FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A sentence should contain no unnecessary words,
a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same
reason that drawing should have no unnecessary lines
and a machine no unnecessary parts.

-William Strunk, Jr., American Writer (1869-1946)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A room without books is like a body without a soul.

-Gilbert K. Chesterton, English Writer (1874-1936)

BOOKS

Here are a couple of books I have read that you may be interested in reading.

Lord Of The Rings- J.R.R. Tolkien

War In Heaven- Charles Williams

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

If we have not quiet in our minds, outward comfort will do no more for us that a golden slipper on a gouty foot.

-John Bunyan, English Clergyman (1628-1688)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Morning comes whether you set the alarm or not.

-Ursula K. Le Guin, American writer
(b. 1929)

TODAY'S WORD

MIS- prefix

wrong (misconduct)

wrongly (misjudge)

lack of (mistrust)

PLACES TO GO

FRIDAY

BOWERY POETRY CLUB
308 Bowery
New York, NY
6pm

Pink Pony West
29 Cornelia St. bet. Bleeker and W. 4th Street
New York @6pm

OZZIE'S
251 5TH AVE.
Brooklyn
7:30pm

SAME SOUND, DIFFERENT MEANING

CURRANT

1. Small seedles raisin

2. Small, round, and sour berry of the saxifrage family;
the shrub itself.

CURRENT

1. Belonging to the time actually passing; present

2. generally accepted; prevalent.

TODAY'S WORD

MISANTHROPE

Hater of mankind.

TODAY'S WORD

BEETLING

1. Projecting, overhanging

2. To project or overhang.


FOOD FOR THOUGHT

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain.

-Emily Dickinson, American poet (1830-1886)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

There is always something to write about. All we need to do is to figure out how to write it.

Places To Go

FRIDAY

Pink Pony West
@ Cornelia Street Cafe
29 Cornelia Street
New York, NY
$6.

Pete's Candy Store
709 Lorimer Street
Brooklyn 7PM Free

SATURDAY
Bluestockings Politics and Poetry
@ Bluestockings
172 Allen Street @ Stanton/Rivington Sts.
New York 6PM Free

MONDAY
Housing Works Used Book Cafe
126 Crosby Street bet. Houston and Prince Sts.
7PM Reading

TUESDAY
P.S.122
150 First Avenue @ E. 9th St.
New York Play $20,$15 (students/seniors) $10 (members) 8PM

COMMENT

I read at least one book a month. a few times I have read as many as four books in a month. As you can surmise, I love to read. I educates, stimulates, and expands my world.

I implore you to read as much as you can because it will make you wiser. It will open doors to worlds that you never experienced. Cultures will come alive, people will challenge you and show you that they are flesh and blood and have feelings and dreams. What ever your genre, try different ones. You'll be surprised at how your mind will expand exponentially.

MOCHA

Places To Go

Play:Oct. 5 thru 8
"Call Me Crazy" by Helen D. Lewis
@ Nuyorican Poet's Cafe
236 E. 3rd Street @ 9pm

Friday Night Poetry Slam
@ Nuyorican
10PM Hosted by Nathan P.

COOL WEBSITES

Below are some websites of places where you can see a play, hear a poetry recitation, or a slamfest, or what ever yout interest is.

www.nuyorican.org
www.bowerypoetry.com
www.softskull.com
www.poetz.com
www.literal-latte.com


Mocha

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The future depends on what we do in the present.

-Mahatma Gandhi

POETRY/PROSE

You helped so many people,
giving hope to the hopeless.
People were intimidated by you;
You asked for nothing in return.
Now you must go back to your own world.
The yound maiden doesn't want you to leave,
but you must.
Her father, a wise man, knows that he must go.
Your world is vastly different.
She is a bright and creative young woman,
who will do great things.
You would only hold her back.
She weeps as you disappear into the night.
Her father speaks; 'No one can tame a man like him.'
He is like the wind; he brings a time of refreshing
then he moves on.

