VOCAB: SPRING 4

1) accolade (noun) - an award or tangible symbol of distinction
Example: The Congressional Medal of Honor is the most prestigious accolade awarded to soldiers.

2) acerbity (noun) - a rough and bitter manner
Example: The man now treats all security guards with acerbity after he had a bad experience with one of them.

3) attrition (noun) - the process of wearing down to weaken or destroy
Example: The rebels used guerrilla warfare to turn the fight into a war of attrition, eventually depleting their opposition's resources and morale with fast and violent attacks.

4) bromide (noun) - a statement that is intended to make someone feel better, but is hackneyed to the point that it completely loses its effect
Example: Many people don't hesitate to spew petty bromides when someone they know is feeling down, but they don't realize that they are most likely providing more irritation than console.

5) chauvinist (noun) - an attitude that members of one's own gender are inherently better than members of the opposite gender; fanatical patriotism.
Example: Feminists claim to seek equality, yet many of them are bigger chauvinists than their "oppressors".

6) chronic (adjective) - marked by long duration or frequent recurrence
Example: The man ended up having to get surgery to get rid of his chronic back pain.

7) expound (verb) - to state or explain or set forth
Example: The well-written report expounded the data in a clear, yet concise way.

8) factionalism (noun) - affiliation with a faction
Example: Factionalism is ubiquitous in our politically divided nation.

9) immaculate (adjective) - perfectly clean; having no flaws or errors
Example: The factory-new car was immaculate until a disgruntled firefighter took the Jaws of Life to it.

10) imprecation (noun) - an offensive word or phrase that people say when they are angry
Example: The defendant was held in contempt of court for yelling vulgar imprecations at the judge.

11) ineluctable (adjective) - impossible to escape or avoid
Example: The suspect attempted to flee from the authorities, but his fate was ineluctable and he was swiftly apprehended.

12) mercurial (adjective) - liable to sudden unpredictable change
Example: Mountain weather is notoriously mercurial; one minute you can be enjoying calm and sunny weather, and the next you can be in the midst of a thunderstorm.

13) palliate (verb) - to lessen the extent of
Example: Aloe vera can be applied to palliate the discomfort of a sunburn.

14) protocol (noun) - code of correct conduct
Example: It is important to follow safety protocol in machine shops in order to avoid injury.

15) resplendent (adjective) - very bright and attractive
Example: Coral reefs are often resplendent and teeming with life.

16) stigmatize (verb) - to openly brand as disgraceful
Example: The celebrity was irreversibly stigmatized after he cracked a racist joke on live television.    

17) sub rosa (adverb) - secretly or covertly
Example: Worried that he did poorly, the student asked his teacher to show him his score sub rosa in order to avoid embarrassment.

18) vainglory (noun) - excessive pride in one's achievements
Example: Professional athletes that demonstrate vainglory are often disliked by the fans.

19) vestige (noun) - a small trace of something that indicates what existed before
Example: Ancient ruins serve as a vestige of what was once a great empire.

20) volition (noun) - the capability of conscious choice and decision making and intention
Example: A government should never be so powerful that is threatens the volition of its citizens.

HAFTA/WANNA

As much as I hate clichès, I do, in fact, differentiate "life during high school" and "life after high school". The reason for this is that there is a rather large gap in responsibility, even for those who haven't been sheltered/coddled (which a disappointingly large portion of this generation has). Once a person is out on his/her own, EVERYTHING is on him/her. Having a part-time job in high school is one thing, but having to work full time, while most likely attending college, while having to take care of daily responsibilities, while trying to stay fit and healthy, while trying to still have some sort of social life, all while faced with a daunting college budget is a whole different world. While not exactly magic, all of these factors can force a transformation in some cases. If a person hasn't reached a certain point of maturity upon departing from "life during high school", he/she will be forced to grow up quickly in order to accomplish anything worth while.

