David Zapatka Reading Acton Institute’s monthly newsletter this past week, I ran into a word I’m fond of. Reverend Robert Sirico, Acton Institute President, speaks about phronesis, this month’s Word of the Month. Phronesis fits in well with Acton’s mission statement which is “to promote a free and virtuous society characterized by individual liberty and…
Tag: word of the month
Card Games & Sports, November 2016
Word of the Month: Tardigrade
David Zapatka Luz Stella Perotti, friend and science enthusiast, says this month’s word makes her laugh and have a lot of fun. She poses these questions to introduce us to her fun word. “What is the most resilient animal in the world? What living creature can withstand temperatures down to minus 458 degrees F (close…
Card Games & Sports, September 2016
Word of the Month: Proprioception
David Zapatka Have you ever fractured an ankle, leg or hip? Did you find it difficult regaining your balance and full control of your healed joint or limb, maybe instability or possibly even “knowing” exactly where it was? This can be very unsettling. On a dead run last year I stepped into a concrete rain…
Association News, March 2016
Word of the Month – Tenace
David Zapatka This month’s Word of the Month is tenace, a word commonly used in the world’s best card game, bridge. Unlike what many may think, this word has nothing to do with the words “ten” and “ace” being combined to mean something special. However, an ace frequently plays a role in the meaning of…
Card Games & Sports, January 2016
Word of the month: Enrapture
David Zapatka Reader Kim Park writes, “The December word of the month, bliss, struck such a beautiful chord with me, I began to think of words with a similar feel. I have always had a fondness for the word enrapture. It goes well with bliss and also brings up images of great happiness and delight.”…
Card Games & Sports, October 2015
Word of the Month
Antimacassar David Zapatka Reader and fellow New Adventures In Learning student, Terry Meury, suggested a word for something we have all seen but few would be able to properly name; antimacassar / æntɪməˈkæsə/. You will certainly remember seeing armrest covers on sofas and headrest covers on chairs in your parents’ or grandparents’ homes. You may have…
Card Games & Sports, August 2015
Word of The Month
Empath Dave Zapatka Born in fiction novels and movies, this month’s word of the month, “empath,” has found its way into the field of psychology and common vernacular. Derived from the Greek “em” (in) and “pathos” (feeling), the term empath means one who is able to feel into others’ thoughts and feelings. Empaths are highly…
Association News, July 2015
Word of the Month: Ephemeral vs. Ethereal
David Zapatka Reader, friend and fellow table tennis player, June Wagner, explains that the words “ephemeral” and “ethereal” are sometimes used inappropriately since they sound so familiar. They are very different. “Ephemeral” (əˈfem(ə)rəl) refers to something that is brief, fleeting or quickly passing. “Ethereal” (əˈthirēəl) refers to something lacking material substance, marked by unusual delicacy…
Community News, June 2015
Word of the Month: Phaeton
David Zapatka Reader, friend and fellow pickleball enthusiast, Bob Zimmerman, suggested a fascinating word with an interesting history for this month’s column; phaeton. Having driven a beautiful Phaeton motor home for many years after retiring, Bob researched not only the RV amenities, he wanted to know all about its namesake as well. Of all the…
Association News, December 2014
Word of the Month – December 2014
David Zapatka The October Word of the Month article highlighting the difference between the words “historic” and “historical” sparked this question from reader Marilyn Conner. “What is the difference between ‘illegal’ and ‘unlawful’?” According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary the word illegal means not “allowed by law; not legal.” The word unlawful means “not lawful; illegal.”…