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

March 29, 2024March 28, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

Wishing you all a peaceful Good Friday

Today’s good news comes from the Good News Network

A beautiful idea’: This French Town Is Making its Cemetery a Source of Solar Energy

By Andy Corbley Mar 28, 2024

A community on the Loire in France has come up with a solar-powered idea that will clear two hurdles in a single leap.

The town of Saint-Joachim is located near the Brière marsh, a peat bog that becomes easily inundated with water. The local graveyard rests at 0 feet above sea level, and standing water has become a major problem.

The mayor eventually proposed covering the graveyard to divert the rainwater into catch tanks to water the grass around the cemetery and nearby sporting complex in the dry summer months.

Solar panels—clear, see-through ones, were also proposed for the otherwise basic overhead covering, with each resident receiving a letter explaining the proposal and asking for their opinion on the idea.

97% of Saint-Joachim’s residents liked the concept, and a power-sharing scheme was quickly determined whereby each resident would pay €5.00 for a share of the power generated there, which might be enough to supply around 1,000 people with enough solar power to save a couple hundred euro every year on their electric bills.

The power company in charge of the project designed an algorithm that gathers data on energy usage and determines how much each home needs to meet a fixed percentile of its overall consumption. That way, everyone, from a supermarket to the hairdresser to a single-family home, receives the same energy savings from the cemetery solar power.

The municipality will fully finance the €3.35 million ($3.6 million), 1.2-acre installation using a 7% property tax increase.

“I think it is a beautiful idea,” Éric Broquaire, a local resident and president of Brier’energie, told Euronews. “The purpose was to make it simple, to avoid someone saying, ‘Why don’t I have electricity for free?’ Everybody, even companies, will have the same level.”

The good news in this article is that a community has figured out not only a new source of energy but also a way to distribute it to the residents on a fair basis. Today’s JohnKu talks about fairness. I’m wishing you all a peaceful Easter weekend.

The distribution,

Of a scarce commodity . . .

Needs fairness also.

Thursday – A Little Personal – The Puma and Panther Showdown Over A Bed.

March 28, 2024March 27, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 122 Comments

“The panther sneaks up on the puma with the intent of taking the bed.”

“The puma is fully prepared to ward off the attack.”

“The panther makes the first move.”

“The puma is now fully alert.”

“With a giant roar, the panther attacks.”

“The puma prepares to deflect the move and returns a growl..”

“The panther outflanks the puma.”

“The puma parries the thrust.”

“Mmumm emmumm”

“The puma buries the panther.”

“The panther takes a deep breath and is ready to go again.”

“Excuse me, but did the panther say, ‘I give up?'”

“‘Never surrender,’ the panther shouts.”

“The puma laughs and gets ready to end it all.”

“Okay, okay I surrender.”

“A very smart panther you are.”

“The panther can’t stand the tummy tickle.”

“You will do my bidding.”

“Yes, I will if you stop.”

“Maybe just one more tickle.”

“Sure looks like affection to me.”

“Yeah. That was a fun game. Okay no more tickling.”

“How about one kiss.”

“How about another rukus?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #425 by Keith Channing

March 26, 2024March 25, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 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’s post: https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/03/25/kreative-kue-425/

The photo:

” You look like your thoughts are far away. What’s up?”

“Just wondering, is all.”

“About what?”

“Oh, I don’t know. The future, I guess.”

“Oh my. What started this path?”

“I think it was planning this vacation.”

“It has been glorious. You did a fabulous job.”

“I have enjoyed it too.”

“So why so glum.”

“I’m not glum. Just because I’m thinking of things doesn’t mean I’m unhappy.”

“You may say so, but I recall things differently.”

“Maybe your memory is flawed. You know that blast could have knocked a few screws loose.”

“Yeah, that was something, but I have all my facilities.”

“Look down the beach. It appears folks are rebuilding.”

“I’m amazed anyone is still here.”

“It is a miracle for sure. What was here before the blast?”

“You mean what city?”

“Yeah.”

“Los Angles.”

“Well, at least the beach is still here.”

“Ever the optimist.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at a Gas Station

March 25, 2024March 24, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 82 Comments

This post ran on January 29, 2018. I think it still has some merit.

* * *

10 If you are at a gas station, do not buy and eat anything not in a sealed bag. If you do, at best, the food will be made today. At worst, you will be lucky enough to experience emergency room procedures firsthand. (Wow, that stomach pump was a real rush huh, Dalton?)

9 If you are at a gas station, do not think you can find that forgotten birthday present. If you do, at best, your lack of attention will be noted. At worst, that mug with the 7/11 logo will be coming back to you quicker than you imagined. (Who knew how fast a mug could travel and how hard it could hit. Right, Danny? Oh, and I would put some ice on that lump if I were you.)

