Thursday – A Little Personal – Too Hot to Play Outside

July 26, 2018July 25, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

“Hey, Bailey. Look at Lucy”

“Yeah. Looks like she is up and at em today.”

“Yeah, you two. It is too hot to play outside, so we have to think of things to do inside.

“I’m already doing it. Laying on the couch.”

“Come on Bailey you need the exercise.”

“How about you Little Potato. Want to play with this toy?”

“How do we play with it?”

“Right now it looks like a nice stole on you.”

“But that is not the intent of this toy. You grab it.”

“Then what?”

“You shake it like you would a wild pig.”

“Oh, my. Wild pig? Where do we find wild pigs?”

“Pay no attention to Lucy. She thinks she is a medieval hunting dog.”

“That is what I was bred for, Bailey.”

“So Twiggy. You shake the prey until you break its neck.”

“Ew. I don’t think I can do that.”

“Yeah, Lucy she’s a puppy and a French Bulldog not a hulk like you.”

“There you go, Twiggy. Tear out its throat.”

“Lucy for heaven’s sake. Frenchies are not hunters.”

“What do they do then?”

“They had been bred for non-sporting reasons since at least 1800, and so their use changed from a sporting breed to a companion breed.”

“Yeah, so can we get Lucy to let go of my neck.”

“Oh sorry, Little One. Got carried away with the hunt.”

“That’s it. I’m taking the prey . . . er, the toy.”

“I will be careful.”

“I think you need a time out.”

“You are not my mother.”

“You want me to tell mom?

“Okay, Time to rest little one.”

“Ah. It is so nice to have you as a big sister, Lucy.”

“Hear that big game hunter.”

“Yeah, I hear it. Thank you, Twiggy. It’s nice to have a little sister too.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

July 25, 2018July 24, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

Oh no. I was told not to wake them until Friday. This is Wednesday

It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week Andrew (retired M.E.) and Larry agreed to give Perry (current M.E.) some direction on evidence preservation as well as contact the IT department and the forensic team. The idea is to see if there is the possibility of the existence of a backup file of the Sandusky autopsy report. This is the only way Andrew can substantiate his claim that he made an entry in the record that is no longer there on the hard copy. I see Andrew has headed off to talk with the IT department. Let’s stick with Larry as he has a discussion with Perry.

“Excuse me Perry, but do you have a minute?”

“Of course, detective. What can I do for you?”

“As you know, there seems to be a missing soft copy of the Sandusky autopsy report, and I want to make sure nothing else goes missing from this department.”

“Speak plainly detective. Do you think I had something to do with the missing file?”

“Oh, no of course not. You weren’t even here when the file disappeared. I’m curious as to why you would say such a thing?”

“Well, I get the feeling that you suspect something is all.”

“Yeah, well I think most people get that feeling around me. I am suspicious by vocation remember?”

“Understood, but I think there is a little avocation in there as well.”

“Okay, you got me. I’m totally suspicious of everyone.”

“So, what did you want to talk to me about?”

“We need to set up some safeguards to make sure no other files go missing. We also need to preserve all the information currently on hand in the Sandusky file.”

“Okay, that makes sense. How do we accomplish this goal?”

“We start by putting all your files in a protected space on the mainframe. We need to make sure you are the only one who can access that space.”

“I think our IT department can handle that.”

“Yes I hope so. Andrew is talking to them now.”

“What else?”

“I think you should get files that lock and not allow access unless people sign the material in and out.”

“Our file room has a lock on the door. Will that suffice?”

“it will if you have control over who has a key.”

“Yeah, that’s a problem. That door has been there a while and no telling who has a key.”

“Call maintenance and get the lock changed. Get as few keys as necessary to run your department.”

“Okay will do. I don’t think too many people need access to the files anyway.”

“Okay good. Also, my CSI team will be arriving shortly.”

“CSI? What are they going to do?”

