Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

September 12, 2018September 11, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 Comments

“You can look at me all you want, Twiggy. It is still Wednesday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day time again, and last week Andrew convinced Larry to run an ad with the possibility of flushing out a facility that might have the equipment necessary to create a force field strong enough to pulverize a heart. We all have to know that if the ad works, it would be the literary equivalent of finding a needle in a haystack. Let’s go and check on Larry and Andrew to see if there are any results from the ad.

“So, Andrew, what number did you list for people to call in the ad?”

“I sure didn’t put the police station number if that’s what you are asking.”

“I guess I was a little obvious huh?”

“You’re a cop. You were born obvious. I used my cell number.”

“Any calls yet?”

“Some gal named Christine who wants to give me an interest-free credit card.”

“I hope you are pulling my leg.”

“it is so much fun. In answer to your question, there have been no calls.”

“When did the ad run?”

“It was in this morning’s paper. It will also run in the afternoon edition.”

“Okay. Well, I’m wondering if we should do anything else while we are waiting.”

“I think having a cup of coffee might help pass the time.”

“You know where it is.”

“I do. Can I get you anything?”

“No. I’m good.”

“You sure? You look like you could use a cup.”

“I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

“Why’s that?”

“I kept having these wild dreams.”

“Want to share? Might make you feel better.”

“Yeah, I guess it might. I’ll walk with you to the coffee.”

“So tell me. What’s going on.”

“Did I tell you about talking to my deceased wife at the fortune teller’s place?”

“Yes, you did. I still am having some doubts about that.”

“I know you are a scientist. Trust me she was there.”

“I’ll give it to you for the sake of finding out what is bothering you.”

“Thanks. Well anyway in my dreams she keeps showing up and telling me to look for the motive.”

“The motive?”

“Yeah. She’s talking about the Sandusky case. When she says that I always get the feeling that I’m not doing something right.”

“Hmmm. Maybe there is some subconscious fact that you are trying to remember.”

“What do you mean.”

“Well, the dreams may be a manifestation of your subconscious. You may know more about the case than you even know.”

“You think so?”

“Well, it could explain the dreams.”

“In a rational way.”

“I didn’t say that. You did. Wait, here is a call coming in.”

Tuesday- Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #191 by Keith Channing

September 11, 2018September 10, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 37 Comments

On this anniversary of the 911 attack on America let us never forget the preciousness of freedom and keep the ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in our hearts.

Kreative Kue #191

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 do 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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.

The Photo.

“Now just have some patience. We can’t cross until the light turns green.”

“I know you want to help, but I need to get going.”

“Aw come on. You know very well that you could use my help getting across the street.”

“What is taking so long? This light must be an eternity.”

“I pushed the walk sign. It shouldn’t be too much longer.”

“Do you offer to help strangers all the time?”

“Honestly? No. You just caught my eye and looked like you needed my help.”

“That is very nice of you my dear, but I have lived in this city for fifty years and never had a problem before.”

“Well then let’s just say this is a way of me paying it forward.”

“So this is about helping you rather than about helping me?”

“Um. Well, I guess so. I hadn’t thought about it up to now.”

“Yeah, I get it. A young woman from the suburbs comes into the city and wants to save some poor soul from harm.”

“No, it isn’t like that. I just want to do some good today is all. By the way is that bag too heavy for you?”

“I’ve been carrying this bag forever. Keep your hands off it.”

“Okay, okay. I just asked the question.”

“That’s it. I need to be going. Thank you for trying to help but I see the light has changed and I’m off.”

“You can see?”

“Of course I can see. What made you think I couldn’t?”

“The glasses. I er ah—”

“Typical of a do-gooder. Just assume someone is sightless simply because they are old and wearing sunglasses. Goodbye girl.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“How about letting go and say goodbye.”

“Hey, you with the old woman. Don’t let her go.”

“W-what officer?”

“She just held up the First National bank. You are very brave to grab her. You can let go. I’ve got her now.”

“I’m shocked. She seems like a nice old lady.”

“Kiss my grits sister. Now, look at what your good deed has done.”

“Hush up Sadie and put your hands behind you.”

“You know her officer?”

