#moribund institute

[englishmoribund]

The Enigmatic Grimalkin: Unveiling the Esoteric Significance of a Feline Figurine

Have you ever heard of the word "grimalkin"? This word, which is not commonly used today, has a long and fascinating history in the English language. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of grimalkin, its usage in literature, its etymology, and its figurative and literal definitions.

History and Usage:

Grimalkin is an old-fashioned term for a female cat, especially an old or ill-tempered one. The word is not often used in modern English, but it has a long history of use in literature, particularly in poetry and folklore.

For example, in Shakespeare's "Macbeth," one of the witches refers to her familiar, a cat named Graymalkin. Similarly, in the English nursery rhyme "Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat," the titular feline is sometimes called a "grimalkin." Other notable uses of the term include Edgar Allan Poe's "The Black Cat" and Beatrix Potter's "The Tale of Ginger and Pickles."

Etymology:

The etymology of grimalkin is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to come from two words in Middle English: "grim," meaning fierce or cruel, and "malkin," a diminutive form of the name "Mary." The latter is thought to have been a common name for female cats in the Middle Ages, possibly due to the association of cats with the Virgin Mary.

Figurative and Literal Definitions:

In addition to its literal definition as an old or ill-tempered female cat, grimalkin has taken on several figurative meanings over the years. It can be used to describe a woman who is old, ugly, or unpleasant, particularly in appearance or demeanor. For example, "Mrs. Norris was a grimalkin of a woman, with a sour expression and a sharp tongue."

Grimalkin can also be used to describe a person who is cunning, sly, or sneaky, particularly in a negative sense. This usage is often associated with the idea of a witch's familiar, a supernatural being in the form of a cat that helps a witch carry out her magic.

In conclusion, the word grimalkin is a fascinating example of how language can evolve over time. While it is not commonly used today, it has a rich history in literature and folklore, and its figurative meanings continue to resonate with modern audiences. Whether referring to a cantankerous old cat or a shrewd and crafty person, grimalkin remains a powerful and evocative term in the English language.

[morlgbtqia]

My friend Buck Angel is BACK to react to the most insane trans TikToks yet.

[politicsmoribund]

Demolatrist - One who venerates or idolizes democracy to an excessive degree at the cost of individual rights and freedoms.

The root "demos" refers to the people or democracy. The suffix "-latrist" indicates someone who worships or idolizes something. So a "demolatrist" suggests someone who reveres democracy like a religion, even when it infringes on personal liberties or natural rights. #Demolatrist [See: Demolatrist] #MorPolitics

[morlibertarianism]

The Falsehood of the "Meth-Caused Homelessness" Claim: A Libertarian Response

Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it is simplistic and reductionist to suggest that it is caused by a single factor such as meth addiction. While meth addiction may be a factor for some homeless individuals, it is important to recognize that it is not the sole cause and that a one-size-fits-all approach to addressing homelessness will not be effective.

Homelessness has multiple root causes, including lack of affordable housing, job insecurity, mental illness, and the failure of social safety net programs. Additionally, excessive zoning regulations can limit the availability of affordable housing, contributing to the homelessness problem.

So what can be done to address homelessness? Rather than relying on targeted government intervention, we should focus on strategies that lower time prices and make resources more affordable. This can include policies that reduce the cost of living, such as lowering taxes and regulatory burdens, and that increase access to credit and capital, making it easier for individuals to help themselves and others. By empowering individuals to take control of their own lives and overcome homelessness, we can create a more prosperous and self-sufficient society.

It is important to recognize the complexity of homelessness and to approach it with a nuanced and multifaceted approach. Only by understanding the root causes and implementing targeted solutions can we hope to make a lasting impact and reduce homelessness in our communities. This means moving beyond simplistic explanations that pin the blame on a single factor such as meth addiction, and instead considering the multiple root causes of homelessness. It also means focusing on strategies that lower time prices and make resources more affordable, rather than relying solely on targeted government intervention that may function more as a jobs program for those who claim to help the homeless rather than actually helping the homeless. By empowering individuals to take control of their own lives and overcome homelessness, we can create a more prosperous and self-sufficient society.

