The Giraffe: Masters of Reaching the Top Shelf

Posted on July 10, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

The giraffe is a favorite of children everywhere.  Mostly because it has such a unique appearance with its long neck.  We see them at zoos and you can even find a few at petting zoos for various reasons.  For example, a local place took in a giraffe that was born too short to reach its mother’s nipples.  So, they adopted it to make sure it would survive and now it has a home.  Many places allow you to feed them too, which is always an exciting event.  You get to see their blackish purple tongue up close.  It’s believed to be this color to protect it from UV radiation.  Cool, huh?

The challenge here was figuring out how to post about the giraffe.  I guess for a long time they were seen as only 1 species, which is listed as vulnerable.  Then, they came up with 4 species.  There are also 7-9 subspecies too.  Really starts to make your head spin after a while, especially when you see that the Kordofan and Nubian are critically endangered and others are a variety of lower risks.  I went for the 9 subspecies solely to have more pictures here.  Although, they don’t really look that different.

The big threats to giraffe are deforestation and fragmentation.  This means they are losing their habitat and the range of their remaining territory is being split by human civilization.  Apparently, this can also drag giraffe into danger from civil unrest among our kind.  There’s also poaching, but we shouldn’t be surprised about that.

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR MORE INFO!

Northern Giraffe Subspecies:

Kordofan Giraffe

Nubian Giraffe

West African Giraffe

Rothschild’s Giraffe (Some have this subspecies absorbed into the Nubian subspecies)

Reticulated Giraffe:

Reticulated Giraffe (All by its lonesome)

Southern Giraffe Subspecies:

Angolan Giraffe

South African Giraffe

Masai Subspecies:

Masai Giraffe

Rhodesian Giraffe (Also called the Thornicroft’s Giraffe and the Luangwa Giraffe)

Time for some videos, including one from my Facebook page if it loads right.  It’s when my son got to feed a giraffe for the first time.  I didn’t realize he had stopped feeding the giraffe, who thought I had food.  I didn’t and got shoved by its head.  It’s surprisingly velvet like, but you can tell that it would shatter bones if it decided to haul off and smack you full force.

Posted in Animal Posts | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Goal Post: Post-Covid Fatigue Sucks!

Posted on July 9, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

For those who remember my post from last week, I tested negative for Covid just in time for July 4th.  Don’t start cheering yet.  While my son and I got to play video games and have fun, it was still a low key day.  We got out to the lawn and watched local fireworks though.  Then, it was off to bed.

Uh . . . What else happened?

Guess that’s the crux of my problem.  While I had Covid, I had a cough and some congestion, but not a lot of fatigue.  Now, I feel like I’m being sapped of energy every few hours.  Last night was the worst, so I didn’t get any of the nightly writing done.  I wrote this post and I’m barely able to focus.  My mind wanders off or I plain forget what I was going to do.  Words are elusive and I’m just all around tired.

A good night’s sleep helps out, but I can wear down really fast.  I probably pushed myself too much once I got the negative test.  My son started art camp, so I was driving him to and from there.  Dealt with some unexpected drama as well, which resulted in the first bout of utter exhaustion.  It was around Thursday when I noticed that I had very little in the tank and my appetite isn’t that big.  Surprisingly, biking didn’t wear me down nearly as much as grocery shopping.  The heat might be a factor too.

What does this mean for writing?  Well, I got into Chapter 11 of Darwin & the Halfling Hunt.  I screwed something up though.  An item showed up in the wrong chapter and I wrote an entirely section around it.  My choice was to scrap or alter things going forward to factor in the oopsie.  I went with the latter because it takes less work and it could add a curious dimension to this series-long plot point.  Basically, I might have the items more connected to Darwin’s magic than previously expected.  In fact, his powers have changed to being more about ‘whatever he can rationalize as sleep-related’ instead of a rigid structure, which works for his mind.

I didn’t really answer the previous question.  Well, I still want to write 2 books before school starts up again on August 30th.  I should be able to finish the first one by the end of July if not the middle.  Technically, I only need 10 ‘3 sections per day’ days . . . That is a horrible sentence.  Anyway, a lot of this will depend on my energy.  If I go running around or even just have a few errands, I’ll probably only get a little writing done. I’ll be happy if I hit the school year with 75% of Darwin & the Avenging Elf done.  Things won’t start off crazy for me or my son, so I should be able to clear that before it gets messy.  No ‘I plan on resting until January’ stupidity this time.

In other news, I don’t think I’m doing very well with the diet.  I can’t tell exactly because my appetite comes and goes.  I am doing yogurt and fruit for lunch more often.  My 64 ounce water jug is being used every day and I’m usually finishing it.  I wasn’t drinking a lot of colas to begin with, but this feels like a good step.  Food-wise, I’m working on limiting going out for food.  This week didn’t work out well because Covid stopped me from grocery shopping and then I had a strong desire for Taco Bell and pizza afterwards.  Going to behave this weekend and only get fast food one day.  I think I can do okay with all the yogurt and grapefruit cups I have to cover a lot of other lunches.  One day, I need to check out a local market that has good salads too.  That could be a nice change.

