end of journey meaning

• Grief Quotes

26 Famous Quotes About the End of a Journey

Updated 04/19/2024

Published 10/11/2022

Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education

Contributing writer

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Sometimes you know that your life is about to change, but other times an unexpected event causes you to change course. You may be searching for the perfect end-of-a-journey quote as you contemplate your change. Here are some to consider. 

We have found quotes for graduating, retiring, or going on a journey. And if you consider death an end-of-journey event, we also have selections.

Jump ahead to these sections:

End of a journey quotes for graduation, end of a journey quotes for retirement, end of a journey quotes for a trip or adventure, end of a journey quotes for a funeral or memorial service.

Graduation is undoubtedly a significant life event. So here are some post-worthy quotes to use as you (or your friend or family member) enter the next phase of life.

1. “The heights by great men reached and kept/ Were not attained by sudden flight,/ But they, while their companions slept,/ Were toiling upward in the night.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Share this quote with someone who persevered through a tough educational challenge. 

2. “It has always seemed strange to me that in our endless discussions about education so little stress is laid on the pleasure of becoming an educated person, the enormous interest it adds to life. To be able to be caught up into the world of thought – that is to be educated.” – Edith Hamilton

Perhaps the graduate may not feel the “pleasure of becoming an educated person” so soon after graduation. 

3. “You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world.” – Tom Brokaw

Sometimes the best part about ending a phase of life is looking forward to the next one.

4. “Instruction ends in the schoolroom, but education ends only with life.” – Frederick W. Robertson

Sometimes the most important lessons are learned outside the classroom.

Some count the days until retirement, and others look at it with trepidation. Here are quotes that describe both types of outlooks.

5. “At every point in the human journey we find that we have to let go in order to move forward; and letting go means dying a little. In the process we are being created anew, awakened afresh to the source of our being.” – Kathleen R. Fischer

Surprisingly, you may find it hard to let go of your job. So here are some words of encouragement for those who face retirement with trepidation.

6. “Getting something done is an accomplishment; getting something done right is an achievement.” – Unknown

Are you celebrating someone who contributed significantly to your organization? Here’s a quote for someone who always went above and beyond.

7. “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

As you reflect on your career and look forward to your future endeavors, remember that WHO you are is just as important as what you have accomplished (or will accomplish.)

There are a lot of quotes about embarking on a trip or adventure. However, few can describe the bittersweet end of a journey. So, here are some end-of-a-journey quotes that may help explain how you feel.

8. “Each difficult moment has the potential to open my eyes and open my heart.” – Myla Kabat-Zinn

Sometimes trips are difficult and painful. This quote describes how to look on the bright side of such experiences.

9. “Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

You've likely seen this quote on Instagram posts or used by travel bloggers. Yes, this quote is overused. However, it may perfectly describe your love of adventure.

10. “I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

We love this quote! International travel – especially to countries significantly different from yours – can irrevocably change you.

11. “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain

We have all had that painful travel experience. Hopefully, yours changed you for the better.

12. “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by” — Robert Frost

This quote is from Robert Frost’s famous poem “The Road Not Traveled.” It’s often used at graduations but could work for any journey.

13. “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” – John A. Shedd

Please accept our condolences if you recently lost a loved one. You may be looking for quotes about death for the funeral slideshow or service, so here are some to consider. 

Turn to Cake’s blog for additional help. These quotes might tell you if your loved one traveled a difficult road. And, of course, you might need help writing the eulogy for the service. 

14. “It is the will of God and Nature that these mortal bodies be laid aside, when the soul is to enter into real life; ’tis rather an embryo state, a preparation for living; a man is not completely born until he be dead: Why then should we grieve that a new child is born among the immortals?” – Benjamin Franklin

This quote is perfect for someone who needs reassurance that their loved one is enjoying the afterlife. 

15. “There are things that we don’t want to happen but have to accept, things we don’t want to know but have to learn, and people we can’t live without but have to let go.” – Unknown

Some end-of-journey quotes focus on the deceased, while this encourages those left behind. 

16. “For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity.” – William Penn

Here’s another quote about continuing life’s journey after death.

17. “When he shall die/ Take him and cut him out in little stars/ And he will make the face of heav’n so fine/ That all the world will be in love with night/ And pay no worship to the garish sun.” – William Shakespeare

These lines from Romeo and Juliet give a romantic view of death. Juliet speaks these words about her star-crossed lover.

18. “I can assure you that those who have already passed have not only made it to the Other Side, but are in a state of bliss.” – Sylvia Browne

Sylvia Browne wrote these reassuring words in the Journal of Love & Healing. 

19. “There is a land of the living and a land of the dead and the bridge is love, the only survival, the only meaning.” – Thornton Wilder

Thornton Wilder was an American playwright, most famous for his work “Our Town.”

20. “Death is nothing at all,/ I have only slipped into the next room/ I am I and you are you/ whatever we were to each other, that we are still.” – Henry Scott Holland

These beautiful lines open Henry Scott Holland’s poem “All Is Well.” You may consider using this piece during your loved one’s service or funeral slideshow.

21. “Your body is away from me/ but there is a window open/ from my heart to yours./ From this window, like the moon/ I keep sending news secretly.” – Rumi

Can poems be considered quotes? We think so. This short piece is “The Window” by Rumi. Readers will be comforted by the idea that their loved one is on the ultimate journey.

22. “The journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take” – J.R.R. Tolkien

This is the second quote by Tolkien on our list. 

23. “For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one” – Khalil Gibran

Khalil Gibran is the author of “The Prophet.”

24. “Only a moment you stayed, but what an imprint your footprints have left on our hearts” – Dorothy Ferguson

Are you saying goodbye to someone who wasn’t long on this Earth? Here is a quote to describe how you feel about your loved one’s passing.

25. “Perhaps passing through the gates of death is like passing quietly through the gate in a pasture fence. On the other side, you keep walking, without the need to look back. No shock, no drama, just the lifting of a plank or two in a simple wooden gate in a clearing. Neither pain, nor floods of light, nor great voices, but just the silent crossing of a meadow” – Mark Helprin

This quote could also offer great comfort to someone suffering a loss.

26. “Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation” – Rumi

This quote could be used for many different purposes – for someone retiring, moving, – or for someone who passed.

The End? Or a New Beginning?

We hope these quotes offer comfort and peace to those of you who are facing a significant transition. You may also look for poems or songs about journeys and change. Even if these words are no comfort, you may feel some solace knowing that others have faced similar difficulties. 

Categories:

• Grief Quotes, Prayers & More
• Quotes About Death
• Funeral & Memorial Poems
• Grief Poems
• Poems About Death

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• journey's end

noun as in destination

Strongest matches

Strong matches

Weak matches

• landing place
• resting place

noun as in finish line

Strongest match

• finishing line
• destination
• stopping place

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Example sentences.

The nearer we drew to the journeys end, the more restless and anxious I became.

Now, after the greater part of the day spent on the cars, the somewhat tired Lookouts were nearing their journeys end.

Indeed, all his journeys end with more or less hearty thanksgivings for a safe return.

We have come to our journeys end and must leave these lonely quarters for those haunts frequented by foreigners.

By this I had scarcely any hope—or fear—that I should find her at our journeys end.

Related Words

Words related to journey's end are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word journey's end . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

noun as in goal; place one wants to go

noun as in line where race ends

On this page you'll find 31 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to journey's end, such as: harbor, haven, station, stop, target, and terminal.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

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• English Only

journey's end vs. journey ends

• Thread starter Narkom
• Start date Feb 13, 2020

Senior Member

• Feb 13, 2020

At the station was our journey's end. At the station our journey reached its end. At the station our journey ended. Do these sentences mean the same thing? Thanks!  

I suppose they mean the same, but the inverted subject and verb in the first sentence seem a little odd, and I would expect "the station" to be the subject (without "at").  

Thank you very much, Uncle Jack!  

"Journey's end" makes it sound like an aspirational trip. Something that was looked forward to and had finally come to an end. The other options sound like you went on a trip and got to your destination.  

Narkom said: At the station was our journey's end. Click to expand...

• Miscellaneous
• Poems about the End of a Journey: Reflections and Revelations

Embarking on a journey leads us through uncharted territories, both in the external world and within ourselves. We traverse landscapes, encounter diverse cultures, and undergo personal transformations. However, it is in the end of a journey where we find ourselves contemplating the experiences and lessons that shaped us along the way. Poets, with their profound ability to capture emotions and express complex thoughts, have penned numerous poems that explore this poignant moment of arrival, where one journey concludes and another begins. In this article, we will delve into some remarkable poems that beautifully encapsulate the essence of the end of a journey.

1. "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost

2. "ithaka" by c.p. cavafy, 3. "the road not taken" by robert frost.

One of the most beloved poems by Robert Frost, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," takes us on a journey through a winter landscape. In the final stanza, Frost reflects upon the allure of the tranquil woods and the responsibility that awaits beyond:

These repeated lines emphasize the importance of honoring commitments and persevering, even as the poet is captivated by the beauty and serenity of the woods. It encapsulates the end of a personal journey where the poet must choose between indulging in solitary contemplation and fulfilling obligations.

In the poem "Ithaka," C.P. Cavafy draws inspiration from Homer's Odyssey to explore the concept of the journey as a metaphor for life. The poem encourages us to focus on the process rather than the destination, emphasizing the transformative power of the journey itself. The concluding stanza reads:

Cavafy's words remind us that reaching the end of a journey is not about acquiring material possessions or achieving specific goals. Instead, it is about the knowledge gained, the wisdom acquired, and the personal growth experienced along the way.

Another renowned poem by Robert Frost, "The Road Not Taken," explores the choices we make and the paths we follow in life. It contemplates the end of a journey, where one looks back and wonders about the untraveled roads. The closing lines of the poem beautifully encapsulate this sentiment:

Here, Frost encourages us to reflect on the choices we have made and the impact they have had on our lives. The poem serves as a reminder that the end of a journey allows us to contemplate the roads we have taken and the growth that has resulted from our unique decisions.

Poems about the end of a journey offer us a moment of introspection and reflection. They remind us to cherish the experiences, wisdom, and growth that the journey itself has bestowed upon us. Whether it is Frost's contemplation of responsibilities in "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," Cavafy's focus on the transformative power of the journey in "Ithaka," or Frost's contemplation of choices in "The Road Not Taken," these poems capture the essence of the profound moments that mark the end of a journey. They encourage us to embrace the new beginnings that await us and appreciate the transformative power of our personal odysseys.

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• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of journey in English

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journey noun [C] ( TRIP )

• She gave the children some candy to chew on during the long car journey.
• The journey was quite quick because the road was clear .
• I expect you'd like to rest after your long journey.
• We did the journey to Wales in five hours .
• The train journey took us through a valley past rolling hills .
• break-journey
• circumnavigation

journey noun [C] ( EXPERIENCES )

• adaptive evolution
• advance the cause
• advancement
• formatively
• from A to B idiom
• punctuated equilibrium

journey noun [C] ( BOOK )

• absorptive capacity
• achievement gap
• acquisition
• know better (than someone ) idiom
• know better (than to do something ) idiom
• know something from something
• know something like the back of your hand idiom
• know your way around something idiom
• orientation
• recognition
• study holiday
• study under someone
• subspeciality
• subspecialize
• around Robin Hood's barn idiom
• baggage drop
• communication
• first class
• peripatetically
• public transportation
• super-commuting

journey | Intermediate English

Examples of journey, collocations with journey.