[morright]

In this video, "the Podcast of Lotus Eaters" staff members Stelios and Callum sit down to discuss the video game, "Hogwarts Legacy." The game is set in the wizarding world of Harry Potter and offers players the opportunity to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and experience life as a student. Stelios and Callum provide their unique perspectives on the game and its features, including magic classes, spells, and creatures. They also discuss the impact that the game may have on the Harry Potter franchise as a whole. This video is perfect for fans of the Harry Potter series who are excited to explore the world of magic in a new way.

[mammonistmurdo]

Nic Carter is a Partner at Castle Island Ventures and co-founder and Chairman of Coin Metrics. In this interview, we discuss the White House bitcoin mining research paper, regulation and the role of renewables in the energy mix.

[morpsychology]

Echoic Memory [エコーイック・メモリ]ー (psychology) A type of sensory memory that briefly holds audio information for about 4 seconds.

[englishadjectivesmoribund]

Gravid is an adjective that describes an animal that is pregnant or carrying eggs. The term is most commonly used in the biological sciences to describe the state of being pregnant, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe a sense of fullness or weightiness.

The word "gravid" comes from the Latin word "gravare," which means "to make heavy." This reflects the sense of weight and fullness associated with pregnancy or carrying eggs. The term has been used in scientific literature for many years, and is commonly used to describe the reproductive state of various animals, from insects to mammals.

In addition to its biological usage, "gravid" can also be used metaphorically to describe a sense of heaviness or weightiness. For example, one might describe a situation as "gravid with meaning," indicating that it is rich or full of significance.

The use of the word "gravid" in English dates back to the 16th century, when it was first used in medical literature to describe the condition of being pregnant. Since then, the term has become a standard part of the scientific vocabulary and is widely used in biology and related fields.

In conclusion, "gravid" is a versatile word that can be used to describe both the biological state of being pregnant or carrying eggs, as well as a sense of fullness or weightiness in a metaphorical sense. Its history and etymology reflect its association with the idea of weight and heaviness, and its continued use in scientific literature attests to its importance in the field of biology.

[morenvironments]

Friability [フライアビリティー] The quality of being friable, or easily broken, crumbled, or reduced to powder; friableness.

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/friability

[morcharacters]

Lassitude [ラシトユード] Lethargy or lack of energy; fatigue.

[englishmoribund]

The Surprising Etymology of "Joukery": From Dodging to Deceit

Language is a fascinating tapestry of words and phrases that have evolved over centuries, often taking unexpected turns in their meanings and connotations. Sometimes, a word might sound offensive at first glance, but delving into its etymology reveals a surprisingly innocent origin. "Joukery" is one such word. Though it might initially strike you as a potentially offensive term, its etymology takes us on a journey from dodging to deceit.

The Mysterious "Joukery"

"Joukery" is a word that doesn't see much use in modern English, but it still lingers in some corners of the language, meaning trickery or deceit. It's a term that can sound harsh, even offensive, depending on the context in which it's used. However, when we dig into its history, we uncover a much more innocent beginning.

Etymology of "Joukery"

To understand the origins of "joukery," we need to break it down:

Jook: The first part of the word, "jook," is the key to its meaning. "Jook" is a term that can be traced back to Scottish and Northern English dialects. It means to dodge or move quickly to avoid something. It has the sense of a quick, evasive action, much like when someone ducks or sidesteps to avoid being hit or caught.

-ery: The second part of "joukery" is the suffix "-ery." In this context, "-ery" is used to form nouns that denote a place or condition. It's a suffix that has its roots in Old French, where it often transformed adjectives or verbs into nouns.

So, when we put these elements together, "joukery" essentially means the act or condition of dodging or avoiding things quickly. This concept of dodging or evading forms the basis for its eventual shift in meaning towards trickery and deceit.

