February 28, 2010
Fulgent
\’fül-jent\ adj : dazzingly bright : radiant*
I had died and gone to heaven. The fulgent light that was emanating from my surroundings was almost blinding. It took me a while to get used to it and when I did, I tried to form words to describe how I was feeling, but to no avail. I was enveloped with a sense of calm, and every time I looked in its direction, I felt light-headed. I moved and it moved, encasing me in its warm beams. There were no other people around, which I did think was weird for heaven, but hey I had been told that each person’s heaven was different so I forgot my uneasiness at being alone and continued to bask in the light’s brilliance.
I felt myself sliding back to reality, perhaps back to Earth. I didn’t want to go, I wanted to stay here forever! The light made me feel so good! I woke out of my daydream by the light’s voice, “Miss, may I help you?” I raised my eyes and caught a glimpse of heaven one last time.
* letter “e” is upside down producing sound of “uh”
Sunday, February 28, 2010
OBEISANCE
February 27, 2010
Obeisance
\o-‘be-sens\ n 1: a movement of the body made in token of respect or submission : bow 2: acknowledgement of another’s superiority or importance : homage*
One show that I like to watch on occasion is the Bounty Hunter. I love the husband and wife team who look so rugged and epitomize their profession perfectly, and who are real people, dedicated to making their society a safer place by bringing perpetrators to justice.
During the course of the show, the Bounty Hunter and his team prepare you for the worst. They give you hard facts of the crimes these individuals have committed, they suit up; wearing bulletproof vests, carrying weapons to protect themselves. You are fearful for them, wishing them the best while simultaneously being grateful that you’re on the other side of the television screen.
As the episode unfolds and you are taken on a journey to find and capture the “perp,” you are slowly becoming anxious and wish that the end would just hurry up and come. You do not want to encounter a criminal that is dangerous; an individual that even your mother’s warnings did not train you for. You hold your breath as the Bounty Hunter and his team bust down his/her door, weapons drawn and as he/she raises his/her hands in obeisance, you realize that despite their violation of a law implemented to protect you as a citizen, the fear is gone, for they, at this precise moment are human beings just…like…you…
* superscript letter “e” is upside down producing sound of “uh”
Obeisance
\o-‘be-sens\ n 1: a movement of the body made in token of respect or submission : bow 2: acknowledgement of another’s superiority or importance : homage*
One show that I like to watch on occasion is the Bounty Hunter. I love the husband and wife team who look so rugged and epitomize their profession perfectly, and who are real people, dedicated to making their society a safer place by bringing perpetrators to justice.
During the course of the show, the Bounty Hunter and his team prepare you for the worst. They give you hard facts of the crimes these individuals have committed, they suit up; wearing bulletproof vests, carrying weapons to protect themselves. You are fearful for them, wishing them the best while simultaneously being grateful that you’re on the other side of the television screen.
As the episode unfolds and you are taken on a journey to find and capture the “perp,” you are slowly becoming anxious and wish that the end would just hurry up and come. You do not want to encounter a criminal that is dangerous; an individual that even your mother’s warnings did not train you for. You hold your breath as the Bounty Hunter and his team bust down his/her door, weapons drawn and as he/she raises his/her hands in obeisance, you realize that despite their violation of a law implemented to protect you as a citizen, the fear is gone, for they, at this precise moment are human beings just…like…you…
* superscript letter “e” is upside down producing sound of “uh”
PARRY
February 26, 2010
Parry
\’per-e\ v 1: to ward off a weapon or blow 2: to evade especially by an adroit answer
The winter is becoming too much for me. I hate snow (I mean ok sure, it’s pretty to look at, but shoveling and rock salting makes me wholeheartedly resent it), I hate the fact that I have to add ten extra minutes to my departure time to “layer up” for fear of frostbite, and I hate, hate, hate how the inclement weather conditions that often accompany winter postpone plans that have been scheduled for months! While I do not care for extreme heat or taking freezing showers just to cool down, summer has definite more appeal than the biting cold of our bitter friend.
There is one aspect of summer, however that never ceases to aggravate me; the incessant buzzing of our bloody-thirsty friends. As I was getting bitten when I was young, my mother tried to make me feel better by saying that my blood was sweet, therefore attracting many more mosquitoes. I rolled my eyes at her and tried to parry the annoying beasts with a flick of my hand. As I grew older, the methods of prevention became more severe. I graduated from flicking to spraying the daylights out of them with OFF! Or poisoning them with scented citronella candles. This past summer I didn’t have too many bites, maybe they have learned their lesson, or maybe they are quietly plotting how to overcome the ultimate goal of the …FLY SWATTER!