These are words often used in combination with journey .

Click on a collocation to see more examples of it.

Translations of journey

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a very small company, especially a family-owned company employing only a few people

Fakes and forgeries (Things that are not what they seem to be)

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[ jur -nee ]

a six-day journey across the desert.

Synonyms: tour , jaunt , excursion

a desert journey.

a week's journey.

the journey to success.

verb (used without object)

Synonyms: peregrinate , rove , roam

/ ˈdʒɜːnɪ /

• a travelling from one place to another; trip or voyage
• the distance travelled in a journey
• the time taken to make a journey
• intr to make a journey

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Derived forms.

• ˈjourneyer , noun

Other Words From

• journey·er noun
• outjourney verb (used with object) outjourneyed outjourneying

Word History and Origins

Origin of journey 1

Synonym Study

Example sentences.

If either is selected, it would not launch until 2026 at the earliest, and would take at least a few months to make the journey.

The job is a cherry on top, but the journey and the experience of being able to audition and leave your heart in the room and feel good about it, no matter what happens, that’s rare and that was amazing.

Cross-device measurement helps connect the dots of your customer’s journey and ensures you know how effective your campaigns are at driving user behavior.

You are somewhat of a new grandmother and you’ve been enjoying that journey.

Instead of having numerous articles addressing each of these particular questions, brands and publishers could consolidate this information as it is all pertinent to the same stage of the journey that the user is in.

The brokers then scout out potential “crew members” who can earn substantial discounts for working the journey.

The next day, after driving to Putney on the outskirts of London, we start the end of our journey.

The NYPD Emerald Society pipes and drums struck up a slow march and the procession began the journey to the cemetery.

We began a journey with Koenig in the first episode of Serial.

But the sunlight is threatening to fade and a three-and-a-half-hour river journey back to Kisangani looms.

With a hammer the boy knocked off some of the slats of the small box in which Squinty had made his journey.

Then summoning a smart young jemadar with whom he had talked a good deal during the journey, he asked him to read the chit.

But dismissing them from our thoughts for the time being, as we did then from our presence, let us continue our journey.

If the journey is now distasteful to her, she has but her own rashness to blame in having sought it herself.

It was past sundown when they left San Bernardino, but a full moon made the night as good as day for their journey.

Related Words

• exploration

What Is The Plural Of Journey?

Plural word for  journey.

The plural form of journey is journeys (not journies ). Words that end with a – y preceded by a vowel ( a, e, i, o, u ) are made plural by adding an -s at the end, as in chimney / chimneys and monkey / monkeys . 

This can be confusing, because the plural form of words that end with a – y and are preceded by a consonant is made by changing the ending to -ies , as in party / parties , candy / candies , and duty / duties .

More About Journey

What does  journey mean.

A journey is a trip, especially one to a faraway place that takes place over a long period of time.

The word trip can refer to any instance of traveling from one place to another, no matter how long or short it is. The word journey , though, typically implies a long trip—one that’s at least several hours, and perhaps several months or even years. It also often implies adventure—a journey might even be a quest . A journey may or may not have a planned destination other than whatever lies ahead.

The word is also commonly used in a figurative way to liken any lengthy process or progress to such a trip, as in Life is a journey, with many interesting detours. 

Journey can also be used as a verb meaning to make a long trip, as in We must journey to the land beyond the mountains.

Example: My favorite books are about people who make epic journeys around the world.

Where does  journey come from?

The first records of the word journey come from around the 1200s. It comes from the Middle English word journee , meaning “day,” ultimately from unattested Vulgar Latin diurnāta , meaning “a day’s time” or “a day’s work.” In English, the meaning of the word journey originally meant something like “a day’s travel,” but eventually came to mean “a long trip.”

A journey can last a day but the word usually refers to longer trips. The word is sometimes preceded with the mode of transportation that’s used, as in The city is reachable only by a long train journey. Discussion of journeys often involves their destination or purpose. When people say, “It’s the journey , not the destination,” they mean that the significance and value of a journey is what happens along the way, from moment to moment, as opposed to the achievement of its ultimate goal.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to journey ?

• journeyer (noun)
• outjourney (verb)

What are some synonyms for journey ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with journey ? 

What are some words that often get used in discussing journey ?

• destination

How is  journey used in real life?

Journey is very commonly used in a figurative way.

I ask you to accompany me on my journey to Chile and Peru in your prayers. — Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 15, 2018

Life is indeed a journey. Successful is he who can navigate the ups and downs without losing his balance. Don’t dwell on your past, don’t wallow in self-pity, don’t repeat your mistakes, don’t focus on negativity, help others along the way, spread kindness wherever you go! — Mufti Menk (@muftimenk) August 17, 2020

Some people around us will not understand our journey. They don’t need to; it’s not for them — Paulo Coelho (@paulocoelho) May 4, 2019

Try using  journey !

Which of the following words is a synonym of journey ?

A. voyage B. trip C. trek D. all of the above

10 Best Poems about the End of a Journey

Embarking on a journey often evokes a whirlwind of emotions. As these travels conclude, poetic reflections capture the essence of farewells and finality. Dive into the 10 best poems that beautifully illustrate the poignant moments marking the end of a journey.

Best Poems about the End of a Journey

1. closing chapter.

This poem touches upon the bittersweet nature of reaching a journey’s end. As one chapter concludes, it holds the promise of a fresh start, while echoing memories of the path traveled.

Whispers of yesterday fade with the sun, Journey’s end but tales have just begun, (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Steps retraced in the mind’s silent play, Marking an end, in a beautiful way.   Footprints on sand, washed by tide’s gentle sweep, Moments captured, in heart’s memory keep, Sunsets promise, a new dawn on display, Closing a chapter, in its own special way.   Endings are merely a pause, not goodbye, Destinies intertwined, under the sky, Journeys end, but memories forever stay, Marking their place, come what may.

2. The Final Mile

Reflecting on the resilience required to complete a taxing journey, this poem celebrates the triumphant feeling of accomplishment when facing life’s hurdles.

The final mile, the hardest yet, Challenges faced, no regret. Battles won, with courage and smile, Honoring every painstaking mile.   End in sight, strength starts to wane, Heart beats loudly, dispelling the pain. Triumph awaits, past struggles so vile, Rewarding the soul at the end of the mile.   With head held high and spirits revived, Journeys end, but spirit survived. Embracing the lessons, life did compile, Cherishing the end of the final mile.

3. Dusk’s Gentle Farewell

This poem encapsulates the serene and tranquil moments as a journey comes to its peaceful close, akin to a day ending with a serene sunset.

Golden rays, kissing the horizon’s line, Day’s end approaches, stars begin to shine. Journey’s whispers, in the breeze do tell, Of dusk’s gentle touch, a sweet farewell.   Shadows lengthen, embracing the ground, Silent reflections, in twilight are found. Endings bring peace, as night’s bell does knell, Marking the close with a soft farewell.   Night’s embrace, tender and profound, Darkness engulfs, yet beauty is unbound. As the journey concludes, in heart, it will dwell, Preserved by the grace of dusk’s farewell.

4. The Last Page

Drawing an analogy between a journey and a book, this poem emphasizes the emotions one feels when turning the last page, knowing the story is about to end.

A story unfolds, with each step we take, Twists and turns, for memories to make. Yet as we near, the story’s last cage, We hesitantly turn, the journey’s last page.   Tales of joy, and some tears shed, Moments cherished, where life has led. End of the road, emotions engage, Reading the lines of the concluding page.   Yet every end, begins a new tale, New journeys beckon, without fail. Life’s book continues, age to age, Beyond the confines of the last page.

5. At Journey’s End

Highlighting the deep introspection that often comes when a journey concludes, this poem speaks to the transformative power of experiences gathered along the way.

Mountains crossed, rivers wide, Challenges met, with time as guide. Heart now rests, no longer to fend, Finding its peace, at journey’s end.   Echoes of laughter, whispers of tears, Carrying lessons, from all those years. In quiet reflection, thoughts tend to blend, Grateful and changed, at journey’s end.   No final curtain, nor a close, Just a pause, a moment to repose. With soul enriched, and spirit to mend, We rise once more, past journey’s end.

6. The Road Behind

Paying homage to the past, this poem delves into the importance of remembering and honoring the road behind, even as we look forward to what lies ahead.

Gazing back, on the path I trod, Grains of time, against the odds. Twists and turns, around every bend, I now revere, the road behind.   Footprints mark, where I once stood, Echoes of choices, bad and good. Whispers of past, to ears they send, Tales of the times, on the road behind.   Eyes now forward, to horizons new, Yet the past provides, a vital clue. For as we march, life’s path we wind, Guided by lessons from the road behind.

7. Sunset’s Promise

This poem encapsulates the idea that every ending holds within it a promise of a new beginning, much like a sunset heralds the dawn of a new day.

Golden orb, dips below the sea, Marking an end, yet so free. In every conclusion, we’re destined to find, The beautiful promise, sunset’s mind.   Darkness descends, stars take their place, End of a chapter, in time’s endless race. Yet with every twilight, as day is resigned, Dawn awaits, in sunset’s design.   Embrace the close, with heart open wide, For in every end, new hopes reside. Life’s cycle continues, intertwined, In the eternal dance of sunset’s promise defined.

8. Echoes of a Journey

This poem captures the lingering memories and emotions that remain long after a journey has concluded, serving as a testament to its profound impact.

Whispers of places, once roamed, Echoes of laughter, in heart, they’ve homed. Though journey’s done, its essence does stay, Alive in the heart, come what may.   Footsteps faded, but impressions remain, Of joyous moments, and times of pain. As tales are retold, emotions sway, Reverberating echoes, of a journey’s ballet.   Time moves on, yet memories persist, Of moments captured, in fate’s clenched fist. Endings are merely, a slight delay, For echoes continue, in a timeless relay.

9. Bridges Crossed

Reflecting on the bridges we cross during our journeys, this poem speaks to the connections we make, the challenges we overcome, and the growth we experience along the way.

Bridges behind, mark where I’ve been, Spanning life’s rivers, sights I’ve seen. Every crossing, a testament to grace, Of challenges faced, in life’s relentless pace.   Wooden or stone, sturdy or frail, They’ve held my steps, without fail. Endings approached, but on bridges, I paused, Honoring the journey, and the bridges crossed.   Forward I move, with gratitude in heart, For every bridge, played a vital part. Though the journey ends, its spirit is bossed, By memories made, and bridges crossed.

10. The Silent Harbor

This poem paints the picture of a journey akin to a voyage at sea. As the ship finds its silent harbor, it brings to a close an epic adventure, promising rest and reflection.

