James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, and Donald J. Trump share the same spot at the very bottom of presidential rankings. Mount Rushmore, this is not. IYKYK.

Today’s book recommendation: Inconspicuous Consumption: The Environmental Impact You Don’t Know You Have by Tatiana Schlossberg — a sharp, eye-opening read that reveals how our everyday choices quietly shape the planet, often in ways we never see coming.

Word of the Day: "Dee-BUNK" Debunk (verb) means taking a confident little lie out for a walk and immediately tripping it with facts. It’s when a belief says, “Trust me,” and evidence says, “Absolutely not.”

Hero of the day: Ahmed El Ahmed.

This week’s book recommendation: Bread of Angels by Patti Smith—mourning, memory, and the slow ache of being alive.

Word of the Day: "Ra-tuh-fai" To ratify (verb) is to say, “Yes, we’re doing this,” in a serious voice, with paperwork, signatures, and at least one person who definitely didn’t read the whole thing. 🐀📜

The Third Gilmore Girl is Kelly Bishop’s witty dive into six decades of showbiz, from A Chorus Line to Dirty Dancing to ruling as Emily Gilmore, serving stories, lessons, and backstage tea with her signature charm.

Word of the day: "Mul-tuh-FAIR-ee-us." If something is multifarious (adjective), it basically has more variety than a buffet at 2 a.m. It’s a formal way of saying “wow, that’s a lot of different stuff.”

Word of the Day: "In-SYE-siv" Incisive (adjective) means impressively direct and decisive. Basically, it’s what you wish people would be when you ask a simple question instead of giving you a TED Talk.

Word of the Day: "SANG-gwin" Sanguine (adjective) is a fancy word that usually describes someone who’s weirdly confident and hopeful, even when everything is on fire.

Word of the Day: "MAH-luh-fye" To mollify (verb) someone is essentially to calm them down before they start to lose their temper. It can also mean “to reduce the intensity,” such as turning your emotional volume from screaming to a whisper.

Word of the Day: "Tuh-MAIR-uh-tee" Temerity (noun) is when you’re confident and unafraid of danger or punishment—basically bravado with no survival instincts. It can also refer to a bold, reckless act, like saying “I’ll be fine” and immediately proving you won’t.

Word of the Day: "seh-ruhn-di-puh-tee." Serendipity (noun) refers to the kind of luck in which valuable or pleasant things are found without being intentionally sought.

Word of the Day: "KOOM-bye-YAH" Kumbaya (noun) refers to an idealistic worldview centered on peace and harmony, often implying a naïve belief that such harmony is easy to achieve.

Words of the Week: Banished Evacuate Gerrymandering Collision Helpline Sheeple Truce

8 Best Albums of 2025. 8. I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away by Hayden Pedigo 7. Burnover by Greg Freeman 6. Trying Not to Have a Thought by Algernon Cadwallader 5. Caroline 2 by Caroline 4. Tether by Annahstasia 3. Luster by Maria Somerville 2. Bleeds by Wednesday 1. Getting Killed by Geese

Word of the Day: "Uh-fi-shuh-naa-dow" Aficionado (noun): a person who has a passionate and consistent interest in something.

Word of the Day: "Aa-duh-see" **Odyssey (noun):** A long journey filled with adventures. It refers to a series of experiences that provide knowledge or understanding. An odyssey can be any lengthy and complex journey, often aimed at achieving a particular goal.

The Word of the Day is "Snaak" Snark (noun) is a fun, informal word that describes a playful attitude or expression filled with mockery and sarcasm. It can also refer to a fictional creature, often mentioned when talking about a task or goal that seems tricky or nearly impossible to reach.

Word of the Day: "Suhn-ti-luh" **Scintilla (noun)**: A tiny spark or trace of a particular quality or feeling, like a little flicker of joy or inspiration that lights up your day!

Word of the Day: "Di-kr" Dicker (verb) refers to the art of negotiating or debating the terms of a purchase, agreement, or contract, engaging in a lively exchange to secure the best possible deal.

Word of the Day: "Suhn-kist" Sunkissed (adjective) is all about that lovely glow you get when your skin or a place has been warmed by the sun. It brings a sense of warmth and energy, giving off a vibe of natural beauty that feels both healthy and inviting.

Word of the Day: "Hoo-pluh" Hoopla (noun): Unneeded excitement around something. It refers to noisy activity or commotion, often associated with celebrations.

Word of the Day: "LINCH-pin" A linchpin (noun) is someone or something significant to the success of a team or organization. They’re the ones who hold everything together!

Word of the Day: "Vek-suh-LAH-luh-jee" Vexillology (noun) is the study of flags. We are drawn to flags for their powerful symbolism. Flags represent history, values, and the sacrifices made in its name, fostering a sense of unity and shared identity.

Word of the Day: "Tahm-FOO-luh-ree" Tomfoolery (noun) captures the essence of playful silliness, where foolish behavior takes center stage, often infused with humor and lightheartedness. It embodies the spirit of jovial antics that delight and amuse.

Word of the Day: "SKUTT-ul-butt" Scuttlebutt (noun) denotes the intriguing world of gossip, whispers, and rumors transmitted from one person to another, painting a vivid picture of the stories we share and the secrets we pass along.

Word of the Day: "Ap-uh-LOH-jee-uh" An apologia (noun) is a formal and eloquent defense of one’s opinions, positions, or actions. It serves to clarify and justify the choices made, portraying them in a thoughtful and persuasive light.

Word of the Day: "JET-uh-sun" Jettison (verb) refers to the act of discarding something that no longer serves a purpose or weighs you down. It is the strategic decision to let go of unnecessary burdens, paving the way for progress and freedom.

Word of the Day: "muh·li·floo·uhs" Mellifluous (adjective) means having a smooth, flowing sound that is pleasing to the ear.

Novelists, poets, screenwriters, playwrights, songwriters, and journalists should stick together.😭

Everybody’s Sayin……🤣💙

Word of the Day: "mer-KYUR-ee-ul" Mercurial (adjective) is used to describe someone whose mood changes quickly and unpredictably. It can also describe something that changes frequently, such as weather, or something that is lively and quick, such as someone’s wit.

Novelists, poets, screenwriters, playwrights, songwriters, and journalists should stick together.😭

Word of the Day: "Ah-puh-RAH-chik" Apparatchik is used disapprovingly to refer to a blindly devoted official, follower, or member of an organization, such as a corporation or political party.

Word of the Day: "Uhk-siz-muhs" Accismus is a rhetorical device where someone pretends to be uninterested in something they desire.

Word of the Day: "Fass-TID-ee-us" Fastidious (adjective) means giving too much attention to small details and wanting everything to be correct and perfect.

Word of the Day: Effusive

Word of the Day: Penchant

Word of the Day: Elucidate

Word of the Day: Flippant

Word of the Day: Hobbit

Word of the Day: Garble

Word of the Day: De Rigueur

Word of the Day: Permeate

Word of the Day: Vernal

Word of the Day: Juggernaut

Word of the Day: Admonish

Word of the Day: Rife

Word of the Day: Wend