January 28, 2010
Demesne
\di-‘man\ n 1: legal possession of land as one’s own 2a: the land attached to a mansion b: estate c: region or territory 3: realm or domain
A video game is a form of entertainment within which there are many demesnes. Get a certain amount of coins or fight the appropriate number of villains, you are set to continue to the next realm not certain of what awaits you. Life is akin to video games in a sense, we progress to each new stage in our lives waiting to see what life brings us and what strategies we can use to overcome hard courses while trying to reach the inevitable reward, whether it be money, love, friendship or materialistic items.
However, while video games are a pretty good metaphor for life’s games, there are many facets that are conveniently excluded such as magical powers (despite what some people may say), three lives, or the ever-popular pause button! Life has many various domains as well but each of those is definitely harder to survive than a video game where you get an award ceremony for completing each level successfully. The majority of the time, we are required to finish without much appreciation or recognition, the ability to see the light at the end of the tunnel slightly diminished. However, have hope because the next level will teach us new things that will continue to prepare us for the one ahead.
Friday, January 29, 2010
ONEROUS
January 27, 2010
Onerous
\’ä-ne-res\ adj: 1: involving, imposing, or constituting a burden : troublesome 2: having legal obligations that outweigh the advantages*
One of the most famous Disney movies is the story of Cinderella. A story about a young girl who is subject to her horrible stepmother’s behavior after her father passes away. Cinderella is treated akin to a slave, having to wash the floors, bring her stepmother tea every morning, be subservient to her unfortunate stepsisters and maintain the household from top to bottom. The most beloved attribute about this character however, is that she manages to do all these chores with a smile on her face; being accompanied by her friends, the mice and other animals. As we all know, Cinderella eventually meets her Prince Charming and lives, yup you guessed it, happily ever after.
Cinderella perhaps is not the best example of an individual who finds herself in an onerous situation, because despite her circumstances, she manages to get everything done with a smile on her face, knowing there is something better that awaits her. Perhaps even though dirty floors need mopping, and garbage needs to be taken out, things could be much more difficult and what would we have to look forward to if we didn’t have such a hard time overcoming the obstacles that are often thrown at us?
* letter “e” is upside down producing sound of “uh”
Onerous
\’ä-ne-res\ adj: 1: involving, imposing, or constituting a burden : troublesome 2: having legal obligations that outweigh the advantages*
One of the most famous Disney movies is the story of Cinderella. A story about a young girl who is subject to her horrible stepmother’s behavior after her father passes away. Cinderella is treated akin to a slave, having to wash the floors, bring her stepmother tea every morning, be subservient to her unfortunate stepsisters and maintain the household from top to bottom. The most beloved attribute about this character however, is that she manages to do all these chores with a smile on her face; being accompanied by her friends, the mice and other animals. As we all know, Cinderella eventually meets her Prince Charming and lives, yup you guessed it, happily ever after.
Cinderella perhaps is not the best example of an individual who finds herself in an onerous situation, because despite her circumstances, she manages to get everything done with a smile on her face, knowing there is something better that awaits her. Perhaps even though dirty floors need mopping, and garbage needs to be taken out, things could be much more difficult and what would we have to look forward to if we didn’t have such a hard time overcoming the obstacles that are often thrown at us?
* letter “e” is upside down producing sound of “uh”
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
NOETIC
January 26th 2010
Noetic
\no-‘etik\ adj : of, relating to, or based on the intellect
I admire people who purposely put themselves in situations that are foreign to them, surrounded by people who may know more than they do about current events, the latest fashion trends, or even (as my professor once called it), useless cocktail party trivia. While it can be nerve wracking to be in the company of said individuals, the feeling of empowering your mind to absorb the noetic atmosphere in which you find yourself is kind of liberating.
I have always had a hard time conversing with kids, not only because they more often than not exhaust my patience before I can get a sentence out, but also because I have difficulty relating to people who cannot hold a conversation on an adult level. Please don’t mischaracterize me as being judgemental and shallow; I just find intellectual diatribes more stimulating than constantly trying to figure out a way to answer the next question of “Why?” coming my way.
There is a scene in Dawson’s Creek, (for a teen soap, it has taught me a lot about life), when Joey brings Pacey to a cocktail party hosted by her future alma mater. Pacey is insecure with himself, therefore allowing to partake in the evening’s events wholeheartedly and without feeling like he cannot contribute anything worthwhile is almost impossible. The feeling of being around men and women who have obtained a more abundant amount of knowledge than you but more importantly are willing to share it is mind-blowing all on its own!