TODAY'S WORD

COMPUNCTION

Uneasiness arising from guilt.

COMMENT

I have read a number of books, articles, essays, and poems over the past several months. I try to read at least one book a month. This is a habit I have had sine grade school. While I don't have a favoritte author, I tend to like those who "fly under the radar". Herman Melville, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and J.R.R. Tolkien are a few that come to mind. I'm eccentric in this case because it fits my liking things that are unusual.

Reading has taught me the value of research, study, imparting and sharing information, and personal enrichment. Each one of us has something or someone we enjoy reading about. I never limit myself to certain subjects,either. I enjoy science and history as much as a good horror story. my advice is to expand your horizons. Never limit yourself to just one genre or subject. Ideas may form that you may have not thought of. Writing a unique and intersting story is worth all the extra effort.

I'm Back

It's been nearly a month since my last post. There's been a move, family issues, and the business of life. I have also been thinking of ways to improve this blog. I enjoy posting "Food for Thought" and "Today's Word". I recent added some poetry and announcements for places to go.
I will continue to post regularly (starting tomorrow) with some new things in store. I am open to any suggestions or ideas. My mission is educate, encourage, and enlighten. I believe the people that visit are intelliegent, creative, and are seeking new horizons.

Take care,
Mocha

TODAY'S WORD

VESTIGE

1. a (1) a trace, mark, or visible sign left by something
(as an ancient city or a condition or practice) vanished
or lost (2): the smallest quantity or trace b: footprint

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Do not follow where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

POEM

FRIENDS

A friend is someone we turn to
when our spirits need a lift.
A friend is someone we treasure
for our friendship is a gift.
a friend is someone who fills our lives
with beauty, joy, and grace.
And makes the whole world we live in
a better and happier place.

-Jean Kyler McManus

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Willing is not enough; we must do.

-Joahnn Wolfgang von Goethe, German Poet (1749-1832)

TODAY'S WORD

ACCRUE

1. To result from natural growth.

2. To be added as a periodic gain, as interest on money.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Age-based retirement abitrarily severs productive persons from their livelihood, squanders their talents, scars their health, strains an already overburdened Social Security System, and drives many elderly people into poverty and despair. Ageism is as odious as racism and sexism.

-Norman Vincent Peale, American Clergyman (1898-1993)

TODAY'S WORD

-LOGUE

A combining form meaning a specified kind of spoken or written discourse
Ex. monologue

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Admitting that you are wrong will show others
that you are willing to be corrected.

TODAY'S WORD

PANACEA

1. A remedy for all ills or difficulties: CURE-ALL

LOCAL EVENTS

SYNONYMUS

Collaborative Poetry, Music, Movement and Image

Open Mic and Featured Performance
@
Nuyorican Poetry Cafe
236 East 3rd Street
New York, NY. (between Ave. B & C)
212-505-8183
$7.

TODAY'S WORD

FULMINATE

1. To explode with a loud noise.

2. To issue violent denunciation or strong comdemnation.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

I have learned not to sweat the small stuff. Enjoy life, learn something new every day, help someone else without expecting anything in return.

EVENTS

NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL FRINGE FESTIVAL

AUGUST 11-23, 2006

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

POETRY IS THE RHYTHMICAL CREATION OF BEAUTY IN WORDS.

-Edgar Allan Poe, American Poet (1809-1849)

SAME SOUND, DIFFERENT SPELLING

ISLE- transitive verb

1. to make an isle of
2. to place on or as if on an isle

noun

1. Island; especially: islet 1

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

He who does good, for good's sake seeks neither paradise nor reward,
but is sure of both in the end.

-William Penn, English leader (1644-1718)

TODAY'S WORD

-AN
also -ian, -ean

1. one that is of or relating to

2. one skilled in or specializing in

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Change your thoughts and you change your world.

