

'Brave New World' TV Series Review
Lately, I’ve been bombarded with ads for shows on NBC’s new streaming service, Peacock TV. And among their new shows, it seems, is Brave New World , a fresh take on the classic dystopian novel. I hate to ever leave a bad review about anything, but I suspect students might stumble upon it after being assigned the book, so let me just say… This show is shockingly inappropriate for something kids might accidentally tune into. Seriously, I’m pretty sure I’ve seen cleaner epis
Erica Abbett
Aug 23, 2020


Is *This* Sneakily Sabotaging Your Grammar? (P2!)
Let’s be honest: music is no good for reinforcing proper grammar habits, even if we all love it. However, I think for most songs, we kind of know when they’re abusing grammatical conventions to fit the rhyme. There are times, though — times like these — when the errors are so subtle (and commonly-used!), that we may not even realize they’re happening. As a result, we get LOTS of erroneous impressions, and when the opportunity arises to use the right version, it just
Erica Abbett
Aug 19, 2020


A Word That Makes Everything Better
If you’re like most people, you’ve got goals or dreams—you’re looking for something to make your life even better. I can’t promise that...
Erica Abbett
Aug 12, 2020


Fear and Fascination: Secrets of the Italian Bus System
A perplexed looks steals across my face as I re-read my host sister’s enigmatic text message. “You go towards down,” she writes.
Erica Abbett
Aug 10, 2020


Of Karens and Quislings: How Names Became Insults
Discover the fascinating linguistic history of names turned insults, such as "Karen" and "Quisling." Explore the intriguing story behind the
Erica Abbett
Aug 3, 2020


Mispronouncing This SAT Word Could Get You Killed
Never thought you'd read that title, eh? No, The College Board has not implemented some kind of Hunger Games -style exit questionnaire, but the story is equally shocking! The book of Judges , in the Old Testament of the Bible, tells the story of a battle between the Ephraimites and the Gileadites. Having won the battle, the Gileadites decided they didn’t want any survivors to make it home, so they set up checkpoints along the Jordan River. Anyone who wanted to pass was asked
Erica Abbett
Jul 29, 2020


Money, Geese, and Warnings: Linguistic Connections You Won't Believe!
Would you believe me if I told you that the word “money,” something so valued and coveted, actually traces its roots back to a flock of...
Erica Abbett
Jul 22, 2020


Can Words Speak?
There are two sides to the coin when it comes to using stories to improve your vocabulary. If you’re a seasoned Vocabbett listener,...
Erica Abbett
Jul 20, 2020


5 TV Shows That Won’t Turn Your Brain to Mush
We’re all watching more TV than normal these days, but if you want to keep your edge and come out of quarantine smarter than ever , it’s time to become more intentional with your TV choices. There’s nothing inherently wrong with watching Friends re-runs for the 400th time, but it’s probably not going to teach you much either! Below, I’ve compiled a list of 5 TV shows that are (in my opinion!) just as entertaining as they are edifying. Have you seen any of them? Are there an
Erica Abbett
Jul 15, 2020