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Tip of the Week #279: Three Things Magazine
I recently finished writing a book about working online. In it, I hope to show other teachers how to make a living online. While writing the book, I researched dozens of paths. I have been earning my living online since 2011. After all this time, I believe one of the...
Word of the Day #95: Pram
Pram: a stroller, a baby carriage, a small vehicle with four wheels designed for a baby to lie in while you push it around. I was born in England. I remember stories of my mom pushing me around Bicester, England in a pram. Back then, says my mom, the British moms...
Word of the Day #94: Derange
My local French students and I (I am not fluent. We are learning together.) have been watching the language learning series Extra. In Episode three, one of the characters uses the phrase ça ne me dérange pas, meaning, it doesn't bother me....
Don’t think and grow rich. Do and grow rich.
The other day, I ran across my new favorite French proverb. Not that I had a favorite French proverb before. But, that's not the point. Qui s'instruit sans agir laboure sans semer. Whoever learns without action, plows without sowing. For a while, I have had a...
Word of the Day #93: Cheesparing
Cheeseparing - Saving via extreme frugality If someone cuts for you a rather thin piece of cheese, they are cheeseparing. Perhaps because they are frugal. Cheeseparing comes from the Old English word for cheese (case) and the Old French word for trimming, parer. Not...
Word of the Day #92: Karmageddon
Karmageddon Karmageddon is like, when everybody is sending off all these totally bad vibes. And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer for all. Karmageddon comes from Sanskrit Karma, the sum of a person’s actions. This sum determines a persons...
Tip of the Week #278: Write it By Hand
I teach and work online. I am also easily distracted. Not a good combination. To combat distraction, I write everything by hand. I have notebooks filled with tests, books, blogs, and tips I have written. I find I am much less distracted when I write by hand. Once...
Word of the Day #91: Triskaidekaphobia
Triskaidekaphobia - Irrational fear of the number thirteen Triskaidekaphobia is a combination of multiple Greek words. Τρεῖς (tres) three, χαί (kai), δέχα (deka) ten and, or course φόβος (phobos) fear. This word came up in a Greek class this morning, as we were...
Tip of the Week #277: How to Find the Word You Can’t Remember
Not long ago, a friend asked me if I knew of any tools to find a word to describe something that you have in mind. He went on to say, “There’s countless scenarios in my life where there’s something that I’d love to express - but I cannot think of the right word to...
Word of the Day #90: Disremember
Disremember: to forget. I ran across this word in The Wright Brothers, by David McCullough. A book I enjoyed immensely, by the way. If you are looking for a book capable of inspiring you to work incredibly hard, this may be the book for you. While testing their...
Tip of the Week #276: Make Copies of Your Drivers License
Before traveling, I always make a copy of my passport. That way, If my passport is ever stolen or lost, I have a back up I can show when I end up at the embassy. Fortunately, this hasn’t happened to me. But, I have lost my wallet overseas. I needed to rent a car. ...
Goals: Health and fitness are foundational
Health and fitness are foundational Have you ever heard of the fitness brand ASICS? ASICS is an acronym for an old Latin acronym. It stands for Anima Sana In Corpore Sana. In English, it means a sound mind in a fit body. Like it or not, we need to prioritize our...
Word of the Day #89: Jargon
Jargon This morning, in an online Greek class, we learned some of the rules for Greek accenting. The rules are complex and full of academic jargon. Later, I thought of what a weird word jargon is. I wondered where it came from. This is what I found out. Noah...
Tip of the Week #275: Take a break
When I am on my game, I post a word a day on my blog and over at the Visual Latin Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/laughatlatin Coming up with a word a day is rather challenging. Okay. It’s actually really challenging. Last week, I didn’t even try....
Word of the Day #88: Bailiwick
Bailiwick: someones special area of knowledge Your bailiwick is your area of expertise. Bailiwick comes from the word bailiff (an officer of the court) and the Old English word for village, win. Algebra was not my bailiwick in high school, or in college. Made me...
Word of the Day #87: JOMO
JOMO - The Joy of Missing Out. I am sure I am behind the curve here. I've known about FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) for a while now. I did not know about the JOMO until today. Just found this word (if it is a word) and I love it. There are a bunch of Rivian trucks...