-Norman Vincent Peale, American clergyman (1898-1993)

CHANGES IN STORE

You will see some changes in this blog. I have been pondering about adding more things to Frappy for some time. I believe that I have a very creative and intelligent following and, therefore, I want to stimulate, create, and educate. Changes include biography, postings of readings and poetry recitations, essays, and prose to name a few. You will still get 'Food for Thought' and 'Today's Word' but more needs to to be added to keep things fresh.

I look forward to your comments, suggestions, critcisms, and opinions. Please don't afraid to criticize because I always feel that it gives me another way to look at things. Peace

Mocha

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

As the family goes, so goes the whole nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.

-Pope John Paul II (1920-2005)

TODAY'S WORD

SUBTERFUGE

1. Deception by artifice or stratagem in order to conceal, escape, or evade.

2. A deceptive device or stratagem.

POEM

A GOLDEN DAY

I found you and I lost you,
all on a gleaming day.
The day was filled with sunshine,
And the land was full of May.

A golden bird was singing
Its melody divine,
I found you and I loved you,
and all the world was mine.

I found you and I lost you,
All on a golden day,
But when I dream of you, dear,
It is always brimming May.

~Paul Laurence Dunbar

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him
how to fish and you feed him for a life time.

-Lao Tzu, Chinese philosopher

TODAY'S WORD

NEE

1. Used to identify a woman by her maiden family name.

2. Originally or formerly called

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

How very little can be done under the spirit of fear.

-Florence Nightingale, English activist (1820-1910)

TODAY'S WORD

ANAPHORA

1. Repetition of a word or expression at the beginning
or sucessive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses
esp. for rheotorical or poetic effect

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A movie and a stage show are two entirely different things.
A picture, you can do anything you want. Change it, cut out
a scene, put in a scene, take a scene out. They don't do that
on stage.

-Cab Calloway, American musician (1907-1994)

TODAY'S WORD

OBLOQUY

1. A strongly condemnatory utterance: abusive language

2. The condition of one that is discredited: bad repute

TODAY'S WORD

PAN-

A combining form meaning; all (pantheism)

The union of all branches of a group (Pan-American)

TODAY'S WORD

SASHAY

Walk, glide, go
To strut or move in an ostentious or conspicious manner

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Abuse of words has been the great instrument of sophistry
and chicanery, of party, faction, and division of society.

-John Adams, American President (1735-1826)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A real book is not one that we read,
but one that reads us.

-W.H. Auden

TODAY'S WORD

INTERSTICE

1. A space that intervenes between things
esp: one between closely spaced things

A gap or break in something continuous

ESSAY

It has been said that every one has a story to tell. No two stories are the same. No story should be minimized or dismissed. It is from the stories and experiences examples of others that life is enriched.

When I have heard others testimonies of tragedy and triumph and it shows that I am no different than that person. Stories aren't always in words, either. It can be a child overcoming a life threatening disease. It can be a man or woman once strung out on drugs and alcohol living happy productive lives. A story can be told by example. More stories should be told and heard.

In our celebrity conscious culture, the stories of ordinary people are drowned out by 'sensational' stories. I'd rather listen to a stroy about someone who has learned to read than what color dress some actress is wearing. As writers, we should glean whatever we can from others stories. Great writers touch the heart and soul of its readers. Let's find those stories and tell the world about them.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Those who are quick to put labels on others
hate having one put on them.

TODAY'S WORD

PERMEATE

1. To spread or diffuse through


2. To pass through the pores or interstices of.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Learn something new every day.

TODAY'S WORD

DEONTIC

That which is obligatory

Of or relating to moral obligation

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The risk of a wrong decision is preferable
to the terror of indecision.

-Maimonides, Spanish philosopher, (1135-1204)

TODAY'S WORD

DI-

Twice; twofold double

Containing two atoms, radicals, or group

TODAY'S WORD

INCIPIENT

Beginning to come into being or to become apparent

an~solar system
evidence of~racial tension

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Accuracy is the twin brother of honesty;
inaccuracy, of dishonesty.

