Bill W

Michael's glad too!

Well, Mr. Dog, you never know what might happen on one of these trips. Michael's dad makes comments like that since he had second thoughts about this trip and possibly hearing news reports or read article about current conditions at the various location, but it doesn't always mean it's going to happen that way. So, you'll just have to keep reading to see if he was right or wrong. 🫰 Yes, Clint is a typical teen and says things in hopes of impressing someone, which in this case would be Daniel. I think Michael's just happy that he has a boyfriend and isn't pestering him this year. 😜 We do sometimes pay with cash and not our debit or credit cards, and then you end up with change in your pockets. I know I've carried the same coins in my pocket for quite a while after receiving them as change after a purchase, so Michael might have purchased something with cash at a convenience store. And at least around here, we still need change for parking meters, so it does come in handy to have a few coins on you when you go somewhere. 🤪 Thanks for the feedback!

Chapter 39 – Our Return to Glenwood Springs When I woke up on Sunday, I went downstairs and said good morning to my parents. My mother told me she was waiting for me to get up before she started making breakfast, and then she headed into the kitchen. After she left, I chatted with my dad briefly and he asked me a question. “Why did you so get home so late last night?” “Gramps and Pops asked us to help him cut down some dead trees in the backyard, and then we had to haul all o

According to ancient historians like Plutarch and Suetonius, Julius Caesar was warned multiple times about his assassination on the Ides of March (March 15, 44 BC). A seer named Spurinna warned him that danger would come no later than that date, and on the morning of the assassination, Caesar joked that the Ides had come, to which the seer replied, "Yes, but they are not yet gone". Plutarch was a Greek and later Roman Middle Platonist philosopher, historian, biographer, essayist, and priest at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. He is known primarily for his Parallel Lives, a series of biographies of illustrious Greeks and Romans, and Moralia, a collection of essays and speeches.

Alienation is a fundamental, recurring theme in literature that explores the emotional and psychological disconnection individuals experience from society, or their cultural heritage. It serves as a powerful, often tragic, lens for exploring modern existence, focusing on themes of loneliness, isolation, and the struggle for identity within a fragmented world. The importance of alienation in storytelling includes: Character Development and Motivation: Alienated characters often serve as conduits for exploring internal conflicts, such as the struggle to align personal identity with societal expectations (e.g., Death of a Salesman, Invisible Man). This creates high-stakes drama as characters confront their own "invisibility" or lack of self-awareness. Social and Cultural Commentary: Writers use alienation to critique oppressive, rigid, or indifferent societies. It highlights the tensions between individual identity and conformity, often showcasing the "minority of one" fighting against the majority. This is also used to explore the nuances of cultural identity, such as the tension between assimilation and heritage, as seen in The Woman Warrior. The "Alienation Effect" (Defamiliarization): Popularized by Bertolt Brecht, this technique intentionally disrupts the audience's emotional immersion in a story to promote intellectual, critical engagement with the text. It breaks the "fourth wall" or uses unnatural elements to prevent the audience from blindly accepting the narrative, forcing them to analyze the social and political messages presented. Thematic Depth: Alienation allows for exploring existential questions about the absurdity of life, the limitations of language, and the failure of communication, particularly in Modernist literature. Modernity and Urbanization: It reflects the 20th-century experience of disconnection from a rapid, mechanized, and urbanized world. Key Examples in Literature: Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis: Explores the individual’s alienation from an impersonal world. J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye: Features a protagonist navigating alienation, which is often seen as a critique of societal phoniness. T.S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock": Portrays a character with an ambivalent relationship with society, emphasizing vulnerability and social isolation.

