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Post by ZandraJoi on Jan 18, 2021 10:51:21 GMT -5
"National Thesaurus Day, on January 18th, honors Peter Mark Roget, the author of Roget’s Thesaurus, who was born on this day in 1779. In 1840, Roget retired from a successful career in medicine and spent the rest of his life working on “Roget’s Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases.” The work was the result of decades of collecting lists of words and categorizing them, much like a scientist would collect specimens. In Roget’s case, he collected words. He first published his thesaurus in 1852. And it was more than a book of synonyms – it was a complete categorization and organization of each word by meaning. Since then, poets and writers have used the thesaurus to help make their writing come to life. However, the thesaurus also has its detractors. Some say the thesaurus weakens language and destroys it. Whether you are looking for a more accurate word or trying to improve your writing, the thesaurus can be your best friend. Expanding your vocabulary increases both written and spoken communication skills, creative writing abilities, and can be helpful in advancing your career."
My notes: Words have always been fascinating to me. Do you think the thesaurus weakens & destroys our language? I do think the English language has WAY too many words for one thing. But weakens our language? Just makes it unique. But I personally would not want English to be my 2nd language lol
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Post by ellyfant on Jan 19, 2021 12:58:57 GMT -5
Yes I remember either my French or German teacher telling us at school that they were easy to learn and that English is one of the hardest. Never had any problem myself lol
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2021 18:39:52 GMT -5
I love my thesaurus and have always felt it strengthened my language not the other way around.
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Post by Bob on Jan 26, 2021 19:24:41 GMT -5
I loved using a thesaurus in school. But yeah, English can be confusing for sure. But then, I'm sure all languages have their peculiarities.
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Post by ZandraJoi on Jan 18, 2022 10:20:27 GMT -5
"On January 18, National Michigan Day recognizes the Great Lake State. Surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan has more shoreline than any of the contiguous 48 states. Of the 50 states, only Alaska has more. First explored by the French, the area became a U.S territory in 1783. Flush with iron and copper, Michigan would become a center of industrial activity. Lake Michigan separates the upper and lower peninsulas of the 26th state granted statehood, making Michigan unlike any other in design. To move from one peninsula to the other, ferries used to carry travelers back and forth. But in 1957, the Mackinac Bridge connected the two sides making the journey more convenient and safer. At 26,372 feet long, it is the third longest suspension bridge in the world. Industry and Music Industry dominated the early 20th century in Michigan. From logging, shipping, rail and automotive, the population grew with an influx of workers during war and peacetime. Influenced by skilled trades, engineering, and manufacturing, employment exploded. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, assembly workers were in high demand all across the country. The Willow Run plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan built B-24 Bombers. As the epicenter of the automobile industry, Michigan was ripe for the increased production. One of the Willow Run factory workers became a Rosie the Riveter spokesperson wearing the iconic bandana and flexing her muscle to sell war bonds. Rose Will Monroe’s efforts, as well as thousands of other women in Michigan and across the country, changed the course a war and the image of women for generations. Known for its Motown sound and legendary music makers, Michigan and Detroit launched some of the most memorable names in jazz and gospel music. From Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross to the Jackson 5 and Stevie Wonder, the birth of Motown was the launching of an era." My notes: My homestate! Such history each state has
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Post by lainee on Jan 18, 2022 18:18:01 GMT -5
ZandraJoi, Michigan has such a fascinating and rich history. While it's not my homestate, I live here now, and love it!
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Post by Bob on Jan 18, 2022 18:34:58 GMT -5
Oh sweet! I love it! Although could use a new Governor.
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Post by ZandraJoi on Jan 18, 2023 9:50:43 GMT -5
"National Winnie the Pooh Day on January 18th commemorates author A.A. Milne’s birthday in 1882. He brought the adorable, honey-loving bear to life in his stories, which also featured his son, Christopher Robin. Milne’s lovable Pooh Bear, as he was fondly called, is a fictional bear inspired by a black bear named Winnie. Winnie lived at the London Zoo during World War I. The author’s son, Christopher Robin, would visit the bear often and named his own teddy bear after her and a swan named Pooh."
My notes: I'm sure many of you have read this book, watched the cartoon or at least heard of it. What do you think of the story?
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Post by ZandraJoi on Jan 18, 2024 9:02:43 GMT -5
"National Peking Duck Day, on January 18th, recognizes the national dish of China. This dish is considered a delicacy due to its elaborate preparation and intense flavors. Since the Yuan Dynasty, established by Kublai Khan, Peking Duck's roots are steeped in tradition that chefs have perfected over thousands of years."
My notes: Who has tried this dish? Did you try it in China? At a Chinese restaurant? Or perhaps you just decided to try your hand at making it. I never had it before. While I have had chicken, I don't care to try duck. Here's a bit of trivia: "Peking duck is expensive because of the meticulous preparation process to make the skin crispy and meat tender."
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