Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Founding of Harvard College in 1636

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This was the weekend that we moved daughter into her new house. With all the work I did not have time to do an adequate job of a Top Ten Post. This post ran on October 29th, 2018. I hope if you missed it you will enjoy it. For those who have seen this one, next week will be better. Also, I’m over at Story Empire today talking about burnout. Here is the LINK

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This post continues the Top Ten Things Not to Do with history as a backdrop. Harvard College, the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, is founded in Cambridge, Mass on this day in 1636.

The Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Founding of Harvard College in 1636.

10 If you are at the founding of Harvard, do not suggest a celebration with a kegger party. If you do, at best the kegger store will be closed. At worst, the administration will create a rule against keggers. (Congratulations, Fyodor. You are the first student at the college to be put on probation.)

9 If you are at the founding of Harvard, do not pledge a fraternity where Tiny the WWF champ is a member. If you do, at best Tiny will flunk out before you get there. At worst, Tiny who was just criticized by the dean for necessary hazing had ordered you to bend over. (Let’s hope the dean lecture has not made Tiny even angrier, Frederick. Is that paddle as big as it looks?)

8 If you are at the founding of Harvard, do not organize a demonstration protesting the dorm food. If you do, at best no one will join you. At worst, the college put you in charge of food procurement. (Looks like your fellow students are getting tired of squirrel stew, Falcon. I think I would try to raise a few vegetables if I were you.)

7 If you are at the founding of Harvard, do not cut class on the first warm day. If you do, at best you can get notes from the nerd, At worst, your professor will pull a pop quiz that is 20% of the term grade. (No amount of begging is going to help, Fallon. I would go to the infirmary and see if you can con someone into an excuse.)

6 If you are at the founding of Harvard, do not try to organize a football team. If you do, at best no one will know what you are talking about. At worst, you’ll find some players who are ready to play but can’t see a ball. (Looks like you will have to make one, Fraser. Try to get it a little rounder okay. That thing looks like a fat sausage.)

5 If you are at the founding of Harvard, do not go outside wearing that Yale sweatshirt. If you do, at best no one will notice since Yale was founded in 1701. At worst, someone will take offense thinking Yale is an acronym for Young American Liquor Enterprise. (You have to understand the Puritan Ethic is still pretty strong, Fiorello. The time in the stocks will go fast. Think positive.)

4 If you are at the founding of Harvard, do not fail to return your library book on time. If you do, at best the fine is only 1p a week. At worst, a press-gang will come looking for you. (It would have been easier to return the book, Ferril. Now you won’t get back to the College until your sea duty is over. Five years will go pretty quickly.)

3 If you are at the founding of Harvard, do not try to organize the first co-ed dance. If you do, at best your fellow students will just laugh. At worst the administration will pass a rule prohibiting co-ed dancing. (Good luck finding a co-ed, Fabrice. The first sex-blind admissions were not until 1977. Oh, and you need to serve time on the dunking chair due to the rule violation. I hope those hold your breath contests come in handy.)

2  If you are at the founding of Harvard, do not park your horse in the faculty parking lot. If you do, at best no one will need the space. At worst, professor Curmudgeon will alert campus security to shoot you on sight. (Never thought taking a tenured professor’s parking place was that big of a deal, huh Faddei. Those musket balls look like they would hurt.)

1 If you are at the founding of Harvard, do not buy your books ahead of time at the used bookstore. If you do, at best you might save money. At worst, the professor will change the course text with no notice. (Well, looks like your used books will make an excellent fire starter, Fadil. Better luck next term)

Views of the Neighborhood – Halloween Final Edition

Welcome to the final edition of the Halloween Views of the Neighborhood. Since Halloween is next Saturday, this will be the last post showing the decorations in the neighborhood. The temperatures have also tuned quite nippy (in the 70s), so we will be serving hot mulled cider, Prosciutto, and provolone sandwiches on toasted ciabatta, napa cabbage slaw, and brownie bites. There is also a full bar, and The Traveling Wilburys will be entertaining us.

Jump on the bus, and we will be off.

This first house has quite a display. I love that witch.

Excuse me while I switch off the lights. Makes the display spooky for sure.

We saw these social distance ghosts a while ago.

This is their yard at night. That image on the house is a changing picture.

A bunch of ghouls.

Scary at night.

Flat monsters.

All blown up

Poor pumpkin

All better

Happy monsters.

Cute mailbox topper.

Maybe a cute mailbox topper. Then again maybe not.

Definitely not a cute mailbox topper.

I guess that does it for this year. I hope you liked the series. Hang around and have more cider and listen to “End of the Line” by the Traveling Wilburys. I hope you have a super week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Starts with M”

 

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again.  Here is Linda Hill with this week’s prompt. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “starts with ‘m’.” Use any word that begins with the letter “m” as the subject or theme for your post. Enjoy!”

