Posted on 12/05/2001 5:28:49 AM PST by Hegewisch Dupa
Best thing about substitute teaching WFTD? I was finally shamed into making a FR donation. Sure didn't seem right to ask for others to make a trip to the donation page if I didn't myself. For once, I have my priorities in order. Those who wish to send check or money order can do so at:
FreeRepublic, LLC
PO BOX 9771
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And now for something completely different…
Or mildly different. No offense to the tantalizing and talented teach, Rika, but there will be a few changes here today. Not because she does things poorly, or even that things need improvements. It's just that if Nolan Ryan hands off the ball, well you can't automatically expect the relief pitcher to constantly throw 98 mph heat. You gotta go with your talents, and this junk-baller ain't able to pull off the same game. But the idea is still the same - get guys out. Or learn new words. The method will just slightly change.
First of all, we will have three words for the day. People will get more vocabulary exposure, and you need not use them all. Read them over, and pick one you like. If you are inspired to use more than one, hey - knock yourself out.
Grading will change. No letter grades. We'll use a 0-100 system. I'm a stats guy - I likem numbers. Plus it creates a more competitive system - more variety. More wriggle room as well, at which many of you seem to excel.
Finally, and this is more my laziness than anything else, there is no pronunciation guide or etymology. I found plenty of sites that offered obscure words along with pronunciation and etymology, but I didn't like those words. Listen - all the words today sound pretty much they way they read. And the etymology is probably freakin' Latin, unless it's Old English, or Basque or Ubbie-Dubbie. Learning three new words makes up for not having the whole Oxford English Dictionary entry on one. I'm sorry if any of you are William F. Buckley and offended at this.
Oh jeez, how rude of me - just in case a first timer has wandered in, let me post what this is all about, courtesy of Ms. Rika (who normally runs this class and you would certainly like so don't not come back just cuz of me):
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". Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the "word of the day"; in a sentence. The sentence must, in some way, relate to the news of the day. The Review threads are linked for your edification. ;-) Practice makes perfect.....post on....
Today's words are all from various manly endeavors, starting with the wonderful world of beer:
mash
verb : The process by which crushed malts and other grains are placed into a vessel and steeped at various temperatures in order to convert the starches in the grains into sugars.
noun: Term also used for the mass of grain and water as it steeps. ("Steeps" kinda means to mix and soak together)
Mashing is the process a brewer uses to convert the starches in grains into fermentable and unfermentable sugars. This is done with the help of enzymes which are already present in the grains themselves. There are different enzymes which are activated at different temperatures, and which in turn have a different effect on the final product. The job of the all-grain brewer is to decide which enzymes should be activated for the specific type of beer being made, then to step the mash through a series of 1 or more timed temperature rests in order to activate in turn the desired enzymes, thus yeilding the desired effect on the final wort produced.
It is very important to note that there isn't a single mashing process, as such. There are actually a number of different methods used by homebrewers and commercial breweries alike to convert their starches into sugars. The various mashing processes can be broken down into 2 main categories :
infusion mashing
decoction mashing
Both methods begin with a pre-measured amount of grain being infused with a specific volume of strike water at a pre-determined temperature. After this initial infusion of strike water, depending upon the enzymes that are to be activated, the mash is stepped through its series of temperature rests. It is the method used to reach these rests which distinguishes the mashing methods.
The world of sport brings us (also a good word for its toilet humor sound, another manly aspect - juvenile behavior):
fartlek
noun : a training technique, used esp. among runners, consisting of bursts of intense effort loosely alternating with less strenuous activity.
And finally, a military term:
tampion
noun : a plug or stopper placed in the muzzle of a piece of ordnance when not in use, to keep out dampness and dust.
Check this out: Another set of FReepers getting married here
morning, Gabz!
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