Views of the Neighborhood – Potpourri

February 9, 2025February 8, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

Today, we visit the neighborhood to check on things we might not have seen before. Since it is Super Bowl Sunday, we will have a traditional Super Bowl offering.

We are catered by Doc’s Backyard Grill, with their Superbowl menu. Our entertainment is The 1985 Chicago Bears.

WINGS

BONELESS HOT WINGS

TRADITIONAL HOT WINGS

WHITE WINGS – Chicken & fresh jalapenos wrapped in smoked applewood bacon and tossed in buffalo wing sauce

APPETIZERS

BEAN & CHEESE NACHOS, PULLED PORK NACHOS -Pulled pork, goat cheese, black beans, red onions, and cilantro.

SHRIMP NACHOS – Blackened shrimp. Monterey Jack cheese, black beans, red onions, cilantro, and avocado.

QUESO – Topped with pico de gallo.

FAJITA NACHOS – Fajita chicken or marinated steak.

GUACAMOLE

SLIDERS

FISH SLIDERS – Three blackened or hand-battered fish sliders topped with Doc’s Sriracha coleslaw.

BAT SLIDERS – Three smoked applewood bacon, avocado, chipotle mayo, and tomato sliders topped with Doc’s Sriracha coleslaw.

DOC’S MINI CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS – Three sliders topped with American cheese and grilled onions.

BUFFALO CHICKEN SLIDERS -Three buffalo chicken sliders with bleu cheese crumbles.

PULLED PORK SLIDERS – Three pulled pork sliders topped with BBQ sauce & Doc’s Sriracha coleslaw

BURGERS/SANDWICHES

CHEESE BURGER – Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Served with a pickle spear.

BRUNCH BURGER: A half-pound patty, fried egg, applewood bacon, hash browns, tomatoes, and queso.

TORT BURGER: Guacamole, cheddar cheese, and pico de gallo are served in flour tortillas, quesadilla style, with a side of queso and tortilla chips.

BBQ APPLEWOOD BACON CHEDDAR BURGER – Smoked applewood bacon, BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and grilled onions. Served with a pickle spear.

BLACKENED JALAPEÑO CHEDDAR BURGER – Grilled jalapeños, onions, peppers, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

VEGGIE BURGER – Black bean chipotle burger, lettuce, tomatoes and onions.

LONE STAR CHICKEN SANDWICH – Grilled chicken breast, smoked applewood bacon, guacamole, Monterey Jack cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

BBQ PULLED PORK SANDWICH- Pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and onions.

Served with a pickle spear.

BUFFALO CHICKEN SANDWICH: Fried chicken breast tossed in Buffalo sauce, bleu cheese crumbles, lettuce, and tomatoes with crinkle fries.

BLACKENED FISH SANDWICH – Blackened fish filet, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Picture of an old time school bus

Hop on the bus, and let’s get rolling.

Here is a cute puppy angel.

A happy turtle.

I have no idea what all this is.

A cute rosemary bush.

Now we’re talking.

A wire hen with stone eggs.

A doubtful frog.

An intense Cardinal.

Need help with this one.

A Valentine’s Day decoration.

You must look carefully, but here is another Valentine’s Day nod.

I hope you liked the tour. Time to sit back, enjoy the food and music, and get ready for the game. Here’s wishing you a lovely week.

Saturday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste in the Sun

February 8, 2025February 7, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 114 Comments

“Where you going, Twiggy?”

“I want to take a sun bath.”

“Sunbath? What is a sunbath?”

“It’s where you lay out in the sun and let the sun warm your bones.

“Anything with the word bath in it can’t be good.”

“Oh, you would be surprised how good.”

“Do you need shampoo and stuff?”

“No, you just bring yourself and the sun take care of everything.”

“Does it get in your eyes and sting?”

“No, and your shampoo doesn’t do that either.”

“Do you get all wet and shivery?”

