Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

October 1, 2021September 30, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

“You want to chase me, Lucy?”
“It is Friday, so take off.”
“Give me the count of three.”
“One…two, three, Hahaha.”

Well, Friday is here and inviting us all to the weekend. Thanks, Friday, I accept.

This has been the week of Washington.

Congress was successful and extended government funding until December 3rd. On the $1 Trillion infrastructure bill and the $3.4 Trillion climate, healthcare and education bill, there is trouble in paradise. Seems strange that the Dems who control the Senate and house can’t seem to get everyone in line. The progressives (to be read, socialists) want the bigger bill brought forward before approving the smaller. Good luck, Schumer and Pelosi. Of course, the saying is, “Never underestimate Pelosi.” She says she is bringing the infrastructure bill to a vote. As of this writing, I don’t know if she did.

The generals in charge of the military aspect of the Afghanistan withdrawal fiasco have been testifying in front of the Senate and House on Tuesday and Wednesday. Much was said about Biden not following the advice of the generals to have 2500 troops on the ground to cover the withdrawal. The only other big reveal was that the Taliban had offered the U.S. military the option to secure the entire city of Kabul while it was leaving. This would have required more troops which Biden turned down. Had the city been secure maybe, just maybe those 13 Americans might have been spared. Of course we’ll never know. Now that the generals have been grilled by the Senate and house maybe the whole thing will blow over. I’m sure Joe hopes so. I still feel badly for the Americans still left behind and for the families of those killed.

The issue at the border was cleaned up. All the Haitians were shipped out. Looks like 12,400 were let into the country on a temporary basis and about 2000 sent back to Haiti. I think the rush to the border paid off for those wanting to be here.

Right now 55% of all Americans are fully vaccinated. The Biden mandate has not been implemented since there is some guidance needed from the feds. When it does it is probable the numbers will go up.

Today’s JohnKu talks about having Washington in the news. I hope you have a great weekend.

You know it’s bad news,

When all you read about is. . .

Washington hijinks.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

September 17, 2021September 16, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

“Well it is Friday and we are at the lounge again.”
“Do you think we are becoming slothful, Lucy?”
“I think prudent is the right descriptor.’

Friday is welcome again. Always good to see its shining face. Friday is like the doorman to the Plaza Hotel in New York City. With a wave of the hand and a hearty welcome to the weekend, Friday makes us feel good.

The FDA is meeting to decide the guiding principles on a booster shot for COVID. All the data suggests that there should be one and now approval for such a move needs to be made. There are still plenty of folks who have not had the first two shots so I wonder what the demand for boosters will do to the supply.

I saw a report yesterday that new car production is being halted due to the lack of silicon chips. Looks like the supply has been affected by COVID. Right now the Ford F150 pickup truck has 150,000 orders that cannot be filled. Hurricane Ida and Nicholas have also hampered the supply chain. The report went on to say the demand for nearly new used cars is up and it might be a good time to sell your used vehicle. Of course, only if you have something else to drive or a horse.

Inflation has raised its ugly head again. For the twelve-month period ending in August, it is 5.2% on the last report. This is compared to a projection of 2.25% made in 2020 and an actual in 2020 of 1.8%. There is some concern that the 3.5 Trillion spending bill will tip us into a hyperinflation situation. When supplies are short (cars, houses, Weber gas grills) there is a tendency for prices to rise if demand can’t be met. We need to watch the indexes. I certainly hope Congress keeps an eye on the data as well. All the social programs that are intended to be delivered won’t help if the population is driven to a position of not being able to afford to live.

This week’s JohnKu talks about trying to find good news in our world today. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Good news is out there,

You are forced to hunt it down . . .

It is quite bashful.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

September 10, 2021September 9, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

“Okay, Lucy. Now explain this again.”
“It’s the sun coming through the living room windows to the porch.”
“You know how crazy that sounds, right?”
“I guess, but it’s true.”

It is Friday again. Yahoo. We can all use a Friday. This was a short week given the holiday on Monday. So, here we are, ready for a weekend.

I’m so glad football season is finally here. Since I have a tough time getting the Steeler broadcasts here in Texas, I have to be satisfied with the college team broadcasts that come our way. So I hunt down Notre Dame, West Virginia University, Michigan State, and Baylor. Those are the places where we went or sent money. I guess I’m pretty lucky to have such a choice.

