Word Attack: Mastering the Meaning of New Words

Spilling out letters to form new words is what word attack distinguishes. Word attack, the aggregate of skills which aid an individual in utilizing any one technique or combination of techniques, will help in the recognition and master the meaning of new words as needed.

Word Attack

Sounding out letters
master phonics elements
to understand words.

© Kym Gordon Moore

When the use of dictionaries and Thesauruses increase the recognition, understanding, and awareness of words, this offers more room for decreasing illiteracy. This is the art of Word Attack!

Feasting on a Fresh Piece of Roadkill

While I was outside mowing the lawn last week I noticed a turkey vulture in front of our neighbor’s house ripping apart a fresh piece of roadkill, which I assumed to be the remains of one of our neighborhood squirrels.

As I watched that turkey vulture or as some folks call it, buzzard, who was obviously oblivious to my horrified staring, it continued feasting on its appetizing snack. Apparently, there was no shame in his game, and no doubt it was so brazen that when a car drove by, it didn’t fly away like most birds would. It just took its time and slowly sauntered over to the shoulder of the street without a flinch, as if it was giving a kind gesture to allow the cars to pass. Then it went back to eating.

In a twisted sort of way, I find these birds of prey repulsively fascinating even if their DNA leads them to feast on the dead. I suppose they are our unofficial roadkill busboys! 😀

Tongues of Thorns and Thistles

First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

We are fortunate to have the amendments to our constitution for the protection of our various rights in different sectors of our existence. While I believe in our amendments, I don’t believe in abusing those rights. Let me focus right now on our freedom of speech, press and peaceful assemblies to voice our grievances.

It saddens me to hear and read cruel and tasteless comments by people towards others who are different from them culturally, racially, politically, educationally, spiritually, or physically. Such blatant and non-compassionate speeches are nothing more than bullying, whether voiced orally or written. People affected by such cruelty feel a sense of humiliation and that is not morally acceptable. We must do better to bridle our tongue, and be sensitive to others as you would want them to be sensitive to you!

A little member that can boast great things
it can build up, strengthen and encourage
it can plant, heal and create peace

left unbridled, it causes much destruction
born of strife and deceit in the heart
abominable words as sharp as a sword

striking like a bitter arrow, kindling fires of malevolence
a voice of written words or uttered in harsh overtones
unlearned, untamable, spewing lies and division

of thorns and thistles, tormented by the flame of fire
cruel words like a millstone hanging around one’s neck
a brazen tongue launching words that can never come back.

© Kym Gordon Moore

Social platforms have in some ways morphed into a battleground of salacious, sordid, cruel, unfair, and uncalled-for namecalling and insults. Where has our sense of compassion and humanity gone when bullying becomes the new normal? I really don’t think this is what the author(s) of the First amendment intended when this clause was composed. Think twice before you speak once.

Honoring Our Fallen Soldiers on Memorial Day

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May. As we embrace the freedom to celebrate this holiday, attend parades, and gather for family cookouts lets take some time today to sincerely remember and pay tribute to our fallen soldiers and unsung military heroes.

#HappyMemorialDay

Memorial Day Coffee-Rubbed Burgers with Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce

Photo Credit: The Chunky Chef

Can you believe we are already kicking off our Memorial Day weekend celebration? My gosh, where did the time go so fast?

If you need a different and interesting recipe to wrap your taste buds around for this Memorial Day holiday cookout, then here is a surefire conversational piece to set your table with. Just imagine combining coffee, and Dr. Pepper into a big juicy Angus beef burger.

You’re probably scratching your head and saying huh? What a combination right? Yeah, I thought the same thing too until I came across this recipe by Amanda from the kitchen of The Chunky Chef.

Click here to get this recipe for juicy burgers seasoned with a spiced coffee rub paired with peppered bacon and homemade Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce. If you plan to delight your guests with this Coffee-Rubbed Burger with Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce, be careful because they may never leave! 😀

#HappyMemorialDay on #FoodPornFriday!