Turbulent seas, now a distant dream, The ship finds calm, under moon’s soft beam. Sails lowered gently, anchors descend far, Finding its solace, in the silent harbor.   Waves that once roared, now softly lap, End of the voyage, marked on the map. In still waters, reflections start to spar, Echoing tales, in the silent harbor.   Though journey’s end, the spirit sails on, For the heart’s voyage, is never truly gone. Resting momentarily, like a night’s shining star, In the comforting arms of the silent harbor.

Explore More Poems:

Short Poems About Travel Journey

Poems about Roads, Journeys, & Destination

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About the author.

Maya Anthony

Maya is an evocative poetess whose writings emanate the very essence of romance, inspiration, and the raw beauty of nature. Each verse she pens is a testament to her profound connection with the world around her, intertwining human emotions with the delicate nuances of the natural realm. With a heart that beats in poetic rhythms, Maya captures the ephemeral moments of love, hope, and wonder, weaving them into timeless tales that resonate deeply with her readers. Her words are not just read, but felt, echoing the timeless dance between nature and emotions.

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Definition of journey

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of journey  (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

transitive verb

Did you know?

The Latin adjective diurnus means “pertaining to a day, daily”; English diurnal stems ultimately from this word. When Latin developed into French, diurnus became a noun, jour, meaning simply “day” The medieval French derivative journee meant either “day” or “something done during the day,” such as work or travel. Middle English borrowed journee as journey in both senses, but only the sense “a day’s travel” survived into modern usage. In modern English, journey now refers to a trip without regard to the amount of time it takes. The verb journey developed from the noun and is first attested in the 14th century.

• peregrination
• peregrinate

Examples of journey in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'journey.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French jurnee day, day's journey, from jur day, from Late Latin diurnum , from Latin, neuter of diurnus — see journal entry 1

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Articles Related to journey

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Dictionary Entries Near journey

journal voucher

journey-bated

Cite this Entry

“Journey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/journey. Accessed 27 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of journey.

Kids Definition of journey  (Entry 2 of 2)

Middle English journey "a trip, travel," from early French journee "day's work, day's journey," from jour "day," derived from Latin diurnus "of a day, daily," from dies "day" — related to diary , journal

More from Merriam-Webster on journey

Nglish: Translation of journey for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of journey for Arabic Speakers

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End-of-Life Stages Timeline

What to Expect as Someone Nears Death

• 40 to 90 Days Before
• 1 to 2 Weeks Before
• Days to Hours Before

The dying process usually begins well before death takes place. There are often signs 40 days (or more) before death where people move through end-of-life stages that follow a general timeline.

Being tuned in to the physical, mental, and emotional changes of your loved one can help you recognize the signs that they're dying. Knowing more about the end-of-life process may help you better prepare for what's to come.

This article explains a typical end-of-life timeline and what happens to someone mentally, behaviorally, and physically. While some people may follow this closely, not everyone experiences all stages and some may cycle through the stages far faster (even within days) or for months.

Signs: 40 to 90 Days Before Death

The dying process often comes into view about 40 to 90 days before death. Many of the experiences that take place at this first end-of-life stage are broadly common but the specifics can differ for each individual. A healthcare provider may be able to give you a sense of your loved one's expected timeline as they move through these stages.

Physical Changes

As the body starts to slow down, a dying person may have the following physical signs:

• Reduced appetite
• Reduced thirst
• Increased sleeping
• Weight loss
• Mild sense of happiness and well-being ( euphoria ) due to natural changes in body chemistry

The reduced appetite and weight loss can be alarming, but it helps to know your loved one isn't suffering in any way by not eating. Their energy needs decrease when they stop regular activities and start sleeping more.

As the body slows down to prepare for death, the metabolism slows down and requires less food. The digestive tract is also less active, which means a dying person won't feel hungry or thirsty.

Mental and Behavioral Changes

Social and cultural factors help shape a person's dying experience. For example, gender roles can be a factor.

Talking Openly About Death

Research suggests men are less likely than women to talk openly about their mortality and end-of-life wishes. One reason might be that men find it more difficult to ask for help and don't want to come across as "needy."

These differences aren't necessarily unique to one gender identity, though. Plenty of women struggle to talk about their deaths and don't want anyone to feel "burdened" by caring for them.

Religious and cultural backgrounds can influence how someone feels about the dying process. Depending on their beliefs, certain practices, rituals, and customs can be steps along the end-of-life timeline.

Withdrawal and Reflection

As they start to accept their mortality and realize death is approaching , they may start to withdraw. They're beginning the process of separating from the world and the people in it.

During this stage, your loved one may say no to visits from friends, neighbors, and even family. When they do accept visitors, it might be hard for them to interact. That may make you feel rejected, which is especially hard when you know your time with the person is limited.

This stage is also one of reflection. The dying person often thinks back over their life and revisits old memories. They might also be going over the things they regret.

Signs: 1 to 2 Weeks Before Death

Verywell / Cindy Chung

The dying process starts to move faster in the last week or two of life. The acceleration can be frightening for loved ones.

As death approaches, you may want to "correct" them if they say things that don't make sense—but it's better not to. At this stage, it's better to listen to and support your loved one rather than to risk upsetting them or starting an argument.

For example, your loved one might say that they see or hear a person who died before them. In those moments, just let your loved one tell you about it.

You might feel frustrated because you can't know for sure whether they're hallucinating, having a spiritual experience, or just getting confused. The uncertainty can be unsettling, but it's part of the process.

At this point in the end-of-life timeline, a dying person's body has a hard time maintaining itself. Your loved one may need help with just about any form of activity.

For example, they may have trouble swallowing medications or refuse to take them. If they have been taking pain medications, they may need liquid morphine now to manage pain.

During this end-of-life stage, signs that death is near include:

• Body temperature that's one or more degrees lower than normal
• Cold hands and feet 
• Lower blood pressure
• An irregular pulse that may slow down or speed up
• Increased sweating
• Skin color changes, with lips and nail beds that are pale, bluish, or, in people of color, purplish
• Breathing changes (e.g., a rattling sound and cough)
• Less or no talking
• Sudden arm or leg motions
• Constipation
• Incontinence

During this stage of the end-of-life timeline, people tend to:

• Sleep most of the time
• Become confused
• Have altered senses
• Experience delusions (fearing hidden enemies, feeling invincible)
• Continue or begin having hallucinations (seeing or speaking to people who aren't present or who have died)
• Become restless (pick at bedsheets or clothing, have aimless or senseless movements)

It can be hard for you to witness these changes, but it's important that you remain supportive.

Signs: Days to Hours Before Death

In their last days or hours, the dying person may go through several possible stages.

Surge of Energy

The last few days before death can surprise family members. At this stage, your loved one may have a sudden surge of energy. They may want to get out of bed, talk to loved ones, or eat after having no appetite for days or weeks.

You may take these actions as signs that a dying person is getting better, but the energy will soon go away. It can be painful to watch this happen but know that this is a common step within the end-of-life timeline. These energy bursts are a dying person's final physical acts before moving on.

The surges of activity are usually short. The previous signs of being close to death return more strongly once the energy has been spent.

Breathing Changes

At this stage, a dying person's breathing becomes slower and less regular. Rapid breaths followed by periods of no breathing at all ( Cheyne-Stokes breathing) may occur. You may also hear a " rattling " sound when they breathe.

These changes can be unpleasant to witness but you should try to remember that these are not signs your loved one is uncomfortable.

Change in Appearance

Your loved one's hands and feet may start looking blotchy, purplish, or mottled. The changes in skin appearance may slowly move up their arms and legs.

Also, their lips and nail beds may turn bluish or purple, and their lips may droop.

Unresponsiveness

At this end-of-life stage, a dying person usually becomes unresponsive. They may have their eyes open but not be able to see their surroundings.

It's widely believed that hearing is the last sense to stop working. Knowing this can remind you that it's still valuable to sit with and talk to your dying loved one during this time.

Reaching the End

When your loved one stops breathing and their heart stops beating, death has occurred. Other signs of death include:

• No muscle tension
• Eyes remain fixed
• Bowel or bladder releasing

Supporting a loved one at the end of their life can be difficult, but you don't have to go through it alone. Reach out to a hospice , social worker, or clergy member to help you navigate the process. They can help you recognize and understand some of the changes that are happening as your loved one moves through the process of death.

People deal with grief in different ways. After your loved one has died, bereavement support groups may be useful. There are some common feelings and experiences that some people may want to share with others.

Signs can be evident one to three months before someone's death. Physical, mental, and behavioral changes are common.

In the week or two before death, the dying process speeds up. They may become more confused and periodically not make sense. Their bodily process may slow down or become erratic, but the person may also appear restless.

In the final days or hours of life, many people have a brief surge of energy and seem like they're doing better. However, once the surge passes, they may appear worse. You may notice breathing changes and skin discoloration.

Knowing these signs may help you prepare for the end of a loved one's life and bring you comfort as you face the physical and mental changes that happen along the end-of-life timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

The pre-active stage of dying can last around two to three weeks. That said, there are many factors that contribute to how long the entire process of dying takes for each person, such as their illness and medications.

When a person near the end of life stops eating entirely, it is a sign that death is near. It can be as quick as a few days or up to 10 days. However, some people survive for a few weeks after they stop eating.

A dying person will become unconscious, but that does not always mean they are completely unaware of their surroundings. It may bring you (and perhaps, them) some comfort to stay if you'd like to, but that's a personal choice.

Hospice Foundation of America. Signs of Approaching Death .

Hospice Foundation of America. A Caregiver's Guide to the Dying Process .

Skulason B, Hauksdottir A, Ahcic K, Helgason AR. Death talk: gender differences in talking about one’s own impending death .  BMC Palliative Care . 2014;13(1). doi:10.1186/1472-684x-13-8

Hartogh GD. Suffering and dying well: on the proper aim of palliative care . Med Health Care Philos . 2017;20(3):413-424. doi:10.1007/s11019-017-9764-3

Department of Health, Victoria Government. Managing Physical Symptoms During Palliative Care ,

Wholihan D. Seeing the light: End-of-life experiences-visions, energy surges, and other death bed phenomena . Nurs Clin North Am . 2016;51(3):489-500. doi:10.1016/j.cnur.2016.05.005

Marie Curie Foundation. Final Moments of Life .

Blundon EG, Gallagher RE, Ward LM. Electrophysiological evidence of preserved hearing at the end of life . Sci Rep . 2020;10(1):10336. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-67234-9

Hospice Foundation of America. Signs of approaching death .

By Angela Morrow, RN Angela Morrow, RN, BSN, CHPN, is a certified hospice and palliative care nurse.

Recommended for you

Seven words to describe the end of a journey, all great experiences must come to an end..

As the saying goes, all great things must eventually come to an end. Although it is sad to part ways with an amazing experience, it is the actions of our past that dictate the happiness that we feel in the future. Many different feelings can come to mind when a road ends, but before a new one begins, reflecting on the memories made will help to ease into the transition. Here are some words that describe the emotions felt when a wonderful journey is over.

1. Bittersweet

2. sentimental, 3. ambivalence, 4. exhilaration, 5. serenity, 6. anticipation, 7. liberation, subscribe to our newsletter, 25 beatles lyrics: your go-to guide for every situation, the best lines from the fab four.