8 If you are at a gas station, do not think the restroom is like home. If you do, at best, you’ll just look and move on. At worst, trying to use the bathroom without touching anything might not work well. (How you fell down is still a mystery, Darren. Also, I don’t think hand sanitizer is going to be enough for your whole body.)

7 If you are at a gas station, do not be rude to the help. If you do, at best, they will let you slip. At worst, Tiny, the WWF champ working there as part of his aggravated assault probation agreement, has just allowed the last rude customer to get by. (Looks like we have a straw that broke the camel’s back situation, Dane. I think I would make for the door and hope for the best.)

6 If you are at a gas station and the lines are long, do not insist on having a clerk run last year’s lotto tickets through the machine to see if you have a winner. If you do, at best, you will be told to come back when it is less busy. At worst, the people behind you will form a vigilante group and leave you tied up outside. (It seems like a drastic measure, doesn’t it? Dwane. Of course, most were grabbing some beer for the Superbowl, and kick-off was in ten minutes.)

5 If you are at a gas station, do not walk in the door in your ski mask. If you do, at best, no one will notice you since you are a customer. At worst, the guy behind the counter still has PTSD from the last robbery and has his finger on the panic alarm. (It was a little awkward explaining to the police you forgot about the mask, wasn’t it, Darrel. Now, with your hands cuffed behind your back and you on the floor, it is almost impossible.)

4 If you are at a gas station, do not fuel up and continue to puff on that cigar. If you do, at best, the wind will blow the fumes away. At worst, just when your tank is full and the automatic trigger doesn’t work, you realize there might be a massive fire. (Lucky you, Deven. You were able to toss that cigar well away. Next time, listen to me.)

3 If you are at a gas station, do not try to use the air pump. If you do, at best, it is out of order. At worst, you will feed it four quarters before you finally have enough air in your tire to limp to the tire store. (The worse part was skinning your knuckles on the rapid recoil of the hose, wasn’t it Doug?)

2 If you are at a gas station, do not ask for directions. If you do, at best, all you’ll get is a shrug. At worst, you’ll get directions that put you on county road three, which leads to the Twilight Zone. (What was it about that kid of eighteen with the wild stare that made you think he even knew where he was, let alone tell you how to get to grandma’s, Doyle?)

1 If you are at a gas station, do not ask if a mechanic is on duty. If you do, at best, you will be laughed out of the place. At worst, someone will pretend to be a mechanic with the result your car is now ready for auction. (All that beer and beef jerky should have told you something about their primary business, Damion.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway City Hall Art Show – Penny Jamrack – Artist

March 24, 2024March 23, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 91 Comments

We are going to Lakeway City Hall to view Penny Jamrack’s art today. Her art is on display, sponsored by The Lakeway Arts District. Penny is originally from England but now spends time at her places in Australia, Montana, and Texas. She retired from software development to concentrate on her creative interests, especially watercolor and acrylic painting. She finds inspiration in the natural beauty of plants, birds, and animals. She is also very interested in portrait work, including those of famous musicians and political figures.

I have tried to take the best photos of the art. Sometimes, it is necessary to shoot at an angle to avoid light glare. I have not tried to capture the frames, so in some cases, they are cropped out.

We are catered today by Buenos Aires Cafe of Austin. Our entertainment is Rod Stewart.

Picture of an old time school bus

The bus is ready. Let’s go.

Penny Jamrack artist.

Mother Stork and Chick – Framed watercolor

Blue Jay – Framed acrylic on canvas

Monarch Feeding – Framed acrylic on canvas

Roseate Spoonbill – Framed watercolor

Puffin with Attitude – Framed watercolor

Red Shouldered Hawk – Acrylic on canvas

Bald Eagle on Branch – Framed acrylic on canvas

Hummingbird on Daisy – Acrylic on canvas

Snowy Owl Ice Dancing – Framed acrylic on canvas

Testing the Ice – Framed acrylic on canvas

Angry Tiger – Framed watercolor

Janis Joplin – Acrylic on canvas

Saguaro Sunset – Framed watercolor

Sir Elton John – Acrylic on canvas

Ruth Bader Ginsburg – Framed acrylic on canvas

Santa Fe Door – Watercolor

Andaman Sea Anemones – Acrylic

Weeping Desert – Acrylic

Well, that is the tour. Time now to relax, have some food, and listen to Rod Stewart

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Memories of the Room You’re In.”

March 23, 2024March 22, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Come on, Columbian soothin’ syrup. Flow out those two spigots and give me the help I need to enable the thinking process. Oh, look, the liquid happiness is flowing. All I need is a sip, and the memories of this glorious room will return. Here is the sip. AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH

Here are the memories: The ceilings and windows give the feeling of the out of doors. When we moved in, the only piece of furniture we had was a futon. We sold our other place at the coast, which was fully furnished, so we had nothing. We bought the futon, knowing it would soon be gifted to the Salvation Army. Two people and two dogs were very cozy on that futon until the new furniture arrived.

