Episode 38 12/15/2022

“11 Simple Ways to Improve Your Memory”

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/11-simple-ways-to-improve-your-memory?utm_medium=email&utm_source=pocket_hits&utm_campaign=POCKET_HITS-EN-DAILY-RECS-2022_11_26&sponsored=0&position=3&scheduled_corpus_item_id=e40f7e37-4e1d-45d0-91c9-aef934d87a4e

#figure F-I-G-U-R-E

figure somebody/something out: to think about somebody/something until you understand them/it

1. I'm trying to figure out a way to make this work.
2. Scientists have yet to figure out why, but something about entering a new place seems to restart our memory.

#process P-R-O-C-E-S-S

​a series of things that are done in order to achieve a particular result

1. I'm afraid getting things changed will be a slow process.
2. Then when you need to remember something, clench your left hand (the process is reversed for lefties.) 

#alert A-L-E-R-T

able to think quickly; quick to notice things

1. Try to stay alert while driving at night.
2. Exercise increases alertness and oxygen supply to the brain, and may even increase cell growth in the parts of your brain responsible for memory.

#bombard B-O-M-B-A-R-D

to attack a place by firing large guns at it or dropping bombs on it continuously; to attack somebody with a lot of questions, criticisms, etc. or by giving them too much information

1. We have been bombarded with letters of complaint.
2. Your brain is bombarded with stimuli when you’re awake, and it uses the time you are asleep to process everything. 

#concentrate C-O-N-C-E-N-T-R-A-T-E

to give all your attention to something and not think about anything else

1. I struggled to concentrate on my job because I was worried about my son.
2. The act of chewing seems to keep people more focused and improve concentration.

Episode 37 12/12/2022

 The Horror of the Slaver Ant

#slave S-L-A-V-E

A person held in forced servitude or completely subservient to a dominating influence.

1. Slaves do the work, serving their new masters until they die, only to be replaced by new victims harvested in brutal raids.
2. Though slavery has been outlawed, stagnant income and rising living costs can still make people become de facto slaves.

#forfeit F-O-R-F-E-I-T

To lose or lose the right to especially by some error, offense, or crime.

1. A decent sized colony can forfeit thousands of pupae in a single raiding season and still survive.
2. Contact us immediately if you find any problems, as your right to a full refund will be forfeited 7 days after purchase.

#brainwash B-R-A-I-N-W-A-S-H

To make someone believe something by repeatedly telling them that it is true and preventing any other information from reaching them.

1. The young soldiers believed they were fighting for their country, but in fact they were brainwashed by the dictator to fight for his personal ambition.
2. No matter how the sales people try to brainwash you into buying, you should always do your own research.

#allegiance A-L-L-E-G-I-A-N-C-E

Devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause.

1. Subdued by the ant queen’s intense smells, the workers start grooming and feeding her, as though pledging allegiance to their new ruler.
2. Both candidates are working hard to convince voters to switch allegiances.

#demise D-E-M-I-S-E

Death; a loss of position or status.

1. The slaver ants continue to hunt for slaves as to stop raiding would be their demise.
2. Severe corruption and lack of self reflection led to the demise of the ruling party.

Episode 36 12/8/2022

“The Power Of Equanimity”

https://www.tenpercent.com/meditationweeklyblog/the-power-of-equanimity

#momentous M-O-M-E-N-T-O-U-S

of great importance or significance, especially in having a bearing on future events.

1. Even though all decisions could be momentous, impactful to the future, we should live in the present for mental health’s sake.
2. Who would have thought some nonchalant words would transpire a momentous event in the eyes of historians?

#equanimity E-Q-U-A-N-I-M-I-T-Y

calmness or composure, particularly in difficult times; a state of being in control of one’s emotion.

1. In an era where craziness seems to be the new norm, we should all learn to act in equanimity.
2. Equanimity is like a magnificent mountain within our minds, unwavering and undisturbed by all seasons.  

#engulf E-N-G-U-L-F

To surround or cover something completely.