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The End- Abbey Road, 1969

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Dear Prudence- The White Album, 1968

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

Because- Abbey Road, 1969

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

All You Need Is Love, 1967

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

We Can Work It Out- Rubber Soul, 1965

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Come Together- Abbey Road, 1969

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

I Wanna Hold Your Hand- Meet The Beatles!, 1964

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-1967

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Strawberry Fields Forever- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Rain- Paperback Writer "B" side, 1966

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

Here Comes The Sun- Abbey Road, 1969

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

Saw Her Standing There- Please Please Me, 1963

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

Michelle- Rubber Soul, 1965

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

Revolution- The Beatles, 1968

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Eleanor Rigby- Revolver, 1966

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

With A Little Help From My Friends- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Hey Jude, 1968

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

Yesterday- Help!, 1965

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

Let It Be- Let It Be, 1970

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all i got to give if you say you'll love me too. i may not have a lot to give but what i got i'll give to you. i don't care too much for money. money can't buy me love.

Can't Buy Me Love- A Hard Day's Night, 1964

All you need is love, love is all you need

All You Need Is Love- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly. all your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Blackbird- The White Album, 1968

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

In My Life- Rubber Soul, 1965

While these are my 25 favorites, there are quite literally 1000s that could have been included. The Beatles' body of work is massive and there is something for everyone. If you have been living under a rock and haven't discovered the Fab Four, you have to get musically educated. Stream them on Spotify, find them on iTunes or even buy a CD or record (Yes, those still exist!). I would suggest starting with 1, which is a collection of most of their #1 songs, or the 1968 White Album. Give them chance and you'll never look back.

14 Invisible Activities: Unleash Your Inner Ghost!

Obviously the best superpower..

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

1. "Haunt" your friends.

Follow them into their house and cause a ruckus.

2. Sneak into movie theaters.

Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health , says science

Considering that the monthly cost of subscribing to a media-streaming service like Netflix is oft...

Free movies...what else to I have to say?

3. Sneak into the pantry and grab a snack without judgment.

Late night snacks all you want? Duh.

4. Reenact "Hollow Man" and play Kevin Bacon.

America's favorite son? And feel what it's like to be in a MTV Movie Award nominated film? Sign me up.

5. Wear a mask and pretend to be a floating head.

Just another way to spook your friends in case you wanted to.

6. Hold objects so they'll "float."

"Oh no! A floating jar of peanut butter."

7. Win every game of hide-and-seek.

Just stand out in the open and you'll win.

8. Eat some food as people will watch it disappear.

Even everyday activities can be funny.

9. Go around pantsing your friends.

Even pranks can be done; not everything can be good.

10. Not have perfect attendance.

You'll say here, but they won't see you...

11. Avoid anyone you don't want to see.

Whether it's an ex or someone you hate, just use your invisibility to slip out of the situation.

12. Avoid responsibilities.

Chores? Invisible. People asking about social life? Invisible. Family being rude? Boom, invisible.

13. Be an expert on ding-dong-ditch.

Never get caught and have the adrenaline rush? I'm down.

14. Brag about being invisible.

Be the envy of the town.

But don't, I repeat, don't go in a locker room. Don't be a pervert with your power. No one likes a Peeping Tom.

Good luck, folks.

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned..

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

1. The importance of traditions.

Sometimes traditions seem like a silly thing, but the fact of it is that it's part of who you are. You grew up this way and, more than likely, so did your parents. It is something that is part of your family history and that is more important than anything.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

No matter how many times they get on your nerves or make you mad, they are the ones who will always be there and you should never take that for granted.

3. How to give back.

When tragedy strikes in a small town, everyone feels obligated to help out because, whether directly or indirectly, it affects you too. It is easy in a bigger city to be able to disconnect from certain problems. But in a small town those problems affect everyone.

4. What the word "community" really means.

Along the same lines as #3, everyone is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand when you need one in a small town and to me that is the true meaning of community. It's working together to build a better atmosphere, being there to raise each other up, build each other up, and pick each other up when someone is in need. A small town community is full of endless support whether it be after a tragedy or at a hometown sports game. Everyone shows up to show their support.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

People say this to others all the time, but it takes on a whole new meaning in a small town. It is true that life is about the journey, but when you're from a small town, you know it's about the journey because the journey probably takes longer than you spend at the destination. Everything is so far away that it is totally normal to spend a couple hours in the car on your way to some form of entertainment. And most of the time, you're gonna have as many, if not more, memories and laughs on the journey than at the destination.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

Word travels fast in a small town, so don't think you're gonna get away with anything. In fact, your parents probably know what you did before you even have a chance to get home and tell them. And forget about being scared of what your teacher, principle, or other authority figure is going to do, you're more afraid of what your parents are gonna do when you get home.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

Everyone deserves a chance. Most people don't have ill-intentions and you can't live your life guarding against every one else just because a few people in your life have betrayed your trust.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

While small towns are not always extremely diverse, they do contain people with a lot of different stories, struggle, and backgrounds. In a small town, it is pretty hard to exclude anyone because of who they are or what they come from because there aren't many people to choose from. A small town teaches you that just because someone isn't the same as you, doesn't mean you can't be great friends.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

In a small town, you learn that it's okay to be who you are and do your own thing. You learn that confidence isn't how beautiful you are or how much money you have, it's who you are on the inside.

10. How to work for what I want.

Nothing comes easy in life. They always say "gardens don't grow overnight" and if you're from a small town you know this both figuratively and literally. You certainly know gardens don't grow overnight because you've worked in a garden or two. But you also know that to get to the place you want to be in life it takes work and effort. It doesn't just happen because you want it to.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

If you're from a small town, you know that you will probably only meet a handful of people in your life who ACTUALLY know where your town is. And forget about the people who accidentally enter into your town because of google maps. You've gotten really good at giving them directions right back to the interstate.

12. How to be humble .

My small town has definitely taught me how to be humble. It isn't always about you, and anyone who grows up in a small town knows that. Everyone gets their moment in the spotlight, and since there's so few of us, we're probably best friends with everyone so we are as excited when they get their moment of fame as we are when we get ours.

13. To be well-rounded.

Going to a small town high school definitely made me well-rounded. There isn't enough kids in the school to fill up all the clubs and sports teams individually so be ready to be a part of them all.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

In a small town, good luck holding a grudge. In a bigger city you can just avoid a person you don't like or who you've had problems with. But not in a small town. You better resolve the issue fast because you're bound to see them at least 5 times a week.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

One of my favorite things about growing up in a rural area was being able to go outside and go exploring and not have to worry about being in danger. There is nothing more exciting then finding a new place somewhere in town or in the woods and just spending time there enjoying the natural beauty around you.

16. To be prepared for anything.

You never know what may happen. If you get a flat tire, you better know how to change it yourself because you never know if you will be able to get ahold of someone else to come fix it. Mechanics might be too busy , or more than likely you won't even have enough cell service to call one.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

It's okay to ask for help. One thing I realized when I moved away from my town for college, was how much my town has taught me that I could ask for help is I needed it. I got into a couple situations outside of my town where I couldn't find anyone to help me and found myself thinking, if I was in my town there would be tons of people ready to help me. And even though I couldn't find anyone to help, you better believe I wasn't afraid to ask.

18. How to be creative.

When you're at least an hour away from normal forms of entertainment such as movie theaters and malls, you learn to get real creative in entertaining yourself. Whether it be a night looking at the stars in the bed of a pickup truck or having a movie marathon in a blanket fort at home, you know how to make your own good time.

19. To brush off gossip.

It's all about knowing the person you are and not letting others influence your opinion of yourself. In small towns, there is plenty of gossip. But as long as you know who you really are, it will always blow over.

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you..

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

You have taught me that you don't always have to strong. You are allowed to break down as long as you pick yourself back up and keep moving forward. When life had you at your worst moments, you allowed your friends to be there for you and to help you. You let them in and they helped pick you up. Even in your darkest hour you showed so much strength. I know that you don't believe in yourself as much as you should but you are unbelievably strong and capable of anything you set your mind to.

Your passion to make a difference in the world is unbelievable. You put your heart and soul into your endeavors and surpass any personal goal you could have set. Watching you do what you love and watching you make a difference in the lives of others is an incredible experience. The way your face lights up when you finally realize what you have accomplished is breathtaking and I hope that one day I can have just as much passion you have.

SEE MORE: A Letter To My Best Friend On Her Birthday

The love you have for your family is outstanding. Watching you interact with loved ones just makes me smile . You are so comfortable and you are yourself. I see the way you smile when you are around family and I wish I could see you smile like this everyday. You love with all your heart and this quality is something I wished I possessed.

You inspire me to be the best version of myself. I look up to you. I feel that more people should strive to have the strength and passion that you exemplify in everyday life.You may be stubborn at points but when you really need help you let others in, which shows strength in itself. I have never been more proud to know someone and to call someone my role model. You have taught me so many things and I want to thank you. Thank you for inspiring me in life. Thank you for making me want to be a better person.

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life..

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Don't freak out

This is a rule you should continue to follow no matter what you do in life, but is especially helpful in this situation.

Email the professor

Around this time, professors are getting flooded with requests from students wanting to get into full classes. This doesn't mean you shouldn't burden them with your email; it means they are expecting interested students to email them. Send a short, concise message telling them that you are interested in the class and ask if there would be any chance for you to get in.

Attend the first class

Often, the advice professors will give you when they reply to your email is to attend the first class. The first class isn't the most important class in terms of what will be taught. However, attending the first class means you are serious about taking the course and aren't going to give up on it.

Keep attending class

Every student is in the same position as you are. They registered for more classes than they want to take and are "shopping." For the first couple of weeks, you can drop or add classes as you please, which means that classes that were once full will have spaces. If you keep attending class and keep up with assignments, odds are that you will have priority. Professors give preference to people who need the class for a major and then from higher to lower class year (senior to freshman).

Have a backup plan

For two weeks, or until I find out whether I get into my waitlisted class, I will be attending more than the usual number of classes. This is so that if I don't get into my waitlisted class, I won't have a credit shortage and I won't have to fall back in my backup class. Chances are that enough people will drop the class, especially if it is very difficult like computer science, and you will have a chance. In popular classes like art and psychology, odds are you probably won't get in, so prepare for that.

Remember that everything works out at the end

Life is full of surprises. So what if you didn't get into the class you wanted? Your life obviously has something else in store for you. It's your job to make sure you make the best out of what you have.

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What Happens To Immortan Joe At The End Of Mad Max: Fury Road Is Worse Than Death

Of all the antagonists to take center-stage in the "Mad Max" franchise, Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne, one of the  "Mad Max" actors you might not have known passed away ) is easily among the most vile. With his intimidating breathing mask, worn yet still imposing armor, and piercing eyes, the cult leader and ruler of the Citadel is truly monstrous to look at. Worse yet, he's immoral as they come, treating the people of the Citadel like his minions and hoarding water to give out at his discretion. By the end of his first movie appearance, the behind-the-scenes trouble-plagued "Mad Max: Fury Road," he meets his demise, but not before being subject to an agonizing injury.

