Tidbits

I'm strong til the finich 'cause I eat me spinach

2010-04-16T09:02:00.001-07:00

When the Popeye comic strip became a hit in 1931, U.S. spinach consumption rose by 33%. However, I do wonder if kids stopped eating the green stuff when they failed to grow impressive, law-defing muscles immediately after consuming their spinach.

Good-bye, brain cells

2010-04-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Did you know that every time you sneeze, some of your brain cells die? It almost seems like everything we do these days results in the death of brain cells, just like how everything causes cancer. Like peanut butter. I don't want to live in a world where I need to be scared to eat peanut butter even when I have milk on hand.

Nothing Goes Without Bentham's "Okay,"

2010-03-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

Jeremy Bentham was born February 15, 1748 and throughout his life became known as a celebrated philosopher and ultilitarian (someone who believes that the value of a thing depends on its utility). At the age of 78, Bentham founded the University of London. This is all fine and good-but that's not the interesting part. Following his death in 1832, Bentham's body was dissected publicly as part of an anatomy lecture. Then, the head and skeleton were preserved and stored in a wooden cabinet, called an "Auto-icon", dressed in Bentham's clothing. Thomas Southwood Smith, a devoted follower of Bentham (and you would have to be) kept the skeleton originally, but it was acquired by the University in 1850. Normally displayed in the main building of the college, the skeleton is known to have attended a few meetings and is listed as "Present but not voting." The head that is currently displayed is actually made of wax, the real one having been the victim of many student pranks over the years. It is now locked away.

I'll be back in a jiffy

2010-03-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

It's a common expression; "He'll be here in a jiffy,", "I'll be back in a jiffy," Most people shrug it off as just another expression, such as "Back in a sec," but in fact, a jiffy is actually a true unit of time--1/100th of a second. So while not exactly doable, the old expression does have some backing to it, just as a google is actually a number-10^100.

Ketchup Cured my Cancer!

2010-02-18T18:57:00.000-08:00

Did you know that ketchup was once considered medicinal?

Ironically, until 1820 tomatoes were thought to be poisonous. It was only after Colonel Robert Johnson ate a basketful of the fruit and survived that tomatoes became an acceptable food (which begs the question, why exactly was Colonel Johnson eating a fruit widely believed to be fatal? But that's for another day.) In the mad dash for the latest fad, ketchup was bottled and sold as Dr. Miles' Compound Extract of Tomato and claimed to cure a wide assortment of ailments, including baldness. To counter, Heinz claimed scientific evidence that tomatoes contained certain antioxidants that could fight cancer.

Source: http://www.amusingfacts.com/facts/Detail/ketchup-medicine.html

Royal Swans

2010-02-05T10:21:00.000-08:00

In England, the royal family has little power these days. Instead, it serves more as a figurehead and a symbol of patriotism for the Brits. However, the royal family does get enormous respect. For example, did you know that all of the swans in England belong to the Queen? That is, they own all "mute" swans living in open water. However, killing a swan is not treason, contrary to popular belief and does not warrent the death penalty.

Real Men Chew Gum

2010-01-28T10:25:00.000-08:00

We all know what happens when you peel onions-or, at least, you know the jist of it: you cry. When onions are cut, certain substances are released into the air and irritate the eyes, causing them to water.

However, it is possible to prevent this by chewing gum with your mouth open while cutting the onions. This will disrupt the diffusion of the substances to prevent irritation.

Source: http://www.berro.com/entertainment/general_interesting_facts.htm

Making Up for Lost Time

2010-01-21T10:08:00.000-08:00

Since it's been over a month since my last post, here are several tidbits with one thing in common: animals.

Did you know...

bats always turn left when exiting a cave?
the owl is the only bird who will drop its upper eyelid to wink while all other birds raise their bottom eyelid?
a rooster cannot crow if it cannot extend its neck?
when hippos are upset their sweat turns red?

Source: http://www.hemmy.net/2006/04/30/50-interesting-facts/

I always knew there was something sinister about Mondays...

2009-12-14T10:35:00.000-08:00

So, I've decided I've grown bored running a Word of the Week blog, and it was suggested I switch to something knew. Now, each week I'll be posting random tidbits of information. This first fact seems appropriate, considering today is a Monday.

"According to suicide statistics, Monday is the favored day for self-destruction." (http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~bingbin/)

It makes sense. Though the week technically begins on Sunday, Monday is associated with the start of a new week filled with work, school, and other assorted responsibilities we'd all rather forget about. So if you need a pick-me-up, try planning something fun to do each time Monday rolls around--if you're feeling alliterative, maybe establish your own Movie Mondays and give yourself a reason to roll out of bed to greet the new week.

Oops

2009-12-03T10:34:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the delay. Breaks, you know?

Old Definition: A love or great affection of short people.

New Guesses:

Jacob Hooks: Devilish
Michelle Geiger: Term describing volcanic rock.
Branden Ayers: Unstable
Carmen Hood: Dexcribing or relating to Lucifer
Robert Symanowicz: A rare disease that causes horns to grow from one's head.