“Of course not; the sun is nice and warm. I’m heading for the cot.”

“I always make mom think I am being killed when she gives me a bath.”

“Yeah, I have heard you. Come on out here. It is lovely.”

“Okay, so I’m here. What is that nasty stain?”

“It’s been here since we moved in. I think a worker dropped something on the concrete. Ignore it.”

“The weather is nice but I’m just unsure of the bath thingy.”

“Stop being a baby and get over here.”

“Whoa. You were absolutely right. This is like heaven.”

“I told you. Well, just relax and let the sun do its job.”

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Story Walk Ribbon Cutting

February 2, 2025February 22, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

Today, we are heading to the new Lakeway Story Walk ribbon cutting. According to the Lakeway Parks and Recreation site, here is some background.

“This year, we are thrilled to unveil our new Story Walk Display along the City Hall Trail! These Storywalk boards will feature seasonal displays year-round, offering a mix of holiday celebrations, cultural and historical education, and family-friendly stories. We hope this new addition will enhance your trail experience while providing an engaging and educational opportunity for all.

February Display: Black History Month
From January 31st through February 28th, explore our Black History Month celebration. This display highlights 28 influential Black figures who have profoundly shaped society.”

We are catered by Moonshine of Austin, and our entertainment is Aerosmith.

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 butter

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

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

Picture of an old time school bus

So, let’s get going

The Parks and Recreation table is ready with scissors and ribbon.

The Mayor, Tom Kilgore (R), and the City Manager, Joseph Molis, give some brief remarks.

With City Council members in attendance, the ribbon is cut to officially open the Lakeway Story Walk.

An explanation of Black History Month.

The first to take the walk.

The displays are a permanent fixture, and the content will change monthly.

The first stop is Thurgood Marshall.

Dr. Martin Luther King

Jesse Owens

Jane Bolin and self-portrait.

Henrietta Lacks.

The trail continues for more but we are out of time and need to enjoy the music and food. I hope you have a great week. We will come back to the Story Walk.

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

January 31, 2025January 30, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

A PET bottle made from recycled plastic (The Ministry of Science and ICT)
출처 : Businesskorea(https://www.businesskorea.co.kr)

Today’s Good News story comes from the Business Korea periodical and was brought to my attention by Noelle Granger.

Groundbreaking Bio-catalyst Developed for Efficient PET Plastic Decomposition

by Michael Herh – January 2025

The Ministry of Science and ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) has announced a groundbreaking development in the field of plastic recycling. A joint research team, led by Prof. Kim Kyung-jin of the Department of Biotechnology at Kyungpook National University and CJ CheilJedang, has developed a bio-catalyst with the world’s highest performance for decomposing PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic under industrial conditions. The research results, announced on Jan. 3, were published in the prestigious international journal “Science” on the same day.

PET plastic is a ubiquitous material found in everyday items such as PET bottles, clothing, seat belts, disposable cups, and car mats. Traditionally, PET plastic is recycled through mechanical processes that involve label removal, crushing, washing, and reprocessing. However, this method often results in a decline in the quality of the recycled material, leading to its eventual incineration or disposal in landfills. Chemical catalysts, which induce chemical reactions to break down plastics, have been considered an alternative, but they come with their own set of limitations, including raw material contamination and waste generation.

To address these issues, the research team developed a high-performance bio-catalyst named “KUBU-M12.” Unlike chemical catalysts, bio-catalysts decompose plastics through biological reactions akin to the natural decay of wood. This process results in less waste and raw material contamination, thereby maintaining the quality of the recycled material. KUBU-M12 has demonstrated remarkable efficiency, capable of decomposing 1 kilogram (kg) of PET by 45% in just 1 hour, over 90% in 8 hours, and almost completely in 12 hours with only 0.58 grams (g) of the catalyst. The research team emphasized that this is the highest performance recorded among bio-catalysts for plastic decomposition globally.

