Bill W

The word "ostentatious" traces its roots back to Latin, ultimately steming from the verb "ostendere," meaning "to show" or "to display." This verb is a frequentative form of "tendere," meaning "to stretch," suggesting an outward and often exaggerated display, or from the Latin word "ostentātus" (meaning "displayed" or "shown"), along with the English suffix "-ious." The word evolved through Middle French "ostentacion," and into Middle English as "ostentacioun," thus acquiring the sense of pretentious or vulgar display intended to impress others. The adjective "ostentatious" was first used in the English language in the late 1500s, specifically in 1590, in the writings of William Segar, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. Examples of ostentatious in a sentence: "London at the time was a curious mixture of ostentatious wealth hiding harrowing poverty." "There is status in ostentatious display." "That first house was horribly ostentatious." "The pulpit is not the place for ostentatious display of one's skill." "They do not consider their own large, ostentatious houses common." "The ostentatious wealth of the new rich only served to highlight the destitution of the rest of society."

And that's 70.5 hot dogs in buns, so he had to do a lot of chewing , not deep throating @chris191070 🤪 Back in the 1980s I, and my family, lived in an old farm house, and during one storm a bolt of lightning struck our well. It not only burned out the pump on the well, but the surge of electricity burned our multiple electrical appliances, including a microwave and two TVs. The loud clap of thunder and everything going black at the same time definitely caused us all to jump, although we didn't look this happy. I'm glad I had good homeowner insurance at the time that covered most of the cost for the items we lost. 😲

The word comes pandemic comes from ancient Greek — pan (meaning "all") and demos (meaning people), or simply put — all the people. Of course, people across the globe suffer from the seasonal flu, and many die from it. But it isn't considered a pandemic because it is generally harmless to the healthy. The difference between epidemic and pandemic are as follows: an epidemic is a disease outbreak that is rapidly spreading in a limited region. A pandemic is an epidemic that is actively spreading to multiple regions across the globe. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the word "pandemic" was first used in English in the mid-1600s. Specifically, the OED's earliest evidence for the word "pandemic" is from 1659 in the writings of J. Rogers. At this time, the word was primarily used as an adjective, often in a general sense meaning "universal" or "widespread". The noun form of "pandemic," referring to "a pandemic disease; an outbreak of such a disease," is recorded by 1832. Examples of pandemic used in a sentence: "Companies should prepare for a pandemic flu the way they would for a blizzard." "The idea that this flu could reach pandemic proportions is a chilling thought." "Experts warned of the impending threat of a global pandemic if the virus was not contained. "They feared a new cholera pandemic." "Even in the East plague was confined to more or less clearly localized epidemics; it showed no power of pandemic diffusion." "In short, if we regard the history of this disease as a whole, it appears to have lost such power from the time of the Great Plague of London in 1665, which was part of a pandemic wave, until the present day."

The Secret Author Short Story contests is imminent. More story prompts on Gay Authors is also imminent.

Imminent comes from minent, from Old French imminent, from Latin imminēns, imminent-, present participle of imminēre, to overhang : in-, in; see IN-2 + -minēre, to jut, threaten. Don't confuse "eminent" and "imminent". They are both adjectives, but they describe different things. "Eminent" refers to comeone or something that is famous, respected, and outstanding, often within a specific field. "imminent" describes something that is about to happen, likely in the near future. The adjective "imminent" was first used in English in the early 1500s. The Oxford English Dictionary records its earliest use in 1528 in the writing of Stephen Gardiner, theologian, administrator, and bishop of Winchester. It is a borrowing from the French "imminent" (14th century), which itself comes from the Latin "imminens". Examples of "imminent" used in a sentence: "The principal's arrival at the meeting is imminent." "These patients are facing imminent death." "We are awaiting their imminent arrival." "The hurricane's arrival on shore is imminent." "This isn’t the first time a world leader constructed a wall between himself and those he deemed imminent threats." "It emphasised that there was'absolutely no information or intelligence' suggesting an imminent threat." "After five days in the hideout, the rebels told them a new attack was imminent."

