Bill W

Does anyone know anything about @Andy78? He's not been offline for a decade and during all of that time I haven't found out why or what might have caused him to disappear. I'd really appreciate any information that anyone could give me.

@wildone,you were gone for three weeks, no wonder it was so quiet around here. Welcome back. To answer your question about next weekend's weather forecast for where we live. here is the forecast for my part of Georgia for what will be our Memorial Day weekend. In the 80s from Thursday the 21st to end of the month. There will be a possibility of rain of the 21st, rain from the 22nd to the 26th, and then the possibility of rain from the 27th to the 29th. Looks like no cookouts, or if you do, I hope the grill has a cover and you can get into the house quickly.

I certainly hope you two aren't parents. 😧

Carlos is another one who is greatly missed. He was always friendly and very helpful, and I think the tribute to him was very touching. It has been over two years since he left us, but it seems almost like yesterday when he was here, because my memories of him are so powerful. R.I.P., my friend, and it will be a long time before you are forgotten here.

I really miss Wayne. We used to talk a lot and he was a great help at times. I can't believe that it has been nearly five years since he left us, because I still sorely miss his helpfulness and wonderful stories. I certainly hope he has been resting in peace.

The concept of rivalry is a powerful storytelling tool that drives character development, creates irresistible dramatic tension, and reveals deep psychological themes. Unlike generic villains, rivals share common goals or disciplines, making their interactions personal, deeply competitive, and essential for pushing the protagonist to their absolute limits. Utilizing rivalry effectively enhances a narrative in several ways: | Accelerates Character Growth: A strong rival forces the protagonist to adapt, innovate, and improve. By competing against someone with equal or mirrored skills, the protagonist must dig deeper to find new strengths. Provides a Mirror or "Shadow": Rivals often act as a foil. They might share the exact same ambition but employ vastly different morals to achieve it. This juxtaposition allows the audience to understand the hero's core values and psyche much more clearly. Drives Long-Term Plot Tension: While friendships are built on harmony, rivalries thrive on friction. The relentless "cat and mouse" dynamic or the fight for a singular prize keeps the stakes constantly elevated and hooks the reader’s attention. Enables Nuanced Arcs (Like Redemption or Romance): Rivalries don't always end in bloodshed. This dynamic sets the perfect stage for satisfying character shifts, such as moving from bitter competitors to begrudging allies, or transitioning into deep friendships and romance. To write a compelling rival, ensure they are fully realized characters in their own right with their own compelling motivations, rather than just obstacles existing purely for the protagonist's benefit.

The word rivalry stems from the Latin rivalis, meaning a neighbor or one who shares a river or stream. Originally it translated as "one using the same brook." The term transitioned from indicating friendly association to describing people competing for access to the same resources and causing the term to evolve from its original sense of "partner" into the modern concept of an adversary. Rivalry first entered the English language in the late 1500s to describe individuals striving to gain what another was seeking. : Formed in the 1590s by combining the noun rival with the suffix -ry (denoting a state or condition), cementing its modern meaning of active competition or strife. According to the Oxford English Dictionary , the noun rivalry was first used in English in the late 1500s. The OED's earliest recorded evidence for the noun dates specifically to 1598, found in the writings of the Elizabethan poet and playwright John Marston. Historically, older related forms like rivality also emerged in the early 1500s (found in translations by Sir Thomas Wyatt), but rivalry became the standard English term for competition or strife shortly before the turn of the 17th century. The OED states that the first use of the noun rival was first used during the Middle English period (1150-1500), with the earliest documented evidence dating from before 1400 in the writings of the poet and historian Robert Mannyng.