“Yeah, hardened criminal this one.”

Top Ten things Not to Do While Rome Burns in AD 64

September 10, 2018September 9, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

This post continues the Top Ten series with a historical background. Hope you enjoy.

10 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not practice your Lyre. If you do, at best you might be mistaken as a leader. At worst, the number one Lyre player might think you are mocking him. (I see a few centurions at your gate Finnobar. Time to move out.)

9 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not try to ignore Tiny the WWF champ when he yells instructions. If you do, at best Tiny will only grab you and toss you over the wall. At worst, Tiny who just graduated from Gladiator school will take the opportunity to hone his skills. (Looks like you have the net and trident Flynn. Might not be a match for the mace and double-edged sword. I would suggest begging.)

8 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not wear your I’m a Happy Christian t-shirt today. If you do, at best no one will notice it. At worst, since the fire is being blamed on Christians, you may meet a lion up close and personal. (I think you need to do more than the “nice kitty” statement, Flannagain.)

7 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not try to get a refund on your Circus Maximus tickets. If you do, at best no one will be at the ticket office. At worst, you will be last in a line of 10,000. (Not to worry, Flin. There is always a fire-check for the next show.)

6 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not walk around town with that torch. If you do, at best people will think you are connected. At worst, someone will get the idea you had something to do with the fire. (Now it looks like you really have to leave town, Fonzell. Wonder what’s happening in Naples?)

5 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not show people in the pub the plans for Domus Aurea, Nero’s palace to be built on the ruins. If you do, at best no one in the pub will understand what you have. At worst, one of the customers is a senator. (Looks like you are on the hook as the source of the fire, Forba. I think you ought to ask for a little traveling music and move on.)

4 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not try to put out the flames if there are thugs warning you not to do it. If you do, at best you might get a black eye. At worst, you might need to answer to Nero as to why you tried to stop the fire. (Not known for his largess, Nero may have you on the next train to Lionsville, Fortino.)

3 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not set up a smores stand. If you do, at best you’ll have a few customers. At worst, folks will take your cavalier attitude to heart. (Looks like a gang of residents heading this way have blood in their eye, Franko. Maybe its time to pack up.)

2 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not wait to evacuate. If you do, at best you might have to run for your life. At worst, you might get cut off and have to take a leap into Tiber River. (Sad thing about that sundial, Frang. Shoulda checked to see if it was waterproof before making the leap.)

1 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not think your hotel still offers room service. If you do, at best you’ll be disappointed. At worst, you’ll wait too long for service and forget to check out when your room starts burning. (Don’t think the bill will be overlooked, Frans. They will find you no matter how far and no matter how long.)

Cover Reveal – Mae Clair’s End of Day

September 10, 2018September 6, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

Book cover for End of Day, mystery/suspense novel by Mae Clair shows old dilapidated church with bell tower and a cemetery in the background overgrown with weeds

Release Date: January 15, 2019
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Supernatural Thriller
Publisher: Kensington Publishing • Lyrical Underground Imprint

BLURB:
The past is never truly buried…

Generations of Jillian Cley’s family have been tasked with a strange duty—tending the burial plot of Gabriel Vane, whose body was the first to be interred in the Hode’s Hill cemetery. Jillian faithfully continues the long-standing tradition—until one October night, Vane’s body is stolen from its resting place. Is it a Halloween prank? Or something more sinister?

As the descendants of those buried in the church yard begin to experience bizarre “accidents,” Jillian tries to uncover the cause. Deeply empathic, she does not make friends easily, or lightly. But to fend off the terror taking over her town, she must join forces with artist Dante DeLuca, whose sensitivity to the spirit world has been both a blessing and a curse. The two soon realize Jillian’s murky family history is entwined in a tragic legacy tracing back to the founding of Hode’s Hill. In order to set matters right, an ancient wrong must be avenged…or Jillian, Dante, and everyone in town will forever be at the mercy of a vengeful spirit.

End of Day can be read as a stand alone novel or as a follow-up to book one of the Hode’s Hill series, Cusp of Night.

End of Day is available for pre-order through this link
and available to add to your Goodreads to-be-read list here.

