Tag: thriller fiction

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Press”

~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

Stream Of Consciousness Saturday

 

Here it is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again and time for another run through the hoops courtesy of Linda Hill. This week’s prompt is “press.” Linda says we can begin a word with it, end a word with it or use it by itself. (Not “it” but “press”) If you would like a little of your mind eaten each week maybe you should join our happy band of scribblers and give this thing a try. Go to Linda’s blog and check it out. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2016/05/27/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-2816/

My interpretation.

Press by John W. Howell ©2016

“Make way, make way for the press.”

“The press? Who are you trying to kid?”

“I just got a new job with the newspaper.”

“Job? What kind of job.”

“I’m one of the pressmen.”

“Pressmen? What the heck are pressmen?’

“We press the print onto the paper.”

“You mean a printer.”

“No you oaf. In the newspaper business, we are called pressmen.”

“What if you are a woman like yourself?”

“Urm. I guess press woman.”

“Okay, so why are you going around saying, pressmen, when you should be saying press women?”

“Never gave it a thought.”

“You know firefighters have the name firefighters because many are women.”

“I know that. So you point is?”

“Maybe you should be called press workers.”

“Sounds less dignified. Our jobs are more than just work.”

“Okay. I can say with certainty press women doesn’t have much dignity either.”

“I was very happy with my new job until I ran into you. What is your position called?”

“Human resource manager.”

“Ah perfect. So give me a title that I can use.”

“How about pressessist?”

“Have you been drinking?”

Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

happyfriday

Friday has to one of the best days of the week. I know when I get up on Friday, I feel like it is special somehow. Just knowing Saturday is just eight hours and change away puts a smile on my face. It wasn’t always that way. I remember when I was held prisoner by organized commerce, Fridays were always unique in that major and sometimes traumatic events took place on a Friday.

There were always staff meetings on Friday and they were usually good times spent with colleagues trying as best as possible to explain misses in the goal, budget, or quota. It became a game of verbal dodgeball played with all the rules of a cage death match. The song “Only the Strong Survive” continually played in your head. By five o’clock all the combatants have been vanquished and the boss can now enjoy the weekend.

Fridays are the days when those who are being made available to the industry are informed of their new mobile status. What makes the occasion so festive is the presence of security and the collection of personal effects to be placed in a cardboard box for the walk of shame. These occasions always reminded me of the tale of Lady Godiva who although naked no one in the village looked except a guy named Tom. In a similar manner, no one looks at the person moving slowly to the exit.

Fridays are the days when new managers have meetings to explain to the population the rules of conduct going forward. These meetings take on the air of capitulation almost like foreign troops occupying a town. There are the usual subjects which raise their hands and ask questions only to noticed by the new overload. There are also those whose conduct serves to let the new overlord know they are fully co-operative and totally on board with the new changes. These are the ones who could be labeled collaborators when the next regime liberates the group. The offshoot of this kind of meeting is clandestine plans of resistance formulated in a secret bar by the loyal few who plan the overthrow.

I guess Friday should be simply the end of the work week. Today’s JohnKu talks about Friday.

Friday by John W. Howell © 2106

It’s only a day,

Although it seems so special. . .

We still love it, though.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 29 Comments

