Gryphon's Word of the Day, May 28, 2007

The word of the day1 for May 27, 2007 is "cumulus" — noun 1: heap, accumulation. 2: a dense puffy cloud form having a flat base and rounded outlines often piled up like a mountain.

Happy Memorial Day to you all. The sun has been skipping in and out among the clouds again today. The air is sultry, readying itself for full summer. The wind has switched around to the south again. The clouds are piling up in the west, getting ready to pour again. It's probably a good thing that we haven't stirred from the house except to get the paper.

I have to marvel at the European women who traveled across this country in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They wore long skirts with multiple petticoats. They were walking for the most part and cooking over open fires. Even with sun bonnets and masks, which would have held in the heat, they would not have been immune to the sun. Fashion is a killer. It wasn't just that era, but in the early 1970s when midi-skirts, boots and mutton-sleeved blouses were in fashion, the women of Puerto Rico were wearing the fashion in the streets and looking down their noses at us turistas in our short shorts and tank tops.

The quote for today is from Denise Levertov (b. 1923), Anglo–U.S. poet. “Clouds”:

     I watch the clouds as I see them
     in pomp advancing, pursuing
     the fallen sun.

;^)  Jan

Tags: cumulous

Gryhphon's Word of the Day, May 27, 2007

The word of the day for May 27, 2007 is "incommunicado" — adverb : without means of communication : in a situation or state not allowing communication <a prisoner held incommunicado> <remained incommunicado while working on her book>.

My sister's birthday is today. (She is mumble-five years old.) When I called to sing at her, she apologised to you all for not getting out the Word of the Day for me during my vacation. She had a good excuse though. The library where she works had electrical problems while I was gone. They did not know from day to day whether they would have light to work by, let alone computers for all the reasons that modern libraries need them.

Electricity has been a great boon to libraries—starting with extending the daylight, working hours and diminishing the risk of fire. However, as with any technology, the drawbacks become evident in catastrophic ways. When man went from clay tablets to paper as writing medium much of what was written was subsequently lost to fire, water and vermin. Now that we are putting our thoughts in electronic form and storing it on CD and DVD discs. Indestructible, you say: they'll last forever. But technology marches on. How many of you have used a 4 1/2 inch floppy disk lately? Could you retrieve computer information from a cassette tape deck? Have you ever used a keypunch machine to make out data cards? Yet those of us who have been using computers for more than fifteen years probably have used all of those and more. My advice is to save your data on as many different mediums as possible. That way someone will be able to decipher your stuff, much in the same way the Rosetta Stone was used to learn heiroglyphics.

The quote for today is from Barbra Streisand (1942 - ):

     A human being is only interesting if he's in contact with himself. I learned you have
     to trust yourself, be what you are, and do what you ought to do the way you should
     do it. You have got to discover you, what you do, and trust it..

;^)  Jan

Tags: incommunicado

Gryphon's Word of the Day, May 26, 2007

The word of the day for May 26, 2007 is "fantasy" — noun 1 obsolete : hallucination. 2: fancy; especially : the free play of creative imagination. 3: a creation of the imaginative faculty whether expressed or merely conceived: as a: a fanciful design or invention b: a chimerical or fantastic notion c: fantasia d: imaginative fiction featuring especially strange settings and grotesque characters—called also fantasy fiction. 4: caprice. 5: the power or process of creating especially unrealistic or improbable mental images in response to psychological need <an object of fantasy>; also : a mental image or a series of mental images (as a daydream) so created <sexual fantasies of adolescence>. 6: a coin usually not intended for circulation as currency and often issued by a dubious authority (as a government-in-exile).

We watched Pan's Labyrinth this afternoon. One can see why it won the Best Foreign Language Oscar. The cinematography fits the story, and the excellent acting is so well directed. Although the story did not have the scope of Lord of the Rings, it certainly weaves a spell on the viewer.

When my story, "An Equitable Division," was published in Marion Zimmer Bradley's FANTASY Magazine (Spring 1996), I lent my copy to my dentist's receptionist to read while the dentist was inspecting my teeth. She was pleased with the story and told me that it reminded her of Tolkien's writing. Not that there is much resemblance at all: my story was a retelling of King Lear set into an alternate world. Of course, the receptionist had never read any fantasy but Lord of the Rings, so I thanked her for her kind words and didn't explain that it was specious and fulsome praise.