Connect with Mae Clair at BOOKBUB and the following haunts:

Views of the Neighborhood – A Normal Day

September 9, 2018September 8, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Today’s View of the Neighborhood is very modest since it is the first go around. I thought I would capture a typical day at the beach.

First, we take a look at the early morning sunshine through the rain clouds in a photo taken by the Producer. More rain later but the day is forecast to be sunny.

Sunny it is. Here is a shot of the crowds. (Yay there are none)

I took a shot of the beach roadway to show how few vehicles there are.

A lone group of swimmers.

I loved the idea of a bunch of friends cooling off, having a couple of drinks, and plenty of conversation.

A lone kite. During the season the sky is full.

A lone golf cart tells the story of the off-season.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Earworm

September 8, 2018September 7, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “earworm.” Yup, you read that right, earworm. Linda Hills says we can write about our latest earworm or one that continually haunts us. If you would like to join in the madness, go to Linda’s blog and read about how easy it is to slip off the edge. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2018/09/07/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-8-18/

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to NPR’s People Feature of the Week. I’m Alex Silverton. This week we are featuring some special guests who claim to have an earworm of special note. Now for those in our audience who are unfamiliar with the term “earworm,” here is Lexis Brominowski to give us some background.”

“Thank you, Alex. An earworm is that annoying song that gets stuck in your ear and is very difficult to shake. An example is Mary had a Little Lamb. Once you hear the song, it is difficult to stop it from rolling around in your head.”

“Thank you, Lexis. Our first guest comes to us from Buford Montana and claims to have an earworm. Tell us your name and the nature of the earworm.”

“Hello, my name is Ralph Dunson, and my earworm is Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.”

“Oh, you mean pieces of the symphony?”

“No the whole thing. From the first dum de dum to the last ta ra.”

My goodness, how do you concentrate on anything else?”

“Huh? My goodness, it’s hard. Hold on the second movement is just starting.”

“Okay, Ralph. We are going to cut over to Tillis Wentworth who says her earworm is the Gettysburg Address. How is this possible Ms. Wentworth?”

“You tell me, Alex. I was minding my own business, and one morning I got up, and there it was.”

“Who is speaking the address?”

“You’re kidding right?”

“Don’t tell me it’s Lincoln.”

“It’s not Lincoln. I think it is James Earl Jones.”

“How long has it been since you have had this earworm?”

“Hmmm. It might have started when I went to Disneyland.”

“Thank you, Ms. Wentworth. Now our last guest, Max Sanders claims to have an earworm that is of a strange alien radio broadcast. Tell us about this, Mr. Sanders.”

“Not much to tell. My every waking hour is taken up by this broadcast of news from outer space.”

“Can you identify the station?”

“Well like I told the FBI it sounds like it is from another planet.”

“What makes you say this?”

“Some of the people who are interviewed cannot be from this Earth.”

“Any names jump out at you.”

“There have only been a few.”

“Like who?”

“No one I have ever heard of for sure.”

“For instance?”

“The Kardashians and Kanye West.”

“I hate to tell you this, Mr. Sanders but I think you might be receiving CNN.”

“Yeah that’s what the Feds told me, but you know how those people try to cover stuff up.”

“I can see by the clock that we have just about run out of time. I want to thank our guests and look forward to next week’s show.”

“Mr. Silverton?”

“Yes, Mr. Sanders.’

“I just heard a broadcast describing that your show is canceled.”

“That would be too kind, Mr. Sanders. Too kind indeed.”

Thursday – A little personal – Twiggy, Lucy and Bailey Back in Action

September 6, 2018September 5, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

“Hey, Lucy, Bailey, Twiggy bring it in.”

“Wha’s the deal, Lucy.”

“Beats me.”

“Know what’s going on Bailey.”

“Nope, I just come when I’m called.”

“Uh, Bailey?”

“Hold on Pops. I need a gulp here.”

“Lucy, Twiggy?”

“Yes, Boss. All ears.”

“I can hear from here, Dad.”

“Okay then. As you can see I’m back at it. So how about some action shots for the blog.”

“Brother. We have to play this one right.”

“What should we do, Lucy?”

“Break up and give him something to shoot.”

