Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #272 by Keith Channing

July 21, 2020July 20, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo ( below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6 pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). 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.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue # 272

“I think it is rising.”

“You got to be kidding me. I think it is falling.”

“In either case, what is it?”

“Darned if I know. Maybe we should ask mum.”

“She looks as confused as us. I don’t think she will be much help. Besides other than throwing down a bowl of food, when has she ever answered a question from you?”

“Well, there was that time I whined at the door, and she let me out.”

“That is called rug preservation. She wasn’t really giving you an answer.”

“I suppose you are right. That thing looks bigger.”

“You were right. It is a sign that it is falling.”

“How did you get so smart?”

“Pop used to throw a ball in the air. As it came down, it looked bigger. I’m not smart, just observant.”

“Do you think we should get out of the way if that thing is falling?”

“Now you are showing some smarts. By my calculation, given the length of time, that thing has been up there, and given its relative size right now, it is bigger than a breadbox.”

“Maybe we should take off now.”

“What about mum.”

“Let me give her a couple of barks.”

“Oh good, she notices us. Let’s run.”

“Is she following?”

“Man, I’ve never seen her move that fast. I think she’s going to overtake us.”

“You hear that?”

“I felt it even.”

“That thing hit the ground.”

“Let’s go back. I’ll give mum a heads up.”

“What is it?”

“I’m not sure. M-O-S-L-E-R, S-A-F-E, C-O-M-P-A-N-Y”

“What does it mean?”

“Don’t know, but mum is running back to the house.”

“You mean skipping back to the house.”

“Maybe it’s her Amazon Prime delivery. She always gets excited about that.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on the First Around the World Solo flight with Wiley Post in 1933

July 20, 2020July 20, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

This week marks the 87th anniversary of Wiley Post’s solo flight around the world, which he accomplished in 1933. We all would love to be with him on the plane. There is one problem in that If we join him on the flight it would not be a solo for him. I think we can work out something where time travelers don’t count as real people. (Oh, come on. Work with me here.) If you want to go, you need to take a list of things not to do so that we don’t put a big ole rip in the time continuum.

10. If you are going on the flight, do not ask if we are there yet. If you do, at best, Wiley will be too busy to hear you. At worst, since you said it just after take-off, Wiley is going to let you test the spare parachute. (I think it would have been good to wait a little linger, Lyonia. After all, the flight lasted 7 days, 18 hours, and 49 minutes. Yeah, that strap goes between your legs. No, I don’t know what you yell, going out the door.)

9 If you are going on the flight, do not ignore Tiny the WWF champ when he tells you your suitcase is too heavy. If you do, at best, Tiny will get distracted. At worst, Tiny will figure out a way to lighten it for you. (You see, Lysander, Tiny is in charge of loading the plane, and he is not used to being ignored. Oh, look. He has dumped your suitcase on the tarmac. You sure that is your suitcase. Those are pretty fancy unmentionables you have there.)

8 If you are going on the flight, do not ask when the beverage service starts. If you do, at best, the noise of the aircraft will effectively mute you. At worst, Wiley will offer that you test the guest parachute, but unfortunately, it has already been tested by Lyonia. (This presents a problem, Liam. I think I would tell Mr. Post that you are okay for now. Might be more comfortable than learning to skydive with no chute.)

7 If you are going on the flight, do not ask where the first-class section is located. If you do, at best, Wiley will think you are joking. At worst, when he discovers you are not, he will make you a private first-class section in the back. (Don’t look now, Lucas, but you are sitting in what used to be called the mailbag section. I agree it is not very comfortable. Too bad you can’t stand up either.)

6 If you are going on the flight, do not touch anything in the cockpit. If you do, at best, it won’t be essential. At worst, you just shut off the Sperry autopilot device. (I would tell Wiley, Levi. Yeah, he’s going to be mad at you, but that will be better than getting lost over Russia.)

5 If you are going on the flight, do not make fun of the plane’s name Winnie Mae. If you do, at best, Wiley will be on the radio and not hear you. At worst, he’ll explain that the plane was named after his first mentor’s daughter. (Now you have a choice, Leo. Give a big ole apology or take a big ole step into the atmosphere. I thought you would choose the former.)

4 If you are going on the flight, do not pretend you know how to speak Russian. If you do, at best, there will be no need for an interpretation. At worst, the autopilot will need repair, and the only place to stop is Russia. (What are you going to do now, Lawrence? The instrument needs repair, and everyone is looking at you for directions. I think it might be time to hit the way back button. Those Russian soldiers don’t have much of a sense of humor.)

3 If you are going on the flight, do not ask Wiley Post about his eyepatch. If you do, at best, he will ignore you. At worst, he tells you the story of how he lost his eye in great detail. (Hold on Lorenzo. Wiley is getting to the exciting part where a piece of drilling equipment took his eye in 1926. I know it is a little gruesome, but you had to ask.)

