June 2008
64 posts
Word of the day: Patina
I think this word means: A large selection of things. Actual definition: \PAT-n-uh; puh-TEEN-uh, noun:1. The color or incrustation which age gives to works of art; especially, the green rust which covers ancient bronzes, coins, and medals. 2. The sheen on any surface, produced by age and use. 3. An appearance or aura produced by habit, practice, or use. 4. A superficial layer or exterior....
May 2008
72 posts
Yesterday, I learned that carbon nanotubes share many characteristics with asbestos… Like the cancerous part.
Word of the Day: Schadenfreude
I think this word means: Success or achievement. Actual definition: \SHOD-n-froy-duh, noun: A malicious satisfaction obtained from the misfortunes of others. Remark: Close enough!
Word of the Day: Forgo
I think this word means: To exclude or put off. Actual definiton: \for-GO, transitive verb; Inflected forms: forwent, forgone, forgoing, forgoes: To abstain from; to do without.
Watchjakeandamir: Instant Messages Pending: Ever wonder what it would sound like if you read your instant messages aloud? It might sound like this.
Watch
A Thousand Splendid Suns
I’ve finished reading A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, a book set in Afghanistan’s turbulent past. The book spans the time periods of monarchy, communist occupation, warlords, the Taliban, and American coalition occupation. Following the lives of two young women, the book is a window into the staggering unbalance between women and men in Afghanistan. We are introduced to...
Word of the Day: Ribald
I think this word means: Sparse or depleted. Actual definition: \RIB-uhld; RY-bawld, adjective: 1. Characterized by or given to vulgar humor; coarse. Remark: Oh.
Word of the Day: Vehement
I think this word means: To loathe or despise. Actual definition: \VEE-uh-muhnt, adjective: 1. Characterized by intensity of emotions or convictions, or forcefulness of expression. 2. Characterized by or acting with great force or energy; strong. Remark: I guess one could loathe with vehement…
Word of the Day: Ruminate
I think this word means: To create or invent. Actual definition: \ROO-muh-nayt, intransitive verb: 1. To chew the cud; to chew again what has been slightly chewed and swallowed.”Cattle free to ruminate.” —Wordsworth. 2. To think again and again; to muse; to meditate; to ponder; to reflect. transitive verb: 1. To chew over again. 2. To meditate or ponder over; to muse on. ...
Watchjakeandamir: Pick Up Pending: I’ve had conversations like this.
Word of the day: Cadge
I think this word means: Something awful. Actual definition: \KAJ, transitive verb: 1. To beg or obtain by begging; to sponge. intransitive verb: 1. To beg; to sponge. Remark: Yuck.
Word of the day: Boulevardier
I think this word means: Someone who “lives on the edge” or pushes the limits of things. Actual definition: \boo-luh-var-DYAY; bul-uh-, noun:1. A frequenter of city boulevards, especially in Paris. 2. A sophisticated, worldly, and socially active man; a man who frequents fashionable places; a man-about-town. Remark: Awesome.
iPhone 3G Launch Date Confirmed →
Word of the day: Potemkin village
I think this word means: A small, self-sufficient village. Actual definition: \puh-TEM(P)-kin, noun: An impressive facade or display that hides an undesirable fact or state; a false front. Remark: Cool! I’m imagining a village in Vietnam during the Cold War that has stashes of weapons and ammunition under all the straw huts, a la “Platoon”.
Word of the Day: Obtrude
I think this word means: To stick out. To interrupt. Actual definition: \uhb-TROOD; ob-, transitive verb: 1. To thrust out; to push out. 2. To force or impose (one’s self, remarks, opinions, etc.) on others with undue insistence or without solicitation. intransitive verb: 1. To thrust upon a group or upon attention; to intrude. Remark: That one was easy.
Word of the day: Tirade
I think this word means: An overwhelming amount. Actual definition: \TY-raid; tih-RAID, noun: A long angry speech; a violent denunciation; a prolonged outburst full of censure or abuse.
Watchjakeandamir: Truth or Dare
Word of the Day: Latitudinarian
I think this word means: A predisposition for unchanging emotional or psychological states. Actual definition: \lat-uh-too-din-AIR-ee-un; -tyoo-, adjective: 1. Having or expressing broad and tolerant views, especially in religious matters. noun: 1. A person who is broad-minded and tolerant; one who displays freedom in thinking, especially in religious matters. 2. [Often capitalized] A member...
Word of the day: Subfusc
I think this word means: To exist beneath. Ryan thinks this word means: To simplify. Actual definition: \sub-FUHSK, adjective: Dark or dull in color; drab, dusky. Remark: Ryan likes his definition better. I agree.
Word of the Day: Paean
I think this word means: Something ancient or old-fashioned. Actual definition: \PEE-uhn, noun:1. A joyous song of praise, triumph, or thanksgiving. 2. An expression of praise or joy. Remark: Oh.
Word of the Day: Fetter
I think this word means: To waste frivolously. Actual definition: fetter \FET-uhr, noun: 1. A chain or shackle for the feet; a bond; a shackle. 2. Anything that confines or restrains; a restraint. transitive verb: 1. To put fetters upon; to shackle or confine. 2. To restrain from progress or action; to impose restraints on; to confine. Remark: Oh really! I didn’t know that word as well...
How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse →
Word of the Day: Umbrage
I think this word means: Stuffy and unapproachable. Actual definition: \UHM-brij, noun:1. Shade; shadow; hence, something that affords a shade, as a screen of trees or foliage. 2. a. A vague or indistinct indication or suggestion; a hint. 3. b. Reason for doubt; suspicion. 4. Suspicion of injury or wrong; offense; resentment. Remark: Close, but no banana.
The most absurd laws from around the world →
Word of the Day: Cavil
I think this word means: Rude and obnoxious. Actual definition: \KAV-uhl, intransitive verb: 1. To raise trivial or frivolous objections; to find fault without good reason. transitive verb: 1. To raise trivial objections to. noun: 1. A trivial or frivolous objection. Remark: It’s pretty obnoxious to raise trivial or frivolous objections!
WatchIf Nintendo made Halo 3. Source.
Word of the Day: Acumen
I think this word means: Qualifications or proficiencies. Actual definition: \uh-KYOO-muhn; AK-yuh-muhn, noun: Quickness of perception or discernment; shrewdness shown by keen insight. Remark: Oh really?
Not news: Windows XP SP3 Is Not Bug-Free
“Apparently, the up-date causes a series of problems, from random blue-screens to continuous reboots… Errors and system failure are quite common with Microsoft’s service packs and usually, answers and solutions become available on a very short term.” More… I’m still flabbergasted by how Microsoft’s business model allows them to distribute unfinished software....
13 Year Old Steals Dad's Credit Card to Buy...
Directly from the “you-can’t-make-this-stuff-up” Internets: “Ralph had reportedly told police that his father wouldn’t mind, as it was his birthday last week and he had forgot to get him a present. The father, a lawyer said he had been too busy, but would take him on a surprise trip to Disneyland instead.” More… Pending: The father had a $30,000 credit...