An apologue is a short story with animals or objects that have human motives, actions, and words, intended to convey a moral. It is an ancient form of storytelling found in cultures worldwide. Aesop was a famous fabulist who used fables to comment on the powerful and wealthy. Later writers expanded on Aesop’s works, and […]
Atonic bladder is a condition where the bladder is dilated but does not empty properly due to an obstruction or disturbance to the organ’s natural innervation. It can cause pain and discomfort and is commonly seen in neurological disorders. Treatment options include catheterization, applying pressure to the bladder, and surgery. Scientists are researching other treatments […]
Commodity notes use commodities as collateral for loans, without the lender taking physical possession. The borrower and lender work together to structure terms for repayment and sale of the product. Commodity notes are a special type of loan or advance made using commodities in the borrower’s possession as collateral for the transaction. In general, the […]
Interactive fiction refers to a type of text-based computer game popular in the 1970s and 1980s, where players enter text-based commands to alter the outcome. As computer graphics improved, text games became less popular, leaving hobbyists to create their own games. Interactive fiction can also refer to reader choice history books and graphics-based computer games. […]
Anthropomorphism and personification both assign human characteristics to non-human entities. Anthropomorphism is used to give human feelings or actions to animals, plants, or objects, while personification allows non-human entities to embody human traits. These literary devices encourage readers to think about subjects in a new way and have been used by conservationists and animal rights […]
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) helped direct people to non-profit debt counselors in the 1970s and 1980s. Affiliation with the NFCC gives consumers assurance that their money will be directed towards paying off their debt. However, some criticize the NFCC as an offshoot of the credit industry. Working with an NFCC affiliate shows […]
Corporate venture capital is a subsidiary of a corporation that invests in business ventures outside of the core business. It can underwrite operating costs, handle initial building and equipment costs, and generate returns through shares or loan repayment. Corporate venture capital is understood to be an arm or subsidiary of a corporation that has responsibility […]
The California Department of Employment Development offers various programs to help employers and job seekers, including workforce investment programs, labor taxes, and insurance. It has 11 branches that provide different services, including legal advice, job placement, and statistics on the workforce. The department also has a Public Affairs Branch that handles marketing and communications. The […]
“Close shave” is an English idiom that refers to narrowly avoiding an undesirable situation, such as bodily harm or a failed romantic encounter. Its origin is debatable, but it may have originated from barbers providing medical treatments. The term has been used for decades to describe lucky escapes. “A close shave” is one of many […]
A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that measures the different molecules that make up blood and compares them to a scale of normal values. CBCs can diagnose medical conditions, monitor disease progression, or determine an infection. The test requires a blood sample and counts the amount of red blood cells, white blood […]
A horizontal merger is when two companies in the same industry merge to increase market share and combine strengths. It can benefit consumers but also reduce choices. Sometimes it is done to eliminate competition and gain control of patents. A horizontal merger is a business merger in which the two companies are involved in the […]
Economic democracy advocates for power to be taken from the wealthy minority and given to the people. It promotes access to common resources and eliminating artificial scarcity. Approaches vary from forming worker cooperatives to restructuring governments, with the goal of eliminating poverty, hunger, and war. Economic democracy is a philosophy of socioeconomics. Socioeconomics is the […]
A grimoire is a manual of magic, with examples on display in museums and available for purchase at specialty bookstores. The term comes from the Old French word “grammaire” meaning “relating to letters.” Grimoires contain a variety of materials, including astrological calculations and directions for spells. In modern times, the term is used in various […]
Mucinous adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that is made up of at least 60% mucus and can occur in various organs. It is an aggressive form of cancer that spreads quickly, making it difficult to treat. Treatment plans are developed based on the affected organ and the differentiation of tumor cells. Mucinous adenocarcinoma is […]
Decimalization is the process of converting a currency system to one based on the number ten. It gained popularity in the late 18th century and most countries now use it. The ease of mathematical calculations is the main reason for its popularity. Great Britain converted to decimal in 1971. Decimalization is the process of converting […]
“Beyond belief” refers to information or events that are difficult to accept due to traditional thoughts and conceptions. It can be positive or negative, involving behavior outside of what is expected, new theories, or technological advances. It may cause disruption but can lead to advancements benefiting all. “Beyond belief” is an idiom that is sometimes […]
The collaborative model proposes that conversation requires mutual understanding through presentation and acceptance of colloquial words. Psycholinguistics previously held to the literary model, where speakers retained control over interpretation. Studies support the need for collaboration in understanding conversations. Similar models have been presented for learning, research, and business processes. Collaboration is necessary for achieving goals […]
A temporary stop is an instruction from an investor to a broker to exit a position in a stock after a certain period of time if certain provisions are met, allowing investors to limit risk and pursue other investment opportunities if necessary. The broker is not authorized to execute the order unless the stipulations set […]
“Get up and go” is an idiom meaning enthusiasm and energy, not a physical action. It can be overwhelming for others, but is a positive trait in a mate or employee. Those with “get up and go” value independence and may not respond well to being told what to do. To deal with their energy, […]
MRI and PET scans differ in how they create images, with MRI using magnetic fields and PET scans using an active substance. Both are important for diagnosis, but require trained professionals to administer and interpret. The main difference between an MRI and a PET scan is how each method conjures up the picture that healthcare […]