Over on Instagram , Odd Studio posted a Joe dummy constructed for "Fury Road," showing the villain in pretty terrible shape. For those who don't recall, Joe's time among the living is brought to an end by his former Imperator, Furiosa ( Charlize Theron, who was later replaced by Anya Taylor-Joy in the role ). She lodges a harpoon into his mouth, the end of which is attached to the wheel of his personal vehicle, the Gigahorse, by a chain. The wheel turns, the chain yanks the harpoon from his mouth, and Joe is left without a nose, lower jaw, and throat. It's a gruesome sight, but that makes the work of those at Odd Studio to depict it no less impressive.

Bearing in mind who Joe was in life, it's symbolic that he's injured and dies in the way he does.

Joe's manner of death carries a deeper meaning

From what has been revealed about him in comics and at the movies, Immortan Joe's rise to prominence comes largely as a result of brute force. When he's still known as Colonel Joe Moore, he takes the Citadel and becomes its new ruler, soon taking on his "Immortan" title. In time, he becomes a god-like figure, as individuals come from far and wide in the hope of getting some of the Citadel aquifer's water. He eventually ends his tenure as a warrior, utilizing his penchant for speeches and natural charisma to keep the masses under his spell. They let him get away with virtually anything, so long as they can share in the water supply.

With this in mind, the symbology of Joe's death comes into view. When his mouth and throat are torn off, he literally ceases to live, but this works in a metaphoric sense as well. His mouth is the source of his power and influence, and even if he did survive, his reign would still effectively be over without the ability to wield his greatest weapon. The fact that Furiosa is the one that does it is also worth highlighting. Throughout "Fury Road," Joe is shown to subjugate women in the worst ways, even using his five "wives" as reproductive slaves. Furiosa eventually betrays him and helps them escape the Citadel before killing him. It's a woman who takes away his mouth, a major source of his power, his "wives," one of the most prominent manifestations of said power, and his life in the ultimate act of justice.

Though it's stomach-churning to look at, Immortan Joe's manner of death is undeniably meaningful in more ways than one.

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MEAN vs. MERN Stack Explained

Jeffrey Erickson | Content Strategist | June 26, 2024

In This Article

What Is the MEAN Stack?

What is the mern stack, mean stack features, mern stack features, mean stack pros and cons, mern stack pros and cons, mern stack vs. mean stack: key differences, choosing the right stack for your business, get started with oracle database for developers, mean and mern faqs.

A developer can choose from many combinations of technologies and programming languages to build an application. Decision points are based on which database, web server, and front-end framework may best meet the requirements of the application and the capabilities of the team. The combination chosen becomes the tech “stack” on which an application is built.

Two of today’s most popular tech stacks are the MEAN stack and the MERN stack. Both are solid choices for building dynamically updatable web and mobile apps, and, as you might deduce from their names, they have many things in common. But there are key differences that can entice a developer to choose one over the other.

The MEAN stack is a combination of open source technologies that are commonly used together for building dynamic web or mobile applications. The technologies are MongoDB, Express, Angular, and Node.js. All these are JavaScript-based or, in the case of MongoDB, work seamlessly with JavaScript technologies .

Like the MEAN stack, the MERN stack is a group of open source technologies used to build web and mobile applications. It also uses JavaScript for its primary programming language and consists of MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js. This stack has grown in popularity in recent years.

What has helped the MEAN stack gain new followers in recent years? A few key features appeal to today’s developers . Among the most popular are the following:

• Reliable document database. The MongoDB database is good for applications demanding high performance and frequent data updates and reads. MongoDB’s flexible data modeling and efficient indexing capabilities make it ideal for such scenarios. In some scenarios, other databases, such as MySQL or Oracle Database , can substitute for MongoDB.
• Lightweight web application framework. Express is the web framework for MEAN stack development. Express provides a range of app-building tools and supports a variety of programming languages. Express can enhance application performance by efficiently handling concurrent requests.
• JavaScript runtime environment. Node.js executes JavaScript code on the server side. This eliminates the need for separate front-end and back-end languages, helping simplify the development process and fostering code consistency.
• Popular front-end framework. Angular is a complete application-design framework and development platform for building web and mobile applications. It’s written in TypeScript, an enhanced version of JavaScript that encourages a more structured approach to coding and can enhance code consistency and productivity.
• Open source. All major components of the MEAN stack are open source technologies. That lowers the cost of fielding new applications.
• Community support. The MEAN stack boasts a large, well-established community of users where a developer can find support and resources, including tutorials, forums, and meetups.

Developers like the MERN stack because, like the MEAN stack, it offers an efficient way to build web applications. Furthermore, the MERN stack is known for its flexibility and scalability. Other features prized by developers include the following:

• Lightweight web application framework. Express is the web framework for both MEAN and MERN stack development. Express provides a range of app-building tools and supports a variety of programming languages. Express can enhance application performance by efficiently handling concurrent requests.
• JavaScript runtime environment. Node.js executes JavaScript code on the server side. This eliminates the need for separate front-end and back-end languages, simplifying the development process and fostering code consistency.
• Popular front-end library. The MERN stack leverages React for front-end components. React is a JavaScript library that emphasizes simplicity, flexibility, and component-based architecture.
• Open source. All major components of the MERN stack are open source technologies, so they can be cost-effective to use. The open nature of the community fosters innovation, creativity, and stable and reliable software.
• Community support. The MERN stack is known for making easy-to-build web and mobile applications. As its popularity grows, so too does the community around it. Developers will find a range of resources, starter guides, tutorials, and documentation available.

The MEAN stack offers a range of benefits, such as flexibility, efficiency, and consistency, across the entire development process. It also allows for the use of JavaScript throughout the entire stack. However, drawbacks include a steep learning curve for beginners and potential security vulnerabilities.

When deciding which stack to use, consider these factors.

Benefits of a MEAN stack

• Open source. The open nature of these technologies means developers can build apps with community support—and without upfront license costs.
• Flexible. It offers a wide range of developer-friendly tools and frameworks at each layer of the stack.
• Customizable. It offers a high degree of customization in an application’s look and functionality through Angular’s modular architecture and extensive third-party library support.
• Consistent data. MongoDB, Angular, and Node.js all use JSON to store and share data, so there’s no need to reformat data as it moves between the database and the user interface.
• Scalability. The MEAN stack is valued for its scalability, even in real-time applications with MongoDB scaling quickly and using Angular for the interactive front end.
• Community support. The technologies that make up the MEAN stack all have active communities that provide support, tutorials, and documentation. It’s easy for a developer to find online courses, forums, and blogs dedicated to these technologies.

Disadvantages of a MEAN stack

• Security vulnerabilities. Like all web application frameworks, data security is a concern with the MEAN stack. MongoDB, for example, has been dinged for recent security vulnerabilities.
• Limited offline support. MongoDB and Express are both server-side technologies, which means they require a reliable internet connection to work.
• Compatibility concerns. MongoDB, Express, Angular, and Node.js are all open source technologies developed by different organizations. There’s no guarantee that they will continue to be compatible with each other in the future.
• The learning curve. Each technology in the stack takes time to get the hang of, and integrating them can be complex.

The MERN stack has both pros and cons. Advantages include its flexibility and scalability and a large community of developers. However, the requirement for JavaScript fluency can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the language.

When deciding whether the MERN stack is right for you, consider these factors.

Benefits of a MERN stack

• Ease of use. A key reason for the growing popularity of the MERN stack is the ease with which developers can assemble a usable, scalable web or mobile application. For example, React, the front-end framework in the MERN stack, is relatively easy to learn with its intuitive syntax and component-based approach.
• Open source. The entire MERN stack is open source, enabling the development of robust web applications for a low cost, with no upfront outlay for licensing and a platform for support and knowledge sharing among developers.
• Simplified full stack development. All components of the MERN stack are JavaScript-based technologies. The MERN stack provides an extensive collection of library and package support that lets developers construct applications in less time.
• Low cost. The use of JavaScript throughout the MERN stack enables companies to benefit from hiring JavaScript experts rather than seeking out specialists in multiple technologies.
• Community support. The React community is vibrant and growing rapidly, offering a wealth of resources and support.

Disadvantages of a MERN stack

• Learning curve. The MERN stack requires knowledge of multiple technologies, including JavaScript, MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js. Learning and mastering all these components can be time-consuming, especially for beginners.
• Scalability concerns. While Node.js is known for its scalability, the MERN stack may face challenges in handling extremely high loads or heavy computations. It’s more often used to build dynamic single-page applications.
• Documentation. The open source technologies of the MERN stack are continually updated, and it’s hard for the online documentation system to keep up.

The key difference between the MERN stack and the MEAN stack is that in the former, React is used as the front-end framework, while MEAN uses Angular. Although Angular and React are both popular front-end technologies, they have some key architectural differences. Angular is a full-featured framework that follows the model-view-controller (MVC) architectural pattern, while React is a JavaScript library that focuses on the view component only. This means Angular provides a more set structure and includes many built-in features, while React allows for more flexibility and component-based development.

Another difference is the learning curve. Angular has a large and complex API, while React has a simpler API and can be picked up easily by developers who are familiar with JavaScript.

Performance is also a differentiating factor. React uses a virtual DOM, or a document object model, which allows it to efficiently update and render only the components that have changed. This results in faster performance compared with Angular.

Finally, Angular has a larger and more mature community versus React’s fast-growing and vibrant community. Both have a wide range of open source libraries and packages available for integration.

MERN Stack vs. MEAN Stack: Feature Comparison

A development team weighs a host of factors when choosing a tech stack. Questions to consider include

• Scale: How do you foresee the application being used and by how many users?
• Skill sets: What skill sets do your people already possess, and what technologies are they comfortable with?
• Current technology: Does your organization already have licenses for technology you can use?
• Expense: Can you choose open source technology and cloud services that are structured in a way to keep your costs down?
• Security: Does your stack offer end-to-end encryption to protect data?

Did you know you can easily use Oracle Database in place of MongoDB in your MERN and MEAN stack? Oracle Database 23ai has MongoDB APIs, so it can sub in for MongoDB along with the other JavaScript components. This is a seamless replacement.

Another alternative to MERN is using JavaScript APIs built using Node.js with Express as the back-end platform and supporting React or Flutter as the front end. Developers can use the platform to build both web and mobile applications. These APIs work with Oracle Database 19c and with 23ai using an Oracle Database adapter for Parse Platform. Parse Platform is integrated in Oracle Backend for Spring Boot and Microservices. Now you can use a Kubernetes-based back-end platform to run both Spring Boot and microservices as well as JavaScript full-stack applications, bringing DevOps and DataOps together.

The twin open source, full-stack development platforms of MEAN and MERN remain extremely popular for building dynamic web and mobile applications. Both are JavaScript-based and composed of dominant open source technologies in the database, app server, and front-end frameworks—and they enjoy large and enthusiastic community support. Development teams should weigh the scale, cost, and complexity of their projects as well as their current skill sets to determine which of these is the right choice.

Got a project that doesn’t require the heft of a traditional programming or scripting language? Low- and no-code tools provide the services and APIs to build new applications. And that’s just one of our 10 trends to watch.