Alienation originates from Middle English alienacioun, rooted in Old French alienacion and Latin alienationem (or alienatio) (a transfer, surrender, separation which stems from alienare ("to make another's, part with, estrange") and alienus ("of or belonging to anothers person or place. It ultimately derives from alius ("other, different," from PIE root *al-, "beyond"). The term entered English in the late 14th/early 15th century to describe estrangement, transfer of property, and mental derangement. Philosophical/Social Usage: While earlier used for religious estrangement, the concept was heavily developed by Hegel and Marx to describe the separation of workers from their labor or individuals from society. Mental Health Usage: Historically, the Latin alienatio mentis referred to a loss of reason or insanity, which led to the term "alienist" for a psychiatrist and it was also used in the early 15th century to mean "deprivation of mental faculties" or insanity.. It can also refer to estrangement, or a feeling of being separated, isolated, or alone. In Law it can refer to the voluntary transfer of property or rights to another person. It's Social meaning is the breakdown of social bonds, often related to urbanization or industrialization. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the noun alienation in English is in the Middle English period (1150-1500), with evidence appearing before 1425. It was used in the Wycliffite Bible (later version) to mean the action of estranging, disownment, or legal transfer of property. Early usage included both legal meanings (transfer of ownership) and theological/emotional contexts, such as estrangement from God. Related terms: The word alienate also appeared before 1425, while alienated appeared in the early 1500s.

And I always thought alienation, or alien nation, was a community of ETs located somewhere on earth that hadn't been clearly identified as of yet!

I second @Lee Wilson's comment about the Ides of April. Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April14, 1865 and died on April 15, 1865. The RMS Titanic struck an iceberg late on April 14, 1912 and sank in the early hours of April 15, 1912. The Boston Marathon bombing was carried out on April 15, 2013, killing 3 people and injuring 250. And just a few days later, the San Francisco earthquake happened on April 18, 1906. So, if you include U.S. tax day also falling on April 15, you might think April showers are caused by tears of sadness and anxiety.

Steve, how do you maintain your slim figure drinking so much beer?

The dragon spider - look at that tail. Does it also breathe fire? Lovely ruby red/black color!

We read excerpts from many other novels as well, and actually, I enjoyed the learning part of high school and being involved in athletics, but some of the social issues weren't so great, like trying to hide being gay, especially in the locker room, or watching the big, brute jocks picking on the smaller or socially awkward students.

When I went to school, back in the Dark Ages, shortly after Shakespeare wrote his plays, we studied Julius Caesar in 9th grade, MacBeth in 10th grade, Romeo and Juliet in 11th grade, and Hamlet and King Lear in 12th grade. I also had to memorize Mark Antony's funeral oration from Julius Caesar. I've also visited The Shakespearian Festival in Stratford Connecticut, and I saw many Shakespearian plays when I spent a semester in England while in college. Other works we had to read in high school were Dickens' Great Expectations in 9th grade, Poe's Tell-Tale Heart in 10th grade, Hemmingway's The Old Man and the Sea in 11th, and Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights in 12th grade. I almost forgot, we also read William Golding;s Lord of the Flies in 12th grade as well. As far as modern plays, we read Thornton Wilder's Our Town in 9th grade, Tennessee Williams The Glass Menagerie in 10th grade, Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman in 11th grade, and Arthur Miller's The Crucible in 12th grade. We read several short stories in high school as well. At the time, we spent most of each year reading and discussing literature (stories and plays), rather than writing.

Actually, it reminds me more of Darth Vader, rather than the witch in The Wizard of Oz.

Belonging is a fundamental theme and driving force in storytelling, serving as a powerful, universal human motivator that helps characters, readers, and writers find meaning, connection, and identity. In literature, this theme often centers on the tension between exclusion and acceptance, as characters navigate their place in the world, family, or society. The importance of belonging in writing include: Character Motivation and Development: Belonging is a core human need, making it a powerful catalyst for character development. Characters often struggle with "belonging wounds" or the pursuit of finding their place, driving the narrative forward. Creating Empathy and Connection: Stories about belonging allow readers to see themselves reflected in characters, fostering a sense of being seen, understood, and less alone. This helps build an emotional bridge, making the story resonate on a personal level. Unpacking Complex Themes: A "belonging story" can challenge narratives of dehumanization and division by promoting an inclusive, "bigger we" that embraces diversity without requiring conformity. Understanding Social Dynamics: Stories can explore the "politics of belonging," helping audiences understand how people form, maintain, or lose their sense of fit within social, cultural, or familial structures. Healing and Transformation: Writing about belonging can act as a tool for personal transformation, allowing authors to turn "ghosts into elders" or, in other words, to process past experiences, embrace their identity, and find, as well as define, their own sense of home and community. For writers, finding a "community of belonging" through writing groups or networks is essential for overcoming the isolation of the craft, providing, and receiving constructive feedback, and gaining encouragement.

