humanity
For better or for worse, relationships reveal the core of the human condition.
Smallpox During the Revolutionary War
During the Revolutionary War a Smallpox epidemic occurred in the America Colonies. Smallpox was an extremely deadly virus and killed and estimated 30% of the people who contracted it. Compare this with 0.5% for Covid. It also had a far higher transmission rate; it is estimated the rate was 5 to 7 versus the 2 to 3 for Covid. The transmission rate is the average number of people an infected person will pass the virus on to others.
By Steve Lance5 years ago in Humans
The Fight
He says I want to have my cake and eat it too. He is right I do. I would like to be able to have an opinion, even if it differs. I would like to be able to express it, and then still have a fun night afterwards. So, does he mean that I want to have a husband, but have an opinion as well? Yes, I do want to have that cake and eat it too.
By Everly Logan5 years ago in Humans
A Gift of Fragrance
Geoffrey’s head turned before he knew what had caught his attention, not expecting the scent of cinnamon and clove to reach him here, among the first-edition shelves. Maybe someone was carrying a cinnamon latte from the coffee shop? In the heartbeat it took to remember that food and drinks weren’t allowed in this part of the bookstore, he stepped to the end of the shelf to see a navy blue, orchid-topped fascinator in retreat atop a head of chestnut brown curls. The spices stayed behind, however, unraveling a wondrous tapestry of scent as the orchids disappeared. The cardamom registered next, and, what was that? Vanilla? Lavender? Roses? Geoffrey shook his head, as if to rid his mind of the impossible. For most of his 75 years he’d worn his sense of smell like a kind of superpower. On occasions like this, however, present to an entrancingly cohesive mix of aromas he never would’ve thought to combine, it caught him off guard. He told himself that last undertone couldn’t be roses, or perhaps it was a remnant from his visit to the Rose Garden earlier that morning. But here was a hint of cedar, where did that come from? Haunted by the fragrance, he noted as well that the headwear was clearly shaped like a Phalaenopsis, but people should know that Phalaenopsis orchids don’t naturally occur in navy-blue. Shrugging off his irritation with the artifice, he resigned himself to being forever mystified by women’s fashion.
By JANINA M FULLER5 years ago in Humans
And Then I Was Alone
And Then I Was Alone John W. Gilmore “Who are you?” I asked through narrowed lids. I couldn’t believe it. I had climbed to the mountain top step by step, slowly one step after the other, and was exhausted. On the top of Mt. Washington it was cold. Forty mile per hour winds were blowing around me, threatening to sweep me off into a horrible death. It was 20 below zero, and here she was. A strange looking woman just standing there, at the peak, in a tee-shirt and jeans, with her hands on her hips. Her hair was hardly blowing.
By Om Prakash John Gilmore5 years ago in Humans
I can't remember my childhood.
Beginning.. or what I remember of it. It all started one not so white Christmas with an high uncle on my mums gas and air and her Christmas dinner on his lap. She was giving birth to me on Saint Nicolas' day and I was rearing to come into the world. So much so that I was early even by over a month and was fragile, meek and not able to breath by myself.
By Tom not Thomas.5 years ago in Humans
The Immovable Shelf
Perception is Reality. I have always said that perception is reality and today I lived by my own words. About a week ago I purchased a shelf at a garage sale. Made of wood, about 4’ tall and 3’ wide, on wheels. I had my toddler with me when I bought it so some good Samaritans helped me to load it into my pickup.
By Midwest Mama5 years ago in Humans
"The Epitome of Generativity"
Integrating a socially awkward, severely traumatized, mentally-ill young woman, and her older cat, Nitty - with a passion for the arts ANYWHERE - especially from "The Heights" of Heaven into this Post-Pandemic World we ALL now find ourselves in - while crossing over the border, with the help of my family and friends from the South Suburban Chicagoland area into the Northwestern Indiana region - or Northeastern Indiana, in you prefer - I have to think FAST. But slow down and be aware.
By Unlisted&Twisted!5 years ago in Humans
Storm of the Century
Life on a tiny island has its privileges and its shortcomings. Time seems to stand still when the weather is calm and the skies are a crystal blue with tiny, puffy white clouds scattered throughout. Days like that are special and ones not to be taken for granted.
By Laura Dvoran5 years ago in Humans
