Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First New Year’s Eve Celebration Held in Times Square (then Longacre Square), in New York City – 1904

December 31, 2018December 30, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

New Year's eve 1904

This post continues the Top Ten Things Not to Do with a historical background. Since today is the one hundred fourteenth anniversary of the first New Years Eve celebration in Times Square, I thought the following list would be handy if you somehow get to go there.

10 If you are at the first Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, do not ask about the dropping ball. If you do, at best you’ll get some strange looks since the first ball drop wasn’t until 1907. At worst, those you ask will assume you need help and will turn you over to the police. (How does it feel to spend New Year’s Eve in the mental ward, Godwine? Stop talking about a ball and you may get out in a few years.)

9 If you are at the first Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, do not kiss the woman standing next to Tiny the WWF champ at midnight. If you do, at best she is alone. At worst, she is on a first date with Tiny who has just left his first group session on overcoming jealousy. (Had it been the tenth session you might have had a chance, Gofried. As it is that beet red expression on Tiny’s face will soon manifest into a pin wheel body slam and it won’t be the woman who hits the concrete.)

8 If you are at the first Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, do not try to set a personal record for consumption of alcohol. If you do, at best your evening will close early. At worst, New Year ’s Day will represent your personal purgatory just begging for relief. (Finding yourself in a strange time also adds to the confusion, Goodwyn. You should quit asking people to call 9-1-1 for you.)

7 If you are at the first Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, do not think your good will to mankind feeling left over from the holidays should be demonstrated by public displays of affection for everyone. If you do, at best most will try to ignore your advances. At worst, you will have violated one or more of the Victorian standards of the day. ( Don’t worry, Gorsedd, the term “sex fiend” won’t follow you into the twenty-first century. That is assuming you can get out of that straight jacket long enough to get home.)

7 If you are at the first Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, do not think your stomach deserves to be challenged with copious amounts of strange food. If you do, at best your later hours will be spent in a degree of discomfort. At worst, your stomach will get even when you least expect it. (You should have known, Gottfried, that food made with lard and animal innards would not set well. You should have taken your own low-fat, low cholesterol, zero growth hormone, and gluten-free food with you. Maybe next time.)

6 If you are at the first Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, do not think your off-key singing throughout the year will suddenly get better with the addition of boucoup amounts of Champaign. If you do, at best you will still draw the same looks you get all year-long. At worst, you will begin to gather around you stray cats and dogs who think your Auld Lang Sine is a last call for free eats. (You called them and now you need to find a way to take care of them, Gradon.)

5 If you are at the first Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, do not wear your Chicago Cubs t-shirt. If you do, at best no one will notice. At worst, since the New York Yankees won the National League pennant in 1904 a few may think you are a sore loser. ( Since the Cubs came in second, I think you should cover that shirt, Grantham. Oh too late. A couple of guys from the docks want to talk to you.)

4 If you are at the first Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, do not try to find “Rockin’ New Year’s Eve on your smart phone. If you do, at best everyone around you are too drunk to notice. At worst, someone will ask you about that device and you will draw a crowd. (How are you going to explain a cell phone, Gregar? Bad enough your clothes look funny, now you are holding something that looks like it is from outer space. One other thing. The cell signal doesn’t time travel.)

3 If you are at the first Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, do not think everyone will welcome the noise from your stadium horn at midnight. If you do at best, you will find yourself alone after the first blow. At worst, the biggest guy who you’ve annoyed will help you to cease blowing the horn. (The doctor in the emergency room is quite puzzle how that horn got there, Gregorior. Don’t worry, he will figure out how to separate it sooner or later.)

2 If you are at the first Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, do not think it a good idea to put that Tiffany lampshade from the antique store on your head. If you do, at best no one will find it funny. At worst, the shade was the only one made and is now laying on the street in one thousand individual pieces. (If you start now, Griffen you might get it back together before the shop owner notices. Oh yeah, you also have a lottery chance at about the same odds. That is if the lottery exists in 1904.)

1 If you are at the first Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, do not think you have to stay up past a reasonable hour to see the New Year in. If you do, at best the next day’s activities will be less enjoyable. At worst, you might be so sleep deprived that you will forget how to get back to 2019. (Although 1904 is a peaceful time, Gru, I don’t think you want to be stuck there. Yes it is a slower pace but think of the advancements that have been made since then. Fine have it your way.)

Happy New Year Everyone.

Views of the Neighborhood – Winter Sunday

December 30, 2018September 15, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

The days between Christmas and New Year are pretty low-key around the neighborhood. I thought I would give you two views of the Gulf while the sky is overcast and the wind is blowing. The temperature was in the fifties. All in all a winter day.

A shot of the Gulf from the boardwalk. Shows the dune in its winter shade of brown as well.

