Never; in no case or situation; irrespective of events or conditions. Watch the video
Month: May 2021
Electricity
Electrical phenomena, caused by the presence and flow of electric charge, have been studied since antiquity. Static electricity was the first of them to be recognized and investigated. As early as 600 BCE, certain cultures had discovered that rubbing amber with fur caused it to attract light objects such as feathers. Some 2,200 years later, English scientist William Gilbert coined the term “electricity” to describe the electrification of substances. How did he come up with the word? Discuss
flyaway
Definition: (adjective) Guided by whim and fancy.
Synonyms: flighty, head-in-the-clouds, scatterbrained.
Usage: The flyaway young girl came to the formal dinner covered in dirt, as she had opted to roll down the hill instead of going around it like her sisters.
Discuss
soften
emollient, emolliate – Emollient is from Latin emolliere, “to soften”; to emolliate is to soften or make effeminate. More…
macerate – Meaning “to soften,” it comes from Greek massein, “knead.” More…
lenify, lenity – To lenify is to alleviate or soothe an emotion or suffering, from Latin lenire, “soften”; lenity means kindness or gentleness. More…
amalgamate – Seems to go back to Greek malagma, “softening.” More…
Boston Pops
Henry Lee Higginson, who established the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1881, believed that in the summer, “concerts of a lighter kind of music” should be presented. People began to refer fondly to these summer concerts as “the Pops,” a name which became official in 1900. The Boston Pops tailors its programs around American music and musicians, medleys of popular songs, and familiar movements of classical works. Outside of its official concert season at Symphony Hall, where it performs through May and June, the Pops also tours the United States. Discuss
in (the) bud
In an undeveloped, immature, or incipient state. Watch the video
Status Quo Ante Bellum
The Latin term status quo—literally “the state in which”—is commonly, and often casually, used to refer to an existing state of affairs. However, when the words ante bellum are tacked on to the end of the phrase, it is transformed into a very specific and weighty legal principle relating to the cessation of international hostilities. When belligerent parties negotiating a peace treaty agree to the principle of status quo ante bellum, they are consenting to do what? Discuss
crabbed
Definition: (adjective) Irritable and perverse in disposition; ill-tempered.
Synonyms: fussy, grouchy, grumpy, cross.
Usage: I first put out my tacky lawn ornaments as a practical joke, but after my persnickety, crabbed neighbor lodged a complaint about them, I dug my heels in and refused to take them down.
Discuss
Sun Tzu
He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. Discuss