Parry
\’per-e\ v 1: to ward off a weapon or blow 2: to evade especially by an adroit answer
The winter is becoming too much for me. I hate snow (I mean ok sure, it’s pretty to look at, but shoveling and rock salting makes me wholeheartedly resent it), I hate the fact that I have to add ten extra minutes to my departure time to “layer up” for fear of frostbite, and I hate, hate, hate how the inclement weather conditions that often accompany winter postpone plans that have been scheduled for months! While I do not care for extreme heat or taking freezing showers just to cool down, summer has definite more appeal than the biting cold of our bitter friend.
There is one aspect of summer, however that never ceases to aggravate me; the incessant buzzing of our bloody-thirsty friends. As I was getting bitten when I was young, my mother tried to make me feel better by saying that my blood was sweet, therefore attracting many more mosquitoes. I rolled my eyes at her and tried to parry the annoying beasts with a flick of my hand. As I grew older, the methods of prevention became more severe. I graduated from flicking to spraying the daylights out of them with OFF! Or poisoning them with scented citronella candles. This past summer I didn’t have too many bites, maybe they have learned their lesson, or maybe they are quietly plotting how to overcome the ultimate goal of the …FLY SWATTER!
CONVENTICLE
February 25, 2010
Conventicle
\ken-‘ven-ti-kel\ n 1: an assembly of an irregular or unlawful character 2: an assembly for religious worship; *especially : a meeting for worship not sanctioned by law 2: a meetinghouse*
Recently, I have been trying to solidify my journey of faith by attempting to attend Mass more frequently. For the past few years, my quest to become closer to God has been an arduous expedition; filled with uncertainties about how people close to me would view my renewed interest, skepticism about the Catholic Church and members of the congregation threatening to ruin my determination to cement my beliefs once more, and the underlying concern that I was phony for practicing such ideals when this could all be considered new to me. I was in search of implementing spirituality and common decency and respect in my everyday life and had hopes that this time it would be different.
I knew that to seek God was a serious task and that it deserved my utmost desire and determination. I tried many things, yet each simple mission I set aside for myself to complete would sit unfinished; the Bible passage never being read consistently every night, the last spiritual journal entry being three months prior, never attending Sunday Mass. I attribute the lack of achievement of each of these to fear; fear of not welcoming the new person I might become as a result of incorporating a new element of faith in my life.
It was my senior year of college and as a requirement for a group exercise within the organization of which I was a part, we had to attend a service and/or mass at a church every Sunday. It was the second Sunday and our destination that morning was St. Rose of Lima Church in West Philadelphia. It was a beautiful service and I really enjoyed the familial atmosphere within its walls, which was evident in the music and the convivial mood of the parishioners. It wasn’t until the Eucharist, however, that I felt like my place had been carved for me. I was so moved and really felt as though I were home; this being the first time that I felt as though I were in the right place at the right time.
I left the conventicle that morning feeling light in my heart and even though I no longer reside in Philly, that morning will always be special to me. It was a morning that started out ordinary but ended with a step closer to what I had been looking for all along: spiritual fulfillment.
* first and second letter “e” is upside down producing sound of “uh”
Conventicle
\ken-‘ven-ti-kel\ n 1: an assembly of an irregular or unlawful character 2: an assembly for religious worship; *especially : a meeting for worship not sanctioned by law 2: a meetinghouse*
Recently, I have been trying to solidify my journey of faith by attempting to attend Mass more frequently. For the past few years, my quest to become closer to God has been an arduous expedition; filled with uncertainties about how people close to me would view my renewed interest, skepticism about the Catholic Church and members of the congregation threatening to ruin my determination to cement my beliefs once more, and the underlying concern that I was phony for practicing such ideals when this could all be considered new to me. I was in search of implementing spirituality and common decency and respect in my everyday life and had hopes that this time it would be different.
I knew that to seek God was a serious task and that it deserved my utmost desire and determination. I tried many things, yet each simple mission I set aside for myself to complete would sit unfinished; the Bible passage never being read consistently every night, the last spiritual journal entry being three months prior, never attending Sunday Mass. I attribute the lack of achievement of each of these to fear; fear of not welcoming the new person I might become as a result of incorporating a new element of faith in my life.
