Today's word is penchant, a noun meaning inclination, decided taste, or a strong liking.
I have a strong penchant to avoid certain kinds of poetry on this site. Namely, the hard poetry. I love haiku and will certainly revisit it in the future. During the haiku month I learned how to control cadence and syllables. I liked quatrain because I improved my rhyming skills. Clerihew kept it funny and acrostics and cinquains kept me restricted to a specific setup. So for next month's poetry I am going to take on the impossible and combine all of these "skills" for a serious challenge. Stay tuned!
My penchant is for haiku
Or possibly a quatrain or two
But with poetry more complex
My penchant is to just say "next!"
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Rapacious Scavenger
Today's word is rapacious which is an adjective meaning given to plunder; seizing by force.In a earlier post I shared with you the possibility that my house is frequented by mice. Well I know for a fact there is a neighborhood possum around. I know this because I have seen him. He hangs out on the top of my fence under only the slightest cover of naked tree branches. He will climb up there and draw the attention of my barking dog and then just sit there staring unapologetically.
I know this because I have seen him there and he was completely undeterred by me outing him with my flashlight or by the very large branch I threw at him. Didn't flinch a bit. I know he is still there because the other night I went to take out the trash and there he was, hovering above me only six feet away. Completely unaffected. So creepy!
Our neighborhood possum is rapacious
Living off of household waste
If he wasn't so creepy and pugnacious
I might openly question his taste.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Friday Verboten
Today's word is verboten, an adjective meaning forbidden as by law, or prohibited.
This is actually something that I was thinking about a few weeks ago, but it is very difficult to rhyme the word verboten. This message is personal so I am not going to mention any names, but if you are reading this, B.F., you know who you are.
I guess changing teams is no longer verboten.
So you have become a Minnesotan.
But you totally lost me as a backer
When you ceased to retire after being a Packer.
This is actually something that I was thinking about a few weeks ago, but it is very difficult to rhyme the word verboten. This message is personal so I am not going to mention any names, but if you are reading this, B.F., you know who you are.
I guess changing teams is no longer verboten.
So you have become a Minnesotan.
But you totally lost me as a backer
When you ceased to retire after being a Packer.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Decapitation Machination
I have two favorite villains of all times, both women. The first is Cruella de Ville who is one PETA hating fashionista. She recklessly drives a fabulous car an sports the latest in Dalmatian fur while smoking through an elegant cigarette holder. And there is a song about her which sums it all up: "Cruella de Ville, Cruella de Ville. If she doesn't scare you no evil thing will."
The second is the Queen of Hearts. That beyotch is crazy. But what sane person, once or twice in her life, doesn't think "off with your head" and mean it on some level. That admirable lady is a force and an inspiration. If she wasn't ordering someone to sharpen the guillotine, she was plotting a kangaroo court or the re-coloring of the roses. I'll bet she would support building a fence along the Mexican border. That just seems like her kind of thing.
Alice's curiosity overpowers her smarts
When she is threatened with decapitation
By the fiercest of villains, the Queen of Hearts
And her macabre machinations.
* Bienvenido a Spanish lessons. Seriously, I got tired of writing "the word of the day is" so I tried for some variation.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Dancing To The Beat of Your Own Panjandrum
Today's word is panjandrum which is a noun meaning an important personage or pretentious official.
Is this totally different from my recent use of grand poobah? I think not. In my book grand poobah is far more descriptive. Additionally it is notable for originating from the musical The Mikado which is a delightful production in which I was once forcibly cast. I say forcibly since I was cast as Yum Yum, one of three female leads, when at the time there were only three girls in my whole class.
But we looked adorable in kimonos and obis.
Here is a quote from the dramatist Samuel Foote (graduate of Oxford University) using today's word:
Macklin fancied himself a panjandrum
With memorization as his niche.
But challenges he shied away from
And Foote made Macklin his bitch.
* Please, do be totally impressed by my vocabulary. But I learned this word while starring in our middle school production of The Phantom Toolbooth. It was one of my few one-word lines. And it seems a bit more difficult to be impressed by a kid in black leotard whose missing front tooth makes her lisp on the single line "Baldersa-th."
Is this totally different from my recent use of grand poobah? I think not. In my book grand poobah is far more descriptive. Additionally it is notable for originating from the musical The Mikado which is a delightful production in which I was once forcibly cast. I say forcibly since I was cast as Yum Yum, one of three female leads, when at the time there were only three girls in my whole class.
But we looked adorable in kimonos and obis.
Here is a quote from the dramatist Samuel Foote (graduate of Oxford University) using today's word:
So she went into the garden to cut a cabbage-leaf to make an apple-pie; and at the same time a great she-bear, coming up the street, pops its head into the shop. "What! No soap?" So he died, and she very imprudently married the barber: and there were present the Picninnies, and the Joblillies, and the Garyulies, and the grand panjandrum himself, with the little round button at top, and they all fell to playing the game of catch-as-catch-can till the gunpowder ran out at the heels of their boots.When I first read that quote I thought it was a total load of worthless balderdash* but then I researched it a little more and found out this: good ole Foote came up with that gem when some pompous dude named Charles Macklin said he could memorize anything. So...me thinks someone got served!
Macklin fancied himself a panjandrum
With memorization as his niche.
But challenges he shied away from
And Foote made Macklin his bitch.
* Please, do be totally impressed by my vocabulary. But I learned this word while starring in our middle school production of The Phantom Toolbooth. It was one of my few one-word lines. And it seems a bit more difficult to be impressed by a kid in black leotard whose missing front tooth makes her lisp on the single line "Baldersa-th."
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Evince-dentaly
Today's word is evince which is a verb meaning to show in a clear manner; to manifest; to make evident; to bring to light.
Hmmm...It seems as though this word has the same thing as evidence. For example, she evidenced her confusion by writing a short blog entry. Well, I guess shorter is better (five foot two in the hoooouuusee!)
So here goes:
Her shortcomings were evinced
Pulling books in the library of the law school
It has been quite a while since
She had to pull out the rolling step stool.
Hmmm...It seems as though this word has the same thing as evidence. For example, she evidenced her confusion by writing a short blog entry. Well, I guess shorter is better (five foot two in the hoooouuusee!)
