Bill W

In terms of today, a dime from 1872 when Rockefeller founded Standard Oil would be worth the equivalent of $26.55 today, and a dime from 1936, the year before he died, would be worth the equivalent of $2.35 today. That might change your perspective a little.

The word "incentive" comes from the Late Latin word incentivus, meaning "setting the tune", "inciting", or "provocative". This is derived from incinere, meaning "to sing" or "to strike up a tune," which combines the prefix in- and the verb canere, "to sing". The meaning was influenced by the Latin word incendere, meaning "to set on fire" or "to kindle". According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the word "incentive" was first used in English before 1475, during the Middle English period. The earliest evidence of its use is found in R. Higden's Polychronicon. In reference to a system of rewards meant to encourage harder work, first attested 1943 in jargon of the U.S. war economy. The earliest known use of the verb incentivize is in the 1960s. OED's earliest evidence for incentivize is from 1968, in the Guardian. incentivize is formed within English, by derivation. Etymons: incentive n., ‑ize suffix. Examples of "incentive" used in a sentence: "The rising cost of electricity provides a strong incentive to conserve energy." "The company offered a bonus as an incentive to employees who exceed their sales goals." "As an incentive to motivate their children to do better in school, the parents offered a system of monetary incentives for grades received on report cards." "The government offers special tax incentives for entrepreneurs." "She offered to buy him dinner as an incentive to help her with the project." "There is little incentive for the government to invest in that area."

The word "poacher" derives from the very "to poach", which has two possible origins for its illegal hunting meaning: one theory connects it to the Old French "pochier" (to poke or thrust), perhaps suggesting pushing into someone else's territory. It could also be referring to thrusting into game with a spear or stick, in order to kill it. Another suggests it comes from the Middle English "pocchen" (to bag), referring to putting game into a "pouch", eferring to hiding game after it was illegally killed. This is supported by the term "poacher's pocket," a type of bag used for concealing game, and the slang term "pocket" for stealing small items. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the noun "poacher" (in the sense of someone who illegally hunts game) in English is from 1574. The word first appeared in John Studley's translation of the *Pageant of Popes*. The OED entry specifies two different nouns for "poacher," with a second one for an "egg-poacher" dating to 1861. The original noun, referring to someone who poaches game, is the one from 1574 that was initially used to describe someone who intruded or encroached upon the property or rights of another. The sense of a person who illegally hunts game on another's land became common in the late 1600s. Examples of "poacher" used in a sentence: "Poachers hunt and kill rhinos for their horns and elephants for their tusks." "Poachers benefit from killing these animals by using the meat or selling various parts of the animals for money." "The rangers' main job in the wild is to deter poachers." "In football (soccer), it's a forward who scores a lot goals from a position close to the goal is called a poacher." "Who better than a poacher turned gamekeeper to sort these deals out." "The baby elephants were rescued after their mother was killed by poachers. "Charles Beaty, a poacher, evaded capture for over 20 years, killing more world-class bucks in South Texas than most people will ever see in their lifetime. "Alternatively, the truly easiest way to make poached eggs is with an egg poacher."

Would your despairity have to do with a absolute loss of hope or breaking up couples, whether married or unmarried? 🤪

The word "disparity" comes from the Latin disparitās, meaning "inquality", which is a combination of the prefix dis- ("not") and paritās ("equality"). The word passed through Middle French (disparité) before entering English. The word's etymology emphasizes a lack of equality, similarity, or difference. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the noun disparity in English was in the late 1500s. The OED's earliest evidence is from before 1575, (possibly 1571), in the writings of Nicholas Harpsfield, religious controversialist and historian. Examples of "disparity" in a sentence: "In any case, the wide disparity of incomes and egos leads to a certain instability." "There was an enormous disparity in the lives of the rich and the poor in that country." "In Ohio, the racial disparities are even worse when compared to the rest of the country." "There was a huge free-throw disparity: the Lakers went to the line 37 times while the Warriors shot just 17 free throws."

The word "ashen" comes from Middle English asshen, meaning "made of ashwood", and a derivative of the Old English word æsċen. It has two primary etymological paths: one relating to the ash tree and another, more common one, relating to the pale color of ashes from a fire. The second meaning, to be pale or "lifeless," emerged as the pale color of ashes became associated with shock or fear. The word "ashen" first appeared in English during the Middle English period, with the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) citing its earliest evidence before 1400 for the meaning "made of ash wood". The adjective "ashen" in the sense of "ash-colored" or "deadly pale" first appeared in the early 1800s, with the OED noting its earliest use in 1808. Others cite 1807 instead. Examples of "ashen" used in English: "He was taller than all his men with long ashen hair and piercing gray eyes." "It was the color of an ashen dove and reached her ankles." "He was ashen and trembling in fear." "He fell back, shocked, his face ashen."

Give him a break! He was half frozen and hungover when he typed that. 🍺 😜

And it works fine, as long as there isn't a strong wind.