The quote for today is from Robert Heinlein (1907 - 1988):

     To be matter of fact about the world is to blunder into fantasy — and dull fantasy at that, as the
     real world is strange and wonderful.

;^)  Jan

Tags: fantasy

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

The word of the day1 for May 25, 2007 is "chronology" — noun 1 : the science that deals with measuring time by regular divisions and that assigns to events their proper dates. 2 : a chronological table, list, or account. 3 : an arrangement (as of events) in order of occurrence chronology of the trip>.

Several people have mentioned that they were unable to access the My Photos album that I sent out the other day. I have put the photos into Gryphondear’s Word of the Day, where they can be accessed without password (as those of you who do not receive the e-mail version already know). Unfortunately, AOL puts the photos into a random shuffle. There are no captions, continuity or chronology.

The AOL staff, like most of us, are working all the time to improve things. Sometimes this works really well, like opening free accounts for those who can't afford the premium service. Sometimes the changes are annoying like the photo album shuffle, which is apparently an attempt to break away from the mundane. Sometimes those making modifications seem to take the adage "the more things change, the more they stay the same" to heart and we get cosmetic adjustments that don't solve any problems at all—art for art's sake, possibly.

 

The quote2 for today is from James A. Garfield (1831 - 1881):

     History is philosophy teaching by example, and also warning; its two eyes are geography and chronology.

;^)  Jan

Tags: chronology

More Vacation Pictures

These are my "people pictures" from my vacation. Lloyd's cousin, our son and his girlfriend, my friends and Lloyd and I are all in this pile of photos.

;^) Jan

Tags: photos

Gryphon's Word of the Day, May 24, 2007

The word of the day1 for May 24, 2007 is “alternative” — adjective 1 : ALTERNATE. 2 : offering or expressing a choice <several alternative plans>. 3 : different from the usual or conventional: as a : existing or functioning outside the established cultural, social, or economic system <an alternative newspaper> <alternative lifestyles> b : of, relating to, or being rock music that is regarded as an alternative to conventional rock and is typically influenced by punk rock, hard rock, hip-hop, or folk music c : of or relating to alternative medicine <alternative therapies>.

I wonder where one can find out what sort of pollution is created in the manufacture of solar panels. What with oil prices higher than they ever were, people are once again willing to try alternative energy sources. However “alternative” is as subjective as any other term. If we just want to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, coal is a reasonable alternative. However, if we want to go to a renewable source, we need to look into hydrogen combustion and vegetable oils.

If we really want to do the earth and our progeny a favor, we will turn to less pollution generating power—wind, solar and water. The thing is that nearly anything we do to harness that power for a mechanized society causes hazards of some sort.  Wind generators disturb the migration of birds; hydroelectric plants disturb the migration of fish and create heat pollution. Batteries cannot be discarded just any old where because of the toxicity of their components. Solar panel construction must also be toxic because of the chemicals involved. We have to weigh the alternatives more carefully before we trade a bear for a wolf.

The quote2 for today is from Margaret Mead (1901–1978), U.S. anthropologist. Culture and Commitment, introduction (1970):

     The prophet who fails to present a bearable alternative and yet preaches doom is part of the trap that he
     postulates. Not only does he picture us caught in a tremendous man-made or God-made trap from
     which there is no escape, but we must also listen to him day in, day out, describe how the trap is inexorably
     closing. To such prophecies the human race, as presently bred and educated and situated, is incapable
     of listening. So some dance and some immolate themselves as human torches; some take drugs and some
     artists spill their creativity in sets of randomly placed dots on a white ground.

;^)  Jan

Tags: alternative

Gryphon's Word of the Day, May 21, 2007

The Word of the Day for May 21, 2007 is "spectacular" - adjective : of, relating to, or being a spectacle : STRIKING, SENSATIONAL <a spectacular display of fireworks>.

The quote for the day is the old adage:
    A picture is worth a thousand words.

;^) Jan
Tags: spectacular

Gryphon's Word of the Day, May 19, 2007

The word of the day for May 19, 2007 is “persevere” — intransitive verb : to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement.

I finally got my photos downloaded. It took me all day, not because the files are so huge, but because I was running up and down stairs to the laundry as well. Also, I was trying to print them out to see which of them were really worth keeping.