So here goes:
Her shortcomings were evinced
Pulling books in the library of the law school
It has been quite a while since
She had to pull out the rolling step stool.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Delegation!
Plenipotentiary (adjective): Containing or conferring full power; invested with full power or (noun) A person invested with full power to transact any business.
What? How did I not know this word before. If there is one thing I enjoy...well it is combining two words together to make a new word (ex. poetry + blogging = plogging.) But if there is a second thing I care to emply to the extent of its use it is words that make delegating tasks seem honorable (Ex: you are the grand poobah of vacuuming. Congrats!)
I highly suggest at some point today to make a plenipotentiary delegation of your least favorite task. I think the recipient of this honor may very well be impressed with your confidence in him or her.*
You feel you have been slighted
But it is quite to the contrary
Instead you have been invited
To be my foot rubbing plenipotentiary.
* The writer of this plog is not responsible for anyone getting punched in the face of other body part. Use this advice at your own peril. You are the plenipotentiary of your actions and are thereby responsible for their consequences, you honorable fellow you!
What? How did I not know this word before. If there is one thing I enjoy...well it is combining two words together to make a new word (ex. poetry + blogging = plogging.) But if there is a second thing I care to emply to the extent of its use it is words that make delegating tasks seem honorable (Ex: you are the grand poobah of vacuuming. Congrats!)
I highly suggest at some point today to make a plenipotentiary delegation of your least favorite task. I think the recipient of this honor may very well be impressed with your confidence in him or her.*
You feel you have been slighted
But it is quite to the contrary
Instead you have been invited
To be my foot rubbing plenipotentiary.
* The writer of this plog is not responsible for anyone getting punched in the face of other body part. Use this advice at your own peril. You are the plenipotentiary of your actions and are thereby responsible for their consequences, you honorable fellow you!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Rodent Signs are Tangible = Sanity is Frangible
Today's word is frangible (adjective): Capable of being broken; brittle; fragile; easily broken.
If you know anything about me, you should know that I am terrified of mice. You're probably thinking "hey, me too. Mice are gross." NO! I mean they really scare the bejezus out of me. Abnormally. You just dislike them in the usual way. I'll bet you don't want a velvet portrait hanging in your rumpus room depicting mice playing poker. And I'm guessing you think that friend who has them is pets is of questionable sociability. That is normal.
But that is not what I'm talking about. I'll bet the movie about the charming rodent cook Ratatouille didn't give you nightmares. [He was touching the food for Christ sake!] And I'll bet you never laid in bed crying all night after they chased you around your apartment and on to your coffee table where you languished nervously until your roommate finally came home. And most of all I'll bet a very large one (the kind that rhymes with flat or scat) did not fall on you from above in your very narrow garage. I mean he was on a kamikaze mission probably trying to kill me with the plague or fleas or one of the many other scourges they carry.
Just writing this post I had to get up once to relax.
The worst part of them is when you don't know for sure they are there. Rodents are sneaky little bastards. They sneak around when you are there and make you question if you have paranoia, hearing loss, or an overactive imagination.
So what I'm saying is I may or may not have mice.
My frangible rodent-free make believe world
Just a few little red flags and it starts to unfurl.
Dog at my feet but is that her food that I hear?
Find a kibble outside my bedroom and choke back the tears.
If you know anything about me, you should know that I am terrified of mice. You're probably thinking "hey, me too. Mice are gross." NO! I mean they really scare the bejezus out of me. Abnormally. You just dislike them in the usual way. I'll bet you don't want a velvet portrait hanging in your rumpus room depicting mice playing poker. And I'm guessing you think that friend who has them is pets is of questionable sociability. That is normal.
But that is not what I'm talking about. I'll bet the movie about the charming rodent cook Ratatouille didn't give you nightmares. [He was touching the food for Christ sake!] And I'll bet you never laid in bed crying all night after they chased you around your apartment and on to your coffee table where you languished nervously until your roommate finally came home. And most of all I'll bet a very large one (the kind that rhymes with flat or scat) did not fall on you from above in your very narrow garage. I mean he was on a kamikaze mission probably trying to kill me with the plague or fleas or one of the many other scourges they carry.
Just writing this post I had to get up once to relax.
The worst part of them is when you don't know for sure they are there. Rodents are sneaky little bastards. They sneak around when you are there and make you question if you have paranoia, hearing loss, or an overactive imagination.
So what I'm saying is I may or may not have mice.
My frangible rodent-free make believe world
Just a few little red flags and it starts to unfurl.
Dog at my feet but is that her food that I hear?
Find a kibble outside my bedroom and choke back the tears.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Veritable Likeness of Writing
Veritable (adjective) Agreeable to truth or to fact; actual; real; true; genuine.
Veritable is one of those words that people ruined. Which is kind of a ridiculous statement because words have no meaning if not used by people so I guess if anyone has the right to screw them up, it's us.
But some words, like veritable, are so overused that they really don't mean anything anymore. For example the word "like." It is used, like, a million times a day like a crutch and I'm not really sure if I like having to consider the context to decide if it is used like prose or like a filler.
Or "very." I have professor with a bee in his bonnet about this word which apparently used to mean something quite different from "a lot." And even today it can be on two ends of the spectrum of extreme-ness; either I am very bored of this post (meaning incredibly bored), or the very thought of finishing reading makes me sleepy (meaning just the slightest thought.)
I try to write crap-free, but then again I'm not like, very professional.
When writing meaningful prose
You pull literary gold from your cache
But avoid your writing lows
By omitting words that are veritable trash.
Veritable is one of those words that people ruined. Which is kind of a ridiculous statement because words have no meaning if not used by people so I guess if anyone has the right to screw them up, it's us.
But some words, like veritable, are so overused that they really don't mean anything anymore. For example the word "like." It is used, like, a million times a day like a crutch and I'm not really sure if I like having to consider the context to decide if it is used like prose or like a filler.
Or "very." I have professor with a bee in his bonnet about this word which apparently used to mean something quite different from "a lot." And even today it can be on two ends of the spectrum of extreme-ness; either I am very bored of this post (meaning incredibly bored), or the very thought of finishing reading makes me sleepy (meaning just the slightest thought.)
I try to write crap-free, but then again I'm not like, very professional.