“I want to dust the files and the servers. Just a sweep to see if there are any strange fingerprints or stray evidence lying around. I will need a list of anyone who has gone into the files recently.

“I thought the file was compromised then years ago.”

“Very true but I still want to see if there are any interlopers putting their hands where they don’t belong.”

“Ah very good. I like your precautions.”

“Thank you, Perry. Suspicious remember.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #184 by Keith Channing

July 24, 2018July 23, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 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, with links to your own blog or website, next Monday.”

“Excuse me, sir.”

“Yes, what is it.?”

“Do you have a moment to speak to KRIM News?”

“News? What about?”

“We are asking everyday citizens about how effective they think their government is performing.”

“Oh, my. I may be the wrong person for that kind of question.”

“Oh, come on sir. It is nothing hard. Just your opinion. There is no right or wrong answer.”

“I’m not sure.”

“How about your comrades. Maybe they might be willing.”

“They are with me and what I say goes.”

“Will you give them permission to speak.”

“Well, that is the whole problem. They only do what I say and don’t have a mind of their own.”

“How about the guy with the Fri-End jacket? What does that mean anyway?”

“Friend. The word is friend. He won’t have much to say. Okay, if you insist I will talk to you. Then we need to be on our way.”

“Super. Thank you so much. What I will do is ask your name— “

“No names. We need to be anonymous. In fact, we need to be off camera.”

“Er. I guess that will be okay. No name then. I will be explaining to the viewers that we are interviewing people about their government and then I’ll ask the first question.”

“What is the question?”

“What can you do to improve the government?”

“Oh, I like that. It will give me an opportunity to talk about what I like and dislike.”

“Terrific. This is going to be a swell interview. Okay, so standby. We will be recording in three, two, one. Hi, viewers, this is Sally Mae Masters reporting to you live from the central market. Today we are talking to everyday citizens about their feelings regarding the performance of our government. Our first guest is a young man who has asked that we not show him on camera. We are respecting that wish. Hello, young man.”

“Hello, Miss Masters.”

“So tell me how you think we can improve our government.”

“Well, Miss Masters since I feel our government has failed us miserably I think a massive disruptive event will underscore how the oppressed citizens feel.”

“Wow, that sounds like a powerful expression. What do you have in mind.”

“We think a large bag of red paint representing our rage dropped on an unsuspecting politician or even a TV personality should do the trick.”

“That sounds like it could be messy. Do you have a politician picked out?”

“Yes, we do. We are going to surprise Senator Smith. We are on our way there now.”

“Senator Smith is out-of-town.”

“You sure?”

“Yes, I covered his departure this morning.”

“Well, I guess it will have to be the personality then.”

“Who do you have in mind?”

“How are your ratings, Miss Masters?”

“Down, way down. This is Sally Mae Masters signing off. Excuse me I gotta go.”

“I think red is your color. Down with the government oppressors.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do When the Heat Index is Above 110 degrees F (43.3 C)

July 23, 2018July 22, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

The inspiration for this list was yesterday’s high temperature and high humidity.

10 If the heat index is above 110, do not do your 10K run. If you do, at best, your water will run out at 5K. At worst, passersby will wonder what you are doing in the community fountain. (Look like the police wonder the same thing, Edan. I think your reason better be a little better than, “Trying to cool off,” since only a fool, crazy person, or a drunk would be running today.)

9 If the heat index is above 110, do not fail to say “excuse me,” if you accidentally bump into Tiny the WWF Wrestling champ. If you do, at best Tiny will be too hot to care. At worst, Tiny who just walked out of his affiliation addiction support group will honestly believe you hit him on purpose. (Coupled with the heat and Tiny’s need to be liked I think you are headed for a harrowing afternoon, Edwald. Running will only make him madder.)

8 If the heat index is above 110, do not get out that lawnmower. If you do, at best there will be no gas. At worst, you will get halfway finished before the case of heat stroke hits you. (The sad part is in addition to the hospital stay you are in violation of your home owner’s association rules on lawn care. You better have someone finish the lawn, Efraim before Mrs. Jones spots that half done lawn cut.)