Ambition is the engine of storytelling. It provides characters with a definitive drive, generates unavoidable conflict as they navigate obstacles, and defines their moral boundaries. Whether building or destroying, ambitious characters force the plot forward and reveal deep psychological truths about human nature. A well-crafted ambitious character shapes the narrative through several key functions: The Engine of Motivation: Drives the Plot: Ambition transforms a static concept into active goals. Characters driven by a deep desire (whether for power, legacy, knowledge, or justice) initiate events that animate the narrative. Creates Momentum: Audiences are naturally drawn to characters who want something intensely. The relentless pursuit of a desire makes the story engaging, as readers care deeply whether that specific goal is achieved. The Crucible of Conflict: External Obstacles: As characters chase their ambitions, they clash with rival characters, societal pressures, or environmental roadblocks. Internal Turmoil: Ambition frequently forces characters into moral dilemmas. It challenges them to weigh their deepest desires against their ethics, resulting in internal conflict and self-doubt. The Catalyst of Character Growth: The Price of Success: Stories often explore the emotional costs of achieving what one desires. Ambition serves as a double-edged sword—it can lead to great accomplishments, but it may also damage relationships or lead to unethical decisions. | The Character Arc: A character's relationship with their ambition often changes over the course of the story. Through failure, hardship, or the realization of their goals, a character might recognize their blind spots and experience a profound shift in values. Thematic Exploration: Human Nature: Writers use ambition to explore deeper insights into what people are willing to sacrifice to get what they want. It reflects societal pressures and the often dangerous appeal of power and success. Good vs. Evil: The moral alignment of an ambition defines the character's role. A heroic ambition (like overthrowing a tyrant) unites the audience in support, while a corrupt ambition (like Macbeth's unchecked lust for the crown) turns the pursuit into a tragic flaw.

The word ambition traces its roots to ancient Rome and comes from the Latin word ambitiō, which translates to "a going around". It stems from the verb ambīre (literally, "to go around"), which is a combination of ambi- (around) and īre (to go). In Rome, ambitiō specifically referred to the practice of politicians canvassing. Candidates for public office would physically "go around" the city, working the forum, shaking hands, and soliciting votes. Because this door-to-door canvassing was driven by a strong desire to gain honor, power, and votes, the noun shifted from describing the physical act to describing the strong, inner drive that caused it. The word entered the English language in the 14th century via Old French. Interestingly, for several generations in early English, the term had negative connotations. It was considered a vice associated with arrogance, opportunism, and self-aggrandizement before softening into its modern definition of eager drive and aspiration. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the noun "ambition" was first used in English in the year 1340. It appeared in the religious and grammatical text Ayenbite of Inwyt (meaning "Prick of Conscience") by Dan Michel of Northgate. 14th Century Origin: The word traces back to Latin ambitio, originally meaning "a going around" to solicit votes or canvass for political office in Rome. Negative Connotation: For centuries after its introduction to English, it was used as a pejorative term. It referred to inordinate, overreaching desire and was heavily grouped alongside sins like "pride" and "vainglory". Modern Meaning: The neutral and positive senses we associate with personal career goals and drive are relatively modern.

In storytelling, a character’s loss of control is a critical narrative tool that shatters the status quo, strips away emotional defenses, and forces genuine transformation. It shifts the story from passive planning to active, chaotic survival, serving as the ultimate engine for conflict, vulnerability, and stakes. Strips Away Defenses and Reveals True Nature: When characters are in control, they can hide behind masks, plans, and emotional armor. Forcing them to lose control—whether through a sudden crisis, grief, rage, or temptation—strips away these defenses. This exposes their raw, authentic selves, allowing both the audience and the character to see their true flaws, fears, and unmet needs. Accelerates the Plot: A story requires momentum, and a character losing control provides exactly that. When characters abandon rational thought and act on volatile emotion, they inevitably make mistakes, missteps, and rash decisions. These errors generate immediate consequences, complicating the plot and forcing the characters to scramble to survive their own actions. Drives the Character Arc: Change rarely happens when life is comfortable. The most profound character growth occurs when a character is pushed to their absolute breaking point. Losing control means their usual coping mechanisms have failed. By tumbling into this chaos, they are forced to adapt, face their underlying fears, and emerge as a fundamentally changed person. Skyrockets Character Stakes: When a protagonist is calm and collected, the audience trusts them to handle the situation. When they lose control—and the situation spirals out of their hands—the audience's anxiety and investment spike. It creates dramatic tension where the consequences of failure feel immediate and devastating. Boosts Reader Empathy and Catharsis: Characters who are entirely perfect or in control are unrelatable and often feel untouchable. When characters experience a devastating, uncontrollable low, it grounds them in humanity. Watching a character struggle with vulnerability, break down, and eventually piece themselves back together provides immense catharsis for the reader.