Okay, so here we go.

Starts with M by John W. Howell © 2020

🎶”Mairzy dotes and dozy dotes.”🎶

“Okay, I give.”

“You remember that old melody?”

“Can’t say I do.”

“It was popular in the 40s.”

“Well, no wonder. I was born in the 60s.”

“Your loss.”

“Loss? what do you mean?”

“It was a cute song.”

“Sing it.”

“Naw.”

“Why not?”

“Cause I have accomplished what I set out to do.”

“What’s that?”

“Starts with M. It’s the Saturday prompt. I used the word Mairzy.”

“I fell for another, right?”

“Deep into a black hole.”

“Not sure, mairzy is a word.”

“Okay, then I could say mares eat oats, does eat oats.”

“You could. But there is not going to be anyone around to hear you. See ya.”

 

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

“Twiggy. You still after that Squirrel?”
“I figured Friday would be a good time to catch it.”
“I can see that plan is going well.”

Another Friday is here and that means the weekend is a mere eight hours away. Oh happy day.

This week has been quite busy with odds and ends. I have begun thinking about the sequal to Eternal Road and have a couple of plot points in mind. You have to woder about what kind of circumstance could possibly bring two souls who are happily spending their eternal time as they envisioned, together again?  You have to believe it would be something major. Well it is. Before I spill the whole story let me just say, “Workin on it.”

Halloween is sneaking up on us for sure. If you have followed the Views of the Neighborhood you know we have been taking tours and looking at Halloween decorations. Well this week is the last look since Halloween is on a Saturday and by Sunday when Views is posted it will be old news.

Reviews for Eternal Road continue to arrive. I’m so grateful for them and loved that the fact that all of the readers enjoyed the book.  This makes the job of an author so rewarding and certainly makes me feel good.

The 99¢ price on Kindle ends on November 1st here is a link if you want to take a look.

Today’s JohnKu talks about feeling good about what you are doing. I hope you all have a super weekend.
Your Job by John W. Howell © 2020
It doesn’t matter,
What kind of work you’re doing . . .
You need to feel good.
If not then it’s time,
To consider a big change . . .
In the job or you.

 

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy is Annoyed.

Twiggy

“Can I come up there, dad?”

“Sure, Twiggy. Is something wrong?”

“Not really wrong, per se. Just annoying.”

“Tell me about it.”

“I don’t know if there is a lot to tell. I’m just annoyed.”

“Did Lucy do something?”

“No, she is a great sister and is sound asleep on the sofa.”

“Yeah, that’s where she does her best work. So what has you annoyed?”

“You know every time I look at the fence and see that squirrel prancing across out of reach, it makes me want to scream.”

“Well, he has to live too. Funny, I’ve never heard you scream.”

“It’s just a figure of speech, Dad. Look. There he is. Just as bold as you please taking a shortcut on the top of the fence.”

“I think he likes that fence. Sure saves some foot time between trees.”

“I’m not sure you are helping. I guess I have to work through this on my own.”

“Sometimes, that is the best way to solve problems.”

“Mom. Let me in. I have something you and I need to discuss, and Dad isn’t helping.”

“So much for working it out on your own.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

“What are you doing?”
“The grass itch only on the rug.”
“Woo boy. Does Mom know about this?”
“Hump Day secret.”
“I’ll bet”

It is Wednesday Story Day, and last week, we learned that Carolyn is probably headed for the Chunnel to go into France. We also learned that she has papers for at least six identities, so the idea of intercepting her before the trip to France looks doubtful. Lazar did not tell anyone about Carolyn’s ability to virtually disappear does not sit well with Pricilla. In all likelihood, if Carolyn is not in protective custody, Lazar won’t testify against Cortez, and Pricilla won’t have a case. So Lazar is destined for prison unless something can be done. Let’s return to the State Patrol headquarters to see what the next steps will be.

 

“You realize there is no way we can protect Carolyn if we can’t find her.”

“I do understand that. I also understand Cortez won’t be able to find her either.”

“So would you be willing to testify against him?”

“No. Sorry. You see, I have all the cards. My daughter is safe, and the only thing I have to do is serve the rest of my life in jail.”

“You want to do that?”

“It’s not a matter of want. It’s what I have to do. Even if you were able to find Carolyn and put her into protective custody, there is no guarantee Cortez or his minions won’t find us.”

“Nothing is ever one-hundred percent, Lazar.”

“Not testifying and Carolyn hidden gets me real close to that target, Pricilla.”

“You realize that Cortez can still get to you in prison.”

“Yes, but that is a small price to pay. Besides, why would Cortez want to get me if I’ve kept his information secure.”

“Maybe he won’t believe that you have.”