7 If the heat index is above 110, do not go tenting as planned. If you do, at best you won’t need a fire to heat your coffee water. At worst, sometime during the night, the local bear family gets the idea you are a specially prepared dish called a naked ape roasted in canvas. (Yeah, there is no way you are going to talk them out of a meal, Eisa. Might as well give up that sirloin you were going to have tomorrow and count yourself lucky at that.)

6 If the heat index is above 110, do not think you will make it home with that gallon of ice cream. If you do, at best you should take a spoon. At worst, you’ll arrive home with a leaking container of melted ice cream which will leave a trail across the new carpet as you head for the kitchen. (I think you might just continue out the back door, Elazar. Pretty hard to explain the new chocolate on the white wool decorating scheme. As you leave, I would do a serpentine maneuver. Harder for a shooter to hit.)

5 If the heat index is above 110, do not think being on a body of water is going to cool you. If you do, at best the boat has a canopy so you won’t die. At worst, you will remember the poem The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner as you whisper through parched lips, “Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.” (Time to get on the radio and call for help, Elfred. Of course, you will be lucky if anyone will answer a crazy man.)

4 If the heat index is above 110, do not escape the heat in the corner bar. If you do, at best the bartender will allow you to stay while sipping one drink. At worst, you will think you have to keep consuming drinks while sitting on the bar stool. (Now that you have beaten the heat, tell us how you are going to get home, Elija. You certainly can’t drive and walking is impossible as well. Maybe if you could talk you could ask for a cab.)

3 If the heat index is above 110, do not go ahead with that cookout. If you do, at best your guests will all cancel. At worst, they all show up and take on available liquid at an unprecedented rate. (Too bad all you are offering is your famous trash can punch, Elkhanah. It seems that no one is still standing as you serve your equally renowned ribs. Good thing you have lots of floor space.)

2. If the heat index is above 110, do not ignore the power company warnings about conserving electricity consumption. If you do, at best everyone else does, and you have no loss of power. At worst, your electricity shuts down, and you are now faced with a night of sleeping in a house with a heat index of 120. (Why is it when the electricity goes off it gets hotter, Elmo? Must be a law of some kind.)

1 If the heat index is above 110, do not forget your children and pets need extra care. If you do, at best you’ll be lucky, and they will be fine. We don’t want to think of the worst case. (Just keep them cool, Elwin. And for heaven’s sake don’t leave anyone in the car, A/C or not.)

Views of the Neighborhood – When It’s Hot

July 22, 2018July 21, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 80 Comments

There is nothing like Summer in South Texas. The above heat index map was from yesterday at 11:30 AM. We live under the right side of the 0 in the number 103 F. (That’s 39.444 degrees C) The forecasted high could go to 110.

So what does one do to beat the heat around here? Let me tell you the beach and pools are way too hot.

How about a trip to the library?

Hmm. Boarded door and not accepting donations? I would say they are closed.

I know. A stroll through the Marie Science Educational Center.

Does the word, “temporarily” mean like in four or five minutes they will open? Probably not.

We could head over to the candy shop. Of course, it costs about 1000 calories an hour to stay cool there.

Now we are talking. How about painting a ceramic and having it fired? Let’s go inside.

The first thing you see is the pickup rack. This is where the clients pick up their ceramics after they have been fired. You can see some waiting for their owners.

This is Michelle Shook, the owner of Fire It Ceramics. She just moved into a new location after Hurricane Harvey severely damaged her previous shop. The fish she is getting ready to wrap was started by a client before the hurricane hit. It survived in the shop and is being picked up today.

This is a shot of the color rack. As you can see, there are about 280 choices to decorate your piece.