It was my senior year of college and as a requirement for a group exercise within the organization of which I was a part, we had to attend a service and/or mass at a church every Sunday. It was the second Sunday and our destination that morning was St. Rose of Lima Church in West Philadelphia. It was a beautiful service and I really enjoyed the familial atmosphere within its walls, which was evident in the music and the convivial mood of the parishioners. It wasn’t until the Eucharist, however, that I felt like my place had been carved for me. I was so moved and really felt as though I were home; this being the first time that I felt as though I were in the right place at the right time.
I left the conventicle that morning feeling light in my heart and even though I no longer reside in Philly, that morning will always be special to me. It was a morning that started out ordinary but ended with a step closer to what I had been looking for all along: spiritual fulfillment.
* first and second letter “e” is upside down producing sound of “uh”
Saturday, February 27, 2010
INFIX
February 24, 2010
Infix
\’in-‘fiks\ n : a derivational or inflectional affix appearing in the body of a word
The universal “they” say that the English language is the hardest language to learn. From words with different meanings and spelling yet same sound such as the infamous “they’re, their and there,” words that are not spelled the way they sound such as “cough” to grammatical additives such as suffixes and prefixes, the English language is a convoluted conglomerate of a myriad of facets that perhaps do make it the most impenetrable form of communication out there. (you catch my drift?)
As an individual who has always loved the written word, (both reading and writing it), and a stickler for correct usage of grammar, I never favored learning the different nuances of grammar. I specifically remember when, in seventh grade, we were asked to take out our grammar books, a unified groan swept across the rows of our classroom such as the universal wave does at a baseball game! We loved reading stories in class, becoming different characters, but boy did we despise English grammar!
For me, one of the lessons that I hated the most was that of the brother-in-law/sister-in-law category. I particularly hated this because when making this specific phrase plural, the “laws” were never pluralized, the “brother” and “sister” were (rightly so, they are the living things after all) causing what I now know to be an infix. I still to this day have trouble with this and have to mentally remind myself the rules of the game.
I absolutely love the English language and believe that it is rich with its details of salacious syntax. However, it seems that no matter how much I declare my love for the language, the notorious “brothers-in-law,” will always be my verbal nemesis!
Infix
\’in-‘fiks\ n : a derivational or inflectional affix appearing in the body of a word
The universal “they” say that the English language is the hardest language to learn. From words with different meanings and spelling yet same sound such as the infamous “they’re, their and there,” words that are not spelled the way they sound such as “cough” to grammatical additives such as suffixes and prefixes, the English language is a convoluted conglomerate of a myriad of facets that perhaps do make it the most impenetrable form of communication out there. (you catch my drift?)
As an individual who has always loved the written word, (both reading and writing it), and a stickler for correct usage of grammar, I never favored learning the different nuances of grammar. I specifically remember when, in seventh grade, we were asked to take out our grammar books, a unified groan swept across the rows of our classroom such as the universal wave does at a baseball game! We loved reading stories in class, becoming different characters, but boy did we despise English grammar!
For me, one of the lessons that I hated the most was that of the brother-in-law/sister-in-law category. I particularly hated this because when making this specific phrase plural, the “laws” were never pluralized, the “brother” and “sister” were (rightly so, they are the living things after all) causing what I now know to be an infix. I still to this day have trouble with this and have to mentally remind myself the rules of the game.
I absolutely love the English language and believe that it is rich with its details of salacious syntax. However, it seems that no matter how much I declare my love for the language, the notorious “brothers-in-law,” will always be my verbal nemesis!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
COALESCE
February 23, 2010
Coalesce
\’ko-e-‘les\ v 1: to grow together 2a: to unite in a whole : fuse b: to unite for a common end : join forces 3: to arise from the combination of distinct elements*
Recently, I saw the acclaimed Avatar. I must say James Cameron is still capable of wowing his audiences thirteen years later, still keeping us riveted and glued to our seats. The movie was very well done (a little confusing in the beginning) and the main character quickly becomes our hero (and every woman’s fantasy). We were enabled to not only view the film but appreciate it for the masterpiece that it is.
The specific reason I loved the film was due to the many innuendos that were sprinkled throughout the story. I appreciated the harsh yet somewhat accurate demonstration of some members of the Armed Forces. I was grateful that the bond between man and nature was represented as something that may be lost presently but which can always be found if sought enough.
The love story for me was the best part because it showed that two people from completely different worlds could make a life together and work at being happy. The two main characters were able to put aside their differences to make a life for themselves despite the hate and ignorance they frequently encountered. It also symbolized that one day, perhaps relationships could be born of what really matters instead of superficial aspects.