When writing meaningful prose
You pull literary gold from your cache
But avoid your writing lows
By omitting words that are veritable trash.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Elections And Deselections
Today I am plogging using the word prevaricate (verb) which means to depart from or evade the truth, or to speak with equivocation.
I think this is a great word, particularly in the context of politics. I love it because old Noah Webster* doesn't split hairs, he just goes ahead and says speaking with "equivocation" is the same as lying. In other words just because there is an alternate meaning to what you said doesn't mean what you meant isn't a big fat lie.
If more people felt this way, maybe we would have a greater accountability in politics. If you see a politician doing something BS-y, then make a note of his name. Literally, write it down and put it in you wallet. And next time you are in the voters' booth pull that slip of paper out of you wallet and check it against your ballot. Don't put up with that crap, you are too good for it and so is our country.
In your attempt to communicate
You are still but idling your motors
With empty words you prevaricate
And pander to the voters.
* Yes, I know his is probably not the editor of dictionary.com but that is who I am picturing so stop editing visions in my head. [Jerk.]
I think this is a great word, particularly in the context of politics. I love it because old Noah Webster* doesn't split hairs, he just goes ahead and says speaking with "equivocation" is the same as lying. In other words just because there is an alternate meaning to what you said doesn't mean what you meant isn't a big fat lie.
If more people felt this way, maybe we would have a greater accountability in politics. If you see a politician doing something BS-y, then make a note of his name. Literally, write it down and put it in you wallet. And next time you are in the voters' booth pull that slip of paper out of you wallet and check it against your ballot. Don't put up with that crap, you are too good for it and so is our country.
In your attempt to communicate
You are still but idling your motors
With empty words you prevaricate
And pander to the voters.
* Yes, I know his is probably not the editor of dictionary.com but that is who I am picturing so stop editing visions in my head. [Jerk.]
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Not Just A Bibelot
Well folks it is time for me to climb back on the soap box.
Why are so many people giving up dogs right now? I guess I see the reasoning for having to give up dogs that require a lot of veterinary care or dogs that, in order to keep, you would have to pay for a move. Some people are losing their jobs and have families to feed. But, really, dogs can eat table scraps and really cheap stuff. And no matter how bad the economy gets that dog is always going to look up to you and love you. He or she doesn't care if you got laid off or if you spent all day on the couch in your PJs (trust me I know) but only if you can spare one, free pat on the head and a ear scratch.
In a time when everything else maybe going down the toilet for you, those eyes are always going to look up to you with love and admiration. So when you are prioritizing the costs in your life, keep in mind what you could be getting out of that pet instead of your fancy car or that extra piece of clothing a month. The benefit to you is far larger than the cost.
And for those people who already own pets and are nervous for the responsibility that carries, remember that pets are not things to be thrown away or given up to lighten the load. If you are being a pet owner in the right way, your pet will be a comfort and not a burden.
Eyes yearning for your attention
Human shortcomings pass without mention
Never requiring a quid pro quo
A pet is not a bibelot.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Lacuna Matata
Lacuna (noun) which means a blank space, a missing part, or a gap.
Well it's that time again folks, I am going in for my monthly root canal next week.
Seriously though, I have more root canals than [some funny word play on root canals]. What? I'm way too annoyed to think of a pun right now. I mean this is ridic. I asked the endodontist if I was doing anything wrong but apparently I just have bad teeth. I think this is due in part to my parents and their dental genetics. If they weren't such effing awesome parents otherwise, I might gripe. But instead I will just have to get drilled more times than Jenna Jameson. [I'm back!]
Lacuna in my dental hygiene routine?
But I always keep my teeth pretty clean.
Most people frequent dentists to fix aesthetics
But I have to countervail my bad genetics.
Well it's that time again folks, I am going in for my monthly root canal next week.
Seriously though, I have more root canals than [some funny word play on root canals]. What? I'm way too annoyed to think of a pun right now. I mean this is ridic. I asked the endodontist if I was doing anything wrong but apparently I just have bad teeth. I think this is due in part to my parents and their dental genetics. If they weren't such effing awesome parents otherwise, I might gripe. But instead I will just have to get drilled more times than Jenna Jameson. [I'm back!]
Lacuna in my dental hygiene routine?
But I always keep my teeth pretty clean.
Most people frequent dentists to fix aesthetics
But I have to countervail my bad genetics.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Perambulation Procrastination
Perambulate (verb) meaning to walk about, to stroll, to roam or to travel over for the purpose of surveying or inspecting.Why is it that committing to physical activity is so difficult? I am no cheater (I pay taxes, I play fair poker, I have never been on the show Cheaters) but I CAN NOT commit to just a simple walk around the block every day. And frankly I could use it. And so could the dog. Even Ricky Gervais does it, while talking on the phone. And even that is funny when he is doing it.
Suggestions?
Why cannot I not commit to a date
To begin nightly breaks to perambulate?
Making myself almost irate
In an effort to lose just a bit of weight.
Monday, January 18, 2010
According to Archer
Accord (noun): to be in agreement or harmony or (transitive verb): to cause to conform or agree; bring into harmony.I think we can all agree that this world is missing an adult comedic cartoon about a spoiled but well trained spy working for his mom. Good news everyone! You should immediately add Archer to your DVR timers. Go ahead, I'll wait.
[Sound of Muzak, possibly The Greatest Love of All.]
On you're not convinced yet? It is a cartoon with voices of Aisha Tyler (Friends, 24, CSI), Chris Parnell (SNL and 30 Rock's Dr. Spaceman) and Jessica Walters (Arrested Development much?) Also check out these quotes I personally selected for your reading pleasure:
"So will I learn karate?"And my personal favorite:
"Karate? The Dane Cook of martial arts? No, ISIS agents use Krav Maga."
"Krav...?"
"We have an ex-Mossad agent, he comes in on Thursdays. Tuesdays he does a really rigorous spin class."
"Ironic isn't it?"And then later,
"I'm not sure that's technically irony."
"Whaaat? This is like O. Henry and Alanis Morissette had a baby and named it this exact situation!"
"Oh, and Archer, how's this for ironic?"Just try it once, you'll be hooked.
"Well, you know what? I don't have a one to some-other-number of douche bag scale. So, six?"
When you work with your ex and your mom
It can be hard to reach an accord.
