David Zapatka The poll results of the July WOTM column regarding the question, “Is it ‘It’s a few more miles still’ or is it ‘It’s a few more miles yet?’” posed by reader Sally Teusch are in and they are very interesting. There was one vote for ‘still,’ three votes for ‘yet,’ and four votes…
David Zapatka Sister and reader Judy Haberstroh wrote after reading the June column, “This one is interesting. Initially I was leaning toward using ‘yet’ but once I saw the specific definition of ‘still,’ I felt that was the correct word. However, when talking, I would more likely place the word ‘still’ after ‘it’s’ rather than at the end…
David Zapatka Reader Sally Teusch wrote after reading the May column, “I enjoy your column. Thank you. ‘It’s a few more miles yet’ or ‘It’s a few more miles, still.’ Looking forward to it. Warmly, Sally Teusch.” Let’s dive into both words to see where this journey takes us. Yet – adverb ˈyet 1. in addition; besides. 2. on top…
David Zapatka Friends and readers Randi and Jim Nulty write, “We enjoyed your April WOTM column. Randi once scored a triple word in Scrabble using the word ‘pismire.’ I think it was 70+ points. We have never forgotten the word or its definition.” I suspect many of our readers are Scrabble players. I’ve always enjoyed…
David Zapatka Reader Diane DeCarlo writes, “I enjoyed your article in our January paper. I just wanted to share with you a favorite word of mine which is ‘pismere,’ another word for ‘ant.’ But I use the word for an annoying person.” Thank you for your suggestion, Diane. I discovered you’re not the only one…
David Zapatka From existential threats to existential choices, the word existential was used in the news and in conversations around the country frequently this past year. “I’m trash!” was the insistent cry of Forky, the googly-eyed spork whose struggle to be a toy was at the heart of the summer blockbuster Toy Story 4. Forky’s…
David Zapatka Shungite-fullerenes: a unique combination of carbon and silicate minerals found in an ancient deposit in Karelia, Russia. Friend and fellow Wisdom Seeker book club member, Sandria (Joy) Valente, gave me a special gift recently, a shungite-fullerenes rock. I had never heard of these before. Joy explained shungite-fullerenes have special properties and are called…
David Zapatka While traveling this summer on the Goldwing, I was fortunate to receive a private tour of Missouri State University’s Jane A. Meyer Carillon. Carillons are the world’s largest instruments and this one is the largest of all those located in the U.S. Midwest. This carillon is made up of 48 bronze bells and…
David Zapatka I attend a five-day conference every summer where experts are brought in to speak about a wide variety of topics. This year’s annual gathering had 218 speakers lecturing, hosting interactive gatherings and running tournaments on 308 interesting and entertaining topics. Being a lifelong student, I’m in my element when I can learn from…
David Zapatka Having spent the past week in Myanmar and India eating fabulous cuisine off the cruise ship, curry dishes are fresh on my mind. I’ve long loved Indian cuisine and all those many curry flavors. I’m impressed by how many different types of curry and varying spices there are. What I’ve learned is curry…