1. The villagers escaped death from the fire only to see their houses engulfed in flames.
2. Like a tiny boat engulfed in floodwaters, the woman indulged her sanity easily carried away by unchecked anger,

#transmute T-R-A-N-S-M-U-T-E

To change something into something else completely different and usually better.

1. One of the most unfathomable myths in the medieval period is that lead could be transmuted into gold.
2. Fire has the power to engulf, destroy, and transmute substances.

#fixation F-I-X-A-T-I-O-N

the state of being unable to stop thinking about something or someone, or an unnaturally strong interest in something or someone.

1. Quitting or removal of fixation on concerns regarding unknownness in the future, is the beginning of mindfulness.
2. More than too many bad breakups ended up becoming fixation on old grudges.

Episode 35 12/5/2022

"The Biggest Wastes Of Time We Regret When We Get Older"

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/the-biggest-wastes-of-time-we-regret-when-we-get-older?utm_medium=email&utm_source=pocket_hits&utm_campaign=POCKET_HITS-EN-DAILY-SPONSORED&CALIBER-2022_11_19&sponsored=0&position=8&scheduled_corpus_item_id=51ba24f5-d5e3-40d1-bd3b-c4a47fbce394

#massive M-A-S-S-I-V-E

very large, heavy and solid; extremely large or serious

1. These farmers grow crops on a massive scale.
2. Fixing systematic time wasters will free up a massive amount of time and energy.

#timid T-I-M-I-D

shy and nervous; not brave

1. Deer are naturally timid creatures.
2. Being a quiet, timid person, I simply nodded, walked back to my desk and stared at that spreadsheet for like an hour, hoping to make some sense of it

#maintain M-A-I-N-TA-I-N

to make something continue at the same level, standard, etc.

1. The two countries have always maintained close relations.
2. Relationships require maintenance, but there's a difference between maintaining a good relationship and trying to force a bad one that doesn't make much sense to begin with.

#prolong P-R-O-L-O-N-G

to make something last longer

1. The operation could prolong his life by two or three years.
2. Trying to make unsuitable relationships work could cloud your judgment, prolong your unhappiness and distract you from things that matter to you most.

#dwell D-W-E-L-L

to live somewhere/ dwell on: to think or talk a lot about something, especially something it would be better to forget

1. He dwelt in a ruined cottage on the hillside.
2. Dwelling on your mistakes wastes your time, diminishes your confidence, and keeps you from getting on with your life.

Episode 34 12/1/2022

Reflecting upon war (2)…

#logistics L-O-G-I-S-T-I-C-S

The aspect of military science dealing with the procurement, maintenance, and transportation of military matériel, facilities, and personnel.

1. According to The Art of War by Sun Tzu, logistics should be planned before the main army marches.
2. Looking from the aspect of survival and endurance, ensuring smooth logistics is more important than destroying enemy targets.

#reconnaissance R-E-C-O-N-N-A-I-S-S-A-N-C-E

A preliminary survey to gain information, especially an exploratory military survey of enemy territory.

1. Thanks to satellite coverage and drone deployment, Ukraine’s reconnaissance on Russian movement has been very effective.
2. During the cold war, SR-71 blackbirds were used for aerial reconnaissance. Nowadays, that role has been taken by satellites and unmanned aircraft.

#casualty C-A-S-U-A-L-T-Y

A military person lost through death, wounds, injury, sickness, internment, or capture or through being missing in action.

1. In 1855 during the Crimean war, Nightingale discovered that rather than enemy fire, more than half of the casualties were caused by infection and illness.
2. As casualties continue to rise, more and more people start questioning the legitimacy of the war effort.

#retaliate R-E-T-A-L-I-A-T-E

To return like for like, especially to get revenge.

1. Retaliation underlies the “eye for an eye” principle in the Code of Hammurabi.
2. Without the option to severely retaliate against an offender, forgiveness is meaningless.

#escalate E-S-C-A-L-A-T-E

To increase in extent, volume, number, amount, intensity, or scope.

1. When a loop of retaliation runs out of control, even a minor conflict can escalate into total war.
2. Escalation of conflict is harmful to both sides. Therefore, even if the two states are at war, envoys are not to be killed.