But Archer knows how to keep his calm
One episode - you'll be on board.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Apposit(iv)e View on Things
Word of the day is apposite which is an adjective describing things that act against each other with equal force, power, or effect; to counteract.
Isn't the very similar to yesterday's word? I agree.
So maybe today I will focus on the awesome part of yesterday's countervailing forces: Jen and David's wedding. Let me break it down for you: first, if you were there, enough said. However, if you were not there, then you should follow these instructions:
1. Stand with your hands over your head and joined at the palms.
2. Pick up one foot, and place it on the knee of the opposite leg.
3. Take a deep breath and clear your mind.
4. Then reach that raised foot back and kick yourself in the butt because you missed one good party.
I could tell you about it here but I try to keep this blog PG rated (and totally elitist) so suffice it to say five of these six things happened.
- The bride and groom danced as though they were jumping rope.
- Late night cookies and milk were served.
- Possible further familial romances were strengthened.
- Someone was cured of chronic back pain.
- Some guy danced with choreography using another man's tie.
- Tiger Woods hit on a cocktail waitress.
Ok at least five of those things happened, perhaps more. So now all that is left is for Jen and David to live a long, happy life together learning how to compromise on all of life's decisions.*
Marriage, it's a positive arrangement
When apposite forces don't focus on who is "wronger"
But instead they avoid estrangement
And use the differences to make the union stronger.
* Except living north of 635 - not cool!
Isn't the very similar to yesterday's word? I agree.
So maybe today I will focus on the awesome part of yesterday's countervailing forces: Jen and David's wedding. Let me break it down for you: first, if you were there, enough said. However, if you were not there, then you should follow these instructions:
1. Stand with your hands over your head and joined at the palms.
2. Pick up one foot, and place it on the knee of the opposite leg.
3. Take a deep breath and clear your mind.
4. Then reach that raised foot back and kick yourself in the butt because you missed one good party.
I could tell you about it here but I try to keep this blog PG rated (and totally elitist) so suffice it to say five of these six things happened.
- The bride and groom danced as though they were jumping rope.
- Late night cookies and milk were served.
- Possible further familial romances were strengthened.
- Someone was cured of chronic back pain.
- Some guy danced with choreography using another man's tie.
- Tiger Woods hit on a cocktail waitress.
Ok at least five of those things happened, perhaps more. So now all that is left is for Jen and David to live a long, happy life together learning how to compromise on all of life's decisions.*
Marriage, it's a positive arrangement
When apposite forces don't focus on who is "wronger"
But instead they avoid estrangement
And use the differences to make the union stronger.
* Except living north of 635 - not cool!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Countervailing Forces
The word of the day is countervail is a verb meaning to act against with equal force, power, or effect; to counteract.
I was at lunch the other day and CNN was on at the restaurant and a reporter was telling the story of a girl in Haiti. The girl was trapped in a building that had collapsed during the earthquake and one of her legs was stuck underneath some building wreckage. She was awake and coherent and aside from her leg and being stuck under what used to be a wall she was doing pretty well. A reporter was telling the story and he had to pause repeatedly throughout the report because you could hear the girl wailing in the background. There were seven or eight men there trying to get her out of the building but they didn't have the right equipment and it looked like they were going to have to amputate her leg.
Sometimes those things really stick with me. I think it happens to lots of people actually, and just like me they probably try not to bring it up. Maybe I will be chatting with a friend and they say the word "leg" and I think of that girl crying and it mentally knocks the wind out of me for a second. And my friend goes on talking about cellulite and I am thinking how to explain to a child that she only has one leg because there wasn't an available backhoe. Then I just pull it back together like that reporter and make a comment about workout regimens.
According to Winston Churchill, "men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened." But that's not how I see it. Sometimes your feelings are too raw and strong to deal with at that second and they have to be put on a shelf and saved for later. You can't just keep them stored there forever or else they will leak out in random moments when someone mentions their leg fat but they can be dealt with at a later time. Sometimes they should be dealt with later when there is enough yang to deal with the yin.
Something really incredible happened today: my sister got married. And the wedding was perfect and incredible. It was perfect not because the programs were the right color or the food was warm enough but because the room was full of this great feeling. Jen and David obviously love each other but everyone loved them and enjoyed the food and danced, there was just a lot of good mojo. [Cheese ball alert] I couldn't help but think that the feeling everyone had in that room is the basis for our whole world. Families, cities, and civilizations were built with the purpose of having that feeling as much as possible.
So now that I have the appropriate yang for the yin, I am making a donation to the Haiti effort because that is what I can do now. And I am going to remember that girl and keep on doing what I can do. I suggest you do a little of the same as soon as you are ready.
When we are faced with a particular sorrow
Or day that is marred by strife
Remember, countervailing happiness could happen tomorrow
Because that is the way of life.
I was at lunch the other day and CNN was on at the restaurant and a reporter was telling the story of a girl in Haiti. The girl was trapped in a building that had collapsed during the earthquake and one of her legs was stuck underneath some building wreckage. She was awake and coherent and aside from her leg and being stuck under what used to be a wall she was doing pretty well. A reporter was telling the story and he had to pause repeatedly throughout the report because you could hear the girl wailing in the background. There were seven or eight men there trying to get her out of the building but they didn't have the right equipment and it looked like they were going to have to amputate her leg.
Sometimes those things really stick with me. I think it happens to lots of people actually, and just like me they probably try not to bring it up. Maybe I will be chatting with a friend and they say the word "leg" and I think of that girl crying and it mentally knocks the wind out of me for a second. And my friend goes on talking about cellulite and I am thinking how to explain to a child that she only has one leg because there wasn't an available backhoe. Then I just pull it back together like that reporter and make a comment about workout regimens.
According to Winston Churchill, "men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened." But that's not how I see it. Sometimes your feelings are too raw and strong to deal with at that second and they have to be put on a shelf and saved for later. You can't just keep them stored there forever or else they will leak out in random moments when someone mentions their leg fat but they can be dealt with at a later time. Sometimes they should be dealt with later when there is enough yang to deal with the yin.
