Thursday, December 19, 2024

Have you joined the "Skeleton Crew"?

 Crew view

I’ve been watching the new Star Wars series, Skeleton Crew, with my son. Pretty enjoyable for a “kids” show. (“Andor” remains the best of these, in my opinion.) 

“Crew” is yet another iteration on the “Lost in Space” theme: kids and a robot (droid) with an adult troublemaker. Fun.

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Do you know a CAUDILLO?

CAUDILLO = a Spanish or Latin American dictator

A caudillo is a type of personalist leader wielding military and political power. There is no precise English translation for the term, though it is often used interchangeably with "military dictator," "warlord" and "strongman". --Wikipedia

"During the turbulent years following the nation's independence, the region fell under the control of a powerful caudillo who consolidated authority through military force and charismatic leadership. While his supporters praised him as a defender of the people and a unifying figure, critics argued that his authoritarian rule stifled democratic progress and concentrated power in the hands of a single individual. The legacy of his reign left a deep imprint on the country’s political culture, shaping its struggles with centralized authority for decades to come." --Chat GPT 

Borrowed from Spanish, "leader, chief" (medieval Spanish cabdiello), going back to Vulgar Latin *capitellus "leader." 

Coffee Shop Thoughts

What’s up? I’m in a coffee shop, alone, drinking coffee, eating a blueberry muffin, and listening to jazz. (No, I’m not a character in a Murakami novel.) I’m in a “be here now” frame of mind. Live in the moment. Maybe that’s how we’ll get through the next few years. Be here now.

#randomthoughts

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

The Red Sea?

Just wrote a book review of Bleeding Sea, an excellent eco-thriller about an invasive species of algae that turns the ocean red and kills fish and humans alike. 

Catastrophe porn appeals to me right now.

Welcome to the KAKISTOCRACY!

KAKISTOCRACY = government by the least suitable or competent citizens of a state

 "Living in a kakistocracy is like being on a plane where the pilot insists that 'wings are overrated' and the co-pilot is busy googling 'how to fly.' Every decision feels like it was made by a committee of raccoons who stumbled upon the control room and thought, 'Let's press ALL the buttons!' It’s a special kind of government where competence is a liability, and the only job requirement is that you have no idea what you’re doing—but you’re incredibly confident about it." --Chat GPT

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Feeling a bit UNKED, are you?

UNKED (adj) =  strange, weird, or uncanny

British English, pronounced: un-ked. 

"As the sun set behind the hills, the small cottage at the edge of the forest took on an unked appearance, its windows dark and uninviting. The wind whispered through the trees, creating an eerie symphony that added to the sense of unease. Alone in the gathering twilight, Sarah felt a chill run down her spine, the unked atmosphere making her quicken her pace towards home."
--Chat GPT

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Would YOU want a lazaretto-themed man cave?

 LAZARETTO (n) = an institution (such as a hospital) for those with contagious diseases

"After a week of binge-watching old pirate movies, Tim's imagination sailed away with the idea of converting his basement into a lazaretto-themed man cave. Complete with fake portholes, rum barrels, and a "Quarantine Zone" sign, his friends joked that anyone entering would need more than just a shot of grog to survive the evening unscathed." --Chat GPT