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Sun, Feb 1, 2026

3:04am EST

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Carrion Luggage

by Robert Waltz

Rated: 18+ · Book · Opinion · #2336646

Items to fit into your overhead compartment

Carrion Luggage

Native to the Americas, the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) travels widely in search of sustenance. While usually foraging alone, it relies on other individuals of its species for companionship and mutual protection. Sometimes misunderstood, sometimes feared, sometimes shunned, it nevertheless performs an important role in the ecosystem.

This scavenger bird is a marvel of efficiency. Rather than expend energy flapping its wings, it instead locates uplifting columns of air, and spirals within them in order to glide to greater heights. This behavior has been mistaken for opportunism, interpreted as if it is circling doomed terrestrial animals destined to be its next meal. In truth, the vulture takes advantage of these thermals to gain the altitude needed glide longer distances, flying not out of necessity, but for the joy of it.

It also avoids the exertion necessary to capture live prey, preferring instead to feast upon that which is already dead. In this behavior, it resembles many humans.

It is not what most of us would consider to be a pretty bird. While its habits are often off-putting, or even disgusting, to members of more fastidious species, the turkey vulture helps to keep the environment from being clogged with detritus. Hence its Latin binomial, which translates to English as "golden purifier."

I rarely know where the winds will take me next, or what I might find there. The journey is the destination.

Show Recent Comments

10 Most Recent Blog Comments:

TJ says, "keep on keeping on!"

about 6 hours ago
In response to "We'll Always Have Paris"

I don't think anyone enjoys rejection. Persnally I think I have Moron Sensitive Dysphoria.

Robert Waltz

about 14 hours ago
In response to "We'll Always Have Paris"

All the comments here are fair. Just a few additional things to say:

1) I don't think the article implies that everyone with diagnosed ADHD also has crippling rejection anxiety.

2) I hadn't heard of the animal rescue work. I applaud that. Thing is, that's not what PH is known for; she's known for having fallen out of the right vagina. That doesn't make her a good or bad person, just privileged (and that's not always bad).

3) Yes, things have to be recognized before being included in the DSM. From my understanding, that document changes all the time with new research. Which is, frankly, as it should be. Hell, early versions listed homosexuality as a mental illness. We know better now, or at least most of us (and science) do. (Of course everyone, straight, gay, or otherwise, can have other mental illnesses.)

and 4) I agree that it's a problem. I'm just not sure naming it solves it, or even moves in the direction of solving it. Still, I guess, if it makes people feel better to go "I'm not weird; I'm diagnosed," okay. Just... I'm frustrated that people listen to celebrities of questionable credentials instead of scientists for this sort of thing. If someone famous wants to use their platform to promote science, I'm all for it. But as the article notes, it's not an accepted diagnosis, at least not yet.

3 Like

Elisa, Stik of Clubs

about 14 hours ago
In response to "We'll Always Have Paris"

Do keep in mind that there is lag time between a condition being identified and research actually demonstrating how it can come about. In this case, I actually am willing to cut RSD a break because it actually can be debilitating. We have seen it in action right here on WDC. What I think this entry misses is that RSD tends to often tie into communication difficulties associated with various forms of neurodivergence. RSD is a good shorthand for multiple facets of a person being rejected at a time.

1 Like

Jayne

about 14 hours ago
In response to "We'll Always Have Paris"

Two true things here:

1. The lack of something in the DSM-5 has done a lot people significant harm over the years, so the fact that it doesn't list something doesn't automatically make it invalid (as a late-diagnosed woman with ADHD who is super salty about said lack).

I imagine the inclusion of things in the DSM-5 is probably equally problematic at times.

2. The whole article is just...nah. I do appreciate her coming forward to be honest about this kind of struggle, and I don't disagree that a high number of anecdotes might warrant investigation, but zero empirical research while making it sound like science is just a crap way to start framing anything.

3. I concede Annette's point that people are complicated.

Okay, three things. Three things are true.

3 Like

Annette

about 15 hours ago
In response to "We'll Always Have Paris"

Paris Hilton, with all of her socialite flaws, was a HUGE driver of finding, saving, fostering, sheltering, healing pets after the January 2025 fires.
She used her notoriety, money, and time to keep those animals in the news. She donated a large amount and egged on her supporters to donate to animal shelters.
She also fostered a dog until his original family was settled enough to take him back.

She's a weird one, but a good weird.

Her mental health struggles are... whatever man.

Can I join your "Don't touch my eyeballs" support group?

3 Like

Lazy Writer est 4/24/2008

about 15 hours ago
In response to "We'll Always Have Paris"

I rarely listen to anything a celebrity has to say..I think a fear of rejection is normal in most people..who wants to be rejected NO ONE. ADHD is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Both my grandchildren suffer from it. Some of my neices and nephews..they are highly intelligent and do not have a fear of rejection. Just my thoughts.

2 Like

Annette

a day ago
In response to "Up On Blocks"

Hello Robert Waltz

,

I think that now, with the current real-world situation the USA is in, this would be great as a longer short story. Like 5,000 to 10,000 words.

It would shine a light on the absurdity of the former beacon of freedom to have become the place where dreams and progress goes to die.

1 Like

TJ says, "keep on keeping on!"

a day ago
In response to "Welcome Back, Cotterite"

Some angry leprechaun in Rockforest is cussing about someone stealing his cotterite.

💘 Richard 💘

a day ago
In response to "Welcome Back, Cotterite"

You asked for it!

Did you hear about the fire at the leprechaun shoe factory? Many soles were lost.

2 Like

TJ says, "keep on keeping on!"

Jan 29, 2026 at 4:05pm
In response to "Get the Lead Out"

"And that, folks, is the true alchemy..." I say the alchemy is for a writer to finish with an ending this spectacular; great entry and a great way to end it.

1 Like

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