“Okay. I’m doing my grazing sheep imitation.”

“Not sure that’s going to cut it, Twiggy.”

“Hey, Y’all. How about some action.”

“Try not to look at the camera, Twiggy. It’s more natural that way.”

“Thanks, Bailey. Hows this Dad?”

“Can you at least look at each other?”

“It is so hot Pops. Maybe later.”

“And the mountain sheep goes about its business, mindful of the threat posed by the mottled mountain lion who seems disinterested.”

“You kill me, Twiggy. How about it Pops you have enough?”

“Pops? Where did he go? Twiggy.”

“I don’t think he liked my mountain sheep performance.”

“Well, maybe next week. Where’s Lucy?”

“She followed him in. He was mumbling about an inside shot.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

September 5, 2018September 4, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

“Lucy, Lucy get up it’s Friday.”

“Twiggy, Twiggy. Hit snooze it’s only Wednesday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day and last week the IT guy, Paul delivered the file. Larry and Andrew are wholly convinced that the data is legitimate. Larry pretty much gave Paul the “bums rush,” and took charge of the files and copies of records. Andrew asked why so rude, and Larry explained he wanted to make sure Paul didn’t decide to do anything with the data that may corrupt them. So let’s head back to Larry’s office and pick up on what he and Andrew are thinking as a next step.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m reading my notes again.”

“What are they telling you.”

“Look here. See where I indicated that the heart tissue was reduced to almost a liquid?”

“Okay? Is that supposed to mean something to me?”

“No not to you. It does tell me that the strength of the force field was such that an ordinary medical device would not be powerful enough to cause that much pulverization to the heart.”

“Yeah so?”

“I think we are looking at a device that is more in the commercial world rather than the medical world.”

“I see what you are saying. This would mean that such a device might be a rare occurrence.”

“Exactly. As such we might be able to find it.”

“And find out who owns it.”

“Now my dear Dunfee you are exactly right.”

“Hey, Andrew?”

“Yes?”

“We are not a Watson-Homes partnership.”

“I know that. I was just trying to have a little fun.”

“So, do you know where to begin looking for this kind of machine?”

“I would say we need to find an industrial application that uses strong force fields.”

“Any idea?”

“I was thinking of the way they used to put chrome on bumpers of cars. They would have a liquid medium and use electrolysis to get the chrome to adhere to the steel bumper.”

“Bumpers? Is there still such a thing?”

“No, but there are some after marketplaces where you can have parts fabricated. There are also places that make wheels and other accessories.”

“That doesn’t sound like a force field to me.”

“It’s not, but I’m saying that the industrial process of chrome plating and building a lethal force field will not be too far apart.”

“So we have to hunt down every electroplating operation and then go see if a force field adaption is in place.”

“Well, I would say that’s the hard way.”

“What is easier?”

“You and I put out heads together and figure out something for which we would need a force field application and then run an ad asking for the service.”

“You think the guy that has such a field is going to respond?”

“Why not. It has been ten years. Besides whoever owns this thing probably didn’t kill Sandusky.”

“What makes you so sure.”

“Just a hunch. I’m not really sure. So I think we could use such a force field to clean up objects from a shipwreck.”

“We don’t have a shipwreck.”

“Gad, Larry. You need to use some imagination. We are going to advertise that we need a force field to clean up, let’s say an anchor. We don’t need to have an anchor to run the ad.”

“I think it is not a matter of imagination but common sense. Where do we run this ad?”

“I’m betting Sandusky was killed right here, so we stay local.”

“I still think we should go to the Yellow Pages and look them up.”

“Trust me. This will be easier. We can always do your method if this doesn’t work.”

“Okay, Andrew. We’ll try your way.”

“Great boss. I’ll get to work on the ad.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #190 by Keith Channing

September 4, 2018September 3, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 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 do 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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.

The photo.

“Okay, everyone. I need to have your attention.”

“What’s he want Mama?”

“I don’t know my child. Perhaps we should be quiet and find out.”

“But Mama I have this hand puppet that won’t stop talking.”

“Perhaps if you thought to yourself about how still the night can be the puppet will take a hint.”

“Everyone. This is your driver, and I need you to pay attention.”