Prof. Kim highlighted the importance of this development, stating, “This is a groundbreaking technology that enables permanent recycling of even contaminated plastics that cannot be recycled.” He further added, “Innovations applying bio-catalysts will occur in various chemical industries.”

The development of KUBU-M12 is expected to revolutionize the recycling of difficult-to-recycle waste plastic, contributing to various chemical industry innovations and addressing critical environmental issues such as carbon neutrality and climate change. The eco-friendly nature of this technology aligns with global efforts to reduce plastic waste and improve recycling efficiency, ultimately mitigating the environmental impact of plastic pollution.

The achievement of world-class performance in eco-friendliness and the ability to decompose waste plastic in just 12 hours using a small amount of bio-catalyst marks a significant milestone in the field of biotechnology and materials science. The publication of these findings in “Science” underscores the importance and credibility of the research, highlighting the potential for widespread application and impact.

The good news in this story is the issue of plastic pollution is being addressed in many countries. Today’s JohnKu talks about technology. I hope you have a super weekend.

Great when invented,

Its waste is found everywhere . . .

Need solutions now.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste on a Rainy Day

January 30, 2025January 29, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 107 Comments

“Still raining, Twiggy.”

“Means I’m going to hunker down right here.”

“We have that tent out there, which means we won’t get wet.”

“But it is still chilly.”

“Yeah, that’s true. By the way, why does Dad have his underwear in a bunch?”

“Don’t worry. He’s just launching a new book is all.”

“Hasn’t he done that before?”

“Yeah, like eight times. But he gets into the same bunch with each one.”

“You would think he would get used to it.”

“I heard him telling Mom about the tour schedule, which will impact us.”

“What do you mean? Are we getting a vacation?”

“No, but Dad is switching us to Saturday. He will do posts during the week highlighting the tour hosts and always hates running two posts daily.”

“So he has no tour stops on the weekends?”

“That’s right. So we will be on Saturday the 8th instead of Thursday the 6th, and his regular Views of the Neighborhood will run Sundays.”

“How long will this go on?”

“The first stop is Saturday, February 1st. The last will be on the 26th. A total of fifteen stops.”

“You know. I think I’m going to join you. All that information made my head hurt.”

“This is much better than trying to battle the rain, don’t you think?”

“ZZZZZzaz”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – “Steps”

January 28, 2025January 27, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

Today, I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 45. With my eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger was “Steps,” which became the prompt.

“We need to make a list.”

“A list? What for?”

“Lists help with organization by detailing steps in a process.”

“Organization? Whatever do you mean?”

“I mean, we run through life without a purpose.”

“Without a purpose? What about living each day?”

“You know if this dialogue lasts too much longer, you will have come up with twenty questions.”

“Very funny. I’m just trying to understand why we need lists.”

“Let me explain it with an example. Tell me about the day so far.”

“Okay, I’ll play along. I got up. I had breakfast, and now I’m talking to you.”

“What did you accomplish?”

“Huh?”

“If you had a list of your steps to the day, you would have had plenty of time to cross something off that you completed. As it is, you are sitting there looking pretty useless.”

“I beg your pardon. You better watch it, Bud.”

“I’m just saying. By knowingly keeping track of the day’s steps, you will feel more fulfilled knowing how you made a mark.”

“Okay, let’s start with you. What was on your list today?”

“Fine. Here it is. Rise, check. Wait for breakfast, check. Eat breakfast, check. Introduce the concept of listing steps and check. That brings us to now. Four things accomplished already.”

“Who went out to get the breakfast?”

“Well, you.”

“Who served it?”

“You.”

“Who lays around like a fat dumbass?”

“Now, hold on. I am the king of beasts. That’s what we do.”

“Yeah, and you go to listen to that stupid chimpanzee blabber about organization and steps to the day. Then you come back here with some goofy idea about lists.”

“I’m just trying to improve.”

