Daily Word – 1 Mar 2008

precipice PRES-uh-pis, noun:
1. A very steep, perpendicular, or overhanging place; a cliff.
2. The brink of a hazardous situation.

Example:
Michael glanced over the precipice and couldn’t help remembering the day his brother fell to his death.

Story Fragment

“Yes, I’m fine,” Sam replied. She took the glass of champagne that was offered and sipped it slowly.

She tried to remember the last time Roger had ever bought her champagne. Usually, he just took her out to bars like she was a prize. Sam secretly enjoyed when other guys bought her a drink in front of Roger. The only problem with Roger was that if he was already drunk he would pick a fight, and then she’d have to clean him up afterwards.

“Sam?” David’s voice broke into her thoughts again.

“What? Sorry.”

“I asked if you’d like some more champagne.” Samantha glanced at her glass. Had she really downed it that fast?

“I would love some, thank you.” Just then she heard a key in the door and it opened to reveal a stumbling Roger. Sam took one look at him and sighed. It was going to be a long night.

“Who th-the hell ar-e you?” Roger slurred looking at David. He didn’t even acknowledge Samantha’s presence.

“The name’s David,” he said, holding out his hand. Roger ignored the friendly gesture and stumbled forward, falling into the room.

“David, thanks for the champagne,” Sam said, “but I really think you should go. As you can see I have issues I need to deal with here.”

“Does he do this a lot, Sam?” David questioned without moving.

“Unfortunately,” she sighed. David walked over and picked Roger up off the floor. Roger tried to punch David, but missed by a long shot.

“Wh-at are you do-ing wi-ith my fian-cée?” Without saying a word, David dragged Roger over to the empty bed and sat him down.

“David, you really don’t have…” Sam started.

“Yes, I do. Sam, why do you let this man treat you like this? No woman deserves to be a baby-sitter to her fiancé.” She knew that David was right. Sam glanced at Roger and noticed he’d already passed out.

“Will you help me turn him on his side?” When that was done, Sam grasped her engagement ring and slid it off. She placed it on the night table without a word.

“Would you like to go downstairs and have some dinner, Samantha?”

Daily Word – 29 Feb 2008

nettlesome NET-l-suhm, adjective:
Causing irritation, vexation, or distress.

Example:
I can’t believe those children are so nettlesome.

American Idol – Girls

I was highly unsatisfied with the girls last night. I was especially aghast with Asia’h Epperson’s performance since she was one of the best last week. Her rendition of “All By Myself” had me cringing last night.

The one that really impressed me this week was Carly Smithson. I was not fond of her after last week’s performance, but now that I’ve seen her without the flu…damn! She has got awesome vocal ability and I honestly believe she’ll make it to the top 5 in the competition.

I guess I’ll just have to wait and see who is sent home tonight. Maybe the remaining singers will do better once they get out of the 70’s. Here’s hoping that they are more awe-inspiring next week.

Daily Word – 28 Feb 2008

expunge ik-SPUNJ, transitive verb:
1. To strike out, erase, or mark for deletion; to obliterate; as, “to expunge words, lines, or sentences.”
2. To wipe out or destroy; to annihilate.

Example:
The jury was ordered to expunge the last two pieces of evidence.

American Idol – Guys

I was sorely disappointed by the guys performances this week. The two men I was so impressed with last week were not what I had hoped last night. I hate to admit it, but only the last two performances of the night held my attention.

David Cook was second to last in the lineup last night. His choice of song was great for his vocals. I was also really impressed with his guitar playing as well. He certainly knows how to rock a performance and have fun at the same time.

The last person to perform last night was David Archuleta. I was skeptical when I first heard he was taking on a John Lennon song, but I was amazed. His performance had my jaw dropping. At seventeen years old, he definitely has what it takes to make it far not only in this competition, but in the music world as well.

Daily Word – 27 Feb 2008

laudable LAW-duh-bul, adjective:
Worthy of praise; commendable.

Example:
The firefighter’s actions during the blaze were extremely laudable.

Katie MacAlister – Romance Author

I’ve been a bibliophile my entire life and as such I am at times enthralled when I discover an author I love. Katie MacAlister is one such author. One day while I was perusing the Romance section at Borders I came across her book titled The Corset Diaries.

Katie’s fun style of writing along with her character’s imperfections make her novels a refreshing escape. She uses wit and humor to draw readers in. Her Dark Ones (i.e. Vampire) series is a new take on old legends. Katie doesn’t stop there however, she also has a series on dragons (and they blend in nicely to human society).

You Slay Me (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Book 1) is a thrill ride through Paris. While there to deliver a medieval artifact, Aisling Grey meets Drake, wyvern (leader) of the Green Dragon sept and inadvertently summons a demon (in the form of a Newfoundland dog) named Jim. It’s a witty and humorous romance that will have you laughing out loud.

If you’re a lover of fantasy and romance, Katie’s novels combine the two in fantastic new ways. I have received many weird looks while reading her novels in public because I’ve laughed out loud at the whimsicality of her main characters.