Bill W

Congrats, Ponyboy.

Pugnacious comes from the Latin verb pugnare (meaning "to fight"), which in turn comes from the Latin word for "fist," pugnus. Another Latin word related to pugnus is pugil, meaning "boxer." Pugil is the source of our word pugilist, which means "fighter" and is used especially of professional boxers. The earliest known use of the word "pugnacious" in the English language is in 1642, in the writings of Henry More, a philosopher, poet, and theologian. Examples of "pugnacious" in a sentence: "The adult males are extremely pugnacious and fight fiercely with one another." "There's one pugnacious member on the committee who won't agree to anything." "And there seemed to be absolutely no one on the flight who was the least bit pugnacious." "It is exceedingly fierce and pugnacious, the males especially fighting with each other for possession of the females." "It is a clever, agile and powerful dog, extremely pugnacious in disposition." "This suggests that the resemblance to the pugnacious individual may be beneficial in protecting the defenseless cuckoo from enemies."

Yes, it will be important for Devin not to rush the healing process. He's fooled the doctor for now, but he still has to be careful. Yes, the boys have to be careful when they're around Preston. It seems his education has taught him to be very observant, so being around him will have its risks. No, Devin hasn't saved anyone in a while, so we'll have to wait and see what happens next. That's one possible scenario for Bear and Bailey, and I don't think chivalry is dead, at least not where Devin is concerned. 😁

Thanks, Chris. Yes, everyone had a good time at the football game, especially Clint. Yes, Devin was able to pull off his ruse and fooled the doctor. Now, he just has to wait for the operation.

Yes, that would have been very helpful. I'm also curious as to the outcome of this battle royal.

You're right Tb, hero worship and puppy love can be tricky things that can lead to huge disappointments at times.

Thanks, Danilo. Yes, Preston was very observant, but hopefully Mac quick response took care of the problem. How true, drs, and Preston's spotting the "little things" as you call it, almost tripped up Mac's portrayal of Devin. Yes, Clint needs to fixate on someone other than Mac.

Equivocate comes from from late Latin aequivocat- ‘called by the same name’, from the verb aequivocare, from aequivocus, which itself c comes from aequi-, meaning "equal" or "equally," and voc- or vox, meaning "voice." The verb "equivocate" was first used in English in 1590, the late Middle English period, (in the sense ‘use a word in more than one sense’). The noun "equivocation" was first used in 1609, In its various scenes of equivocation in the kingdom of Scotland, Shakespeare's "Macbeth" draws attention to how equivocation, like speech in general, can lead to the mutual conception of truth or the con- cealment of it. Examples of "equivocation" used in a sentence: "The applicant seemed to be equivocating when we asked him about his last job." "When asked about her tax plan, the candidate didn't equivocate." "The politician tried to equivocate when asked about his tax policy, dodging direct answers." "I wish he wouldn't equivocate about this issue and instead give me a straight answer." "As was his habit, he would only equivocate about the topic." "She won't do anything but equivocate about her plans for next weekend."

Mr. Weinerdog, you may be reading more into that first comment than was intended. It's just that Mac hasn't been able to be there, at least as far as Preston was concerned, so when Mac had the chance to go as himself, he did, so Preston wouldn't think he was avoiding him. No, Gramps and Pops have always been generous. Remember, they found a MASSIVE treasure, and then through shrewd investments and splitting the wealth between the two of them and Aaron, there's been plenty to go around. The treasure they found in the cave they've already said would be for Devin and Mac alone. 😁 Well, whenever they're doing it with Clint, Louella won't be anywhere around. However, if she somehow found out about it, then I'm sure she would raise holy hell. 😲 I'll just respond to that comment by saying, the names have been changed to protect the not so innocent. 🤪

I add little nuggets like that from time to time. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Chapter 9 – Football and Doctors Now that classes had started, Devin and I fell into a pattern where our non-academic activities were concerned. We would go to the dog park on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings and I would transition into Devin so Devin could get some exercise as Bear. Then on Tuesday and Thursday we’d wait and go in the afternoon or early evening instead, whichever worked best with our class schedules and other activities. The weekend had a fairly consistent