COVID cases are at the highest level since March. I’m wearing my mask and will be getting a booster as soon as I figure out where to go and when. The information on boosters is very sporadic. The White House set up some additional vaccination mandates covering areas that the Fed can control. In addition, businesses with 100 or more employees need to have all employees vaccinated or tested. OSHA will do the policing for the mandate. States are likely going to challenge the mandate as it relates to business requirements.

Here is a list and link to all the California wildfires. We have to keep praying for some relief. The good news is the Dixie, and Caldor fires are over 50 % contained but more needs to be done. Sadly a firefighter from the Dixie fire succumbed to illness. (no other details)

The Taliban released a flight with about 30 Americans and 170 others on Thursday. This was the first release of stranded citizens and friends since August 31st. Let’s hope it is the beginning of 100% success for those who want to leave. Let’s also hope that this release came without paying a ransom. (no one is talking about that right now)

Today’s JohnKu talks about keeping positive. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Who controls your mood?

Directing positive or not . . .

Look in a mirror.

Friday JohnKu – AKA TGIF

September 3, 2021September 2, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

“We doing sun bath today, Little One?”
“Yeah until Dad starts using the ladder.”
“He doesn’t make much noise.”
“He does when he falls off.”
“Good point.”

Another Friday has graced us with its presence. So good to see you Friday, you looker you. Have a seat. Soon it will be the weekend,, and we thank you for leading us there.

We all have to send prayers to those affected by Hurricane Ida. Having survived Harvey, I can tell you it will be a rough road ahead for everyone. Also, our friends on the East Coast are having their challenges with the rain resulting from the storm. Our hearts go out to them as well.

The thirteen Marines killed during the withdrawal from Afghanistan landed at Dover Air Force base. We pray their families will at some point come to some element of peace knowing they are back. I also hope there will be some justice for those responsible for these deaths. I applaud both sides of the Congressional aisle who are demanding answers. Since the administration wants to move the Afghanistan story off page one as soon as possible, I hope those with conscience keep asking for a detailed account of what caused such a mess.

Some politicians are crowing that the withdrawal was a big success since over 100,000 people were evacuated. I tend to think about the 10% of American citizens who are still trapped in the country and, of course, the thirteen who gave their lives. Yeah, call me old-fashioned,, but success would have been no lives lost and 100% of our citizens saved.

Texas finished the meteorological summer with the coolest weather in 13 years. Our temperature was down for the three-month period by 0.58 degrees, and we only had four 100 degree days. So we will have to see what September has in store.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the weather (What else?) I hope you have a wonderful Weekend.

It takes one who knows,

To guide us through the weather . . .

Or just flip a coin.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

August 27, 2021August 26, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

“Hey, Dad. You need any help?”
“No thanks. I think I can handle it.”
“When’s dinner then?”

Another Friday is here, and we can all give thanks. We can look forward to a weekend of rest.

This was a busy week all around. I am glad to report I have made some headway on my WIP. The one additional day of not blogging has opened up some valuable time, and I have put it to good use. When my book is finished, I will be returning to Wednesday Story Day because, quite frankly, I miss the characters that come out of such an endeavor. So stand by since one day it will happen.

It is very hard not to comment on the developments in Afghanistan. The latest polls show the President’s handling of the pullout not meeting favor with the public. I noticed the German government has promised the Taliban hundreds of millions in aid to allow its citizens to leave. This starts a journey on a very slippery slope in which the Taliban can begin to auction off groups of people that a country might see as vital. Of course, Biden was asked by the German’s to extend the date, and so far, he has refused. This sets up the possibility for the Taliban to do what it does best; hold hostages for ransom. Since I don’t want to get political, I’ll leave it there. I just believe Americans expected much more than the humiliation we see in Afghanistan. Now that there has been one bomb explosion at the Kabul airport, I hope it doesn’t get worse.

It was good to see the FDA give final approval to the Pfizer vaccine. Now maybe some holdouts will feel more comfortable getting a jab. It is hard to believe the number of cases of COVID that are being reported. School districts here in Texas are closing for up to ten days. Gotta hope for some relief.

Today’s JohnKu talks about looking on the bright side of things to cope with too much bad news. I hope you have a super weekend.

When the news seems dark,

Think of the bright side of it . . .

We are all still here.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

August 20, 2021August 19, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 87 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy — “Lucy look at this sun.”
“I know. Just goes to show you.”
“What?”
“What a difference a day makes.”

Hey Friday. Come on in. You sure are looking good today. We all could use a couple of days of rest. So here, have a margarita and take a load off.

This week has been a challenge for sure.

