Happy Valentine's Month

Sent this to my sister for Valentine's Day:

For the scientist in your life:

Quotes of the Day

Just a few  collectables:

What is the virtue of reaching compromise with people who think two and two equal five, to make an agreement saying two plus two is four and a half?

                                                  -Daily Kos, Feb. 1, 2018

“When all you’ve ever known is privilege, equality feels like oppression.”

                                                 -Lawyers, Guns & Money, Feb 1, 2018

You don't get what you earn, you don't get what you deserve; you get what you get.
                                                       -S.B.

No good deed goes unpunished.
                                                       -Jan L's tombstone

What's yours?  Add to the list.

Finding the Right Words, Part 2

Speaking of the power of words, here's a few German words that may help describe your mood regarding the political scene, or just the way you normally would feel mid-winter:

1. Fernweh 
Fernweh, or "distance pain," is like the opposite of homesickness. It’s the feeling of wanting to be elsewhere, anywhere but where you are at this moment.

2. Weltschmerz

Weltschmerz translates literally to “world pain,” and boy oh boy, does that say it all. It’s the state of weariness one feels at the state of the world.

3. Kummerspeck

If your state of weltschmerz has been really getting to you, it’s possible you’ve put on a few extra pounds of kummerspeck, or literally, “grief bacon.”

 And several others..

To read the article, click on this link: https://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/7-german-words-perfectly-capture-feeling-living-trumps-america#.WnGoof9GAI8.email />

It's been theorized that the Navajo language is the one most useful in understanding quantum physics and the Grand Unified Theory; something about having so many tenses, especially future tenses.

It's difficult, if not impossible, to feel or understand an idea or emotion if there's no word for it.  In The Giver, Jonas has no word for the color red, and, consequentially, can't see the color red.

In 1984,  Newspeak inverts the English language and the Ministry of Truth "rectifies" history.  Today, we have the US Patriot Act, Homeland Security Act, Voter "Protection" laws, and so on.   We're in the middle of our own Newspeak transition from standard English, and both the language and the truth will suffer from it.

In the next life, I want to be a linguistic archeologist. Yes, that's a real thing.

Finding the Right Words

We've all had the experience of knowing something but being unable to find the exact words to describe our ideas.  This excerpt is from an article found on Hullabaloo by Tom Sullivan:

Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, the authors of “How Democracies Die,” examine just how fragile our is for the New York Times. Two norms undergird an American system that endured through crises for nearly two and a half centuries:

To function well, democratic constitutions must be reinforced by two basic norms, or unwritten rules. The first is mutual toleration, according to which politicians accept their opponents as legitimate. When mutual toleration exists, we recognize that our partisan rivals are loyal citizens who love our country just as we do.

The second norm is forbearance, or self-restraint in the exercise of power. Forbearance is the act of not exercising a legal right. In politics, it means not deploying one’s institutional prerogatives to the hilt, even if it’s legal to do so.

To read the entire article, click on this link and scroll down to the article titled Forbearance, or lack thereof dated 1/28/2018 06:00:00 AM: https://digbysblog.blogspot.com 

January Updates

January 17, 2018

Dear Fellow SPARTA members,

I have just returned from a meeting of the committee planning the WREA state convention to be held here in September, and I am just on a high with all the great plans! Be sure to mark your calendars for Sept. 24-26 and be ready to roll up your sleeves and join the fun!

We have also had some wonderful gifts recently. Ramona Weisbrod’s family donated her memorial money, $3500, to our scholarship fund! We are so thankful for this generous donation to a great cause! When Book World downtown closed on Friday, they gave us three big boxes of new books by local authors (some of them signed!) which will be a great addition to our April sale.

Lori Boushele, our program presenter last Monday, has sent a list of towns in the central region of the state where Volunteer Ombudsmen are needed. These include Waupaca, Clintonville, Weyauwega, Manawa, New London, and King in Waupaca County; Arpin and Wisconsin Rapids in Wood County; Tomahawk in Lincoln County; and Abbotsford in Marathon County. She writes, “If anyone is interested or knows of someone who has the heart to help residents at skilled nursing facilities, have them call or email me. Her number is 715 342 3086 and her email address is Lori.Boushele@wisconsin.gov.

Did you hear? Members present at our January meeting voted to meet at Park Ridge Family Restaurant (the former Blue Top) as we go forward. Their parking is ample, the restaurant is very handicapped accessible, the price is reasonable, and the menu is varied. They even have a flag and a sound system! Thanks to all who helped us in our exploration of sites. I hope to see you all there on Monday, March 12. Keep smiling-the days are getting longer!

Santha

Guests at the January Meeting:

Brittany Gagas, 2016-2017 Scholarship Winner

Jan Northcraft, speaking to us about subbing

Lori Boushele, State Aging and Long Term Care

Mary Mark, new member from Mid-State Technical College

Marshfield Lights

Pictured L to R:  Nancy M., Barb C., Sandy S., Santha B., Fran V., Jan L., Bonita P., and Eileen P.  Photo credit: Eileen P.

A "Mini-Social Experience" was enjoyed by these folks on Dec. 7, 2017.  Santha organized a car caravan to Marshfield.  We met for supper at the Blue Heron and then enjoyed the Christmas light display at the zoo.  A good way to spend a cold night.

Help Out the Children's Museum

From Nancy K:

SPARTA members,

I am attaching a list of materials the Central Wisconsin Children's Museum can use. Nancy M. gave Sandy W. the list from the Classroom Supply Closet and Sandy chose the items the Museum could use. Some are recycleable items you use everyday and others are new or items you may have at home.

Sandy and the Museum staff have been very helpful to SPARTA regarding our book sale. This is one way we can support them. I will bring a box to the Jan. 8th meeting as well as future meetings where you can drop off items if you wish. 

Thank you,

Nancy K.

See list in sidebar.