Lloyd, Tim and Jan at picnic in Portland,
May 7, 2007.

The best of them, of course, are of the places and people we visited. Most of the photos were taken while on the road. America is so vast and amazingly spectacular! Something new appears every few miles. Lloyd said he had seen way too many mountains on this journey. Still he enjoyed the trip. However, the next trip we take, I intend to fly if the drive will take more than six hours in a day.

The quote for today is from Bill Clinton (b.1946), U.S. president. New York Times, p. A17 (September 12, 1994):

     I will get things done for America.... Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will
     seek common ground.... Faced with adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me
     this year. I am an Americorps volunteer.

;^)  Jan

Tags: persevere

Gryphon's Word of the Day, May 18, 2007

The word of the day for May 18, 2007 is “disappointment” — noun 1 : the act or an instance of failing to meet expectations : the state or emotion of being disappointed. 2 : one that disappoints <he's a disappointment to his parents>. 

A former co-worker called last night with the news that a job opening was available at Lloyd’s old job. Today I had to work hard not to discourage him in the face of his enthusiasm. He spent most of today trying to get in touch with Ed, his former supervisor, to learn more about the job—a contract job. Finally, after supper, Lloyd asked me, “We don’t really need me to work do we?” “No,” I answered with a mental sigh of relief.

 I’m not unhappy that this job did not pan out. Lloyd’s stamina is not what it was fifteen years ago. His company, which he retired from after 22 years of service, is notorious for insisting on overtime. Also, it would take more than six months to get him back up to speed on the machines and computer systems he would have to use. Besides, it is always better to let him come to the realization that he doesn’t need some thing or activity.

The quote for today is from Mason Cooley (b.1927), U.S. aphorist. City Aphorisms, Eighth Selection, New York (1991):

         Disappointment proves that expectations were mistaken.

;^)  Jan

Tags: disappointment

Gryphon's Word of the Day, May 17, 2007

The word of the day for May 17, 2007 is “exhausted” — adjective : 1 a : consumed entirely : USED UP. b : tired extremely or completely. c : deprived of a valuable quality or constituent. 2 a : drawn off or let out completely. b : emptied by drawing off the contents; specifically : created a vacuum in. 3 a : considered or discussed (a subject) thoroughly or completely. b : tried out the whole number.

Back from vacation late yesterday evening. We had a great time, but we are both extremely tired. Makes the aphorism “Been there, done that, got the t-shirt” seem lame by comparison. Lloyd says that the next time we have to go more than a six hour drive, we’re going to fly.

We stopped at Denver for a lovely visit with Lloyd’s cousin, her family and one of my high school friends and her husband. Then to San Francisco to eat shrimp and view the Golden Gate Bridge. On to Portland, OR for a great visit with Tim and his friend, Amelia. Off to home again through Eastern Utah and Western Colorado through some of the most spectacular landscapes one can imagine. As soon as I can get the photos into “You’ve Got Pictures,” I’ll post the URL so you can all be bored silly at your leisure.

The quote for today is from Vince Lombardi (1913 - 1970):

I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.

;^)  Jan

Tags: exhausted

Gryphon's Word of the Day, May 4, 2007

The word of the day1 for May 4, 2007 is “valedictory” — adjective : of or relating to a an act of bidding farewell. : expressing or containing a farewell.

Happy Cinco De Mayo, early. Since we are off on our jaunt tomorrow, I wanted to wish those who are celebrating this weekend a happy fiesta. As I mentioned before my sister, drgns4ever@aol.com, will be sending her version of WOTD to all you word junkies. As she knows more than I do (a consequence of birth order, I assure you) they ought to be interesting.

We will be driving, and probably stopping at every rest area and tree. Therefore, we will have a leisurely journey across the American West. We intend to stop at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in Denver, CO. We’ve been there before, but we intend to drag family and friends along. We also intend to view the zoo and aquarium in San Francisco, CA—the last time we visited those it was over 30 years ago so we expect some changes. In Portland, OR, I want to visit Powell’s Book Store to see the column with famous SF writers' signatures. And I will do all my shopping in the gift shops. See you all on or about May 17, 2007.

The quote2 for today is from Tom Waldman (d. 1985), screenwriter, and Frank Waldman (d. 1990), U.S. screenwriter. Harvey (Bing Crosby), High Time, giving the graduation valedictorian speech (1960):

     Miracles sometimes happen, but more often they’re made of faith and will
     and hope and imagination, to say nothing of sweat.