Something really incredible happened today: my sister got married. And the wedding was perfect and incredible. It was perfect not because the programs were the right color or the food was warm enough but because the room was full of this great feeling. Jen and David obviously love each other but everyone loved them and enjoyed the food and danced, there was just a lot of good mojo. [Cheese ball alert] I couldn't help but think that the feeling everyone had in that room is the basis for our whole world. Families, cities, and civilizations were built with the purpose of having that feeling as much as possible.
So now that I have the appropriate yang for the yin, I am making a donation to the Haiti effort because that is what I can do now. And I am going to remember that girl and keep on doing what I can do. I suggest you do a little of the same as soon as you are ready.
When we are faced with a particular sorrow
Or day that is marred by strife
Remember, countervailing happiness could happen tomorrow
Because that is the way of life.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Hands Like a Liger
The word of the day is pallid, an adjective meaning having an abnormally pale or wan complexion, or possibly lacking in vitality or interest.And yet again it is as though the world (or at least dictionary.com) is mocking me.
Today is the day of my sister's rehearsal dinner and her wedding is tomorrow. In anticipation of having a weekend full of pictures that would be around for the rest of my life, I went and got a spray tan. I promised myself when I turned 30 that I wouldn't ever enter another tanning bed again, so this was the only choice.
I really thought this through, I went last week to get a run through to make sure nothing terrible happens. This ain't my first rodeo! Everything went great. I got detailed instructions on how to keep the freaky orange stuff off of my hands and feet, and to make sure I get the most benefit with the minimum weird stuff.
But when I went for my game-time spraying, I was in a hurry and I may not have properly covered my hands. Now they look like they belong to a liger ("It's like a lion and tiger mixed, bred for its skills in magic."*). I have a decidedly pallid stripe across my right hand from the outside swooping up to the middle and ring fingers. Then I have some funky palm-crease coloring that is reminiscent of a cheap makeup job for aging someone, probably for a cruddy talk show episode on age discrimination (think The Tyra Banks show.)
It's not so attractive. So again, dictionary.com, how dare you conspire with fate and the world and irony and Shakespeare and Noah Webster to poke fun at my manual discoloration.
Forever chronicled as pallid
With no solution suggested by the event planner.
It turns out my concern was valid
But because I look like a professional leather tanner.
* Hopefully you have seen Napoleon Dynamite before. Gosh!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Draconian Responses
Today's word is draconian, an adjective meaning excessively harsh, severe.
Man, people have jumped all over Harry Reid. Because of his statements about Obama during the last presidential campaign that were recently released. And the Washington Post published this whole article about why there were double standards for politicians of different ethnicity. Read the article here.
Well, here's why rappers can use the "n" word (in any variation) and rich, white guys can't: it is more difficult to be in the minority. And when people are constantly pointing out what is different about you that makes it harder. So everyone, stop doing that. I know this hardship because I am a member of two important minorities: those with extremely small hands and non-protestants. I would say women also, but we are pretty much cleaning up lately so that sounds a bit far from genuine.
On the flip side, everyone needs to calm down and stop jumping down everyone else's throat. I am not the most sensitive person on the face of the earth, but I try to consider other people's feelings. In spite of this consideration, I sometimes offend others anyway. People are almost always understanding of this. Why can't we just apply this standard to everyone? Let's tell Harry why that is not OK and move on and deal with some real issues rather than kill a rainforest printing newspaper articles about one stupid comment made over a year ago?
[Ed. Note: I am getting deja vu because I think I have blogged about the excessive media attention given to these kind of politican's comments before. And I was going to link to that blog posting, but I did one search of my blog and couldn't find it. I would do another, but I don't care that much. I have a lot of catching up to do, OK?]
Feel free to sound off in the comments.
What is the best way to deal with a statement
Made in ignorance by a prominent Washingtonian?
We should push for persecution abatement
And make sure the response isn't draconian.
Man, people have jumped all over Harry Reid. Because of his statements about Obama during the last presidential campaign that were recently released. And the Washington Post published this whole article about why there were double standards for politicians of different ethnicity. Read the article here.
Well, here's why rappers can use the "n" word (in any variation) and rich, white guys can't: it is more difficult to be in the minority. And when people are constantly pointing out what is different about you that makes it harder. So everyone, stop doing that. I know this hardship because I am a member of two important minorities: those with extremely small hands and non-protestants. I would say women also, but we are pretty much cleaning up lately so that sounds a bit far from genuine.
On the flip side, everyone needs to calm down and stop jumping down everyone else's throat. I am not the most sensitive person on the face of the earth, but I try to consider other people's feelings. In spite of this consideration, I sometimes offend others anyway. People are almost always understanding of this. Why can't we just apply this standard to everyone? Let's tell Harry why that is not OK and move on and deal with some real issues rather than kill a rainforest printing newspaper articles about one stupid comment made over a year ago?
[Ed. Note: I am getting deja vu because I think I have blogged about the excessive media attention given to these kind of politican's comments before. And I was going to link to that blog posting, but I did one search of my blog and couldn't find it. I would do another, but I don't care that much. I have a lot of catching up to do, OK?]
Feel free to sound off in the comments.
What is the best way to deal with a statement
Made in ignorance by a prominent Washingtonian?
We should push for persecution abatement
And make sure the response isn't draconian.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Lapidary Comments
I am lovin today's word! Lapidary (adjective): Of or pertaining to the art of cutting stones or engraving on them. Also engraved in stone. Or, even better, of or pertaining to the refined or terse style associated with inscriptions on monumental stone.
Sometimes the best things are said simply, from the heart. I have a friend with whom I have recently grown a lot closer. This friend is a tough nut to crack, or a difficult person to be close to. But we recently reached a new level of friendship and I am in/closer to the "circle of trust."* And I forget how sometimes it is the gestures from usually stoic people that really knock you over with the weight of their meaning. I won't go into much more detail because it is personal and this is the internet, but today's word reminded me of that kind of feeling.
Though your face was smooth and hard
Like a finely carved marble statue.
Though you still had not fully let down your guard
I believed your lapidary explanation "because I love you."
Sometimes the best things are said simply, from the heart. I have a friend with whom I have recently grown a lot closer. This friend is a tough nut to crack, or a difficult person to be close to. But we recently reached a new level of friendship and I am in/closer to the "circle of trust."* And I forget how sometimes it is the gestures from usually stoic people that really knock you over with the weight of their meaning. I won't go into much more detail because it is personal and this is the internet, but today's word reminded me of that kind of feeling.
