Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Vocab Blog Week Three

1. Chide
    to criticize
    verb
    (chid)
    before 1000; Middle English
    Synonyms: rebuke, scold
    Antonyms: compliment, praise
    "Outgoing School District 122 officials chide some boar members" - http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/24607266-418/outgoing-sd-122-officials-chide-some-board-members.html
     This picture shows an owner chiding, or criticizing, his dog for not obeying a command. -  http://thismakesmesick.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/scold3.gif

2. Coalition
    a partnership
    noun
    (ko'e-lish'en)
    1605-15; Latin
    Synonyms: alliance, pact
    Antonyms: divorce, separation
    "Nepal's PM Sworn in, but Loses Coalition Partner" - http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/nepals-pm-sworn-coalition-loses-partner-22457964
     This picture shows a group forming a coalition, or a partnership, to perform a task together.  - http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/photos/coalition-building-707.jpg

3. Commensurate
    consistent with
    adjective
    (ke-men'shoor-it)
    1635-45; Late Latin
    Synonyms: appropriate, fitting
    Antonyms: unsuitable, inadequate
    ''Australia's commitment to the appeal is not commensurate with the need, the size of the appeal or Australia's capacity to contribute,'' - http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/syrian-aid-not-enough-says-labors-tanya-plibersek-20140212-32gqc.html
     This picture shows values that commensurately have growing amounts; the amounts are consistently increasing. - http://www.bplans.co.uk/personnel_management_business_plan/images/e74c4412e6194fbe8a94305f1a68b48f.png

4. Connotation
    a suggested meaning
    noun
    (kon'e-ta'shen)
     1525-35; late Middle English
    Synonyms: significance, undertone
    Antonyms: denotation, exact meaning
    "It's a lot like horsehoes, or a more beer-friendly form of basketball, but with a name that has a “negative connotation.”"" - http://www.reviewjournal.com/view/centennial/despite-negative-connotation-competitive-cornholing-gaining-popularity
     This picture shows a situation where a wife comments on a shirt's stench with a phrase and the husband cannot determine the connotation, or suggested meaning, of the phrase. -  http://t3dailygrammar.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/6/1/10610704/6418874_orig.gif

5. Diabolic
    devilish
    adjective
    (di-e-bol'ik)
    1350-1400; Middle English
    Synonyms: wicked, cruel
    Antonyms: gentle, moral
    "If anyone still had any doubts about the diabolic nature of this regime and what its continuation means for besieged Syrians, this should open ..." - http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/5366/21/The-great-game-over-Syria.aspx
     This picture shows a child who has diabolic, or devilish, motives to be a pain in the butt. - http://www.legaljuice.com/files/2013/09/Trouble-boy-kid-child-mischief-bad.jpg

6. Dilapidated
    run-down
    adjective
    (de-lap'e-dat'id)
    1800-10; late Middle English
    Synonyms: shabby, decaying
    Antonyms: sound, stable
    "The Delaware County commissioners on Monday took a step toward demolishing several dilapidated residential buildings in the county." - http://www.limaohio.com/news/news/3615780/County-targets-dilapidated-buildings
    This picture shows a dilapidated, or run-down, house that is cared for and would be quite spooky to enter. - http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2377/2331188941_b740ed7e3b_o.jpg

7. Integral
    essential
    adjective
    (in'te-grel)
    1545-55; Medieval Latin
    Synonyms: fundamental, indispensable
    Antonyms: unnecessary,  accessory
    "U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers integral to keeping ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles safe." - http://www.presstelegram.com/business/20140210/us-customs-and-border-protection-officers-integral-to-keeping-ports-of-long-beach-los-angeles-safe
    This picture shows a chemical that is integral, or essential, to make an exact formula.  - http://www.gp-chemicals.com/Home

