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

September 27, 2024September 26, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

credit – Guillaume Blondel, Archaeological Service of the City of Eu

A team of student archaeologists in France was surprised while working on a site dating to Gaulic times.

The excavations, carried out under the direction of Guillaume Blondel, director of the municipal archaeological service of the city of Eu, delivered, among other things, a moving and very special testimony from the past.

Located in a previously investigated section of the site, a message was discovered in a small glass bottle from the 19th century accompanied by two coins: a “time capsule” buried almost 200 years ago, a statement from the service read.

“P. J. Féret, a native of Dieppe and member of various intellectual societies, excavated here in January 1825. He continues his investigations in this vast area known as the Cité de Limes or Caesar’s Camp.”

The message in a bottle had been carefully placed in a ceramic pot dating to a much earlier century so that future archaeologists would be sure to find it.

“It was an absolutely magic moment,” Mr. Blondel told the BBC. “We knew there had been excavations here in the past, but to find this message from 200 years ago… it was a total surprise.”

“Sometimes you see these time capsules left behind by carpenters when they build houses. But it’s infrequent in archaeology. Most archaeologists prefer to think that there won’t be anyone coming after them because they’ve done all the work!”

Local archives indeed record P. J. Féret in the area as a historical excavator when the letter was dated.

The work was funded and carried out in partnership with the Regional Archaeology Service to preserve archaeological sites endangered by the coastline’s decline. Already a part of the ‘oppidum’ or fortified Gaulic camp, has fallen away with the crumbling of the coastal hillside on which it was perched.

The Gauls were a series of interconnected feudal (at best) and tribal (at worst) societies that shared societal, cultural, and warrior practices and who inhabited most of central and western Europe during the time of the Roman Republic.

Gaius Julius Caesar waged a campaign to pacify Gaul, hence the name “Caesar’s Camp,” which brought Spain, France, and Belgium under Roman control.

The good news in this story is that the past has been preserved to be studied today. Today’s JohnKu talks about history. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

The past can teach us,

Many lessons about now . . .

If we want to learn.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste Expect a Visitor

September 26, 2024September 25, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 93 Comments

“So Twiggy, what makes you think someone’s coming?”

“I heard Mom mention a delivery.”

“FedEx or what?”

“Hmm. I think she said UPS. Maybe I’ll ask her.”

“If you ask, she’ll be on to us. We might be put in the no barking place.”

“Good thinking. I would hate to miss the opportunity.”

“I know. You taught me that barking UPS to St Louis is one of life’s pleasures.”

“The greatest is when UPS, FedEx, and Amazon all show up.”

I don’t think I have ever seen that.”

“No, but trust me. It will happen.”

“Are you sure you heard Mom correctly?”

“Well, yeah. I was standing by the sink, and she was looking at her phone.”

“Looking at her phone? You said she mentioned a delivery.”

“When she looks at her phone, it is usually a delivery on the way.”

“So you never heard her say ‘delivery.'”

“Give me strength. It doesn’t matter if she said it or not. A phone look is a delivery.”

“What about a text or something else?”

“Do you want to bark? Yes or no? If you do, you have to have faith.”

“Okay, I have faith.”

“Good. Stand by for a good bark, then.”

The Last Drive is Featured on Sally Cronin’s Blog Today.

September 25, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

I am so pleased to be featured on Sally’s blog today. She has a feature that gives an author the opportunity to share an excerpt for one of their books. The Last Drive is being featured with an excerpt starring the one and only Lucifer and the antagonist.

A visit to Sally’s place is a treat and worth the time to look around and experience all that Sally has to offer. Sally is a big supporter of Indie authors and a fabulous author too. Thank you Sally for your kind support.

Smorgasbord Book Promotions 2024 – Share an Excerpt – #Supernatural Adventure The Last Drive by John W. Howell

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Frustration

September 24, 2024September 22, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

I open the book His Revenge randomly to page 143 and, without looking, point to the page. The word closest to my finger is frustration.

“Don’t say it.”

“Don’t say what?”

“Express your frustration with this situation.”

“Okay. You just said it, so I don’t have to.”

