October

(under construction)

Week 1- waste Week 2- blab Week 3- dither Week 4- farce

Waste.100515.Monday

“We can’t afford to waste this opportunity.” In this example sentence, we see two things that it hints at for us to not do. First, we do not need to misuse or procrastinate about the use of a special circumstance. Second, we should always try to make the best use of time for each of us is allotted only a certain number of days to live. Waste is the abuse or misuse of some essential commodity. We should be looking for the best use of the things we are given for the time we have on this earth. Look to be proactive and not reactive with what has been given to you!

Waste.100615.Tuesday

“Turn off the lights so we don’t waste electricity.” When we waste energy it is never a good thing. Waste, our word this week, is both a transitive and intransitive verb. It can also be used as an adjective to describe a condition. The meanings for waste are many and varied but the most common thought is that of something unusable. Another way it is used is something valuable that is not being properly used or is being used ineffectively. Each of us has very valuable potential. Make sure that you are not wasting your potential!

Waste.100715.Wednesday

“He always wasted his money on useless gadgets.” In this example sentence, we see ‘waste’ used in an action where something valuable (money) is not being used in an effective manner. In another sense, ‘waste’ can be that which is left-over and not useful, such as excess plastic material that is left when a product is molded and the overflow must be trimmed and discarded. When a product is made, the excess or ‘waste’ is commonly known as scrap. Efficient manufacturing will minimize such waste to be cost effective. Minimizing waste is always a good thing!

Waste.100815.Thursday

“We need to find ways to reduce unnecessary waste.” A good thought, but somewhat vague. How? What kind of waste needs to be reduced? Are we talking about human or animal waste? Are we talking about waste of natural resources? Are we talking about financial waste? These are questions that need to be answered specifically before we know what kind of waste is unnecessary. Further, what will be the impact of the kind of waste that is going to be reduced? The need to reduce unnecessary waste is good, but some waste has a higher priority than others. If the garbage in large cities is not removed, it can create huge health problems! We need to reduce high priority waste first.

Waste.100915.Friday

“I think he’s just wasting my time.” This statement is a sad commentary on what one would say about a friend. In this case we see ‘waste’ used to point out a “gradual loss or decrease by use, wear, or decay.” Our relationships are important. We should be aware of “wasting time” on others with meaningless attention. We should care enough about any relationship that we give it proper care and attention. Careless waste in a relationship can bring unwanted consequences!

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Blab.101215.Monday

“If you tell your secret to that reporter, he’ll blab it all over town.” To reveal information given to you as a secret is to betray a trust. There are some people who cannot hold their tongue no matter how sensitive the information is. A saying in the Navy is “Loose lips will sink ships.” Always be careful what you tell and to whom!

Blab.101315.Tuesday

“The Texas Representative blabbed on and on as he implemented his filibuster strategy.” We see blab used in this sentence as an intransitive verb form. As such, it is defined as “to chatter thoughtlessly or indiscreetly” or more likely as “lengthy chatter.” Another definition is “loose chatter” or “gossip.” Blab can also mean “to reveal especially without reserve or discretion.” In the same vein, it can mean to “reveal secret matters indiscreetly.” Beware those who blab thoughtlessly as they will tell your secrets!

Blab.101415.Wednesday

“Frenchy’s mother blabs constantly even if she has to invent gossip.” This lady has a real problem. She will talk to anyone and spread gossip whether real or imagined. To ‘blab’ in this manner is to spread information without reserve or discretion. It is a mind that has an unbridled imagination and will talk incessantly about someone whether it is true or made up. It is a sickness to ‘blab’ without control and such illness should be treated. Control your tongue and do not blab indiscreetly!

Blab.101515.Thursday

“Don’t blab that mistake to the judge.” Here we see a case where idle chatter could cause a legal problem. To reveal something thoughtlessly by talking without thinking can be the source of a real issue. The uncontrolled tongue has been the cause of events that have destroyed many a political union. A secret blabbed cannot be undone!

