IntroductionIn the late Middle Ages the greatest and most deadly outbreak of infectious disease in history ravaged Europe. Known today as the Black Death, it eventually killed between one-third and a half of the population. The disease, which is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, was carried by fleas living on the rats that were found in ports and on board ships. Humans were usually infected by the bite of a flea, a...

I am at a loss now and I don't understand what this world is coming to. Since when is it possible to put a dollar amount on a person’s life? My heart is breaking for the families who lost loves ones in the recent tragedies and the people that witness them. However, accidents happen every day, if we seek compensation for witnessing these events. How is this going to help? Where does this end? If we come across a car accide...

I had never been more appreciative in this life until last summer. It had just come on right on time. At the time when I was all tired out by school. The school year had been so stressful more especially because I was a senior and I had to work extra harder so as to be accepted into a good college. Finally when summer came, we had a school trip to the Bahamas, and it had us all excited about it, and finally, it was here....

Blasted AUTEC Range! D.. submarines! They're right. All we are is pond scum targets. Oh well no St. Croix visit AGAIN. Wait, we're setting sea and anchor detail? Cool! Even if we are end of pier, I'll get to see that crescent shaped beach finally. Better get below and take the watch. CSOW here I come.Our Captain had some pull so we got to have two Laser sailboats as part of our welfare and recreation deal. Not bad for a D...

Chapter 13 Guess Who’s Back.Marvin had docked his cloaked ship and teleported into the engine room of the Screaming Mia, killing everyone who was there. Then he plugged a device into the Ship's computer and transmitted a virus to disable the ship’s AI, and turned off the main power.The backup lighting and life support were still working, but gravity had been reduced. The door opened, and two more men entered, Marvin spun...

One journey came to an end today. Just a short trip out and away. Getting some time to myself and smelling the desert air. I arrived home after a ten-hour drive from Abilene, Texas. I do miss the feeling of the desert where I grew up. It has never seemed lifeless and barren as some would have you believe. It is full of growth, of hope, and of redemption. I'm home now. Ready to begin again. The fight continues. As I recoun...

He lay stretched out on the narrow iron framed bed Idly staring at the cracked and blotchy ceiling, Its surface resembling a map of no man's land, A senseless wilderness of craters and barbed wire. Unthinking, his mind was empty of all feeling Other than a sense of utter futility, A weariness that had seeped into his marrow Like the water bleeding from the walls of the trench Whose narrow confines had become his entire wo...

Without another word, Ripley ran down the corridor. Sarah followed in hot pursuit. Sarah’s lungs felt like they were going to give out on her. They stumbled into the lab to find the group scattered around the floor again. “What happened?” asked Sarah. “It’s gone!” said Selena. “That damn pscybotic is gone!” “How did that happen!?” asked Ripley, shocked. “I set the remote. She... was reprogrammed. How could she be gone?” “...

If you ask me who I love, this is what I'll say;The man whose love for me, grows deeper every day;The man who knows the thoughts, deep within my mind;The man who can be so stubborn, but is more often so very kind;This man calls me his Little Bird, I call him Honeybee;He's the holder of my heart and the only one for me.

My special dream last night, was so vivid and so clear;We were as one - together; He was with me - right here;I gazed into his dark brown eyes as we released our soulful sighs;So pure and sweet - such ecstasy; to have my man make love with me;He then rose slowly - kissed me deep; and said "My love, enjoy your sleep."

Dinner on the pier,A stroll along the sand,Stop to watch the sunset,Standing hand in hand;Casually, he leans over,Asks, "Babe, would you likeanother date like this?'Before I can answerhe softly kisses me on the lips.

I remember the day the call came in, June 21, 2013, two days after my fourth anniversary and just over three years from my last full-time work day. My husband had left the day before and was in New Mexico driving an eighteen-wheeler so we could make ends meet. I was sitting in my living room wearing my pajamas, chatting with him on the phone and having coffee. An email came in telling me that a principal had a fifth-grade...

Such a load she had to bear, unbeatable pain was always there;She was so brave and dignified; despite it all, she seldom cried;When told she wouldn't make it through, she insisted there was more to do;She wasn't ready to give in yet; stronger chemo was her bet;She had such plans; she had to live; continue fighting so she could give,the world her love and heart and soul; To beat the demon was her goal;Our Lord had differen...

Halloween isn't widely celebrated in New Zealand. It's more of an American thing, but I have noticed that now it is slowly starting to catch on over here. The local Plaza now stock Halloween costumes, and not just for children, as I have seen in previous years, adult costumes are now on sale. Anything from the classic sexy French maid and sexy nurse, witches, wizards and Disney Princesses and other characters to the very...

Her name is Betty Bowens, though all the neighborhood kids call her Betty Bones, and she lives in the old house at the end of the street with her three dead children. They are dead; she is not, merely old, very old. Her children died of different causes, at different times: hit-and-run, cancer, suicide. Two were adults when they died, the cancer and the suicide. Her boy Tristan, poor lovely Tristan, he was the hit-and-run...