VOCAB: SPRING 3

1) apostate (noun) - a person whose beliefs have changed, causing him/her to desert his/her cause or religion or political party
Example: The former liberal came to be known as an apostate after recent gun control policies drove him more towards the conservative side.

2) effusive (adjective) - marked by unrestrained enthusiasm
Example: Everyone was effusive when they heard the sequel was in production but, unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype.

3) impasse (noun) - a predicament in which no progress or advancement can be made
Example: The construction team reached a critical impasse when they discovered a major gas line underneath the would be building site.

4) euphoria (noun) - a feeling of great (usually exaggerated) elation or excitement
Example: Many drugs induce intense feelings of euphoria, followed by a severe "crash".

5) lugubrious (adjective) - excessively sad or mournful to the point that it is exaggerated or insincere
Example: The man adamantly offered his condolences, but it was obvious that he was being lugubrious and really couldn't care less.

6) bravado (noun) - an overly brave or confidant demeanor intended to impress others
Example: He spoke with plenty of bravado but, when the time came to prove himself, he made excuses and shied away from the challenge.

7) consensus (noun) - a unanimous agreement regarding an opinion or idea
Example: While congress was unable to reach consensus on the bill, the majority vote was still enough to get it on the president's desk.

8) dichotomy (noun) - a division into two opposite groups
Example: Many people consider religion and science to be a dichotomy, while others seem to be able to maintain a balance between the two.

9) constrict (verb) - to squeeze or press together; to keep something/someone from developing freely
Example: The woman's corset constricted her torso to the point that it was difficult for her to breathe properly.

10) gothic (adjective) - characterized by gloom, mystery, and the grotesque
Example: Gothic literature is known for its tragic plots and its dark, dismal moods.

11) punctilio (noun) - strict observance of formalities/etiquette
Example: The excessive punctilio at the dinner party made the guests feel uncomfortable and condescended.

12) metamorphosis (noun) - a change of form (especially by supernatural means)
Example: In the past, alchemists would attempt to enact metamorphosis upon common elements and change them into gold.

13) raconteur (noun) - someone who is good at telling stories
Example: When a true raconteur tells his/her stories, he/she makes the listeners feel as if they were actually there.

14) sine qua non (noun) - a prerequisite, or something that is indispensably necessary.
Example: Solid problem solving skills are sine qua non for studying sciences like chemistry and physics.

15) quixotic (adjective) - impractically hopeful (especially concerning romantic matters)
Example: He constantly tried his luck pursuing the most beautiful women in the restaurant, failing to realize how quixotic this quest was.

16) vendetta (noun) - a long and violent feud between members of two opposing parties
Example: The seemingly unresolvable vendetta between the two families cost each side the lives of many of their own.

17) non sequitur (noun) - a statement that has no relevance to what proceeded it; (in logic) a conclusion that does not follow from the premises
Example: Hoping to get the teacher off topic, the student shouted out some non sequitur in the middle of class.

18) mystique (noun) - an aura of heightened value or interest or meaning surrounding a person or thing
Example: Unique and enigmatic bands often carry with them a mystique that is out of the reach of more generic artists.

19) quagmire (noun) - a soft, wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot (can be used figuratively to describe a difficult or precarious situation)
Example: I was caught in a bit of a quagmire the other day when my friends locked the keys in the car, leaving us stranded in Pismo...

20) parlous (adjective) - full of danger or risk
Example: Oblivious drivers can be quite parlous unless you drive defensively.   

LIFE AFTER

I gave up trying to predict what my life will look like after high school long ago. In fact, I've gotten to the point where I intentionally try to live in the moment because, after several years of toiling about this specific matter, no degree of planning has seemed to get me anywhere. I've come to the conclusion that there are certain things that can only be learned through experience and, for me, my niche in this world is one of them.

