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Everything posted by Bill W
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Clint is young and oblivious to how things work. He only knows what he wants, and he doesn't think it would be a problem, since he know that he and his father would never call the cops on Michael. A child's brain doesn't work the same as an adult's. 🙃 I believe Preston is well aware of what a dog can have and what it can't have, so you don't have to worry. "Yes, I often forgot that what I'd recently written and what you guys are reading aren't the same, so I slipped up and gave that away earlier. I told you that a dog's sense of smell was far better than a human's.
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Chapter 15 – A Special Time with Friends I was just taking the turkey and green bean casserole out of the oven when we heard a knock at the door. Devin went to answer it, and when he returned a short time later, Lonny and Clint were following him. “Whoa, the turkey smells wonderful and it looks as if you two have gone all out for this,” Lonny said as he entered. “I know you said you invited one other person, but it looks like you fixed enough food for at least a dozen people.”
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demagogue - Word of the Day - Mon Jul 21, 2025
Bill W commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
A demagogue (/ˈdɛməˌɡɒɡ/; from Ancient Greek δημαγωγός (dēmagōgós) 'popular leader, mob leader'; from Ancient Greek δῆμος (dêmos) 'people, populace' and ἀγωγός (agōgós) 'leading, guiding'), or rabble-rouser, is a political leader in a democracy who gains popularity by arousing the common people against elites. Over time, the term acquired a negative connotation, now describing a political leader who manipulates popular sentiment for their own gain, often through emotional rhetoric and appeals to prejudice. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word "demagogue" first appeared in English in the mid-17th century, specifically around 1649. While the word has Greek roots, it likely entered English via French, where "demagoge" was in use earlier. The OED notes that the meaning of the word was already evolving in English at this time, with some early citations using it in a neutral sense (as a popular leader) and others in a negative sense (as a leader who manipulates the public). The verb form, "demagogue", is recorded slightly later by the OED, with the earliest evidence dating to 1656 in the writings of political theorist James Harrington. Examples of "demagogue" used in a sentence: Again, his adversaries used to call him a dangerous demagogue. Again, his adversaries used to call him a dangerous demagogue. He was an enthusiastic, but a fickle and ambitious demagogue, and he achieved a better reputation as a writer. He was deservedly respected in the House of Commons; seldom has an agitator been so little of a demagogue. Maley is playing the demagogue, which is a dirty trick. -
This reminds me of the song "Oliver", from the musical of the same name, and one part of the lyric goes live this: "Pounce him! Trounce him! Pick him up and bounce him!" From what I see above, I offer these lyrics for the spider equivalent: Thrash it! Bash It! Stomp the ground and smash it!
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When my desk top goes, I'll buy another one. First of all, I'm home a lot, since I'm retire and the desk tops are cheaper, but here's another factor. I've had this desk top for 17 years so far and have gone through countless keyboards with letters, numbers, and symbols wearing off the keys, and well as the length of time I'm on the computer, which also takes a toll, so just think what that would have been like if I had a laptop. Besides, I don't car for the feel of the laptop keypads, I end up resting my hands on the keys, like I do with the desk top keyboards, and the laptop types all kinds of gobbled gook that I have to delete. I'm not a fan of the laptop mouse either, so maybe I'm just old, cranky, and set in my ways, but them's my two-cents.