Ludicrous comes from Latin ludicrus (probably from ludicrum ‘stage play’) + -ous. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the word ludicrous was first used in English in the early 1600s. The OED's earliest recorded evidence for "ludicrous" is from 1619 in the writings of Thomas Gataker. During the 17th century and most of the 18th century the word ludicrous meant "pertaining to play or sport". The modern sense of "ridiculous" or "provoking laughter or deserving to be laughed at" developed later, around 1782. Examples of "ludicrous" in a sentence: "To say that he did not know what was going on is ludicrous." "It would be ludicrous if it were otherwise." "The plot mechanics are ludicrous and tedious." "It would be ludicrous of me to criticize any one of them." "This crazy award also opens the path for similar ludicrous claims." "Now we have both sides hurling insults at one another and coming up with more and more ludicrous claims." "As soon as you read the official explanations, you just know something ludicrous has taken place."

  That’s Wild: Barfing Spiders Many spiders rely on injecting venom into their prey from little openings in their fangs. But a new study finds that one common spider, the feather-legged lace weaver (Uloborus plumipes), has a more novel approach to subduing its next meal: vomiting all over it. The upchucked toxins, applied after the victim has been wrapped in silk, are apparently just as lethal as other spiders’ venom. You could even say this spider’s barf is worse than its bite.

The word "superfluous" origninates from the Latin word "superfluus," meaning "overflowing" or "running over." This Latin term itself is a combination of "super" (meaning "over" or "more") and "fluere" (meaning "to flow"). Therefore, etymologically, "superfluous" literally translates to "flowing over" or having more than is needed. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word "superfluous" was first used in English in the 15th century, before 1450. The OED's earliest evidence for the word comes from the writings of John Arderne. Examples of "superfluous" used in a sentence: "Why do we have superfluous, but potentially deadly vestiges like the appendix or wisdom teeth?" "Unnecessary, superfluous comments waste time and try the patience of participants." "To recount in detail their last night almost would be superfluous." "The drama of the race was almost superfluous." "Of course we are all against unnecessary regulation and superfluous administrator. "Thousands of hours of collective practice have rendered this skill superfluous."

No, you didn't miss anything and I screwed up, but typically Bailey gets along well with Mac, except when he'd transitioned into Bear on another occasion, which should be well in the past. When Mac did that, Bailey barked and even growled at Bear, which really confused Preston. He couldn't figure out why she was acting like that, since she'd always seemed to love Bear. As I said, the boys must emit a different scent as Bear.

Connotation is from medieval Latin connotatio, "a marking along with", from connotare "mark in addition." According to the Oxford English Dictionary, connotation was first used in English in the mid- 1500s. Specifically, the OED's earliest documented use is from 1532, in the writings of Thomas More. Examples of connotation used in a sentence: "Ostensibly neutral, each of these words has a positive connotation in the American political lexicon." "The word 'childlike' has a connotation of innocence." "For her, the word “family” has a connotation of 'love and comfort'. "Forest fires gained a negative connotation because of cultural references to uncontrolled fires that take lives and destroy homes and properties. "A word's connotation is the feeling or idea that it suggests beyond its literal meaning." "Typically, the word "home" has a positive and warm connotation." "To avoid the connotation of correctness, I would use the word principles rather than rules."

Some might say that makes you delusional.

Oops, I just accidentally gave a preview of something to come. It's just that I write these chapters so far in advance that I forget sometimes and unintentionally give something away, but now you know. And it's nice to hear from a new voice, so welcom to the conversation, @quttzik,

Now that would be a strange twist. 🤪

Yes, I don't think Mac and Devin completely trust Preston, although they are letting their guard down slightly. 🙃 Yes, I believe the event with Zeus was know as the rape of Leda. 🦢 And now, @Danilo Syrtis, that I realize my mind was thinking ahead of what the rest of you were reading, I appreciate you pointing out my mistake Zeus changed into the swan to have sex. At the time, I thought you were referring to an older chapter, so please accept my apology. As we a saying not that long ago, my bad, or as I prefer, mea culpa.