“Well, no matter. Carolyn will be safe, and that’s all that matters.”

“Lazar.”

“Yes, Lieutenant?”

“You know a guy named Somner?”

“W-why do you ask?”

“We got a call about a disturbance, and when our people got there, they found Somner tied up and beaten to a pulp.”

“Why are you asking me?”

“He kept mumbling your name. You want to let us in on this game before someone gets hurt?”

“Did he say anything else?”

“No, he was in too bad a shape. I think he was interrogated by someone.”

“I can just imagine.”

“So, who is this guy?”

“He is a forger and made all the IDs for Carolyn.”

“Well, that’s not good.”

“You have no idea, Lieutenant. If he gave Cortez’ men the names on the IDs, they would be able to find her.”

“That raises the stakes again, Lazar.”

“I know Pricilla. I know. I guess we will have to try and find her after all.”

“If you fully co-operate and knock off the stories, maybe we can do that.”

“You have my word Pricilla no more stories.”

“Call me, Ms. Thomas. The first name crap is over.”

“Yes, Ms. Thomas.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #285

In Keith’s words.

“On to this week’s challenge: 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 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.

The Line by John W. Howell © 2020

“I’m just wondering, is all.”

“Don’t even think about crossing that line.”

“I’m not. I just asked the question.”

“Well, don’t ask.”

“Can I ask a totally unrelated question?”

“Sure. But let me warn you I’m not the answer dog in this place.”

“Why is this line important.”

“There you go again. You have this obsession with the line.”

“No, I don’t.”

“What is it then.”

“I just want to know why I can’t cross it.”

“Because.”

“Because, why?”

“I say so.”

“Who are you?”

“The toughest dog around.”

“It can’t be because there is anything special in that room.”

“How do you know?”

“I’ve been in it.”

“When was that?”

“When you were on a walk. I waltzed over your precious line and sniffed that room clean.”

“You didn’t. I told you to never cross the line.”

“Too bad, I did. What are you going to do about it?”

“Yeah, good question.”

“Well?”

“Don’t rush me.”

“How about finding another line?”

“Good one. That’s what I’ll do.”

“The door to the garage has a dandy line.”

“I’m going to check it out. Why are you so helpful?”

“When you have an idiot as a brother, you gotta do all you can.”

“I appreciate that. Hey, wait—”

 

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do Attending the Opening of the Guggenheim Museum in 1959

 

The Guggenheim Museum under construction in 1958 with James’s 1956 Oldsmobile out front proving we were there.

This week marks the 61st anniversary of the opening of the Guggenheim Museum in New York in 1959. You know we all have to go there to be part of that historic event. We need to take a list of things ‘not to do’ to prevent any accidental tear in the time continuum. So hop aboard the 1956 Oldsmobile, and let’s go.

The Olds from Eternal Road. A few days left at 99¢on Amazon. Click the car to go there. Come right back though.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Opening of the Guggenheim Museum in 1959.

10 If you go with us, do not make jokes about the appearance of the building. If you do, at best, everyone will be too busy to hear from you. At worst, you’ll make a joke overheard by James Johnson Sweeney, the museum’s director. (Mr. Sweeney takes great exception to your joke, Meinrad. He now wants to give you the whole history of the building and its architect Frank Loyd Wright. This is going to be a long day.)

9 If you go with us, do not ignore Tiny’s directions, the WWF champ who has been appointed a temporary guard for the Chagall exhibit. If you do, at best, Tiny will be busy with other guests. At worst, Tiny will assume you do not recognize his authority. (After all, Meir, he told you to stand behind the white tape, and clearly, your foot is two inches over. Tiny has missed the last month of his court-ordered anger management sessions. I know that hold hurts, but I don’t think your head will pop like a melon. I must say your face is sure red.)

8 If you go with us, do not complain about the layout of the museum. If you do, at best, everyone is too busy looking at the art. At worse, Sweeny will be standing behind you. ( If it helps, Melenthius, before the museum opened, 21 artists signed a letter complaining about how the walls and niches were designed and protested displaying their work there. Of course, Sweeney ignored them just like he is ignoring you. Well, except for the big burly guard helping you to the exit.)

7 If you go with us, don’t complain about the 50¢ entrance fee. If you do, at best, the box office personnel will be busy. At worst, you’ll be told to come back on Saturday when the museum entrance is free. (The 50¢ seems like a bargain, Melbourne, even if 50¢ in 1959 would be a little over $4.50 today. It may surprise you to know the fee today is $25.00 for admission for an adult. Saturday is still free from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.)

6 If you go with us, do not try to push to the head of the line. If you do, at best, you’ll get lost. At worst, since several folks have been in line for a while, you’ll meet some short tempers. (On opening day, Melbyrne 3000 people showed up. You better believe some of them will not take kindly to your attempt to jump ahead of them.)