The word "lambast" is likely a comgination of two archaic verbs: "lam", meaning "to beat" or "to thrash", and "baste", meaning "to beat soundly" (it's unrelated to the cooking or sewing term). Lambaste is the preferred spelling in American and Canadian English, while lambast is the preferred spelling in British and other forms of English. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the verb "lambaste" was first used in English in the mid-1600s, with the earliest evidence from 1637 in a text by Inigo Jones and William Davenant. Its original meaning was to physically assault or beat someone violently, but by the 1800s, the meaning expanded to include harsh verbal attacks or criticism. Examples of "lambaste" used in a sentence: "The coach lambasted the team for its poor play." "They wrote several letters lambasting the new law." "Even with its success, harsh party leaders continued to lambaste the plan for healthcare reform." "The rude shopper continued to lambaste the sales clerk for not moving quick enough." "Trying to change his overly critical ways, the dater promised the matchmaker that he would not lambaste his date over small errors." "As if complaining wasn’t enough, the young woman’s mother-in-law made an effort to lambaste her regarding her cooking and her housecleaning skills."

Here in Georgia, tomorrow is supposed to have a high of 39 degrees (3.9 C) and a low of 26 degree (-3.3 C). I guess I'll finally have to turn on the heat, at least temporarily. 😞 Our Veterans Day (old Armistice Day) is Nov. 11th, the date when the armistice was signed ending World War 1, at 11:00 a.m. on 11/11/1918. If your great uncle was a Sgt. Major in WW2, he must have been a career military man. Impressive!

I worked with a woman like that, and later learned from her daughter that the problem was a result of her body chemistry. The daughter explained that no matter how often she bathed or showered, or what deodorant or perfumes she used to try to mask it, nothing worked. I felt badly for her, because many of the other employees would make snide remarks about her problem while she was present.

The word "acrid" comes from the Latin word ācer, which means "sharp," "pungent," "bitter," or "fierce". The Latin root was likely influenced by the similar-sounding Latin word "acidus" and the English word "acid". The English word "acrid" was probably shaped by this influence, and the suffix "-id" was added to model it after "acid". The root ācer is also the source of words like "acerbic," "acrimony," and "acumen". According to the Oxford English Distionary (OED), the first use of "acrid" in English was in 1633. The earliest recorded use of the adjective "acrid" is a quote from a 1633 edition of "Gerard's Herball", translated by T. Johnson: "The wilde Leeke hath leaues much like vnto those of Crow-garlicke, but larger, and more acride". Examples of "acrid" used in a sentence: "The air filled with the acrid smell of blood and tart wine." "The gray acrid smoke of the powder lingered over the rock." "Miles away from the fires, the smoke still left an acrid taste in my mouth." "Traffic was snarled, and whiffs of acrid air stung the eyes." "Even twenty yards from the room, she could still smell the acrid green smoke." "It has a warm energy with bitter and acrid or pungent flavors."

Avuncular comes from the Latin noun avunculus, which means "maternal uncle", but since at least the 19th century English speakers have used avuncular to describe uncles from either side of the family, or people who are uncle-like in character or behavior. Avunculus is also an ancestor of the word uncle itself. Just in case you're interested, the Latin word for "paternal uncle" is patruus. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the first known use of "avuncular" in English was in 1831. It appeared in the writings of Walter Savage Landor, and it originally referred specifically to the relationship with a mother's brother. Examples of "avuncular" used in a sentence: "He's very avuncular, very comforting." "You can see this rumpled, avuncular figure making a big media hit." "The avuncular figure 's voice conveyed a sinister side." "He became a much-loved avuncular figure dispensing his own brand of wisdom." "A person who is avuncular is generally a kindly, supportivem and helpful older person, like a boss or teacher." "He wasn't my uncle by birth, but his avuncular behavior of offering friendly advice and encouragement caused my entire family to refer to him as my uncle."

That's what I call supersizing solar power on earth!

The word libidinous comes from the Latin libidinosus, meaning "full of desire", which is derived from libido ("lust, desire, pleasure"). This Latin root entered English through Old French libidineux ("lusty")and ultimately traces back to an even older root meaning "to please". According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the first known use of "libidinous" in English was in the mid-15th century, during the Middle English period (1150-1500), specifically in 1447, in the writings of poet Osbern Bokenham. The word comes from the Latin "libidinosus" and is a Middle English term meaning "lustful". Examples of "libidinous" in a sentence: "The waiter's libidinous behavior was inappropriate and made the customers uncomfortable." "Anderson let his libidinous imagination run away with him." "The character's libidinous preoccupations were a key part of the story." "She was know for her libidinous character, which she used to her advantage in her career." "The novel's censors, despite their job, were depicted as being libidinously thrilled by the material they were reviewing."