In a "Battle Royal" scenario, the outcome of a spider versus praying mantis showdown is difficult to predict definitively, as it depends on several factors. While a spider might initially have an advantage with its web trapping, a mantis's strength and hunting tactics could give it the upper hand. Ultimately, the victor could be determined by the specific species involved, their individual size and strength, and the environment of the encounter. Elaboration: Spider's Advantages: Spiders, particularly those that construct webs, can use their sticky webs to trap prey, like praying mantises. This trapping method can be effective in immobilizing the mantis, allowing the spider to subdue it. Some spiders also possess venom, which can paralyze or kill prey. Praying Mantis's Advantages: Praying mantises are ambush predators with remarkable speed and agility. They can strike with great force and their exoskeletons offer significant protection. They are also capable of escaping from spider webs. Factors Influencing the Outcome: The size and strength of both the spider and mantis can significantly impact the battle. The specific species involved (e.g., a large huntsman spider vs. a smaller praying mantis) can also influence the outcome. The environment where the encounter takes place can also affect the strategy and tactics of each combatant. For example, a mantis might have an advantage if it can use camouflage to ambush the spider. Possible Scenarios: Spider's Trap: A spider with a strong web might be able to ensnare the mantis, leading to a spider victory. Mantis's Attack: If the mantis can find a way to escape the web or outmaneuver the spider, it could attack and overpower the arachnid. Venom's Effect: The spider's venom might be effective in paralyzing the mantis, but the mantis's resilience and strength could allow it to resist. Size and Strength: A larger, more powerful mantis might be able to overcome a smaller spider. In summary, the outcome of a spider vs. praying mantis battle is not predetermined and depends on the specifics of the encounter.

The word dilemma origninates from Ancient Greek and Latin, meaning "a difficult choice or problem." It's derived from the Greek word "δίλημμα" (dílēmma), which translates to "double proposition." This Greek word is a combination of "δι-", meaning "two" or "double," and "λῆμμα", meaning "premise" or proposition". Initially, it was a term in logic, referring to a specific type of argument with two conditional statements, but it evolved to describe any situation involving a difficult choice between equally undesirable options. The word "dilemma" first appeared in English in the early 16th century, around 1523. By the end of the 16th century, the word's meaning began to broaden, encompassing any difficult choice of situation. Today, "dilemma" is commonly used to describe a situation where a difficult choice must be made, even if the options are not necessarily equally undesirable. Example of "dilemma" in a sentence: "Jonathan was faced with the dilemma of whether or not to return home after the argument." "Emily was faced with the dilemma of whether or not to report her colleague for embezzling money from the company." "Some people often face the dilemma of feeding themselves or their cattle during times of great hardship." "The dilemma, like all ethical dilemmas, arose by virtue of a conflict between values." "He made an attempt to resolve the long-standing dilemma." "The new school rules have put counselors in a terrible dilemma." "Prodding Martha to talk out her dilemma helped, didn't it?" "After overcoming that dilemma, I think our friendship is stronger."

I remember watching this on a cartoon show when I was in elementary school in the 50s, and it's still as fascinating as it was then.

If you have a sense of consternation you have become afraid, disoriented, or completely befuddled. It comes from the Latin roots con- and -stenare, which means "spread out." In orther words, it comes from the verb consternare ‘lay prostrate, terrify’ to the Latin word consternatio, and when it came to English they merely added 'n'. The word "consternation" first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century, specifically around 1611. Randle Cotgrave noted the earliest use in his writing. Examples of "consternation" used in a sentence: "I always welcomed clover, much to the consternation of the neighbors" "Jill, your book has a happy ending that created consternation among some early readers." "Much to her parents' consternation, she had decided to not go to college." "The candidate caused consternation among his supporters by changing positions on a key issue." "I sleep in consternation not knowing where my keys are. "Full of consternation at first, the boy now thinks he aced the pop quiz." "Discovering a water bug crawling on the ceiling left me in consternation for hours."

Resonate comes from Latin resonat- ‘resounded’, from the verb resonare, which means "to make a prolonged sound together." The verb "resonate" was first recorded in English in 1648. The earliest evidence of its use is found in the writings of "Mercurio-Mastix Hibernicus". The figurative meaning of resonate (to have meaning or appeal) emerged later, around 1978, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary. The noun "resonance" first appeared in English around the mid-15th century and referred to the prolongation or repetition of sound. The noun form "resonation" also existed earlier, in the early 15th century, with the same meaning as "resonance". Examples of "resonate" used in a sentence: "Her best works continue to resonate long after seeing them." "His words seemed to resonate with so many different meanings" "Furthermore, the parts of the songs resonate with beauty and emotion." "This image is a photographic icon that continues to resonate with viewers." "The values we address today do not only resonate with people with deeply held religious convictions." "Here are at least some of the top 5 fashion for females in the 80s - those that had a strong impact and still resonate strongly today, either for their notoriety or their beauty!" "The legacies of European colonialism still resonate throughout the developing world."