“I wish I could explain why this vehicle broke down now.”

“I could give you a hint.”

“Okay, this should be good.”

“This old beater is about ten years beyond its use-by date.”

“Aw, come on. It was running just fine this morning.”

“That was this morning. It is now afternoon, and here we stand.”

“Okay, let me adjust something, and you can get in and start it.”

“Just don’t ask me to help push.”

“Don’t worry. That would be the last thing I would ask.”

“Might even be the last thing you do.”

“Okay, try it now.”

“Nothing.”

“Are you turning the key?”

“Like I don’t know how to start a car or this heap?”

“Okay. I’m sorry. I guess we will have to call a wrecker.”

“Of all days.”

“I know. I just don’t know what else to do.”

“Right now, I’m thinking of leaving you here and hitchhike to city hall. There is only one thing stopping me.”

“What’s that?”

“I can’t marry myself, so I need you to go with me.”

“What about the truck?”

“Call the wrecker. He can drop us off and then take that pile of junk to the salvage yard.”

“But it’s my truck.”

“You have a choice. Marry me or the truck.”

“That is not a fair choice.”

“Why’s that?”

“I could just see you trying to haul a yard of dirt.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do When You Are in a Dentist’s Chair

September 23, 2024September 22, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 114 Comments

This post ran on July 9, 2018. Since we all still go to dentists, it may be useful.

* * *

Top Ten Things Not to Do When You Are in a Dentist’s Chair

The inspiration for this list was a routine visit to the dentist. Like all dentist offices, I could hear what was happening in several offices around me. I listened to some funny things and made up some of my own. I hope you enjoy this list

10 If you are in a dentist’s chair, do not try to answer the dentist’s questions while their hand is in your mouth. If you do, at best, your answer will be garbled and not understood. At worst, the dentist may come up missing a tool. (Yes, it is strange the dentist asks a question while you are incapable of speech, Elijah. Try to resist since that lost tool may be with you for a long time.)

9 If you are in a dentist’s chair, do not listen to Tiny the WWF champ whimper in the next room. If you do, at best, it may unnerve you. At worst, Tiny may catch sight of you as he leaves and will want to make sure you won’t gossip about his lack of fortitude. (That shadow passing over you as you go from the dentist’s office, Evan, is Tiny coming up from behind. Don’t think. Just drop and roll.)

8 If you are in the dentist’s chair, do not ask about the cost of a procedure while it is underway. If you do, at best, you won’t like the answer. At worst, the dentist may decide to give you a discount, provided you can endure the procedure with no painkillers. ( You have to wonder, Ezekiel, why he keeps asking, “Is it safe?” from the movie Marathon Man. Yes, that is you making all that noise.)

7 If you are in the dentist’s chair, do not try to read your chart when the Dentist leaves. If you do, at best, you won’t understand a thing. At worst, the hygienist will walk in just as you are leaning over backward with the chart in your hands. (How do you explain yourself, Edgar? You could have just asked to see your chart.)

6 If you are in the dentist’s chair, do not think about the Italian sub you had for lunch. If you do, at best, you won’t open your mouth. At worst, you will try to explain your faux pas, all while the hygienist continues to spray mouthwash each time you open your mouth. (You wish the “ew” sound were a result of a different source, huh, Elliott?)

5 If you are in the dentist’s chair, do not fool around with the controls. If you do, at best, you won’t get wet. At worst, you will cause possible complications from replacing the polishing tool function with a drilling tool function. (That hole in your front tooth is charming, Emmett. Maybe you can get a diamond to fit in there.)

4 If you are in the dentist’s chair, do not think the dentist will be right in to see you. If you do, at best, your waiting time will seem even longer. At worst, you fell asleep and drooled all over that lovely napkin under your chin. (How do you explain the wet spot to the hygienist, Edwin? Try your Quasimodo impersonation. “Here. Take whistle. That is the only thing I hear. Blow if in trouble.” They will love it.)

