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Word for the Day, Wednesday July 4, 2012
7/4/2012 | The Patriotic Slacker

Posted on 07/04/2012 11:49:44 AM PDT by VRWCmember


In order that we might all raise the level of discourse and expand our language abilities, here is the daily post of "Word for the Day".

pyrotechnics [pye-ruh-TEK-niks] noun, plural

1. the art of making or the manufacture and use of fireworks
2. a display of fireworks .
3. a spectacular display (as of extreme virtuosity)

Did you know?
The use of military fireworks in elaborate celebrations of war and peace is an ancient Chinese custom, but our term for the making and launching of fireworks is a product of the 17th and 18th centuries. "Pyrotechnics" and the earlier adjective "pyrotechnic" derive via French from the Greek nouns "pyr" ("fire") and "techne" ("art"). In "pyr" one can see such fiery relatives as "pyromania," the term for an irresistible impulse to start fires, as well as "pyrite," the mineral also known as fool's gold, which once referred to a stone used for striking fire. Like "fireworks," "pyrotechnics" also has an extended figurative usage, referring to any kind of dazzling display or performance.


TOPICS: Word For The Day
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Did everybody think it was a holiday today or something?

While waiting for tonight's pyrotechnics, I thought I would keep you abreast of some of the latest interesting news stories.

Breast Milk Prevents Transmission of HIV in Children, Study Says

'Buxom Bandit,' Curvaceous Thief, Robs Gas Station at Knifepoint ...

1 posted on 07/04/2012 11:49:47 AM PDT by VRWCmember
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To: Fierce Allegiance; Jack Deth; K4Harty; miskie; Dutchgirl; cardinal4; MoochPooch; NeoCaveman; ...

Where is everybody?


2 posted on 07/04/2012 11:50:54 AM PDT by VRWCmember
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To: Fierce Allegiance; Jack Deth; K4Harty; miskie; Dutchgirl; cardinal4; MoochPooch; NeoCaveman; ...

Where is everybody?


3 posted on 07/04/2012 11:51:06 AM PDT by VRWCmember
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To: VRWCmember

Happy Independence Day, V .... trying to stay cool here!

From the second story-
“She busted into the gas station”

(Uhh, no kidding ;)


4 posted on 07/04/2012 12:51:33 PM PDT by mikrofon (Pleasant Pyrotechnics Tonite)
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To: VRWCmember
Present! Just talking about the resident makes my brain go into pyrotechnics.
How have you been?
5 posted on 07/04/2012 4:41:56 PM PDT by secret garden (Why procrastinate when you can perendinate?)
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To: VRWCmember

Happy 4th vast! We had a bday party today for my baby who’s turning 18 on Sunday. It was a surprise and a great success. Great day but I’m exhausted and I need to go to work tomorrow.


6 posted on 07/04/2012 4:43:00 PM PDT by xsmommy
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To: xsmommy

Happy Birthday xsbaby! Time flies!


7 posted on 07/04/2012 4:47:54 PM PDT by secret garden (Why procrastinate when you can perendinate?)
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To: secret garden

mindboggling to me that she is going to be 18 yo. According to our niece Megan, xsbaby will always be 11 yo and xsboy 14 yo. Since she and xsteen are both 3 years older than xsboy, i guess she wants to always be 17!


8 posted on 07/04/2012 5:40:21 PM PDT by xsmommy
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To: xsmommy

Seventeen was a good year for me. I got my license, graduated from HS and moved to Texas and started college.


9 posted on 07/04/2012 8:19:01 PM PDT by secret garden (Why procrastinate when you can perendinate?)
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To: VRWCmember

Woke up this holiday morning to find our cars had been egged last night. Got up and started ramming and never stopped. Was out walking tonight and remembered class. Some sub I am. Welcome back, Vast. Missed you lots.


10 posted on 07/04/2012 8:21:00 PM PDT by tioga ( ABO: Anybody. But. Obama. Coming in November, 2012.)
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