2 If you are going on the flight, do not bring up Wiley’s career as an armed robber. If you do, at best, he will want to laugh it off. At worst, he’ll tell you the story. ( You’ve heard the expression, “If I tell you then I’ll have to kill you?” Lance. Well, Wiley did 12 months for stealing a car in 1921. He does have a murderous look in his eye.)

1 If you are going on the flight, do not ask Wiley how many award miles you will get for the trip. If you do, at best he will not understand you. At worst, he will tell you that you will have earned enough miles to win a Bentley Turbo. (You have to wonder why he keeps laughing, Larry. I think you may be the butt of a Wiley flying solo 1933 joke.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Signs, Signs, Everywhere Are Signs

July 19, 2020July 18, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

If you read my Friday post, you know that the pandemic is making Views harder to come by. So now I’m doing my best. I thought I use the theme of signs. Also, there is a video of the title song at the end. Hope you enjoy the walk.

Views of the neighborhood

Sign of needing to move.

Sign of wanting to play.

Sign of patriotism.

Sign of helping others.

Sign of the times.

Sign of hope for some.

Sign of something new.

Sign of a carefree day.

Sign of protection.

Views of the Neighborhood

Sign of a message worth repeating.

Sign of safety.

Sign of commerce.

Sign of conservation.

Well, that’s it. Enjoy the video and help yourself to an ice-cold water. You must be parched. Good thing, it is cooler today. Only 93 degrees.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Link

July 18, 2020July 17, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and here is Linda Hill to explain this week’s prompt. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “link.” Use it as a noun or a verb; use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!”

Thanks, Linda. If you would like to join up and enjoy prompts like this, visit Linda’s blog and read how. Even an idiot can do this. Just look at me. Here is the link (Hey, one point already)

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS July 18/2020

“I liked how you introduced this post. ”

“You say you liked how I did that?”

“Yeah, you introduced the prompt and then promptly used it.”

“Prompt, promptly. You trying to confuse me?”

“Wouldn’t take much.”

“Why do you say that?”

“I think you are the weakest link.”

“Link of what.”

“Our partnership. You are so focused on these prompts it takes most of the day to get you to release.”

“I would say you are the missing link.”

“I’ll bite. The link between what and what?”

“Chimps and humans.”

“Oh, that’s a beautiful thing to say.

“Well? How many intellectual pursuits do you have?”

“Come on, I have plenty.”

“Name one.”

“The Lotto.”

“Please. Tell me how the Lotto is intellectual?”

“There are numbers.”

“Uh-Huh.”

“Selection strategy.”

“Quick pick, you mean.”

“You have to know when to play.”

“Two times a week.”

“Okay, so it’s not very intellectual, but it is a link to intellectual stuff.”

“Now I’m interested. What possible link could there be between the Lotto and anything intellectual?”

“What if I won. The link is to imagine how to spend the money and not go broke like other Lotto winners.”

“I’ll bet you have a whole strategy.”

“What’s that?”

“Gameplan.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Do I figure into the plan?”

“As a matter of fact, you do.”

“Tell me how much do I get?”

“Fourteen bucks an hour.”

“Huh.”

“Yeah, you’ll be my driver.”

“You are brutal.”

“Come on. That Bentley Turbo is to die for.”

“I can’t wait.”

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

July 17, 2020July 16, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy — “What are you doing, Little One?”
“Checking to make sure this is Friday.”
“Trust me, it is.”
“Trust is fine, Control is better.”

Another Friday is upon us. Yes indeed. I hope it means that you will be doing something fun for the weekend. I am wondering these days what that something fun could be?

For us here in Serenityville, it means trying to figure out a photo session for Views of the Neighborhood, which has to be taken on Saturday. It is getting tougher and tougher to find a subject due to the suspension of most of the activities around town. When we finally decide on a topic, it is a rush to get it done and scheduled to run.

The schools here in Texas have been given local authority to decide to conduct classes remotely. There has been a great deal of angst by the teachers on possibly having to go back to the classroom while the virus cases continue to climb. Now the local school boards can decide. Most are leaning toward virtual learning sessions.

Today’s JohnKu talks about local control.

I hope you have a super weekend.

The Feds want power,

To make decisions for us. . .

Local is better.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy at Chores

July 16, 2020July 15, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

“Okay, gang. Who’s going to pick up the toys?”

Twiggy and Lucy

“Lucy. How about you?”

“To be honest, boss. I never played with them.”

“Twiggy? You have some work to do.”

“Aw, Dad. Why do I always have to do all the work?”

“Look at Lucy over there. She should have to do something.”

“I’m doing it, kiddo. I’m working hard at avoiding work.”

