Bill W

Here I am, late to another party, but I'm going back and checking the anthology stories that I didn't get to previously, and I'm glad I found this one. I truly loved this story, and even though I'm not a college professor with a scientific background, I was able to follow nearly all of the scientific discussion that was offered. I also loved the idea that Jeff found an old flame and was able to reconnect with him due to a random lecture at a high school. I also found the genius young men truly entertaining, if not a bit intimidating to a certain extent. I was fascinated by their friendship, even though their was a large spread in their physical ages, although not in their IQs. I also got a kick out of their sense of humor and playfulness, and I would have enjoyed being part of a group like that when I was younger, although I wasn't exactly at their intellectual level. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story with us. Kudos.

Alteration comes from the Latin word alter (the other [of the two]), to Late Latin words alterare (to change), to Medieval Latin alterationem (nominative alteratio) , to Middle French word alteracion (change/alteration), to Late Middle English alteration. The earliest known use of the word alteration in English was in the 14th century (1300s), and the earliest known use of the word alteration in literature was in the Middle English period (1150–1500). The earliest evidence of the word is from a translation by John Trevisa, before 1398.

Anton, did you forget to add your comment?

I hope it doesn't interfere with you playing with your favorite toy!

In Navajo culture, skinwalkers are created through a dark initiation into the Witchery Way, which involves a taboo act, such as murder, often of a close relative. This transformation involves mastering dark magic, including shapeshifting and casting curses, to harm others. As far as the original evil skinwalkers in my story, the taboo act they committed was their quest for power to become the most powerful Navajo shaman of all and what they were willing to do in an effort to gain that power. The Navajo believe that all shamans are equal and none of them are superior or above anyone else, so seeking such power was totally against the Navajo way. It is also said by some that (evil) skinwalkers possess a poisonous bite, and if bitten that person will also become a (evil) skinwalker.

If you're looking for a well-written, loving and touching story about a father that goes the extra mile to help his disabled son, then this short story is for you. It's a quick read and I'm certain you will be as touched by it as I was, so check it out. You won't regret it.

Val, I know I'm reading this story well after you wrote it, but please bear with me, because I'm going back and trying to catch up on the anthologies that I didn't get to previously. This was a very powerful story with a very important moral, to not accept every answer you're given when you know in your gut that the answer is wrong. Whenever I find myself in that predicament, I try to find a young doctor, sometimes even a resident, because they may be more familiar with the latest information concerning the problem, since they'd recently graduated from med school. Sometimes older doctors fail to keep up with the latest advancements or prefer an older technology that they feel comfortable with, rather than trying a more recent advancement. I'm glad that Alan kept persevering until he found someone who took him seriously and was willing to go the extra mile to discover the answer for Davey's problem. On a separate note, I realize anthology stories are supposed to be short, but this one could have been a little longer. It would have be nice to read about Davey's recovery and how long it took him to get back to normal, as well as discovering if there were any adverse effects from it taking so long for the problem be diagnosed. Thank you, Val, for writing this wonderful and touching story, but please consider writing an update in the future, so we can find out "the rest of the story". That was a catchphrase and title of a radio broadcast that Paul Harvey hosted, and after he'd updated us about a topic, he would finish the segment by adding, "And now you know... the rest of the story."

This short story is based on an interesting premise, and it's well-written and also reads very well. Although it is an enjoyable tale as it stands now, I for one would be interested in seeing how it plays out after reading the surprise twist that Cia added at the very end. I understand that I'm reading this long after it was written, but what do you think, Cia? Are you willing to add another chapter to sate our curiosity? Possibly you could even figure out a way to make the additional chapter part of a future anthology?

I do my best, but sometimes the most obvious examples evade me.

Another interesting anthology challenge, but who will pick up the gauntlet and submit an entry? I'll be the first to say that I'll give it a try, even though I don't consider myself a poet.

Vociferate comes from the Latin words vociferari and vociferat- (exclaimed), from vox (voice) + ferre (to carry). The first known use of vociferate was in 1548, in a translation by Jean Veron, a religious writer and a Church of England clergyman. Vociferate means to shout or yell, and an example would be a police officer who vociferates by yelling "Stop!" at a suspect. Other examples of vociferating include: Coaches vociferating at their players and referees, or parents vociferating when their children misbehave. Some synonyms of vociferate include: Shout out, Express, Give tongue to, Utter, and Verbalize. Vociferous comes from the Latin word vociferatus, the past participle of vociferari (to vociferate), from vox. vpcos (voice) + ferre (to carry). Vociferous means expressing feelings or opinions in a loud or forceful way. Here are some examples of "vociferous" in a sentence: "He is her most vociferous critic." "The decision was made over their vociferous objections." "The loud and vociferous crowd yelled out for more." "He protested vociferously, but to no avail." "The toddler offered a vociferous protest when her mother scooped her up and carried her away from the lit menorah." "Vociferous" can also be used as an adverb, such as "The audience applauded vociferously." or "The defense attorney objected vociferously." The earliest known use of the word vociferous was around 1611, in a translation by poet and playwright George Chapman.

@Paladin, that's a very interesting point. Are you perhaps an Economist or someone who majored in Economics at a college or University.

Cia, you wrote this several years ago, so did you ever add another chapter to flesh it out and sate our curiosity? I'm interested and why like to see where this story goes next.

Aggregate descends from aggregāre ("to cause to flock together" or "to join together"), a Latin verb made up of the prefix ad- (which means "to," and which usually changes to ag- before a g) and greg- or grex (meaning "flock, herd, or group"). What is the difference between aggregate and amalgamate? Amalgamation refers to merging small areas into topologically adjacent areas with different semantic information, whereas aggregation refers to merging areas with homogeneous semantic information that are topologically separated by a narrow area. The word "aggregate" was first used in Middle English between 1150 and 1500. The earliest known use of the word is in Omnis Plantacio around 1400.

I'm more wolf, than fox, but thank you for the compliment.

And unfortunately, Al, that cycle still hasn't ended, judging from recent modern history. Countries and individuals still hate and make fun of others that aren't like themselves. Call it a case of deja vu, and that probably won't be the last of the sightings. 😜

To true, but hopefully this chapter shown a little light on the subject.

As usual? Come on, I don't do that many cliffhangers, but I'm glad you enjoyed the Ute history.

Well, I promise you will find out one way or the other in due time.

I don't either.

Yes, you're correct Lee. The indigenous people of many countries were treated poorly, some more so than others. That's what happen we people think they're better than others and look at others as been stupid, uncivilized, and savages. Maybe some day mankind will wake up and get its act together and stop acting so high and mighty.

Yes, Chris, lots of info about the Ute tribe, and your guess is probably spot on - and you know me so well. 😁

Yes, drs, there was a lot in this chapter. And you're correct. Trouble does lie across the parking lot. How much trouble, we'll probably find out sooner or later.

Your very welcome and I hope sharing this information does some good. The Native Americans have been woefully treated since the first European landed in the New World and the US government didn't treat them any better. I hope we can start to correct the wrongs done to them, and the sooner the better. Take your time. There is no rush.

The word "glibness" comes from the word "glib", which is likely a modification of the Low German word glibberig, meaning "slippery". During the Hanseatic period (from about 1300 to about 1600), Middle Low German was the leading written language in the north of Central Europe and served as a lingua franca in the northern half of Europe. The earliest known use of "glib" as an adjective is from 1584, in the writing of H. Plat. The earliest known use of "glibness" in English was in 1611, by the lexicographer Randle Cotgrave. "Glib" is used to describe someone who is confident but too simple and lacks careful thought. For example, you might describe a car salesman who uses a polished sales pitch to sell lemons as glib. When used to describe someone's speech, "glib" implies that something is simple or easy, or that there are no problems involved, when this is not the case.