Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Discovery of the World’s Largest Diamond in 1905

January 25, 2021January 24, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 95 Comments

In 1905 the world’s largest diamond was found on this day, January 25th. It was found in the Premier Mine in Pretoria, South Africa. We all need to go and take a look at this giant rock. Of course, we need to take our list of things not to do so that we don’t cause a tear in the time continuum. So, let’s get in James’s Oldsmobile and head for South Africa. We can wave hello to Robbie Cheadle on the way by.

James’s Oldsmobile from Eternal Road – The final stop

10 If you go, do not pick up anything in the mine. If you do, at best, it will be a pebble. At worst, you’ll have your fingers around an uncut diamond. (Right now, the boss of the mine is thinking about turning you upside down, Meblevi. He is wondering how many more you have picked up. By upside down, he means hanging in the elevator shaft by your ankles till everything in your pockets falls out.)

9 If you go, do not ignore Tiny, the WWF champ, when he warns you to stay back behind the line. If you do, at best, Tiny will be looking the other way. At worst, Tiny, who has missed five days of his Prosac medication, will think you are challenging his authority. (Now you’ve done it, Macbeth. You have hurt Tiny’s feelings, and he thinks it is a good idea to hurt yours. He won’t use words, though. That body slam just might fill the bill as far as he is concerned.)

8 If you go, do not brag about giving your financé a one-carat diamond ring. If you do, at best, everyone will stifle their laughs. At worse, you will cause the entire mining company to have fits of laughter until they choke. (The diamond found is 3,106 carats and weighs 1.33 pounds, MacGregor. It’s no wonder you have become the laughing stock of the place. Oh, by the way, the foreman wants to talk to you about the massive work interruption. He doesn’t look pleased either.)

7 If you go, do not mention out loud that you think the name of the diamond, The Cullinan, is silly. If you do, at best, no one is listening to you. At worst, Sir Thomas Cullinan, for whom the diamond is named, will be standing right behind you. (Sir Thomas also owns the mine, MacKenzie. When Fredrick Welles, the mine’s superintendent, discovered the diamond, it was immediately given to Sir Thomas and then named The Cullinan. Looks like Fredrick would like to see you outside. Wonder what he is going to do with that pick?)

6 If you go, do not ask Sir Cullinan what he intends to do with the diamond. If you do, at best, he will ignore you. At worst, you’ll ask in a room full of people. (It seems, X that Sir Cullinan intends to sell the diamond to the Transvaal provincial government of South Africa for £150,000, which is North of £15 million today. (Not everyone will like that idea, Macklin. Now Sir Cullinan will have to figure out what to do with you. Hmmm, they are pouring concrete in shaft number two. I would stay away from there if I were you.)

5 If you go, do not mention your knowledge that the Transvaal government plans to give the diamond to Edward VII of England as a token of esteem. If you do, at best everyone will think it a good idea. At worst, people will get suspicious about where you came up with the information. (Well, MacNab, it looks like your time travel ability might be uncovered. If I were you, I’d just tell everyone you are drunk and laugh it off. Of course, Louis Bofa, the prime minister, is sending some thugs to pick you up.)

4 If you go, do not talk about how the stone was transported to England from South Africa. If you do, at best, most everyone is avoiding you by now. At worst, there is an interested party who is taking notes. (The stone was placed in the captain’s safe and then guarded around the clock on its trip to England. This is the story you told, MacPherson. In actuality, the stone was shipped by regular post. The ship with all the guards was a ruse. It arrived at Buckingham Palace without incident. Lucky for you.)

3 If you go, do not tell the story of King Edward’s reluctance to accept the stone. If you do, at best, you will be locked in a dungeon. At worst, the government will want to know what you know. (Edward wondered if it would be a good idea to accept the stone, Madison. None other than Winston Churchill then the Colonial Undersecretary advised him to take it. As a token, the King gave Winston a replica he displayed proudly on a silver platter.)

2 If you go, do not regale the crowd with tales of how the stone was cut. If you do, at best, no one will believe you. At worst, Abraham Asscher will overhear what you have to say. (It is Abraham was selected by the King to cut the huge stone into several smaller brilliant polished diamonds. ( The task was daunting, Madu. When Abraham went to make the first cut, which would divide the stone in two, his tool broke. The second try was successful, but after the cut, Abraham fainted. He was revived and went on to successfully cut the diamond into smaller pieces over time.)