This film coalesced very nicely; the characters were entwined with each other, which allowed the audience to be able to relate to them and see them as members of society that is more often than not opposed to change.
* letter “e” is upside down creating sound of “uh”
Coalesce
\’ko-e-‘les\ v 1: to grow together 2a: to unite in a whole : fuse b: to unite for a common end : join forces 3: to arise from the combination of distinct elements*
Recently, I saw the acclaimed Avatar. I must say James Cameron is still capable of wowing his audiences thirteen years later, still keeping us riveted and glued to our seats. The movie was very well done (a little confusing in the beginning) and the main character quickly becomes our hero (and every woman’s fantasy). We were enabled to not only view the film but appreciate it for the masterpiece that it is.
The specific reason I loved the film was due to the many innuendos that were sprinkled throughout the story. I appreciated the harsh yet somewhat accurate demonstration of some members of the Armed Forces. I was grateful that the bond between man and nature was represented as something that may be lost presently but which can always be found if sought enough.
The love story for me was the best part because it showed that two people from completely different worlds could make a life together and work at being happy. The two main characters were able to put aside their differences to make a life for themselves despite the hate and ignorance they frequently encountered. It also symbolized that one day, perhaps relationships could be born of what really matters instead of superficial aspects.
This film coalesced very nicely; the characters were entwined with each other, which allowed the audience to be able to relate to them and see them as members of society that is more often than not opposed to change.
* letter “e” is upside down creating sound of “uh”
POINT MAN
February 22, 2010
Point Man
\’point-‘man\ 1: a soldier who goes ahead of a patrol 2: one who is in the forefront; especially : a principal spokesman or advocate
Parkinson’s is a debilitating disease that afflicts approximately between 50,000-1,000,000 people (www.parkinsoninfo.org). It is a disorder that affects the neurosystem, causing difficulty moving and functioning on a day-to-day basis. The financial facet of living with Parkinson’s is immense and takes a toll on not only the individual faced with battling it but their families as well.
There are many people (ranging from celebrities to ordinary members of society) who are fighting to establish heightened awareness and who are working tirelessly to fund research to find a cure. However, there is such one person who has really delved into the efforts, based on his personal fight: Michael J. Fox. Whether you loved Fox as Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties, Michael Flaherty on Spin City or the young boy in Back to the Future, it was always Michael’s ability to make his audience laugh and relate to his character.
When Fox went public with news that he was battling Parkinson’s Disease in 1991, the nation rallied around him and within the next nineteen years, Fox would continue to not only fight his personal nemesis, but to act as the point man; raising awareness through education, a public appeal to Congress and his own struggle. Michael J. Fox launched his own foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation which has raised almost 176 million dollars in research since its inception in 2000.
Michael J. Fox has been an amazing example and testament to hard work to achieve one’s goals, educate others and to keep believing.
To learn more about Parkinson’s Disease, go to www.parkinsonsinfo.org . To make a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, go to www.michaeljfox.org.
Point Man
\’point-‘man\ 1: a soldier who goes ahead of a patrol 2: one who is in the forefront; especially : a principal spokesman or advocate
Parkinson’s is a debilitating disease that afflicts approximately between 50,000-1,000,000 people (www.parkinsoninfo.org). It is a disorder that affects the neurosystem, causing difficulty moving and functioning on a day-to-day basis. The financial facet of living with Parkinson’s is immense and takes a toll on not only the individual faced with battling it but their families as well.
There are many people (ranging from celebrities to ordinary members of society) who are fighting to establish heightened awareness and who are working tirelessly to fund research to find a cure. However, there is such one person who has really delved into the efforts, based on his personal fight: Michael J. Fox. Whether you loved Fox as Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties, Michael Flaherty on Spin City or the young boy in Back to the Future, it was always Michael’s ability to make his audience laugh and relate to his character.
When Fox went public with news that he was battling Parkinson’s Disease in 1991, the nation rallied around him and within the next nineteen years, Fox would continue to not only fight his personal nemesis, but to act as the point man; raising awareness through education, a public appeal to Congress and his own struggle. Michael J. Fox launched his own foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation which has raised almost 176 million dollars in research since its inception in 2000.
Michael J. Fox has been an amazing example and testament to hard work to achieve one’s goals, educate others and to keep believing.
To learn more about Parkinson’s Disease, go to www.parkinsonsinfo.org . To make a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, go to www.michaeljfox.org.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
