Thursday, January 25, 2007

Gryphon's Word of the Day, Jan 25, 2007

The word of the day* for January 25, 2007 is “phosphorescent” —  adjective: exhibiting 1 : luminescence that is caused by the absorption of radiations (as light or electrons) and continues for a noticeable time after these radiations have stopped -- compare FLUORESCENCE. 2 : an enduring luminescence without sensible heat.

On the way to work this morning, I noticed that someone had turned on the street lights on the mile of MacArthur between Broadway and Hydraulic. The lights have been off during my morning commute for the past month. I kept telling myself that I should call it in, but someone apparently beat me to it.

In the parking lot at work, which is well-lighted, I remind myself every morning that visibility is not good until after the sun is up. It is a good thing that my sister knitted me this wonderful red scarf. I’m not saying that it glows in the dark, but it is a good contrast to my black coat. Thanks, Jo.
The quote† for today is from Albert Camus (1913–1960),
American Journals (1978, trans. 1988):

      As usual I finish the day before the sea, sumptuous this evening beneath the moon, which writes Arab symbols with phosphorescent streaks on the slow swells. There is no end to the sky and the waters. How well they accompany sadness!


;^)  Jan

* The definition is from either
Merriam-Webster Online, 10th Edition or TheAmerican Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition andis used by permission.
† The quote is from either
Bartleby: Great Books on Line or TheQuotation Pages and is used by permission.

P.S.:

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