Noetic
\no-‘etik\ adj : of, relating to, or based on the intellect
I admire people who purposely put themselves in situations that are foreign to them, surrounded by people who may know more than they do about current events, the latest fashion trends, or even (as my professor once called it), useless cocktail party trivia. While it can be nerve wracking to be in the company of said individuals, the feeling of empowering your mind to absorb the noetic atmosphere in which you find yourself is kind of liberating.
I have always had a hard time conversing with kids, not only because they more often than not exhaust my patience before I can get a sentence out, but also because I have difficulty relating to people who cannot hold a conversation on an adult level. Please don’t mischaracterize me as being judgemental and shallow; I just find intellectual diatribes more stimulating than constantly trying to figure out a way to answer the next question of “Why?” coming my way.
There is a scene in Dawson’s Creek, (for a teen soap, it has taught me a lot about life), when Joey brings Pacey to a cocktail party hosted by her future alma mater. Pacey is insecure with himself, therefore allowing to partake in the evening’s events wholeheartedly and without feeling like he cannot contribute anything worthwhile is almost impossible. The feeling of being around men and women who have obtained a more abundant amount of knowledge than you but more importantly are willing to share it is mind-blowing all on its own!
Tub-Thumper
January 25, 2010
Tub-thumper
\’teb-‘them-per\ n : a vociferous supporter (as of a cause) *
If someone were to ask me what one of the most important attributes an individual could possess, my answer would be, without a doubt, passion. Passion is the gateway to fighting for any cause effectively; incorporating hard work, dedication, camaraderie and a feeling of satisfaction. Passion is perhaps the most crucial ingredient needed to successfully complete any community service event, lecture, plea for funding or a change of thought initiated by a simple conversation.
My passion has been lying dormant for a very long time and it is not until I start organizing another event to raise money for Haiti Relief Efforts, get the urge to write, or stand up for myself that it makes its presence known again. I am passionate about many things, all of them impacting my life positively. Whenever I complete a project that benefits the surrounding community, I welcome the overwhelming sensation of warmth that is the familiar sense of fervor associated with a good cause and know that despite how long my zeal may remain latent, when aroused, it is a clear indicator of the true tub-thumper I am.
* letter “e” is upside down producing sound of “uh”
Tub-thumper
\’teb-‘them-per\ n : a vociferous supporter (as of a cause) *
If someone were to ask me what one of the most important attributes an individual could possess, my answer would be, without a doubt, passion. Passion is the gateway to fighting for any cause effectively; incorporating hard work, dedication, camaraderie and a feeling of satisfaction. Passion is perhaps the most crucial ingredient needed to successfully complete any community service event, lecture, plea for funding or a change of thought initiated by a simple conversation.
My passion has been lying dormant for a very long time and it is not until I start organizing another event to raise money for Haiti Relief Efforts, get the urge to write, or stand up for myself that it makes its presence known again. I am passionate about many things, all of them impacting my life positively. Whenever I complete a project that benefits the surrounding community, I welcome the overwhelming sensation of warmth that is the familiar sense of fervor associated with a good cause and know that despite how long my zeal may remain latent, when aroused, it is a clear indicator of the true tub-thumper I am.
* letter “e” is upside down producing sound of “uh”
Sunday, January 24, 2010
COLUBRINE
January 24, 2010
Colubrine
\’käl-ye-‘brin\ adj 1: relating to a snake 2: relating to a large family (Colubridae) of chiefly nonvenomous snakes.*
Recently, I have developed what might be considered an unhealthy affinity for The Animal Planet. At the risk of sounding like my mother, I find it so fascinating. There is one show in particular that really strikes my fancy; I’m Alive. This show tells the stories of individuals who have been attacked by members of different wild habitats and who, against the odds, survive to tell the tail.
The majority of attacks are colubrine. One episode in particular told the story of an older man who worked with venomous snakes. While trying to shed a Taipan, one of the deadliest snakes in the world, he was bitten and soon was dizzy and out of breath. Watching this man’s downward spiral toward the afterworld was nervewracking, especially because the anti-venom that he needed was in San Diego and had to be flown out. Ok, no problem, you say? Think again. It was September 11th, 2001; no planes were allowed to fly.
After pulling some strings and getting him the anti-venom, the individual made a full recovery. Despite the harrowing stories of adventure and chance, The Animal Planet still makes me go a little wild!
* letter “e” is upside down producing sound of “uh”
Colubrine
\’käl-ye-‘brin\ adj 1: relating to a snake 2: relating to a large family (Colubridae) of chiefly nonvenomous snakes.*
Recently, I have developed what might be considered an unhealthy affinity for The Animal Planet. At the risk of sounding like my mother, I find it so fascinating. There is one show in particular that really strikes my fancy; I’m Alive. This show tells the stories of individuals who have been attacked by members of different wild habitats and who, against the odds, survive to tell the tail.
The majority of attacks are colubrine. One episode in particular told the story of an older man who worked with venomous snakes. While trying to shed a Taipan, one of the deadliest snakes in the world, he was bitten and soon was dizzy and out of breath. Watching this man’s downward spiral toward the afterworld was nervewracking, especially because the anti-venom that he needed was in San Diego and had to be flown out. Ok, no problem, you say? Think again. It was September 11th, 2001; no planes were allowed to fly.
After pulling some strings and getting him the anti-venom, the individual made a full recovery. Despite the harrowing stories of adventure and chance, The Animal Planet still makes me go a little wild!
* letter “e” is upside down producing sound of “uh”
NOCUOUS
January 23, 2010
Nocuous
\’nä-kye-wes\ adj : harmful*
At my place of employment, there are many many children; so many that it almost seems as though they are crawling out of the woodwork, (that in itself is harmful to my sanity). In addition to these little angels, are their babysitters, au pairs, grandmothers, cousins, older siblings, anyone watching them besides their mother or father. It is interesting to watch these children react to their primary caretaker with love and affection and almost repulsively look at their parents when told to stop hiding under the clothing rack.
We know of a multitude of things in the world that are nocuous to our children; strangers, sharp objects, no education, negligence, unhealthy balance of human interaction because of heavy reliance on television and other sorted electronics. Yet we cannot as a society possibly believe that having our child practically raised by someone other than ourselves is innocuous, can we? To have an important and well established career is great and well deserved in most instances, but isn’t it just as crucial to make sure our families are stable units, with children who learn to respect any adult figure and who can grow up knowing they have solid roots with parents who took them to the bathroom instead of the nanny?
* letter “e” is upside down producing sound of “uh”
Nocuous
\’nä-kye-wes\ adj : harmful*
At my place of employment, there are many many children; so many that it almost seems as though they are crawling out of the woodwork, (that in itself is harmful to my sanity). In addition to these little angels, are their babysitters, au pairs, grandmothers, cousins, older siblings, anyone watching them besides their mother or father. It is interesting to watch these children react to their primary caretaker with love and affection and almost repulsively look at their parents when told to stop hiding under the clothing rack.
We know of a multitude of things in the world that are nocuous to our children; strangers, sharp objects, no education, negligence, unhealthy balance of human interaction because of heavy reliance on television and other sorted electronics. Yet we cannot as a society possibly believe that having our child practically raised by someone other than ourselves is innocuous, can we? To have an important and well established career is great and well deserved in most instances, but isn’t it just as crucial to make sure our families are stable units, with children who learn to respect any adult figure and who can grow up knowing they have solid roots with parents who took them to the bathroom instead of the nanny?
* letter “e” is upside down producing sound of “uh”
REVENANT
January 22, 2010
Revenant
\’re-ve-‘nän\ n: one that returns after death or a long absence *
I remember a lot of things about my grandfather. I remember his white hair and the way it used to stand up wistfully as though it were just roused from a deep sleep. I remember his ability to completely lose himself with the races, or the way he used to call my grandmother “Mum” in a way that made you chuckle or want to yell for Nana Flo to answer him just so he’d stop repeating himself. I remember his love for the islands and how he yearned to write his history down for others to read. I fondly reminisce of the way he used to smile at me when I said something that awed him or the way he got frustrated when people were still over even though it was his bedtime.
Right after he passed, I often wanted him to be a revenant; sitting in the living room in Turtle Cove watching the races welcoming me as my wearied soul entered the house, accompanying his wife of what would have been 58 years to my college graduation, reading my latest piece or eventually sending me his.
However, perhaps when we lose someone we love, it’s not their literal presence we need, it is only a reminder in the simplest of places that everything will be irie.
* letter “e” is upside down producing sound of “uh”
Revenant
\’re-ve-‘nän\ n: one that returns after death or a long absence *
I remember a lot of things about my grandfather. I remember his white hair and the way it used to stand up wistfully as though it were just roused from a deep sleep. I remember his ability to completely lose himself with the races, or the way he used to call my grandmother “Mum” in a way that made you chuckle or want to yell for Nana Flo to answer him just so he’d stop repeating himself. I remember his love for the islands and how he yearned to write his history down for others to read. I fondly reminisce of the way he used to smile at me when I said something that awed him or the way he got frustrated when people were still over even though it was his bedtime.
Right after he passed, I often wanted him to be a revenant; sitting in the living room in Turtle Cove watching the races welcoming me as my wearied soul entered the house, accompanying his wife of what would have been 58 years to my college graduation, reading my latest piece or eventually sending me his.
However, perhaps when we lose someone we love, it’s not their literal presence we need, it is only a reminder in the simplest of places that everything will be irie.
* letter “e” is upside down producing sound of “uh”
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