COVID cases are causing the cancellation of several events across the country. Garth Brooks and Stevie Nicks canceled five performances where COVID cases were the highest. The Texas governor tested positive but has no symptoms. He is a good example of the benefit of being fully vaccinated. I think there is going to be more news on cancellations. The President announced that Medicare funds to nursing homes that don’t have all providers vaccinated will be affected. Who boy can you imagine the forms that will need to be filled out on this one? The President is also going after those states that forbid local mandates on masking. It looks like the Supreme Court won’t have to worry about a lack of cases this year.

The Taliban took over the capital city of Kabal. Seems like the administration could have done a better job in executing the withdrawal from Afganistan. Funny how both sides of the political aisle blame the other for the mess. Cut the blame game, Mr. President, and get on with protecting our allies and those Americans still caught in-country. What’s done is done.

The CDC surprised us all by recommending a booster shot for those fully vaccinated. It was an original recommendation for those with compromised immune systems and those 65 and over. Now, bam, another mass rush for boosters. I have to wonder if anyone in Washington takes the time to plan anything ahead of the action. I, for one, have no idea of the guidelines for getting a booster. This announcement should have been held after some semblance of the process had been worked out.

The stock market is struggling due to uncertainty about what the Fed will do with its COVID stimulus program. The recovery from the original COVID business impact is again threatened by the Delta variant. Wall Street is afraid the Fed will cut back on the bond-buying stimulus, which is running at $120 Billion a month. Analysts believe the recovery is running into COVID and inflation bumps that were not predicted. Notes from the Fed meeting in July seem to point to a slowdown in bond-buying by the end of the year. I guess we will have to wait and see.

Today’s JohnKu talks about our nerves. I hope you have a great weekend and will try to forget all the bullshit flying around. Certainly, try not to be hit by any.

There’s the variant,

Prices going through the roof . . .

What will calm our nerves?

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

August 13, 2021August 13, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

“So this is Friday, Lucy.”
“Yeah, I know that.”
“Time for you to chase me.”
“Well, start running.”
“Count to three before you come after me.”
“Given my age, you will be in St. Louis before I catch you, but here goes.”

Friday is on us before we know it. Wait a minute. We know it. What I meant to say is Friday is here already. This has been a fast week for sure. I really don’t know why. Oh well, we’ll take it, right?

Not much going on here. The school boards across the state are still asking themselves what to do about the kids coming back to school. Our governor has signed an executive order forbidding mask and vaccination mandates. Those people outside of Texas have a difficult time understanding that move. Some inside Texas have the same problem, especially those who have fled the tyranny of other state governments. (I guess they came here for reasons other than the freedom to live without big brother watching.) The governor’s action is best explained by the Texas ideal of personal freedom, which is freedom above all else, even if it kills you. Here is the flag from the Battle of Gonzolas, the first battle of the Texas revolution. The Texans were told to give the cannon back to the Mexican army. The flag was the response. Maybe that explains the Texas love for freedom.

So what is going on is a lot of handwringing by school boards and county judges. Here in my county, our judge has the guts to go ahead and mandate masks in all schools, public and private. Then, of course, there will be a lawsuit challenging the governor’s right to issue the non-mask order. There will also be a lawsuit brought by the state against our county for defying the order. While all this kerfuffle is going on, at least the kids and teachers will be safer.

I was dumbfounded by the news that Laredo, Texas, is putting untested migrants on busses and shipping them to Austin and Houston. As the mayor of Larado, they have no facilities to handle the numbers expected to test positive. Once tested, the city would be responsible for taking care of them, and they have no facilities to do so. I’m not sure the mayor understands that we only have three ICU beds left in our five-county. Before we get too upset with Lerado, we have to remember that the Department of Homeland Security is dumping untested immigrants on the city of Laredo and who knows where else.

The situation on the Texas border is approaching a major disaster. The sad thing is that the American public is not hearing anything about the situation other than the propaganda point that these immigrants are fleeing dire circumstances and need help. These people aren’t really getting help. They are being transported and then dumped. I hope everyone is happy with a gagged media once all the border crossers are placed quietly inside American cities. It is estimated that at a minimum of 1% of those crossing the border are infected with Covid. So if you look at the YTD apprehensions of over one million. It is reasonable to believe 10,000 are positive for the virus. Sure the 10,000 are not all in the same place simultaneously, but it is worrisome when someone decides, without even asking, to dump migrants in a city. It is almost laughable that no testing is being done by the Feds or locals with the excuse that they can’t handle taking care of positive cases, so no one gets tested. A case of head in the sand at best.