8. Noxious
    unhealthy
    adjective
    (nok-shes)
    1605-15; Latin
    Synonyms: toxic, corrupting
    Antonyms: hygienic, sterile
    "A state environmental official says initial tests haven't found noxious chemicals in the air or water near a northern Indiana ..." - http://www.theindychannel.com/news/no-noxious-chemicals-found-from-long-lasting-elkhart-factory-fire
     Smoking is noxious to anyone's overall health; it can lead to very dangerous, unhealthy problems like cancer.  - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1576704/Dont-treat-the-old-and-unhealthy-say-doctors.html

9. Scenario
    an outline of possible events
    noun
    (si-nar'e-o)
    1875-80; Italian
    Synonyms: plot, scheme
    Antonyms: fate, destiny
    "In this scenario, year-over-year growth could collapse to just 2% and global growth could be cut by up to 1.5% in the year after the hard landing." - http://www.businessinsider.com/chart-how-chinas-economic-crisis-would-unfold-2014-2
     In the game of chess, there are many possible scenarios and outcomes; depending on every move made, there are endless ways one could win a game.  - http://www.stage2planning.com/blog/bid/60626/7-Ways-To-Create-Value-Through-Scenario-Planning

10. Yen
    a longing
    noun
    (yen)
    1905-10; Americanism
    Synonyms: craving, lust
    Antonyms: disgust, distaste
    "Longing for home: In search of Nova Scotia's soul .... It can just mean a yen for the kind of slower, less cluttered, more humane life that is ..." - http://thechronicleherald.ca/heraldmagazine/1180910-longing-for-home-in-search-of-nova-scotia-s-soul
     This young girl has a yen to go outside and play, but her longing is denied by the glass door.  - http://greeks1.blogspot.com/2013_06_01_archive.html

Monday, February 3, 2014

Vocab Week 2

1. Exhort
    to urge
    (eg-zort')
    verb
    1375-1425; late Middle English
    Synonyms: encourage, press
    Antonyms: deter, discourage
    "Police exhort region drivers to put a brake on aggressiveness" - http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/gary/police-exhort-region-drivers-to-put-a-brake-on-aggressiveness/article_ab53f77c-28a7-51f1-a56e-3898c3adddb6.html
 This picture shows an business man who is urging people to try a product.  -  https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrLru_alr-ktepQdpNynrcAS72k8kCJRMScMXu7suX-3vwI7Hr8kJR0Tgj0qgpOUTOJe2B9ZV0E4KzG54RFdzjutcSh_zikONSrEOcQ-SFyCPHhatxbyYVZw_nXWdOANqFM5eRQYZUEc/s200/exhort.jpeg

2. Flamboyant
    flashy
    (flam-boi'ent)
    adjective
    1825-35; French
    Synonyms: bombastic, luscious
    Antonyms: dull, plain
    "Flamboyant billionaire Stewart Rahr wows Israel" - http://www.jewishjournal.com/israel/article/flamboyant_billionaire_stewart_rahr_wows_israel
    This picture shows a flamboyant structure complete with elegant stain-glass windows.  - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/archive/0/05/20070912160347!Fa%C3%A7ade_of_The_Church_of_The_Trinity_in_the_Flamboyant_Style_(1506)_(I).png
3. Foible
    a minor failing
    (foi-bel)
    noun
    1640-50; French
    Synonyms: quirk, idiosyncrasy
    Antonyms: strong point, perfection
    "The FAE is related to another common human foible: the tendency to Manichean* outlooks." -     http://www.forbes.com/sites/emc/2014/01/30/fundamental-attribution-error-correction/
    This picture shows a man whose foible is being anxious and that nervousness precipitates sweating.  - http://img.tfd.com/wn/52/63E93-foible.jpg

4. Innocuous
    without bad effects
    (in-nok'yoo-es)
    adjective
    1590-1600; Latin
    Synonyms: painless, banal
    Antonyms: damaging, destructive
    "Innocuous board ad led Meredith Kercher to her death" - http://www.independent.ie/world-news/innocuous-board-ad-led-meredith-kercher-to-her-death-29966089.html
    This picture shows innocuous medicine whose affects aren't damaging. - http://topnews.ae/images/Generic-Medicine.jpg