"Belonging" originates from the Middle English belongen (14th century), formed by the intensive prefix be- + longen ("to go along with", "relate to" or "be fitting"). It roots in Old English langian ("pertain to, suit"), which likely related to the root of long (adj.), suggesting items or people that go together or fit together. The word emerged with the sense of "be the property of" and "be a member of". It is related to Middle Dutch belanghen (to concern) and German belangen (to sue, concern). While it originally implied physical possession or fittingness, by the 18th/19th centuries, it encompassed social and emotional connection to a community. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the noun belonging was first used in the early 1600s (specifically 1607). Earlier usages of the word as an adjective date back to the Middle English period (1150–1500), with the earliest evidence found in 1483, in a translation by Williaj Caxton. The verb (belong) appeared between 1300–1350, and the noun (belongingness) first appeared in 1656.

Ok, I found this information as well: Perania is a genus of armored spiders in the family Tetrablemmidae, often found in tropical/ subtropical leaf litter or caves. These tiny, specialized spiders are characterized by heavy, sclerotized plating on their bodies, likely evolved as protection against spider-hunting wasps. They are distinct from the Idiopidae family, sometimes referred to as spiny trapdoor spiders. Key Details About Perania Spiders: Habitat: Primarily found in leaf litter, soil, and occasionally caves in Southeast Asia (e.g., Malaysia). Appearance: They possess a heavily armored, rigid cuticle, sometimes referred to as plated spiders. Adaptations: Some species found in caves have reduced or no eyes. Taxonomy: Belong to the family Tetrablemmidae, not to be confused with the unrelated Idiopidae family (armored trapdoor spiders). Discovery: Recently, five new species were discovered in the South China Karst.

The use of "expression" in story writing referring to both the author's voice (self-expression) and the description of the character emotions (facial expressions, body language, and tone). It is the mechanism that transforms a narrative from a dry report of events into a vivid, relatable experience. Here is a breakdown of how to use expression effectively in story writing: Describing Character Expression (Physicality): Instead of simply stating a character's emotion (e.g., "she was sad"), writers use physical expressions to show it, making the scene more immersive. Facial Expressions: Subtle movements like a creasing brow, flared nostrils, tightened jaw, or a forced smile can convey deep emotion. Body Language: Actions often speak louder than words—a character might shake their fist in anger, rub their hands together in anticipation, or avoid eye contact when lying. Avoiding Overuse: While useful, excessive description of facial expressions can become tedious. Experienced writers recommend using them sparingly, focusing instead on broader body language and subtext. Context over Description: Emotions are best conveyed through a mix of dialogue, action, and internal thoughts, rather than relying solely on facial descriptions. Expressive Writing (Authorial Voice & Style): This refers to using vivid, emotional language that connects directly with the reader. Sensory Details: Utilizing the five senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) brings scenes to life. Metaphors and Similes: Comparing abstract emotions to concrete images (e.g., "her smile was like sunshine after rain") enhances emotional impact. Sentence Structure: Short, choppy sentences can convey anxiety or panic, while long, flowing sentences can express calm or nostalgia. Active Voice: Using strong verbs instead of adverbs (e.g., writing "she wailed" instead of "she cried loudly") makes the writing more immediate and impactful. The "Show, Don't Tell" Method: "Expression" is key to the fundamental rule of "show, don't tell." Tell: "He was furious." Show (Expression): "Veins throbbed in his neck as he slammed his fist on the table". Tips for Improving Expression: Focus on Subtext: Allow characters to express emotions through what they don't say, or through conflicting actions and words. |Use Specificity: Rather than "sad," use "despondent" or "heartbroken." Instead of "mad," use "seething". Practice Free Writing: To improve your own voice, try writing without worrying about grammar or structure to allow raw, honest emotions to flow onto the page. Using expression effectively ensures that the reader feels the story rather than just reading it.

