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Every Word I Needed to Know On the SAT I Learned from Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events

 
(Image via flickr)
 
Maybe it's just me, but I never really had a problem with the vocabulary section of the SAT in high school. Granted, this might be because of my superior intellect, but I’ve got another theory. When you make a habit of reading interesting novels with pretty interesting words as a kid, you start adapting a pretty interesting way of speaking simply through osmosis. Interesting, no?
 
Case in point—I credit Lemony Snicket’s superb (though completely and cruelly cliff-hanging) A Series of Unfortunate Events with 90% of my success at fooling my college professors into thinking I’m articulate. Simply put, the man’s proclivity for unnecessarily complicated terms has probably done more for the state of American literacy than all the PSSAs combined.
 
And so, we’re presenting you with nine superb vocabulary words that pretty much ensure you’ll never look twice at that section of the SAT again, courtesy of a man who has literally tricked us into reading the dictionary—and enjoying it—for the better part of ten years.  
 

Posted by Magali Roman

Ten Creative Cross-Stitch Projects to Celebrate Doctor Who at 50!

Take note, Whovians: the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who is fast approaching. To help pass the time (get it?!) as we count down to this momentous occasion—and to help welcome the Twelfth Doctor—I've rounded up some inspired, adorable, and occasionally incredibly geeky Doctor Who cross-stitch ideas. So pick a pattern, grab your supplies, and follow me as we allons-y through time and space, one stitch at a time.

Posted by Jules Sherred

The Geek’s Guide to Dating Webseries: Mikey & Allie

Welcome to The Geek's Guide to Dating Webseries!

From bloggers to podcasters, indie video game developers to celebrated filmmakers, hard hitting journalists to award-winning storytellers, over the next few months geeks-of-all-kinds will be sharing their love stories and dishing out advice.

In this week's video, you'll meet two Philly based geek bloggers, Mikey and Allie. Hit play to learn about their first date and why days off playing video games in your underpants is, in fact, a good thing.

Enjoy! And check back every Tuesday afternoon for a new video through February!

 

Posted by Eric Smith

The Geek’s Guide to Dating Webseries: Mikey & Allie

Welcome to The Geek's Guide to Dating Webseries!

From bloggers to podcasters, indie video game developers to celebrated filmmakers, hard hitting journalists to award-winning storytellers, over the next few months geeks-of-all-kinds will be sharing their love stories and dishing out advice.

In this week's video, you'll meet two Philly based geek bloggers, Mikey and Allie. Hit play to learn about their first date and why days off playing video games in your underpants is, in fact, a good thing.

Enjoy! And check back every Tuesday afternoon for a new video through February!

 

Posted by Eric Smith

Hold ‘Em and Fold ‘Em: Nine Book-Inspired Origami Projects

(Image via http://www.wetcanvas.deviantart.com)

Whether you’ve got an hour to kill, or you just want to keep your hands busy during a class you’re totally listening to, origami can’t be beat. So in honour of Origami Day, here is a roundup of literature-inspired crafts for your nimble fingers.

Posted by Alyssa Favreau

Bookish Crochet for Lazy Days

While there is nothing better than a day spent reading, sometimes my fingers have a mind of their own and insist on being kept busy. To keep your own digits occupied, pop in an audiobook and try out some of these crochet projects.

Harry Potter fans do not need to be limited to crocheting scarves. (1) The Golden Snitch from Inner Child Crochet is unexpected and is great for the advanced beginner.

If you are looking for something a little more eye catching (2) Luna Lovegood's Earrings from Thread-Bear are just the thing.

Twilight lovers will appreciate (3) the Bella Swan La Push Crochet Hat from Jenn Likes Yarn. This cute topper will keep your head warm while you study up on vampire lore.

Star Wars obsessives must check out (4) the Yub Nub Scoodie from Tiny Purrs. Channel your inner Ewok with this project that is part hoodie, part scarf, and completely clever.

Posted by Ashley Cambers