VISUAL STORYTELLING

When I think of visual story telling, I think of any sort of sensory accoutrements that create specific feelings in the viewer. While there are many examples of such tools, music is arguably the most effective. It can be used to set an initial tone/mood, then build suspense, then finally change apropos to signify the apogee of the plot. While music is perhaps the most widely used vibe augmenter in the world of modern film, there are many other viable techniques on that populous planet. Everything from the setting of the scene (i.e. place, time, weather, props included, etc.), to clever character interaction (such as a properly placed and well executed repartee), to details as minute as the angle of the camera all have a significant impact on the overall effect. There is no need to bicker about which elements are most important, however. In fact, contretemps between even the most disparate elements are fairly uncommon--these elements must be carefully coalesced in order to create a true master piece. Even somewhat licentious scenes containing nudity, and other components that are dogmatically frowned upon by people of "unimpeachable moral integrity", can be extremely beneficial when it comes to culling in viewers and helping them cross their usual metes. Some degree of probity must still be retained, of course; the last thing producers want is for their product to be effectively truncated by polemics complaining of noxious, overly graphic material. The goal is to attain complexity, while avoiding the convolution that may sometimes supervene when too many conflicting elements are present.        

PROFILE IN COURAGE

I'm not going to lie, the film caught me off guard. I didn't even know that wheelchair rugby was possible, much less that it actually exists and has been played at a highly competitive, international level for many years. After facing whatever accident caused each athlete's quadriplegia, the gruesome 2+ year rehabilitation that was to follow, and the mental and social challenges that coincide with having to relearn even the most basic tasks, it is astounding that they still have the courage to not only conquer that adversity, but also to retain the competitiveness and the "fire" to go out and play an intense sport. If anything, based on the interviews in the introduction of the movie, the athletes seemed to be mentally, if not physically tougher than they were before. THAT is courage. Taking on a life threatening--and way-of-life ending--injury like a broken neck/back and not only overcoming it, but actually getting stronger from it, requires "something" that not everybody has.

VOCAB: SPRING 2

1) accoutrements (noun) - clothing or accessories that are worn or carried, but not part of your primary attire
Example: The authorities swiftly arrested the man after they caught him wearing stolen police accoutrements.

2) apogee (noun) - a final climactic stage
Example: We hope that the apogee of our civilization has yet to be reached.

3) apropos (adverb) - at an opportune time
Example: The items I was thinking about purchasing went on sale apropos.

4) bicker (verb) - to argue over petty things
Example: The couple missed their flight entirely whilst bickering about who would get the window seat.

5) coalesce (verb) - to fuse or grow together
Example: Several once-separate political factions coalesced to strengthen their influence.

6) contretemps (noun) - an awkward or unfortunate clash
Example: An unruly passenger's contretemps with the flight attendant lead to his arrest upon landing.

7) convolution (noun) - something that is confusing, intricate, or difficult to understand.
Example: Hoping for a quick fix, the mechanic was disheartened when he discovered nothing but more and more convolution as he inspected the misbehaving engine.

8) cull (verb) - to select something from a group; to remove and reject something of inferior quality
Example: Sports organizations often send scouts to cull the most promising prospects.

9) disparate (adjective) - fundamentally distinct in quality or kind
Example: Kickboxing and curling are about as disparate as two sports can be.

10) dogmatic (adjective) - characterized by assertion of unproved or unprovable principles
Example: Far too many fanatical, dogmatic cults allowed to exist by their vacuous participants.

11) licentious (adjective) - lacking moral discipline, especially regarding things of a sexual nature
Example: A lot of popular music is frowned upon due to its licentious and derogatory depiction of women.

12) mete (noun) - a line that indicates a boundary
Example: Rivers, gullies, and other natural landmarks may serve as the metes and bounds of a property.

13) noxious (adjective) - mentally or physically harmful
Example: The building had to be evacuated after a ruptured line caused it to fill with noxious gas.

14) polemic (noun) - a strong written or spoken attack that serves to criticize something (usually something arbitrary and controversial, such as a belief or dogma)
Example: The writer released a harsh polemic against the religion's baseless teachings.