;^)  Jan

Tags: valedictory

Gryphon's Word of the Day, May 3, 2007

The word of the day1 for May 3, 2007 is “security” — noun 1 : the quality or state of being secure : as a : freedom from danger : SAFETY. b : freedom from fear or anxiety c : freedom from the prospect of being laid off <job security>. 2 a : something given, deposited, or pledged to make certain the fulfillment of an obligation. b : SURETY. 3 : an instrument of investment in the form of a document (as a stock certificate or bond) providing evidence of its ownership. 4 a : something that secures : PROTECTION. b (1) : measures taken to guard against espionage or sabotage, crime, attack, or escape (2) : an organization or department whose task is security.

I lost my work identification badge again the other day. This is the ubiquitous credit-card sized photo badge with magnetic strip for entry to the plant. Back in the old days, there were no photos on the badges, so they were a lot easier to forge. Assuming your eyesight was good, though, you at least knew to whom you were speaking. Now they have bar codes, holographic doodads, magnetic strips or (fancy) interactive computer chips in addition to your name and face.

Fortunately for me, the previous time I had lost my badge, it had stayed lost long enough for me to get a replacement. So I took the old one to the security guard and swore I would get it reactivated that very morning. So he let me in through the car gate. (The badge activates the pedestrian turnstile.) As soon as the Badge Room was open, I trudged over and had the clerk do her magic. Voila! I’m back in business. Of course I found the second badge two days later, so I’m keeping it in my twinkie case for the next time.

The quote for today is from Edmund Burke (1729 - 1797):

     Better be despised for too anxious apprehensions, than ruined by too confident security.

;^)  Jan

Tags: security

Gryphon's Word of the Day, May 2, 2007

The word of the day for May 2, 2007 is “pugilism” — noun. : boxing : the art of attack and defense with the fists practiced as a sport.

I recently started wearing arm bracers to ward off carpal tunnel syndrome. The first thing Lloyd said when he saw me in them was, “Who are you going to fight?” Mostly the keyboard and the steering wheel, I told him. My fingers had felt all pins and needles on waking for about a week. Since donning the bracers, things have gone back to normal.

Several people at work have also asked me if I intend to fight someone. They’ve been watching too much Million Dollar Baby, or something. This raises the vision of me at my desk wearing red boxing gloves. Or even better, Sylvester Stallone at my desk, scratching his head with one hand, holding the computer mouse in the other.

The quote for today is from Budd Schulberg,  On the Waterfront, (film, 1954):

     I could have had class. I could have been a contender!

;^)  Jan

Tags: pugilism

Gryphon's Word of the Day, May 1, 2007

The word of the day for May 1, 2007 is “maying” — noun. : the celebrating of May Day.

Happy May Day, and Goddess Bless to those who celebrate Ostara. One May Day morning, when I was twelve or so, I got up early and picked flowers for my parents. I had made a cone-shaped basket the day before from purple construction paper—stapled and taped to a fare-thee-well. I very carefully wrapped the flower stems in wet paper towel to keep them fresh. I also wrapped them in waxed paper so the water wouldn’t ruin the basket. Very proud of the result, I hung the basket on my parents’ bedroom door and went back to bed. I didn’t realize that my wax paper shield would not keep the water from drip-drip-dripping all over the hallway floor.

This is also Labor Day for most communist countries in honor of the Soviet Revolution—and some other countries who thought that the advent of Spring was a good time to celebrate Labor. The communists used to celebrate with big military parades. I suppose that’s still true. People hate to give up a good parade. Here in Wichita, we have a parade on the first Friday of May to open our River Festival Week. We also have parades for St. Patrick’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day (which is the first Monday of September in the United States) and Thanksgiving Day, sometimes followed by a Christmas Parade. This does not include long distance races, walks for [cause of your choice] or Shriners’ Parades, which seem to erupt spontaneously.

The quote for today is from Robert Herrick (1591–1674), British poet. "Corinna’s Going a-Maying" (l. 62–67):

     Many a kiss, both odd and even;
     Many a glance, too, has been sent
     From out the eye, love’s firmament;
     Many a jest told of the keys betraying
     This night, and locks picked; yet we’re not a-Maying!

;^)  Jan

Tags: maying