“Can you help me, please?”

“Okay, when you start moving, I’ll jump up and give you a hand.”

“Well, that’s no fair. How about if you move, and I’ll jump up and help?”

“Okay, Twiggy, we got everything picked up except this gingerbread person.”

“You are close, you get it.”

“Not how it works, Little one. It’s yours, you get it.”

“Sheesh. You are always pulling that logic quilt over my head.”

“All the toys picked up, Twiggy?”

“Yes. Lucy and I got them all.”

“Great, how about going outside?”

“I thought there would be a biscuit reward. Outside is very hot.”

“Okay, then. A biscuit it is.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

July 15, 2020July 15, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

“What are you waiting for Little One?”
“Lucy was going to help me find Friday.”
“I’m sure she’ll be right here.”
“Of course at 100 degrees maybe we will wait for Friday to find us.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we witnessed the arrest of Lazar Popović and his gang for the possession of illegal drugs. Popovic and his cronies are to be transported by vans to the lockup. Larry, Andrew, and the lieutenant will start their interrogation there and left in separate cars. I see our heroes are back at the headquarters. Let’s go and join them.

“So, lieutenant, we have enough evidence.”

“It would appear that way.”

“You are going hold them and then contact the District attorney?”

“I want to find out where they are getting these drugs for distribution.”

“You think Lazar will tell you?”

“I strongly suspect our old friend Nikola Stanković has something to do with this whole thing.”

“I guess him putting the finger on Popović looks a little suspect.”

“I’m sure Popović would like to know how we just happened to stop into his distribution center.”

“There is no honor among thieves, so if you hint that Stanković ratted him out, he may turn on him as well.”

“I’m not sure how credible Popović would be as a witness, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt to probe him a little.”

“While at it, I wonder if you could ask some questions about a case we are working on.”

“Like what?”

“We are running down a cold case on a guy named Sandusky, and we know that Popović’s sister was married to him. We would like to know anything he knows about Sandusky or Janet and Alexis Rafferty. It would be nice to know if he has heard of Ned Dixon, a friend of Mrs. Rafferty.”

“Hold on. I think you ought to be in the interrogation with me. I can’t remember all those names. Besides, all I’m looking for is a big drug bust. I have no interest in your case.”

“If we have found the guy who has been putting out contracts on Andrew and me, I think we have also found the guy who knows how and why Sandusky died.”

“Well, then, I think we are going to in a position to approach this interrogation very carefully. Hold on, let me catch this call. Uh-huh. Yeah, bring him to my office. It looks like Lazar’s lawyer is here. You might as well sit in on our discussion. Yes, come in have a seat.”

“Lieutenant, I don’t intend to sit and chew the fat. I want my client released immediately.”

“Well, councilor. Nice to meet you too. Your client is charged with felony drug possession, and he is going nowhere until the bail hearing.”

“Okay, I get that. I do not want you talking to him without me being present. Is that clear?”

“Of course. That is his right. It would be helpful if I could have your name and number.”

“Here is my card. I want to see my client now.”

“You can see him uh Mr. Stannis, just as soon as we get him processed into the facility.”

“How long will that take?”

“He is just arriving now. I would say no more than an hour or so.”

“Is there a place I can wait?”

“Certainly, sir. We have a break room that you are more than welcome to use.”

“I appreciate that.”

“No problem. I’ll have an officer take you there. Once Mr. Popović is in a cell, I will come to get you.”

“Thank you.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #271 by Keith Channing

July 14, 2020July 13, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo ( below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). 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.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #271

“Ahoy on the boat.”

“Yes, I hear you.”

“Permission to come aboard.”

“Oh, there you are. Who are you?”

“You ran an ad for a mate and here I am.”

“Oh, I see. Welcome aboard.”

“Thank you. This is a nice boat.”

“I’m rather proud of it. I have had it for ten years.”

“My goodness, it looks immaculate. You’ve had a mate then?”

“No, never have. Have been alone.”

“This must be a lot of work then.”

“I spend most of my time on her, so the work doesn’t seem so much.”

“Why do you need a mate, then?”

“A man gets lonely after a time.”

“You want to ask about my qualifications?”

“Not much to ask. You cut a fine figure.”

“Just so we’re clear, and since I am one of the few female mates around, I don’t believe in fraternization with my employer.”

“Yeah, I wouldn’t do that either.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Yup, I’m a one-woman, man.”

“Where is your woman, then?”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“I don’t think so why?”

“Why do you think I ran the ad?”

“To get some help on the boat?”

“Don’t need help. I need a mate.”

“I’m confused. You ran an ad in the Boatman’s Times looking for a mate. That means you need help.”

“I see where the confusion is.”

“Tell me.”