15) populous (adjective) - densely populated
Example: Generally, the more populous a city is, the more difficult it is to safely evacuate everyone in the case of an emergency.

16) probity (noun) - complete and confirmed integrity
Example: If our politicians had a bit more probity, we would undoubtedly be in a better political and economic position.

17) repartee (noun) - a quick exchange of adroit and clever replies
Example: The two men, each of whom took pride in their verbal aptitude, engaged in a light repartee to test each other's wits.

18) supervene (noun) - to take place as an additional or unexpected development
Example: When appropriate amounts of heat are applied to certain materials, the chemical process of combustion supervenes.

19) truncate (adjective) - terminating abruptly at a square or even end
Example: The truncate tip of a straight-edged shovel is more than adequate for moving soil, but a sharper, tapered shovel is more desirable for cutting through compact dirt.

20) unimpeachable (adjective) - beyond doubt or reproach
Example: The say of the government should not be viewed as unconditionally unimpeachable--it's the people's responsibility to keep the government in check, after all.

VOCAB #1 PERFORMANCE REVIEW

I got a perfect score on the vocabulary quiz because:
1) I did the vocab. assignment...
2) There were only ten, moderately difficult words...
3) With each vocab. list, whenever I encounter words that I don't know, I don't memorize them, I learn them.

VOCAB: SPRING 1

1) adumbrate (verb) - to vaguely indicate
Example: The man's suspicious behavior leading up to the crime adumbrated that he was planning something, but no one could have expected the scope of what was to come.

2) apotheosis (noun) - the elevation of a person (as to the status of a god)
Example: Some monarchical rulers, such as Kim Jong-il, are granted almost divine power through apotheosis.

3) ascetic (adjective) - practicing rigorous self denial, usually for religious purposes
Example: Some ascetic individuals believe that they must deny themselves any and all physical pleasure if they are to reach a state of spiritual enlightenment.

4) bauble (noun) - inexpensive, showy jewelry
Example: The woman covered herself in expensive looking bauble that she purchased from her local Goodwill store in an attempt to look "classy".

5) beguile (verb) - to attract or influence by slyness or deceitfulness
Example: It is important to critically examine every situation in order to avoid being beguiled into making a poor choice.

6) burgeon (verb) - grow and flourish
Example: It is important to elect our leaders wisely to assure a burgeoning economy for us to enjoy.

7) complement (verb) - to make complete or perfect
Example: A glass of fine wine perfectly complements a good meal.

8) contumacious (adjective) - willfully obstinate
Example: The contumacious man refused to admit he was wrong, no matter how much counter evidence surfaced.

9) curmudgeon (noun) - a cantankerous, petulant, old man
Example: The cranky curmudgeon shouted at a group of young kids for walking across his lawn.

10) didactic (adjective) - serving to teach, sometimes in a way that is annoying or unwanted
Example: The parent's condescending, didactic tone upset the child.

HACKING MY EDUCATION

Honestly, there's nothing I wish to change about this class. I feel like there is a perfect balance of freedom and direction as it stands, and I am more than content leaving it be.

THE CHOICE

1. What is the "choice" referred to in the title?

• The "choice" referred to in the title of this heartbreaking article, at least in a literal sense, is five-year-old cancer patient, Rebecca's, "choice" of either willingly taking her medicine, or having it forcefully administered by her despairing parents. This "choice" could also represent the parents' decision to subject their child to a great deal of discomfort in an attempt to save her from cancerous brain tumors that would undoubtedly kill her should they go untreated, though the text doesn't seem to indicate this meaning. 

2. Is it a real choice?  Why/why not?  What is the alternative?

• Seeing as Rebecca must ingest the repulsive and severely harmful medicine one way or another, the "choice" really isn't a choice at all for her. Addressing the second meaning of "the choice", the answer, in my mind, is still no. No parents I've ever come across would condemn their child to certain death when there is an alternative on the table, even if that alternative is cruelly unfavorable. 