As I just mentioned to @drsawzall, Bailey noticed the difference when Mac transitioned into Bear, so obviously at least part of their sent stay with them when they transition. As I said, it's a good thing Bailey can't speak/talk.

Yes, Bailey can tell the difference. The first time Devin went to the dog park as himself and Mac transitioned in Bear, Bailey barked and growled at Bear, obviously noting the difference. That's why Mac now transitions into Devin and let's Devin go as Bear. And if you remember at the Thanksgiving meal the boys just threw for Preston, Bailey sniffed and walked close to Devin when they first arrived and looked up at him oddly, obviously noticing that he smelled like Bear. It's a good thing she can't speak/talk.

What a wonderful idea, although I'm not sure I'm going to use it, but it's intriguing just the same. Thank you for bring that up, @weinerdog.

The answer to your first question is that Bailey's owner went to visit relatives for Thanksgiving and took Bear with him, so Bear and his owner hadn't returned from their trip yet. In the future, if Preston wants to invite Devin, Michael, and Bear, the boys would have to call either Gramps or Pops to play the part of DEVIN, not Bear. Bailey would pick up on there being something about Bear, but might not react as strongly to noticing something different about Devin, although that is a possibility. Your last point is debatable, but since Preston likes the boys and is more open-minded being a professor, I agree that he would probably keep their secret. However, I don't think anyone would be willing to take that chance.

The word "pedantic" originates from the term 'pedant,' which initially referred to a schoolmaster or tutor. The word's etymology traces back to the Italian "pedante" and French "pédant," both signifying a teacher. In Shakespeare's day, a pedant was a male schoolteacher, but over time, "pedant" and consequently "pedantic" evolved to describe someone excessively focused on minor details or rules, often in a pompous or showy way. The first use of the word "pedantic" in English is from the early 1600s. Specifically, the OED's earliest evidence dates back to 1607, in a translation by R.C. according to the Oxford English Dictionary. In U.K. slang, pedantic is an insulting word used to describe someone who annoys others by correcting small errors, caring too much about minor details, or emphasizing their own expertise, especially in some narrow or boring subject matter. Examples of using pedantic in a sentence: "For years, pedantic scholars have crowed about the debt rock owes the blues." "The administrators must simplify the process and tell referees to be less pedantic." "We thought he was a bit pedantic at times." "The negotiations are now down to detail that might seem pedantic elsewhere." "Yet such is the established way of things that it seems almost pedantic to be pointing this out." "Again, it seems pedantic to quibble about the differences between strikers and attacking midfielders." "This may seem a pedantic distinction, but it is an extremely important one."

Chapter 12 – Is it Curiosity or a Threat? When we woke up on Saturday morning, Devin and I chatted as we walked to the dining hall for breakfast. “Do you think there will be any repercussions from Friday night?” I asked. “I suppose it depends of what type of repercussions you’re talking about. I imagine we’ll probably hear some comments about our costumes, and possibly even get some ribbing as well, although I’m not sure how many people we know would have been there.” “

I was beginning to wonder if my double-vision had returned and turned into triple-vision! By the way, for those of you that don't know what substrate means, I'll save you from having to look it up. Substrate is an underlying substance or layer. I hope that helps.

Concomitant comes from late Latin concomitant- ‘accompanying’, from concomitari, from con- ‘together with’ + comitari, from Latin comes ‘companion’. So something that is concomitant is like the companion of the main event. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word "concomitant" was first used in English in the early 1600s, specifically in 1608. The OED's earliest evidence comes from the writings of Edward Topsell, a Church of England clergyman. Examples of concomitant used in a sentence: "It has been argued that sputum eosinophilia is related to concomitant features of asthma." "Nor have changes in policy and orientation been accompanied by concomitant changes in legislation." "As an old politician, he has picked up all the concomitant features." A right-to left shunt at the atrial level was present, and concomitant cardiovascular malformations were excluded." "Other outcomes include increased incidence of chemical use, with its concomitant risks to humans, livestock, a nd natural systems." "Such gas is a more or less general concomitant of oil all through the petroleum-bearing areas of the country." "Sedation due to the drug may be increased by the concomitant use of other central nervous system depressants." "Corruption is the frequent concomitant of privilege, and thus the town councils often connived for a price at the presence in their midst of Jews whose admission was illegal."