Though your face was smooth and hard
Like a finely carved marble statue.
Though you still had not fully let down your guard
I believed your lapidary explanation "because I love you."
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Hy-drangea'd Pot's Water in the Sink
Today's word is, oh what do you care? It's Torpor (noun): Lacking in vitality or interest. Also, lethargy or apathy.
Ok, World, be honest, 'cause I think I see what you are doing here. Did you send this word to me as a commentary on my plogging? Have you lost that loving feeling? Did you even have that loving feeling in the beginning or did I just imagine it? Well, as I stand in the front yard in curlers and a polyester nightgown shredding your custom made dress shirts, chew on this little ditty:
See the torpor of my watering regimen
In the way the potting soil settles.
Though I hydrate the hydrangeas again
I can't restore luster to the petals.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sodom and Gomorrah
[Warning: something about this word made me go really biblical.]
The word of the day is....drum roll...flagitious, an adjective meaning disgracefully or shamefully criminal; grossly wicked; scandalous.
Hmmm...this could be fun. Who or what does the word flagitious bring to mind? People who cheated on the Bankruptcy exam since it was so easy? The instructions were to do it at home but on our honor, to only spend three hours. In the hyper-competitive world of law school, I'm guessing some people caved to the pressure. But honestly, I don't really care about those people. If their integrity is worth a little jump in one grade then either they will feel guilty about that for far longer than I will remember my grade in the class. Or by the time they are seasoned lawyers they won't even notice the whistling sound wind makes passing through the spot where their souls used to be. Or somewhere in between, the point is I don't care.
People who cheated on life because it was so easy? (I'm picturing you Bernie Madoff.) Nah, again his conscience should be punishment enough. And if it isn't enough, then maybe there is such a thing as karma, he recently had to go into a medical prison facility because he had dizziness and high blood pressure. Even if there is no such thing as karma and he is just sick, his illness just makes it slightly less likely he will finish out his 150 year sentence. So while I think the situation he left people in was truly terrible, the feeling of sorrow for those who lost everything is not mitigated by Madoff's sickness. Somehow he just seems like an old sick man.
I guess the first real thought that comes to mind when I hear the word flagitious is how it doesn't apply to our world anymore. These stories above and many more have dulled the meaning of flagitious. As if the idea of grossly wicked acts has been overused and stretched out and not allowed a proper cooling off period between applications and now it just lies there like a single, irrelevant, gross old gym sock which you won't use again. What happened to times when things could be scandalously, disgracefully, and shamefully criminal?
DWIs and drugs and flashing your "Britney"
Offenses and transgressions untainted by litany.
Frauds and lies and crimes that are vicious
All threw a retirement party for good old flagitious.
The word of the day is....drum roll...flagitious, an adjective meaning disgracefully or shamefully criminal; grossly wicked; scandalous.
Hmmm...this could be fun. Who or what does the word flagitious bring to mind? People who cheated on the Bankruptcy exam since it was so easy? The instructions were to do it at home but on our honor, to only spend three hours. In the hyper-competitive world of law school, I'm guessing some people caved to the pressure. But honestly, I don't really care about those people. If their integrity is worth a little jump in one grade then either they will feel guilty about that for far longer than I will remember my grade in the class. Or by the time they are seasoned lawyers they won't even notice the whistling sound wind makes passing through the spot where their souls used to be. Or somewhere in between, the point is I don't care.
People who cheated on life because it was so easy? (I'm picturing you Bernie Madoff.) Nah, again his conscience should be punishment enough. And if it isn't enough, then maybe there is such a thing as karma, he recently had to go into a medical prison facility because he had dizziness and high blood pressure. Even if there is no such thing as karma and he is just sick, his illness just makes it slightly less likely he will finish out his 150 year sentence. So while I think the situation he left people in was truly terrible, the feeling of sorrow for those who lost everything is not mitigated by Madoff's sickness. Somehow he just seems like an old sick man.
I guess the first real thought that comes to mind when I hear the word flagitious is how it doesn't apply to our world anymore. These stories above and many more have dulled the meaning of flagitious. As if the idea of grossly wicked acts has been overused and stretched out and not allowed a proper cooling off period between applications and now it just lies there like a single, irrelevant, gross old gym sock which you won't use again. What happened to times when things could be scandalously, disgracefully, and shamefully criminal?
DWIs and drugs and flashing your "Britney"
Offenses and transgressions untainted by litany.
Frauds and lies and crimes that are vicious
All threw a retirement party for good old flagitious.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Bonus Onus
The word of the day is onus (noun): A burden; an obligation; a disagreeable necessity. Also, a stigma or blame.
Poetic Jabberwocky is my personal onus. I don't mean it is a disagreeable necessity, but it is an obligation I have made to myself, to write daily. And it is somewhat of a burden. It is like having a baby who you have to feed every day except without diapers, waking up in the middle of the night, or little clothing. And I can do a weeks worth of blog work in a few hours. So actually scratch that baby thing, blogging is nothing like having a baby. Not at all.
The intent of writing every day is to improve my writing. This idea came from a professor I had. He is a pretty big deal. I am not going to print his name here because he no doubt has a google alert on himself but suffice it to say he as Garnered much respect as the editor of the most important legal dictionary published. I would err* to not cite him as the proper source of this suggestion, from whence was born my blog. So thanks for that, Bryan.
Bryan has excelled at helping legal writing advance
He has plentiful knowledge and connections, with a sprinkle of arrogance
His suggestion of daily writing has become my personal onus
I should have gotten the world's biggest extra credit bonus.
* Bryan explained that we all mispronounce err, it actually rhymes with her. If you say it as rhyming with air then you err. (Ba dum, ching.)
Poetic Jabberwocky is my personal onus. I don't mean it is a disagreeable necessity, but it is an obligation I have made to myself, to write daily. And it is somewhat of a burden. It is like having a baby who you have to feed every day except without diapers, waking up in the middle of the night, or little clothing. And I can do a weeks worth of blog work in a few hours. So actually scratch that baby thing, blogging is nothing like having a baby. Not at all.