Episode 33 11/28/2022

“The Guide to Getting Into Taiwanese Indie Music, the Eclectic Sounds of Mandopop”

https://www.vice.com/amp/en/article/jg8exy/guide-taiwanese-indie-music-mandopop-artists-songs

#no-frills    N-O-hyphen-F-R-I-L-L-S

Something, usually a product, that is basic and has no extra or unnecessary details.

1. No-frills airlines have taken up considerable market shares that caused a dent to traditional airlines’ complimentary supply and service.
2. Known for her minimalist style, the indie folk singer serenaded the audience in her no-frills voice and simple piano under the moonlight.

#astute    A-S-T-U-T-E

Capable of understanding and making the most out of a situation; perspicacious.

1. Danny is a born analyst and advisor; his astute grasp of the issue and sagacious judgment have won him the reputation.
2. All great writers are astute observers of human vicissitudes.

#eclectic    E-C-L-E-C-T-I-C

Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources; heterogeneous

1. Most MandoPop artists adopt an eclectic branding, inclusive of any style in vogue.
2. Mitchell refers to his genre-free reading choices as an eclectic taste in literature/non-literature.

#sonorous    S-O-N-O-R-O-U-S

Of a deep, pleasant sound; the use of imposing words.

1. The podcasters articulate every line in their show, but it all sounds artificially sonorous as in a radio play.
2. The vocalist/frontman of the band has an amazing voice; it is measured and serene, deep sonorous, but guttural at times.

#foray    F-O-R-A-Y

A short involvement in what is not the usual realm or expertise. Dabbling shortly.

1. Mitchell’s short foray in high school education has had a profound impact on his teaching philosophy ever since.
2. The rock singer’s foray in musicals was widely acclaimed, inspiring his following crossover works between the two genres.

Episode 32 11/24/2022

A Good Chess Cheater Might Never Be Caught

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2022/10/hans-niemann-chess-cheating-artificial-intelligence/671799/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=pocket_hits&utm_campaign=POCKET_HITS-EN-DAILY-RECS-2022_10_29&sponsored=0&position=7&scheduled_corpus_item_id=168d95bf-1599-46b1-b1a6-5e80b3e4954a

#necessary N-E-C-E-S-S-A-R-Y

that is needed for a purpose or a reason

1. If your cell phone doesn’t work, it may be necessary to buy a new one.
2. Sometimes a player will be in a position where a given move is clearly necessary to avoid losing.

#Calculate C-A-L-C-U-L-A-T-E

to use numbers to find out a total number, amount, distance, etc.

1. We haven’t really calculated the cost of the vacation yet.
2. Different engines prefer different moves, and the same program will change its suggestions depending on how many steps ahead you ask it to calculate.

#distinguish D-I-S-T-I-N-G-U-I-S-H

to recognize the difference between two people or things

1. At what age are children able to distinguish between right and wrong?
2. The site brings in human chess experts to do a move-by-move analysis to distinguish between reasonably good and impossibly good play. 

#boast B-O-A-S-T

to talk in a way that shows you are too proud of something that you have or can do

1. She is always boasting about how wonderful her children are.
2. The website’s “chief chess officer” boasted of having used a very large number of online games to design a sort of “DNA crime scene analysis for every chess player in the world.”

#approach A-P-P-R-O-A-C-H

a way of dealing with somebody/something; a way of doing or thinking about something such as a problem or a task

1. We need to adopt a new approach to the problem.
2. This approach has not turned up any evidence that the player cheated in over-the-board chess. 

Episode 31 11/21/2022

Reflecting upon war (1)…

#jeopardize J-E-O-P-A-R-D-I-Z-E

To expose to danger or risk; imperil.

1. The dictator’s personal ambition kept growing unchecked until his decision to invade a neighboring country jeopardized the entire nation’s future.
2. Advancing deep into hostile territory without proper logistics can jeopardize the survival of your entire crew.

#overwhelm O-V-E-R-W-H-E-L-M

To overcome by superior force or numbers; upset or overthrow.