Nano-Bite Monsters

2009-11-19T10:25:00.000-08:00

I have a quiz to study for, so I'll be brief. =P

Michelle Geiger: Technical term for short people.
Jacob Hooks: A futuristic game involving nanobots and a bucket.
Alex Hatfield: A monster that eats only small animals and people.
Danielle Ho: A type of seaweed found in shallow waters.
Cody Goodwin: To feel...nanoish.

The Old and the New, Take Eleven

2009-11-16T10:41:00.000-08:00

Geck: An expression of scorn or contempt.

nanophilia

Those Lizards are Difficult to Maneuver

2009-11-12T10:18:00.000-08:00

Gotta be quick here.

Carmen Hood: A type of lizard.
Morgan Hughes: To make a funny noise.
Tyler Wise: Difficult to maneuver.
Michelle Geiger: To walk with a dance in your step.
Tori Herre: Nasty, gross.

Come back Monday for the new word and real definition!

The Old and the New, Take Ten

2009-11-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

That fuzzy state between asleep and awake. =]

Geck!

Blistered hypnotized cheerleaders, oh my!

2009-11-05T10:45:00.000-08:00

Not suprisingly, most assumed (incorrectly) that hypnopompic has something to do with hypnosis. Allow me to pause for a private giggle and "I know something you don't know!" dance.

Thanks.

Mrs. Martin: Hypnotize a cheerleader.
Shannon Kimble: The art of hypnosis.
John Hofmann: A picnic that hypnotizes.
Derek Durbin: The blisters on a hippo.
Jacob Hooks: The formal charge against the assailant of a hypnotist.

Silly sillies. Definition and new word Monday. =]

The Old and The New, Take Nine

2009-11-02T10:30:00.001-08:00

Chopine is a type of woman's hard-soled shoe common in the 15th,16th and 17th centuries.

The new word is: Hypnopompic

Better Late than Never

2009-10-29T10:25:00.001-07:00

I know; this week, I utterly fail. Last week's definition: lefty trained to use his right hand. New word: Chopine.

Definitions:

Shannon Kimble: A type of tree.
Derek Durbin: A kind of toe disease.
Natalie Ayers: A tree fungus.
Mrs. Martin: A Chopin about trees.
Alejandra Atrnan: An Italian dessert.

Whew!

I most certainly am not [ambidextrous]; I can use one hand just as good as the other!

2009-10-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

Still curious?
Knew it.

Danielle Ho: Unable to use either hand.
Michelle Geiger: To use your hands sinisterly.
Carmen Hood: To be born with an extra hand.
Lindsay Schneider: To have hands but to choose to use your feet instead.
Morgan Hughes: Term describing someone who lost a limb in combat.

Stay tuned!

Mettil, not Metal.

2009-10-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

I know I'm late. So sue me. =P

Mr. Hunt: The study of metal.
Lindsay Shneider: The study of those small holes in the ground that appear mysteriously.
Jacob Sloan: The study of words no one knows or cares about.
Danielle Ho: The study of moth-eaten books.
Jacob Hooks: The study of leaves.

Truly? The study of bees. At least Jacob's rhymed with the correct answer.

dextrosinistral

The Old and the New, Take Seven

2009-10-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

No witty banter today, considering I'm a day late there just isn't time. I feel like the White Rabbit. Selenophobia is the fear of the moon. Awwooo!

This week, melittology.

Keep your Monkeys and your Celine Dions!

2009-10-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

This week, everyone was able to deduce that selenophobia is a fear of...something. Here are the guesses.

Ms. Husman: "The fear of music."
Michelle Geiger: "The fear of Celine Dion."
Carmen Hood: "The fear of silence."
Shannon Kimble: "The fear of monkeys."
Derek Durbin: "The fear of mud."

Blah blah blah, real definition Monday, blah blah blah, ooh the mystery and suspense.

The Old and the New, Take Six

2009-10-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

Still curious? I knew you would be. Simply put, jumentous means smelling of horse pee. And so the next time you wish to insult a person, try using jumentous and leave them confused to boot.

New word: selenophobia

You know what to do.

Judgementally Good

2009-10-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

Great minds think alike--unfortunately this week's guessers thought similarly incorrectly.

Ms. Smith: "Something to do with law; it's good and there's a lot of it."
Alex Hatfield: "Judgementally huge."
Tyler Harrison: "Something huge."
Sharon Green: "Big humor."
John Jackson: "Small toy."

The Old and the New, Take Five

2009-09-29T10:58:00.000-07:00

Well, most people were able to get that qasida isn't an English word, but it isn't Hispanic either. Rather, it is a form of arabic poetry.

This week's word: jumentous

You know what to do.

Holy Cheesy Spaceships, Batman!

2009-09-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

While amusing, this week's guesses aren't exactly right on the money. Still, I do prefer a few of these over the real, boring definition which, as always, you can find here on Monday.