The intent of writing every day is to improve my writing. This idea came from a professor I had. He is a pretty big deal. I am not going to print his name here because he no doubt has a google alert on himself but suffice it to say he as Garnered much respect as the editor of the most important legal dictionary published. I would err* to not cite him as the proper source of this suggestion, from whence was born my blog. So thanks for that, Bryan.
Bryan has excelled at helping legal writing advance
He has plentiful knowledge and connections, with a sprinkle of arrogance
His suggestion of daily writing has become my personal onus
I should have gotten the world's biggest extra credit bonus.
* Bryan explained that we all mispronounce err, it actually rhymes with her. If you say it as rhyming with air then you err. (Ba dum, ching.)
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Neb-bish Your Rep Goodbye
Word of the day is nebbish (noun): A weak-willed, timid, or ineffectual person.
I have to say, dictionary.com and I may be on rough ground again. I am not loving today's word, or yesterday's for that matter. I don't like the word nebbish because it just sounds blah. And in my opinion calling someone ineffectual is one of the worst put-downs. But this is what I have to do so here goes:
A nebbish is defined by what he is not
Most of what he starts just goes to pot
Walks around with his button-down slightly askew
Thinking about everything he will never do.
I have to say, dictionary.com and I may be on rough ground again. I am not loving today's word, or yesterday's for that matter. I don't like the word nebbish because it just sounds blah. And in my opinion calling someone ineffectual is one of the worst put-downs. But this is what I have to do so here goes:
A nebbish is defined by what he is not
Most of what he starts just goes to pot
Walks around with his button-down slightly askew
Thinking about everything he will never do.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Just-iculate This!
The word of the day is gesticulate (transitive verb): To make gestures or motions, especially while speaking or instead of speaking.
This word prompts one specific gesticulation, how I generally feel about starting the semester again but luckily that doesn't translate to print. Also the general feeling about a program head who assigned me a undue and not-so-great grade last semester. I think you know who you are... But the joke is on you, I don't care anymore.
Except I do. So agitating!
Another gesticulation that come to mind, did you know a backwards peace sign is the same as telling someone to go eff themselves in England? Well now you do. Don't say you never learned anything from this blog.
Using fists, palms and fingers for communication
I need hand lotion
To smoothly show my emotion
When I choose to use gesticulation.
This word prompts one specific gesticulation, how I generally feel about starting the semester again but luckily that doesn't translate to print. Also the general feeling about a program head who assigned me a undue and not-so-great grade last semester. I think you know who you are... But the joke is on you, I don't care anymore.
Except I do. So agitating!
Another gesticulation that come to mind, did you know a backwards peace sign is the same as telling someone to go eff themselves in England? Well now you do. Don't say you never learned anything from this blog.
Using fists, palms and fingers for communication
I need hand lotion
To smoothly show my emotion
When I choose to use gesticulation.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Kiss and Make Up
Word of the day is quotidian (adjective): Occurring or returning daily. Also, ordinary or commonplace.I am on my way now to buy a big fat bouquet of flowers for dictionary.com today. After yesterday's word (flibbertigibbet...not kidding) we had a big shouting match, things were said, crocodile tears were shed, doors were slammed, and eventually parties were relegated to sleeping on the couch. But today dictionary.com has come back with its tail between its legs and given me something good to work with, something excellent in fact. So I apologize for all of the awful things I said in anger.
Ah, quotidian. Now that's a word. It really let's me discuss the struggle between writing something for every day, even when I am not inspired, and keeping it from being too ordinary or common. Sometimes I fail miserably and even I am bored by my posts, but that is part of the exercise. Feel free to comment on which posts you find a little "vanilla" and which you like best. (Shout out to commenters/commentators? - thanks so much!)*
Now, I have some apologizing to do.
Quotidian blog, both a discipline and a bane.
Producing prose each day hoping it's not too inane.
Typos and self-importance is kind of a disgrace
But nothing's quite as bad as being commonplace.
* A special shout out to whomever commented in the past few days about my blog getting better and better. Thanks to you the world seem to shine like I've had too much wine and the stars make me drool just like pasta fazool. So in other words an official Dean Martin shout out to you, reader.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Feel Free to Skip This Post
Word of the day is flibbertigibbet (noun): A silly, flighty, or scatterbrained person, especially a pert young woman with such qualities. Awww...for real? Worst word of the day ever!
Well ok, since this blog sinks almost weekly to the level of boy-crazed sixth grader anyway, here goes. I can be a flibbertigibbet when cool guys are around. I don't have that problem with your average cute guy, but if a guy is cute and funny or cool then fahgeddaboutit! I get all tongue tied and nervous, it is pretty ridiculous. It is really only every once in a while that I pull off semi-normal around these dudes. How embarrassing!
Ok I publicly admitted it. Now, excuse me, I have to finish putting Hello Kitty stickers on my trapper keeper before recess ends.
"Spazzing out" when all the cool guys are around
Can't get out a word, trying not to trip and fall down.
My prospects of attracting anyone are horrible
Until I find a guy who thinks flibbertigibbets are adorable.
Well ok, since this blog sinks almost weekly to the level of boy-crazed sixth grader anyway, here goes. I can be a flibbertigibbet when cool guys are around. I don't have that problem with your average cute guy, but if a guy is cute and funny or cool then fahgeddaboutit! I get all tongue tied and nervous, it is pretty ridiculous. It is really only every once in a while that I pull off semi-normal around these dudes. How embarrassing!
Ok I publicly admitted it. Now, excuse me, I have to finish putting Hello Kitty stickers on my trapper keeper before recess ends.
"Spazzing out" when all the cool guys are around
Can't get out a word, trying not to trip and fall down.
My prospects of attracting anyone are horrible
Until I find a guy who thinks flibbertigibbets are adorable.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Tabling the Motion to Commence Studies
The word of the day is atelier (noun): a workshop, a studio.
This immediately made me think of my disgusting desk. I have a desk in the sun room of my house which, when I moved in, I envisioned as the labor room for some excellent legal writing. I even have a few of my grandfather's legal degrees to hang above the desk.
Fast forward to three and a half years later, the desk is covered in skyscrapers of paper and dust. Lots of dust. Having this New Years Eve party made me finally make my house into a place that a human might live, which included cleaning off the desk. It was more like demolition, really, and aggravated the hell out of my allergies. It ain't gonna be on the cover of the Container Store catalog anytime soon, but it looks like a desk now and there are some bulldozed surfaces that I might actually used. It looks pretty good.