A shot from the ground level. The Gulf is churning.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Ask Someone Else = Storage”

December 29, 2018December 28, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this weeks prompt is “Ask Someone Else.” Linda Hill says we should ask someone else for a prompt word. I did, and the word came back. It is “storage.” If you would like to run around and chase perfect strangers all the while begging for a prompt word, visit Linda’s blog and find out how you can uplift yourself to this level of social interaction. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/12/28/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-29-18/

“Where have you been?”

“It is a pretty complicated story.”

“Okay, I have the time. What is this all about?”

“You know I participate in a prompt every Saturday right?”

“I’m all too aware.”

“Well, this week the leader directed that we ask someone else for the prompt word.”

“Yeah, so what’s the problem? Ask away.”

“You are pretty critical of this program, so I decided to ask a stranger.”

“I just think you go overboard sometimes. How did asking a stranger work out for you?”

“I asked several.”

“You couldn’t be satisfied with just one answer?”

“I didn’t get an answer.”

“Why not?”

“When I asked for a word the first guy thought I needed money and gave me a fiver.”

“That is a good thing.”

“The next person thought I was hungry and gave me their sandwich.”

“Still not too bad.”

“The third person thought I was being fresh and slapped my face.”

“Now it is starting to go downhill which I suspect is where this thing is headed.”

“The fourth person thought I was demanding their wallet and hit me in the face.”

“So we are slowly headed to the bottom of a giant mess. Go on.”

“The fifth person was a cop.”

“This is where it will end I’m sure.”

“I asked him for a prompt word, and he said ‘storage.”‘

“Okay, so you got your word. This still doesn’t let me know where you have been.”

“I found out what he meant by ‘storage.”‘

“Don’t tell me.”

“A euphemism for jail. Lucky for me the charges were dropped after I explained what I was doing to the judge.”

“You were lucky.”

“Not really luck.”

“How so?”

“The judge does the same prompt. he asked me for a word.”

“Let me guess the word you gave him.”

“You won’t get it ever.”

“Freedom.”

“How did you know?”

“Just lucky I guess.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

December 28, 2018December 27, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

“Is it really Friday?”
“Looks like UPS to me.”

Friday already. Seems like this week was an eternity. It was a great Christmas touched with sadness. Makes one believe that sadness is in the world just to make sure we all know happiness when we have it. I think I’ll cling to that thought. I’ll visit it a little more in the JohnKu

On the writing front, Gwen and I have completed all the editing in our capability and now we need professional help. Our manuscript is ready to send to the editor.

This is the last Friday of 2018. I have to say this year could have been better. I don’t think I will be sad to see 2019 offer a new opportunity. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Why sadness exists?

For no other reason than . . .

To frame happiness.

A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy

December 27, 2018December 26, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

“Hey, Lucy. What do you want to play?

“I think we could play tag.”

“Sounds good to me. How about you’re it.”

“Yeah, I think that is about right.”

“Don’t catch me too soon, Lucy.”

“Geez, kid I gave you a fifteen length head start.”

“Okay, you got me. Now I’m it.”

“You almost make me laugh Little one. You catch me? I don’t think so.”

“Go ahead and run, Lucy. I’ll give you a head start.”

“I guess I could saunter off, Twiggy.”

“So I got you.”

“You sure did, Little Potato.”

“I was wondering.”

“Uh, I always hate it when you are wondering.”

“Is Bailey at the hospital again?”

“No Little one she isn’t. She feels fine and is in a wonderful place.”

“Will we see her again?”

“Yes, we will all be together again.”

“I sure miss her.”

“We all do, Little One. But, don’t worry. She is very happy, and we should be happy for her. Now, it is my turn to be it.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day – Bailey is at Peace

December 26, 2018December 25, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 103 Comments

I normally have a story today, but with deep sadness I want you to know that Bailey has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. On Sunday it was clear she was starting to experience difficulty. The time came to seek help in ending her journey here and let her begin a new chapter over the Rainbow bridge.

I have posted a few photos that have been seen on the A Little Personal feature.

We will miss her.

Thank you for all the support and helpful words during this time of challenge for our family.

Bailey

“Why, yes Pops. I am beautiful.”

“Hey, you guys. What are you doing?”

Bailey

“Summer and a back roll. Nothing finer.”

Bailey

“Do I really need to play with that Little Potato?”

“This is living.”

“I’m telling you little one, this water will be deep, so be careful.”

Bailey

“I think you are in my spot.”

Bailey and Twiggy

“Pops. What the heck have you and mom done?”

“Hey, kids. It’s the UPS truck heading our way”

Bailey

“I bet it would be helpful to have thumbs.”

“Man I hate it when they back up.”

“My kingdom and an interloper.”

So long, for now, Bailey girl. We’ll meet again.

Happy Holidays from Our House to Yours

December 25, 2018December 24, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

Happy Holidays

We wish you the Happiest of Holidays.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Singing of Silent Night in 1818

December 24, 2018December 23, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

Silent Night.