Was that because they used it on you? 🤪

The verb "prod" has an uncertain etymology, possibly related to Old Norse "broddr" (shaft, spike) or imitative in origin. Another possibility is that symbolic of a short poking movement, or a blend of poke1 and dialect brod ‘to goad, prod’. The noun "prod" also has a relatively late origin and is believed to be a variant of an earlier term. The verb "prod" first appeared in English around 1525-1535, with the earliest known use in 1535. The noun "prod" has three main uses: an act of prodding (1676), a pointed instrument used for prodding (1787), and a shortened form of the word "Protestant" (1837). Examples of "prod" used in a sentence: Verb: "She prodded him in the ribs to wake him. up." "The question was designed to prod students into thinking critically." "He prodded at the snake with a stick." "She was prodded into signing the contract." "The government's new policies are meant to prod businesses to invest more." Noun: As an act of prodding: "He gave her a sharp prod in the back to wake her up." "She called me and gave me a prod about finishing the report." As an encouragement: "The deadline for the project served as a timely prod to get started." "He needed a few prods to remember his lines". As a pointed object: "He used the stick as a prod to keep the donkey moving." "The children broke fallen branches, which were about the size of a marker, so they had a sharp end that they could use as prods to make holes in the ground."

Quote Valkyrie: "Later, we discovered Pass the Pigs." And I don't think Val and her family went out to the farm and started passing piglets around, because older pigs would be too heavy.

I love #286, but I just don't have the time to write another story right now, since I'm working on two at present. I might be able to get back to it later, but it won't be for a while.

Yes, they'll get rid of Louella eventually. If not before, at least when they graduate.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Ordgarius magnificus Ordgarius magnificus, Manyung, Queensland Scientific classification Domain: Eukaryota Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Subphylum: Chelicerata Class: Arachnida Order: Araneae Infraorder: Araneomorphae Family: Araneidae Genus: Ordgarius Species: O. magnificus Binomial name Ordgarius magnificus (Rainbow, 1897) Ordgarius magnificus, the magnificent spider, is a bolas spider in the family Araneidae.[1] It is endemic to forests along the Australian east coast. Description [edit] Females are up to 14 mm long and almost as wide; males reach only 2 mm. Females are creamy-white with a pattern of pink and yellow spots on the abdomen, and a crown of white and reddish tubercles on the head. Habits [edit] They live in trees or tall shrubs, rarely less than 2 m above the ground. The easiest way to find them is to search for clusters of large, brown egg-sacs suspended among foliage; the spider will be found nearby, at day sheltering in a retreat made from rolled leaves and silk. Like all bolas spiders, the female attracts male moths with an airborne pheromone. Once a moth approaches, the spider senses it coming due to vibration sensitive hairs on its outstretched legs. It is then caught with a sticky globule that is swung at the prey. The egg-sacs are up to 5 cm long; one spider produces up to nine sacs per season, each with several hundred eggs.

Neat looking spider. It appears to have nipples or two tiny shields on its back!

The word "troglodyte" originates from Ancient Greek, meaning "one who dwells in holes." It's formed by combining "trogl-" (from "trṓglē," meaning "hole") and "dy-" (from "dýein," meaning "to creep into"). The suffix "-tēs" indicates an agent or someone who performs the action. It came to English via Latin from Greek trōglodutēs, alteration of the name of an Ethiopian people, influenced by trōglē ‘hole’. The term was first used in the 16th century to describe cave-dwelling people, and later expanded to describe those with outmoded or reactionary attitudes. The first recorded use of the word "troglodyte" in English was in the mid-1500s, specifically around 1555. The Oxford English Dictionary lists an example of its use in a translation by William Waterman from that year. Examples of "troglodyte" used in a sentence: "The villa was turned into a motte in the 10th century, around which the village developed, in part in excavated troglodyte dwellings." "He could feel himself slowly melting into the kind of troglodyte you sometimes saw scurrying off the end of the subway platform." "Soldiers on both sides lived a desperate troglodyte existence in the waterlogged shell holes that had destroyed almost all trace of their trench systems." "In the vicinity are the troglodyte caverns of Monte Scaglioso, still inhabited by some of the lower classes, and other caves with 13thcentury frescoes."

That was a good one, kajean. It's a good thing your building manager has a sense of humor.