So I promptly sat down to to do some reading today. For some reason, still at my dining room table.
A legal mind's atelier
Never used, to my dismay.
When accomplishing all of the studying that I was able
I still pull up a chair to the dining room table.
This immediately made me think of my disgusting desk. I have a desk in the sun room of my house which, when I moved in, I envisioned as the labor room for some excellent legal writing. I even have a few of my grandfather's legal degrees to hang above the desk.
Fast forward to three and a half years later, the desk is covered in skyscrapers of paper and dust. Lots of dust. Having this New Years Eve party made me finally make my house into a place that a human might live, which included cleaning off the desk. It was more like demolition, really, and aggravated the hell out of my allergies. It ain't gonna be on the cover of the Container Store catalog anytime soon, but it looks like a desk now and there are some bulldozed surfaces that I might actually used. It looks pretty good.
So I promptly sat down to to do some reading today. For some reason, still at my dining room table.
A legal mind's atelier
Never used, to my dismay.
When accomplishing all of the studying that I was able
I still pull up a chair to the dining room table.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Soul Depleting Meeting Producing Lawyers Like Cattle Breeding
Word of the day today is enjoin (verb): to direct or impose with authority, to order. Also to forbid.
Again with the temptation to give words a legal meaning, as in an enjoinder motion which is basically a legal directive to do or not to do something. But how annoying is that guy (gal) who hijacks every conversation or term in the name of legalities? So annoying! So instead I am going to make it about law school. Totally different, right?
Enjoined to spend every free moment reading
Slaving over drafts of a terribly boring pleading
With dreams of one day participating in a real legal proceeding
But destined for a future of getting friends off for speeding.
Again with the temptation to give words a legal meaning, as in an enjoinder motion which is basically a legal directive to do or not to do something. But how annoying is that guy (gal) who hijacks every conversation or term in the name of legalities? So annoying! So instead I am going to make it about law school. Totally different, right?
Enjoined to spend every free moment reading
Slaving over drafts of a terribly boring pleading
With dreams of one day participating in a real legal proceeding
But destined for a future of getting friends off for speeding.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Bed and Bath, Beyond Navigation
Well, um, actually a pretty nice little Saturday, we're going to go to Home Depot. Yeah, buy some wallpaper, maybe get some flooring, stuff like that. Maybe Bed, Bath, and Beyond, I don't know, I don't know if we'll have enough time.
- Frank the Tank from Old School when asked why he wasn't drinking at a party.
Today's word is tortuous (adjective): Marked by repeated turns and bends; as, "a tortuous road up the mountain."When I saw the word of the day, I knew right away what I was going to write about. I had to go to Bed Bath & Beyond today and maneuvering a full size shopping cart around that store is like trying to park one of those huge trucks with eight wheels in a compact parking spot. Doesn't really fit!
Steering around Bed, Bath Beyond
In a cart with one wheel that will not respond.
Taking a path shaped much like a coil
In aisles too narrow for even Olive Oyl.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Electronic Constitutional
The word of the day constitutional (noun): A walk taken for one's health.
As a law student, I have a strong urge to gently tap this word with my toe so that it shifts to its more legal definition meaning "pertaining to the constitution" but I won't 'cause that would be cheating. And according to school children everywhere cheaters never win.
Today I discovered another blog (it was a blog of note) and it really tickled my funny bone. So much that I felt obliged to share it with you, reader or two, in case you find yourself with nothing else to do today other than to surf the web looking for entertainment.
The blogger is Steve Melcher and let me tell you, he is funny. He takes famous paintings and renames them a more updated and interesting name for our reading pleasure. Check it out, that is unless you have some problem with laughter, enjoying yourself, or giggles. In that case you can just sit there alone with that sour look on your face, jerk.
When taking time to exercise your mind,
Have an electronic constitutional and find
The hilarious art history crisis
Happening at the blog That is Priceless.
As a law student, I have a strong urge to gently tap this word with my toe so that it shifts to its more legal definition meaning "pertaining to the constitution" but I won't 'cause that would be cheating. And according to school children everywhere cheaters never win.
Today I discovered another blog (it was a blog of note) and it really tickled my funny bone. So much that I felt obliged to share it with you, reader or two, in case you find yourself with nothing else to do today other than to surf the web looking for entertainment.
The blogger is Steve Melcher and let me tell you, he is funny. He takes famous paintings and renames them a more updated and interesting name for our reading pleasure. Check it out, that is unless you have some problem with laughter, enjoying yourself, or giggles. In that case you can just sit there alone with that sour look on your face, jerk.
When taking time to exercise your mind,
Have an electronic constitutional and find
The hilarious art history crisis
Happening at the blog That is Priceless.
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Year Poetry Premiere
Welcome to 2010! Does that not sound like something from a Sci Fi movie? It's almost like we are all Fry from Futurama who was accidentally cryogenically frozen in 2000 and wakes up in 3000? (Except no hovercraft as I mentioned earlier. I'm still looking at you, scientists.)
2010 is going to be the year I graduate from law school, the year I take (and hopefully pass) the bar exam, the year my sister gets married and our family grows a little bit more. Overall it is a very hopeful year and watching that slightly cheesy CNN video of international celebrations makes me feel a little misty eyed.
And of course with a new month is a new kind of poetry for my plogging. This month I have decided to combine two ideas: I am going to use quatrain and include dictionary.com's word of the day. This may be particularly hard since who knows if I will have anything to say that involves the word of the day? But I haven't run out of things to say yet, ever since I started asking "What dat?" about everything when I was two so that seems like a good sign.
I am going to use quatrains with the rhyme sequence AABB, ABAB, or ABBA if I am feeling funky. You can just never tell with me. Today's word is panacea (noun): A remedy for all diseases, problems, or evils; a universal medicine; a cure-all.
I actually feel fine today, but in the spirit of New Year's Eve, I have written about how most people feel today. So without further delay, here is the first poem of 2010.
The year's first day spent laying around
With the lights low, making an occasional moaning sound.
I have ditched every preconceived idea
Of a logical hangover panacea.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