This Top Ten list of what not to do continues with a historical backdrop. On December 24th, 1818 the Christmas carol “Silent Night” composed by Franz Xaver Gruber was first sung at St Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf, Austria. If you time travel there here is a list that might keep you from making a mistake and prepare you for a Merry Christmas.

10 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not sing off-key. If you do, at best the crowd will cover you up. At worst, the choir director will call a couple of big guys and have you removed. (We know you love to sing, Gerrald. You just have to sing more quietly.)

9 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not try to avoid making a contribution in the collection plate being passed by Tiny the WWF champ. If you do, at best Tiny won’t notice. At worst, Tiny who has just promised 10% of his earnings to the church, will take offense. (Being held upside down and shaken until the coins fall is not the best thing, Gerritt. Sure beats a windmill body slam though.)

8 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not wear your “Happy Birthday JC,” Christmas sweater. If you do, at best most will not understand the message. At worst, a six foot seven Knight of the Templer will take it upon himself to eliminate your sweater ( I think I would offer to take the garment off and do some kind of penance, Giacomo. Otherwise, he is going to keep applying pressure to your head.)

7 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not arrive late for the service. If you do, at best there will be a seat in the back pew. At worst, you will be directed to the front bench. (While you are taking that long walk, Gibson the director is holding his baton in mid-air waiting for you to reach your seat. Good thing you wore a red scarf. Your face matches it correctly.)

6 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not think you know the words and avoid using the hymnal. If you do, at best you’ll only be noticed by a few. At worst, the entire congregation will be nudging each other and pointing as you get most wrong. ( You can almost feel the mocking, can’t you, Gille? Wait until you turn around to leave.)

5 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not fall asleep during the sermon. If you so, at best only the priest will know. At worst, your snoring is the subject of more than a few giggles. (Sadly, the priest decides to use you as an example of the sinning world. Oh, and don’t compliment the priest on his sermon on the way out, Gimle)

4 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not finish that 32-ounce tankard before you arrive at the service. If you do, at best the service will be short. At worst, the service turns into the highest mass with the most ritual possible. (After the first hour you are now beginning to openly sweat, Girisha. I would pray harder for mercy.)

3 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not wear your Long Live France t-shirt. If you do, at best most will not remember the War of the Seventh Coalition in 1815. At worst, most of the congregation are veterans of the war. (It looks like you have hit a sore point, Guiliano. I think you might want to exit through the side door.)

2 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not go a-wassailing for too many wassails before the service. If you do, at best the cold night air will straighten you out. At worst, you’ll accidentally do a header into the pew in front of you. (I know you just meant to bow your head, Gleipnif. Try telling that to the spinster on whom you are laying.)

1 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not try to sneak out without shaking the priest’s hand. If you do, at best the side door will be unlocked. At worse, you choose the wrong door and realize you are now in the priest’s vestment room. (Funny how that door locked behind you, Godfrey. You will now have the pleasure of explaining precisely what you are doing here once the priest is finished shaking hands.)

Views of the Neighborhood – The Enchanted Forest

December 23, 2018December 22, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

As Christmas approaches, Port Aransas celebrates the season with its annual Enchanted Forest sponsored by the Department of Parks and Recreation. The forest is put up in the community center and is a collection of trees decorated by local businesses and organizations.

The community center welcomes folks from around the country to the Enchanted forest inside.

A family from Oklahoma had a swell time.

Enchanted Forest

This is a backdrop for Christmas card photos.

Tiny display in the corner.

Each tree was done by a separate organization. The signs below identified the group.

More trees. The lights on the floor gave the feeling of a path through the forest

Looking back toward the entrance.

A polar bear

The Port A Strong tree.

Three snowmen. The center was pretty dark, but my iPhone made it appear lighter.

a golden tree and a tree of stars.

Frosty of course.

Thank you for coming along and a very Happy Holiday to all.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Tin.”

December 22, 2018December 21, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

Aggregating my thoughts today made me realize it is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this weeks prompt is “tin.” Linda Hill instructs that we can use the word of a word containing “tin.” She also advises having fun and offers bonus points if we begin and end the post with the word “tin” or a word with “tin” in it. So now you know why there is an unusual beginning to this post. If you would like an aneurysm, please participate. You can do that by visiting Linda Hill’s blog and reading up on the latest mental health methods. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/12/21/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-22-18/

“This sign will be pinpointing some of my neighbor’s flaws.”

“I think you might be overreacting.”

“To someone who is afflicting me with such aggravation.”

“Tell me the situation, and maybe I can be helpful in deflecting your anger.”

“The guy lets his dog use my yard as a privy and is tainting my environment.”

“Did you have a conversation about the urinating?”

“Of course I did. He began advocating that it was really my fault.”

“Your fault? That must have been aggravating.”

“I’ll say. The brigantine suggested that I build a fence.”

“That does sound like he is conflating the issue.”

“I’d love to know what that means. It’s like I’m consorting with Merriam Webster.”

“It means mixing two elements. I think he is detracting from the real issue.”