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credulous - Word of the Day - Sun Jul 20, 2025
Bill W commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
The word "credulous" originates from the Latin words "redulus," meaning "inclined to believe" or "trustful." This Latin term is derived from "credere," which means "to believe" or "to trust". The suffix "-ulus" in "credulus" often carries a diminutive or pejorative sense, suggesting a tendency to believe too readily or naively. Therefore, "credulous" describes someone who is easily persuaded or too trusting. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word "credulous" was first used in English in the mid-1500s, specifically in 1553. The Oxford English Dictionary cites a translation by John Brende as its earliest evidence. Examples of "credulous" used in a sentence: "But then, there's no ear more credulous than the one that yearns to believe." "We're credulous creatures and easily impressed by things we don't understand." "The credulous nature of Americans drew only contempt from him." "Few people are credulous enough to believe such nonsense." "Once the tap shoes come out, even the most credulous viewer has to catch on." "In that sense, not all the blame can be placed on the most credulous members of the public." "Credulous people can often be easy targets for scams." "Young children are very credulous with anything that a respected adult says." "Since she always tries to find the best in people, Jen can be described as credulous." "Kara took the joke seriously because she was too credulous to understand the sarcasm." -
Yeah, you don't want to miss anything while you're watching porn. 🤪
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Steve, I'm sorry to hear about your computer problems, but are you sure those pesky otters having been messing with it? Maybe they left a half-eaten fish in there. So, take it to a repair shop first, unless you have the money to buy a new one, but I'd try the repair route first. In a way, I know what you're dealing with. My TV went on the fritz last Sunday, so I ordered a new one from Amazon. When it arrived on Wednesday, when I was unpacking it I noticed it was missing parts, so I called to complain. They couldn't just sent me the missing parts, so they sent me a new TV, which arrived today, and I have to pack up the other one and ship it back. I'll have to have them pick it up here, because it's too difficult trying to carry a tv while using a cane for my equilibrium problems, which might be due to a reaction from some of the many medications I'm taking. The doctors' having figured out what's causing it yet, and I have one doctor's appointment on Monday and another on Wednesday, so I'm hoping for some good news. Anyway, I'll make it work one way or another. My desktop is 17-years-old and I'm afraid the same thing may happen to it, but I hope it lets me finish writing the story first, because it might be a while before I can afford another one. Anyway, best of luck with your problem.
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That's a nasty looking spider and the shadows make it appear as if it has more than eight legs.
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The word impetus comes from Latin, ‘assault, force’, from impetere ‘assail’, from in- "towards" + petere ‘'to make for," or "seek out". The word "impetus" was first used in English in the early 15th century, although in a slightly different form (impetous) and with the meaning "rapid movement, rush," According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the modern spelling and the sense of the word "impetus" was first used in English in the mid-1600s. Specifically, the earliest known example of the noun "impetus" dates back to 1641, according to the OED. The word's origins trace back to Latin, where it is derived from "impetere," meaning "to attack" or "to assault". Examples of "impetus" used in a sentence: "Throw in a smart bistro and an imaginative gift shop, and contemporary art provides the impetus for rural regeneration." "With the new name has come a renewed creative impetus." "He says the expedition was given extra impetus by the failure of previous attempts." "This book provides all the impetus you could need to get sowing and planting." "Bank policymakers have warned that an acceleration in pay demands could give extra impetus to inflation." "The insistent organizing of veterans also provided the impetus for systematic psychiatric research." "But you will sense the energy that gives impetus to its open-ended narrative." "Whatever discomforts complicated their freedom, however, such freedom did provide them with the impetus to follow unorthodox paths potentially leading to innovative results."
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The thing is that most indoor spiders are not able to adapt to survive outdoors, so is it mercy or a cruel punishment and a painful death for them? The only difference is that you may not have to observe its death.
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detrimental - Word of the Day - Fri Jul 18, 2025
Bill W commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
The word "detrimental" ultimately derives form the Latin word "detrimentum," meaning "loss" or "damage." This Latin word comes from "deterere," which means "to wear away" or "to rub off". The "detr- " part of the word is related to the idea of wearing something down or away, while the "-mentum" suffix indicates a state or result. Therefore, "detrimental" essentially means causing damage or harm, reflecting the original concept of wearing something away or diminishing its value. The word entered French as "detriment," and finally it entered English as "detriment" and later as the adjective "detrimental." According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word "detrimental" was first used in English in the mid-1600s. Specifically, the OED's earliest evidence for "detriment" is from 1623, in the writing of William Sclater, Church of England clergyman. It is also recorded as a noun from the Middle English period (1150-1500). The earliest known use of the word "detrimental" in English in the mid-1600s, specifically, in 1656 in the writings of Thomas Blount. The word is formed within English, derived from the noun "detriment" and the suffix "-al". Examples of "detrimental" used in a sentence: "It will have detrimental effects on the healing process." "As it turned out, nothing he had kept secret was actually detrimental to their relationship." "The new law will have detrimental influences on future tobacco use." "It was an example of the detrimental effect that passive smoking can have on anyone's health." "The detrimental effects of such solitude on health are well documented." "t's also had a significant and detrimental impact on the regional economy." "That would be hugely detrimental to football." "Any suggestion of negative or detrimental treatment may lead to a valid claim for whistleblowing, where compensation is not capped and financial awards can be high." -