Goals: Dream Big
Dream big We are going to create a checklist based on our three main goals. We already have a healthy goal. We will create a wealthy goal, and a wise goal, as well. Our goals are based on Benjamin Franklin’s quote. Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy,...
Tip of the Week #274: Supercharge Your Day With Checklists
If you have repetitive tasks in your daily schedule, I recommend using a checklist. Sitting down to write a checklist may seem like a waste of time, but I have found the opposite to be true. In fact, I get more done with a checklist than I do without one. Checklists...
Snort
https://youtu.be/zAYR-i4S-ZE
Tip of the Week #273: How to sell an Ebook online
The question I receive most is not, “How did you learn Latin?” Instead, the question I get most is, “How did you learn to make a living online?” The answer is complicated. To answer, I am writing a book. For years, I have watched in dismay as digital marketers have...
Pes, pedes and peditis confusion.
I received this question: The declension of the noun pedes is confusing us majorly. In the charts (which are usually so handy) rex is declined so differently. Where does the extra "it" come from? Pedes--pedITis--pedITi--etc. Thanks for any help you can give us! Here...
Spanish One and Two
I am getting lots of questions about the online Spanish class I will be teaching in the Fall. Just so everyone knows… I am still learning Spanish. I am simply inviting everyone to learn along with me. Last year, online, I took students through Madrigal's Magic Key...
Word of the Day #87: Anomalous
Anomalous Abnormal, differing from the norm, the standard, or the usual way of doing things. Anomalous is the adjective form of anomaly. Anomalous comes from the Greek words ἀν (an), meaning “not” and ὁμός (homos) meaning “same”. Synonyms include atypical, divergent,...
Goals: Start slowly
Inch by inch We are about to create a healthy checklist. Before we begin constructing a checklist, keep this in mind. I built a checklist to give myself the life I wanted to live. I want this for you, too. I want you to live the life you want to live. I truly...
Word of the Day #86: Anomaly
Anomaly Something differing from the usual pattern. A peculiarity, an abnormality. A deviation from the normal. An outlier. Synonyms include aberration, deviation, oddity, and rarity. Anomaly comes from the Greek words ἀν (an), meaning “not” and ὁμός (homos)...
Goals: Healthy
When I write my own personal goals, I base them on Benjamin Franklin’s model. “Early to bed, Early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Over the next three chapters, we will build a healthy goal, a wealthy goal, and a wise goal. Since Mr. Franklin started...
Word of the Day #85: Atavistic
Atavistic An atavistic trait is a trait you picked up from your ancestors. It skipped a generation, or two, though. Your parents did not have this trait. Atavistic traits disappear for a time only to show up later. For example, “He has an atavistic temper. It...
Word of the Day #84: Arachnoleptic fit
Arachnoleptic fit: The wild fit you throw right after you walk through a spider web. Arachnoleptic fit is a made-up word. My mom sent it to me. It’s a useful made-up word though. I nearly wiped out once after biking through a spider web. I threw an arachnoleptic fit...
Tip of the Week #272: I Did Not Read the Terms of Service
If you are like me (and, I know I am) you likely do not read the terms of service. We are supposed to read the terms of service. We know we should. But, do we? Speaking for myself, I admit, I rarely read the terms of service. Lawyers write the terms. The documents...
Goals: Pick Something
Last year I wrote a book on goal setting. I am now in the process of editing that book. As I edit, I will post excerpts here on my blog. This is from chapter three: _______________________________________________________________________________________________...
Word of the Day #83: Saturnalian
Yesterday, I posted the word Saturnine, meaning gloomy. Oddly enough, today's word has the exact opposite meaning. Saturnalian: Riotously merry, overindulgent How did these two similar words end up with opposite definitions? Saturnine meaning gloomy, derives from...
Goals: Get Ready to Accomplish More
Last year I wrote a book on goal setting. I am now in the process of editing that book. As I edit, I will post excerpts here on my blog. This is from chapter three: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Get...