5. Magnanimous
    big-hearted
    (mag-nan'e-mes)
    adjective
    1575-85; Latin
    Synonyms: Considerate, forgiving
    Antonyms: mean, selfish
    "It takes a big man to be magnanimous in overwhelming victory" - http://www.patheos.com/blogs/markshea/2014/02/it-takes-a-big-man-to-be-magnanimous-in-overwhelming-victory.html
    This picture shows a magnanimous person with a big heart and a bigger smile.  - http://www.demontfortfineart.co.uk/images/products/whitewall/product7750_main.jpg

6. Masochist
    someone who enjoys being hurt
    (mas'e-kist)
    noun
    1890-1900; Late Middle English
    Synonyms: flagellation, vulnerable
    Antonyms: sadism, untouchable
    "....although the original is readily available here in case you're a masochist." - http://www.crushable.com/2014/02/03/entertainment/justin-bieber-topless-stripper-picture-photoshopped-claim-beliebers/
     This picture shows a possible masochist, who enjoys pain for the gain of muscle and buff.  - http://global.fncstatic.com/static/managed/img/fn2/video/030813_dotcom_ablow_640.jpg

7. Meticulous
    precise
    (me-tik'yoo-les)
    adjective
    1525-1535; Latin
    Synonyms: accurate, exact
    Antonyms: careless, imprecise
    "Aberdeen: Barry Robson praises meticulous Mclness"- http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/aberdeen-barry-robson-praises-meticulous-mciness-1-3289823
    This picture shows a meticulous old man whose is so precise as to cut each individual blade of grass. - http://vipdictionary.com/img/fastidious.jpg

8. Rancor
    deep hostility
    (ran'ker)
    noun
    1175-1225; Middle English
    Synonyms: malice, harshness
    Antonyms: goodwill, friendliness
    "Syrian Peace Talk ends in rancor" - http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/01/world/middleeast/syria-talks.html?_r=0
    This picture shows a man whose rancor negatively impacts those around him.  - http://blog.thefoundationstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/090309191505-large.jpg

9. Recrimination
    an accusation in reply
    (ri-krim'e-na'shen)
    noun
    1610-20; French
    Synonyms: complaint, indictment
    Antonyms: approval, praise
    "... is a situation of operatic betrayal and recrimination." - http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/03/woody-allen-dylan-farrow-abuse-allegations
    This picture shows a man who recrimination looks hostile and blows the accusation out of proportions. -  http://clutterinclarityout.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/yelling.jpg

10. Repugnant
    disgusting
    (ri-pug'nent)
    adjective
    1350-1400; Middle English
    Synonyms: abhorrent, abominable
    Antonyms: agreeable, delightful
    "Charity blasted for 'repugnant' animal research" - http://www.express.co.uk/news/health/453370/Charity-blasted-for-repugnant-animal-research
    This picture shows a repugnant creature who appears to be disgusting and hostile.  - http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090515212102/asheron/images/5/50/Repugnant_Eater_Live.jpg

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Vocab Blog 1

1. Adept
    skillful
    (e-dept')
    Adjective
    1655-65; Medieval Latin
    Synonyms: expert, talented
    Antonyms: inept, amateur
    "Adept Technology Enhances Sales Network in North America" - http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2014/01/16/602991/10064422/en/Adept-Technology-Enhances-Sales-Network-in-North-America.html
     This picture shows an adept worker who is skilled at many trades.  - http://www.skilledhands.biz/SKILLED%20HANDS%20LOGO%20BLUE%20SHIRT.png

2. Encompass
    to include
    (en-kum'pes)
    Verb
    1545-55; Medieval Latin
    Synonyms: enclose, covers
    Antonyms: exclude, exempt
    "Postal Credit Union Selects Ellie Mae's Encompass Mortgage Management Software" - http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwgeeks/article/Postal-Credit-Union-Selects-Ellie-Maes-Encompass-Mortgage-Management-Software-20140122
     This picture is the cover of "The Theory of Everything", a document that encompasses how everything came to be.  - http://www.berkshirefinearts.com/uploadedImages/articles/1207_encompass996584.jpg