We have been here for five years, and the room has changed slightly. The couches have been lowered twice: once for Twiggy’s rehabilitation from surgery and lately to keep Tempeste the puppy from running under them and doing things that should be done outside. The rug has been changed, and new art has been installed.

The room is the center of the home and is where we spend most of our time. The time clock is going to wait for next week since the word count is getting close to the limit. My text alert tells me Linda Hill has sent the prompt. It reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “Memories of the room you’re in.” Write about a memory of the room (or park, or gym, or where ever you are) you’re in when you write your post. Enjoy!

To see what other bloggers have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link: https://lindaghill.com/2024/03/22/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-23-2024/

“How did you guys get along without furniture?”

“As weird as it sounds, we did quite well.”

“Where did you sit to eat?”

“We have a large kitchen counter that has room for seats. Our daughter loaned us bar stools.”

“Dishes?”

“Yeah, we brought a set from the coast.”

“Where did you sleep?”

“We bought a mattress and put it on the bedroom floor.”

“Why did you need a futon?”

“We didn’t have a place to sit, and it worked like a couch.”

“Was it long before the furniture arrived?”

“It was all special order, so it took some time. We found a couple of pieces by going to stores.”

“Sounds ghastly.”

“It was a good memory. Of course, being in my late 70s, getting up from the mattress was a challenge.”

“I can imagine.”

“Speaking of challenge, you haven’t mentioned VooDoo Ranger.”

“I guess I’ve been busy thinking of this old guy getting out of bed and trying to stand up.”

“Yeah, it was fun. I could have used a crane.”

“Speaking of.”

“Oh no.”

“Look at our Uber lift.”

“When you say ‘lift,’ that’s an understatement.”

“You like it then?”

“Dan Antion would love it. Yes, I like it. Looks like we both can ride in the cabin.”

“Can you imagine the looks when we get to the pub?”

“For fun, I think we should tell them we are here to raise the roof.”

“You know, for you, that was pretty good. Are you taking pills or something?”

“Just high on life, my friend. Let’s go.”

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

March 22, 2024March 21, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

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

US Bookstores Coming Back as Barnes & Noble Celebrates 31st New Store and Indie Shops Dominating.

By Andy Corbley Mar 21, 2024

Ask most people around the country about the number of bookstores in their town over the last twenty years, and the answer will almost inevitably be that it’s gone down. However, the new Barnes & Noble in Papillion, Nebraska, is no anomaly—corporate bookstores are returning.

The new Nebraska location is part of a slate of openings envisioned to reach as high as 50 to 60 this year alone. These openings will follow up on the 31 openings from last year and match the booming book sales born during the pandemic and carried on into the post-pandemic world.

But the great news is that economic reports suggest that more than just corporate bookstores are flourishing; as the US book sales market continues to grow and diversify, the majority of the retail book market is controlled by small stores.

Yet further, this trend isn’t limited to the US but continues around the world, with 50% of all retail book sales, whether in Germany, India, or Nebraska, coming from the proverbial Shop Around the Corner.

“It’s so exciting,” said Janine Flanigan, Senior Director of Store Planning and Design with Barnes & Noble, when interviewed about the Papillion store opening. “We came to a screeching halt in terms of opening stores. We hadn’t opened stores in a very long period of time.”

Flanigan says the same thing about bookstores as Grand View Research, whose data were quoted above—that communities use bookstores as a gathering place to talk, meet, interact, and hold events.

“We opened 31 stores which is actually more stores than we opened in the past 10 years combined,” Flanigan told WOWT News 6, Omaha. “This year we’re looking to open somewhere between 50-60 new stores.”

While digital and technological forms of media such as eBooks, audiobooks, and long-form podcasts continue to grow at the highest paces, the physical book, bought in a physical store, has never lost its luster and continues to represent the largest chunk of book purchases nationwide.

The good news in this article is that we who write books should be glad to hear about the expansion of bookstores and that independent stores still hold the majority of book sales. Today’s JohnKu discusses readers. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Chain stores expanding,

Is excellent news for us . . .

It means more readers.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste – Getting to know You

March 21, 2024March 19, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 142 Comments

“Another lesson I have to teach. Body language.”

“What about it?”

“Look at my ears. They are telling you I don’t want to be bothered.”

“I’m not bothering you. We are just playing.”

“Well, playing to you might be annoying to someone else.”

“Are you annoyed?

“Let’s just say I have had better days.”

“Would a kiss help?”

“That was lovely, and it did help brighten things.”

“Where you going?”

“I’m going over to the refrigerator to lie down.”

“Why the refrigerator?”

“There is nice warm air coming out of the bottom.”