1 If you go, do not talk about the further cutting of the stone. If you do, at best, folks will think you are bragging. At worst, the mine doctor will take you into a quiet room with padded walls. (The large stone was cut into nine major stones and 96 brilliants, Magni. The two major stones are part of the crown jewels and are kept in the Tower of London. The remainder of six is in possession of Elizabeth II. The major stone is called the Great Star of Africa and is set at the top of the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross. The second major stone is called the Second Star of Africa and is set in the Imperial crown. )

Here is a photo of the finished stones.

The nine major stones. Top: Cullinans II, I, and III. Bottom: Cullinans VIII, VI, IV, V, VII, and IX. Wikipedia Image

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Park – Good “Time” Virtual Scavenger Hunt.

January 24, 2021January 23, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 97 Comments

We are going on a scavenger hunt. Here is the objective today according to the Park and Rec instructions. 10 clocks are placed along the walking trails and facilities at Lakeway City Park. Each clock has a QR code attached. When you find a clock, use the camera on your cell phone to scan the QR code. This will connect you to an online information form. Fill out the online form, and your entry for that clock is complete. You get 1 entry into the prize drawing for EACH clock you find. There are 10 clocks total. Find them all, and you get 10 entries into the prize drawing! Submit all entries by midnight on January 31. The prize drawing will take place on February 1, and winners will be contacted the same day.

We need to be part of this virtual scavenger hunt. We will take the bus to the park and then set up our camp as a base. Of course, we will need food and drink to sustain us in the quest. Today we are serving as an appetizer hot clam chowder and puff pastry cheese puffs. The first entree choice is shrimp and grits with a side salad of assorted baby greens and french vinaigrette dressing. The second is beef wellington, oven-roasted potatoes, and grilled baby root vegetables. For dessert, we have assorted bites of napoleon, baklava, and miniature creme puffs (Yes, I got a special on puff pastry from Costco). In addition to top-shelf liquors, we have for a red a 2017 Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley Three Palms Vineyard. For the white, a 2018 Hartford Court Chardonnay Russian River Valley.

So, hop on the bus. Our entertainment will be James Taylor today.

Here is the first clock on our hunt. It is labeled number one. It is in a nice place called the cactus garden.

We find number two at the volleyball court.

Number three is by the shelter.

Number four is a reminder to put it here.

Views of the Neighborhood

Number five is on a pleasant footbridge in the hill.

Views of the Neighborhood

Number six overlooks the marina.

Views of the Neighborhood

Number eight is on the bird flyway.

Views of the Neighborhood

Number nine is near the entrance and welcome center.

Views of the Neighborhood

Number ten is in the trees at the dog park.

Well, that does it. We have completed the scavenger hunt. Now it is time for food and James Taylor. What’s that you say? We missed number seven? You are so right. The Producer and I searched high and low. We walked the miles of trails, and the elusive number seven remained undescovered. So let’s try to forget the oversight by stuffing ourselves. Here’s James and a wish for a super week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Close Eyes and Point

January 23, 2021January 22, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday, and here comes Linda Hill with a mammoth box.

“Hey, Linda.”

“John.”

“Prompt?”

“Duh. I’ll just leave it here on the porch. I doubt it will fit in the door.”

“Thanks, Linda. Would you look at this? I better open it and see what we’ve got. I feel like I’m on Chopped. The prompt.”

Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “close eyes and point.” When you’re ready to write your post, open a book, a newspaper, or whatever is handy and close your eyes, and point. Whatever word or picture your finger lands on, make that the basis of your SoCS/JusJoJan post. Enjoy!

“Why are you sitting there with your eyes closed?”

“It’s part of the Saturday prompt.”

“Of course, it is.”

“When I open my eyes, I have to point at a magazine or book and then use a word or picture as the prompt.”

“So you picked Vanity Fair magazine?”

“Don’t you think that’s pretty smart? It’s the Holiday 2020/2021 issue.”

“Well, I suppose as long as the word or picture is something you can use in a story.”

“Okay, here goes. I’m opening the mag, and still with my eyes closed, I’m pointing right here.”

“Looks like you have one.”

“Tell me I’m afraid to look.”

“Not sure you’re going to like it.”

“Tell me.”

“Your finger is on Britney Spears nose.”

“You are kidding, right?”

“No. Open your eyes for heaven’s sake and take a look. Right here on page 49.”