3 If you are in the dentist’s chair, do not remind yourself about that 32-ounce Big Gulp soda you finished on the way over here. If you do, at best, you will forgive yourself for not making a restroom stop. At worst, the dental staff will think you are a crack addict, given the amount of twitching and jumping you go through as you try to manage the specter of an accident. (Why is that little voice in your head still talking about Niagara Falls, Easton? Pretty self-defeating, I would say.)

2 If you are in the dentist’s chair, do not acknowledge the rumbling inside of you. If you do, at best, your explanation of the sour kraut and corned beef sandwich will fall on unsympathetic ears. At worst, you may give your body permission to vent off the building pressure. (Nothing pleases people more in a closed room, Edmund.)

1 If you are in the dentist’s chair, do not ask to hold a teddy bear before the procedure. If you do, at best, the staff will think you are joking. At worst, you will get the bear and a chart notation to watch for an emotional break in the future. (Ever wonder why everyone talks in a whisper when you visit the office, Ezequiel?)

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Cornhole Tournament

September 22, 2024September 29, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

Today we are off to the annual Lakeway Cornhole Tournament. We are catered by Nanje of Austin. Our entertainment is Bon Jovi.

Sweet Potato Coconut Choka, Passion Fruit, Black Beans

Escovitch Fish Escovitch, Okra, Jimmy Nardello
West Indian CurryWagyu Beef, Patty Pan, Cherry Tomatoes, Potatoes

Wild Boar Pepperpot Cassareep, Orange Peel, Ginger

Haitian Griot Pork Shoulder, Pikliz, Epis, Crispy Pig Ears, Citrus Jus

Jerk Chicken ½ Heritage Chicken, Wild Garlic Chutney

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s get on the bus.

There is the sign that we are here.

The trophy table.

Registration and power bar table.

The tournament board. Click to read some of the team names.

Spectators and overview of the tournament field.

Superb form with a toss.

In the air.

Hot an heavy competition.

A giant screen to keep track of the football Saturday.

Relaxing under the tent.

The face painter is here for the kids.

City Council Member Kent O’Brian represents the city.

It is time to enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a great week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Peace/Piece

September 21, 2024September 20, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

The message on the coffee machine’s screen is very clear: No coffee until we are clean. Throwing hands up in the air, all peace seems lost until the second message flashes: It only takes two minutes; press start. Grabbing a piece of courage, pressing start saves the day. There is some noise, and then the magic message: All Clean.

The first sip brings the brain to life and reminds us to grab the clock. The time is set for September 20th, 1924, and the location is Washington, D.C. When the plunger is pulled, we find ourselves on the corner of Rhode Island Avenue N.W., M Street, and Connecticut Avenue N.W. in Washington, D.C. Here, the dedication of the Nuns of the Battlefield is a public artwork made in 1924 by Irish artist Jerome Connor.

The artwork honors the more than 600 nuns who served as nurses to both the Union and Confederate injured and ill troops during the US Civil War.

The lower right side of the relief is signed: JEROME CONNOR 1924

The lower left side of the relief is inscribed: BUREAU BROS. BRONZE FOUNDERS PHILA. ENN

On the granite above the relief is inscribed: THEY COMFORTED THE DYING, NURSED THE WOUNDED, CARRIED HOPE TO THE IMPRISONED, GAVE IN HIS NAME A DRINK OF WATER TO THE THIRSTY.

On the granite below the relief: TO THE MEMORY AND IN HONOR OF THE VARIOUS ORDERS OF SISTERS WHO GAVE THEIR SERVICES AS NURSES ON BATTLEFIELDS AND IN HOSPITALS DURING THE CIVIL WAR.

On the rear of the slab near the base is inscribed: ERECTED BY THE LADIES AUXILIARY TO THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS OF AMERICA. A.D. 1924 BY AUTHORITY OF THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES

Just before the Temperance Union served lemonade, our alarm goes off, and we are in the comfort of the couch. A text has arrived from Linda Hill. It reads:

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “peace/piece.’” Use one, use them both (for bonus points), use them any way you’d like. Enjoy!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here’s the link: https://lindaghill.com/2024/09/20/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-21-2024/

“A perfect visit for the peace half of the prompt.”

“I thought so. The piece was in keeping with the wonderful memory of those nuns.”

“What was the deal with the Temperance lemonade bit?”

