Just a Reminder

I haven't had the time to write much here (or anywhere else, for that matter) these last few weeks (good thing I had some posts saved for a time like this), but I just wanted to remind you that it's just over a month left before NaNo '10 starts. It's time to come up with a story! If you don't know what NaNo is, check this out: NaNoWriMo.

I'll write more about NaNo another time. For now, your assignment is simply to spawn ideas that can turn into 50 000 words. Good luck!

Word of the Week #8

Fastidious (adjective)
Dates back to the 15th century. It refers to someone who is very caring about details and critical in judging others. Someone with high standards, who is difficult to please and sensitive when it comes to keeping things tidy and clean. This week my example won't be my own, but taken from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (said by Mr. Bingley): "Good God, Darcy. I wouldn't be as fastidious as you are for a kingdom!"

Sources:

Word of the Week #7

Moribund (adjective)
Originates in the 1700's. It means that something is on the verge of death, about to die. It can also, though similar, relate to something that is becoming extinct or is no longer developing. Additionally, it means something that is no longer effective and will be out of use. E.g. "I walked through the moribund city, marvelling at the despicable standard of the few people still remaining."

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

This is, in my opinion, one of the greatest novels in the world - yet very few seem to know about it. This story of the disturbing use of a child in an attempt to eradicate an entire species is Card's best work (and it is not without competition - let's not forget Songmaster or Treasure Box, and I have yet to read the Alvin Maker books).

The novel takes place in a future where Earth has been attacked twice by the Buggers, insect-like extraterrestrials with technology far more advanced than that of mankind. In order to prepare for a third attack, promising children are taken to the Battle School where they learn all about tactics and warfare. Ender is the most gifted student, rising far above all others his age, but he is troubled and has gone through a great deal at an early age.

Word of the Week #6

Topsy-turvy (adjective)
Dates back to the 1520's, meaning upside-down (specifically, with the top facing down), in reverse. Also, it can mean confusion or in disorder. E.g. "The breeze turned all the papers on my desk topsy-turvy."

Sources:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/topsy+turvy
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topsy%20turvy
http://www.answers.com/topic/topsy-turvy
http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/topsy-turvy

Article, Essay, Research Paper... What's the Difference?

My intention was to write a post describing the structure of articles, essays and research papers, and how these differed. However, I haven't been able to find any information on the matter. I do not know why some papers published in high-ranked periodicals are considered to be academic essays and others to be articles. By my understanding it has to do with the structure - essays don't require e.g. a section on methodology. Instead of outlining the essay and article structures, I will give you what I hope is the next best thing: a brief (because I didn't find much information) comparison between the two, and an outline of the general structure of a research paper.

Word of the Week #5

Heft (noun)
Originates from the 15th century. Meaning: weight, heaviness, bulk. It can also mean significance or importance. E.g. "The man dragged his heft, bumping into every single passerby as they tried to walk by."