1. The invading forces wanted to overwhelm their targets by numbers and quick action.
2. Overwhelmed by precision weaponry, the once hunters are now being hunted down.

#siege S-I-E-G-E

A military blockade of a city or fortified place to compel it to surrender

1. The siege of Mariupol, which caused the death of 25000 civilians and devastated 95% of the city, was described as apocalyptic by the Red Cross.
2. When a city is under siege, the inside wants to get out while the outside wants to break in.
3. 
   

#coerce C-O-E-R-C-E

To achieve by force or threat; to compel to an act or choice

1. From the fable of The North wind and the Sun, we learn that coercing a person with brute force is not a good idea.
2. A ruler who exercises too much coercion is called a tyrant.

#conquer C-O-N-Q-U-E-R

To gain or acquire by force of arms

1. Alexander the Great, though famous for accomplishing one of the greatest conquests, still left the world with empty hands.
2. The more land one conquers, the more innocent lives he takes during the process.

Episode 30 11/17/2022

“Two Ancient Arctic Cultures”

http://top.zhan.com/mob/toefl/listen/review-2427-13.html

#stylize  S-T-Y-L-I-Z-E

to design in or cause to conform to a particular way; as of representation or treatment in art; conventionalize.

1. These pirate comic characters are over-stylized and out of context to an extent that they appear uber cool for no reason.
2. This vintage scarf features a gold background, with large pale purple stylized flowers.

#engraving  E-N-G-R-A-V-I-N-G

To carve in an artistic way; a picture printed onto paper from a piece of wood or metal into which the design has been cut

1. Accessory engraving is one popular way people make their rings and necklaces authentic.
2. Deep remorse, like engravings, was inscribed on his mind, coming back and haunting.

#commonality  C-O-M-M-O-N-A-L-I-T-Y

the fact of sharing interests, experiences, or other characteristics with someone or something

1. One key to good communication is to seek commonality.
2. Among all hypotheses, commonalities do exist in the big picture.

#decorative   D-E-C-O-R-A-T-I-V-E

Made to look attractive, pleasant.

1. Ivory has historically been used in a variety of cultural economies, from musical instruments to decorative objects.
2. Practical arts should be both functional and decorative.

#utilitarian  U-T-I-L-I-T-A-R-I-A-N

Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive.

1. In Taiwan, a great number of people wishfully expect wealth to liberate them from all utilitarian concerns.
2. An utilitarianism believer seeks to maximize the outcome with minimized cost.

Episode 29 11/14/2022

“Twitter, cut in half”

https://www.platformer.news/p/twitter-cut-in-half?utm_medium=email&utm_source=pocket_hits&utm_campaign=POCKET_HITS-EN-DAILY-RECS-2022_11_05&sponsored=0&position=1&scheduled_corpus_item_id=004ed0df-3b48-403d-9717-704a42e2e098

#impact I-M-P-A-C-T

to have an effect on somebody/something

1. She has had a lasting impact on the lives of many of her students.
2. It is with regret that we write to inform you that your role at Twitter has been impacted.

#confirm C-O-N-F-I-R-M

​to state or show that something is definitely true or correct, especially by providing evidence

1. His guilty expression confirmed my suspicions.
2. An accompanying document would confirm the scope of the personnel cuts: about 50 percent, or well over 3,000 people.

#speculate S-P-E-C-U-L-A-T-E

to form an opinion about something without knowing all the details or facts

1. We all speculated about the reasons for her resignation.
2. Some workers have speculated that Musk intends to reduce the number of Twitter workers even further by using impossible return-to-office demands.

#reasonable R-E-A-S-O-N-A-B-L-E

fair, practical, and sensible

1. If companies expect work during personal time, it's only reasonable to allow personal time at work.
2. “That’s not a reasonable timeframe to move,” White said. “Twitter can force people back to the office — it just can’t do it in this timeframe.”

#exasperate E-X-A-S-P-E-R-A-T-E

to annoy somebody very much

1. She was clearly exasperated by all my questions.
2. By the end of the day, an exasperated Musk was left tweeting that he had no choice but to make these cuts.