Word of the Day #82: Saturnine
Saturnine Gloomy, grave, scowling. In the Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian, Nikabrik refuses to join in the celebration. He stands off to the side with a sullen, saturnine look. From the Roman name for the god of time, Saturn. Yes, the planet is named after...
How To Stay Fit as You Age
I just turned 50 last month. My kids think I am old. I don't think I am old. Oh well. For some time, I have been fascinated by people who defy the odds. This morning, I realized I needed a place to collect the stories that inspire me. With that in mind, I am...
Goals: Post Them Where You Will See Them
Last year I wrote a book on goal setting. I am now in the process of editing that book. As I edit, I will post excerpts here on my blog. This is from chapter three:...
Word of the Day #81: Normandy
While in France, my students and I visited the Normandy beaches, site of the D-Day landings. We left Paris and crossed into Normandy not long after. Several students kept asking when we would reach Normandy. I realized they thought the beaches were Normandy. ...
Goals: Pick One
Last year I wrote a book on goal setting. I am now in the process of editing that book. As I edit, I will post excerpts here on my blog. This is from chapter three: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Pick...
Word of the Day #80: Rapport
Rapport A relationship of mutual trust and respect. A close and harmonious relationship in which people like, understand, and respect one another. English borrowed this word directly from French. But, in French, rapport is a report. I suppose this is because we...
How To Use This Site
I received this question: Can someone tell me what I am paying and to what we may have access? I signed up a while back and we never really figured it out… Here is my reply: I only charge per family… not per student, and not per class. A subscription grants access...
Goals: Speeding Things Up
Last year I wrote a book on goal setting. I am now in the process of editing that book. As I edit, I will post excerpts here on my blog. This is from chapter three: _______________________________________________________________________________________________...
Tip of the Week #271: How to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees while Traveling
If you're going to travel, try to avoid paying foreign transaction fees. These days, there are credit cards that will eat the fees for you. Years ago, while attempting to learn Greek, I moved my family to Greece for a while. Back then the Greeks liked cash. I had a...
Goals: The Power of Writing Your Goals Down
Last year I wrote a book on goal setting. I am now in the process of editing that book. As I edit, I will post excerpts here on my blog. This is from chapter three: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ The...
Word of the Day #79: Duplicate
The Latin verb “plicare” means “to fold.” From plicare, English derives many words. Words like replica, complicate, and duplicate. Duplicate: a copy, something additional of the same kind. She had a duplicate key made before leaving on vacation. Duplicate comes from...
Goals: Why You Must Write Them Down
A simple formula When you set goals write them down. This is critical. Many of us have vague goals we set every New Year's Eve. We call these goals New Year’s resolutions. We laugh a few weeks later because we have hit none of our resolutions. “Oh, well,” we...
Word of the Day #78: Replica
Replica A reproduction, a duplication, or an accurate copy of a work. A replica is often smaller than the original work. From Latin replicare, “to go over, to repeat.” The Latin prefix “re” means “again”. The Latin verb “plicare” means “to double up, to fold.”...
Goals: What if I Fail?
Last year I wrote a book on goal setting. I am now in the process of editing that book. As I edit, I will post excerpts here on my blog. This is from chapter two: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ ...
Word of the Day #76: Chyron
Chyron In my mind, at least, this word falls into the category of “Oh, I had no idea there was a word for that.” A Chyron is a set of graphics or words at the bottom of a television screen. A chyron may also be a caption. It may be fixed or in motion. Sometimes...
Tip of the Week #270: How To Stay Healthy As You Age
I recently turned fifty. Didn’t mean to. It just happened. If you are young and able (and I know many readers of this email are) I highly recommend you stay healthy. Make health a priority. Do whatever you have to do. It makes a difference as you age. Do not...
Word of the Day #75: Obviate
Obviate To make unnecessary, to do away with, remove, prevent, or eliminate Obviate comes from the Latin word obviare, meaning to act against, to act contrary. The Latin preposition ob, means to stand against, instead of. Via means road or way. To obviate then, is...
Goals: Where Do I Get Help?
Last year I wrote a book on goal setting. I am now in the process of editing that book. As I edit, I will post excerpts here on my blog. This is from chapter two: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ I need...