ubiquitous - Word of the Day - Thu Jul 17, 2025
Bill W commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
The word "ubiquitous" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the Latin word "ubique," meaning "everywhere," combined with the suffix "-ous," which indicates a quality or state. "Ubique" itself is derived from "ubi," meaning "where," and the generalizing particle "-que". Therefore, "ubiquitous" essentially means "existing everywhere" or "omnipresent". According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the adjective "ubiquitous" was first used in English in 1772, in James Macpherson's "Remarks on an Introduction to the History of Great Britain and Ireland". The specific quote cited is: "When we think him [sc. God] in some matter straitned, or abdridged of room, for his Omnipresence, on the supposition of his essence not pervading this ubiquitous nothing, we seem to forget who he is." The related noun "ubiquity," meaning "presence everywhere," appeared earlier, in the late 16th century, according to Merriam-Webster. Examples of "ubiquitous" used in a sentence: "Sugar is ubiquitous in the diet." "The company's logo has become ubiquitous all over the world." "She is one of the wealthiest, most ubiquitous media personalities around." "Historical markers are a ubiquitous presence along many of the nation's highways and country roads." "He quickly became the face of the campaign and a ubiquitous presence on television screens and billboards." "He has added speed and superb running lines to his ubiquitous presence. "He aims to make his product ubiquitous by selling it internationally." "We live in a society where the term "risk" has become ubiquitous." "They have become a seemingly ubiquitous part of our national culture." "They are ubiquitous environmental contaminants of considerable persistence." -
The word "rind" originates from the Old English word "rinda," meaning bark of a tree or other plant." It's related to other Germanic words like Old Saxon "rinda", from Old High German "rinda," and German "Rinde," all referring to a crust or outer covering, and possibly to Old English "rendan" (to rend). Ultimately, the Proto-Germanic root *rind- is suggested to be related to the Proto-Indo-European root *(H)rendh-. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) indicates that the word "first" (as a noun) was first used in English in the Old English period (before 1150). As an adjective, its earliest known use is also in the Old English period (before 1150). Examples of "rind" used in a sentence: *"It's a strong aged cheese with a pale orange rind." *"The fruit is about the size of a small hen's egg, and within its fibrous rind is the seed or so-called nut, the albumen of which is very hard and has a prettily mottled grey and brown appearance." *"For water-vessels, they employ gourds and large coco-nut shells, in preparing which they pour in water and allow the pulp or the kernel to decay, so that it may be removed without breaking the rind or shell." *"The process of expression is applicable to the obtaining of essential oils which are contained in the rind or skin of the fruits belonging to the citron family, such as orange and lemon oils." *"The old idea that it was made from layers or pellicules growing between the rind and a central stalk has been abandoned, as it has been proved that the plant, like other reeds, contains only a cellular pith within the rind."
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Since Devin's dad was a finance major in college and he helped Gramps and Pops select the stocks they put in their portfolio, which did really well, I believe the boys will utilize him to help them invest their money, once they sell the coins. I have a feeling they'll want to build as much wealth as they can, so once their boys reach puberty and are able to transition, that they'll be able to afford to take time off of work to home school and train them. Thank you for your feedback.
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Thank you for the tip, Joey Chestnut!
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Yes, I did a lot of research of the valuable coins from before 1865, since that would be what was in those bags. Nice haul - I wish I had found something like that either where I used to live or where I currently live. $$ I was tempted to do that, but I didn't want to get sued by Paul Simon for stealing the lyric to one of his songs. 😜 Thanks for the feedback.
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Yes, Gramps didn't wait long before he had Aaron. Maybe he figured that way they'd have more time to be able to spend together. Yes, people have a tendency to eat a lot of Thanksgiving, but sometimes they make more than is needed so they have leftovers later that night and again the next day, although they may put a little different spin on things the next time around, like turkey sandwiches or turkey soup, or by adding some different ingredients to the other dishes to change them slightly. Thanks for the feedback and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
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adversarial - Word of the Day - Tue Jul 15, 2025
Bill W commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
And it proves it every time you go into a courtroom. -
I'm glad to see that @Myr is finding plenty to keep himself busy.