“I’m not going to look at the driver, Pradeep.”

“Why not.?”

“He made a comment about my pink shirt so he is dead to me.”

“Maybe he has something important to say.”

“Then you’ll tell me.”

“Please, I need your attention. We have a little emergency.”

“Better put that camera down, dear. Looks like the driver needs to make an announcement.”

“So let ’em. I have a picture of whatever he announces.”

“More like the back of his head.”

“This will be my last appeal for your attention. This bus will not move until I have everyone’s attention.”

“I think if you sit down Gladys the driver will make his silly announcement.”

“These seats are so small. I can hardly fit in mine.”

“That is no reason to be carrying on in the aisle.”

“Thank you for your kind attention. For your information, this bus had a destination that would take us four hours to complete. I have some good news and bad news about that. Which would you like first?”

“Bad News.”

“The trip has been canceled, and there is no other bus going that way today.”

“Good news?”

“All of you have been booked on the first bus tomorrow. There is one more piece of bad news though.”

“What’s that?”

“You have to remain on board the bus to keep your reservation. I have secured the doors and wish you all a pleasant evening. For those of you who wish to cancel your reservation, there are no refunds. There is also a little good news.”

“Good news.”

“The company is going to cater a curry dinner with all the fixings.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do During the 1849 California Gold Rush

September 3, 2018September 2, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

This edition continues the historical background on the Top Ten feature. I hope you like it.

10 If you are near the gold rush, do not sell everything to go mine gold. If you do, at best you will break even. At worst, you’ll find that you have blown your life savings chasing a dream. (Seems you could have found a better way to blow your money, Farquharson. You could try self-publishing.)

9 If you are near the gold rush, do not move that stake at the corner of Tiny the WWF champ’s claim. If you do, at best Tiny will let you put it back. At worst, Tiny figures you are jumping his claim. (No use even putting up a fight, Farrin. I would just lay there. Tiny is bound to lose interest sooner or later.)

8 If you are near the gold rush, do not hide your gold under the straw mattress on your cot. If you do, at best the lump will keep you awake. At worst, sadly that’s the first place a thief will look. (Well, now you need to start over, Farrs. With any luck, you get that gold dust back in another six months of panning.)

7 If you are near the gold rush, do not describe someone to his face as a sourdough. If you do, at best the person is too new to the file to know that a sourdough is someone from Canada who has come to California in search of Gold. At worst, the person might take exception to be labeled as a Canadian even if he is. (Might as well take it back, Farson. Looks like he is mighty angry.)

6 If you are near the gold rush, do not wear your 7 for All Mankind jeans to work. If you do, at best you will attract many stares. At worst, the Levi-Strauss salesperson might decide a gunfight is in order. (I guess you didn’t realize that Levi’s were the official jean of the gold rush huh, Favian. No worries, just buy a pair and all will be forgotten.)

5 If you are near the gold rush, do not announce any discoveries of gold. If you do, at best you’ll have more friends. At worst, the mob scene that will transpire is more than you can handle. (Your claim needs to be defended, Fedyenka. But do you really want to shoot someone?)

4 If you are near the gold rush, do not complain about the cost of food. If you do, at best you’ll be told to go elsewhere. At worst, the cook may decide that serving you requires more reimbursement and raises his prices again. (Funny, Felix but you are the only one paying more for everything.)

3 If you are near the gold rush, do not think you can set up a get rich quick wagon and tool rental business. If you do, at best all your tools will be rented out, and you’ll need to get more. At worst, none of the devices will be brought back, and the rentals do not cover the cost. (This was not how it was supposed to work, Fergus.)

2 If you are near the gold rush, do not drink whatever is in that bottle in the saloon. If you do, at best you won’t go blind. At worst, you might lose track of time and wake up three weeks from now broke and homeless. (Imagine if you’d had enough money to buy two bottles, Fiacre. You might not be with us right now.)

1 If you are near the gold rush, do not pan for gold. If you do, at best you won’t find any. At worst, you might pull a couple of specks out of the sand which will cause an extreme attack of gold fever. (Well that does it, Fidelis. You are hooked. See you in a couple of years when your money runs out.)