The Evolution of Meaning

Language is constantly evolving, and words can change their meanings over time. In the case of "joukery," its transformation from a word denoting evasive action to one describing trickery likely occurred as people began to associate evasive actions with deceitful intentions.

Imagine a situation where someone is constantly dodging questions or evading the truth. Over time, it's not difficult to see how "joukery" could come to describe such behavior. The line between evading questions and engaging in trickery blurs, and the word naturally takes on a more negative connotation.

"Joukery" serves as a compelling example of how words can take on meanings that diverge from their innocent origins. What may seem like an offensive term today actually began as a description of quick, evasive actions. The evolution of language is a complex and dynamic process, shaped by the way people use and understand words in various contexts.

So, the next time you come across a word that sounds potentially offensive, take a moment to explore its etymology. You might uncover a fascinating journey that leads you from seemingly harsh connotations to a more innocent starting point, like the intriguing path that "joukery" has followed from dodging to deceit.

[moreconomics]

"The Austrian School of Economics: A Solution to the World's Problems?"

The Austrian School of economics is a heterodox economic theory that emphasizes the role of individual subjective value, entrepreneurship, and the importance of markets in the allocation of resources. It is distinguished from other economic schools by its emphasis on the dynamic and entrepreneurial nature of economic activity, and its view that the economy is constantly evolving and adapting to changing circumstances. The Austrian School is also characterized by its commitment to methodological individualism, which is the idea that social phenomena can only be understood by examining the actions and motivations of individual actors. This emphasis on the subjective experiences and preferences of individual actors is also reflected in the Austrian School's commitment to the subjective theory of value, which holds that the value of a good or service is subjective and determined by the individual valuations of those who exchange it.

One key aspect of the Austrian School is the concept of the business cycle, which refers to the regular fluctuations in economic activity that occur over time. According to the Austrian theory of the business cycle, these fluctuations are caused by the expansion and contraction of credit by banks. When banks expand credit, they make it easier for individuals and businesses to borrow money, which can lead to an increase in investment and economic activity. However, this expansion of credit can also lead to an unsustainable increase in the demand for goods and services, which can result in a misallocation of resources and the emergence of malinvestments. When the credit expansion eventually comes to an end, the demand for goods and services can suddenly drop, leading to a contraction in economic activity and a corresponding drop in the supply of money and credit. This process of credit expansion and contraction can lead to the regular fluctuations in economic activity that are characteristic of the business cycle.

One important concept in the Austrian School of economics is that of economic calculation, which refers to the process by which individuals and businesses make decisions about how to allocate their resources in the face of scarcity. According to the Austrian School, market processes are the most efficient means of economic calculation because they allow individuals to make decisions based on their own subjective preferences and valuations, and provide information about the relative scarcity of different goods and services through the system of prices. When prices are allowed to adjust freely in response to changes in supply and demand, they provide a clear and accurate signal about the relative scarcity of different goods and services. This allows individuals to make informed decisions about how to allocate their resources and optimize their utility.

For example, if one good is experiencing a shortage and its price is higher than another good that is not experiencing a shortage, an individual may choose to purchase the good that is not experiencing a shortage even if they prefer the good that is in short supply. This is because the higher price of the good in short supply reflects its relative scarcity and the individual may be able to obtain more utility by purchasing a greater quantity of the good that is not experiencing a shortage. This process of resource allocation through market prices promotes the most efficient use of resources and contributes to economic growth and prosperity.

The Austrian School argues that subsidies and other forms of market intervention can distort prices and undermine the ability of the market to perform this crucial role in resource allocation. By distorting prices, subsidies can create artificial shortages or surpluses of goods and services, leading to misallocations of resources and inefficiencies in the economy. This can ultimately undermine the ability of the market to promote economic growth and prosperity.

