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Bill W

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Everything posted by Bill W

  1. That example defines chutzpah well, but I think of temerity as the computer geek that believes he can solve any problem with your computer, the criminal that believes he'll never get caught, or the athlete that feels he can make the final score to win the game.
  2. Temerity ultimately comes from the Latin noun temeritās (inflectional stem temeritāt-) “rashness, recklessness, thoughtlessness.” The Latin noun is a derivative of the adverb temerē (with the same meanings), and temerē in form is a fossil form of an assumed noun temus (stem temer-) “darkness” and meant “in the dark. The earliest known use of the word "temerity" in English is from the late Middle English period, appearing before 1475 in R. Higden's "Polychronicon". Examples of temerity in a sentence: * Despite the obvious danger, the hiker displayed the temerity to climb the trecherous chill face. * He paused, ready to pounce upon any man who might have the temerity to reply. * His method was one of the wildest temerity and impetuosity, and can be recommended to nobody. * But none had the temerity to follow him. * That guy has all the temerity of a guy who knows he warrants confidence and power. * Now that he had done it, he felt amazed at his own temerity in delivering such an ultimatum to the Coronal. * One of the German reporters had even had the temerity to suggest that Todd was undergoing plastic surgery. * They even have the temerity to suggest that he's slipping mentally.
  3. Myr had the programmer find the solution to the problem. It has been fixed.
  4. Alternate opinions are welcome and encouraged.
  5. The origins of scuttle are as follows. It begins with the Latin word scutella (dish), which was picked up by the Old Norse skutill, to the Old English skutel (dish, trench, platter), to the Middle English (First recorded in before 1050) scutel or scutelle )dish, fan, winnowing fan), to its present nautical meaning (to cut a hole through the bottom, deck, or side (of a ship) specifically : to sink or attempt to sink by making holes through the bottom. The term "scuttlebutt," is another nautical term meaning rumor or gossip. It originates from the nautical term for a cask of drinking water on a ship, (with "scuttle" meaning a hole and "butt" meaning a large cask or barrel) where sailors would gather and exchange gossip. The earliest known use of the word "scuttle" in English, as a noun meaning "a small hatch in a ship's deck," is from the 15th century (1490-1500), potentially derived from the Spanish "escotilla" meaning "hatchway". The verb "scuttle," meaning to move quickly with short, hasty steps, first appeared in the 16th century (1530s). Examples of scuttle in a sentence: I heard the scuttle of rats going across the room. A shaft of sunlight blazed through the cabin scuttle, Some of the stockholders are threatening to scuttle the deal. Two very small children scuttled away in front of them. Crabs scuttle along the muddy bank. Such threats could scuttle the peace conference. He personally had received orders from the commander to scuttle the ship.
  6. Bill W

    Chapter 60 S2

    Hang in there Anton. You may be surprised how this turns out and what the explanation turns out to be.
  7. Differences to be celebrated. Introspective Value everybody equally. Embrace variety instead of denying it. Revel in individual uniqueness. S I T Y
  8. In Middle English, aloof was originally a nautical term; the loof (now spelled luff) is the windward side of a ship. Smart sailors wanting to avoid a hazard on the leeward side would give the order, "A loof!" From this command we get the idea of steering clear of something (or someone). The earliest known use of the word "aloof" in English, meaning "distant physically or emotionally," was in the mid-1500s, with the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) citing an example from before 1535 in the writings of Thomas More. In Shakespearean English, "aloof" generally meant "at a distance, especially in feeling of interest," implying a sense of being detached or reserved. Examples of aloof in sentences: "He stayed aloof from the bickering during the meeting." "Other people found her cold and aloof." "I consider myself warm and friendly, but I act cool and aloof with other people." "He encouraged his writers to remain slightly aloof from the world they were covering." "They were courteous, but faintly aloof." "He was naturally aloof and kept himself to himself." "Dominic had held himself aloof from everyone, wounding them in the process." "Tessa's tone was cool and aloof, but Rogers could sense the apprehensive undertone." "Ted was an aloof and somewhat austere figure."
  9. I saw Moms Mabley in concert once and she was very ribald!
  10. This story deals with difficult subject matter - grief over losing a loved one and survivor's guilt for having survived the same incident that took the life of your loved one. The author dealt with the subject matter with sensitivity, tenderness, and understanding, and he wove it into a touching and emotional short story. In fact, you might want to read if you have a friend or loved one dealing with similar issues, because it may give you some understanding about what they might need from you and what you should avoid.
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  11. Bill W

