Magpie, n.: A bird whose thievish disposition suggested to someone that it might be taught to talk.

ARRAYED, pp. Drawn up and given an orderly disposition, as a rioter hanged to a lamppost.

PHOENIX, n. The classical prototype of the modern "small hot bird."

Time's thievish progress to eternity.

Ansel taught a workshop in Yosemite which I happened to attend. We talked. He suggested I come work for him after I finished school. Ansel was then in his 80s. I was his photographic assistant until his death in 1984, after which I worked with his friend Mary Alinder on Ansel's biography. The entire experience was very much a privilege.

Rum, n. Generically, fiery liquors that produce madness in total abstainers.