Genetic counseling is the process by which patients at risk of developing or transmitting an inherited disorder are advised of the nature and consequences of the disorder, the probability of developing it or passing it on, and the available treatment options. Typically, people seek counseling because they have a family history of genetic disorders or because their job or lifestyle exposes them to health risks like radiation or chemicals. What are some of the conditions commonly screened for? Discuss
Month: May 2022
mercurial
Definition: (adjective) Quick and changeable in temperament.
Synonyms: quicksilver, erratic, fickle, volatile.
Usage: Her mercurial nature made it difficult to gauge how she would react.
Discuss
hatred
Edict of Worms Declares Martin Luther an Outlaw and Heretic (1521)
The Diet of Worms was an assembly opened by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V to deal with the question of Martin Luther’s recalcitrant behavior. Luther was asked to retract his teachings condemned by the pope, but he refused. Various theologians argued with him for a week, but he would not change his position. On May 25, Luther was formally declared an outlaw in the Edict of Worms, and the lines of the Reformation were thereby hardened. Who hid Luther to protect him from the edict’s enforcers? Discuss
African Liberation Day
This day can be traced back to April 15, 1958, when the Conference of Independent African States was held in Accra, Ghana. On May 25, 1963, 31 independent African countries met to form the Organisation of African Unity, changing the name and the date of what is now African Liberation Day. In 1999, the group reorganized into the African Union. Today, observances include marches, parades, rallies, and conferences, focusing on celebrating freedom from colonialism, educating people about the progress of the African liberation movement, and speaking out against oppression. Discuss
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803)
Emerson was a poet and essayist who established himself as a leading spokesman for transcendentalism. He developed his own philosophy combining German idealism, Neo-Platonism, and Asian mysticism, and dominated the American lecture circuit of the 1830s with his winter lecture tours, which included the notable essays “The Over-Soul” and “Self-Reliance.” Although he published many volumes of essays and poetry, his lectures provided most of his income. What famous philosopher was Emerson’s godson? Discuss
talk to the hand
A rude interjection meant to interrupt and dismiss what another person is saying. (Sometimes written or spoken in longer forms, such as, “talk to the hand, because the face isn’t listening,” or the like.) Watch the video
The Western Wall
The Western Wall, or Kotel, is a retaining wall from the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It is the last standing remnant of the Beit HaMikdash, the holy temple of the Jews that was destroyed by the Romans around 70 CE. The “Wailing Wall” continues to have a powerful hold on the devotion of Jews all over the world. Over the years, millions have come as tourists and pilgrims to pray at the wall and touch its stones. What do the faithful often place in its cracks? Discuss
moire
prone
bellicose, belligerent – Bellicose orients “prone to fighting” toward an individual, while belligerent refers to an organized body, a national or political entity—a person is bellicose, a nation is belligerent. More…
grovel, groveling – Grovel is a back-formation from groveling—which first meant “face downward in a prone or prostrate position.” More…
prone, prostrate, supine – Prone is lying on your face—facing downwards—which is also true for prostrate, but only in expressing adoration or begging for protection; supine is lying on your back. More…
kratogen – The dormant area of land lying next to one that is prone to earthquakes. More…