Money is just another good among many in an economy, and like any other good, it is subject to the laws of supply and demand. When the supply of money is increased or decreased, this can have a significant impact on the relative prices of other goods and services in the economy, as well as on the level of economic activity. The Austrian School of economics argues that the state's control of money and its regulation of private alternatives can distort market processes and undermine economic prosperity. By monopolizing the supply of money or over-regulating private alternatives, the state can manipulate the money supply and interfere with the proper functioning of the market. This can lead to misallocations of resources, economic inefficiencies, and ultimately, a lower standard of living for individuals and businesses.

One way to promote economic stability and prosperity is through the denationalization of money, a concept posited by Friedrich Hayek and embraced by many Austrian economists. This idea refers to the proposal that money should be privately produced rather than issued by a central government or bank. The Austrian School argues that private money would be more stable and less subject to manipulation by governments and central banks, and would therefore be more effective at promoting economic stability and prosperity. One way in which private money could be implemented is through the concept of free banking, in which banks are free to issue their own private currencies while also subject to no special regulations beyond those applicable to most enterprises.

Free banking is a monetary system that has the potential to promote greater competition among banks, leading to better quality currencies and a more stable financial system. In a free banking system, banks have an incentive to issue currencies that are widely accepted and maintain their value, as this would increase the demand for their currency and their profits. To achieve this, banks must demonstrate the reliability and trustworthiness of their currency to the public. One way that banks can do this is through a practice called "note-dueling."

Note-dueling is a practice that occurs in a free banking system, in which banks attempt to gather up as much of their rivals' outstanding notes as possible in order to demonstrate the strength of their own currency. This process can be thought of as a form of market discipline, as it incentivizes banks to maintain reasonable reserve ratios in order to be able to honor their promise to redeem their notes for gold or other specie when requested. Competition among note issuers led each bank to try to demonstrate how solid and reliable it was relative to other banks, and this competition effectively regulated the specie reserves held in the banking system. If a bank has a large specie reserve relative to its outstanding note issue, it is better able to honor this promise and maintain the confidence of the public in its currency. On the other hand, if a bank has a small specie reserve relative to its outstanding note issue, it may be at risk of facing a liquidity problem if there is a high demand for note redemption. In this case, the bank may not have enough gold on hand to meet the demand, which could lead to a failure in the bank that did not have enough specie reserve relative to its outstanding note issue.

The Cantillon effect is a phenomenon in economics that refers to the way in which changes in the money supply can have unequal impacts on different parts of the economy. Named after the 18th-century economist Richard Cantillon, the effect suggests that the first recipients of new money tend to benefit the most, while those who receive the new money later on tend to be disadvantaged. This is because the first recipients of new money are able to use it to purchase goods and services before prices have had a chance to adjust to the increased demand, which can lead to higher prices for these goods and services. This can lead to a transfer of wealth from those who receive the new money later on to those who receive it earlier, contributing to economic inequality.

Many Austrian economists advocate for the denationalization of money and the implementation of free banking as a way to mitigate the potential for the Cantillon effect and promote economic stability and prosperity. In a system of free banking, banks are free to issue their own private currencies and compete with one another for customers. This competition can help to ensure that the supply of money and credit is more responsive to market forces and less subject to manipulation by governments and central banks. One aspect of this competition is the process of "note dueling," in which banks attempt to gather up as much of the outstanding note issue of their rivals as possible in order to demonstrate their own reliability and stability. By allowing the market to play a greater role in the supply and demand of money, the Austrian School argues that free banking can help to promote economic stability and reduce the potential for the Cantillon effect to contribute to economic inequality.

In conclusion, the Austrian School of economics offers a unique perspective on economic theory and policy that emphasizes the role of individual subjective value, entrepreneurship, and the importance of markets in the allocation of resources. The theory of the business cycle explains how the expansion and contraction of credit by banks can lead to fluctuations in economic activity, and the concept of denationalization of money proposes that money should be privately produced rather than controlled by the state. The idea of free banking, in which banks are free to issue their own private currencies, is one way in which this concept could be implemented. The Austrian School argues that these ideas have the potential to promote economic stability and prosperity by allowing the supply of money and credit to be more responsive to market forces and less subject to manipulation by governments and central banks. By respecting the role of the individual and the market in the allocation of resources, the Austrian School offers a unique and valuable perspective on economic policy.

