Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – A Repeated Story

July 20, 2024July 19, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

A punch of the Latte button produces an 8-oz-tall bit of heaven. The first sip brings back memories of the clock. Today, it is set for St Louis, MO, July 19, 1924, and lasts an hour. When the plunger is pulled, we are in St Louis stadium.

We witness the celebration of pitcher Herman “Hi” Bell of the St. Louis Cardinals, who started and finished a doubleheader baseball game, pitching all 9 innings of a 6 to 1 win over the Boston Braves and all 9 innings of the second game of the day, a 2 to 1 win. Bell was the last Major League Baseball pitcher to pitch all 18 innings of two games on the same day.

The beer flowed like water, and before we had one too many, the alarm went off, and our trusty couch cushioned the fall. A text is received from Linda Hill and reads; Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “a repeated story.” Include in your post a story you’ve repeated again and again or a story you’ve heard again and again. Or write about the phenomenon itself. Have fun!

If you want to see what others have done, here is a link to Linda’s post. https://lindaghill.com/2024/07/19/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-20-2024/

“That was a repeated story for sure.”

“Funny how the prompt worked right into our schtick, right?”

“Sometimes you have it too easy.”

“Oh, come on. I have to do the research and find things to write about.”

“I hear your oldest daughter is coming for a visit.”

“So true. She arrives today.”

“That will be nice.”

“Yes, we always enjoy her visits. In fact, I will be taking a break from blogging.”

“Another break? Man, what must we do to keep you at the keyboard?”

“I will be showing her around, so the break will be from Sunday to Tuesday.”

“No Views of the neighborhood?”

“Nope.”

“Top Ten and the prompt with Keith Channing.”

“Nope, to both. I will be posting on Wednesday, though.”

“That is a normal day off.”

“Yeah, but I have an announcement that I need to make.”

“A good announcement?”

“I’m putting out a call for beta readers for my next book.”

“I thought it might be something like free VooDoo Rangers.”

“Well, that wouldn’t be much of an announcement for you. You call Uber?”

“He’s right over there.”

“A 1941 Packard Convertible? What a ride.”

“Nothing’s too good for you.”

“Since I’m buying, right?”

“Well, as long as you said it, I’ll take it.”

“Let’s go.”

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

July 19, 2024July 18, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

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

These 2 Northern Virginia High School Students Just Got a $15,000 Grant to Use AI to Prevent Deer from Running into Cars

By Andy Corbley – Jul 18, 2024

Every Virginian over 30 you could hope to meet will know someone who has collided with a deer in their car: the state is in the top ten nationwide for deer-related crashes.

These two high school seniors have just received a large grant to pursue their research into a device that detects cars and deer via artificially intelligent cameras and helps both avoid collisions.

Shaurya Jain and Anmol Karan from Thomas Jefferson High School in Fairfax County received $15,000 after presenting their prototype.

The money came from the Animal Welfare Institute as a part of the Christine Stevens Wildlife Award, leaving the two young men feeling “honored.”

“Not everyone would trust a bunch of high schoolers with this kind of money,” Jain told WTOP.

Positioned on the side of the road, if the device detects cars and deer in the vicinity, it emits high-frequency pulses and animal sounds to deter the deer from attempting to cross at that moment. If positioned in places with high deer traffic, the boys hope it will stop them from impacting traffic, especially at night when visibility is low and deer are most active.

In 2022, 6,100 traffic collisions, or 15% of the total number in the state, involved deer, an incident ratio that left 500 people injured.

Mr. Jain says he was inspired by his religion, Jainism—which holds all animals to be sacred and carriers of souls, while Karan was moved to action by the news that his uncle had collided with a deer in his car at night in Loudon County and was severely injured.

“Seeing him caused me to just feel that there probably is some type of method that we can use to keep on these roads to prevent such accidents from happening,” said Karan.

The Virginia Transportation Research Council applauded the students’ idea and wrote letters of encouragement to them. They are still collecting data on deer injuries and hope to start roadside testing soon.

The good news in this article is that two young men felt strong enough about a problem to do something about it. Today’s JohnKu continues the theme of embracing people who are called to action. I hope you have a terrific weekend.

A problem exists,

Some would simply ignore it . . .

Others take action.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste Beat the Heat (Sort of)

July 18, 2024July 17, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 100 Comments

“Hey Tempeste. The only thing in the pool is a ladybug.”