3. Entrepreneur
    A business investor
    (on'tre-pre-nur')
    Noun
    1875-80; French
    Synonyms: producer, executive
    Antonyms: employee, peasant
    "Houston Entrepreneur Starts Microfinance Program to Boost Startups" - http://www.xconomy.com/texas/2014/01/24/houston-entrepreneur-starts-microfinance-program-to-boost-startups/
    This picture demonstrates the busy life of an entrepreneur who deals with daily business deals and investments.  - http://www.mauritiusdirectory.org/images/Entrepreneurship_finance_fox.jpg

4. Eradicate
    To Erase
    (i-rad'i-kat')
    Verb
    1555-65; Latin
    Synonyms: abolish, eliminate
    Antonyms:  create, construct
    "Bill Gate: 'Capitalism did not eradicate smallpox'" - http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/01/21/bill-gates-capitalism-did-not-eradicate-smallpox/
     This picture demonstrates the desire to eradicate cancer from the world and calls for a cure for the disease.  - http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/98636/98636,1266120627,2/stock-photo-eradicate-remove-cancer-concept-as-eraser-erase-the-word-cancel-46634923.jpg

5. Homogeneous
    the same throughout
    (ho'mo-je'ne-es)
    adjective
    1635-45; Medieval Latin
    Synonyms: alike, uniform
    Antonyms: different, heterogeneous
    "...that would take down a large portion of the electric grid) is that the control systems are not homogeneous."- http://www.lawfareblog.com/2014/01/how-likely-is-a-successful-attack-on-the-electric-grid/
    This picture shows a homogeneous mixture where the composition is the same throughout and all parts of the mixture are identical.  - https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsXYQn0cT6CJS7m3d3IBBOilMK_cSCgXmFAC-sNiXp5Pbi3-ZNTtmYJGkr6y4B813F0y8PqDbsV7wO6XhQaf7vXJJEfS0FT8m0iOn2o3E7LIQvz0DqR8InGL8SMehkoD3MWGW_ZgzCMyf/s1600/IMAG0006.jpg

6. Presumptuous
    too forward
    (pre-zump'choo-es)
    adjective
    1300-50; Middle English
    Synonyms: overconfident, pretentious
    Antonyms: cautious, humble
    "Doubt if our grandparents were ever startled by a presumptuous automatic flush." - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/will-durst/streaming-hulu-in-the-wom_b_4660907.html\
     This picture shows a man who is presumptuous in showing that he thinks something is stupid and a waste.  He visually whose disgust and rejection. - http://www.poetryfoundation.org/harriet/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/picard-facepalm.jpg

7. Sordid
    ugly
    (sor'did)
    adjective
    1590-1600; Latin
    Synonyms: disreputable, nasty
    Antonyms: clean, decent
    "BBC miniseries 'Fleming' takes look at the sordid life of the creator of James Bond" - http://www.dailybulletin.com/arts-and-entertainment/20140124/bbc-miniseries-fleming-takes-look-at-the-sordid-life-of-the-creator-of-james-bond
     This picture shows a woman whose sordid attitude spread to her exterior and how she became a nasty, old lady. - http://tonicolemanbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ugly-thoughts.bmp

8. Standardize
    to make consistent
    (stan'der-diz)
    verb
    1870-75; Latin
    Synonyms: assimilate, normalize
    Antonyms: differentiate, vary
    "LPO and Carnegie Hall standardize local music curriculum 'with a New Orleans slant'" - http://www.nola.com/music/index.ssf/2014/01/lpo_and_carnegie_hall_standard.html
        This picture shows a girl who has standardized her work out routines daily to get in shape. - http://media4.onsugar.com/files/2013/01/05/1/192/1922729/dc032d61db546b45_157167732.preview.jpg