-Nathaniel Hawthorne, American novelist (1804-1864)

SAME SOUND, DIFFERENT SPELLING

GAMBLE
To play a game for money or property
Take a chance

GAMBOL
A skipping or leaping about in play.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

READ..READ.. AND READ SOME MORE!

TODAY'S WORD

DEITIC

Able to show
Showing or pointing out directly

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

There are some things in life that cannot put a price tag on.

TODAY'S WORD

PHILIPPIC

A discourse or declamation full of bitter comdemnation; tirade.

Creativity All Around

The summer is here! Much time will be spent outdoors enjoying the sights and sounds of the streets. The laughter of children playing, the smell of fresh popcorn, and the salty breeze at the beach.

As writers, creativity is all before us. The creative juices are flowing, fleshing out nuggets for ideas for that next story, poem, or novel. Creativity never takes a vacation. It can be something small and insignificant or something grand. It's out there nevertheless. Ideas are inexhaustible; it just takes an open mind and heart to flesh them out.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Life is a long lesson in humility.

-James M. Barrie, British playwright (1860-1937)

TODAY'S WORD

VOLTEFACE

The act of turning so as to face in the opposite direction.

A complete change of attitude or opinion.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Never look a gift horse in the mouth.

-St. Jerome, saint (347-420)

TODAY'S WORD

EXIGENCY

Pressing state (of circumstances)

Uregt want; pressing necessity.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

God gave us faculties for our use; each of them will receive
its proper reward. Then do not let us try to charm them to
sleep, but permit them to do their work until divinely called
to something higher.

- Saint Teresa of Avila, Spanish saint (1515-1582)

TODAY'S WORD

COM -prefix or col- or con-

With, together; jointly

Ex. commingle
colinear
concentrate

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Patience is the companion of wisdom.

-St. Augustine, saint (354-430)

TODAY'S WORD

TORUS

1. A large molding of convex profile commonly occuring
as the lowest molding at the base of a column.

SLAM ARTISTS AND WORDOLOGISTS

NUYORICAN
236 East 3rd STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10009
Website: nuyorican.org

TODAY'S WORD

DYSTOPIA

An imaginery place where people lead dehumanized
and often fearful lives.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The reason for going on a journey is to see and discover things you may have never knew existed.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Faith is an oasis in the heart which will never be reached
by the caravan of thinking.

-Kahlil Gibran, poet (1883-1931)

TODAY'S WORD

PRESCIENT

Foresight; human anticipation of the course of events.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Courage is grace under pressure.

-Ernest Hemingway, American author (1899-1961)

TODAY'S WORD

HEMI- prefix

Half

TODAY'S WORD

BICOASTAL

Of or relating to or living or working on both the east and
west coasts of the United States.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A friend who is far away is sometimes much nearer
than one who is at hand. Is not the mountain far more
awe-inspiring and more clearly visible to one passing
through the valley than to those who inhabit the mountain?

-Kahlil Gibran, poet (1883-1931)

TODAY'S WORD

DIDACTIC
1. a: Designed or intended to teach.
b: Intended to convey insturction
and information as well as pleasure
and entertainment.

2. Making moral observations.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Loving what you do is more important
than how much money you earn from it.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Plan for this world as if you expect to live forever;
but plan for the hereafter as if you expect to die tomorrw.

-Solomom Ibn Gabirol, Spanish poet (1021-1058)

TODAY'S WORD

LAGNIAPPE

1. A small gift given with a purchase to a customer.

2. A gratuity.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

All around as a person, on right decisions, on holding your money,
on doing your trade, a good education is a must. I don't think I would have done as good without one.

-Bobby Vinton, American entertainer
(b. 1935)

TODAY'S WORD

QUORUM

The number of members of a group required to be present
to transact business.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

And in the end it's not the years in your life that count.
It's the life in your years.

-Abraham Lincoln, American president (1809-1865)

POETRY AND SPOKEN WORD

If you can't get enough of poetry and the spoken word, you can find a number of readings @ WWW.POETZ.COM.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Wars are made to make debt.

-Ezra Pound, American poet (1885-1972)

TODAY'S WORD

SERPENTINE

1. Of or resembbling a serpent (as in form or movement)

2. Subtly wily or tempting

3. A winding or turning one way and another

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.

-Abraham Lincoln, American president (1809-1865)

TODAY'S WORD

PLUTOCRACY
1. A government in which the wealthy class rules.

2. A class ruling by virtue of its wealth.

TODAY'S WORD

CREWEL

A worsted yarn for embroidery and edging.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Know hows to listen, and you will profit even from those who talk badly.

-Plutarch, Greek philosopher (46-120 AD)

TODAY'S WORD

EQUANIMITY

Composure under strain; eveness.

SAME SOUND, DIFFERENT MEANING

VEIN- One of the branch vessels conveying blood to the heart.

VAIN- Excessively proud of or conceited about one's own
appearance or achievements.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood.

-T.S. Eliot, English poet (1888-1965)

TODAY'S WORD

LICENCE also LICENSE

Permission to act; freedom of action

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

That which we obtain too easily,
we esteem too lightly.

-Thomas Paine, English writer (1737-1809)

TODAY'S WORD

ICTUS

The recurring series or beat in a rhythmic or metrical
series of sounds.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security
will deserve neither and lose both.

-Benjamin Franlin, American politician (1706-1790)


These are wise words from one of the founding fathers of our nation. Something to consider in these troubling times.

TODAY'S WORD

NEO- prefix

New, recent (ex. neogene)

New and different period or form of in a new and different form or manner.

new and abnormal (ex. neoplasm)

SAME SOUND, DIFFERENT SPELLING

principal heart weight
principle hart wait

roll route tier
role root tear

mail waste break
male waist brake

soul tea minor
sole tee miner

shoe dye pail
shoo die pale

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

For one who reads, there is no limit to the number of lives
that may be lived, for fiction, biography, and history offer
an inexhaustible number of lives in many parts of the world,
in all periods of time.

-Louis L'Amour, American author (1908-1988)

TODAY'S WORD

GREGARIOUS

Tending to associate with others of one kind.

Marked by or indicating a liking for companionship: sociable

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.

- Mother Teresa (1910-1997)

TODAY'S WORD

MINIMALIST

1. One who favors restricting the functions and powers of a political organization on the achievement of a set of goals to
a minimum.

2. A minimal artist: adherent of minimalism

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it,
blame yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches;
for the Creator, there is no poverty.

-Ranier Maria Rilkie, German poet (1875-1926)

TODAY'S WORD

GLITZ

Extravagant showiness: glitter

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

There is nothing impossible to him who will try.

-Alexander the Great, (356-323 BC)

TODAY'S WORD

FLUXION

1. The action of flowing or changing; also something subjected to such action.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.

-Aesop,Greek author (620-560 BC)

TODAY'S WORD

AUTEUR

Film director who is considered the creative force in a movie.

TODAY'S WORD

NOIR

1. Crime fiction featuring hard-boiled cynical characters
and bleak sleazy settings.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

He who has faith has...an inward reservoir of courage,
hope, confidence, calmness, and assuring trust that all
will come out well-even though to the world it would
appear to come out most badly.

-B.C. Forbes, Scottish journalist (1880-1954)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong
to live as well as think.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Wishing for friends is quick work,
but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.

-Aristotle, Greek philosopher (384-322 BC)

TODAY'S WORD

QUASI- prefix

As it were; approximately; resembling in some degree
Ex. quasiparticle

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed
himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become
unstable without knowing it.

-Herodotus, Greek historian (484-409 BC)

SIMILES AND METAPHORS

My 2ooth post!

Similes and metaphors are figures of speech. While the former compares two things which are not alike, the latter uses an object or idea to suggest an analogy or likeness of two totally different things.

Similes are lighter in tone, metaphors are more assertive in their language. Examples of similes are cheeks like roses, cold as ice, and black like coal. Examples of metaphors are drowning in money, which means the person is very rich; or raining dogs and cats ( not literal, of course) or it is raining hard.

Similes and metaphors add color to a story and often uses objects people can relate to. A good author uses them quite a bit. The great ones can make similes and metaphors come to life. When I read the works of Edgar Allan Poe, his use of metaphorical language made me feel as if I was walking beside him.

Figures of speech are not idle space fillers, but can add color and familiarity to your writing. I us them liberally in my stories and I trust that you will, too.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Character is much easier kept than recovered.

-Thomas Paine, English writer (1737-1809)

TODAY'S WORD

ECUMENICAL

Worldwide or general in extent, influence, or application
of, relating to, or representing the whole of a body of
churches.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

If you wish to be a writer, write.

-Epictetus, Greek philosopher (55-135 AD)

TODAY'S WORD

CHANCERY

1. A high court f equity in England and Wales with common law
functions and jurisdiction over cases in equity.

2. A record office for public archives or those of ecclesiastical,
legal, or diplomatic proceedings.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

As I look to the future, I see many things that need our vision, drive, and most of all,
love for the people we have at our side.

TODAY'S WORD

POLY- prefix

1. Many; several; much; multi
Ex. polychotomas, polygyny

2. Containing an indefinite number;
more than one of a specific substance Ex.- polysulfide

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, " I used everything you gave me".

-Erma Bombeck, journalist

TODAY'S WORD

SYNECDOCHE


A figure of speech by which a part is put for the whole
Ex. fifty sail for fifty ships;

The whole for a part Ex. society for high society

The species for the genus Ex. cutthroat for assassin

The name of the material for the thing made

Ex. boards for stage; gridiron for football field; diamond for baseball field

TODAY'S WORD

SLAKE

1. To allay (thirst, desire, etc.) by satisfying quench.

2. To cause disintegration of (lime) by treatment with water.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

No one has the right to treat someone else as less than human.

TODAY'S WORD

GOSSAMER

1. Afine, filmy cobweb.

2. Something extremely light, flimsy, or delicate.

3. Thin and light.

TODAY'S WORD

ALLEGORY

A narrative in which the actions of characters represent abstract ideas or moral principles.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

It takes one person to change the course of another person's life.

TODAY'S WORD

EPHEMERAL

1. Living one day only (ex.-flowers)

2. Having a momentary or brief existence or interest.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

In a progressive country change is constant;
change is inevitable.

-Benjamin Disraeli, statesman

TODAY'S WORD

QUIXOTIC

1.:Foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals;
especially: marked by rash loftly romantic ideas or
extravagantly chivalrous action.

Synonym Imaginary

TODAY'S WORD

SUB- prefix

1. Under, beneath; below Ex. subsoil

2. Subordinate: secondary: next lower or inferior to Ex. subhuman

TODAY'S WORD

SIMILE

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by like or as Ex. cheeks like roses.

TODAY'S WORD

LOATHE

1. To dislike; be hateful

2. To dislike greatly and often with disgust or intolerance: hate.

TODAY'S WORD

PARALLELISM

Consists of two or more lines that use different words to express the same or similar ideas in similar grammatical form

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood.

-T.S. Eliot, poet

TODAY'S WORD

PERDURABLE

1. Very durable; lasting; unchanging.

TODAY'S WORD

RILL

A small rivulet or brook.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Every person above the ordinary has a certain mission
that they are called to fulfill.

-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

TODAY'S WORD

MOTIF

1. A recurring subject, theme, or idea, esp in a literary, artistic,
or musical work.

TODAY'S WORD

AFFECTIVE

1. Relating to, arising from, or influencing feelings
or emotions: emotional (~disorders)

2. Expressing emotion (~language)

TODAY'S WORD

POST- prefix

1. After; subsequent; later.

2. Subsequent to; later than; posterior to.

Examples

postdate postorbital


postlude postmodern












postoperative

TODAY'S WORD

HIEROPHANT

Expositor; advocate

TODAY'S WORD

HYPERBOLE

1. Figure of speech which is an exaggeration.

2. Extravagant exaggeration.

EXAMPLES

'Mile high ice-cream cones'.

'I tried a thousand times.'

'I nearly died laughing'.

BOOK

Currently, I am reading 'Atlas Shrugged' by Ayn Rand. Has anyb ody read this or any of her other books? I would love to hear your comments.

TODAY'S WORD

OBTUND

To reduce the edge or violence of: dull

TODAY'S WORD

BICAMERAL

Having, consisting of, or based on two legislative chambers

TODAY'S WORD

DECI-

Tenth part

Example: decimeter; decigram

FINDING YOUR VOICE

Each author has his or her own way of conveying their thoughts. The toughest thing is to not let literary constraints cramp or drown out your voice. Your voice needs to be heard. Different styles add flavor to whatever genre they write. New writers need to be encouraged and sought out.

TODAY'S WORD

APOTHEOSIS

1. ELEVATION TO DIVINE STATUS; DEIFICATION

2. THE PERFECT EXAMPLE

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

What is poetry which does not save nations or people.

-Czeslaw Milosz, poet

TODAY'S WORD

PURVEY

1. To supply (as provisions) usually as a matter of business; to provide
2. Peddle

TODAY'S WORD

COLLAGE

1. An artistic composition made of various materials (as paper, cloth,or wood)
glued on a surface.

TODAY'S WORD

FILIAL

1. OF, RELATING TO, OR BEFITTING A SON OR DAUGHTER


2. HAVING OR ASSUMING THE RELATION OF A CHILD
OR OFFSPRING.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

KEEP SEEKING, EXPERIMENTING, AND EXPLORING UNTIL YOU FIND WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY.

TODAY'S WORD

ADUMBRATE

To foreshadow vaguely; imitate

To give a sketchy representation or outline of

TODAY'S WORD

HEMISTICH

Half a poetic line of verse

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Read at least one book a month


When I was in grade school, I had to read six books over the summer. I thought it would be a bore, but I completed the assignment. I enjoyed reading those books (can't remember what the titles were but I read them). Since then, I have cultivated the habit of reading one book each month. On occasion, I have read two, and sometimes, three books in a month. It keeps the mind and intellect sharp and it is amazing how much you remember. I read different genres as not to grow stale or bored reading only one type of writing. you will be amazed that you read all those books at years end and didn't realize it.

TODAY'S WORD

-PHOBIA

Exaggerated or irrational fear of

Examples:

homophobia
acrophobia
necrophobia

TODAY'S WORD

TRANS- prefix

Across, beyond, through, so as to change

cross to the other side

Examples
transatlantic
transsexual
transformation
transgender

TODAY'S WORD

MANIA

1. Excitement manifested by mental and physical hyperactivity.
Disorganization of behavior, elevation of mood.

2. Excessive or unreasonable enthuiasm

Also the object of such enthuiasm

Examples: cleptomania; nymphomania; agoramania

TODAY'S WORD

PEDAGOGY

The art, science, or profession of teaching.

TODAY'S WORD

NEBBISH

A timid,meek, or ineffectual person.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Choose who you want to be. Don't be afraid to be your true self.

TODAY'S WORD

COLONIALISM

Control by one power over a dependent area or people

TODAY'S WORD

ABROGATE

To abolish by authoritative action: annul

To treat as nonexistent

TODAY'S WORD

ELUCIDATE

1. To give a clarifying explanation.

2. To make lucid (clear)by explanation or analysis.

TODAY'S WORD

DENOUEMENT

The final outcome of the main dramatic complication
in a literary work.

The outcome of a complex sequence of events.

WRITING COURSES

I am presently taking some writing courses in college. It is a worthwhile investment to your writing career and will pay off in the long run. At present, I am writing a play and will have a full length play by the end of the year. I believe the arts are valuable to the education of students. I want to teach children the value of reading and writing. Children are naturally creative, so why not let them write, produce, direct, and chereograph a play they have created? It will be something they will never forget.
There are numerous places where writing courses are taught. Colleges, seminars, writing workshops, and conferences are a few resources to research. Magazines such as 'Poets and Writers' and 'Writers Digest' are excellent sources where one can improve or develop their writing skills Whatever your genre, there is always something we can improve.

TODAY'S WORD

RAPACIOUS

1. Excessively grasping or covetous.

2. Living on prey.

3. Ravenous.


Syn. voracious

TODAY'S WORD

INTERPOLATE

To alter or corrupt (as a text) by inserting new or foreign mattter.

To insert (words) into a text or into a conversation.

TODAY'S WORD

ACCOUTERMENT

Accesort item of clothing or equipment; archaic

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

THINK FOR YOURSELF!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Failure is success if we learn from it.

-Malcolm Forbes, publisher

ESSAY

It is amazing how writing can be transformed over the years. I do not mean digressing from your writing style, but the types of writing. I usually write short stories, but now I have been concentrating on writing plays. It is different in that playwriting is more involved for the characters. I believe stage actors are exceptional because each night they have to put it all on the line. That is the way I look at playwriting.
One of my goals for 2006 is to write a full length play. I stretches my talents as a writer. The change has been good because I felt my short story writing was becoming stale. I can go back to it. I browse the fiction and literature sections of the bookstores. I took note of some of the great authors who penned other works besides their stock and trade. For example, Herman Melville is known for his classic whale story "Moby Dick". He also wrote short stories and poems. The late western writer, Louis Lamour, wrote short stories besdies his great western novels. I tried my hand at poetry and I enjoy it.
I am under no illusion that I will hit it big on Broadway, but it will be nice if it happens. I am writing plays because I love the stage and all that goes into the creating and casting of the characters. I hope to attend some plays this year. By the end of the year, I will have a full length play.

TODAY'S WORD

NOIR

1. Crime fiction featuring hard-boiled cynical characters
and sleazy settings.

TODAY'S WORD

VESTAL

CHASTE

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

You can turn painful situations around through laughter.
If you can find humor in anything, including poverty,
you can survive.

-Bill Cosby, comedian

TODAY'S WORD

COMMISERATE

Feel or express sympathy; condole

Express sorrow or compassion for.

NEW LINKS

For all you poetry and spoken word buffs, listed below are three websites which may be of interest.

www.bowerypoetry.com
www.nuyorican.org
www.poetz.com

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Imagination has brought mankind throught the dark ages
to its present state of civilization. Imagination led Columbus
to discover America. Imagination led Franklin to discover
electricity.

-L. Frank Baum

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Speak when you are angry and you will
make the best speech you will ever regret.

-Ambrose Bierce, journalist

TODAY'S WORD

DILETTANT

Admirer or lover of the arts; dabbler

NEW YEAR'S GREETING

Hello, and Happy New Year! I trust all is well with you. Looking back at 2005, I wrote more than I ever have in my life. I tackled different types of writing. I wrote a couple of plays and am concentrating on it. I have always had an interest in essays and will continue to write them. I will continue to write short stories and more prose and poetry.
For 2006, I will add more announcements about poetry readings, movies, and articles about writing. I will also share more about myself and my feelings about the literary scene. I want to thank all those who sent comments about the site. I welcome any suggestions, criticisms, and ways the site can be improved.
Once again, Happy New Year!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things,
but their inward significance.

-Aristotle, philosopher

TODAY'S WORD

ESOTERIC

Relating to knowledge that is restricted to a small group.

Private, confidental.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else.

-Erma Bombeck, journalist

TODAY'S WORD

LARGESS

Liberal giving (as of giving) to or as if to an inferior.

Generosity.