Nothing else really happened this week.  Played video games and watched cartoons with my son when he wasn’t in camp.  By the time he came home there wasn’t much else to do, especially if he had appointments.  We’re slowly working on favor boxes and other things for his 13th birthday party at the end of the month.  Excited about that and really hoping it works out.  No reason it shouldn’t since it’s a mobile arcade and then pizza.

What else?  I’m going to try to watch ‘The Boys’ Season 3 this weekend when I’m not writing.  I’m already up to episode 4 and I don’t think much worse can happen that what I almost saw in the first one.  I say almost because a friend warned me and I averted my eyes once I realized that he wasn’t exaggerating the yikes.  This is a really graphic and over-the-top show, but I find that oddly appealing.  It’s really the story and how well the characters are written/acted though.  The gore factor isn’t a sell for me, but just being horribly creeped out by Homelander during his first scene got me interested.

Okay.  I keep zoning out and wandering off.  What are the goals for the week?

  1. Time with son!
  2. Write more Darwin & the Halfling Hunt
  3. Rest up when needed.
  4. Biking.
  5. Finishing watching ‘The Boys’ then ‘Soul Eater’.
  6. Start watching either ‘Umbrella Academy’ or ‘Bastard!’ on Netflix.
  7. Get favor boxes done for birthday party.
  8. Shake fist at Amazon for not selling One Piece birthday banners separately from the stuff I can’t use.
  9. Work on puzzle at times.
  10. Cook a few dinners since I bought the ingredients.
  11. Really should vacuum around here.
  12. Laundry!
  13. Stop writing this list and get some rest.
Posted in Goal Posts | Tagged , , , , , | 20 Comments

Questions 3: Your Writing Space

Posted on July 8, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

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I toss this topic out from time to time.  Mostly because authors can be very particular about where they work.  Some are homebodies and others function in public.  Some have designated space to work while others go wherever they can find privacy.  Some need utter silence and others need noise.  Authors are all unique when it comes to work space.  So, let’s get to the questions.

  1. Do you have a special or preferred place to write?
  2. What is one thing you absolutely need in your environment for writing?
  3. Has your writing space changed over the years and why?
Posted in Questions 3 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 34 Comments

Writing, Then and Now

Posted on July 8, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

Hi, SEers! You’re with Mae today, and I’ve got nothing heavy on tap—just some reminiscing which hopefully you’ll find enjoyable. Depending how long …

Writing, Then and Now
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Poetry Day: Blame Him or Thank Him

Posted on July 7, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

Good Vs Evil (Homer Simpson)

(Not sure what this poem was about.  God?  Religion?  I guess it could be that since people blame God for the evil and thank him for the good.  Not always the same groups with some choosing only one of those sides.  I always thought God was a neutral entity myself, but I think I’ve already said too much.)

*

Blame him for the disease

Thank him for the cure

*

Blame him for the predators

Thank him for the defenders

*

Blame him for the disasters

Thank him for the miracles

*

Blame him for your losses

Thank him for your successes

*

Blame him for his evil

Thank him for his goodness

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Check This Out: Temple Grandin (The She Persisted Series)

Posted on July 7, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

L. Marie's avatarEl Space--The Blog of L. Marie

I had planned to reveal the winner of Coming Up Short by Laurie Morrison this week. Before that reveal, I had planned to post the following interview at the beginning of the week. Alas I was a little under the weather. The best laid plans of mice and men as they say. So here at least is that second interview. Both winner reveals will have to come next week. Now, on with the show!

On the blog today is no stranger to the community: the amazing Lyn Miller-Lachmann here to talk about her book She Persisted: Temple Grandin, which was published on April 5 by Philomel and illustrated by Gillian Flint,. Lyn is represented by Jacqui Lipton.

 

El Space: What did it mean to you to write this book on Temple Grandin? How did it come about that you did?
Lyn: The authors of each volume of the

View original post 1,094 more words

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Wreck of the Lanternfish by C.S. Boyack #bookreview #pirates #fantasy

Posted on July 6, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

Originally posted on Books and Such: James Cuttler created a peaceful spot for he and his wife to settle down. Far from the war that ravages their …

Wreck of the Lanternfish by C.S. Boyack #bookreview #pirates #fantasy
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

7 Tips to Having a Lazy Day

Posted on July 6, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

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It’s summer.  Perfect time for some resting when you can get it.  At least it is if you work in a school and need to fend off burn out.  So, what are some good tips for being lazy?