9. Stint
    an assigned job
    (stint)
    noun
    1150-1200; Middle English
    Synonyms: assignment, duty
    Antonyms: pastime, entertainment
    "Parise back after stint as Olympic 'model'" - http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/241765071.html
     This picture shows a job application for a stint at the new burger joint. - http://www.bu.edu/today/files/2011/02/jobapplication1_h_0.jpg
   
10. Stringent
    demanding
    (strin'jent)
    adjective
    1595-1605; Latin
    Synonyms: binding, forceful
    Antonyms: lenient, amenable
    "Bail-out policy for highways sector likely to be more stringent" - http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-01-23/news/46514255_1_highways-ministry-highways-sector-toll-revenue
   This picture shows a stringent political leader who is calling for change and respect for his views.  - http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Protests%2BPrayers%2BErupt%2BAZ%2BAfter%2BStringent%2BAZJL_4RLAMxl.jpg

Friday, January 24, 2014

"Who am I? I'm Jean Valjean!"


“I am a question to the world, not an answer to the Earth.” – Goo Goo Dolls.

I’m Madeline C Lipscomb.  I don’t particularly like my name.  I was born on November 20th, 1998, born and bred in Clayton, North Carolina. 

I am an avid dreamer and I constantly feel like I’m being held captive here.  All I desire is adventure and something new.  I wanted to travel the world and see new cultures and people.  However, I based everything I thought the world would be on stories and figured the great big world to be something magical and more than here.  I had made expectations for the world that I knew the world would never be able to live up to. 

My sensible, practical brain is always tormenting my creative mind.  I want to do all these things and go to all these places, but my brain is telling me that I should settle like so many other people.  I need an actual job to support myself.  End of story.  And then I thought of my long forgotten childhood dream of working for Disney, a place I knew was magical and adventurous.  Plus, it’s an actual job. 

So my new old dream is to be a Disney Imagineer.  However, I do still want to see the world, I just won’t have as big of expectations for it.  I also never want children or to be tied down.  I want to be free to create new things and write stories.  I believe life wasn’t meant to be lived in one place and I want to be able to move and do things without lifelong commitments like children. 

My ultimate goal is to be free and create new things. 

“I don’t ever want to be a man.  I want always to be a little boy and to have fun.” – Peter Pan.

"To die would be an awfully big adventure."


http://blogofgreengables.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/peterandwendy.png


My favorite story is the classic “Peter Pan” by J.M. Barrie.  I read this story just a week ago and I was completely submersed in the book.  The philosophies of death and forgetting that are hidden in the book are strangely in depth for a children’s story.   The descriptions of Neverland and Peter, a heartless adventurous, forgetful boy, make it seem like I’ve known them all my life.  My favorite aspect of the classic is how the author, J.M. Barrie, perfectly captures what life is like from a child’s, adult’s, and a deity’s point of view.  I fell in love with the story with the single quote: “When the first baby laughed for the first time, its laugh broke into a thousand pieces, and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies.”  This story is the definition of beauty and bitter-sweetness; to read it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. 

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Week 12/2

1. Connoisseur
     an authority
     [kon-uh-sur, -soor]
    noun
    1705–15;  < French; Old French
    "BBQ connoisseur grills up business with Keizer shop." - http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20131130/NEWS/311300012/
      This man is a connoisseur of fine wines, making him a good authority to ask if you have any wine related questions.  - http://rationallyspeakingpodcast.org/storage/images/connoisseur.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1372290834729

2. Conspiracy

    a plot
    [kuhn-spir-uh-see]
    noun
    1325–75; Middle English
    "But certain conspiracy forums have developed several theories around the actor’s death suggesting that it was murder." - http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/527012/20131203/paul-walker-death-dead.htm
      Some people believe that 9/11 was a conspiracy, or plot, developed by the United States to attack itself.  - http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/conspiracy-theory-6.jpg