“OMG. What can I do with that?”

“Your prompt, my man.”

“Maybe I could do it again.”

“You have a witness.”

“You?”

“Me. If you think I’ll let you out of this one, you’re nuts.”

“Maybe I can just talk about Britney Spears?”

“Nose.”

“Come on. What can I say about her nose?”

“Count your lucky stars it wasn’t somewhere else.”

“Maybe I could talk about the shape.”

“Sure, that’s a start.”

“Slopes downward.”

“So unusual.”

“Give me a break. What else can I say?”

“Is it cute?”

“Well, I wouldn’t call it cute. Attractive maybe.”

“Excuse me, Miss Spears, but you have an attractive nose.”

“What would you say?”

“This is not my prompt. In the first place, I would have picked a book. At least some words can be used.”

“How about if I start over.”

“I’ll report you to the Linda Hill police force.”

“Even if I offer a token of my appreciation?”

“I’m listening.”

“A pint or two at the pub.”

“Popcorn?”

“All you can eat.”

“Somehow, this makes me feel cheap.”

“No one will know.”

“Now I feel sorry for Brittney’s Nose.”

“She’ll get over it.”

“Yeah, and what’s in a prompt anyway.”

“Now you’re talking. Let’s go.”

Friday – JohnKu – AKA TGIF

January 22, 2021January 21, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 99 Comments

“So it’s Friday Lucy. What should we do?”
“How about what we always do.”
“What’s that?”
“Run around like a couple of nut cases and then take a nap.”
“Works for me. You ready? I’ll give you to three.”

Well, here we are, starting day three of the new administration. As I float around the blogs, I see some of those who worked themselves into a frenzy regarding Trump are now writing hate-filled posts about a few in Washington who have a question about the new direction.

I have to wonder why the name-calling and vitriol on these blogs. I was personally looking forward to seeing that kind of behavior stop once Trump was gone. The continued hate-filled sentiments against anyone who is not in favor of the current administration’s expressed plan is exactly what President Biden asked us not to do. Come on, folks, Trump’s team was defeated. Give it a rest. Because folks don’t agree with you, it doesn’t make them any less American for expressing their views. That is unless you want to live in an environment where all opposing views are stifled. Do you? If so, be careful what you wish.

Today’s John Ku talks about free speech. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Is free speech defined,

Within how much you agree?

Or is it all speech?

Thursday A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy Learn about Teagan’s New Book

January 21, 2021January 20, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 155 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy

“Hey, guys, come here.”

“Yes, boss. You might have to call Twiggy twice.”

“What’s up?

“You both know the writer Teagan R. Geneviene.”

“We have heard you talk about her books, Boss.”

“Yeah, when you aren’t talking about your own.”

“Good one Twiggy. Uh Twiggy?”

“Don’t mind her boss. She has the attention span of a gnat.”

“Well, we are helping to introduce Teagan’s latest book.”

“Gee Lucy. Maybe we can con Teagan into some treats.”

“Well, gang here is Teagan’s latest. It’s called Dead of Winter – Journey 1 Forelorn Peak.”

“I already like the sound of that. How about you, Lucy?

“I think the cover is terrific. What is the book about?”

“Well, here is a little about the book. I’ll read the blurb.”

Dead of Winter takes place in a fantasy world that resembles some countries in the past of our own world. In this monthly series, we travel through many lands, each with a distinct culture. The adventure begins in the Flowing Lands at Forlorn Peak.

The Brethren are fanatics who gradually took over the Flowing Lands. They say all beliefs, but theirs are heresy. Women are little more than property. Emlyn is only twelve, but to the Brethren, she is an abomination. Why? She can see ghosts and other things. That’s a secret she can admit only to her teacher, Osabide.

The stronger Emlyn’s ability gets, the harder it is for her to hide it. Now she has also gotten a supernatural warning that she knows is not about the weather, “Winter is coming!”

As the veil between the world of the living from the realm of the dead deteriorates, the danger accelerates. Journey with Emlyn as she explores her world in Dead of Winter.

“That sounds like a winner. I certainly would put that on my TBR if I had one.”

“You don’t have to worry about a TBR Little One. You can’t read anyway.”

“That is true for sure, Lucy. Where can those who do read find this book?”

“Here are the universal links Twiggy.”

Kindle: relinks.me/B08RBBVRGX

Paperback: relinks.me/B08R7RH4F5

“One last thing. Teagan will be releasing the series monthly, so everyone should keep an eye out for future issues.”