Well, that’s enough of a discussion about the human tragedy here in Texas. Today’s JohnKu discusses when something is not our problem. I hope you all have a terrific weekend.

Tragedy seems vague,

When it happens far from home . . .

It still requires help.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

August 6, 2021August 5, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 82 Comments

Here it is. Another Friday just waiting to open the door to Saturday. Always happy to see Friday here.

Not too much news to report. I was happy that the city of Lakeway is having some events in support of shark week. The one that I like is another scavenger hunt in the park, which I will report on Sunday’s Views of the Neighborhood.

Friday, August 6 – Thursday, August 12

Shark in the Park Scavenger Hunt

Shark fins are hidden across Lakeway City Park. Can you find them all?

I will not be participating in the contest part. I wouldn’t want to take away an award from a child entering the contest.

I did a feature on Rhythm & Reels; you can go HERE if you want to see it. This week is the third event in the series.

Friday, August 6 Rhythm & Reels Location: Lakeway Swim Center

7:30 PM Free Yard Games and Hot Dogs Live Music by Vision Arcade

8:45 PM Movie – The Meg

Watch the movie from the pool! (Sure you will)

Sunday, August 8

Shark Pool Party at Lakeway Swim Center

Shark-themed games, photo ops, prizes, and RIDE A SHARK from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM!

I hope you’ll join me on Sunday for Views of the Neighborhood. Today’s JohnKu talks about avoiding the news. I hope you have a great weekend.

There comes a time when,

All the news that’s fit to print. . .

Is not worth reading.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

July 30, 2021July 29, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 100 Comments

“Boss. Twiggy keeps running away.”
“Isn’t that what tag is all about?”
“Not when one gets older it isn’t.”
“You’ll be fine. Go get her.”

It is Friday again and the beginning of that period of rest that we all need. I hope your week went well.

We all learned that the CDC issued some revised guidelines for mask-wearing. They advise mask-wearing even if fully vaccinated in public places, indoors in those areas where there is a high and substantial level of Covid transmission rates. This covers about 225 million Americans or about 63% of the population. So if your area has between 50 and 100 new cases per 100,000 population or a positivity testing rate of 8% to 10%, then you are in a substantial to high transmission rate area.

Also, the CDC is recommending those school-age children in grades K through 12 wear masks when they go back to school. This has caused so much confusion in the school districts here in Texas. The governor issued a directive that school districts and communities are not allowed to mandate mask-wearing, so at best, any decision on masks has to be an advisory position. Texas shares the no-mask mandate with Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Montana, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Makes your head spin.

We also learned this week that eating foods high in flavonoids can help beat cognitive decline. To all you youngsters out there, this knowledge has little relevance. To we old codgers, what it means is all the strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, red cabbage, onions, peppers, kale, parsley, black tea, oolong tea, green tea, wine, chocolate, soybeans, and citrus, that we have consumed is keeping our cognitive abilities from diving into the dirt. This was a study done over a 25 year period with 75,000 participants, and results were published in the American Academy of Neurology journal. So keep eating and drinking that stuff, and if you are not eating or drinking it, you should start.

Today’s JohnKu talks about cognitive decline. I hope you have a super weekend.

To protect the brain,

Flavonoids are wonderful . . .

Give me some more wine.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

July 23, 2021July 22, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 97 Comments

Another hooray for Friday. It is nice that we are all on the eve of two days of rest. I’m over at Story Empire today complaining about not working on my manuscript. Come visit if you want to see a grown man cry. Here’s the link.

I always hate to discuss COVID but given the fact that new cases are up 55% across the country makes it hard to ignore. 97% of the new hospitalized infections are occurring in unvaccinated people. Sadly too, 99% of the people who die have not been vaccinated. It looks like a new serge of Covid is on the way due to the Delta variant. Breakthrough cases among fully vaccinated folks still remain at a low level.

We have survived this situation before, and I think it may be time for all of us to take precautions to keep ourselves and our families safe. However, I’m not going to look to the government for this precaution since the whole mask, social distance, and shut down process has become a political morass.

More bad news from the Olympics in Tokyo. The opening ceremony Director Kentaro Kobayashi was fired in response to anti-holocaust statements he made while performing a comedy act in 1998. He was the opening ceremony director since 2019. He is the last in a string of Toyko Olympics officials to be let go for indescretions. The US team has moved from the Olympic village due to COVID concerns. It looks like this Olympic venue is going to have more troubles. I feel badly for the athletes.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the Olympics. I hope you have a great weekend.

Four years to prepare,

A world wide celebration . . .

Of human spirit.