“Where’s the water?”

“Mom said she will be right out to fill it.”

“Does she know that it is hot out here?”

“She is well aware that it is 98 degrees F (36.6C). Why do you think we have a tent and misting fan?”

“We need to get some toys for the pool.”

Well, that’s a start. What’s this on your butt?”

“I need to get more. What do you mean on my butt?”

“Oh, nothing. I think it is part of your coat.”

“You had me concerned there for a minute.”

“Sorry, I just never saw that part of you before.”

“I’m going after more toys.”

“I’m going to sit here and enjoy the misting fan.”

“Why do I have to do all the work?”

“You are the youngest. Besides, fetching toys is not work.”

“Speak for yourself, one who sits under the fan.”

“Do you think you have enough?”

“I’m not sure it matters. I’m bored with the toy fetch.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. What are you doing?”

“I thought we could play while we are waiting for Mom.”

“Ew, get that stinky thing away from me.”

“It’s not stinky. I’m the only one who has played with it.”

“I guess that’s my point. What are you doing to the pool?”

“Doing a little Fandango while we wait.”

“How do you think you can cool off in a crushed pool.”

“Mom will fix it.

Tuesday- Anything Possible – Kreative Kur #440 by Keith Channing

July 16, 2024July 15, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. 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. Thank you for taking part.”

Link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/07/15/kreative-kue-440/

The Photo.

“Okay, that didn’t go well.”

“I don’t know. Looks like everything is in one piece.”

“That descent could have done us in.”

“You didn’t tell me about that lever.”

“One of the main reasons I didn’t is I didn’t want you to be tempted to touch it.”

“It was right there, almost begging me to pull it. It even had the word ‘pull’ on it.”

“If you had read the rest of the words, it says ‘pull for fire.'”

“Well, obviously, it didn’t work.”

“What do you mean?”

“There was no fire.”

“Going forward, there have to be some rules.”

“Look, I’m here to take lessons from you. I would hope there are rules.”

“The first is no touching anything until I tell you.”

“Sounds like a good one. What’s the second rule.”

“The second is for me, actually.”

“That’s interesting. What is it.”

“Never, ever book a student who obviously has the mental capacity of a grape.”

“Hold on. You referring to me?”

“Oh, no, sir. I’m just making a rule for the future.”

“That’s good. Now, what is this thingy here.”

“The thingy that says ignition?”

“Yeah, that’s the one.”

“It is a magic converter that turns electricity into an order for the engine to begin to rotate in anticipation of igniting the spark that will fire this sucker into action.”

“When do we use it?”

“After you open that door and get out.”

“But how will I be able to fly if I’m not in the vehicle.”

“Try beating your arms, or I’ve heard there are some drugs that may help. Try not to slam the door on your way out. Mind that seat belt release; it can be tricky.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Reading a Book

July 15, 2024July 14, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

This post was published on June 18, 2018. The advice still looks good.

* * *

I was inspired to create this list while traveling. As I watched several people reading books and doing other things, I realized that there are several things that one should not do while reading a book. I hope you enjoy this list.

10 If you are reading a book, do not drive a car. If you do, at best, you may lose your place when you drop the book to avoid an accident. At worst, you may lose the book when you end upside down in a culvert. (Didn’t see that curve while you were wrapped up in the murder scene, huh, Esau?)

9 If you are reading a book, do not walk in heavy pedestrian traffic. If you do, at best, you’ll avoid getting knocked down. At worse, you will run into Tiny, the WWF champ, as he is leaving his tactile psychosis support group. (Hard to believe someone has such a problem with being touched. I don’t think offering Tiny the book will offset his reaction, Efrain. Maybe running is a better choice.)

8 If you are reading a book, do not sip hot coffee without taking your eyes off the book. If you do, at best, you’ll only spill a drop. At worst, you might miss your mouth and feel the joy of 180-degree liquid on your chest. ( Lucky for you, Eloi, your lap was under the table.)

7 If you are reading a book, do not step onto an elevator. If you do, at best, there is room for you. At worst, the elevator is packed with members of the NFL bargaining unit members, and they just lost a bargaining point to the owners. (Kind of shocking they wouldn’t make room for a dweeb with a book, Ealdun. Lucky for you, your foot didn’t get stuck in the door.)

6 If you are reading a book, do not eat pasta marinara. If you do, at best, your book is on Kindle, and the screen is cleanable. At worst, you are reading the first edition of War and Peace, which you borrowed from the Library of Congress. (It looks like destroying a national treasure carries a significant penalty, Eban. Maybe a fishing trip to Canada is in order.)

5 If you are reading a book, do not operate machinery. If you do, at best, the mechanism doesn’t have spinning blades. At worst, your machine is designed to chop a twelve-ton steel block into one-inch pieces. (You might want to put that book down, Ebo. It looks like the feeding phase inadvertently has your shirt tangled with the twelve-ton steel block.)

4 If you are reading a book, do not continue your free fall while skydiving. If you do, at best, the exciting part will end in time for the ripcord pull. At worst, you are at the part in the book where the detective is about to expose the murderer’s identity. (Only two more pages, and you’ll know, Edoardo. Too bad the ground is there in one.)

3 If you are reading a book, do not take the black five-diamond downhill ski run. If you do, at best, a ski patrol member will be close. At worst, your fall and roll was the beginning of the giant snowball that crashed into the lodge through the huge dining room floor-to-ceiling window. (Lucky you survived, Eero. The hotel management would like to know if you want to put the $50,000 window on your room tab.)

2 If you are reading a book, do not shoot the curl of a gigantic wave off the coast of Hawaii. If you do, at best, your wipeout will be well offshore. At worst, you will ride the wave entirely distracted until you land on the shore. (Just how hard did you hit the sand, Egon? We sure hope you can get out of that ten-foot-deep crater. Give Egan a hand for that unorthodox landing, folks)

1 If you are reading a book, do not continue to compete in the world airplane aerobatics competition. If you do, at best, you might miss a loop. At worst, you may lose your orientation and think up is down and down is up. (Time to put the book down, Ekon. If you are quick, you just may pull out of this dive before dropping below the horizon. It is very hard below that horizon.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway City Hall Art Exhibit – Artist Christy Stephens

July 14, 2024July 13, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

Today we are going to Lakeway City Hall to view an exhibit by artist Christy Stephens. Here is some information about the exhibit and the artist.

*Christy Stephens* is a graphic designer, illustrator, and ceramic artist based in Austin, Texas.

Pottery Wall Art- “I like to evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the intricate yet extraordinary moments that occur in nature. The interplay of color and texture inspires the magical process of transforming raw clay from nature into functional works of art. I love the contrast between something new and fresh next to something weathered and worn. I invite you to explore my creations, discover the stories behind each piece, and find something that speaks to your heart to treasure for your home.” Christy can be reached online at http://cstreetstudio.com

We are catered by Moonshine in Austin, and our entertainment is The Righteous Brothers, Patrick Swayze, and Demi Moore.

CHICKEN & WAFFLES lemon butter, maple syrup, chipotle cream gravy

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK chipotle cream gravy, Yukon mashers

CHICKEN ALMONDINE artichokes, lemon cream, Yukon mashers

GREEN CHILE MACARONI roasted chicken, corn bisque, bacon gratin

SALISBURY CHOP STEAK .mushroom gravy, Yukon mashers

SEARED RAINBOW TROUT bacon cornbread stuffing, soft grits, chile sage butter

ST LOUIS PORK RIBS Dr. Pepper BBQ, tobacco onions, Yukon mashers

CENTER CUT PORK CHOP peach chutney, herb salad, demi-glace, yukon mashers

BLACKENED CATFISH crawfish tails, hot sauce, pecan meunière, soft grits

JALAPEÑO HANGER STEAK salsa verde, demi-glace, yukon mashers

HORSERADISHCRUSTEDSALMON lemon dill butter sauce, brussels sprouts

CREOLE SHRIMP & GRITS creole sauce, tasso ham, toasted baguette

BEYOND VEGGIE BURGER red onion, red leaf, tomato, pickles, mayo, seeded wheat bun

Picture of an old time school bus

The bus is ready.

A view of the entire exhibit.

Consider the Lillies – Ceramic tile on wood.

Selah – Ceramic tile on wood.

Birds Don’t Worry – Ceramic tile on antique white oak.

Serene – Ceramic tile on wood.

Restoration – Ceramic tile on wood.

Harmony – Ceramic tile on wood.

Poppy Study – Ceramic tile.

Ladybird II- Ceramic tile on wood.

Beauty from Ashes – Ceramic tile on wood.

