Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Clip

October 12, 2024October 11, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

A note on the coffee machine held in place by a clip made a heart-stopping announcement: THE MACHINE IS OUT OF ORDER. This is the message from hell. There is no signature and, therefore, no avenue of appeal. How can the machine be out of order? What manner of trickery is this? Who is responsible? All are good questions, followed by the sound of crickets.

There is only one thing left to do before my carbon unit goes into shutdown mode.

A trip to the coffee store is now a matter of life and death. There can be no delay since neurons in my brain are beginning to misfire. One fist won’t open so it is clear before any more symptoms develop, survival demands a shutdown of the security system and quick exit.

The turret machine guns are set to stand by, the boiling oil cauldron tipping mechanism is turned off, and the automated arrow launching pods are unarmed. In addition, the Trebuchet, ballista, and falling rock device are switched to manual. The claymore mines are set to manual, the mote net rolled back, and the concertina wire retracted. The Iron gate is raised, and the bolts are thrown on the front door.

There is a guy standing on the porch with a large carryout container of Dunkin Donuts coffee. “Is that world-famous author J.W. Howell?”

“Uh, I’m J. W. Howell”

“Good. Here’s your coffee.”

I take it in my only functioning hand and thank the man. He nods and then leaves. Not looking a gift horse in the mouth, a big sip of the magical liquid brings me back to life. Just as my memory returns, I feel the buzz of an incoming text. It is from Linda Hill and reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “clip.” Use it as a noun or a verb, use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link: https://lindaghill.com/2024/10/11/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-12-2024/

“Did you ever find out what was wrong with the machine?”

“No. I did a self-repair and was good as new by the afternoon.”

“Who put the clip with the note?”

“I have no idea.”

“Who called for the delivery?”

“I know this will sound strange, but I think the machine did.”

“Oh, come on. Machines can’t do that.”

“This one almost seems alive. I haven’t told anyone this, but I lock the kitchen door when I go to bed.”

“You’re kidding.”

“No. I know it sounds nuts, but that thing gives me the willies.”

“Why not get a different one?”

“Cause it makes the best coffee.”

“Yeah, that reminds me of the old joke about the five-dollar-a-day workhand.”

“Haven’t heard it.”

“This farmer has a five dollar-a-day work and who burned all his crops and set fire to the barn and house. When asked if he fired the guy, he said. ‘No.'”

“No? why not?”

“His answer was, ‘Where am I going to get a five-dollar-a-day workhand to replace him.'”

“Good one, Henny Youngman. Order an Uber.”

“Right over there. You have a choice today.”

A new FJ40 Toyota Land Cruiser or..”

“Your old 1978 FJ40 Land Cruiser

“Wow, that is a tough choice. In fact, my old FJ brings a tear to the eye.”

“Don’t get carried away. Just choose.”

“I’m choosing the old one.”

“Good. Let’s go. Remember that the old one has a top-end clip of 60 miles an hour, so it will take a little time.”

“I’m ready.”

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

October 11, 2024October 10, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

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

Huge environmental win’: Australia to Protect 52% of its Oceans, More Than Any Other Country

Andy Corbley–Oct 10, 2024

Over 10,000 square miles of protected area will be added to the Heard and McDonald Islands in Australia’s far southern territorial waters.

Coupled with other expansions of existing marine sanctuaries. By the end of the current administration’s term, Australia is on course to have 52% of its ocean territory protected, more than any other nation.

“This is not just a huge environmental win for Australia, it’s a huge environmental win for the world,” said Australian Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. “This is a unique and extraordinary part of our planet. We are doing everything we can to protect it.”

Located over 2,000 miles south of the Australian continent, the Heard and McDonald Islands are about 144 square miles of volcanic terrain and represent one of the most remote places on Earth.

They are important breeding grounds for 19 bird species, including 4 species of penguins, and dozens of other bird species take refuge there. The area is a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site, a RAMSAR Wetland, and an Australian national marine sanctuary.

The quadrupling of the sanctuary borders amounts to 11.5 thousand square miles (30,000 sq km) of additional protection but represents one-tenth of the total proposed expansions of marine protected areas.

Under the current guidance, prepared by nationally sanctioned scientific surveys, the total marine protected areas will make up an area the size of Italy.