Expression" originates from the early 15th century Middle English expressioun, derived from Late Latin expressionem ("a pressing out"), from Latin (exprimere - to press out). It stems from ex- ("out") and premere ("to press"). It literally meant squeezing out, later evolving to represent, describe, or manifest feelings in words or art by the mid-15th century. According to the Oxford English Diectionary (OED), the earliest known use of the noun "expression" in English dates to before 1425. It appears in the Middle English period (1150–1500) within the medical treatise Grande Chirurgie by Guy de Chauliac. Evolution of the meaning of expression: 15th Century: Primarily meant a "pressing out," "vividness," or "putting into words". 1620s: Began to mean "an action or creation that expresses feelings". 1774: Came to refer to the look of the face.

Unfortunately, I was unable to view the video this link directed me to, but I looked up the following information: Spiders survive winter by entering a dormant state called diapause, seeking shelter in protected areas like leaf litter, under bark, or in soil, and by producing glycerol-based "antifreeze" compounds in their body fluids to prevent freezing. Many species die after laying eggs in protective, insulated sacs, while others remain active on warm winter days. Antifreeze Compounds: They undergo a process called cold hardening, where their bodies produce glycerol to lower the freezing point of their bodily fluids, preventing cell rupture. Diapause (Dormancy): Many spiders enter a state of suspended animation, significantly slowing their metabolism to survive with little to no food. Overwintering in Egg Sacs: Many adult spiders die in the fall, having already produced tough, insulated silk egg sacs that protect the next generation until spring. Indoor Survival: Common house spiders simply stay active, relying on the warmth of homes and buildings to survive. Active Survival: On warmer winter days, some spiders may emerge from hiding and can even be found moving on top of the snow, having survived in the subnivean zone (the layer between snow and ground). Shelter and Insulation: Spiders hide in spots that protect them from freezing temperatures, such as under logs, in rock crevices, deep inside wood piles, or deep within leaf litter, which acts as insulation .

Identity is the core of storytelling, driving character motivation, plot, and emotional connection by exploring who characters are, how they see themselves, and how the world perceives them. It deepens narratives by establishing stakes, fostering empathy, and creating realistic conflict through personal, social, or, in fantasy, magical, defining traits. Importance of "identity" when writing stories: Drives Character Development: Identity dictates how a character reacts to events and evolves over the plot, making their journey believable. Creates Conflict and Stakes: When a character's sense of self is threatened or challenged, it creates intense, engaging drama. Establishes Authenticity: For the writer, tapping into their own identity ("writing DNA") creates a unique voice, while for characters, it ensures they feel like real, breathing people rather than plot devices. Enables Audience Connection: Readers connect with characters struggling to understand "who am I, really," making the story personally resonant. Shapes Narrative Perspectives: A character's identity—race, gender, background—influences how they navigate the world, forcing a "micro-analysis" of their experiences. Incorporating identity ensures the story is not just a series of actions, but a meaningful exploration of character growth.

"Identity" originates from the Medieval Latin idem ("the same") and Identitas ("sameness") via Middle French identité around the 16th century. The concept has moved from strictly meaning "absolute sameness" to encompass the "sameness with oneself" over time, and later, the unique characteristics that define a person or thing. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the noun identity in English is from before 1460, found in the writings of Augustinian friar and poet Osbern Bokenham. The earlies form, idemptitie, was often used in relation to philosophical or theological debates.

In tribute to the Spring Equinox and Daylight Saving Time:

Thank you for the feedback, Paul. I'm glad you enjoyed this poem, since poetry really isn't my forte.

This poem is written in a unique style, so it might be best to read the note at the end of the poem first, to help you make sense of what the author is trying to convey. People who are constantly criticized, picked on, bullied, or belittled and made to feel that everyone dislikes or hates them for just being who they are are often hesitant, and possibly even afraid to leave their house each day. All they see are storm clouds on the horizon, problems waiting to happen, and people who are eager to denigrate them. A world filled with individuals waiting to judge them and challenge who they are and what they stand for. Maybe after reading this short poem you might be more empathetic of other people's feelings and less judgmental when interacting with them. An eye opening point of view.

A very short and intense description of one person's anxiety over being included in social functions. If you've never felt this way yourself, this poem will paint you a vivid picture of how people with this type of aversion feels when interacting with a large group.