Stolid

Pronunciation: \ˈstä-ləd\

Definition:  having or expressing little or no sensibility

Etymology: Latin stolidus dull, stupid

First Known Use: circa 1600

In Doc by Marie Daria Russell, a Dutch priest is described as stolid. Not a compliment, I would say.

I found it used again in a cute little poem titled The Adventures of two Dutch Dolls and a "Golliwogg", by Florence K. Upton. Here is an excerpt with the usage:

Said Peggy--"After work so hard,

I think a rest we need;
Let's take a ride
Seated astride
Upon this gentle steed."
 Then simple Sarah Jane climbed up
Upon his wooden back;
With tim'rous heart
She felt him start
Upon the open track.

Ere long they knew that hidden there,
Beneath a stolid mien,
Dwelt a fierce will.
They could not still
They rode as if by steam!

Rapacity

Pronunciation: \rə-ˈpa-sə-tē\

Definition: excessively grasping or covetous

Etymology: Latin rapac-, rapax, from rapere to seize


First Known Use: 1651

I read this sentence, "The rapacity and corruption of Indian Agents." in the novel Doc by Marie Doria Russell, page 82. I had never heard heard this word before and now I have added a new item to my vocabulary!

Haiku in NYC!

Finally, haiku goes mainstream!

"Curbside Haiku,” a DOT safety education and public art campaign launched in November 2011, is a set of twelve bright, eye-catching designs by artist John Morse that mimic the style of traditional street safety signs. Each sign is accompanied by a haiku poem. The “Curbside Haiku” installation can be seen citywide on 144 signs to promote road safety. Each design and haiku delivers a safety message by focusing on a transportation mode.

Placed near eye level in high-crash locations near cultural institutions and schools, the colorful signs draw attention to the critical importance of shared responsibility among pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists in keeping New York City’s streets safe.