Blab.101615.Friday

“Someone who blabs intimate details of a relationship will surely destroy it.” One sure way to commit “relationship suicide” is to divulge (blab) sensitive events about the other party to that relationship. Such a lack of sensitivity will quickly destroy trust. Trust between the parties in a relationship is paramount. Lack of trust can quickly escalate emotions to the point of irrationality. Such irrationality can produce pain and thoughtless reactions that are hard to heal. Resist the “tell all” tendency to blab secrets!

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Dither.101915.Monday

“He will get in a dither when he is waiting for test results.” This is a word that expresses an unsettled emotional state. Perhaps a couple of synonyms would help us understand its use better. Fret, fluster and tizzy all give a feel of being disturbed. These also give a feel of being somewhat confused. When you get in a dither, take a deep breath, exhale and slow down!

Dither.102015.Tuesday

“My wife will get in a dither if I don’t make my nightly call when she is at work.” Dither means “a state of indecisive agitation.” When used in this way, it is a noun. It can also be a verb if it is to act of do in a irresolute way. The word first appeared in use about the 15th century and is used more by the Brits than Americans. Be careful not to dither with making decisions!

Dither.102115.Wednesday

“Because I was in a dither, I failed to post the WoW word.” Indecision can become a factor in failure to proceed. When you feel undecided about taking action, be careful. Such indecision can be unproductive. Don’t just dither, do something!

Dither.102215.Thursday

“Earlier this month, the Welsh government accused the UK government of “dithering over funding.” Such indecision by a government entity is a cause for concern. The core issue is the level of importance. How can government do its work if the decision makers can’t determine what is important? Don’t dither, throw the bums out!

Dither.102315.Friday

“Jack was in a dither as he thought about starting another relationship.” Relationships can cause many a person to be emotionally distressed. Many things go into what one expects a relationship to be and how one is to ‘behave’ or ‘perform’ in that relationship. Jack is probably not the only one who gets in a “dither” about moving out and entering a new association with another person. But, many times what we expect to happen never materializes!

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Farce.102615.Monday

“The high school seniors’ play was a farce based upon a caricature of the lead character.” Farce is used in this example as a drama term or ‘type’ of production. The intent in the use of this drama term in this way is to convey comedy, parody or caricature of the primary character. It is a light-hearted approach to the human side of character flaws. Use good sense and don’t let your personal quirks become a farce!

Farce.102715.Tuesday

“The senator’s speech was a farce because he leaned heavily on mockery.” This sentence utilizes farce with one of its often used definitions: it is an example of “an empty or patently ridiculous act, proceeding, or situation.” As we saw in yesterday’s example, farce is also a drama term and it is likewise a form of satire. The core meaning behind ‘farce’ is that of a lack of serious intent. When you compare ‘farce’ to serious subjects, the comparison is one of polar opposites. In a serious discussion, don’t let it become a farce!

Farce.102815.Wednesday

The recall of a duly elected official for a frivolous reason is not democracy in action but a farce.” As this sentence indicates, the use of frivolous reasons for action will destroy democracy. It reduces democracy to a shallowness of meaningless law. It then becomes a tool for the power mongers to enforce as they deem appropriate and for reasons that reinforce their dictatorial hopes. Don’t let government officials make a farce out of your patriotic beliefs!

Farce.102915.Thursday

“The sailor’s trial became a farce because he was innocent and they knew it.” A fair and impartial trial is a necessity for justice to be rendered. When a trial becomes a farce, it is a dramatic breakdown in the justice system. The final impact is for the trial system to fail as an impartial means of providing justice. When justice is no longer fair and impartial, the citizens do not respect it and the result is damaging as a means of maintaining control of society’s actions. The end result of such a farce is anarchy and chaos!

Farce.103015.Friday

“John and Jackie’s costumes made them look like a Halloween farce.” Their costume choices made them look like the odd couple at the party. The choices we make in relationship will leave lasting impressions on people’s minds. Think about your choices of associations and what kind of impact those choices will have on those around you. What may seem OK to you may appear much different to your acquaintances if they tend to be awkward or even lifeless. Don’t make a farce out of your relationships by being ghoulish!

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