This wall chart gives the client an idea of what their finish will look like after it is fired. So what you do is select your color and then go to this display and check to see if what you have chosen will come out the way you hope. Michelle says, “You don’t have to know how to paint from an artistic sense to do ceramics. All you do is apply paint.”

Here are the workplaces. While we were there, a group was having a birthday. Their group was about ten, so two tables were put together.

Here are some of the ceramics on display. You choose your ceramic and then paint it.

Here are some more.

A supply table and some T-shirts waiting for design

More choices on what to paint.

Here is Michelle again with her large kiln. She had five kilns working at her previous location. She temporarily has two that survived the hurricane and more on order.

Of course, there is always some idiot willing to stick their head into a cut-out and pay considerable sums to get possession of the data file with the picture.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Organ

July 21, 2018July 20, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this weeks prompt is “organ.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want. If you would like the challenge of using the word organ go to Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/07/20/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-21-18/

“I know I see the word.”

“So you know what I’m thinking right now.”

“I think I do. You need to rise above your thoughts and do something uplifting.”

“Very funny. If you knew what I was thinking about the word “organ.” you would have never used the word uplifting.”

“Oh, whatever. Just get on with writing something that is out of the gutter.”

“How about I do the prompt describing a classical piece of music specially written for the organ?”

“I think that would be nice. We could all learn a little more about classical music.”

“I could talk about Johann Sebastian Bach and some of his music.”

“That would be nice.”

“And one of my favorites is the Organ Concerto in A Minor which is an arrangement of Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto in A Minor.”

“Wow, that would be terrific.”

“Bach composed some of the greatest music for the organ. He was an organist after all.”

“I didn’t know that. What else.”

“His first wife died and so he remarried. He fathered twenty children and over half died in childhood.”

“Goodness. Tragic side.”

“Yes, but he continued to compose through his tears.”

“Now wasn’t that better than your first thought?”

“Not sure. I think talking about the heart, lung, and liver might be just as interesting.”

“So these were the organs you were thinking about?”

“Yes. What other organs are there?”

“Okay, now it is time to move on.”

“You are so easy it’s pathetic.”

Friday – JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

July 20, 2018July 19, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

Twiggy — “Hey, Dad. We doing this screened porch project or not?”

Friday is here, and for all who must carry the yoke of employment, there are only about eight hours in this work week. Since you have come this far, you can certainly make it to the finish. At least it is hoped.

I made some progress on the WIP which is always a good thing. The rest of the projects for the week were pretty much around keeping up with the blog, e-mails and some projects around the house.

I find when working on projects, the idea is to set a goal much like I do with writing. One such project is cleaning the last of the hurricane debris out of the screens on the porch. I have twelve panels that have to be removed from their frames, cleaned and replaced. The structures then need to be painted where necessary and everything put back.

So rather than try to do them all in a day (about 12 hours) which would mean a total loss of a writing day, I decided to do one per. In this way, twelve days and the entire job will be done. I have to admit it does take a little negotiating to make sure the time frame is in keeping with the head of the house. Happy to say, it is. Today’s JohnKu talks about the demands of time.

This to do and that,

Trying to find enough time . . .

Need to allocate.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Leash Time

July 19, 2018July 18, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

“Hey, you two. Time to rise and shine.”

“Wha— Ah Boss. Whats going on?”

“Yeah, dad. Today was supposed to be a sleep all day day.”

“It is official it is Twiggy tries out a leash day.”

“Lucy you and Bailey are going on your walk with Mom as usual. Twiggy, you stay with me.”

” Gives me time with this ball.”

“Then we are going to meet Mom at the beach.”

“Hey look, Dad. There’s mom with Lucy and Bailey. Why didn’t I get to walk the whole way?”

“You are too little, and it is too hot.”

“Bailey, Lucy. I missed you guys so much.”

“Yeah, we missed you too, Little Stuff.”

“How long were we gone, Bailey? A half hour?”

“The little ones don’t have a concept of time, Lucy. No use damping her enthusiasm.”