The word "xenial" comes from the Ancient Greek word xenia, meaning "hospitality", and the related word xenios, meaning "guest" or "stranger". It describes something related to the friendly and hospitable relationship between a host and a guest, particularly as it was practiced in ancient Greece. The English suffix "-al" is added to the Greek root to form the adjective. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), he earliest evidence for the word "xenial" is from 1858, used in the writings of William Gladstone. Other sources suggest the word was first used in the late 1700s (1790s) or as early as 1834. Examples of "xenial" used in a sentence: "During the festival, the xenial residents opened their homes to visitors from all over the country." "Her xenial nature made her popular among travelers who appreciated her generous welcome." "The Fenix tournament's name was an acronym for its core values: friendly, European, non-professional, innovative, and xenial." "A xenial approach to hospitality can leave a lasting impression on guests." "The community's xenial nature made it a great place for newcomers to meet people."

I second @chris191070 comment. Thank you to all the authors who took part in the anthology, and I enjoyed each and every story that I read, and I read them all. My compliments to that anthology as well, including the leadership of @Valkyrie. A job well done by all.

There is a short film titled "Xenogenesis" that was produced in 1978 and directed by James Cameron and Randall Frakes, as well as a book series "Xenogenesis Trilogy" by Octavia E. Butler.

The word "xenogenesis" comes from the Greek word "xeno-" meaning "foreign", "strange". or "guest", along with the Latin word "genesis", meaning "origin" or "birth". Its etymology literally means "foreign origin" or "strange origin" and describes the imaginary production of an organism entirely different from its parent. sAccording to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the word "xenogenesis" was first used in English in the 1870s, with the earliest evidence being from 1870 in the writing of Thomas Huxley.=, a biologist and science educator. Examples of "xenogenesis" in a sentence: "Scientists study xenogenesis to understand genetic variations." "Xenogenesis challenges traditional inheritance theories." "Xenogenesis is a fascinating concept in science fiction." "The book explores xenogenesis as a theme."

The term "xiphoid" comes from the Greek word "xiphos", which means "sword" or "straight sword". The xiphoid process, a small, triangular-shaped bone at the lower end of the sternum, is named after its sword-like appearance. The adjective "xiphoid" first appeared in English in the mid-1700s, with the earliest evidence from the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) being from 1747 in the writing of S. Glass. The term is most commonly used in anatomy to describe the :xiphoid process, the cartilage- and bone-tipped part of the sternum at the bottom of the rib cage. a borrowing from Latin "xiphoides", ultimately deriving from the Greek word for "sword". The xiphoid process helps support muscles and ligaments in your chest and abdomen, but it's possible to live without it. It's what healthcare providers call a vestigial structure. Examples of "xiphoid" used in a sentence: "Just to the bottom of the xiphoid process," Ms. Boyle said. "Actually, the “lump” is the xiphoid process, the quarter-size cartilaginous end of the bony sternum." "The two little girls were united from the xiphoid cartilage to the umbilicus." "On examination, she had an abdominal protrusion between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus that contained the small bowel."

The word "xylophone" is derived from the Greek words ξύλον (xúlon) (meaning "wood") and φωνή (phōnḗ) (meaning "sound, voice"), so literally "the sound of wood"). The name was coined in Europe in the 19th century to describe the wooden bars that make the instrument's sound. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the first known use of the word "xylophone" in English was in the 1860s, specifically from a 1866 edition of the British literary magazine Athenaeum. Other sources corroborate this, citing the same year or a similar 1865-1870 range for the word's introduction into the English language, with the instrument itself having earlier origins in Africa and Asia. Examples of "xylophone" used in a sentence: "Percussion is composed of sleigh bells, tambourine, xylophone and kettle drums." "The more the strings sound acid-toned and the piano xylophone-like, the better." "In the 16-second clip, five chickens peck at a xylophone nailed to a wall in their coop." "The xylophone is a percussion instrument, made of wooden bars with ronators underneath." "A xylophone is played using mallets made of rubber, acrylic, or plastic to strike the bars and produce the sound." "The xylophone typically has a range of three to four octaves."

Have you ever been caught in a situation where you've been engaged by a very chatty person in a very awkward situation that was impossible to escape, and worst of all, they wouldn't leave you alone, even though you refused to respond to them? If you have, then you might be able to identify with this awkward and somewhat tense conversation between two people, and if you haven't ever found yourself in a similar predicament, then read this short-story and determine how you might have reacted.

Although I've never done it, I suppose it would be very difficult to write a story using only dialogue and not being able to add descriptions, observations, or explanations. I very much enjoyed this and can appreciate the thought behind it, since I've been roped into conversations with chatty persons before that I had no intention of communicating with. Some people just won't take 'no' or silence as a response to their constant prying. I don't know how I missed this story during the Tribute to Carlos, but nicely done.

This thought provoking poem about the sun points out that their are many different ways we can think about and appreciate the sun, depending on the time of day or the time of year.

If you're looking for a story that is creative, well written, and creepily horrifying, then this short story is probably for you. Might the narrator have been affected due to a previous night of heavy drinking, that's a possibility, and might reading it have a delayed uncontrollable reaction, very likely. And if you don't already have arachnophobia that situation might change after reading this spooky tale with a bit of tension breaking humor tossed in.