    Chapter 1

    This was a very difficult subject matter to deal with, but I thought you handled it with compassion, tenderness, and understanding, which you showed for the most part through your characters. I, too, feel that Alex is good for Derek and is willing to let to allow Derek to set the guidelines for their relationship. At their ages, the sexual urges are strong and sometimes they do things that feel good, even when they know it may be unwise. I think the friends with benefits might work, as long as Alex doesn't use the L word. I was a little surprised at Maria's involvement in the situation. I know she's a friend to both guys, and I was okay with her telling Alex that he seems to be taking advantage of Derek, but then she goes and tells Derek that he's taking advantage of Alex. Is she trying to ruin their friendship by playing one against the other? I found that a little heavy handed on her part, but otherwise I thought all of the characters were well portrayed. Thank you for taking on such a difficult challenge.
  12. Ribald evolved into Middle English (as a noun denoting a lowly retainer or a licentious or irreverent person): from Old French ribauld, from riber ‘indulge in licentious pleasures’, from a Germanic base meaning ‘prostitute’. Ribald is marked by coarseness or lewdness : crude, offensive. ribald language. ribald humor. 2. : characterized by or using coarse, indecent humor. The earliest known use of "ribald" in English is from before 1250, during the Middle English period, in the text "Wohunge ure Lauerd". Some common synonyms of ribald are coarse, gross, obscene, and vulgar. While all these words mean "offensive to good taste or morals," ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent. Examples of ribald in a sentence: The result has often been gleefully, hilariously ribald. There may have been some who might have scolded a former president for – gasp – daring to indulge in ribald, low-brow swipes. The whole House burst "into ribald laughter at this quite unexpected solution of the problem of a better central control of our war effort." Examples of ribald humor in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare In Act 2, Scene 1, Mercutio humorously mocks Romeo's infatuation with Rosaline, unaware of his love for Juliet, using ribald jokes. Act 2, Scene 4 features Mercutio's witty exchanges with Romeo and the Nurse, filled with puns and sarcasm. Throughout the play, comedic moments, such as the Nurse's ribald anecdotes and the servants' antics, balance the drama, highlighting Shakespeare's use of ribald humor within a tragic narrative. Comedians that used the most ribald in their acts - All Time: 1. Lenny Bruce 2. Richard Pryor 3. George Carlin 4. Red Foxx 5. Bob Saget 6. Andrew Dice Clay 7. LaWanda Page 8. Gilbert Gottfried 9. Pearl Williams 10. Chris Rock 12. Rodney Dangerfield 14. Moms Mabley 15. Eddie Murphy 16. Tracy Morgan per "Cracked"
  13. It's not a happy read, because this story deals with some difficult topics, but it's very well written and will evoke many emotions, some of which are gut-wrenching. However, I found myself totally invested in the story and couldn't stop reading, because I wanted to see how things turned out. There were a few surprises at the end, and if you aren't put off that this isn't a light-hearted and joyful story, then you should give it a try.
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  14. Bill W

    The Story

    Ron, when the story started, I wasn't sure if the abuse Max was going through was physical or sexual, but it made more sense once I discovered it was physical abuse. Although it's not a happy read and I found the story emotional and gut-wrenching, you had me so invested that I couldn't stop reading. After Max saw his mom in the window and merely drove away, rather than going the rest of the way to see her, I was surprised when he later accepted her invitation to stop by the house. I had the feeling there might be some money involved, but I was thinking that she merely wanted to give him part of her share of what her husband had left her, not that his father had included him in his will. If Max moves back into the house, it's going to be very interesting. Not only am I wondering how Tom will react, I'm almost positive that his wife isn't going to be happy about it. It's obvious that she wasn't happy that Tom had named his daughter in Max's honor and was also calling her Max, since his wife had stated that she didn't him calling his daughter using THAT boy's name. Will Tom slip over to Max's house when his wife is shopping, in remembrance of their youth, or will his wife leave him if he still wants to be friends with Max? It could be very interesting. Wonderful job, though. Kudos!
  15. Bill W

