“Christ, the smug yet hysterical ‘pull yourself together’ tone really rankles.” (Source: sentence.yourdictionary.com )
\ rang-kuhl \, adjective;
Source: The Highly Selective Dictionary for the Extraordinarily Literate by Eugene Ehrlich, sentence.yourdictionary.com and http://www.dictionary.com
This month we move on to the next of the carbon elements: silicon. Silicon is the key to making computers run (i.e., silicon chips). When combined with boron and phosphorus, silicon is a serious semiconductor and powers computers and the digital age. The Silicon Valley is named after this element. Silicon is the second most abundant element on Earth and can be found in sand, quartz, flint, and many other minerals. As silicone, it is used in lubricants, adhesives, and body implants. In glass, it is clear; in quartz watches and clocks, it keeps time; as a gel, it ensures that products are moisture-free.
silicon – discovered in 1824 A.D.
Symbol: Si
Atomic number: 14
Atomic weight: 28.085
Density: 2.330 g/cm3
Melting point: 1,414°C (2,577°F)
Boiling point: 2,900°C (5,252°F)
Color: glassy, off-white
Standard state: solid at 25°C (77°F)
Classification: nonmetallic
Source: The Complete Periodic Table: Elements with Style, by Adrian Dingle and Dan Green.
Well, the Spartans have extended their losing streak to five (5) games and are still winless in the Big Ten. I am desperately more optimistic and hoping for a better basketball season that will get underway shortly.
Next up for the Spartans: at home to face the Cornhuskers of the University of Nebraska. Go Green!
There are currently three (3) Big Ten teams among the AP top-25: Michigan (#2), Ohio State (#3), Penn State (#10).
The upsets this week included:
Oklahoma (#6) losing to unranked Kansas by five (5) points.
Oregon State (#11) losing to unranked Arizona by three (3) points.
North Carolina (#17) losing to unranked Georgia Tech by four (4) points.
The close calls this week (wins by a touchdown or less or in overtime) included:
Tennessee (#21) defeating unranked Kentucky by six (6) points.
Tulane (#22) defeating unranked Rice by two (2) points.
USC (#24) defeating unranked Cal by one (1) point.
James Madison (#25) defeating unranked Old Dominion by three (3) points.
Other top-25 losses this week that weren’t upsets included:
Louisville (#18) defeating Duke (#20).
The category for today’s trivial imponderable is “insects and related things.” Do you know . . . how dangerous tarantula venom is to humans?”
Well, rest easy. Despite their fearsome look, the bite of a tarantula is no more harmful than that of a wasp sting and are generally not fatal. However, some people may suffer from a severe allergic reaction to certain proteins in the venom.
Source: Sorry, Wrong Answer: Trivia Questions That Even Know-It-Alls Get Wrong, by Dr. Rod L. Evans.
Here is another painting that I acquired in the fall of last year (2022). I have collected this artist for several years now, so when his “Origins” show/exhibit was wrapping up, I found myself unable to leave without making a purchase. The title: Equestrian Dream, the artist: Micheal Jones, the medium: mixed media (acrylic, paper, ink), the size: 30” x 38.” This happened to be one of those purchases that was large enough I had no earthly idea as to where I was going to hang or display it. But fear not, I always find a place (for now).
Here is an origami design for the one-humped dromedary camel. Happy folding!
Source: https://youtu.be/2eZhYQ7ZPQg
Here is the next installment from: Word Lover’s Dictionary: Unusual, Obscure, and Preposterous Words, by Josefa Heifetz.
pahoehoe [pah-hoh-ey-hoh-ey, puh–hoh-ee-hoh-ee], noun;
Source: Word Lover’s Dictionary: Unusual, Obscure, and Preposterous Words, by Josefa Heifetz; and http://www.dictionary.com.
Here is a wonderful limerick by Anthony Euwer. Enjoy!
No matter how grouchy you’re feeling,
You’ll find the smile more or less healing.
It grows in a wreath
All around the front teeth —
Thus preserving the face from congealing.
Source: A Bundle of Birdbrains…Lots of Limericks (selected by Myra Cohn Livingston)
Well, the big rivalry game is today and after the last couple of losses (that could have been wins if we hadn’t beaten ourselves), I’m not even sure if I am allowed to have such grandiose hopes. The Wolverines are looking pretty tough this year, but you just never know — with a rivalry game, anything goes, so keeping my fingers crossed for a miracle today. Alas, a miracle was not in the making and the Spartans lost BIG.
Next up for the Spartans: on the road to face the Golden Gophers of the University of Minnesota. Go Green!
There are currently four (4) Big Ten teams among the AP top-25: Michigan (#2), Ohio State (#3), Penn State (#7), and Iowa (#24).
The upsets this week included:
North Carolina (#10) losing to unranked Virginia by four (4) points.
Iowa (#24) losing to unranked Minnesota by two (2) points.
The close calls this week (wins by a touchdown or less or in overtime) included:
Oklahoma (#6) defeating unranked UCF by two (2) points.
Texas (#8) defeating unranked Houston by seven (7) points.
Ole Miss (#13) defeating unranked Auburn by seven (7) points.
Utah (#14) defeating USC (#18) by two (2) points.
Tulane (#23) defeating unranked North Texas by seven (7) points.
Other top-25 losses this week that weren’t upsets included:
Ohio State (#3) defeating Penn State (#7).
Florida State (#4) defeating Duke (#16).
Alabama (#11) defeating Tennessee (#17).
Utah (#14) defeating USC (#18) by two (2) points.
The Gun-Carryin' Librarian 