5 If you go with us and don’t like the building, do not facetiously ask James Johnson Sweeney if Frank Loyd Wright did any architectural drawings. If you do, at best, he will be busy dealing with the crowd. At worst, he will advise you that indeed Frank Loyd Wright did over 700 drawings. (I think Sweeney has about had it with you, Meldrick. I see him with two huge guys motioning toward you and drawing his thumb across his throat. Not a sign we like to see.)

4 If you go with us, do not ask for directions to the restaurant. If you do, at best, the person you ask will probably be confused. At worst, you will tip off the fact that you are not from this time zone. (You almost blew it, Melville. The restaurant in the Guggenheim did not open until 1975. No harm is done. The person directed you to the restaurant down the street.)

3 If you go with us, do not take bets about the distance of the walk from the ground floor to the top of the display space. If you do, at best, people will think you are joking. At worst, someone will take the bet. (The person taking the bet, Melvyn, is the guy who cleans the gallery. He correctly identified the distance as  1,416 feet. Hope you don’t intend to write a check to cover your debt.)

2 If you go with us, do not touch any of the paintings. If you do, at best, no one will see you. At worst, you will be seen by the biggest guard. (Everyone knows you don’t touch the paintings, Menelaus. I know it is irresistible sometimes, but after all, unless you want to pay $24 million or so, no touch.)

1 If you go with us, Do not ask to meet the benefactor Solomon R. Guggenheim. If you do, at best, you’ll get a blank stare. At worst, you’ll ask a Guggenheim family member. (You have to be the biggest clod; Mercer. Solomon passed away ten years before the Museum opened. Although it was his dream, he didn’t live to see it come to reality. Go sit in the corner.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Halloween Part Three

Welcome to the third edition of the neighborhood tour of Halloween decorations. Today we have hickory smoked ham, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and pecan sticky buns. The drink today is Veuve Clicquot champagne served in Baccarat flutes. I have also been asked what kind of accommodations are on the bus. We have leather reclining chairs, personal entertainment centers,  a full kitchen, a full bar, A Bose Soundsystem, 300 G internet, WiFi, and restroom facilities. The bus is equipped with air suspension and can run on multi-fuel as well as full electric.

Hop aboard. We also have ZZ Top playing for our enjoyment.

Here we are with a couple of pirates. Looks like the one is getting ready to do something.

Here we have an elaborate display. Spiders on the house and Tombstones in the yard. (Not to mention the string of skulls on the wall.)

A couple of friendly ghouls.

Several things that are scattered in the yard.  That big skull to the left is my favorite.

Nothing like a big orange spider and big web to welcome visitors.

More tombstones and an assortment of ghosts with a purple spider on the mailbox.

A dancing ring of ghosts and a masked ex Wal-Mart greeter.

Here are a few keep out signs. (They must know me)

A big pile of who knows what.

So that’s what it is. (Um, not sure I know any more than I did.)

That is our tour for today. I hope you enjoyed it. Stay and have some more champagne and listen to the music. I hope you have a great week.

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Look Up a Word

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. Linda Hill just walked in with a plain-looking envelope. My guess is she has this week’s prompt and doesn’t want the neighbors to know what’s in it.

“Hi, Linda.”

“John.”

“This week’s prompt?”

“Um, I guess it could be a hot pastrami sandwich, but you have guessed right.”

“I’m ready.”

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “a word you have to look up.” We all have words we can never spell. Use one of yours in your post and let that word drive your stream of consciousness where ever it goes. Have fun!”

Gee, thanks, Linda. Well, there you have it. If you would like to have fun, go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2020/10/16/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-17-2020/

Embarrassment by John W. Howell © 2020

“What are you doing with that dictionary?”

“Looking up a word.”

“What word?”

“Embarrassment.”

“Easy word. It means a feeling of self-consciousness or shame.”

“I know what it means. It’s just I always misspell it.”

“Who cares?”

“I care. Besides, it is this week’s prompt.”

“Of course, it is.”

“I always forget that there are two Rs and two Ss in the word.”

“That can be embarrassing.”

“Very funny.”

“Doesn’t spell check catch that for you?”

“Not when I’m on Twitter.”

“Which raises the question of why you would be using embarrassment on Twitter?”

“You know there are a lot of dopes on Twitter.”

“Well yeah.”

“I like to point out when they post something stupid.”

“And you need to look up the word, so you don’t appear to be like them?”

“Exactly.”

“For some reason, I have this vision of you being one of them.”

“That’s cold.”

“If you have to look up the spelling of an insult, doesn’t that mean you and the idiot you want to insult are on the same level?”

“Maybe I should lay off Twitter for a while.”

“Be one less dope there.”

“Good point.”