    Chapter 60 S2

    Yes, VB, the treasure was right there when they got past the debris, but they still had to make the tunnel to get it out. I'm sure we'll find out in the next chapter if there was wore treasure in the cave. Yes, the probably could change their eyes on ones that could see better in the dark, such as an owl or cat, but they went with the flares and flashlights instead. I think we're all hoping they find enough to last them a very long time, although maybe not for many hundred of years.
  16. If you enjoy a romance that starts off as a crush, has the potential of merely ending up as unrequited love, but eventually the barrier is broken, then this story is for you. This wonderful work also contains a little excitement as well, and it's well-written and will keep you entertained until the very end, when you'll simply sit there going, "Awww". It's an easy and heart touching tale, so do yourself a favor and give it a read. You'll be glad you did!
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  17. Bill W

    Eight-fifteen

    Addi, if you love reading 3 and 4 year old reviews, then you're going to go crazy over this one. Anyway, I loved this story. An attraction that could have remained unrequited love heats up when Romeo decides to go out of his way to help his crush. Chasing after him to give him the flash drives was one thing, but when J drove off and Romeo went even further by riding his bike after J, that proved how sweet and thoughtful Romeo was. I have to admit that the chase, as well as Romeo giving J a freebie after he forgot his wallet was special too, so no wonder J wants to take Romeo out to dinner. Anyway, great short story, as always. Thanks for the sweet tale.
  18. Bill W

    Chapter 60 S2

    It might be Gigantopithecus instead, but close enough.
  19. Bill W

    Chapter 60 S2

    I guess that might be a possibility if they used Shiva as a model. But you have to remember the shaman once told them they could only duplicate things that had once lived on or roamed the earth, so maybe that would eliminate the idea, since I don't believe Shiva ever resided on earth.
  20. Bill W

    Chapter 60 S2

    Yes, during the Early Dynastic period in ancient Egypt, some pharaohs and high nobility had servants killed and buried with them to serve them in the afterlife, though this practice gradually declined and was replaced by the symbolic representations like shabti figurines. I bet the pharaoh's servants were happy when that changed! 🤪
  21. Bill W

    Chapter 60 S2

    And don't forget Peter, Paul, and Mary.
  22. Bill W

    Chapter 60 S2

    I think Gramps said the bodies showed signed that they'd been shot, and what caused the pile of rubble was the guy who'd shot them. He obviously went to get a stick of dynamite, or maybe he left the other two to guard the bags until he got back, although I doubt he would have trusted them to do that. Maybe he even sent one or both of them to get the dynamite, but after they returned he killed them, and then he dynamited the interior of the cave to protect the treasure, since he could stay there 21/7. He probably planned on returning to get the bags when the heat died down, but something happened to him and he never returned. "Oh did he ever return, no he never returned, and his fate is still unknown". Sorry, I bit of the chorus from the old folk song, "M.T.A."
  23. Bill W

    Chapter 60 S2

    I have to admit that I've never even considered this before, but it's an interesting suggestion. 😲 I'll have to mull it over for a while.
  24. Bill W

    Chapter 60 S2

    Yes, they found something - just not what they were expecting, but it may turn out better for them. And they did come up with an animal that Devin could transition into so he wasn't left out, which probably pleased the others as much as it did Devin. You'll have to wait until next week's chapter to see if there's anything else in the cave.
  25. Bill W

    Chapter 60 S2

    Thanks, Danilo. Yes, the treasure hunt did start out slowly, because they had to find a way through the rubble first, but it seems to be worth it. And that was a great thought about the belt buckles - they could be valuable as well.
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