Cruelty is the law pervading all nature and society; and we can’t get out of it if we would. Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)

denominate Definition: (verb) Assign a name or title to. Synonyms: designate Usage: The creature … even went to the trouble of teaching me the rudiments of what it was vain enough to denominate its language. Discuss.

Woodlawn Cemetery Veteran’s Day Ceremony With State Senator Jamaal Bailey, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Councilman Andrew Cohen By Robert Press To honor the many veteran’s buried at Woodlawn Cemetery there is an annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony that dates back to […]

Juana Inés de la Cruz (1651?) Today considered one of the greatest lyric poets of colonial Mexico, Sor Juana abandoned her life as a favorite at the viceroy’s court to join a convent at the age of 16. There, she immersed herself in learning. Criticized by her superiors, she penned a passionate defense of women’s education that became a classic. Despite having earned wide acclaim as a poet, she ceased writing publicly under pressure from church officials. Devoted to spirituality in her final years, she died doing what? More…

Breed is stronger than pasture. George Eliot (1819-1880)

uncorroborated Definition: (adjective) Unsupported by other evidence. Synonyms: unsubstantiated Usage: Reports of a tornado are uncorroborated at this time, but residents have begun seeking shelter anyway. Discuss.

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (1922) An influential American writer, Vonnegut used wry, black humor to highlight the horrors of 20th-century civilization. His novels, which include Breakfast of Champions and Player Piano, are frequently satirical and pessimistic, yet morally urgent. The best-selling Slaughterhouse-Five was based on Vonnegut’s experience of surviving the firebombing of Dresden. Which of Vonnegut’s novels was accepted by the University of Chicago as his thesis for an anthropology degree? More…

But curb thou the high spirit in thy breast, for gentle ways are best, and keep aloof from sharp contentions. Homer (900 BC-800 BC)

otiose Definition: (adjective) Serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being. Synonyms: superfluous, wasted, pointless, senseless Usage: More than half of his acceptance speech was otiose nonsense, and the rest was just a rehash of his campaign promises. Discuss.

Fraud is a serious concern all year long, especially during the holidays. As we approach the holiday season, Ridgewood Savings Bank wants consumers to know how to spot a scam. It’s published a series of videos on its website (https://www.ridgewoodbank.com/home/contact-us/security). […]

Friday was the Ribbon Cutting for the new Kossuth  Playground located on Mosholu Parkway North at Kossuth Avenue. Councilman and newly elected State Supreme Court Justice Andrew Cohen, NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver, Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez, Bronx Borough […]

Vachel Lindsay (1879) Lindsay was an American poet who, in an attempt to revive poetry as an oral art form of the common people, traveled the country reciting his poems in return for food and shelter. He first received wider recognition for 1913’s “General William Booth Enters into Heaven,” about the founder of the Salvation Army. His works are known for their strong, musical rhythms and vivid imagery. Despite his popularity, he was crushed by personal and financial worries and committed suicide by drinking what? More…

The remedy is worse than the disease. Francis Bacon (1561-1626)

staunch Definition: (adjective) Firm and dependable, especially in loyalty. Synonyms: steadfast, unswerving Usage: John is a staunch supporter of free speech, but it nonetheless pains him when hate groups abuse the privilege. Discuss.