3. Contrite
    sorry
    [kuhn-trahyt, kon-trahyt]
    adjective
    1300–50; Middle English
    "A contrite Mike Tomlin apologized profusely and sincerely today for his widely criticized actions Thursday night in the Steelers game against the Baltimore Ravens." -  http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/smizik-on-sports/2013/12/03/Contrite-Tomlin-successfully-pleads-his-case/stories/201312030135#ixzz2mRqfud1p
     This picture shows a man who is repenting, contrite, or sorry, of his actions.  - http://www.phocabulary.com/words/contrite.jpg

4. Distraught
    anxious
    [dih-strawt]
    adjective
    1350–1400; Middle English 
    "Serial killer's distraught daughter is terrified she'll end up evil too, says her father. " - http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/444839/Distraught-Serial-killer-s-daughter-is-terrified-she-ll-end-up-evil-too-says-her-father
     This man is distraught, or anxious, of working on the computer and doing electronic tasks.  - http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/warrengoldswain/warrengoldswain1112/warrengoldswain111200029/11598386-businessman-is-distraught-and-puts-his-head-down-in-disbelief-after-hearing-news-of-the-global-reces.jpg
5. Germane
    related
    [jer-meyn]
    adjective
    1600; Middle English
    "Generally speaking, students have the right to express their religious beliefs in assignments if germane to the assignment. " - http://fox4kc.com/2013/12/03/seventh-grader-files-lawsuit-after-school-staff-destroys-prayer-flyers/
     This picture shows a large family and everyone is germane, or related to each other. - http://www.daltondatabank.org/Chronicles/RDaltonBook/12_files/image002.gif

6. Lucid
    easy to understand
    [loo-sid]
    adjective
    1575–85;  < Latin
    "The ability to become lucid in a dream — in essence, to know that you are dreaming while you are dreaming — is a highly sought after skill." - http://mashable.com/2013/11/17/remee-lucid-dreaming/
      This picture shows a basic math problem that is lucid, or easy to understand.  - http://awo.aws.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/easyUnderstand.jpg

7. Plight
    an unfortunate situation  
    [plahyt]
    noun
    1350–1400; Middle English
    "REVEALED: Plight of the hungry polar bears." - http://www.express.co.uk/news/nature/446292/Plight-of-the-hungry-polar-bears
      This poor people are living in a plight, an unfortunate situation, since a storm destroyed their homes.  -  http://intercrossblog.icrc.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field-rapidly-deteriorating-humanitarian-situation-kivus.jpeg?itok=2BdY9o20

8. Superficially
    slightly
    [soo-per-fish-uhl]
    adverb
    1375–1425; late Middle English
    "This bewilderment is not surprising because assumption of risk superficially does look like the informed consent doctrine. " - http://dermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com/dermatology-times/news/if-my-patient-signed-consent-form-why-can-he-sue-me?contextCategoryId=116
      This woman is superficially adoring herself in a mirror; she only cares about cliche things and does not get deep or sentimental, making her shallow.  - http://www.knowji.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/superficial.png 

9. Symmetrical 
    balanced
    [si-me-tri-kuhl] 
    adjective
    1745–55; Latin
    "Symmetry brings aesthetically pleasing balance and proportion into photography" - http://mashable.com/2013/11/05/photos-symmetry/
     This picture of a butterfly is symmetrical because both sides (vertically) are balanced and congruent.  - http://activities.macmillanmh.com/reading/treasures/stories/worksheets/images/RI_G1U6W1a.gif

10. Verbose
    wordy
    [ver-bohs]
    adjective
    1665–75;  < Latin
    "Verbose vocabulary can bring greater life to language." - http://mainecampus.com/2013/11/04/verbose-vocabulary-can-bring-greater-life-to-language/
     This teacher is verbose, or wordy, when he teaches, leaving the students with a lot of notes to copy.  - http://s3.amazonaws.com/brainyflix/photos/11783/medium.jpg