“Oh, I can feel it. It’s wonderful.”

“I suppose there is enough for two.”

“You are the bestest sister.”

“You comfortable?”

“I think I need to move just a little more.”

“How about now?”

“I’m going to get off of you.”

“Aw gee, it was just starting to feel good with you up there.”

“Dark sarcasm, right?”

“You bet your Pink Floyd.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #424 by Keith Channing

March 19, 2024March 18, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

In Keith’s words: Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem—anything, really. Either post 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 also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.

Here is a link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/03/18/kreative-kue-424/

The photo:

“I don’t know about this fire. We might be out of propane.”

“I think we have bigger problems.”

“What do you mean?’

“I’m recording something that looks a bit strange. Do you see it, my dear?”

“The sun is in my eyes a little, but I see it too. ”

“What do you suppose it is?”

“Without propane, we won’t have lunch. What could be more important than that?”

“You want to explain it to him, my love?”

“Sidney. Forget about lunch. Keith is right. This is a big deal.”

“I can’t get my camera focused, you two. Tell Sidney what you are seeing.”

“Go ahead, Keith. Tell him.”

“Yes, my dear. I can’t be certain, but it looks like giant ants are heading this way.”

“Giant ants? You’ve got to be kidding.”

“No, have a look for yourself.”

“OMG. It never fails. Try to have lunch outdoors, and these unwelcome visitors show up. I’ll go get the ant powder.”

“Sid, it’s going to take more than powder. They look to be the size of busses.”

“Okay, then we’ll just let them have the steak.”

“I don’t think that will be enough.”

“What then?”

“I think we’d better make a run for it.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on a City Tour

March 18, 2024March 17, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 82 Comments

This post ran on January 15th, 2018. Since people still visit cities, it may be helpful.

* * *

The inspiration for this post was thinking about supercities and possibly taking tours of them. These tours are not necessarily guided but just touring in general.

Top Ten Things Not to Do on a City Tour

10 If you are touring Chicago, do not wear your Yankee baseball cap. If you do, at best, people will believe you have just been released from the mental hospital. At worst, the police will arrest you for unlawful assembly. (The crowd that gathered trying to convince you to burn your cap did get out of hand, right? Cnute?)

9 If you are touring New York City, do not hire Tiny, the WWF champ, as your tour guide. If you do, at best, your only tour stop will be Gold’s Gym. At worst, you and Tiny will get into a principal argument about going to the 100th floor of the Empire State Building. (You had no idea Tiny was afraid of heights, did you, Colla? Now it doesn’t matter, because all you are seeing now is the inside of Bellview Hospital Center.)

8 If you are touring San Francisco, do not shut the cell door on Alcatraz Island. If you do, you will hear no click, and at worst, you will have picked the only cell that automatically locks when the door is closed. (The bad news is the guard with the key retired ten years ago. Yelling won’t help, Conell. Maybe the fire department can figure out a way to release you.)

7 If you are touring London, do not try to make the guard at Buckingham Palace smile. If you do, at best, someone will ask you to leave. At worst, you will be the 100th person to try today, and the guard’s Zoloft dose will have just worn off. (So much for your ugly American imitation, Cruz. Now you have to run.)

6 If you are touring Berlin, do not try to cut to the front of a line. If you do, at best, you will be politely told about your rudeness. At worst, you may be rewarded with a knuckle sandwich served without mustard. (I know you are used to doing that, Cyril. Here, that is a big no-no.)

5 If you are touring Paris, do not walk down the street eating a croissant. If you do, at best, you’ll collect a bunch of stares. At worst, passers-by will mistake you for someone who is mentally challenged and call the medics. (That straight jacket is only for your own protection, Cydney. Might as well relax.)

4 If you are touring Rome, do not speak loudly or draw attention to yourself in other ways. If you do, at best, the locals will scowl. At worst, the police will mistake you for a Russian spy. (You can guess how this will turn out, huh, Christiano?)

3 If you are touring Madrid, do not mention Francisco Franco, the dictator, unless you know the people well. If you do, at best, you’ll be forced to listen to a three-hour lecture on the evils of his regime. At worst, you might be mistaken for a follower and end up in a duel. (Why didn’t someone warn you, Crey? Well, one would have thought you knew enough to avoid politics with people you don’t know.)

2 If you are touring Cairo, do not bring flowers to your host’s dinner. If you do, at best, someone may tell you to dispose of them. At worst, the host will think you are offering condolences or wanting to get married, which are the only reasons to bring flowers in Egypt. (Looks like you are getting hitched, Conyn, since no one has passed away. Good luck.)

1 If you are touring Moscow, do not keep your seat on the bus if an elderly person has to stand. If you do, at best, someone will give up their place but glower at you. At worst, you might be helped off the bus two miles before your stop. (You need to pay better attention to the local rules, Coltrane.)