“Hey. Twiggy. We are heading home.”

“Okay, Lucy. Say what is that below the boardwalk?

“Sand.”

“Sand? What is sand?”

“Ground up seashells, quartz, feldspar, and mica.”

“Maybe I learn what those are later.”

“You don’t need to worry, Twigs. There is a lot of time to learn.”

“Aw, you are so kind, Lucy.

“Why can’t I get Dad to walk faster.”

“Well, he kind of likes to take his time and don’t tell him I said so but he’s getting older.”

“I thought so.”

“How did your trip to the vet go, Bailey?”

“Real good, Little stuff. My teeth got a nice cleaning.”

“Can I look?”

“Sure. See how white?”

“You do look good. Mom keeps bothering me with a toothbrush.”

“You should feel glad she does.”

“Why?”

“The more brushing at your age, the less trouble later.”

“We are the three Caballeros.”

“Uh. You have to be a male to be a Caballero, Twiggy.”

“Oh. What can we be then?”

“We can be the three Senoritas. Of course in Lucy’s case, it may be more Senora.”

“Very funny Bailey.”

“I say the three Senoritas.”

“You got it Little Stuff. The three Senoritas it is.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

July 18, 2018July 17, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we became aware that the computer files on the Sandusky case at the medical examiner’s office had been deleted. Andrew, the former M. E., suggested that a forensic team try to recover the file. Larry, the detective, thought that was a great idea and realized he could use Andrew’s help. He asked Andrew to join his team and Andrew agreed. Let’s get back to the M.E.’s office since I think Larry is going to issue some instructions to the current M.E. (Perry)

“So, Perry. I think we need to treat the deleted file as evidence and make sure nothing happens to it. Is it on a hard drive?”

“Actually, it was stored in the cloud.”

“The cloud? Oh man, that sounds like it might be a complication.”

“Excuse me, Larry.”

“Yes, Andrew. Go ahead.”

“Is it possible that there is some kind of backup file. Maybe on a storage device?”

“It may be possible. I don’t have a lot of hope since the case is ten years old.”

“That is my point. Ten years ago it was standard procedure to back up M. E. files every night.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“No reason you should, Perry. It’s like ancient history these days. Anyway, let me check with the IT guys and see if there is some kind of redundancy that might work to our advantage.”

“Good luck with that.”

“Hey, Andrew let’s take a walk.”

“Sure, Larry. Lead the way.”

“Let me close this door and you and I need to go down the hall a bit.”

“What’s up, Larry. You look worried.’

“Okay, this is far enough. Yeah, I’m worried.”

“What about other than the missing file.”

“I have to wonder who had access to the file?”

“I would say anyone with clearance to log on to the system. The files were not in a password protected separation or anything.’

“Don’t you find it odd that the file was deleted after I asked for a copy?”

“No that would be logical. Whoever has an interest, in this case, wanted to make sure the hard copy read like a paranormal piece of fiction. I guess that file was eliminated long before you asked for it. I’ll even bet it was shortly after the autopsy.”

“By the way, I don’t trust old Perry in there.”

“Why’s that?”

“I don’t know. I would think he would come up with the forensic investigation on the deleted file. He just stood there. It was like he didn’t want to help.”

“I can see your point, but I’ve known Perry a long time and would bank on his integrity.”

“just the same I think we need to lay out some preservation of evidence rules. Also, I think we should dust the hard file to see if any strange fingerprints show up.”

“Yeah, a good idea.”

“Okay, we can go back and tell Perry the rules. I’ll also call in a forensic team and would you be so kind as to contact the IT department to see if there is any hard drive storage going back ten years.”

“Yes, sir. Man. it feels good taking orders.”

“Think I could order a coffee.”

“The machine is around that corner. While you’re there, I’ll have a cup of Columbian. Half and half and Splenda.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #183 by Keith Channing

July 17, 2018July 16, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo as inspiration, (Below) 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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.