Month: June 2007

There is an improperly used word in the well-written and awfully interesting article about chilis at Yale University.

“But trade in spices did not wet the North American palate for hot chili peppers.”

The author obviously meant, “whet the North American palate” – as in, sharpen it. Introducing liquid to a palate [“wetting it”] won’t create a further desire in that palate for a certain food taste.

According to the article, chilis were disseminated from South America and made their way from there around the world to Asia, India and other countries. The capsaicin chilis contain is excellent for treating a variety of physical ills such as swollen feet and varicose veins, and it also creates a sense of well-being in those whom eat it. read more

I feel this is sort of a sad story.

Mr. Stephen Henry was suspended from teaching when he approached one of his middle school students recently and explained to her that the word she was using to describe something she didn’t like to a classmate – “gay” – is just as offensive to some people as the word “nigger” is to Black people.

365gay.com reports, “The student’s mother said she believed Henry was not intending to insult the girl but middle school students are too young for such a discussion.” read more