Carmen Hood: "Something about cheese?"
Toria Alsip: "A big hot air balloon...oh yeah."
Ty Diersing: "Something to do with a casino."
Connor Maglecic: "Word describing an alien spaceship that has crashed in the desert and our government is covering up."
Tyler Wise: "To be extravagant."

Connor gets the prize for best answer, even though he isn't anywhere close.

The Old and the New, Take Four

2009-09-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

Still curious? Acrocephalic is a condition in which the head becomes pointy. Like a cone, you see.

Unfortunately, I'm pressed for time today so I won't be witty; rather, short, straight and to the point. New word: qasida

You know the drill, people.

My head is spinning from all of these acronyms

2009-09-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

This week, a few of our guessers are actually kind of close. A few students in Mrs. Meyer's fifth period global issues class were so close, I was simply giddy each time I said, "Not quite!"

Michelle Geiger: "Some weird condition where you're not able to say acronyms."
Morgan Hughes: "The fear of spinning too fast."
Carmen Hood: "Condition that causes limbs to lovk-up uncontrollably or expectedly."
Mrs. Myer: "Something to do with skin; someone who is afraid of skin or hair."
Mrs. Martin: "A state of delerium caused by a lack of fluid in the brain."

I'll give you guys a hint this week..."Coneheads."

You know the drill; real definition and new word Monday. Catch you later.

The Old and the New, Take Three

2009-09-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

Last week, once again, no one was close to guessing the real definition of dactylion. Still curious? A dactylion is the tip of your middle finger.

Obscure, no?

This week, I'll be quizzing people on the word acrocephalic. As always, the guesses will be posted Thursday and the real definiton next Monday.

Disease Ridden Dinosaurs have Flair

2009-09-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

It seems like only yesterday I was posting this week's new word, but in reality it's been a full forty-eight hours. But that's what happens when a long weekend comes along. Oh well. After a full-blown rush to find five definers this week, the following are Norwood's best guess at dactylion.

Dallas Patterson: "I think it's a dinosaur."
Mr. Robisch: "It sounds like a disease."
Mrs. Godby: "To be happy with a flair."
Emily Fenske: "Some sort of dinosaur."
Alison Wilmes: "A chamelon-dog."

Like last week, these guys aren't exactly right on the money. Check back Monday for the real definition and next week's word!

The Old and the New, Take Two

2009-09-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

Last week, none of the guessers were anywhere close in deciphering the real definition of the word of the week, balatron. A balatron, dear readers, is a babbling fool. I must confess that when choosing the word, I could not help but think of Don Quixote. After reading the epic over the summer, I'm afraid I will always associate foolishness with that insufferable knight-errant-wannabe.

Anyhow, it's a new week and that means we need a new word. This week, I'll be asking five students to define to the best of their ability the word dactylion. Hopefully, those I ask will not prove to be a bunch of balatrons. Tune in Thursday for the guesses and next Monday for the real definition and new word.

Robots, Ninja Dwarves, Balatrons, oh my!

2009-09-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

Last week, the interviewed students were actually pretty close to guessing what a pooka really is. This week, not so much. The word was balatron, and it seems that -tron only brings people to Transformers nowadays.

Ryan Sinclair: "Sounds like a Transformer."
Robert Symanowicz: "Some sort of crazy sports playing robot!"
Michelle Geiger: "An evil robot from Transformers."
Bobbie Helton: "Codeword used by undercover dwarf ninjas for 'throw balls at Ron because he is not a fancy evil sports playing robot from Transformers.'"
Morgan Hughes: "The way a person thinks and feels."

None of them are even close. The REAL definition will be posted up Monday September 7, along with next week's word.

The Old and the New, Take One

2009-08-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

Last week, five students took their shot at defining the first of many to follow words of the week, "Pooka", but what exactly does that mean?

A pooka is an Irish fairy that can take on any form in any size. It enjoys playing tricks and will pick and choose to whom it will appear, hence the reason why Elwood P. Dowd of the movie Harvey seemed for a very long time to be the only one able to see his friend, which is what led to him being called insane.

That was the old, and this is the new: balatron.

Check back throughout the week for best-guess definitions. The real meaning will be posted Monday, September 7th.

Harvey the Pooka

2009-08-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

In 1950, James Stewart starred in the film adaptation of the beloved play, Harvey. Harvey was a pooka, which just happens to be this week's Word of the Week. Here's what a few students thought the word might mean...

Lindsay Schneider (senior) : "A magical dog who does backflips in a circus."
Andy Wilmes (senior) : "A catepillar who eats chocolate."
Carmen Hood (senior) : "A spice for seasoning."
Shelby Hansen (junior) : "A shell that transports you places."
Rachel Mullens (junior) : "A rare breed of dragon found in China."

Suprisingly, most of these folks are pretty close. Check back Monday, August 31 for the real definition and next week's word!