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adversarial - Word of the Day - Tue Jul 15, 2025
Bill W commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
The etymology of "adversarial" traces back to the Latin word "adversus," meaning "Turned toward" or "opposite." This root is also the foundation for "adversary," which evolved from the Latin "adversarius," signifying an opponent or enemy. The word came to English via the Anglo-French adverser (13c.), Old French adversarie (12c., Modern French adversaire) "hostile opponent, enemy," or directly from Latin adversarius "an opponent, rival, enemy," noun use of adjective meaning." The "-al" suffix was added to "adversary" in English to create the adjective "adversarial," meaning relating to or characteristic of an adversary or opposition. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the adjective "adversarial" in English is in the 1830s. The OED's earliest evidence for the word is from 1839. Its earliest evidence appears in "Charter". Examples of "adversarial" used in a sentence: "With shared goals, there is less reason for conflict or adversarial relationships." "She has obviously had an adversarial relationship with the media for a long time." "We have an adversarial relationship with them." "It makes the task of the lawyers much less adversarial!" "I think there is an adversarial relationship within the sports journalism business." "There is always another challenge for dragons to face and an adversarial group attempting to thwart their reign of terror." "These are quicker, cheaper, less adversarial and provide a better outcome for the court user." "First, the balance of power in wage bargaining has shifted as union coverage has declined and the unions have become far less adversarial." "The majority have wished they had learned mediator skills earlier, and many expressed a distaste for the overly adversarial system they work in." -
If Warren Buffett was a shifter, I doubt he's actually retiring. He'll just kill the guy he named as his successor and then shift to look like him, In that case, hang on to your Berkshire Hathaway stock. 😁
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Chapter 14 – Plenty to be Thankful For When my parents came home the following evening, I’d already fixed supper for them again, but this one was much simpler than the one I’d prepared the previous evening. This time I used ingredients that I found in the cupboards, freezer, or things that were left over from my previous shopping trip, so it was less complicated. Supper consisted of rigatoni and meatballs, garlic bread, and another green salad with black olives, tomato wedges, croutons, a
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apoplectic - Word of the Day - Mon Jul 14, 2025
Bill W commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
The word apoplectic has multiple origins, potentially borrowed from French ("apoplectique") or Latin ("apoplēcticus"), but it ultimately derives from the Greek verb "apoplēssein" (ἀποπλήσσειν), ‘to cripple or disable by a stroke’. It initially meant "of or relating to or causing apoplexy," which at the time referred to a sudden illness causing paralysis and dizziness (a stroke). By the 1720s, the meaning evolved to "showing signs of apoplexy," eventually leading to its current informal sense of "extremely angry" or "enraged". According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the word "apoplectic" in English is from before 1625, in a text written by playwrights Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher. Examples of "apoplectic" used in a sentence: "She was positively apoplectic with anger when she realized she had been cheated." "Some of the people in the political universe are apoplectic on the subject." "The base of her party has been apoplectic for the better part of three years." "The victim’s family was apoplectic when the case against their son’s killer was dismissed." "When the cashier refused to give me the correct change, I became apoplectic and threatened to call the police." "The apoplectic husband threatened to kill his wife’s lover." "Because Matt always appears apoplectic, he is being forced to take an anger management course by the traffic court judge." -
condescending - Word of the Day - Sun Jul 13, 2025
Bill W commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
The Latin prefix con- means "with," and the Latin word for descend, descendere, means "descend" or "down," so the word condescending probably developed to describe someone who looked down on others. Condescending behavior is, not surprisingly, itself looked down upon. The word condescending came to Middle English from Old French condescendre, from the Latin condescendere The adjective "condescending" was first used in the mid 1600s. Specifically, the Oxford English Dictionary identifies the earliest known use in the writing of Roger Boyle, 1st Earl of Orrery, in 1655. The noun form, "condescension," also emerged around the same time, with its first recorded use in 1642. The adverb "condescendingly" appeared even earlier, in 1653. Examples of "condescending" used in a sentence: "I didn't like his smug, condescending tone" "Some faculty members seem to express a condescending, at times almost disdainful, attitude." "I sensed him smiling down in a condescending way and ushering me back into the building and onto the stage, tears and all." "Your answers to me were patronizing and condescending." "His condescending tone was as annoying as the words." "Jackson always picked some condescending nickname for her beaus." "Your condescending tone is making me feel patronized and insulted." "Don't use that condescending attitude with me!"