3. Why does the author use the word poison in the first line?

• The author uses the word "poison" instead of medicine to enhance the emotional appeal of his article, helping readers better level with his unimaginably terrible circumstances. Also, as a substance that harms/destroys, the chemotherapy agent in question is, by definition, a poison, though its intended purpose is to ultimately help those who it is used on.

4. The author's daughter wants to play with a toy that is intended for older kids.  Why?  Do you agree with her?  

• In perhaps the most emotionally jarring and hard to read portion of the article, Rebecca gets very stirred up when she is told that she is not allowed to play with a toy that is intended for older children (8+ years of age). "I have to play with it now because it's for kids who are eight years old and I'm never going to be eight!", she cried out. After everything she has had to go through at such a young age, no one can blame her for feeling that way. That being said, such a hopeless outlook is obviously not conducive to her health/recovery, and, therefore, I cannot agree with that mentality. I'm not claiming to have any idea how impossibly difficult it must be to stay positive when faced with such deplorable circumstances, but, from the outside looking in, it is clear to me that that argument should not be validated.  

5. If you thought you might not live to the age of 30 what would you want to do right now?

• Although I have no reason to believe that I will not live a full and healthy life, I would be lying if I said that thoughts of an early death have never crossed my mind. As I'm sure many others have as well, I have struggled immensely with the concept of my consciousness ceasing to exist in general, though this is not the place for that conversation. I assume that this question is really asking what I would want to do right now if I had legitimate reason to believe that I might not live to the age of 30. I'm not going to lie, that knowledge would be pretty difficult for me to cope with. I can't say for sure how I would react, but I imagine that I would try to stay positive and progress through life as if I were guaranteed to survive. Why? Because I feel that that is the only way to overcome such an insurmountable obstacle. In fact, I know that the attitude with which we approach our struggles, even those that seem beyond our control, does have an effect. I've observed it time and time again. Not to mention, the worst case scenario with that mentality: I die hopeful and fighting, while still having been able to enjoy my time while it lasted. That sounds a hell of a lot better to me having death come as a relief from a "life" of crushing fear and uncertainty. My experiences have proven to me that we are all in control of our own situations (mentally), and that we can choose to either wallow in our troubles, or use that power to subdue them. I choose the latter. 

6. Under what circumstances does it make sense to endure discomfort--or even force it on a loved one-- in service to a greater/more important cause?

• There are few notions more terrible than that of forcing suffering/discomfort upon a loved one but, unfortunately, there are certain circumstances, such as those faced by the Meyers, that leave no other viable options. I have no specific criteria for determining what constitutes such measures, so I'm not exactly sure how to answer this question. I suppose the choice is clear when it is a matter of discomfort versus certain death, but, with so many variables involved, anything less definitive is extremely tricky. 

7. Is suffering a necessary condition of life and love?

• This is a very complex, multi-leveled question that can be interpreted many different ways. From every angle I view it, however, the answer still remains "yes": suffering is a necessary condition of love and life. In a literal sense, suffering is inevitable at this point in time. Everyone, no matter how well off, will face some degree of suffering more than once in their life. On a slightly deeper level, I do believe that suffering is a necessary part of the human experience. There needs to be some sort of contrast--some sort of struggle. Without that, there would be no appreciation for positive emotions like love, happiness, accomplishment, etc.

8. Most readers don't share the author's circumstances, but we feel an emotional response to his words.  Why?

• To be perfectly honest, I'm not entirely sure. It is clear, though, that whether it has been carefully developed through steady societal augmentations, simply hardwired in us via our brain physiology, or possibly a combination of both, humans generally have a pretty incredible sense of compassion. As difficult as that article was to swallow, the comments below provided some counterbalance. Seeing that people were willing to make themselves aware of someone else's struggles and offer words of support and encouragement was pretty inspirational.