Which is better, MEAN or MERN?

Whether MEAN or MERN is better depends on your project requirements, development team skill set, and preferred technology ecosystem. MEAN is a more established and widely used technology stack, with Angular offering a robust front-end framework. However, MERN is gaining popularity due to the flexibility and efficiency of React for building user interfaces.

What’s the difference between MERN and MEAN in 2024?

In 2024, the main difference between MERN and MEAN is that the popularity of MERN is on the upswing. From a technology point of view, MERN uses React for its front-end framework, while MEAN uses Angular. That has earned MERN more traction and usage compared with MEAN because React is seen as a powerful JavaScript library for building user interfaces, while Angular has experienced some decline in popularity. On the other hand, Angular has a larger and more mature user community versus React.

Is MERN outdated?

No, MERN—the stack comprised of MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js—isn’t outdated. In fact, it’s a popular and widely used set of technologies for developing full-stack web applications. React is one of the most widely adopted JavaScript libraries for building user interfaces, and there’s a vibrant user community offering documentation, support, and a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among developers.

What does 111 mean? Why you keep seeing it and how it signals new beginnings.

According to numerology, the number one represents the start of things. Whether it be a new journey or path, maybe you've seen a high frequency of repeating ones lately.

Angel numbers are repeating number sequences often used as guides for deeper spiritual exploration with each numeral having its own significance. 

In a conversation with numerologist Novalee Wilder , USA TODAY dives deeper into the number one, its angel number meaning and how it can inform your relationships and career. 

What are angel numbers? Beginner's guide to angel numbers and what they (could) mean.

What does 111 mean?

From 11:11 on the clock to a total of $1.11 on your receipt, this angel number can signal a new journey of self is on the horizon, said Wilder. The angel number is also associated with confidence, motivation and independence. 

Is it in the stars? Free Daily and Monthly Horoscopes

"One is new beginnings, the start of things, creation," Wilder said. 

The repeating sequence of one is also centered around ego and the individual. The angel number 111 means to be present and ready to engage with whatever is coming your way, said Wilder. 

While you may not have the right tools ready for this new path, one energy is self-assured. Seeing the angel number 111 signifies confidence within yourself and motivates your own strength and decision-making when opportunities are sent your way. 

"One energy is like 'I'm connected to myself,' or just the universe," said Wilder. "It's a green light. Go. The road is clear." 

What does 000 mean? Angel number meaning and symbolism for work, relationships and more

What does 222 mean? Angel number meaning and symbolism in your life, love and career.

Relationships 

When it comes to relationships, the angel number 111 means to take chances and try out new things; be a "yes" person so to speak. 

The green light associated with the angel number 111 reminds us to not overthink things, said Wilder. If you are seeing a lot of 111, take a chance and go for it. So, go on that blind date, or take someone out to dinner. 

"What are you waiting for?" said Wilder. "You were asking for whatever sign and a sign showed up." 

What does 333 mean? Get to know the angel number that will help you get unstuck.

The appearance of 111 reminds to prioritize your vision, particularly as it relates to work and career. Remember to think back to yourself and express your point of view, said Wilder. 

Recognize the position you are in and forge your own path when it comes to career. The Leo energy associated with 111 signals to doing things on your own accord.

In astrology , Leo is ruled by the sun. As a result, Leos are confident and take initiative. Use this energy to improve your work and career standing, whether it be through pitching a new idea for your company or asking for a raise. 

"You can individualize as much as you are able to," said Wilder. "Just do it your way."

'Phoenix energy': 444 angel number meaning and its role in your life

A change is coming. What angel number 555 means for your relationships and work life.

Thinking about yourself is not always a bad thing and is actually positively associated with the angel number 111. "It's permission to focus on yourself," said Wilder. 

If you recently broke up with someone, it may be time to work on yourself before going back out in the dating game. On the flip side, one energy presents new connections, so do not be afraid to test the waters. 

Embrace the confidence that comes with the angel number 111. Being proud of who you are and your accomplishments is not always egotistical, said Wilder. 

All in all, the angel number 111 points back to the individual, and its appearance reminds to practice self-care and take charge of your situation. 

What is manifestation? It's not 'magical.' Manifesting coaches share tips for beginners.

What does 777 mean? This is one angel number that means it might be time to slow down.

When taking time for yourself, it's important to not get caught on the superficial aspects of self-improvement, said Wilder.

"Sometimes we don't spend enough time focusing on ourselves, or it's a confused focus," she said, adding how easy it is to get lost on improving superficial means, like outward appearance or social media image. "We are not really focusing on the inside — the mental space, how we're treating our body. We're not really taking care of us." 

The confidence associated with the angel number 111 needs to be grounded. If you lose focus, then things can start to go awry. 

"If you don't think you're enough, then whatever is on the outside, it's never going to satisfy you," said Wilder. "A more flashy, more curated feed, it's just never going to be enough. So, you always need to come home from the inside." 

What does 888 mean? Its angel number meaning in relationships, career and life.

What does 999 mean? Angel number meaning and symbolism for life, love and more.

Get to know the angel numbers

000  |  111  |  222  |  333  |  444  |  555  |  777  |  888  |  999

T20 WC 2024: 'Sky is the limit, we're ending with heaps of learnings' - Corey Anderson on USA's campaign

T he USA's impressive journey came to an end against cricket giants, but Corey Anderson, their batter, states that despite the setbacks, their diverse team exits the T20 World Cup 2024 with pride and valuable lessons.

After succumbing in the Super 8 matches to South Africa, West Indies, and England, the USA bid farewell, having shown promise in the group stages by defeating Pakistan and challenging India.

"I mean sky's the limit really...the last few years there's always been whispers around what's happening in America with cricket...hopefully in years to come as well, we can kind of grow that," Anderson, originally from New Zealand where he played 93 games before moving to the USA, remarked after their defeat to England concluded their campaign.

"I mean there's probably a lot of areas that we need to improve on. We are still an Associate nation, growing, trying to get a bigger player pool. Making it through the Super 8s was obviously a historic occasion for the USA," he added.

When questioned about the USA's loss of momentum following an inspiring league phase, Anderson attributed it to the 'Big Boys' elevating their game when it counted, contrasting with a predominantly inexperienced team.

"The last couple of games have just been not quite there, but that's what happens in the Super 8 competition is the bigger boys start to really show up and they're kind of hitting their stride right at the back end of this competition," he said.

"We don't get to play against these big teams often or at all. So, anything that we can play against these guys is hugely valuable. It's probably a little bit raw at the moment obviously, but yeah there's heaps of learnings out of that," he added.

Anderson, aged 33, is among several talents recruited by the USA team, which comprises players of West Indian, Indian, and Pakistani origin.

One standout performer was Saurabh Netravalkar, of Indian descent, who excelled as a pace bowler while balancing a full-time role as a software engineer at Oracle.

Anderson acknowledged that while there is disappointment within the team currently, there is also a strong sense of achievement.

"...they're disappointed. They're hurt. I'm hurt. Your pride's always on the line when you're playing these games and you never want to lose badly or have performances like that," he said referring to the 10-wicket loss to England.

"But again, it's looking at the bigger picture of it too. If we're a team and we first started and we're beginning to be disappointed about how we play against these big teams and knowing that we can do better, that's a great sign because it means we can give more," he explained.

Anderson's lack of significant contributions during the campaign was acknowledged by himself, admitting it was a setback for the team, given his status as one of the most experienced players in the lineup.

"My performance has been lacklustre for what I expected myself. I think as a team we did a fantastic job to get to where we were and we had different guys stepping up at different times. Unfortunately, I couldn't chime in and help when we probably, the wheels were falling off a little bit. I needed to play better than what I did and there was probably opportunities that I missed out on," he concluded.

Can Mitch McConnell bring wins for Kentucky after November? Some think he still can

When Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell entered office in 1984, he had the worst seat in the chamber.

During his 40-year career, the senior senator earned the best seat when elected as Republican Party leader in 2006 and has had a seat at the table "in the room where it happens" ever since.

"At the end of the negotiations because we haven't passed all the appropriations bills, the final decision is made by four people, and I've been one of those for people for 18 years," McConnell told The Courier Journal on Tuesday. "So, it gives me the extra opportunity to help my state."

Kentucky likely loses that seat at the table in less than six months when McConnell steps down from his leadership post.

Although McConnell's approval ratings recently sank to the single digits , many Kentuckians and politicians praise him for keeping the state at the top of his priorities.

“His impact on Kentucky is enormous and is going to be felt by generations,” outgoing Kentucky State Senate Floor Leader Damon Thayer said. “Quite simply one of the most consequential Kentuckians in the history of the commonwealth.”

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McConnell finishes his term in 2026 and hasn't announced if he'll seek reelection. He recently turned 82 and is the second-ever Kentuckian to be a party leader in the Senate following Alben W. Barkley who led Democrats from 1937 until he became vice president in 1949.

But Kentucky won't lose all its clout once McConnell steps back because his success isn't only because of his leadership position.

It's his approach to politics. It's his longevity in the Senate. It's his relationships. It's his institutional knowledge.

Where does McConnell go next?

Some think McConnell's next move will be to chair the Senate Appropriations Committee , having the seniority to step into that position.

"If he becomes the chair of appropriations, he still would be in a great position to earmark things and make sure that our economic priorities are met over the next few years," former Kentucky GOP Secretary of State Trey Grayson said. “But it won't be the same because he won't be able to have impact all types of policies.”

Still, the amount of influence lost won't be drastic.

"I can tell you a senior senator from Kentucky with all his experience, I don't really see the fact that his impact is going to diminish one iota," University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel said. "He's deeply committed to his role as a senior senator and continued service to our nation."

Tres Watson, a longtime Kentucky political consultant and former GOP spokesman, said Kentucky will still have an outsized influence on the way policy is made — especially the budget — as others will still see him as a leader.

That's because while McConnell's serving as a leader allowed him to be a part of policy negotiations, his approach to politics gave Kentucky a strong voice in national conversations despite being considered a medium-sized state.

One part of McConnell’s persona is how he built his career, University of Kentucky political science professor Stephen Voss said.

“McConnell was not a showman (and ) was not a politician who worked hard to be in the center of the big controversies of the day,” Voss said. “McConnell built his career out of a reputation for helping the state and helping the folks back home."

The senior senator’s approach to politics is what separates him from Sen. Rand Paul, who Voss said is more likely to wade into hot-button controversies , including the anti-vaccination movement.

McConnell builds his reputation by bringing wins back to Kentucky, including playing a key role in the tobacco buyout , securing a federal transportation appropriation for the Parklands of Floyds Fork Project , and advocating for policy supporting Kentucky's agriculture industry.

Those wins are not forgotten.

Eddie Melton, Kentucky Farm Bureau, said McConnell's support for the tobacco buyout in 2004 is one of his greatest accomplishments and proved he is a forward-thinking senator.

"I think he saw that the industry was changing, and (tobacco) is an asset that farmers had," Melton said. "He actually helped work that through that asset before it went completely away, (and) people were compensated for it."

The Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act, which passed in 2004, ended federal tobacco quotas and established the Tobacco Transition Payment Program that gave annual payments to eligible tobacco quota holders and producers. B. Todd Bright, director of the communications division for the Kentucky Farm Bureau, said Kentucky farmers received $2.5 billion from the buyout.

Dan Jones, founder and board chair of 21st Century Parks/The Parklands, was surprised when McConnell secured $38 million in 2005 for the Parklands of Floyds Fork project. At first, Jones thought the project, a 20-mile and 4,000-acre addition to the Louisville Park System, would only receive $5 million.

Jones said McConnell understands the significance of federal funding for local projects because of his background as a former county judge executive.

"To have somebody at his level of authority and power at the federal government, who once was at the totally opposite end of the scale running a small or midsize city government, has to be somewhat unique," Jones said. "That kind of grassroots ability has to make you a better politician, certainly when it comes to understanding trying to get federal grants and direct them to local and state level projects."

Longevity creates relationships and institutional knowledge

Has longevity helped McConnell bring wins for Kentucky? Being a senator is like any other job he said: the longer someone is in it and if they're good it, the better they get.

"It is an opportunity to do more when you learn more about the job, when you stay there longer, and when you become more consequential," McConnell said.

McConnell, first elected in 1984, is the longest-serving senator in Kentucky history. That longevity is what helped build relationships between the commonwealth and Washington D.C.

“He's pulled many chairs up to the table at the federal level to ensure that the voices of regular Kentuckians are heard and our stories are told,” said Eric King, University of Kentucky's assistant vice president for federal relations and former McConnell staffer. "He's connected our communities, our institutions, with decision makers at the federal level, driving that progress that we make as an institution and other institutions like ours, across Kentucky.”

At the University of Louisville, McConnell extends those relationships by bringing high-profile politicians to the McConnell Center, which works to recruit Kentucky's "next generation of great leaders" through scholarships and hosting the Distinguished Speaker Series. 

"One of the things that (McConnell is) so proud of when we're talking about bipartisan, the individuals that come to campus are incredibly bipartisan," Schatzel said. "At the time when he was vice president, Joe Biden came, President Bush came, Ted Kennedy came, (and) Secretary of State Hillary Clinton."

How McConnell views the political game also matters to his success.

"He has an ability to persuade his colleagues to see things his way, and plays the long game," Thayer said. "He doesn't play the short term...other people are playing checkers while he is playing chess."

Moving forward, McConnell said he will focus on pushing back against isolationism, but that doesn't mean he will have any less interest in Kentucky.

"I think I'm in a position from a seniority point of view and from the fact I was formally leader to continue to have a big impact on Kentucky," McConnell said.

More: Louisville Metro Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel resigns

Jennifer Connelly "Absolutely Believes" THIS Was the Actual Ending of 'Dark Matter' Season 1 [Exclusive]

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The Big Picture

• Collider's Steve Weintraub interviews Jennifer Connelly about her role in Apple TV+s series Dark Matter .
• Connelly plays Daniela Vargas Dessen in the adaptation of author and showrunner Blake Crouch's sci-fi novel, opposite Joel Edgerton, Alice Braga, and more.
• During this interview, Connelly discusses the ending, her character's journey, working with Crouch, and a possible Season 2.

[Editor's Note: The following contains spoilers for Dark Matter Season 1] In just under three months, that's a wrap on Season 1 of the new Apple TV+ series, Dark Matter . Now that all nine episodes are available to stream, it's time to unpack what we've just seen and start looking at Season 2. In this interview with Oscar-winner Jennifer Connelly ( A Beautiful Mind ), who costars opposite Joel Edgerton 's ( The Gift ) many alternate personas as Daniela Vargas Dessen, we find out who she really believes stepped out of that box the final time.

Dark Matter , based on the novel by author and showrunner Blake Crouch , is a sci-fi series that's all about the choices we make — or could have made. In the show, Edgerton's Jason Dessen is forced into an alternate world that sets him on a journey to track down his original life, one in which he always wondered if he'd made the "right" choices. Through desperate trials and errors that involve Alice Braga ( Queen of the South ), Jimmi Simpson ( Westworld ), Dayo Okeniyi ( See ), and Oakes Fegley ( The Fabelmans ) in the mix, Jason does finally manage to step through a door that reunites him with his original family — or so we're led to believe.

What does Connelly think? Collider's Steve Weintraub discusses the possibilities that the Season 1 finale offers up, and the actress shares her own thoughts on which Jason really returned. They discuss what might await the family beyond the box, what potential Season 2 could hold, and why working with Crouch was vital on set. Connelly also talks about Daniela's journey and whether she, herself, would ever enter the box.

You can watch the conversation in the video above or read the full transcript below.

Dark Matter (2024)

A man is abducted into an alternate version of his life. Amid the mind-bending landscape of lives he could've lived, he embarks on a harrowing journey to get back to his true family and save them from a most terrifying foe: himself.

COLLIDER: I’ve got to start with the most important thing. Did you know that they have made a Labyrinth pinball machine, and have you played it?

JENNIFER CONNELLY: I did not know. No, I haven't, but that sounds awesome.

David Bowie's all over it, but you really need to check it out just on principle.

CONNELLY: I'd love to. I'll look it up.

If you actually were presented with the box in real life, and you could go in and travel to who knows where and most likely return home, but you don't know, would you actually go in? You could experience wonder and amazement, or who the hell knows?

CONNELLY: Would I be going in by myself, or could I bring my entire family and my Golden Retriever, Wallace?

I think the box is big enough to do all this.

CONNELLY: There's no way I'm leaving any of those people or creatures, so if we can all go and everyone's on board, it's still a maybe. It's still a maybe. It's a hard maybe .

I think that's actually very honest. It would be a maybe for me, as well.

CONNELLY: Yeah, it's a hard maybe. I don't know. Especially the way that it works in our story and how easy it is to influence the outcome of where you wind up. That’s five of us, plus Wallace, to think about frame of mind. She's a pretty fearful doggy. I'm not sure.

Daniela's 'Dark Matter' Journey

This had to be a very cool show to film just because of the layers upon layers of what's going on in each scene. What is it like as an actor — and I'm sure for Joel it was very challenging — for you to figure out different versions?

CONNELLY: For me, it was really fun. I like the different chapters of it. Most of my time in the show I'm playing one iteration of my character, which we called, very creatively, Daniela 1. She has an interesting — I thought it was interesting — journey, where she's presented with this version of her husband who's kind of a new and improved version of her husband, and it's kind of great, but then it just starts to feel different. Then she goes through this sleuthing chapter trying to figure out what's really going on, and then it becomes more and more disturbing. I enjoyed that journey for her. Then also what happens when he comes back and she's confronted with that. I thought that was a really interesting thing to have to try and imagine someone reckoning with and reconciling.

In terms of playing the different versions of the character, for me, it was really fun. It was not the same kind of endeavor as it was for Joel, who had to do scenes with different versions of himself, and it was much more to wrangle in that way. For me, they were really separated by time, by episode, and were quite distinct from one another. So it was just sort of fun, honestly, for me, that process.

What are you actually most looking forward to audiences seeing because there are a lot of layers to this show?

CONNELLY: I think it has a lot going on in a really fun way. I think it was a smart way to use the idea of a multiverse in this show. I feel like I haven't seen this use of that idea before. While I've seen other multiverse stories, I haven't seen it used in this way where it's like these characters, who are kind of working through, frankly, a marriage, like a 20-year marriage. They've come to this place in their lives where they're taking inventory of how they've lived, the choices that they've made, the regrets that they have, and the things that they've gone through, and it's playing out in this multiverse story . But they're not going to these far-off places. They're going to different versions of their own lives and different versions of the city that they live in, and meeting different versions of themselves that are sometimes even just slightly, slightly off. I thought that was a really fun ride in the book, and I thought it was a fun ride when I read the scripts, as well.

Jennifer Connelly "Absolutely Believes" This Was the Ending of 'Dark Matter' Season 1

What do you think about the very end of the series? You can look at it where Jason makes it back to his family, but you can also look at it that it's an alt version of Jason and an alt version of his family that are just slightly different, but no one will ever know.

CONNELLY: I felt like it was our original version of Jason and our original version of Daniela who came back together. I absolutely believe that.

That’s what Blake wants the audience to feel.

CONNELLY: I absolutely believe that. I absolutely believe that, but I don't think that they know that initially when they first are reunited. I think he knows that, but I don't think that she knows that. Once she realizes that there are other versions of all of us somewhere, I don't think she believes that or trusts that. But I think in that time that they spend together, I believe that she found him again and knew that it was him again and chose him again.

Sure. You can also make the argument, and this is me just playing devil's advocate, that one of the 100 standing there is actually the Jason. It could just be a five-minute difference. You never know.

CONNELLY: That's true.

It’s crazy. That's what's great about it is that you can play those mind games.

Yeah, who knows? At the very end of the show, you guys are reunited; you walk through a doorway and go into a new world. Did Blake or anyone tell you what that world was, or is it sort of like everyone's imagination?

CONNELLY: I don't think we know what it is yet because we were just sort of stepping through the portal. We didn't talk about it because literally all we do is kind of take one step. So, we'll have to see.

I'm just curious, as an actor, were you like, “Blake, where did we end up?”

CONNELLY: No, weirdly. I didn't. I didn't have that conversation with him. For better or worse, whatever that says about me. No, we didn't have that conversation.

One of my favorite shots, it’s Episode 8 or 9, and you are in the locker and you were looking at the alt money, the John F. Kennedy bills, the $2,000 bills. I love that because it's little subtle sci-fi. Did you end up borrowing any of those bills?

CONNELLY: [Laughs] I didn't. I should have. They were really great. But no, I didn't.

Author Blake Crouch Kept 'Dark Matter' From Becoming "Disjointed"

What do you think would surprise people to learn about the making of the show that maybe was unique to this, or is every show basically the same with slight variances?

CONNELLY: I don't know. I don't have enough experience making shows. I've really made two, so I don't have enough experience to say what's unique and what's a common thread. One thing that's different, obviously, is the amount of time that you spend making them, so those relationships with the people that you're working with become really important because it's not two months or six weeks, even, that sometimes you have on a film. We started filming in September and I think we finished in, like, April. It's really a significant portion of time that you're spending with them, so those relationships become really meaningful.

And in this case, it was a really happy experience making the show. Everyone was lovely. Blake is great to work with. He was on set every day, and he was really our onset leader and point person. It was so great to have the person who had written the book there as our showrunner and writer, whom we could ask questions of. Obviously, he holds that material, so it was really wonderful to have him there. It felt like in him, we had a real throughline. I know sometimes shows can become more disjointed as different directors come in, but with Blake, we had that stability and it was really tethered in that way to that origin story and his viewpoint. So, I really enjoyed that about the show.

All nine episodes of Dark Matter Season 1 are available to stream on Apple TV+.

Watch on Apple TV

Money blog: Amazon joins elite club - as well-known UK firm struggles

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and advice. Let us know your thoughts on any of the topics we're covering using the comments box below.