CONTROL was the fictional secret counter-espionage, national security agency headquartered in Washington D.C. fighting against KAOS "the international organization of evil" in the comedy TV show Get Smart (1965-1970).

The word "control" traces back to the Anglo-French as the administrative verb contreroller and comes from the Medieval Latin contrarotulus, which combines contra- (against) and rotulus (a roll or small wheel of parchment). It evolved into the early 15th century Middle English verb controllen. The root comes from the phrase contra- (against) and rotulus (a roll or scroll) and described a medieval bookkeeping method where an auditor kept a duplicate roll of accounts to cross-check against the treasurer's register. By the mid-15th century, the meaning broadened from strictly verifying financial records to exerting authority, directing, and dominating. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the verb control first appeared in English during the Middle English period (1150–1500). The earliest recorded use of the word dates back to 1422, appearing in the Rolls of Parliament: Henry VI. The noun form appeared later, with the OED's earliest evidence dating to 1564 in the writings of the theologian Thomas Harding. The familiar sense of a scientific baseline or "control group" appeared in the 1850s, The noun remote control was was coined by British Solicitor General Sir John Milford during the 1794 high treason trial of political organizer Thomas Hardy. It was used metaphorically to describe the political control of people or institutions from a distance. Nikola Tesla invented and demonstrated the first wireless remote control—a radio-controlled miniature boat he called a teleautomaton in 1898. The noun remote control to describe machinery was in 1904. The verb form, "remote-control," was first documented in 1906 in an electrical engineering journal. The first television remote, a wired device named "Lazy Bones," was produced by Zenith in 1950. Zenith subsequently invented the first wireless TV remotes in 1955-1956, leading to the electronic infrared devices we use today.

The glowing structure looks like the old Soviet Union sickle, if you were standing on the other side of it, but it would still need a hammer. ☭

Authority in storytelling characters acts as a crucial narrative anchor, establishing believable power dynamics that drive plots, define society norms, and foster audience engagement. These figures, ranging from mentors to antagonists, guide protagonist growth, create core conflicts, and reflect the author's thematic vision. Authority figures provide necessary structure to the fictional world. Key aspects of authority in character development include: | Driving Plot and Conflict: Authority figures, such as antagonists or oppressive systems, force characters into action and establish high-stakes drama, propelling the narrative forward. Mentorship and Growth: Wise or experienced characters (mentors) help guide protagonists through their transformation, shaping their development. Defining the World's Norms: They demonstrate the rules, values, and power structures of the story's world, creating realism. Internal Authority (VOA): The "Voice of Authority" is an internal, influential voice developed from a character's past (parents, teachers), acting as a powerful influence on their choices. Creating Relatability and Tension: Effective characters, whether heroes or villains, possess clear, justifiable motivations that allow audiences to engage deeply, enhancing suspense. How to Establish Authority in Storytelling: Leverage Experience: Share personal stories and lived experiences to build rapport and passion. Focus on the Audience: Position yourself as a guide by focusing on the audience’s aspirations, rather than just your own achievements. Utilize Proper Structure: Use clear, consistent storytelling. Listen and Learn: Actively learn from those with more knowledge to strengthen your own message.

"Authority" stems from the Lain auctōritās (influence, command, or opinion), derived from auctor ("master, leader, author"). Entering English around 1200 as autorite or auctorite, it originally meant a convincing passage, a scholarly source, or legal validity before evolving into the power to command. In ancient Rome, it referred to a person’s prestige, reputation, and influence, rather than just official legal power. The term shifted from meaning "a source of knowledge" (an authoritative text) to "a person in power" (a holder of authority) in the 14th century. The "th" was introduced later (16th century), likely influenced by the word "authentic". According to the Oxford English Dictiionary (OED), the earliest known use of the noun authority in English is from around 1225 . The word appears in the Ancrene Riwle (or Ancrene Wisse), a guide for anchoresses written in the early 13th century. The noun author first documented usage dating back to the late 14th century. The earliest known use of the verb authorize (or authorise) in English is from before 1393. The noun authorization first evidence is from around 1472–3 in the Rolls of Parliament. The noun authorizing first appeared before 1425 in the Lanterne of Liȝt. The noun authorizement first appeared around 1475.

