HEARTICLES: Articles with Heart

Kemberlee Shortland, Copyright December 2011 "Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If you see it in The Sun, it's so." Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus? ~ Virginia O'Hanlon " Have you ever wondered if there really was a Saint Nicholas? And if he existed, what happened to him? He really did exist you know, and I can tell you what happened to him. Nicholas was born in Patara of Lycia, Turkey, sometime in the middle of the 3rd century. His birth date is disputed as being somewhere between 245-271AD. He was the only child born to wealthy parents who provided him with a very Christian upbringing. Unfortunately, Nicholas was orphaned at an early age when his parents died of the Plague and was sent to live in the monastery in Myra. Under the guidance of the bishop there, Nicholas was educated and became ordained in his 20s. At the age of 30, on the death of the bishop, Nicholas was elected...

I am impelled, not to squeak like a grateful and apologetic mouse, but to roar like a lion out of pride in my profession. ~ John Steinbeck John Steinbeck's acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize 10 December 1962 -- I thank the Swedish Academy for finding my work worthy of this highest honor. In my heart there may be doubt that I deserve the Nobel award over other men of letters whom I hold in respect and reverence - but there is no question of my pleasure and pride in having it for myself. It is customary for the recipient of this award to offer personal or scholarly comment on the nature and the direction of literature. At this particular time, however, I think it would be well to consider the high duties and the responsibilities of the makers of literature. Such is the prestige of the Nobel award and of this place where I stand that I am impelled, not to squeak like a grateful and apologetic mouse, but to roar like a lion out of pride in my profession and in the great and good men...

Etymology Simply put, etymology is the study of the history of words, their origins, and how their form and meaning have changed over time. Etymology is an early 14th century word derived from Greek word etumologíā -- from étumon , meaning 'true sense', and logía , meaning 'study'. Effectively, etymology is a study of the true sense of words. Etymology is pronounced et-uh-mol-uh-jee . In this new series, I'm looking at some common, everyday words and discuss their etymology . . . where they came from, their development, and how they're used today. This exercise is an effort to help you learn about the words we take for granted today, and how using the proper word will help enhance your writing, as well as your reading. Today's word is CUPBOARD -- The term cupboard comes from the original cup board -- literally a board for storing cups. This term goes back to the 12th century as cuppebord when cups and mugs were stored on boards, often stacked on top of ea...

Sometimes when we have too much going at one time, we run the risk of dropping a ball or three. And no matter how many to-do lists we have, regardless of scheduling, and even with the best of intentions, the ball can drop. And it did. But . . . like the old adage goes about getting back on the horse, we're back in the saddle, balls in hand, and ready to bring you some amazing pieces we hope you will enjoy. Here's a glimpse of what's up for the rest of the year -- The Story -- This is a three-piece series to help you plot your story . . . the beginning, the middle, and the end. Tightening Your Writing -- This is another three-piece series to help you get rid of passive writing, show you how to get the most out of word usage, and how to avoid overwriting. Keys to Writing Erotica -- This series will help you write a great erotica by effective use of emotion, making sure you have a good story, and creating engaging characters. Yes, even erotica stories need likeable characte...

January is the first month of the year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. The first day of the month is known as New Year's Day. And, on average, it's the coldest month of the year within most of the Northern Hemisphere. The name January has its beginnings in Roman mythology, coming from the Latin word for door (ianua) – January is the door to the year. January is named after Janus, the god of the doorway. Although March was originally the first month in the old Roman Calendar, January became the first month of the calendar year under Numa about 450 BC. Historical names for January include its original Roman designation, Ianuarius, the Saxon term Wulf-monath (wolf month) and Charlemagne's designation Wintarmanoth (winter/cold month). The first of January is not only the door to the new year, it's also a time when people make resolutions. Resolutions are new commitments an individual makes to a personal goal, project, the reforming of a habit, or a lifestyle ch...