Thursday 27 June 2024 09:40, UK

• The products you should never buy at full price
• 'New normal' for mortgage rates won't be below 3.5%, lender boss warns
• Morrisons to open hundreds more convenience stores
• Quorn to start blending meat into some products

Essential reads

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• Cheap Eats:  Great British Menu legend outlines his top picks in North Yorkshire
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• Money Problem : 'I bought a new car but it's been back to dealership six times with same fault - what can I do?'
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Ask a question or make a comment

By  James Sillars , business reporter

Amazon was grabbing attention overnight.

It's become the fifth US company to reach a $2trn market value milestone.

Can you name the others? Answers below!

Analysts are crediting strong demand for technology-related stocks amid the rush for AI.

They also point to the growing hope among investors for a late summer/early autumn interest rate cut by the US central bank.

Amazon's shares ended the session on Wall St almost 4% up at $193 apiece.

The FTSE 100 has had a fairly muted start after falling almost 0.3% yesterday.

The index was one point up at 8,226 in early dealing.

In the wider market, Halfords stock was trading 6% lower.

The cycle sales and motor-focused retailer had earlier reported a fall in annual profits of almost a fifth and said that trading remained "soft".

The message to the market from Currys, the electricals chain, was more upbeat.

It revealed a 10% lift to its bottom line in the year to 27 April and said it was more confident about demand ahead.

Currys shares were 1% down, however, potentially reflecting concerns that its profit performance was not driven by higher sales.

Before I go... the answers to the $2trn+ club question above, as promised - the other members of this elite grouping are: Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia and Alphabet.

More than half of councils are not confident their area is prepared to roll out the next phase of free childcare, a report has found.

From September, 15 hours of free childcare a week will be available to working parents of all children aged over nine months old - expanding the policy from working parents of two-year-olds.

But 59% of local authorities say they are unsure if they will have enough places, citing significant challenges in recruiting and retaining staff, according to research by Coram Family and Childcare.

"For this policy to be a success, it is essential that all families can take up their entitlements, and the next few months will be a crucial time in making sure they can," said Ellen Broome, managing director of Coram.

The childcare changes coming in September are the penultimate phase of a policy introduced by the chancellor at the budget last year.

In September 2025, all working parents of children aged over nine months olds will be eligible for 30 hours free childcare per week.

Coram found only 11% of councils were confident there will be enough places to meet demand - a figure almost unchanged since January.

At present, 52% of councils say all or almost all eligible parents seeking 15 hours of free childcare have been able to.

But Ms Broome added: "We are concerned there may be further issues not only this September, but further down the line for families in getting the childcare they need." 

Beyond workforce challenges, 36% of councils identified local buildings and space as barriers to delivering the service.

Martin Lewis has hit out at the Conservatives for using him in an attack ad.

The Tories posted a clip of the Money Saving Expert founder on X describing how a senior Labour member had told him they wanted to introduce a policy that was not in its manifesto.

Mr Lewis said the discussion he had been referring to was not about tax rises, but the Conservatives featured the video alongside the words: "They're not telling you the full truth. Labour have said they wouldn't put up your taxes. But it's now becoming clear that they have every intention to put them up."

Criticising the ad, Mr Lewis wrote: "NOWHERE in this comment do I talk about taxes.

"And the policy that I discussed (I will keep private as it was private) was NOT about taxes, or tax rises, it was about something that would be a positive change."

The Tories' original post was later tagged with a community note – a feature on X allowing readers to add context to a claim.

"Martin Lewis has confirmed that the policy he refers to in the video was not about taxes, and so is unrelated to the text it is presented alongside," the note read.

Labour, like the Tories, have promised not to increase income tax, national insurance or VAT during the next parliament.

Every Thursday  Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes  gives an insight into the savings market and how to make the most of your money... 

With more than £253bn sitting in accounts earning nothing, savers are missing out on billions of pounds in interest. Although we are expecting to see a base rate cut in the next few weeks or months, as this keeps getting pushed back it's good to see that some of the best easy access accounts that you can open are still paying more than 5% AER (the Annual Equivalent Rate).

Some existing savers may have seen the rate on their accounts dropping however, as some providers have already started to cut rates in anticipation of a lower base rate this year. So, if you are one of these savers, it could pay to switch if you feel you are getting a rough deal.

That said, as easy access accounts are variable rate accounts, the rate of any could be cut at any time – so keep a close eye on what's happening.

Another thing to watch out for is bonus rates, which some of the top paying accounts include in the rate they are advertising. The most common type of bonus is one that will apply for the first 12 months of the account being opened, so you need to make sure you move your money at that stage, if the rate without the bonus is uncompetitive.

But sometimes the bonus applies until a specific date, which could be less than 12 months. For example, Chase Bank's Chase Saver is paying a headline rate of 5.10% but this includes a bonus of 1% which will be removed on 16 January 2025. Therefore, the rate that you will earn over 12 months (the AER) is lower than the headline rate. As of 16 June 2024, the AER on this account was nearer 4.68% - although as long as you make a note to review and move your cash when the bonus is removed, you can still earn 5.10% in the meantime.

Of course, as mentioned above, as with all variable rate accounts the interest rate you are earning can be cut at any time anyway, so you need to keep your eyes peeled.

It's important to read all the terms and conditions when opening a savings account so that you earn the interest you are expecting.

The chief executive of Lloyds Banking Group – the UK's biggest lender – has offered a bleak outlook for anyone hoping for a return of low interest rates.

Charlie Nunn told Sky News interest rate cuts from the Bank of England expected later this year would be "beneficial" – but warned homeowners not to expect a return to the ultra-low interest rates seen for most of the last 16 years.

He added: "Of course, the short-term impact of interest rates is going to impact, first of all, the government on the cost of government debt. That will be important. And secondly, it'll make the cost of borrowing for businesses short term more attractive… that'll be important.

"In terms of the impact on the broader consumer in the UK, it'll take longer to feed through. Around mortgages specifically, we've just come off a decade where mortgages have been in the 1.5-2.5% range.

"The expectations the market have is that interest rates probably won't get below 3.5%. 

"And that means mortgages, or the new normal for mortgages, will be in that 3.5-4.5% range, not 1.5-2.5%.

"So there is going to be a higher cost of borrowing in the economy, probably based on what we can see happening at the moment."

Read Ian King's full interview with Charlie Nunn...

Shoppers could save up to 50% by buying them at the right time, a consumer magazine has found. 

Which? found the prices of popular health products - such as Colgate toothpaste and Gillette razors - were fluctuating wildly throughout the year, as this table shows... 

The researchers looked at like-for-like products from top-selling brands across 15 health and personal care product areas that were available for at least 42 weeks of the year between March 2023 and February 2024 - although multi-buy offers and loyalty prices were excluded.

"This suggests that the products are regularly on a promotion cycle and consumers could get good deals if they shop around for health products," Which? said. 

One such example saw a packet of 30 Piriteze Hayfever and Allergy Relief Tablets at Waitrose reduced from £11.50 to £8 between May and July 2023 - and afterwards it cost £11.55.

What can consumers do?

Ele Clark, Which?'s retail editor, said: "Retailers constantly change products' prices based on demand, seasonality, agreements with manufacturers and what their competitors are doing.

"Which?'s advice in this fast-changing market is to keep an eye on the prices of products you buy regularly and stock up when the price is low - or ask yourself if it's really essential to have your preferred brand and consider switching to a cheaper product that can do just as good a job."

Drivers are being warned this week's heatwave brings risks of an unexpected £180 bill. 

Car mechanics from Prestone said the hot weather could cause significant damage to windscreens - meaning you'll have to shell out for a replacement. 

"Slightly counterintuitively, it isn't the heat directly that causes damage, it is the fluctuation in temperature that could cause damage," they said. 

"When this happens to brittle materials such as glass, it can cause them to explode or crack; this is called thermal shock. To stop your windscreen from accumulating a lot of heat, avoid parking in direct sunlight. Consider parking under a tree, in a garage or other forms of shade."

Deliveroo shares have risen following reports US rival Doordash held takeover talks with the business. 

Doordash flagged an interest in taking over the UK's Deliveroo last month, but talks ended as the two sides couldn't agree on the value of the deal, according to Reuters news agency. 

The London-listed company's share price jumped by 6% to 136p this morning, although later eased to 3.7% higher. 

Deliveroo has seen its value fall by more than 50% since debuting on the stock market in March 2021. 

New details have been unveiled for Universal's first UK theme park - including plans for the attraction to be open 365 days a year.

Universal Destinations & Experiences - which is owned by Sky's parent company Comcast - has bought land near Bedford as it  plans to build  Europe's largest  theme park  with millions of visitors per year, as well as a 500-room hotel and dining area.

Read the full story here ...

The building society is the latest to slash rates, after HSBC yesterday and Barclays on Monday. 

It will be lowering two, three and five-year rates by up to 0.21% tomorrow. 

It follows a reduction in swap rates - which dictate how much it costs lenders to lend.

So what does this mean for the market more broadly? 

Here's what the experts told Newspage... 

Emma Jones, managing director at Whenthebanksaysno.co.uk: "They're falling like dominoes now. Things are suddenly looking considerably brighter for the property market as we enter the second half of the year. Enquiries are up sharply this week, which suggests the improved weather may also have lifted spirits and confidence."

David Stirling, independent financial advisor at Mint Mortgages and Protection: "We've not exactly hit the bargain basement for borrowers just yet but the competition for new business from the banks has definitely heated up this week. For some the Bank of England decision in August is very hotly anticipated and could hopefully lead to an incredibly busy autumn."

Dariusz Karpowicz, director at Albion Financial Advice: "While these minor decreases are certainly a step in the right direction, the average rate for a two or five-year fix remains high. It's good to see rates moving down, but let's not get carried away. There are still too many unknowns on the horizon. The upcoming election, fluctuating house prices and geopolitical uncertainties all add layers of complexity to the market."

The supermarket has announced plans to open about 400 more of its Morrisons Daily convenience shops.

It is part of plans to take on discount retailers Aldi and Lidl, according to Retail Gazette . 

Morrisons said it wanted to increase its total number of smaller shops to 2,000 in 2025, although it has not yet given a list of locations. 

The supermarket has seen its like-for-like sales, excluding fuel and VAT, rise by 4.1% over the three months to 28 April. 

Chief executive Rami Baitieh said he was "pleased with the overall performance" of the business in the second quarter. 

No one could have failed to notice the rocketing price of olive oil over the last couple of years - and it's been just as bad in Spain, where it is an integral part of the Mediterranean diet. 

The Spanish government has now said it will temporarily ditch the sales tax on olive oil to help consumers cope. 

Spain is the world's leading producer and exporter of olive oil, and last year Spanish households consumed an average of six litres per person. 

However, the country's agriculture ministry says prices have surged by 272% since September 2020. 

The Money team wrote this piece in March about why that's happening... 

The Spanish government had already cut the sales tax on olive oil from 10% to 5% as part of an anti-inflation package.

Now they've said no sales tax will be applied from July until September, when it will be taxed at 2% until the end of the year. 

From then on, it will be taxed at 4%. 

Spanish treasury minister Maria Jesus Montero said the decision reflects "the importance of olive oil in the Mediterranean diet and a healthy lifestyle". 

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