“I, for one, want to wish Teagan the best with her series.”

“Me too, Little One. Her stories are always so good.”

“How do you know? You can’t read.”

“The boss reads them to me.”

“Hey, wait a minute. I call it unfair. When’s my turn?”

“When you can stay up past eight o’clock.”

“Oh. Well, okay. Tell us a little about Teagan.”

“Here’s her bio and a short video.”

Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene lives in a “high desert” town in the Southwest of the USA.

Teagan had always devoured fantasy novels of every type. Then one day, there was no new book readily at hand for reading — so she decided to write one. And she hasn’t stopped writing since.

Her work is colored by her experiences from living in the southern states and the desert southwest. Teagan most often writes in the fantasy genre, but she also writes cozy mysteries. Whether it’s a 1920s mystery, a steampunk adventure, or urban fantasy, her stories have a strong element of whimsy.

Founder of the Three Things method of storytelling, her blog “Teagan’s Books” contains serial stories written according to “things” from viewers. http://www.teagansbooks.com

Major influences include Agatha Christie, Terry Brooks, David Eddings, Robert Jordan, and Charlaine Harris.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump day

January 20, 2021January 19, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

“What are you looking at, Twiggy?’
“There’s a sign of Friday up there.”
“Well you just sit there for two days and maybe you’ll see Friday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day time again, and last week, we all went down the path of thinking Stennis (Lazar’s lawyer) was the one passing information to Cortez’s team. Then Larry asked when Pricilla called Stennis since one key factor was Cortez’s team had Pricilla’s phone number. True to this story, she never called Stennis. So here we are, thinking we’ve nailed the mole, and now we are not sure. Last week Pricilla asked the Lieutenant if he had any idea how Cortez’s team got the number. The big implication was the Lieutenant is the mole. Let’s go back and see how the Lieutenant answers the question.

“Well, Pricilla, there are several ways. One could be isolating your signal from all signals in this area. That would be a simple matter since those guys probably know you are here in State Police Headquarters.”

“How would they know which is my phone?”

“Let’s see. You call a number several times. That number happens to be located in the FBI building. Not hard. I think the bigger question is who gave them the location information on where Carolyn and Andre and that kid were.”

“Yes, that is a bigger question.”

“Tell you what. Put your techie on getting into Stennis’ phone and locating all the calls he placed while he was here.”

“Excuse me, Lieutenant.”

“Yes, Mr. Popović.”

“He never placed any calls.”

“How are you sure? Did he ever leave your sight?”

“Let’s see. Why yes, he want to the men’s room.”

“How many times.”

“You know, now that I think about it, I thought he was having some kind of problem cause he seemed to have to go several times.”

“To my point. He had plenty of time to text information to Cortez’s guys.”

“You all have to hole on.”

“Yes, Larry.”

“Couldn’t that kid in the car have given the location all along? It is obvious he was in Cortez’s employ.”

“Whoa. Good point. What about that Pricilla.”

“I think a call to the evidence guys could confirm if the kid had a cell phone.”

“If he did, I’m sure they took it when they killed him.”

“It wouldn’t hurt to check.”

“Sure, of course. I was just making sure we don’t take our eye off the Stennis ball. He seemed a little shaky to me.”

“Shaky, how?”

“Every lawyer I met couldn’t wait to get away from the lock-up. This guy stayed around forever. Seemed strange to me.”

“You know, Mr. Dunfee. You would be the one to know. Also, you must be a good detective since you are so logical.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. By the way, there is another elephant in the room.”

“Elephant?”

“Several readers raised the point that you were going around verifying that others were not the mole. Who is going to verify you?”

“Readers. What the hell are you talking about?”

“Never mind. That was a fourth wall slip. So how do we know you are not the mole?”

“I am a flipping federal Officer of the Court, Mr. Dunfee. Why on earth would I want to see Cortez get off the hook?”

“Um, Any number of reasons. Maybe he’s holding a family member.”

“For the record, I have no family. Not even a dog. Also, for the record, I plan to run for office and would like to use the Cortez collar as my finest moment. Where does that leave you now?”

“Leaves me with the feeling you are not the mole.”

“Damn straight, I’m not. Now that we have left that unpleasantness, let me call the techie and see what he can find.”