  1. Stay in your pajamas.  They’re comfy and dull the urge to leave the house.  If you really need a shower then take one and then change into a second pair of pajamas.  That way your sleeping set gets some time to air out.
  2. Do not dive right into a project as soon as you wake up.  That is the opposite of lazy!  If you want to get some work done then do it slowly and throw away any care about making real progress.
  3. Hydrate.  This doesn’t really help with the laziness, but it’s good to do if it’s a hot summer day.
  4. If somebody is calling or texting you to do stuff, ignore them.  Don’t let somebody with ambition get you out of your laziness.  You earned this day to drape yourself across a couch like a collection of throw pillows.  In case these active people show up at the house, stay away from the windows and lock your doors.
  5. Keep your food close to where you plant yourself.  Same goes for remotes, books, and anything else you think you will need.  Nothing is necessary if your laziness involves sleeping all day.
  6. As long as the house isn’t on fire or smells like a latrine, you have tomorrow to do things.  Increase your sense of urgency to the point where you need a real disaster to get moving on this day.
  7. Do NOT write a list about being lazy . . . Oops.
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Story Development and Execution Part 8: Writing Suspense

Posted on July 6, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

Ciao, SEers. If you’re in the US, I hope you had a safe and wonderful Independence Day. Today is part eight of the series: writing suspense. While …

Story Development and Execution Part 8: Writing Suspense
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Teaser Tuesday: Darwin’s First Spell

Posted on July 5, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

Monster Hat!

So, I’m going to do more Slumberlord Chronicles: Darwin & the Fate Bracelet excerpts through the summer.  I was thinking about stuff that would make things interesting, which is tough since I didn’t have my usual type of action.  I was worried about spoilers too.  Still, I think it’s safe to show Darwin’s first spell since everyone knows he’s a caster.  Enjoy.

*****

Chuckling and nodding his head, the dwarf puts a meaty hand on Arlinger’s shoulder and gives a tight squeeze. “Why are you in a rush? Bandits wouldn’t stand a chance against us, so we can protect you. Then, you can work off the debt that you owe. With two of you, it shouldn’t take more than a month. Maybe less if you turn out to be more capable than you look. Kind of strange that you didn’t try to ride through the night though. I’d be too scared to stop until either dawn or I reached a village like our own, which has lights on at all times. Those poles may stop animals, but bandits would walk right through, especially since you can see the rotten space from far away.”

“I said we forgot what they did.”

“Guess fear can do that.”

“Exactly.”

“I’d still recommend staying for a day or two.”

“But we’re in a rush.”

“Why if you’re just running from bandits?”

“Well, I feel like we should complete our town’s last delivery in its honor.”

“The vegetables you’re so quick to give us.”

“A delivery is a delivery.”

“Then, you wouldn’t be in a rush anymore.”

“We all grieve in our own ways.”

Arlinger grins at the red-faced dwarf, whose grip on the pitchfork is gradually tightening until his knuckles turn white. A whistle draws the other villagers towards the halfling, so he scrambles back into the wagon where Darwin is waiting. With the vehicle surrounded, he draws his shortsword and buckler, but has no idea how he can fight the angry mob. Famous for their strength and endurance, he knows dwarves are an impossible feat for a self-trained halfling to defeat alone. A loud creaking causes him to turn around and he finds two of the farmers have climbed into the front seat. They keep their scythes ready, but it is clear that their plan is to corner and capture the pair. Arlinger is mildly relieved to hear manacles being brought over, but he remains nervous enough to stay alert. Reaching down, he awkwardly slips his arms through a backpack’s straps and stares at the dwarf at the bottom of the wagon ramp. Licking his lips and nudging his cousin with his foot, he lets out a slow breath and prepares to charge with the hopes of getting through the line of farmers.

“Sleep!” Darwin abruptly screams at the top of his lungs.

A distorted wave of sparkling energy explodes off the halfling’s body and the startled dwarves collapse in snoring heaps. All of the flies stop buzzing and drop to the ground, their legs twitching in the air. Arlinger feels his eyelids get heavy and his vision blurs, but he musters enough focus to fight against the magic. A familiar voice in his mind whispers about him not being the target, which helps him keep the drowsiness at bay. Giving the side of his neck a pinch and twist, he shocks himself into staying fully awake. Leaping onto the nearest crate, he stares at the slumbering dwarves, all of whom continue to clutch their tools.

“Did you just cast a spell?” Arlinger asks as he jumps down. Seeing tears forming in his cousin’s eyes, he grabs him by the shoulders and smiles. “Don’t get upset. This is amazing and the lucky break we needed. You saved us, Darwin! You put all of them to sleep, so now we can escape. It’s a long walk to Soltis, but at least we aren’t stuck here. See what happens when you strike out on your own?”

“I didn’t do something bad?” Darwin counters while he peeks around the wagon. He is about to scream at the sight of the dwarves, but notices they are breathing before his panic gets too strong. “I don’t know what happened. I was really scared and thought they were going to kill us. The word came to my mind, so I shouted it as loud as I could. Then, I felt tingly like when you don’t move for a very long time. Only it was all over my body and jumped out of my skin. I don’t know if I can do it again.”

“We’ll figure that out after we get away because it’s time to escape,” his cousin states before clambering out of the wagon. He begins running towards the road, but skids to a stop when he realizes nobody is running with him. “Darwin? Where did you go? I saw you going down the ramp. Wait. Come this way! You’re running towards the village! Wrong way! Oh, this isn’t going to be fun at all.”

Posted in Slumberlord Chronicles, Teaser Tuesday | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments