Life

Is There A Vocal Top Story Effect?
Introduction Someone told me recently they had suggested to Vocal that one of their stories should have been a Top Story and it was given the accolade. It is a good story, but do comments and direct messages influence Vocal's choice of Top Stories?
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 2 years ago in Writers
La Liga - Bellingham World Wave + stoppage time winner Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1
The 11th round of La Liga national Derby, Barcelona at home against Real Madrid. The first half of the low shot in front of the first record, the second half Bellingham world wave equaliser, stoppage time Bellingham in front of the goal to complete the kill. In the end, Real Madrid reversed Barcelona 2-1 away, and the team rose to the top of the table with 28 points in 11 rounds.
By LiuPengCheng2 years ago in Writers
anti-bullying as world-building
We’ve all been teased at one point or another in our lives. In the same way, we have all probably done some teasing of our own—both bullied and bully, a relentlessly self-perpetuating cycle. One which seems to defy most attempts to stop it. What can we do to end the cruelty that frequently defines our experiences growing up, making friends, building careers, or navigating the salty waters of the internet? I’ve pondered this question for decades, attempting to articulate the profoundly personal. That which I know does not exist in a vacuum yet feels so isolated and singular. I know better, though, and seek the systemic. I seek the birdcage, as Marilyn Frye has called it, and see bullying as one of the many bars comprising its enclosure.
By kp2 years ago in Writers
The shadow of Lost Son of a billionaire.
In the dusty dusk of 2003, Kitgum, a small town in Uganda, held its breath. The sun, weary from a day's labour, began its descent, casting long shadows on the rugged terrain. Among these shadows, young Isaac Pitkomi heir to the Pitkomi’s fortune, embarked on his usual journey home from school, 100 kilometers away.
By Christopher Otika Kilama2 years ago in Writers
Am I a writer?. Top Story - November 2023.
“Am I a writer?” I ask myself this question often. Too often. Why do I second guess myself on something I love doing and have done since the age of 10, for what reason? I have no idea. There is no real point in asking if I’m a writer or not because the truth is I have never stopped writing for most of my life. Perhaps what I’m really asking is if I’m good enough to call myself a writer. I know I am comparing myself to the writers I look up to and for that reason I feel I cannot call myself a writer. But as these thoughts go through my head I cannot help but continue my writing journey, writing is part of my life and something I have needed to do my whole life.
By Lily2 years ago in Writers
"Resolute Reflections: Turning the Page on Lost Love"
"After a lengthy hiatus, I found myself flipping through the pages of my long-neglected diary. Your name, meticulously inscribed on almost every page, greeted me. Reading those words was a bittersweet experience, as I reflected on all the unspoken thoughts, unrevealed emotions, and abandoned intentions I had meant to share with you—lost to the passage of time.
By Ellys Spary2 years ago in Writers
Tim in the world of Halloween
Once upon a time, in a small town nestled between the hills, there lived a curious little boy named Tim. Halloween was his favorite time of the year, and he couldn’t wait to explore the mysterious world of spooks and goblins. Little did he know, this Halloween was going to be unlike any other.
By Ninprut2 years ago in Writers
To My Younger Self
Where to begin... Well, for starters, living and existing hard and will always be hard. It's a never-ending cycle of amazing highs and horrific lows. Sometimes those lows got too close to the edge for you and well...you somehow pulled through every time.
By Angel Adagio2 years ago in Writers
My Rescue Cat Now Demands a Boyfriend
Houdini has a list of complaints. Unbelievable. I am in the kitchen minding my own business, making my morning coffee when she jumps up to the counter and stares at me. The usual.
By Rene Volpi 2 years ago in Writers
The Charmed Tradition of Luna:
Some time ago in an unusual little town named Harmonyville, there carried on with an unprecedented young lady named Luna. Luna was known all through the town for her limitless creative mind and her propensity for giving pleasure to people around her. She was continuously looking for experience and diversion, and one bright morning, she awakened with a splendid thought that would change the town until the end of time.
By Alex Kimutai Koech2 years ago in Writers
Navigating Heartbreak: A Journey to Self-Discovery and Healing
It’s a feeling that’s all too familiar: the sting of heartbreak. It’s something that we all experience at some point in our lives, but it can be difficult to navigate. The pain and sadness that comes with heartbreak can be overwhelming and it can be hard to know how to move forward. But, with the right guidance and support, heartbreak can also be a journey of self-discovery and healing. The Pain of Heartbreak is a difficult thing to go through, no matter your age or the situation. It can be an incredibly painful and isolating experience. It can feel like you’re the only one in the world who is struggling and that no one can understand what you’re going through. It can be hard to see past the pain and sadness and it can be difficult to imagine ever feeling happy again. But, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Heartbreak is a part of life and it’s something that we all go through at some point. It’s a normal feeling and it’s okay to feel sad and overwhelmed. It’s also important to remember that the pain of heartbreak won’t last forever.
By Lakhan2 years ago in Writers
Ana & Jack
There was a certain dispute that came across the land. Some was for war and some was for peace. To every part there seem to be a different opinion. And the younger was against the older. And the communities feuded. Many people were in an uproar. But not Jack, Jack was smooth like butter and he was cunning. His family was a military family. He grew up idolizing generals and military heroes. His whole life was set before him and he was ready to start his life on the brigade. And then there was Ana, Ana was lovely and Ana was beautiful and she was promised at a young age to choose from many suitors. Ana was picture perfect and a wonderful attitude about life. She grew up in fair conditions and she was infatuated with smarts and looks and cleverness. It so happened that Jack was stationed in the reserve in Ana's city. Jack was serious about his job and he did not want to jeopardized his career, his family honor and his livelihood. He would wear his uniform constantly and would not loosen up for nobody. And after several months, just when he was about to get his promotion. And he was set on an assignment near Ana's family. And after a few times the two met eye to eye, Jack brushed her off because he was afraid of love. Yet Ana kept coming and she was clever to him. First she would talk sweet to him and he would gently smile with the troops. Then she would come near asking many questions about what troops do and Ana made a joke and had the officers laughing. And when Jack overheard the joke, he threw off his hat and roll laughing and he asked his officers for whom made the joke. However they forgot about Ana. And when she appeared again interested in the officers, Jack was busy doing something. And Ana made a joke again and had the whole troop laughing. And one of them called Jack and Jack came laughing throwing his helmet in the air. And Ana shocked, she caught the helmet. "You might not wanna do that stud. Throw your helmet in a frenzy. You might hurt somebody," Ana said. "Well look out. Cause that was the funniest joke I ever heard and you. Wait a minute you are that funny. You are that cute. You are that beautiful with all that sass." Jack said. And Ana signed and Jack slowly drew closer. "Not in my wildest dreams did I think you would be so much. Hey what's your name." The officers came and pull Jack away and told him that's the woman with the jokes and beauty, Ana. And they pulled Jack away saying his name. Ana in excitement rushed back home and told her parents she met someone and that he was the love of her life and his name. Sometime later, Ana's parents hired men to chopped trees in the back woods. And Ana was curious and chatting with her friends. And her friends were curious about the woodmen so they asked Ana if they could look. And low and behold her friends begged, pleaded and forced Ana to look while Ana was explaining that her heart is for only one man. As she was saying this and about to say his name. She looked unwillingly and one of the men came near. He had no shirt on, medium built and sweating from the labor and her friends thought he was coming toward them. And Ana scarely close her eyes and turn. And he walked slowly and stood behind her. It was Jack and he called her name gently. Ana slightly ignored and then he said his name and reminded her of her joke. "Ana you can look at me. I want you. It's Jack Ana. I did this job for you," exclaimed Jack. Ana turned ever so gently and exclaimed "Heyyyyyy Jack. Woooo Jack." And Jack fell to his knees and kiss Ana's hands and begged her to get married. And Ana told her friends to get her parents. And her parents saw the two and knew they were in loved.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers