The 'Word Thoughts' Blog

Electric

2012-03-05T11:52:00.004-08:00

Electric

pertaining to, derived from, produced by, or involving electricity, producing, transmitting, or operated by electric currents: an electric bell; electric cord; electric shock.

T-Rex - Electric Warrior

electrifying; thrilling; exciting; stirring: The atmosphere was electric with excitement.

Talking Heads - Electric Guitar

ELECTRIC

Stamp

2012-02-29T21:43:00.000-08:00

Stamp is one of those fun words which is both a verb and a noun.

I enjoy stamp as a noun because oftentimes you can discover interesting art or learn bits and pieces of history. The verb I like from it's implied sense of force or energy.

Some people stamp their feet as they dance

And there's some people who stamp their feet in a vat of grapes

Our men and women in uniform stamp their feet as they learn their drills

and some people just stamp their feet

Can't forget the foot stamp (and a hand stamp while we're at it)

ah and the old reliable rubber stamp

A nice looking 1957 postage stamp from Canada

An artistic favorite Dr. Suess The Cat In The Hat postage stamp

The awesome Silver Surfer U.S. postage stamp

The Silver Surfer is a Marvel Comics Superhero created by Jack Kirby

Stamp Your Feet by Donna Summer (2008)

STAMP

Fresh

2012-02-17T23:08:00.000-08:00

Fresh...

Fresh is a word many people love. It's a word which brings about feelings of attraction and feelings of comfort. It's a word that can stimulate your appetite in many different ways.

Fresh faced plus size model Lindsey Brown

Zac Efron youthful fresh faced heart-throb

Fresh implies youth, attractiveness and good health

Fresh produce is clean and healthy

A flirt is someone who gets fresh with you...

A fresh bed is clean and comfortable

Flowers are fresh and beautiful.

Fresh by Kool and the Gang (1984)

Fresh as a Daisy by Emitt Rhodes (1970)

FRESH

Bell

2012-01-20T20:40:00.000-08:00

A bell is a wonderful apparatus. For some it is a form of communication others it's a musical instrument.

A bell can be found on a desk in a lobby or other public place for a patron to ring when they need assistance.

Church bells signify the time of day or the beginning or ending of a service

Jingle Bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way...

Pet collar bells make it easy to locate and identify your dog or cat.

Bells can be used to make music

Carol of the Bells is a popular seasonal holiday favorite

Anita Ward's 1979 hit "Ring My Bell" brought the sounds of bells to the disco dance floor

BELL

Rose

2012-01-12T20:30:00.000-08:00

Rose is a color...

Rose is a name

Rose is a song

Rose is the beauty of the world

Picture list from the top:
1. Shade of the color rose
2. Rose Coyle - Miss America 1936
3. Bette Midler singing "The Rose" (1980)
4. An American Beauty Rose

ROSE

Power

2011-12-31T21:22:00.000-08:00

Power is a fantastic attribute to possess. It can also be a debilitating attribute. Power when used correctly is strength and wealth. When used incorrectly is abuse and harassment.

Power is many things from a personality trait to a force which moves machines and tools.

Power: ability to do or act; capability of doing or accomplishing something. Great or marked ability to do or act; strength; might; force.

Power: to supply with electricity or other means of power: Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into energy. The sun can power the world.

Power: to drive or push by applying power: She powered the car expertly up the winding mountain road.

Power: operated or driven by a motor or electricity: a power mower; power tools.

Even Fred Flintstone had a power mower...

The Temptations - Power

POWER

Swell

2011-12-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

The word "swell" has two prime descriptions. One is a term of growth, the other is a descriptive slang term. In the latter slang description of the word teachers of proper English shy away from using the word in that particular manner.

Swell: to rise in waves, as the sea. A wave, especially when long and unbroken, or a series of such waves.

Swell: to increase abnormally in size, as by inflation, distention, accumulation of fluids, injury or the like: Her ankles swelled from standing.

Swell: to puff up with pride.

Swell: to cause to increase gradually in loudness: to swell a musical tone.

Swell: Stylish, elegant, fashionably dressed, first rate, fine: a swell party

SWELL

Lethologica

2011-12-13T13:39:00.000-08:00

Hmmmm... it's just on the tip of my tongue... but I just can't seem to remember it...

Lethologica: The inability to remember a word or put your finger on the right word

Wikipedia describes the word as a psychological disorder that inhibits an individual's ability to articulate his or her thoughts by temporarily forgetting key words, phrases or names in conversation.

The causes of lethologica include stress, physical fitness, social interaction and memory capacity. It can be categorized as a lifestyle disease which is affected by individual personality traits.

Lethologica was suggested by redmicasupra you can see his blog @ http://w17l.blogspot.com/

LETHOLOGICA

Acouasm

2011-12-10T20:30:00.001-08:00

The featured word in this post comes from a suggestion made by a fellow blogger known as Little Rabbit and she writes a blog called The Littlest Rabbit which you can visit at http://littlestrabbit.blogspot.com/

I had never heard of the word ACOUASM until Little Rabbit mentioned it. It kind of a neat word. It can be like a dream or a it could even be a figment of your imagination. Just what is an acouasm?

Acouasm: a nonverbal auditory hallucination, as a ringing or hissing.

Acouasm originates from the Greek word ákou which means "something heard". And ákou is a stem of the word akoúein which means to hear.

ACOUASM

Key

2011-11-29T07:40:00.001-08:00

Admission, drug, intelligent, important, passage, solution, sound, tropical

KEY

A word with many meanings...

Key: a small metal instrument specially cut to fit into a lock and move its bolt.

A USB key stores data and can basically be like an "office on the go"

Unusual keys can be used in artistic projects

Keycards are used in many hotels around the world

Key: something that affords a means of access: the key to happiness.

Key: a book, pamphlet, or other text containing the solutions or translations of material given elsewhere, as testing exercises. A systematic explanation of abbreviations, symbols, etc., used in a dictionary, map, etc.: pronunciation key.

Key: one of a set of marked parts, designated areas, or levers pressed in operating a typewriter, computer terminal, calculator, etc.

Yamaha YPG 235 76-Key Portable Grand Piano Keyboard

Key: tone or pitch, as of voice: to speak or sing in a high key.

Nat King Cole sang in perfect pitch and key

... a few singers who sing (sang) on key and in perfect pitch: Julie Andrews, Mariah Carey, Karen Carpenter, Nat King Cole, Celine Dion, Freddie Mercury, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder

Key: chief; major; important; essential; fundamental; pivotal: a key person in the company; key industries.

Key: to regulate or adjust (actions, thoughts, speech, etc.) to a particular state or activity; bring into conformity: to key one's speech to the intellectual level of the audience.

Key: a reef or low island; cay.

Map of the Florida Keys which includes Key West and Key Largo

Aerial shot of Key West, Florida

Key: a kilogram of marijuana or a narcotic drug.

With a kiss I'd pass the key (lyric from the song "Houdini" by Kate Bush)

Key

Respect

2011-11-13T23:29:00.001-08:00

R is for Real. Just being real about life and the way you treat those around you

E is for Enthusiasm. Be happy to see the people you love. Be happy to see people period.

S is Strength. Have the strength to let people know that you appreciate them.

P is for People. We gotta love each other.

E is for Esteem. To let others know you think highly of them.

C is for Courtesy. A little kindness and gentleness never hurt.

T is for Thankful... and Trust

In many cultures around the world bowing is a form of respect, gratitude and strength.

Otis Redding - Respect

RESPECT

Beat

2011-11-10T20:31:00.001-08:00

Beat is a great word to examine it's different meanings. It's various meanings come from different backgrounds and thoughts. It can be a musical word, a word of winning, a word of violence and several other meanings.

As follows The "Word Thoughts" Blog will try and shed some light on this short and somewhat inconsequential word, which really does and can affect our everyday lives.

Beat: To dash against, the rain beats against the trees

Beat: to strike violently or forcefully and repeatedly.

Channing Tatum in the movie "Fight"

Beat: to throb or pulsate: his heart began to beat faster

Beat: to make a constant rhythmic sound, as in playing the drums.

Beat: Stir vigorously: beat the egg whites well

The Whispers - And The Beat goes On (1980)

BEAT

Bacon

2011-11-06T22:36:00.000-08:00

Bacon love it crispy, love it in my pocket, love it on the movie screen. which bacon do you love most?

Bacon: the back and sides of the hog, salted and dried or smoked, usually sliced thin and fried for food.

A bacon cheeseburger is an American favorite

Bacon: slang for earning a living. slang for money. Bring home the bacon.

Bacon: Kevin Bacon is an American actor best known for his role in the 1984 movie "Footloose". He has also starred in the movies Animal House, Diner, Flatliners, JFK, Mystic River, Hollow Man, X-Men:First Class and several others. Bacon also performs in a rock band with his brother Michael called The Bacon Brothers. They've recorded and released 6 albums.

Footloose (DVD Deluxe Edition)

Philadelphia Road - The Best Of The Bacon Brothers (2011)

BACON

Stud

2011-11-01T06:09:00.000-07:00

Stud: A horse or a number of horses, usually for racing or hunting, bred or kept by one owner. A studhorse or stallion.

Stud: a knob, nailhead, or other protuberance projecting from a surface or part, especially as an ornament.

Stud: any of a large number of small projecting lugs embedded in an automobile tire (studded tire) to improve traction on snowy or icy roads.

Stud: a vertical member made of timber, steel, etc, that is used with others to construct the framework of a wall

Stud: An active, virile, muscular man (slang)

Stud: a variety of poker in which the first card is dealt face down before each player and the next four are dealt face up (five-card stud) or in which the first two cards and the last card are dealt face down and the intervening four cards are dealt face up (seven-card stud), with bets made after each round Often shortened to stud

Johnny Cash - Tennessee Stud

STUD

Kick

2011-10-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

Wikipedia description:
The English verb to kick appears only in the late 14th century, apparently as a loan from Old Norse, originally in the sense of a hooved animal delivering strikes with his hind legs; the oldest use is biblical, in the metaphor of an ox kicking against the pricks.
The act of kicking in general is a universal form of human aggression. The same movement is also used in non-offensive contexts, e.g. a kick to propel an object such as a ball, or a kicking movement without touching anything, e.g. as a dance move.

Kick: to strike with the foot or feet: to kick the ball; to kick someone in the shins.

We use kicking in self defense

Kick: a strong but temporary interest, often an activity: Origami is his latest kick.

Kick: vim, vigor, or energy.

Kick: to resist, object, or complain: Kick the habit; What's he got to kick about?

Paul Revere and the Raiders - Kicks (1966)

KICK

Creep

2011-10-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

Creep can be an action word and it can also be a word describing a feeling and/or an aura a person gives off to others.

Creep: to be frightening or repellent; cause one to experience uneasiness: The eerie stories made our flesh creep.

Creep: to move or advance slowly or gradually

Creep: a boring, disturbingly eccentric, painfully introverted, or obnoxious person.

Creep: to move slowly with the body close to the ground, as a reptile or an insect, or a person on hands and knees.

Creep is a men's clothing line. The company was founded by Kiyofumi Awai in Osaka, Japan in 1997. A branch in Toronto was opened in 2008 and is headed by Hiroshi Awai.

Radiohead - Creep (1992)

TLC - Creep (1994)

Stone Temple Pilots - Creep (1992)

CREEP

Dream

2011-10-11T13:03:00.000-07:00

Dream, dream, dream what a lovely restful word. Like floating on the clouds...

Dream: a succession of images, thoughts, or emotions passing through the mind during sleep.

Gary Wright - Dream Weaver

Dream: a vision voluntarily indulged in while awake; daydream; reverie.

Lovin' Spoonful - Daydream

Dream: to imagine as if in a dream; fancy; suppose.

Everly Brothers - All I Have To Do Is Dream

Dream: most desirable; ideal: a dream vacation or a dream home. A cherished hope, ambition, aspiration.

Roxy Music - In Every Dream Home A Heartache

Not every dream turns out the way you dream it. Keep that hope, that aspiration. Keep the things that dreams are made of. Accomplishments begin in dreams...

Dream: a person or thing that is as pleasant, or seemingly unreal, as a dream

Crystal Gayle- Dreamin' My Dreams With You

DREAM

Cell

2011-10-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

Cell is a word of confinement, biology, communication and area. All of it's various meaning are very different from each other, though share common components.

All organisms consist of microscopic cells. Each cell consists of many different complex building blocks enclosed in membrane bag.

It is estimated that there are about 70 - 100 trillion cells in a human body, of about 320 different types. Such as various skin cells, muscle cells, brain cells (neurons), and many others.

Cell (Prison, Jail) = loneliness, deterioration, insanity, disease, meditation, contemplation, growth, healing.

Cell: any of various small compartments or bounded areas forming part of a whole.

An excel spread sheet is made of various united cells which form rows and columns which combined create an entire sheet.

The cellphone is one of the most successful inventions of the past half century. It has revolutionized the way we communicate, conduct business and live our everyday life.

There are several other meaning for the word which are related to these central meaning which are described on this page. Some of the other meaning include a small compartment such as the cells in a honeycomb, a small group acting as a unit within a larger organization or the areas in which the wings of an insect are divided by it's veins.

CELL

Bolt

2011-09-28T22:31:00.000-07:00

BOLT!

A bolt is a fastener which is made of varying materials such as stainless steel, bronze, brass, plastic or nylon.

Many steel fasteners are electro-plated with zinc for better corrosion resistance. Fasteners that have been zinc plated have a shiny silver or golden appearance referred to as clear or yellow zinc respectively. They are fairly corrosion resistant but will rust if the coating is destroyed or if exposed to a marine environment.There are also Hot Dip Galvanizing and Chrome coatings for fasteners using a similar process as zinc coating.

The strength of a bolt is graded by markings or numbers on it's head.

This hex head bolt with 3 raidal markings is Grade 5 Medium Carbon Steel, Quenched and Tempered

Bolts come in different sizes and shapes. Some are angled, u-shaped, etc.

A bolt is also a mechanism to ock something such as a box or a door. The most common type of bolt to lock a door is called a deadbolt.

Lastly...

Bolt: a sudden dash, run, flight, or escape.

This is my favorite description of the word bolt, because it is an action. When I hear the word bolt I think of athleticism. I am an athlete and I enjoy anything that includes activity and movement.

Usain Bolt from Jamaica bolts

BOLT

Cloak

2011-09-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

Cloak is one of those somewhat dark words. It has two primary meanings both related to a central meaning which is "to cover". One meaning refers to clothing, while the other has dark secretive connotations attached to it.

Beginning with the clothing...

Cloak: a wraplike outer garment fastened at the throat and falling straight from the shoulders.
In full evening dress in the Western countries, ladies and gentlemen frequently use the cloak as a fashion statement, or to protect the fine fabrics of eveningwear from the elements, especially where a coat would crush; or hide; the garment. Opera cloaks are made of quality materials such as wool or cashmere, velvet and satin.

Let's move on the the darker more secretive side of cloak...

Cloak: something that covers or conceals; disguise; pretense: He conducts his affairs under a cloak of secrecy.

"It is my conviction that killing under the cloak of war is nothing but an act of murder."
- Albert Einstein

Nik Kershaw - Cloak and Dagger (1984)

CLOAK

Nothing

2011-09-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about this post for the past two days (ever since Flip mentioned it in the post on the word "Island"). I attempted to start something on Saturday but came up with nothing. I again thought about it on Sunday but still nothing. Maybe I was afraid or maybe I felt I didn't have enough time to get my thoughts out full fleshed.

Here, I am am Monday morning and from the time I woke up I was thinking about "nothing". I got on to the computer with the intention of writing this post of "nothing". Oddly enough this thinking about "nothing" must have somehow crawled into my subconscious because I just really could not come up with anything, I had nothing. I usually take a few minutes to surf the net before I get down to blogging. But this morning it ended up being a good 40 minutes give or take. I was on wikipedia, amazon, google, you name it I was there. I was everywhere but here. My mind was full of mindless nothingness. And that's when it came to me. I would introduce this topic with a short presentation of the nothingness I was experiencing.I guess you can say I was a "Blank Frank".

I wonder what is more harrowing... nothing itself or the awareness of nothing? Nothingness can be a wonderful state of mind clearing - which never really hurt anyone. Or maybe nothing is that good feeling of complacency. Than comes that awareness of nothing which is the real wake up call. You're left staring at an expression of nothingness. This awareness can hurt. It's brutal sometimes. but it's that shock to the system that gets me motivated. So, here I am writing about nothing.

Nothing: Amounting to nothing, as in offering no prospects for satisfaction (wow, this description is pretty bleak).

Nothing: In no respect or degree; not at all: It was nothing like that.

Nothing: Nonexistence; nothingness

I hope you enjoyed this talk about nothing. I really did and really it was nothing.

NOTHING

Island

2011-09-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

We've all heard the famous quote: "No man is an island". This quote comes from a poem written by Jon Donne, who was a poet, satirist, lawyer, and priest. He did most of his writing in the late 1500's to early 1600's. The general meaning of the poem is that human beings do not thrive when isolated from others.

No man is an island, entire of itself

every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main

if a clod be washed away by the sea, 

Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, 

as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were

any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind

and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls

it tolls for thee. 



-- John Donne

Island: A tract of land completely surrounded by water, and not large enough to be

called a continent.

Hawaii is a state in the United States comprised of 6 separate islands.

 Honolulu is one of the most popular resort cities in Hawaii which is located on the

island of Oahu.

Island: A raised platform with a counter or other work surface on top situated in the

middle area of a room especially a kitchen, so as to permit access from all sides.

Island: A low concrete platform for gasoline pumps at an automotive service station.

David Gilmour (from Pink Floyd) - On An Island (1976)

ISLAND

Coddle

2011-08-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

Coddle has two prominent meanings. Each meaning is very different from the other. I never really knew what the word truly meant until I just looked it up right now. I had always thought that it meant to rock something back and forth. In a way I was correct, but not 100%.

Coddle: To treat tenderly; nurse or tend indulgently; pamper: to coddle children when they're sick.

Coddle: To cook (eggs, fruit, etc.) in water that is just below the boiling point; cook gently.

Both forms of coddling are quite appealing... although as much as I love to eat I think I like the second meaning best...

CODDLE

Pickle

2011-08-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

I had a pickle of a time figuring out what would be the next word to feature here at The Word Thoughts Blog. I sat down in front of the computer munching on a pickle looking up words on dictionary.com and than it came to me as I took another bite out of that juicy pickle - the next word must be pickle.

I like this word because it does have a few meanings and it is also one of my favorite foods. It's also a somewhat silly word.

Pickle: a cucumber that has been preserved in brine, vinegar, or the like.

Pickle: A liquid usually prepared with salt or vinegar for preserving or flavoring fish, meat, vegetables, etc.; brine or marinade.

Pickle: a troublesome or awkward situation; predicament: I was in a pickle after the check bounced.

Pickle: A sour, disagreeable person.

Pickle: a situation in the game of baseball that occurs when the baserunner is stranded between two bases and is in jeopardy. When the base runner attempts to advance to the next base, he is cut off by the defensive player who has a live ball and attempts to return to his previous base before being tagged out. As he is doing this, the defenseman throws the ball past the base runner to the previous base, forcing him to reverse directions again. This is repeated until the runner is put out or reaches a base safely.

PICKLE

Time

2011-08-14T21:22:00.000-07:00

Time
If I could travel through all time
There's no place I would rather be than in the present
The past holds cherished memories of loved ones and good times
The present has a mystique of successes to be found
But there's nothing like today
With the job I work to build my future
With the pictures I hold to remember
With the ones I love today

Dictionary.com:
The system of those sequential relations that any event has to any other, as past, present, or future; indefinite and continuous duration regarded as that in which events succeed one another.

Time is one of those things in life that many people wrestle with. As we age we ponder the thoughts of death and the short time we have left on earth. The young are always racing around to be on time for a deadline or scheduled event. People get bored biding their time as they wait in a line. Some people feel they never have enough time to do all they want. Other people feel they have to much free time and become restless.

What is time to you?

Al Stewart - Time Passages

The Time Warp - Rocky Horror Picture Show

Chicago - Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

Time

Ambrosia

2011-08-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

Today's word comes from a comment made in the previous word topic of Siren. a reader/blogger named Flip mentioned the word Ambrosia in his comment. Therefore the word Ambrosia is the topic of this post. Thank you Flip for the inspiration.

Ambrosia: In ancient Greek mythology, ambrosia is sometimes the food, sometimes the drink, of the Greek gods (or demigods), often depicted as conferring ageless immortality upon whoever consumes it. It was brought to the gods in Olympus (a mountain range in Greece) by doves, so it may have been thought of in the Homeric tradition as a kind of divine exhalation of the Earth. Homeric is a from of the Greek language used by the poet Homer. Ambrosia is very closely related to the gods' other form of sustenance, nectar. The two terms may not have originally been distinguished; though in Homer's poems nectar is usually the drink and ambrosia the food of the gods.

Ambrosia: Also called ragweeds, bitterweeds or bloodweeds, are a genus of flowering plants from the sunflower family (Asteraceae). The scientific name of this genus is sometimes claimed to be derived from the Ancient Greek term for the perfumed nourishment of the gods, which would be ironic, since the genus is best known for one fact: its pollen produces severe and widespread allergies.

Ambrosia: is a relatively new cultivation of apples originating in British Columbia, Canada in the early 1990's. It is medium to large in size and has mostly red coloration, with yellow patches. It has cream-colored, firm meat with a sweet, crisp, aromatic flavor reminiscent of pear and low acidity. Ambrosia harvest is mid to late season. Trees are hardy and no major disadvantages have yet been identified.

Ambrosia: is a variation on the traditional fruit salad. It contains sweetened whipped cream (or whipped topping), sour cream, or with less calorie yogurt, pineapple, mandarin oranges ,miniature marshmallows and coconut. Some versions also contain maraschino cherries, bananas, strawberries, also crushed pecans can be used. The mixture is then refrigerated for a few hours.

Ambrosia: is the name of a popular American rock band formed in southern California in 1970. Ambrosia had five Top Forty hit singles between 1975 and 1980. Their hits include the classics "How Much I Feel" (#3 in 1978), "Biggest Part Of Me" (#3 in 1980) and "You're The Only Woman" (#13 in 1980).

Ambrosia

Siren

2011-08-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

The sound of a siren can is a disturbing sound. It signals distress, emergency and danger. It's a sound most of us do not like hearing.

* * * * * * *

In Greek mythology a Siren is a sea nymph, part woman and part bird, who lures mariners to destruction by their seductive singing.

* * * * * * *

Siren = A seductively beautiful and charming woman...

A siren of the silver screen is the epitome of grace, beauty and elegance always accompanied with an ever appealing bit of attitude.

Janet Leigh was one of the most versatile sirens of the silver screen with her beauty which ranged from dark and seductive to cute and peppy.

* * * * * * *

A siren is an acoustic instrument designed with holes arranged in a circle rotated over compressed air or steam. when the air/steam is interrupted this produces musical tones.

Siren

Wiggle

2011-07-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

Wiggle is a funny word which is fitting for it's meaning.

Wiggle is one of those words that does not have multiple meanings or uses. It simply means to move or cause to move with jerky movements, esp from side to side.

Is there a time when you've wiggled about a lot?

WIGGLE

Blue

2011-07-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

Blue is a wonderful color with many feelings and emotions to it.

I often think of the jazz musician Miles Davis when I hear the word blue. Several of his albums had "blue" in the title... "Blue Period" (1951), "Blue Haze' (1954), "Blue Moods" (1955) and "Kind Of Blue" (1959).

There are many fantastic shades of blue...

My favorite shade of blue is royal blue...

Linda Ronstadt - Blue Bayou

Bobby Vinton - Blue Velvet

Moody Blues - Blue World

What is your favorite shade of blue?

BLUE

Pylon

2011-07-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

What is a pylon?

An artificial leg...

Steel tower structure supporting electrical cables

You see traffic cone pylons set up when there is construction being done on the road.you see them set up to keep people away from dangerous areas, etc.

Pylons in Art...

The German band Kraftwerk used the image of a pylon on their first three albums...

PYLON

Strong

2011-07-08T22:18:00.000-07:00

Most people want to be strong. Strong means something different to each person. Below I am presenting a pictorial of what being strong means to different people.

For some people being strong means physical strength with lots of muscles

For others it's increased intelligence and strength in mental abilities such as meditating, remembering or concentrating. These people are mentally and intellectually strong.

There are the emotionally strong who can withstand almost any sort of hardship. They're able to center their minds on the positive.

Bravery is a characteristic of a strong minded person. This person fears nothing.

Saying no to peer pressure or a bad habit is a sign of a strong will.

For a lot of people love is strength

Bryan Ferry (with David Gilmour) Is Your Love Strong Enough

Sly and the Family Stone - Brave and Strong

What sort of strong are you?

STRONG

Bananas

2011-07-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

I forgot to buy bananas last night when I did my grocery shopping for the week. I usually have a banana every morning with breakfast. It's part of my get up and go. This put my mind on the word banana. I've always loved the word because it's a somewhat exotic yet corny word. You usually don't see exotic and corny in the same sentence but for the word banana I believe exotic and corny are fitting.

Bananas come in a variety of sizes and color when they are ripe, including yellow, purple and red. The banana plant is often mistaken for a tree. Their main or upright trunk is actually a false trunk (or stem) made of the rolled bases of leaves.

Southeast Asian farmers were the first to cultivate bananas. Southeast Asia (Indochina) has more genus's of the banana plant than any other part of the world, suggesting a long history of banana cultivation in the area. Africa has the second largest variety of genus's.

Nowadays the banana is used in a variety of ways. It's a flavor of ice cream and frozen yogurt. Bananas are used in deserts and cakes. But it is still first and foremost a breakfast favorite. Bananas have many health benefits. They help to reduce depression and anemia. They protect our eyes and help us to develop healthy bones. Because they are high in potassium they help to lower blood pressure and relieve stress. I'll have to remember that next time I'm all stressed.

A secondary term for the word bananas is crazy or deranged. I often feel as if I am bananas - as a matter of fact it's a term I hear used in reference to me on a regular basis. I guess I must really be bananas after all.

A third term finds the word bananas being used to describe response such as enthusiasm or excitement. The kind of excitement that happens when a great band walks out on stage to begin their concert - the audience goes bananas.

Yes, We Have No Bananas first became popular in 1923

Slipping on a banana peel has become a staple in comedy since 1910

BANANAS!

List

2011-06-30T20:01:00.000-07:00

List is one of those words which has been on my list to feature. It's a word we don't really think about as having much meaning. For the most part it's just an ordinary everyday word. Even in it's secondary and alternate meanings it's still not that interesting of a word. But I want to write about "list" because the primary meaning is so common that many of us don't realize the word has other meanings.

I will begin with the most obvious. Most people see some sort of list every day of their lives. Whether it be a price list you see at a store when you are shopping or a "to do" list of your own chores. I tend to be overflowed with the latter, there's always something that needs to be done.

a series of names or other items written or printed together in a meaningful grouping or sequence.

a bordering strip or the finished edge of fabric, usually made of cloth.

a selvage.

The next time someone mentions the list in your jeans - you'll know how to respond.

to prepare the ground for planting by making ridges and furrows.

A furrow can be dug with hand tools such as a shovel, stick, hoe or any object you can find to dig with.

a careening, or leaning to one, as of a ship

Any number of circumstances would cause a ship to list. It could be thrown off balance from strong winds or a tight turn at a higher than usual speed. The failure of a stabilizer system on the ship.
A tall tree can also list to one side.

I hope you enjoyed this list of meanings for the word list...

LIST

Liripoop

2011-06-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. All around the U.S. (and other parts of the world) we are celebrating graduations. I went to my nephew's high school graduation today. I was so proud of him as his name was announced and his took his seat in the ceremony. It's amazing how quickly our young ones grow up. One day they're in diapers (and it's us adults who need to change them and cover our nose at the smell of their poop) and the next day they are adjusting their liripoop on graduation day.

You ask and you wonder what is a liripoop. Is it some sort of smelly refuse in your underpants? No, it's not that. Is it a book that people sign like a year book? Not that either. Well then what is a liripoop?

It's simple. A liripoop is the tip or tassel on your graduation cap. It's that thing that flaps in your face as your walk in the graduation procession. You twirl it with your fingers while you get bored sitting as each student's name is called out during the ceremony. Yes, it's that little tassel... it's called a liripoop.

When is the last time you wore a liripoop?

LIRIPOOP

Future

2011-06-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

Future has always been one of my favorite words. I guess because of it's unlimited possibilities. The future has always held big dreams and big thoughts for myself and pretty much everybody I've always known.

As a child I dreamed that someday in the future I would be a famous rock star onstage singing the greatest songs ever written. Songs that I would write, songs that people would love and admire. I did end up trying the music thing and it was a career for me for over 15 years of my life. I ended up writing over 100 songs. There were a few times during that 15 years that fame and fortune peeped it's head in my realm of possibilities but when it came right down to it I always knew I was more of a down home sorta boy. That always prevented me from taking it any further than keeping it a local type thing. Eventually I gave it up all together. But, for a while I made my childhood dream of the future a reality.

I remember as a kid watching the Jetsons and thinking how great it would be to have a flying automobile. I envisioned that when traffic became backed up that we could just propel into the sky and pass up all those undesirable traffic jams. We don't quite yet have those fantastic flying cars - but maybe one day in our near future.

The Skycar will be operated completely by computer and guided by GPS satellites

One of my fondest dreams was the invention of the picture phone. I think that's another one I got from watching the Jetsons. Come to think of it The Jetsons really fueled the imaginations of many children and adults alike. The most fantastic thing is picture phones are here now, they're called video phones. A video phone (aka mobile phone or cell phone) is a telephone with a video screen which is capable of bi-directional video and audio transmissions. Shortly after the telephone was patented a prototype of the videophone was developed and was called the telephonoscope. an early sketch was published in December 1878.

Technology plays a big part in the future of our lives and the future of our children and their children. One of the most fascinating aspects of our current day and hopefully the development of our future is solar power. I have written about this before because I am truly amazed by this. It is quite fascinating to think of all the possibilities available from our natural resources. Not too long ago the thought of harnessing power from the sun was just a theory and something futuristic. For hundreds of years we've used the sun to dry our clothes and food, but it is only recently that we have been able to use it to generate power.

The sun is 93,000,000 miles away from the Earth and is astonishingly powerful. Only a miniscule fraction of the sun's energy actually hits the earth, but that is enough to power the earth many times over. In each 24 hour period enough energy reaches the earth to meet our power needs for more than 25 years.

What are your dreams of the future? what do you think the future holds?

FUTURE

Goster

2011-06-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

Goster is an unusual and not so common word. It has two meanings. One is something that many of us enjoy doing and as a matter of fact is proven to be healthful. The other is also something many of us enjoy doing - but really shouldn't.

I'll start out with the one that is healthful.

Goster = To laugh uncontrollably.

Laughter has several benefits. Did you know that it can help lower your blood pressure? So when you're feeling stressed out and your blood is boiling the best thing you can do for yourself is tune into something that just gets you laughing. I always enjoy a good sitcom or maybe something outrageous on youtube.

Laughter also increases vascular blood flow and oxygenation of the blood. Which means when you laugh it activates your blood to flow more freely and the oxygen you take in as you laugh goes right into your bloodstream. My now that laughter sounds almost as healthy as a glass full of fresh squeezed orange juice.

The act of laughing also gives a workout to the diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg, and back muscles. Gee no need to go to the gym if all you have to do is laugh to develop those muscles. I'm in - let's go laughing.

Laughter can reduce the frequency of colds and respiratory infections. Looks like I'll take a dose of laughter instead of that Airborne cold medicine which seems to work so well for me - but laughter is free.

So what is it that we all do yet know we shouldn't. It's something that many of us do while on a lunch break or sitting on the phone with a friend. It can be so much fun - but it can also get us into a lot of trouble.

Goster = Gossip

Yep, that's it GOSSIP.

Is the human brain hardwired for gossip? We all sure seem to enjoy it. It gives us that sort of rush as we talk about what we saw our co-worker do or what we heard about our next-door neighbor. It's almost like we can't help it. Gossip is as addictive as chocolate.

Pop Goes The World by Gossip (2009)

GOSTER

Zombie

2011-06-05T17:35:00.000-07:00

Oftentimes (mainly in the morning) I feel like a zombie. The walking dead trying to come alive (for my day ahead filled with activity). My first look in the mirror and I'm convinced that I am a zombie. It is horrifying.

Zombie= A person whose behavior or responses are wooden, listless, or seemingly rote; automaton.

Zombie = The body of a dead person given the semblance of life, but mute and will-less, by a supernatural force, usually for some evil purpose.

Can't do a topic on Zombies without featuring those ever loved zombie movies...

Zombieland from 2009 is one of my favorite zombie movies of all-time. Woody Harrelson put in a great performance in this one. This is one I could watch several times over.

Night of the Living Dead, of any zombie movie, is the one most must see. This low budget movie directed by zombie master George A. Romero has groosed over 18 million dollars and has gone on to receive critical acclaim. This is a true cult classic.

Dawn of the Dead is the second film in the "living Dead" series from the "Godfather of all Zombies", George A. Romero. Made on a modest budget this 1978 film has grossed more than 55 million dollars.

Return of the Living Dead (1985) I especially love the silly underlying humor of this film. This has all the elements of a great zombie film.

Shaun of the Dead what a novel thought a romantic zombie comedy. It has bits of chick flick, horror, romonace, thriller and tons of laughs. This could quite possibly be the most perfect movie ever made - okay well maybe not - but it is a good watch. Released in 2004 this movie has received very good critical praise as well as earning over 30 million dollars worldwide.

How about some ghoulish music...

Michael Jackson - Thriller (1983) This has got to be one of the best music videos ever to feature the undead. Kudos to Jackson.

The Cramps - Zombie Dance (1980)

The Zombies - Time of the Season (1968)

ZOMBIE

Ice

2011-05-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

I came upon the word ice as I was watching the news. I was reluctant at first to use "ice" but than realized there is a good amount of potential in this word. It has several different "slang" meanings which I will touch on a few of those.

If I miss any of those slang meanings please put it in a response to this post. I'd like to hear other meanings for the word.

Ice is water frozen into the solid state...

Ice can be frozen into different shapes...

Hexagonal ice

In nature ice forms in unusual and varied shapes...

Ice sculptures encompass many interests from architecture to motorcycles to animals and more...

When heated or taken out of the freezing environment ice begins to melt...

In nature ice melts as the earth's temperature warms...

Iceland is a cold and beautiful part of the world...

Bjork is from Iceland...

Bjork - All Is Full Of Love

One of the slang meanings for the word "ice" is to kill, kill off, end, terminate...

Ice is a slang term for methamphetamines...

Methamphetamines cause adverse effects on your body and life...

Diamonds are called ice...

ICE

Cobra

2011-05-25T23:12:00.000-07:00

Snakes have always creeped me out yet at the same time fascinate me. They are like no other creature in this world. They seem sneaky and sly yet so very intelligent.

A cobra is a venomous snake found in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. The name cobra is short for cobra de capelo, which means “hood-snake”. The most common cobras are the Indian Cobra which is of the Naja family.

Albino Cobra

Cobra Creative Sneakers come in several different styles including a high top lined with fleece which help to keep you warm on those cold mornings. Take note of the cobra image on the tongue of the sneaker.

1964 Cobra

The AC Cobra, also known colloquially as the Shelby Cobra in North America, is a 2-seater roadster sports car that was produced during the 1960s. It features a powerful V8 engine and inboard disk breaks.

The AC Cobra was also the subject of the hit song “Hey Little Cobra” by The Rip Chords.

The Rip Chords - Hey Little Cobra

"Hey Little Cobra" by The Rip Chords reached #4 on the U.S. Billboard chart in 1964. It was produced by Terry Melcher (Doris Day's son) and featured the lead vocals of Bruce Johnston. Bruce Johnston sang with the Beach Boys from 1965 to 1972. He sang the lead vocal on the classic "California Girls". He also wrote the Beach Boys tune "Disney Girls" as well as writing "I Write The Songs" which was a hit for Barry Manilow.

The Ford Cobra was in production from 1993 to 2004. It’s a high performance version of the Mustang.

The Cobra is an armored vehicle developed by the Turkish company Otokar. It made it’s first appearance in 1997.

Cobra - Sylvester Stallone

Cobra is a 1986 action-adventure film starring Sylvester Stallone. He portrays a police officer name Marion Cobretti (codenamed Cobra) from a division of the LAPD known as the Zombie Squad. Cobra was a critical failure receiving poor reviews from movie critics. The movie however was a huge box-office smash making over $188 million dollars.

Cobra [Blu-ray]

COBRA

Diamond

2011-05-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

Diamond: A pure or nearly pure, extremely hard form of carbon, naturally crystallized in the isometric system.

Marilyn Monroe and diamonds were almost synonymous during her heyday

“Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend” featured the 1953 movie “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”.

Discovered in 1990 in Zaire, the Millenium Star is the world's second biggest flaweless diamond, weighing 203 carats. Uncut it was over 777 carats. It took over three years to produce the classic pear form. The cutting was done with lasers.

The diamond studded Mercedes Benz is owned by Saudi Prince Waleed. It is mink furnished and valued at 4.8 million dollars.

Diamond: A transparent, flawless or almost flawless piece of this stone, especially when cut and polished, valued as a precious gem.

Herb Alpert - Diamonds

Featured on Herb Alpert’s 1987 album “Keep your eye On Me”. The song reached #5 in the U.S. and #4 in Canada and Holland and charted well in several other countries around the world. Janet Jackson is featured on lead vocals.

Paul Simon - Diamonds On The Soles of Her Shoes

"Diamonds On The Soles of Her Shoes" was featured on Paul Simon's classic 1986 album "Graceland".

DIAMOND

Shrimp

2011-05-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

The Shrimp by Ogden Nash

A shrimp who sought his lady shrimp
Could catch no glimpse
Not even a glimp.
At times, translucence
Is rather a nuisance.

† † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †

Shrimp are found around the world in both fresh water and salt water. they are of the crustacean family and are of the decapod family (creatures with ten feet). Adult shrimp generally live close to the bottom of the sea. The shrimp is not only a food source for humans but also for other fish and especially whales.

I love shrimp. It is one of my favorites in the seafood category. I mostly enjoy it sauteed in minced garlic and butter.

Shrimp cocktail is one of the world's most popular appetizers. The cocktail sauce is usually tomato based blended with chili sauce, horseradish and other ingredients.

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a popular menu item in many restaurants. Marie Callender's featured it for many years.

The colorful mantis shrimp is popular in Japanese cuisine. It is boiled and used as a topping on sushi.

† † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †

Commercial shrimp farming began in the 1970s, and production grew steeply, particularly to match the market demands of the United States, Japan and Western Europe. The total global production of farmed shrimp reached more than 1.6 million tonns in 2003, representing a value of nearly 9 billion U.S. dollars. About 75% of farmed shrimp are produced in Asia, in particular in China, Thailand and in the Philippines (normally shrimp or prawns are caught in lake, river and sea and are not farmed in tanks). The other 25% are produced mainly in Latin America, where Brazil is the largest producer. The largest exporting nation is Thailand.

† † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †

Another use for the word SHRIMP

A short person is sometimes called a "shrimp

Elvis Presley - Song of the Shrimp (1962) CLICK HERE

SHRIMP