. Our entertainment isSeals and Crofts

Fixed Menu

Summer spoon salad with melon, avocado + dill
Spicy watermelon + feta salad with cardamom, pepper + basil Focaccia with house labneh
Marinated chickpeas with nigella seed
Spiced eggplant with pomegranate molasses
Shrimp + shishitos with sage + rose
Sweet corn + pickled peppers
Chicken skewers with pine nut-pepper schmear + tomatoes

(Veg Option Available Upon Request)
—
Olive oil cake with roasted peaches + cold almond cream

Corn soft serve + crunchy candied buckwheat

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s go.