“If you want to improve, go out and get a zebra or something. Better yet, why not take on a rhino. You’re the king of beasts, after all.”

“Gee, I was just thinking —”

“Dangerous pastime for you.”

“Okay, let’s forget it.”

“No, I think you are on to something. I’m going to join the ladies at the waterhole. Here’s a list of things that need doing around the den. Try to feel accomplished today by taking steps to get them done.”

“Yes, dear.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do In a Bookstore

January 27, 2025January 26, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 110 Comments

This post was published on January 4, 2016. Since we all go to bookstores, it may be helpful.

* * *

This list is inspired by observing some pretty unusual things on bookstore visits. I hope you enjoy it.

Top Ten Things Not to Do In a Bookstore

10 In a bookstore, do not set up a Coleman lantern next to the most comfortable chair. If you do, at best, you will tip off the store personnel that you intend to overnight. At worst, once set up there is no way you can leave the chair without someone else jumping into your spot. (That double shot low foam latte is now calling on you for relief)

9 In a bookstore, do not decide to skim through a couple of rare books while eating a brownie. If you do, at best, you’ll be able to avoid the discovery of the brown frosting spot on page 121. At worst, you are now looking at buying a book whose price tag makes your monthly food expense look cheap. (Hard to eat a book, right?)

8 In a bookstore, do not wear your jammies or bunny feet onesie, and carry your Dachshund. If you do, at best, you’ll be forced to stay in the juvenile section to quell the laughter. At worst, the store manager will place a call to the local mental health provider requesting an intervention. (Before that, the store seemed just like home, didn’t it?)

7 In a bookstore, do not decide to review a book using your out loud voice. If you do, at best, the rest of the patrons will ask the manager to throw you out. At worst, your review may not sit well with one individual who happens to be the brother of the best-selling author of the title, “Fear No One: Bare Handed Self Defense.” (He really does have big hands, doesn’t he?)

6 In a bookstore, do not spend hours looking at the magazines. If you do, at best, you may be taken for a homeless person in need of an offer of a free cup of coffee. At worst, you may be mistaken for a secret agent who has been waiting for the contact person now being interrogated by Homeland Security. (What do you mean by a phone call?)

5 In a bookstore, do not think you can do all your reading for free. If you do, at best, you will be eventually recognized and asked to leave. At worst, the security camera has recorded all the times you made a margin note or bent a page, and your bill is now overdue. (You should have worn a mask. Right Sparky?)

4 In a bookstore, do not try to sneak into the erotic section. If you do, at best, store personnel will think you’re going to steal something. At worst, the security department will hold its breath, hoping you will make a fool of yourself on camera. (You know Erotica is a genre, right? No need to sneak.)

3 In a bookstore, do not ask the manager to stock your book as if you’re a reader and not the author. If you do, at best, the manager will ignore your request. At worst, the manager will ask for your name and telephone number so he can call you when the book comes in. (Wow, that was embarrassing)

2 In a bookstore, do not ask the clerk if the price of the discounted book is the best they can do. If you do, at best, the person will confirm the price as firm. At worst, the clerk will call the manager, who will make a note of your request and politely inform you that the price is firm while memorizing your face for the next encounter. (After all, this place is not a flea market)

1 In a bookstore, do not come back for a while if you are greeted by name as if you are walking into Cheers bar. If you do, at best, you are recognized as a good customer, and it’s okay. At worst, the store personnel have your number; you might want to take the hint. (After three days, fish and guests start to smell alike)

Views of the Neighborhood – Artist Guy Burchak

January 26, 2025January 25, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Today, we are visiting Lakeway City Hall to view some art pieces by artist Guy Burchak. We are catered by Aba of Austin. Our entertainment is Bruce Springsteen.

BLACKBERRY DROP BISCUIT – blackberry compote, whipped cream

AVOCADO TOAST – pomegranate, preserved lemon, mint

KHACHAPURI – baked egg, cremini mushroom, graviera, green onion

AÇAÍ BOWL – blueberry, banana, pomegranate, dukkah, coconut, mint

SHORT RIB SHAKSHUKA – local eggs, spicy harissa, graviera, roasted potato

KEFTA & EGGS – lamb & beef kefta, fried eggs, tzatziki, lemon dill rice

SHAWARMA-SPICED SKIRT STEAK & EGG – fried eggs, crispy potato, tzatziki

JERUSALEM BAGEL & SMOKED SALMON SPREAD – sumac red onion, tomato, caper, labneh,

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s get on the bus.

About the artist in Guy’s words.

“My corporate art experience began due to my love of travel which led me to aviation art, creating art for the US and the Saudi military while living in Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield/Storm and the Iraq War. My Aviation art is in the US Air Force and Saudi Air Force Art Collections as well as held by the Saudi Royal Family and private collectors.

Living in Dubai, 2003-07, I created and installed trade show displays, traveling out of Dubai, throughout the middle east and parts of Europe until retiring from corporate work in 2012.

Throughout my life I have created and sold my art internationally thru government, corporate and public sales both privately and thru public exhibitions.

I have been living comfortably within multinational cultures throughout my life which brings to me a natural faith in humanity. After a lifetime of traveling this world, I have landed in Austin, Texas, where I am focused on creating art that illuminates the world that we are experiencing, a world that I believe is evolving through necessary chaos, guiding us towards order, compassion, brighter times.”

You can learn more by visiting Guy’s website: https://guy-burchak.pixels.com/

Art on display at Lakeway City Hall

The gallery with Guy’s work

The pieces are not titled, and there are five of them. They are scenes around Lake Travis where the drought has lowered the lake level.

Now it is time to listen to the music and enjoy the food. Since we do these features in my hometown, I think Bruce Springsteen’s version of My Home Town is perfect. I hope you have a terrific week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt –

January 25, 2025January 24, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

One of the more difficult tasks here at the house is keeping the coffee machine in line. Although it is not alive there are suspicions that deep within it’s bowls rests an alien being. It coud be simply AI instaled at the Swiss facory but knowing the Swiss there would be a warning displayed somewhere on the machine.

Keeping it in line is a simple operation. A yank of the plug sets everything to rights again should the little devil decide some nafarious activity.Now that my cup is ready it is time to take a little trip. The clock is set for January 24, 1925. The location is Chicago and duration one hour. A pull of the plunger lands us on State street in time to hear the news.

Chicago Outfit gangster Johnny Torrio survived an assassination attempt when Hymie Weiss and Bugs Moran jumped him as he and his wife were returning to their apartment from a shopping trip. Torrio was shot multiple times, but Moran’s gun clicked empty when he tried to deliver a coup de grâce to Torrio’s head. Johnny did survive but turned ober control of the Chicago Outfit to Al Capone. He moved to New York and then to Italy.

Trying to stay warm in the freezing cold the alarm goes off and the cozy couch saves the day. My text tone let’s me know a text has arrived. It is from Linda Hill. It reads:

Your prompt for #JusJoJan the 25th and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “in line.” Use it any way you’d like! Enjoy!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda Hill’s post. Here is the link

“That was some story.”

“The way gangsters kept each other in line was pretty brutal.”

“So that was the end of Johnny Torrio?”

“Nope he returned from Italy to eventually establish the National Crime Syndicate with Lucky Luciano, Longy Zwillman, Joe Adonis, Frank Costello, and Meyer Lansky. He stayed active until he was jailed for tax evasion. He lived quietly after his release in 1941 until his death in 1957.”

“I can’t believe he lived that long.”

“He was in charge of activities that netted over a billion dollars a year in today’s money. I’m sure he saved a little for his old age.”

“Just a shock that in his case crime paid.”

“You just never know. Maybe he wasn’t very happy.”

“I know what would make me happy.”

“Did you order an Uber?”

“Right over there.”