“It was a tongue-in-cheek nod to your obsession with VooDoo Ranger.”

“Ah, you mentioned it first.”

“Uber?”

“Right over there in the garage.”

“What the heck is that?”

“It’s an electric car built by Westinghouse in 1965.”

“I only see two sets.”

“Yeah, the driver said we could take it.”

“What good does that do when the idea is to have a designated driver for our pub trip?”

“This thing has a top speed of 25 miles an hour and a range of 50 miles and is powered by six six-volt batteries.”

“It will take an hour just to get to the pub. Back to my question.”

“I guess we need something else.”

“Call them back and get a better ride.”

“Okay, but I thought this would be fun since only 50 were made.”

“Okay, you win. Get the driver, and I’ll squeeze in the back.”

“You are a prince.”

“No. Just thirsty.”

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

September 20, 2024September 19, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Study author and big wave surfer Scott Atkinson doing what he loves – Conservation International, released.

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

Surfers On Board Climate Fight After Big Wave Areas Found to be Significant Carbon Stores

Andy Corbley–Sep 19, 2024

Nearly 90 million metric tons of planet-warming carbon have been found surrounding surf breaks worldwide, making these coastal locations essential climate allies and ideal locations for conservation efforts.

The news came from a groundbreaking study by conservationists examining forests, mangroves, and marshes around surf breaks—submerged features like rocks or reefs that create great surfing areas.

This is all the better for surfers themselves. Protecting these coastal ecosystems from development means more space and more waves for them.

Researchers analyzed more than 4,800 popular surf spots across 113 countries for the study. They found that immediately surrounding areas (within 0.6 miles or 1 kilometer of the waves) store over 88 million tons of irrecoverable carbon. That’s roughly equivalent to the annual emissions from 77 million gas-powered cars.

When the surrounding area is expanded to 3 kilometers or 1.8 miles, the amount of carbon stored in the ecosystem doubles to 191.7 million tons. According to the most up-to-date models, irrecoverable carbon refers to the carbon-rich lands humanity must protect to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.

“This research demonstrates the enormous role that protection of surf breaks and surrounding coastal areas can have in our global fight to reverse biodiversity loss and combat climate change,” said Scott Atkinson, a surfer, senior director of surf conservation at Conservation International, and an author of the study.

“Our study shows where we must now focus on legally protecting these areas. Surfers worldwide are fantastic allies for efforts like this—they love the ocean, know it is threatened, and are extremely motivated to protect it. They’ve been ‘on board,’ so to speak, helping to lead the establishment of all the Surf Protected Areas we’ve partnered to create.”

To date, Conservation International, which partners with surfers from the Save the Waves Coalition, has contributed to the establishment of 30 Surf-Protected Areas in Indonesia, Costa Rica, and Peru. These Areas are centered on surf breaks and seek to protect their larger surrounding ecosystems, including coastal forests, mangroves, beaches, seagrass, coral reefs, and the waves themselves.

Over half of these (23 Surf Protected Areas) have been established in Indonesia, which was used in the paper as a case study in creating an effective network of community-based protections. Collectively, the 23 locations form Indonesia’s initial Surf Protected Areas Network, covering more than 148,000 acres. This network can be expanded to hundreds of world-class surf sites across the incredibly biodiverse and carbon-rich country.

Atkinson also highlighted the positive impacts of the community-based Surf Protected Areas on Morotai Island in Indonesia, which is the focus of the paper’s case study.

“They protect precious marine and coastal ecosystems and strengthen community bonds and cultural heritage. Local people on Morotai have surfed on handmade wooden boards since at least World War II and have a strong surf culture,” he said.

“Additionally, local surf and conservation-related livelihoods are flourishing, with eco-friendly tourism and sustainable fishing practices becoming the norm. The community’s involvement in conservation efforts has fostered a sense of pride and ownership, showcasing the power of grassroots initiatives in achieving lasting environmental and social benefits.”

The good news in this story is that vital areas of conservation are being protected. Today’s JohnKu talks about the need for protection. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Stewards of the Earth,

Need to advocate harder . . .

For sensitive spots.