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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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: _______________________________________________________________________________________________...

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...