Thanks, db. I appreciate your confidence in my work.

A character using influence—whether to persuade, change, or challenge others—is crucial for driving the plot, exploring themes, and fostering character development. Known as an "Influence Character", they often force the protagonist to confront flaws, alter their perspective, and grow, adding necessary dramatic tension and depth to the narrative. Key aspects of the importance of influence in storytelling include: Catalyzing Character Growth: The influence character pushes the protagonist out of their comfort zone or challenges their flawed worldview, directly causing them to change, grow, and complete their character arc. Driving the Plot and Themes: Influence characters often represent an opposing viewpoint or a different path, which allows the story’s core themes to be explored in depth. Creating Dramatic Tension: The interaction between a protagonist and an influential character creates conflict and tension, preventing the story from becoming stagnant. Structuring the Narrative: This character often anchors the "B story" or is a primary figure in a relationship that helps the protagonist achieve or fail their goals. Examples of Influence Characters: Charity Barnum in The Greatest Showman: She encourages P.T. Barnum to embrace what he has rather than chasing more, directly impacting his emotional journey. Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: A New Hope: He introduces Luke to the Force and influences him to trust it rather than technology. Characters with influence can also serve as powerful role models, enabling readers to empathize with their challenges and moral choices.

"Influence" originates from the Latin influere, meaning "to flow into", which evolved from in- ("into") and fluere ("to flow"). It was also influenced by the Medieval Latin word influentia ("a flowing in") and the Old French influence (13th century) "emanation from the stars". Dating to the late 14th century, the word originally referred to an "ethereal fluid" from the stars that flowed down to affect human destiny and character. In the mid-1600s the meaning shifted to the power an individual or group has over another (social/political). According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the noun influence was first used in English during the Middle English period (1150-1500), with the earliest evidence appearing around 1374 in the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer. The verb influence appeared much later, with the earliest evidence in 1658, in the writings of Oliver Cromwell. The earliest known use of the adjective influential is in 1570, appearing in a translation by John Dee, the noted mathematician, astrologer, and antiquary. The earliest know use of the noun influencer is from 1664, appearing in the writing of English philosopher and theologian Henry More in A Modest Enquiry into the Mystery of Iniquity, referring to a person who exerts influence.

It's something I wouldn't be familiar with, since I don't need hair spray for my chrome dome. 🤪

And it doesn't even include any anthropomorphic objects.

Thanks, Lee. And that was a sad parting for Clint and Daniel, but they'll all be together again at the wedding. I keep listening to those great songs. Maybe they'll give you inspiration for some new great stories.

Me? Do something like that? I'm crushed by your lack of trust, but I won't make any promises. You'll have to keep reading upcoming chapters to find out for sure.

The things I've posted here have been news articles about spiders that I've gotten from different sources and includes topics such as the invasive Joro spiders. When getting information about specific species of spiders I have taken information and photos from Wikipedia. I've also searched for photos using search terms like "free photos of (specific species of spider)" or relied on "stock photos or images" of spiders, but as far as I know, they are not copyrighted. Are any of these things what you are referring to? Just curious if I'm part of the problem.

Yes, the did select a little more of a challenge on the rapids this year, since they were more experienced than on the previous vacation, and Clint and Daniel are more than sad that they won't be seeing or being around Michael and Devin in the future. You're also correct that Michael is very focused on getting things done, and it's that drive that will serve him well in whatever job he gets. Devin may be more mechanically talented and his his dreams of making serious contributions to space exploration, but Michael's focus, drive, and mathematical background will serve him well as a software engineer or statistical analysis. And since it seems that the auctions won't be happening soon, all of his attention will shift to the wedding.

Yes, the future is speeding toward them like a runaway train, so hopefully it will get off to a good start with the wedding and then securing the jobs they really want. There will definitely be some interesting times ahead.