Interesting Spider Facts: Spiders are fascinating creatures with many unique characteristics. They have impressive abilities like producing incredibly strong silk, regrowing lost legs, and even seeing ultraviolet light. Some spiders are also skilled hunters, using traps, nets, and even camouflage to catch their prey. Here are some more interesting facts about spiders: Some spiders can regrow legs: Many spiders can regrow legs that are lost during molting or due to injury. Some spiders can survive underwater: Certain spiders can trap air bubbles around their bodies to survive submerged in water. Spiders have blue blood: Unlike humans, spiders use a copper-based protein called hemocyanin to transport oxygen in their blood, which appears blue instead of red. Many spiders are nearsighted: While most spiders have multiple eyes, they often have poor eyesight and rely on vibrations and silk threads to sense their surroundings. Some spiders are vegetarians: While most spiders are carnivorous, one species, the Bagheera kiplingi, is primarily vegetarian, feeding on plant matter and even nectar. Female spiders can lay thousands of eggs: Some spider species can lay up to 3,000 eggs at once. Jumping spiders can jump incredibly far: Jumping spiders can propel themselves up to 50 times their own body length, making them impressive jumpers. Spider venom is used to liquefy prey: Spiders inject venom into their prey to paralyze or kill it and then secrete digestive juices to liquefy the prey before sucking it up. Some spiders build elaborate webs: While many spiders use webs to catch prey, others use them for a variety of purposes, including building shelters, wrapping food, and even creating egg sacs. Spider silk is stronger than steel: Spider silk, despite being incredibly light, is stronger than steel of the same thickness, making it a remarkably strong material.

Steve, your double-vision might be caused by medication you're taking. A few months ago I had double-vision. My ophthalmologist couldn't figure out what was causing it, so he sent me to a neurologist. After two MRIs, the neurologist did some research and found out that double-vision is a side effect on long term use of a drug I was taking (carbamazepine) that I was taking because of my trigeminal neuralgia. After he switch me to another drug, after a month the double-vision disappeared, so have your doctor check out the long term effect of any drug you are taking. As far as my underwear, for years I wore briefs, since that was the type of underwear I'd worn after I got out of diapers and from then on. In the late 1990s I switched to boxer-briefs, which I continue to wear and I'm quite satisfied with them. Welcome back @LittleBuddhaTW and @Topher Lydon.

Disdain came to English as desdeyn (mid 14th century) "scorn, a feeling of contempt mingled with aversion," earlier dedeyne (c. 1300), from Old French desdeigne (Modern French dédain [noun]), from desdeignier [verb], based on Latin dedignari, from de- (expressing reversal) + dignari ‘consider worthy’ (from dignus ‘worthy’). According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the verb "disdain" first appeared in English in the mid 14th century (around the 1300s). Specifically, the OED notes the earliest instance as "disdeinen" (or "desdainen") in Middle English, meaning "to think unworthy or worthless, to look upon with contempt". Examples of disdain used in a sentence: "His eyes blaze with contempt and disdain for you and your people." "She disdained his offer of help." "He disdains experts and gets his information from popular media." "She is a disruptive artist who disdains convention." "I disdain white tablecloths," said the waiter serving red wine disdainfully." "One of the first things they learned was to disdain the outward show of religion." "It is not surprising that they showed such disdain." "She looked me up and down and had complete disdain on her face from the way I looked." "He emerged from the pack as he has done so often before, mowing them down in the second half of the race with complete disdain." "He suffers no fools gladly, but pursues interesting people at any hour of day or night, for he has utter disdain for social convention." "My wife gave me a look of utter disdain and left the room."