The current administration of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is seeking to establish a new environmental protection agency, as well as set a high bar for the country’s commitments to an international philosophy of conservation governance known shorthand as “30×30” or “30 by 30,” which states that to prevent the worst effects of general environmental degradation worldwide, 30% of land and waters should be under protections. Often, the second thirty refers to a hypothetical 2030 deadline.

The good news in this article is that Australia’s leadership is taking serious steps to protect precious resources. Today’s JohnKu talks about serious environmental measures. I hope you have a terrific weekend.

Serious efforts,

Must be made to bring the world . . .

Into compliance.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste at Play

October 10, 2024October 8, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 119 Comments

“The panther spots the unsuspecting puma in the valley.”

“The puma senses a lurking presence.”

“The panther goes for the throat.”

“The puma wards off the attack.”

“The panther finds herself in a bit of trouble.”

“The puma gives the panther a chance to surrender.”

“The panther breaks the hold and parries with a jaw thrust.”

“The puma avoids the razor-sharp teeth.”

“The panther tries for an upper leg grip.”

“The puma shakes the grip off.”

“Well, that was fun, Twiggy. I say it is a draw.”

“It is so good to see you back to near normal.”

“I have to say it feels better, and I’m happier off the medicine.”

“You still have to take it easy but are recovered.”

“What now?”

“I hear the call of a nap.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Recognized

October 8, 2024October 7, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

Today, I randomly opened Circumstances of Childhood to page 177 and pointed to the page with my eyes closed. Under my finger is the word ‘recognized.’ Our prompt.

“Why the clown mask. You going to a party?”

“I don’t want to be recognized.”

“By whom?”

“That guy standing by the tree.”

“Who is he?”

“I have no idea, but he’s been there for a while.”

“What makes you think he has any interest in you?”

“Just a feeling.”

“You think he won’t notice the clown mask?”

“At least he won’t know it’s me.”

“Have you been into the marijuana again? You sound paranoid.”

“No, I haven’t. Just look at the guy, though.”

“Okay, what am I looking for?”

“Notice the hat.”

“Yeah. What about it?”

“Says John Deere.”

“So?”

“Check the jacket.”

“Yeah.”

“Down filled.”

“Okay.”

“Now look at that shotgun.”

“I didn’t see that before. Yikes, I know what you mean. ”

“Yeah, it’s hunting season, and that is a hunter.”

“From one pheasant to another, let me tell you something.”

“What?”

“That clown mask won’t fool him for a minute.”

“I guess you are right. My tail feathers are a dead giveaway. I think I’ll just stay in today.”

“Good decision. Me too.”

Top Ten Things Not to Say in a Text

October 7, 2024October 6, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

This post ran on October 28th, 2019. I think it still may have some merit.

* * *

Top Ten Things Not to Say in a Text

10 If you are texting, do not say, “Will you marry me?” If you do, at best, your intended battery has failed. At worst, your reply will be a short and sweet “Kiss off.” (You see, Jayyed, marriage is a serious thing. Your casual approach does not instill confidence that you would make the right partner.)

9 If you are texting, do not say “yes” to Tiny, the WWF champ, when he wants to buy you a couple of rounds. If you do, at best, Tiny won’t be able to find you. At worst, when you meet Tiny at the gym, you suddenly understand that he wasn’t talking about drinks. (Well, here you are, Jedd. I would lie back during the rounds and try not to break any bones.)

8 If you are texting, do not tell someone a family member has passed. If you do, at best, your server will be down. At worst, the news will not be taken well. (So now you are responsible for another mental breakdown, Jedidiah. It’s no wonder they are not speaking to you anymore.)

7 If you are texting, do not tell someone you are breaking up with them. If you do, at best, they didn’t like you anyway. At worst, you now have a lifelong enemy. (Way to go, Jennis. This could have gone so much better face-to-face. How did that boiling bunny get on your stove anyway?)

6 If you are texting, do not answer the text and photo that asks, “How do I look in this?” If you do, at best, you’ll say, “Great.” At worst, you’ll try and be helpful. (Admitting that hat looked ridiculous has just earned you a cold night in the dog house, Jensen. You see, that was the favorite pick.)