“My ad was for someone to share my life. A mate. Not someone to work for me as a first mate.”

“Ah. Now I see. Okay, then.”

“I guess you have waisted the trip.”

“No, I think I would like to apply for the life mate position rather than the first mate job.”

“The position is yours if you want it.”

“Why so fast?”

“I have a feeling that life mate who knows how to be a first mate is exactly what I’m looking for.”

“I’m going to need to know a lot more.”

“There is a nice thing about a life mate arrangement.”

“What’s that?”

“Life is a long time to get to know more.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Launch of Twitter in 2006

July 13, 2020July 12, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

Twitter Logo History

This week marks the 14th anniversary of the launch of Twitter. Although most of us are probably Twitter users today, it might be fun to go back and take in the sights and sounds of that first occasion. As always, take this list, so you don’t inadvertently cause a tear in the time continuum.

10 If you go, do not mention iTunes to co-founder Evan Williams. If you do, at best he’ll be talking to someone else and miss the reference. At worst, you’ll get the Silicon Valley version of the stink eye. (You probably forgot, Loyal that when iTunes launched in 2005 Apple put Willaims’s podcasting business out of business. I think he is going to follow that stink eye with a black eye. It will be yours, of course.)

9 If you go, do not send Tiny the WWF champ any Twitter messages that contain abbreviations. If you do, at best, Tiny won’t have his phone turned on. At worst, he will become confused as to what you are saying. (You have to know, Lucan that a confused Tiny is a dangerous Tiny. Oh look, he has adopted his sumo wrestler stance. It could be he thinks LOL means Lay on Lucan)

8 If you go, do not correct the spelling of the service which was launched as Twttr. If you do, at best folks will think it’s a joke. At worst, Noah Glass a co-founder, and the one who came up with the name, Twitter, will think you stole his idea. (It looks like ole Noah has spent some time in the gym. I’m not sure you want to spar with him, Ludlow.)

7 If you go, do not ask to send the first tweet. If you do, at best, you’ll be ignored. At worst, Jack Dorsey, the engineer who came up with the concept, will not like you. (In case you didn’t know, Ludwik Jack was the first to send a tweet under his handle @jack. He sent the message, “Just setting up my twttr.” Now that he is finished, it looks like he is picking out a hammer from that table of tools. I wonder what he wants to do with that hammer?”

6 If you go, do not pull out your iPhone to send a tweet. If you do, at best everyone will be busy with setting up their own accounts and not notice. At worst, Evan Willians will spot your phone. (Since the iPhone was launched a year after Twitter, Luis, Evan will no doubt think you are from another planet. That won’t stop him from wanting your phone. Looks like he is borrowing Jack Dorsey’s hammer.)

5 If you go, do not tell Evan that you think he should allow more than 140 characters in a tweet. If you do, at best, Evan will think you are an idiot. At worst, Evan will wonder why you are making this suggestion. (You see, Lukman at the time of the Twitter launch SMS messages were limited to 140 characters. Once that limit was lifted, Twitter still hung on to 140 characters until 2017. Evan is heading over to tell you to mind your own business.)

4 If you go, do not ask if you can buy some stock. If you do, at best everyone will get a big laugh. At worst, Evan Williams will think you have been reading his private e-mails. (He does plan to take the company public, Luthais but not until there are more users. He waits until 2013 when there are 200 million subscribers and then offers stock at $29.00. The stock closed that first day at $44.90. Last Friday, it was worth $35.40. The company itself is estimated to be worth $31 Billion.)

3 If you go, do not try to describe Donald Trump’s use. If you do, At best, no one will take you serious. At worst, Evan Williams will want to know where you get your information. (Now you have completely blown your cover, Lyaksandro. Right now, the idea of Donald Trump even running for president, makes the average person laugh out loud. Good luck in getting out of this mess.)

2 If you go, do not tell Evan Williams that he will step away from Twitter in 2019. If you do, At best he won’t believe you. At worst, he will accuse you of working for Mark Zuckerberg at Facebook. (Of course, Lycus eventually Evan will leave Twitter to pursue other interests. Jack Dorsey will take over as CEO. We shouldn’t feel too sorry for Evan as he is worth $1.8 billion)

1 If you go, do not ask about privacy on Twitter. If you do, At best no one will know what you are talking about. At worst, Jack Dorsey will wonder what is driving your question. (Once he understands that you are wondering about selling user data, Lynn he is going to wonder where you got such an idea. I think it’s time to hit the way back button and head home. You will leave all there people scratching their heads.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Fading Flowers

July 12, 2020July 11, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

Today we are taking a stroll around the neighborhood to look at the last of the blooms. The summer heat is upon us, and so most of the flowers have finished, and the neighborhood settles into coping with the heat. Hope you enjoy.

Views of the Neighborhood