Ornate Study – Ceramic tile.

Reflections – Ceramic tile on wood.

Morning Dove – Ceramic tile.

So there you have it. Time to relax and enjoy the food and entertainment. I hope you have a super week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt -“Can”

July 13, 2024July 12, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

The new machine has arrived; since it is not from IKEA, it is ready to go. A punch of the Cappuccino button can produce a heavenly brew that is certain to be addictive. A sip and a wipe of the milk foam mustache can make us ready for the clock. The date is set for July 12, and the location is Arpajon in Northern France. The duration is an hour, and when the plunger is pulled, we land in time to witness a new land speed record.

Driving at 146.16 miles per hour (235.22 km/h) in his Fiat Mephistopheles, Ernest Eldridge of Great Britain broke the land speed record of 145.89 miles per hour (234.79 km/h) set earlier in the week (on Sunday, July 6) by Rene Thomas of France. Both records had been set on a public road at Arpajon, after which the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile announced that it would only recognize records set on closed racing circuits, bringing an end to attempts to set a land speed record on a roadway used by other motor vehicles.

Just when the champagne started flowing, the alarm goes off, and we are once more setting a land speed couch record. There is a text from Linda Hill. It reads

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “can.” Use it as a noun or a verb. Enjoy!

Here is a link to Linda’s post to see what others have done with the prompt. https://lindaghill.com/2024/07/12/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-13-2024/

“You snuck the ‘can’ in nicely.”

“Why, thank you. I’m glad you noticed.”

“A question.”

“Go ahead.”

“What made those guys think they could race on city streets?”

“That is a darn good question that I can’t answer.”

“Drat, I thought you were the answer, man.”

“Sorry, this one escapes me.”

“Well, that society put an end to it, so I guess it is a moot question.”

“I suppose you are right.”

“Another question.”

“Shoot.”

“How long are we going to stand here and not mention Voo Doo Ranger?”

“I guess zero time. You call Uber?”

“Yup, he’s over there.”

“Can you believe it? That’s a 1966 Chevy pickup that has been restored and modified.”

“Looks like enough room in the cab for both of us.”

“Yeah, bench seating makes it possible.”

“Before we go, one last question.”

“Go ahead.”

“Do I need to go get my wallet?”

“And disturb the moths? No, I’ll buy.”

“It doesn’t get any better than that.”

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

July 12, 2024July 11, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

The bell frogs in their sauna – credit, Anthony Waddle

Today’s good news comes from the Good News Network

In humans, sauna use is so beneficial that some medical researchers are attempting to add it to the standard of care for those at high risk of heart disease.

Well, researchers in Australia have found that this same leisure activity can save certain species of frogs from the ongoing fungal pandemic called chytrid.

GNN has already reported on chytrid and ways to combat it. Documented as having infected 500 species of frog or more, it’s a massive threat to the amphibiome.

Anthony Waddle at Macquarie University in Australia built a series of “frog saunas” to see if they could help golden bell frogs and green bell frogs native to Australia recover from chytrid. The fungal pathogen thrives in cooler tropical temperatures and is unviable above 84°F (29°C).

Consisting of unshaded black brick structures with narrow holes inside an artificial greenhouse habitat with water and plants, the frogs quickly made themselves at home inside the saunas.

Four healthy frogs were used as controls for a study group of eight frogs, half of which were infected with chytrid. Some habitats were shaded, and others were left uncovered to test a range of temperatures. Infected frogs who frequented the unshaded structure, where temperatures could climb as high as 97 to 100°F, had milder infections, but access to any sauna helped the frogs fight off the disease.

Once they recovered via the saunas, the bell frogs were 23 times less likely to die from a repeat infection with chytrid.

Bell frogs “used to live in people’s toilets and letterboxes and everywhere before chytrid,” Waddle told Science News. “Setting up these habitats where they still persist might give them enough of a boost that you could see a population increase.”

Building these simple structures in a garden could help frogs survive chytrid outbreaks and help the local population develop resistance.

Not all frog species enjoy roasting, however, so saunas are limited to warm-weather species. Another solution needs to be found for those who enjoy cooler temperatures.

The good news in today’s story is that folks are working on eliminating a threat affecting a whole animal species. Today’s JohnKu talks about those folks. I hope you have a terrific weekend.

It’s hard to define,

What actions are heroic . . .

The frogs could tell you.