Random Topic Generator: Ballroom Dance

The ballroom has captured our imaginations for centuries.

Today, the tradition of ballroom dance has largely died, but our fascination for it still clings. Swords and gowns, gentlemen and ladies—from glittering fairy tales like Cinderella to the glories of classic Hollywood cinema, the idea still delights us.

History of Ballroom Dance

The traditions of the ballroom began when European courts started adapting folk dances into something more sophisticated and posh.⁽¹⁾ These intricate adaptations became something to learn and practice—often under the instruction of a relative or dance master. The exact date ballroom dance came into existence is difficult to peg—likely around the late 1600s to early 1700s.⁽²⁾ From then on, it gained steadily in both popularity and importance. The ballroom became a stage to show off grace, style, and social prowess: not just a pastime, but an integrated part of upper-class life and an essential subject in any well-to-do child’s education.⁽³⁾

Short Stories - Eyes of the Moon

(A stab at ancient, poetic prose) 

     Thick the scent of baked green things rises heavy from the earth. Light hangs low and dusky over the fields, warming the bows of trees and brushing the grasses in painted gold. But the hour grows late, and the glory is fading.

     Low the light falls, softer grow the shadows, ‘till all is grey with dusk.

Illustration: Berry Picking

Just a bunch of wasps. 

  

Random Topic Generator: Anthrax

     So, first things first: what is anthrax?  Some may remember it from the news back in 2001, but even so--and for anyone that didn’t catch that series of stories--it’s so rare these day it could use a bit of recap.

     Anthrax is an infection caused by the spores of the bacteria Bacillus anthracis.  This disease usually affects grazing animals--sheep, cows, goats, etc.--but under certain circumstances can be passed on to humans as well.(1)  Animals get the disease by ingesting or inhaling spores while grazing, and humans get it by coming in contact with infected animals: handling ill livestock or corpses, eating contaminated meat, or working with other infected products such as wool or animal skins.(2)

Illustration: Goose Girl

In which a pedestrian encounters a goose.

Prompt Writing - The Harp

 

     The kits rampaged through the room, bouncing off the walls and ceiling, tallons taking chunks out of anything softer than stone. The bard made a mental note to thank the man who had removed all the furniture. The broods' mother was turning flustered circles in the middle of the room, snarling and barking at the pack with little effect. She was putting dents in the stone and looked ready to put the whole place up in flames if it would only get the young ones' attention. She kept looking at the bard with an exasperated expression he didn't understand. It was making him uncomfortable.

Illustaration: Octopus Lunch