college 5-24

Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we left Mrs. Wolfe and Ben with the possibility that Mrs. Worthe will let Ben talk to Father Lightfoot (Raymond) with the direction to take a nap. Mrs. Worthe took Ben’s phone so he will have no choice but to play whatever song Mrs. Worthe wants to hear. Let’s go back since I see Alexis outsides Ben’s door.
“Psst Ben.”
“Yes, I’m awake. Come in Alexis.”
“How are you, Ben?”
“I’m doing better now that you’re here.”
“I’m sorry I haven’t been to see you sooner, but mom told me you didn’t want to see me.”
“What? That is a lie, Alexis.”
“I figured it was a story that she made up to keep us apart.”
“I don’t understand her at all.’
“That makes two of us. What made you take her up on the offer to come here?”
“You don’t know she threatened me?”
“No. She just told me that you were a sick puppy and that I needed to stay away since you hated me.”
“Hated you. Aw, Alexis, that is so far from the truth.’
“I’m so glad I came in, Ben.”
“Me too. In fact, she told me you didn’t want to see me since I had no money.”
“My love that would never happen.”
“I’m so happy now.”
“So what is your plan?”
“Plan? W-whaddya you mean plan?”
“You must have the plan to get away at the least and maybe a bigger plan to take old moms down.”
“Gee I haven’t given it much thought. I know I want to heal. I did ask your mom if I could talk to Father Lightfoot. I think I need to talk to someone.”
“Who is Father Lightfoot?”
“Didn’t you meet him at the hospital?”
“No. I spent most of the time in the coffee shop.”
“I would have thought your mother would have introduced you.”
“I was pretty upset with the thought you were through with me. Maybe she thought it would not be necessary.”
“Yes, especially if you wanted to talk as well.”
“Talk? About what?”
“Never mind, dear. Could you hand me that water please?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #78 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

Another Tuesday photo prompt from Keith Channing. In his words, “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 do also mention it in a comment here – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #78

Boy by John W. Howell © 2016

“So where’s he off to?”

“Look at him. Do you think he knows.”

“Why does he have that goofy look?”

“Y’mean with the cig and all?”

“Yes. He looks like an idiot and he’s staring at us.”

“The fact that he’s on that bike confirms he’s an idiot.”

“Whaddya mean?”

“Look at that Fosters flag out front of the place he just left.”

“Ah. I get it. He’s had a few beers.”

“I would wager he has had more than a few.”

“Should we let him carry on?”

“Well, the Christian thing to do would be to take his keys.”

“He’s got a helmet on his head.”

“Not much good if he hits a tree.”

“Now I’m worried. We need to do something.”

“I’ll go over and suggest that he takes a rest before he starts out.”

“Excellent Idea Bradley. You always know what to do.”

“Well, thank you, my dear. I try. You know you get back what you give in this life.”

“Yes, I know Bradley. You say that all the time.”

“I do? My goodness. I didn’t realize I was becoming that annoying.”

“You’re not annoying Bradley. Your focus is on certain sayings is all. You are a concern.”

“A concern is it. Well, madam speak for yourself.”

“Whadda you saying Bradley?”

“Well, that old saw about bygones be bygones is getting stale.”

“I wish I could use that now. You can forget the boy.”

“What boy?”

“My heavens. The boy on the motorcycle. He just fell over. I think he passed out.”

“Good thing I’m guessing. Now he won’t kill himself.”

“And you won’t have to say, ‘You get back what you give in this life.”‘

“Now that’s a nice statement. Where did you hear that one?”

“I’ll tell you when we get home. Come along Bradley.”

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Property Tax Protest Meeting

~ John W. Howell ~ 35 Comments

 

Property taxes

In Texas, it is that time of the year when all property owners have the constitutional right to contest the property tax assessment delivered by the county. The inspiration for this list was listening to the stories told by my dear wife after her return from her meeting with the tax assessor.  Yes, you read it right. She is the one who does all the research and then the one to confront the tax people. (I fear for their lives)  I hope you enjoy the list. (Oh, by the way, our assessment was reduced.)

10  If you are protesting your property taxes, do not think the personnel will not remember you from last year. If you do, at best they will keep you sitting in the waiting room as long as possible. At worst, they will have held a special boost morale meeting and take up the mantle of a football team taking the field. (You thought that different hair and fake mustache was going to help didn’t you?)

9 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not make jokes about the staff having to work on Saturday. If you do, at best you’ll get polite smiles and no action. At worst, your case worker will find an overlooked loophole and assess your property even higher. (That one joke about government drones finally having to work was the nail hey, Ferd?)

8 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not try to blame your case worker for the high assessment. If you do, at best they will become very defensive and no help. At worst, they will call in the county lawyer and threaten you with a defamation of character lawsuit. (You now see why the lawyer is standing by don’t you Bunkie?)

7 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not show up in your grubbiest clothes trying to look poor. If you do, at best the case worker knows the value of your home and think you a fool. At worst, the guard will stop your entrance into the building thinking you are homeless with no need for a property tax protest meeting. (With only one chance to protest you better hope you have time to run home and change.)

6 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not try to use last year’s photos of your home’s deplorable condition at this year’s meeting. If you do, at best the case worker will excuse you memory lapse since the file contains five years of documentation. At worst, the case worker will put you at a disadvantage by using phrases like “tax fraud,”deception,” and “felony.” (Makes you want to pretend to have a stroke doesn’t it?)

5 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not be outraged when the case worker says, “You should be grateful to pay taxes on such a lovely looking house.” If you do, at best you can kiss any further consideration goodbye. At worst, you’ll hurt some feelings that won’t ever heal. (Remember you’ll need to come back next year and a case worker never forgets)

4 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not think the case worker will be more impressed and influenced by more pages of documentation rather than less. If you do, at best you will have your case worker nodding off. At worst, you case worker will take offense thinking they are incapable of making a decision absent a hundred pages of facts. (This taking of offense will not serve you well in the future.)

3 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not ask to use the caseworkers’ calculator. If you do, at best it might be interpreted that you don’t trust either the calculator or the case worker or both. At worst, the case worker is a germaphobe and will break out in hives just at the thought of you using the calculator. (Now you need a new case worker and all are busy aren’t they Rube)

2 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not raise your voice. If you do, at best your case worker will ask to be replaced by another. At worst, that scared wide-eyed look on the face of the case worker will immediately precede the arrival of the sheriff’s officers. (In addition to hight taxes you now have a court date for assault, Tiger)

1 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not let a spouse say anything to try to help. If you do, at best the spouse will say the wrong thing at the wrong time, and everyone will get confused. At worst, the spouse will add an unnecessary comment that will convince the case worker that your taxes ought to be higher for the next three years. (Gee all that was said is “Who do you think pays your salary?”

Sunday – Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

Today I want to take you on a quick tour of the Marine Science Education Center

 

Pictured is the education center located on the grounds of the Marine Science Institute here in Port Aransas.

The University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute is the oldest and most significant marine research facility on the Texas coast. The Institute is dedicated to the three central functions of a major university, research, education, and outreach, as they apply to the Texas coastal zone and other marine environments. As an organized research unit, the primary goal of the Marine Science Institute is to improve understanding of the marine environment through rigorous scientific investigations.

 

This is the plaque at the base of the sculpture titled, Interdependency. The sculpture contains over fifty marine species and symbolizes the interdependent nature of our marine world.

 

 

Inside the Educational Center are a number of interactive exhibits designed to explain the mysteries of the coastal zone.

 

For example here is a game teaching where fish are found in the Gulf. The lighthouse mural on the right is named the Lydia Ann lighthouse.

 

There is a telescope inside the center so that you can look at the Lydia Ann lighthouse. I took a photo through the telescope and you can see it off in the distance.

There are also interactive displays.

 

Here is a fishing boat on the bay with a little pond filled with fish that can be caught with a magnet on a rod (yes,the fish have a metal spot with which you have to connect)

Here’s what the boat looks like loaded with tourists (actually my family – daughters and grandkids)

 

There is so much more to see and feel but we are just about out of time. Here is an aerial view so you can get an idea of how large.

 

 

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Break/Brake”

~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

 

 

Stream Of Consciousness SaturdayIt is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “Break/Brake.” Linda Hill says we can use one or the other or both. I usually go for broke (past tense of break? huh? maybe?) and I will try them both. Wish me luck

If you would like to join in here is the link to Linda’s site, and there you will get all the information you need to make a fool out of yourself.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS May 21/16

Break/Brake by John W. Howell © 2016

“Okay, gang let’s take a break.”

“Whew, boss its about time to put the brake on overtime.”

“What’s the matter Shultz. A little work will break you?”

“Naw sir. I just think this twelve-hour stuff needs a brake to slow it down for a while.”

“What kind of brake do you have in mind?”

“Well, we could all pitch in and work a little harder and maybe even avoid the afternoon coffee break.”

“Give me a break Shultz. You know the union will kick my ass if I ask y’all to skip a break.”

“Well, it’s been six weeks since I’ve seen my kid. I get up before him and arrive after he’s gone to bed. This kind of schedule will break my home life.”

“You the only one feeling this way? Anyone else need a brake applied to the hours of work?”

“I don’t know, but if we don’ get a break, there will be a massive brake on my love life.”

“Yeah, well we don’t need to go there. Pull the brake handle on that talk.”

“I guess I’m the only one not willing to trade living for money. Okay, break time is almost over, and I can see there’ll be no brake on the work hours.”

“Here’s one for you. Why not take a full-time break? You know cash out.”

“Love to boss, but there’s way too many bills to pay and how do I put a brake on them if I’m on a full’time break.”

“So we are finished with the break/brake discussion?”

“Yup break’s over. Thanks for your concern boss.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Interview on RAVE WAVES BlogTalkRadio with Blaire Sharpe #RRBC

~ John W. Howell ~ 8 Comments

Blog talk radio image.unnamed

I am pleased to have as my interview guest on RAVE WAVES “SPOTLIGHT HONORS” Blaire Sharpe the author of Not Really Gone an incredible memoir.

Clip art Blaire

Not Really Gone

The show begins at 11:00 am Central time today. Here is all the information

Welcome to RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB’S BlogTalkRadio Production of RAVE WAVES “SPOTLIGHT HONORS,” where Host, John W. Howell, is joined by AUTHOR, BLAIRE SHARPE. We will be discussing her memoir, “NOT REALLY GONE.” Join us as we explore this book and become better acquainted with the author.

Here is Blaire’s contact information

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBlaireSharpe/

Her Website address:   www.blairesharpe.com

Her Twitter Handle: @BlaireSharpe

 

This segment of SPOTLIGHT HONORS is being sponsored by NONNIE JULES, the author of “IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC.”

1If Only There Was Music book cover (1)

If you’d like to know how you can get your own recorded commercial to air during one of our shows, please visit the RRBC site.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

College meme

 

Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we saw the unthinkable situation where Mrs. Worthe is pretty much taking control of Ben’s life. She insisted that Ben come to her house to recover. The only good thing about this situation is Ben will be able to keep his eye on the family for Father Lightfoot. (Raymond) Let’s go and see how Ben gets settled. (Yes we are jumping right to Mrs. Worthe’s house)

“Now Ben you can consider Mi casa Su casa.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Worthe. I was just wondering.”
“Wondering what Ben dear?”
“I was wondering if Father Lightfoot will be able to visit?”
“Why on earth do you want him to visit? You’re Jewish for heaven’s sake.”
“I know, but he is such a comfort. I think there is only one God after all.”
“You got something going with Raymond?”
“Please, Mrs. Worthe. I’m engaged to Alexis.”
“Yeah well, that may no be for long.”
“W-what are you saying?”
“Alexis is a pretty determined person. She does not suffer losers lightly.”
“Has she said anything?”
“She hasn’t been in to see you has she?”
“No. I thought she was away.”
“Why did you think that?”
“I don’t know. it was the only explanation for not coming in to see me.”
“There you are, Ben. There’s another reason which has escaped your pea brain.”
“She wants to break up?”
“Bingo. We have a winner, winner chicken dinner.”
“Damn. I did not expect that reaction from her.”
“You mean you expected her to hang out with a broke college student who shoots himself?”
“I thought we had a special relationship.”
“Sure you did, Ben. As long as it looked like you may have ten million dollars it was special.”
“Okay, Mrs. Worthe. You win. You win it all. I’m here under your thumb, and my fiancée doesn’t have the guts to come in and tell me we are through. Shows what a loser I am. I need to talk to Raymond and try to find another place to stay.”
“I wouldn’t be mentioning thumb if I were you, Ben. You are going nowhere. Do you have your phone?”
“Huh. Let me check. Where is it?”
“Right here. Now be a good boy and take a nap and maybe later I’ll let you talk to your precious Raymond.”

Ten Things Not to Say to a Cocktail Party Guest

~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

 

Cocktail PartyThe inspiration for this list came after attending some parties recently.  Although I’m not a psychologist I can only surmise the individuals I happened to run into were behaving in an abnormal manner. In searching for truth, I Googled social disorders and came upon “Cocktail Party Guest” and the explanation became clear. I hope you enjoy the list. If you are at times, a cocktail party guest know this list is with love.

10 If you happen to talk to a cocktail party guest, do not say.”How are you?” If you do at best, you will only have to stand for ten or so minutes for the rundown. At worst, you will be forced to take the person home with you since you now are forced into the position of Good Samaritan. (You had hoped they would say, “Fine,” like everyone else didn’t you?)

9 If you happen to talk to a cocktail party guest, do not admit you are a writer. If you do, at best the person will tell you some stories they are going to write. At worst, you will be forced into a corner and have to admit the person reminds you of Ernest Hemingway. (Of course, maybe one of those stories will be your next novel)

8 If you happen to talk to a cocktail party guest, do not mention your last vacation. If you do, At best you will have to attempt to get away after the second holiday story. At worst, you will watch your ice melt as you go on a verbal tour of all the continents. (Don’t you wish a trap door would open and drop you ten stories to the furnace room.)

7 If you happen to talk to a cocktail party guest, do not ask what they do. If you do, at best they will try to convince you they own the city. At worst, they will be in the selling profession and won’t let you go until you sign up for a cleaning product pyramid scheme. (Wasn’t this the project that you read about where all the officers of the company went to jail?)

6 If you happen to talk to a cocktail party guest, do not ask where they live. If you do, at best they will assume you are trying to type their social/economic status. At worst, the person will believe that you are a cat burglar and have designs on their jewels and money. (In each, case you didn’t get an answer and the latter begs the question,  did you enjoy the police escort home?)

5 If you happen to talk to a cocktail party guest, do not be the first to mention your kids. If you do, at best, the person has you outnumbered by a factor of two children. At worst, the person you are talking to has just returned from Washington where they witnessed the President giving their child the Student of the Year award. (Man, it could not get any more humiliating than that huh, Bunky?)

4 If you happen to talk to a cocktail party guest, do not raise a political point. If you do, at best the person is a political science professor at the college, and you are in for a pretty long evening. At worst, the person is a member of a splinter group who have as a mission the destruction of the two-party system. (How do you feel going home with your very own AK 47 gift)

3 If you happen to talk to a cocktail guest, do not admit you know nothing about Doctor No or Marvel Comic characters. If you do, at best you will need to find someone else with which to talk. At worst, the person will take the next three hours providing the background and an in-depth synopsis of every episode or character. (Remember to relax your knees now and then, so you don’t pass out.)

2 If you happen to talk to a cocktail party guest, do not make a negative comment about the party. If you do, at best the person will disagree and then tell the host. At worst, you will make your unfortunate comments to the unknown spouse of the host who just happens to play golf once a week with your boss. (That meeting with the boss on Monday might be a little tense hey Bud?)

1 If you happen to talk to a cocktail guest, do not keep calling them by the wrong name. If you do, at best the fourth correction will verify you are an idiot. At worst, unbeknownst to you, this person has been hired by the company you work for to come in and weed out the deadwood. (You may not be too old to find another job. Yeah Right?)