[politicsmoribund]

Here Blaire White reacts to a series of events involving Andrew Tate, Jeffree Star, woke TikTok users, and Jordan Peterson. Andrew Tate was arrested, leading Blaire to express their thoughts on the situation. In addition, Jeffree Star has claimed that he "escaped the Illuminati", which has caught Blaire's attention. Woke TikTok users have also been causing a stir by claiming that dating preferences are transphobic, which has prompted Blaire to share their thoughts on the matter. Finally, Jordan Peterson has been sentenced to a re-education camp.

[morlgbtqia]

Teaching Vocabulary Through a Personal Journey: My Velleity, Finitude, and Quixotic Pursuit of Gender Transition

As someone who has experienced a velleity (a desire or inclination that is weak or not fully formed) to change my sex, I understand the deep longing to align my physical form with another self. But as we live in this 21st century, I have come to realize that the limitations of current technology make it difficult to achieve a full and accurate representation of the desired sex. The surgeries and hormone therapies available today are often considered as a mere approximation, and come with a host of unintended consequences.

In this introspective journey, I have struggled with a sense of metaphysical angst against the finitude (the state or quality of being finite, which means having limits and being subject to change and death) imposed on me, as I strive to reconcile my true self with the limitations of reality.

This journey may seem quixotic (foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals), but it is important to remember that the technology for sex change is not yet advanced enough to provide a full and accurate representation of the desired sex. In this journey, let us not forget the importance of being informed and realistic about the options available to us, and the potential risks and limitations that come with them.

As for myself and my trade-off calculus, I found the wait and see approach to be the best course of action for myself. Lowering my time preference and waiting for better gender transitioning technology to come out or aid in its pursuit. Gender transition surgeries, hormone therapies, and other medical interventions, while a viable option for some, can often be considered as a mere approximation of the desired sex. I have found that for my own situation, it's better to wait until the technology is more advanced and the outcomes are more predictable and reliable, rather than rushing into a decision that may not fully alleviate my distress or may come with unintended consequences. It's important to consult with a doctor who is willing to question your desire or dysphoria to see if it's really that and not some other underlying condition like borderline personality disorder. I believe it's crucial for individuals who are considering gender transition to thoroughly research and understand the available options, to be aware of the potential risks and limitations, and to work closely with healthcare professionals who are experienced in treating gender dysphoria and are able to provide individualized care and guidance.

In this sense, the journey towards understanding and accepting one's true self can be seen as a quixotic but wonderful pursuit. It may seem foolishly impractical, but it is a deeply personal and introspective journey that requires informed and realistic decision making. It is important to remember that this journey is not just about transitioning, but about understanding and accepting oneself for who one is, and finding peace and happiness in that understanding.

It is important to remember that every individual's journey is unique and that it's essential to have open and honest conversations with your doctor to make sure that your desire or dysphoria is not a symptom of an underlying condition. It's also important to be wary of tendentious nonthinking affirming doctors and to consider getting a second opinion. Ultimately, the decision to transition should be based on an individual's own feelings and desires, and should not be influenced by societal pressures or expectations.

As we continue to strive for progress, let us also remember to be patient with the limitations of our current technology and to lower our time preference in order to wait for better options to come out. And in the meantime, let's continue to support and aid in the development of better technology for gender transition.

[moribundnews]

[mellothanato]

Ancient Greece seems like it was a pretty great place. It was the birthplace of democracy, it had a flourishing arts scene, a vibrant mythology, and spectacular architecture. Prominent intellectuals like Aristotle and Plato made huge leaps in scientific reasoning. The land was fertile and the wine flowed like water. 

Or did it? 

Welcome back to Nutty History. Today, we’re looking at the dark side of ancient Greece, and why you probably wouldn’t survive there for very long.