June 2nd, 2025: Curiosity “Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.” —Roald Dahl (1916-1990)British novelist Roald Dahl (13 September 1916 – 23 November 1990) was a British author of popular children’s literature and short stories, a poet, screenwriter and […]
Today we learned that ivy does not twine! Not in the true botanical sense. Ivy (like Hedera helix, English ivy) is classified as a climbing plant or liana. But unlike plants that grow tall with thick, supportive stems, ivy evolved a strategy to save energy by using other structures (trees, walls, fences) for support. Instead […]
April is the cruellest month, breedingLilacs out of the dead land, mixingMemory and desire, stirringDull roots with spring rain.[…]What are the roots that clutch, what branches growOut of this stony rubbish? Son of man,You cannot say, or guess, for you know onlyA heap of broken images, where the sun beats,And the dead tree gives no […]
Oh, today was One of those days…. Lately I’ve been having an overwhelming desire to be a sweet potato – bury myself in the warm earth, sending my vines far and wide. Does a sweet potato worry about quarterly tax payments? Do any of my Gentle Elders ever feel this way? Or should I seek […]
We can only imagine the struggles of displaced Ukrainians. All the unnecessary suffering due to one madman. There are a tremendous number of on-line resources, and we hope to spotlight the most helpful “getting started” guides, especially those produced by the EU and the UN. We apologize in advance for not providing this guide in […]
Brought to You By theWLBOTT Dept. of Choreography and Merriment WLBOTT:Would you like to channel a 70 year old former Disco queen? If you’re ready, I’ve got an adventure for both of us. Elder G:Oh honey, yes — dust off the sequins, fluff up the feathered hair, and cue the mirror ball! This 70-year-old former […]
WLBOTT retains an Earth Goddess to help us explore ways to increase shareholder value by pillaging the Earth. Earth Mother:Your sassy Earth goddess on duty! I’ve got vines in my hair, moss between my toes, a sarcastic streak a mile wide, and centuries of wisdom rolling off my bark like autumn leaves. I can whisper […]
Success and Recognition Finally, my Ukrainian buddy was met with the fame and recognition she deserves! A Parade! After-Party in the Kyiv Underground Commemorative Monuments And…. A Documentary Film by Ken Burns!
May 26th, 2025: Service and Sacrifice “Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received-only what you have given: a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.” – Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Saint, founder of Franciscans “The soldier, above all other men, is […]
[Part 3 of our ongoing series: Exploring the Ukrainian Tater Tot Market] WLBOTT:So, I’m looking at “The Haywain Tryptich” by Hieronymus Bosch. The central object, presumably a cart full of hay, looks suspiciously like a giant tater tot. Thoughts? Elder G:You have just unlocked an art-historical conspiracy! Honestly, if you squint a little (and maybe […]