5 If you are texting, do not send an “I’m mad at you” text. If you do, at best, the recipient has turned off their phone. At worst, the recipient will become very defensive. (So how are you going to patch this up, Jeremias? You weren’t all that angry in the first place, and now you have WWIII on your hands.)

4 If you are texting, do not ask, “What do you like about me?” If you do, at best, the response will be something you like. At worst, the answer will be something like, “You have a great personality.” (What did you expect, Jerett? This is not the kind of question to put in a text. You are lucky you didn’t get a compliment on your deodorant.)

3 If you are texting, do not ask where the relationship is going. If you do, at best, the recipient will call you. At worst, you might get a reply like, “To Milwaukee.” (Well, I guess you could have predicted that response, Jerico. What did you want the person to say in a text message? HUH? Dope.)

2 If you are texting, do not send a message with the words “I love you” for the very first time. If you do, at best, the recipient will think you are drunk. At worst, the recipient will get the idea you cannot face commitment in person. (That was a lousy idea, Jerren. Let’s hope an in-person statement will undo the damage. You are a bit of a clod, though.)

1 If you are texting, don’t send a message that has drama around it, like, “Where were you last night?”. If you do, at best, the recipient will delete it. At worst, you’ll get a response that you hate. ( “I was out with Bill” is something you didn’t expect, huh, Jerrick? I guess that will learn ya.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Mail Box Toppers

October 6, 2024October 5, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Today, we are going to check out new mailbox toppers. Swifts Attic of Austin is catering our event, and Stevie Wonder is our entertainment.

That is the tour. It is time to relax, eat, and enjoy the music.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Fork

October 5, 2024October 4, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

Waiting on the nectar that sustains all life. I’m not sure why it is taking so long, but to investigate, a fork is put into play to remove the inspection hatch plate. All seems normal until it appears the start button has not been pushed. This demonstrates the need for the glorious liquid before doing anything important.

Once started, the coffee is delivered post haste. The first sip suggests that a little time travel might be welcome this morning. The clock is set for October 4th, 1924. The location is Washington, D.C., and the duration is an hour. The plunger pulled finds us in President’s Park, south of State Place Northwest, between 17th Street Northwest and West Executive Avenue Northwest.

We are here at the dedication of the First Division Monument. The Monument commemorates those who died while serving in the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army during World War I and subsequent wars. We arrive in time to hear Calvin Coolidge’s comments, which include dedication and speaking out against the Geneva Protocol, which would mandate all countries to seek arbitration of disputes in a world court.

The Monument inscribes 5,516 names of fallen heroes from WWI and over 7,000 additional names from subsequent wars. As Calvin wraps up his comments, our alarm goes off, and we land softly on the sofa. A text from Linda Hill comes in and reads:

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “fork.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link: https://lindaghill.com/2024/10/04/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-5-2024/

“A lovely monument.”

“Yes, it is. Sad that it is necessary, though.”

“Yeah, I agree. That Geneva Protocol sounded like a good idea.”

“It did require countries to give up their ability to formulate their own response to aggression by another. It also allowed countries not signing up to do as they please. Long story short, no one was buying the concept.”

“I noticed you did October 4th when this is the 5th.”

“October 4th in 1924 was a Saturday, so I thought I would keep it the same day.”

“You really plan this stuff out well.”

“Sometimes, I reach a fork in the road. To the right is too much information. To the left, not enough. I have to choose the best course.”

“Yeah, I think the best course is the cocktail hour. Even beats the appetizer.”

“Okay, I get it. Did you call Uber?”

“Yup, they are here.”

“I love that. So secure. We could even have a VooDoo Ranger on the way to the pub. We should stop on the way and get some.”

“Maybe we could pick up a couple of bags of money too.”

“Let’s not be talking felonies here.”

“I’m just sayin'”

“Just get in and mind your own business. Speaking of money, it looks like that’s what we have to sit on.”

“I’m game.”

“Just keep your hands to yourself.”

“Yes, boss.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Goodnews

October 4, 2024October 3, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

Today’s story comes from the Good News Network.

People Happy with Their Lives Are Less Likely to Suffer Heart Attack or Stroke

By Andy Corbley – Oct 3, 2024

The analysis of health records of more than 120,000 adults in the UK with an average age of 57 found that people who are happy with their lives are significantly less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.

They were also less likely to develop coronary artery disease, suffer a heart attack or heart failure, or have a stroke than those with lower levels of well-being, according to the study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Researchers suggest that a holistic approach to life that includes regular physical activities, social activities, and/or stress management techniques is an effective way to enhance personal well-being.

The study found that, compared to adults with a low sense of well-being, the overall risk of developing cardiovascular disease was 10% to 21%—being lower for people with the highest well-being scores.

Compared to adults with a low sense of well-being, people with the highest well-being scores had a 44% lower risk of coronary artery disease, a 45% lower risk of stroke, a 51% lower risk of heart failure, and a 56% lower risk of heart attack.

“Our findings support a holistic approach to health care, where enhancing a person’s mental and emotional well-being is considered an integral part of preventing heart disease and stroke,” said study senior author Professor Wen Sun of the University of Science and Technology of China.

“Health care professionals might consider including strategies to improve life satisfaction and happiness as part of routine care, such as recommending regular physical activities, social activities or stress management techniques as effective ways to enhance personal well-being.”

It is well-known that life satisfaction, or well-being, can increase mental health.

But, until now, the influence of well-being on cardiovascular health was less clear.

After reviewing questionnaires from more than 120,000 participants in the UK Biobank database, the Chinese research team assessed well-being related to satisfaction with family, friendships, health, finances, and general happiness.

They analyzed the potential connection of well-being with the development of four major cardiovascular diseases: coronary heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.

The study also examined the impact of well-being on lifestyle factors and inflammatory markers.

“These results underscore the profound impact that emotional and psychological health can have on physical well-being, shedding light on intricate biological mechanisms that were not fully appreciated before,” Professor Sun said.

“They add to the growing body of data that psychological health can impact cardiovascular risk,” said Professor Glenn Levine of Baylor College of Medicine, who was not involved in the study, said of the findings. “Much of the focus on psychological health has understandably been on negative factors such as depression and stress.”

“This study emphasizes the importance of positive psychological health, including the more global factor of a person’s sense of well-being.”

The good news in this article is that we can control our physical health through our mental health. Today’s JohnKu talks about mind over matter. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Research shows the mind,

It is an effective health tool . . .

Needing care, as well.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Tempeste Back From Surgery

October 3, 2024October 2, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 118 Comments

“What was the surgery for this time?”

“Tempest had an elongated soft palate that, if not taken care of, would cause problems later. She will be able to breathe better and not have issues with gagging later in life.”

“Is she going to be okay?”

“Yes. She is a little sleepy from the anesthesia.”

“Come on, Dad. Give it to me straight. She doesn’t look okay.”

“This is perfectly normal. Her body needs to rest, and traces of the anesthesia cause her to be sleepy.”

“I guess I’ve never seen her so still. When can she play?”

“Her recovery time is going to be at least three days. Playing will be based on how she feels after that.”

“Three days? How are we going to keep her quiet for three days?”

“For one, you can help by not engaging in any incidences of ruckus.”

“I can do that. You must know, though, that she’s the one who usually starts it.”

“I do know that, but you’ll be a big sister and not engage even if she tries.”

“Okay, I will do my best.”

“That’s all we can ask.”

“I must admit I like her as an awake panther better.”

“It won’t be long, Twiggy. She’ll be attacking you before you know it.”

“Don’t tell her, Dad, but I hope you’re right.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Hot Water

October 1, 2024September 30, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

I randomly opened the book His Revenge to page 109. Without looking, I pointed to the page, and the closest word to my finger was a tie between hot and water, so I used both.

“What are you reading?”

“A fascinating book about scientific experiments.”

“Really. You don’t look like the science type to me.”

“Oh yeah. I have been interested in science ever since I was little.”

“Funny you think you know someone, and then they surprise you.”

“Well, it’s not like I’m a dolt, you know.”

“I didn’t mean to imply you were. I’m just surprised, is all.”

“Okay. I can see that.”

“Any experiments touch your fancy?”

“Yes. One in particular stood out for me.”

“What was it.”

“It was where a frog was put into some water and gradually heated.”