Tuesday – Anythings Possible – Kreative Kue 295 by Keith Channing

January 19, 2021January 18, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 80 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“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.

Kreative Kue #295

“Look at that.”

“I know. Crazy, wouldn’t you say.”

“Out in this kind of weather.”

“No hat even.”

“Would serve her right.”

“What would serve her right?”

“If she got picked up in the talons of a giant snow owl.”

“I wouldn’t mind seeing that.”

“You making a challenge?”

“No, I just said I wouldn’t mind seeing her picked up in the talons of a giant snow owl.”

“You know they don’t believe in giant snow owls.”

“So who would know?”

“I had the same thought.”

“Why don’t you do it then?”

“Then what?”

“Beats mice, I’m sure.”

“To eat?”

“I’m just saying.”

“Ew.”

“Okay, then forget it.”

“You know something?”

“What?”

“You and I don’t have enough to do.”

“Guilty. Let’s think of something else.”

“Like maybe a sheep.”

“Yeah. A sheep in a snowstorm. Now that would be a real challenge.”

“You’re on.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 18, 2021January 15, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments

It has been 93 years since Martin Luther King Jr was born. Today we celebrate his birth, although the actual day was January 15th. Today’s Top Ten is a focus on just one thing not to do. Do not hate your neighbor and take a lesson from Dr. King’s non-violent approach to change.

I wish for a day of peace that will become so comfortable that it extends into a week, then a month, then a year. Who knows? It could last a lifetime.

Let’s hope Dr. King’s example serves to guide our behavior going forward.

Views of the Neighborhood – Snow People from The Blizzard of 2021

January 17, 2021January 16, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 113 Comments

Views of the Neighborhood

Yes, we had a blizzard here in Austin. We all managed to survive long enough to clean out the grocery and liquor stores. What was left in the wake of the devastation were several snow people. So what better thing to do than to climb on the bus and go gawk at them. Yay.

We need to have some substance for an appetizer, I’ve cooked up some glazed baby back ribs, bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, assorted crudities, cheeses, and stone-ground pepper crackers. There are two choices for the main course. The first is applewood smoked pork tenderloin and course brown mustard. The second is seared Ahi Tuna with lemon aioli. Both are served with oven-roasted red potatoes, broccoli, and glazed baby carrots. For dessert, we have an old-fashioned bread pudding with brandy sauce and Ice cream. Today’s wines are 2017 Cabernet Franc Fulkerson Winery for the red and 2018 Glenelly Chardonnay Stellenbosch Estate Reserve. Our entertainment is none other than Willie Nelson.

So jump on and let’s go.

Our first snow person is obviously a cowpoke from the wild west. Love the pink hat.

Next is one who obviously has someone making sure they are warm enough. The hat blew off, but the scarf is in place.

Here’s a cute one. Can’t tell if it’s tickled or taking a stand-up nap.

We have been by the flamingo house before. Let’s see. A headless snow person and sleeping flamingos. They may be snow eaters.

Ah, Twin snow folks. How romantic, especially since they have no clothes.

Here’s a snow person and their pet snow person. Wait, is that allowed?

A mail topper minature snow thingy.

Here ‘s one that is working on getting over the night before. Everything about the evening is pretty fuzzy.

Here is the last shot that I left uncropped to give you an idea of perspective. These snowpeople are very demuere.

That is our tour today. Have some more food and drink and listen to Willie. I hope you all have a great week.

Andrew Joyce Has A Limited Offer You Can’t Refuse – #Free Audio Book – Redemption

January 16, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 14 Comments

Redemption

Winner of the 2013 Editors’ Choice Award for Best Western

Three men come together in the town of Redemption Colorado, each for his own purpose. Huck Finn is a famous lawman not afraid to use his gun to protect the weak. He has come to right a terrible wrong. After his wife’s death, Tom Sawyer has no desire to live; he has come to die. The third man, the Laramie Kid, a killer Huck and Tom befriended years earlier has come to kill a man. For these three men, Death is a constant companion. For these three men, it’s their last chance for redemption.

I have eighteen promo codes (good only in the US) for a free copy of my audiobook Redemption: The Further Adventures of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. I’d like to give them out in exchange for an honest review on Audible. However, only the first eighteen people responding will get them. If you are interested, please email me at huckfinn76@gmail.com.

Here’s a link to the book on Audible so you can check it out: Redemption Audiobook

Thank you,

Andrew Joyce