When Everything Seems to be Against You

Image source: odeoncafedc.com

When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. -Henry Ford

Today’s Inner Poet: Society of I

Hypnotized by a society of I

what I want, what I get, what I got, what I do

look at me, me one, it’s all about me

I love me and the status I possess

now, falling off a cliff of self-centeredness

self-indulgence, self-made, selfishness, self-exaltation

ending in a pit of I, here I am

alone, angered, in agony, and alienated

oh what, oh what shall I do?

© Kym Gordon Moore

Fashion Focus: Famous Signature Kicks by NBA Players

Well, we are in the final lap of the NBA playoffs to the Championship Finals. While the basketball court is not a catwalk there are some smooth designer kicks sporting the arena. The signature hot footwear trends in athletic fashion on the court has the sportswear industry all abuzz. We know that Michael Jordan became a household name behind his iconic brands and his world-famous Air Jordans.

Athletic companies are taking footnotes (no pun intended) from influencers who want to stay connected to their favorite athletes, by owning a piece of their signature brand. Here are some cool kicks from a few years ago I still like.

Clutchfit Drive – Stephen Curry

Image Source: Under Armour

LeBron James 12 – Signature of LeBron James

Image Credit: Nike

John Wall 1 -Signature of John Wall

Image Credit: Adidas

KD7 – Signature of Kevin Durant

Image Credit: Nike

Kobe 9 Elite – Signature of Kobe Bryant

Image Credit: Nike

M10 – Signature of Carmelo Anthony

Image Source: Jordan Brand

What are your favorite fashion kicks designed by your favorite NBA player or favorite sports brand?

Our Personal Change: Is it Authentic, Natural, Adapted or Distorted?

Change occurs every single day, whether we want it or are prepared for it. Are we really the well-oiled machine we think we are? At some point and time, perhaps by the news of someone’s sudden death, we hear the reverberating old adage, “Life is too short.” Sometimes when you take time to meditate and reflect on life, do you see things differently, feel a heightened awareness in your spirit about creation, and then wonder and ask yourself, “What’s really going on here?”

Whether or not we realize our apparent willingness to accept, adapt and normalize a life whose RPM’s are revved up like the engine of a race car, just because these are fast and abbreviated times we are living in, should we? Are we dummying down our human logic, deep learning, individuality and manual reasoning by turning over our humanness and humanity into the hands of artificial intelligence and a life of truncated virtual or augmented reality?

As we contemplate and take into account the facets of our lives and life that abounds around us, we must ask if our images of change fall in the natural order of things, or are we becoming like a text message, short and distorted reflections as seen in a funhouse or carnival mirror.

Beef, Ale and Parsnip Pudding is a Royal Treat

Image source: BBC Good Food

Searching for a delicious British dish, which is big on comfort, timeless and tasty? This recipe is an excellent complement to celebrate the royal wedding this weekend.

Why not try your hands at this Beef, Ale & Parsnip Pudding, by Silvana Franco from the kitchen of BBC GoodFood. If you never tried making this traditional steak and ale pie with suet pastry, then here is an idea for a delicious brunch, lunch or dinner gathering.

PREP: 20 MINS | COOK: 3 HRS, 30 MINS | Serves 4

Ingredients

1 large onion, chopped
100g smoked bacon lardons
2 tbsp olive oil
500g lean stewing beef, cubed
2 tbsp plain flour
3 parsnips, cubed
500ml brown ale
300ml beef stock
2 tbsp cranberry or redcurrant jelly
4 thyme sprigs
greens, to serve (optional)

For the suet pastry
butter, for greasing
300g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
2 tsp English mustard powder
140g shredded suet

For directions on how to marry these ingredients to make your perfect royal accompaniment, click here. Be sure to check out BBC Good Food for more fabulous recipes to satisfy your royal tastebuds. Good eating.

Happy #FoodPornFriday