ABC Wednesday is a word meme with participants from around the world. This fabulous meme was created and hosted by Mrs. Denise Nesbitt who hails from Great Britain. Over time, others have joined in to help host this wonderful and informative meme. We are now in our TENTH round! Some of the participants have been with this from the very first round; others have joined in along the way. Each week we are taken across the globe to see the varied and exciting contributions people have taken the time to discover and capture. We start with the letter, "A" and each week we post something in regards to the next letter of the alphabet. This week's letter is, "A"
ACE OF SPADES
The origin of the Ace of Spades is interesting. I won't go into it here, but the link through to Wikipedia does a good job. But, a note of warning: Wikipedia (the English version) will be staging a 24 hour blackout of the site on Jan. 18th in protest over pending legislation that will be very restrictive to what we can and cannot use on the internet. You can read about Wikipedia's first ever public protest in regards to the SOPA and PIPA act and you can even go one step further and contact your legislator to let them know how you feel about this level of internet restriction. It will affect all of us. And we all know that ABC Weds, now in it's 10th Round will be adversely affected by this kind of legislation. If you have a different take on this matter, please feel free to chime in on the comment section-just be sure to keep it civil!
AUGER
This was taken back in the day when digital did not exist-it is an auger for doing the first crush of grapes at the Callaway Winery in Temecula, CA. The image is behind glass in case you are wondering why it looks a bit wonkers.
Most folks know augers as a drilling device, but this one lay cradled in this giant stainless steel vat/hopper that harvested grapes were placed in to. The auger turns gently, getting what is called the first crush or free run of juice that is coaxed out of the grapes. Very little tannin is in this batch of juice-the tannin is added later so that it can be introduced in a controlled manner as the wine ferments. The tannin comes from the skins of the grapes and also affects the acidity of a wine.
ALLUVIAL FAN
(image from Wikipedia)
Don't you just love how that word sounds? Alluvial fan:
"An alluvial fan is a fan-shaped deposit formed where a fast flowing stream flattens, slows, and spreads typically at the exit of a canyon onto a flatter plain."
You know, you could chant "alluvial" over and over again-it really lends itself as a 'chanting' kind of word. : )
AD MAIOREM DEI GLORIAM
The Jesuits put these letters, A.M.D.G. on everything they write. They stand for the Latin words, Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam, which mean "All is offered for the greater glory of God." In this spirit, everything they do or say is offered in humble gratitude.
18 comments:
Wow, the last two is very new to me so thank you for sharing them!
I do like the way alluvial sounds and auger is also a great word. Ace of spades was a good way to start off the A words too.
I love all the photos, especially the auger.
SOPA needs to die. I'm watching the current trend towards censorship with the greatest concern.
Love the alluvial...say it again! lol Great start to our 10th round, Paula.
Leslie
abcw team
Such an eclectic post Paula. Love the word alluvial. It does sound like a chant.
Didn't know about the legislation coming up. Seems the Govt. has their fingers in every pie around.
The fan is so pretty!
Mine is Angel, please come and see.
Agree that it's great that ABCW is still chugging along.
The Wikipedia (and others') blackout is an interesting case. I hate the SOPA proposed law, but get the sense that Obama would block the more onerous elements.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Not only is the alluvial fan nice to say it is pretty. The word association of your starting ace has triggered off the song line in my head, "I don't share your greed, the only card I need is The Ace of Spades".
The alluvial pan is beautiful, Paula, and so are the words of the Jesuits.
I didn't know about the pending legislation, and tomorrow is the 18th. 24 hours without Wikipedia, what will we do? We've really come to depend upon it, and I rather resent that legislation in a foreign country (the USA) will affect so many of us in other countries.
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
Alluvial is a very poetic word. Love all your "A" photos!
Intelligent pick of A words. thanks for sharing a tidbit of information
Visiting from ABC Wednesday and RT
Another interesting post of A words and commentaries.
I like your reference to the Jesuits, Paula, and by way of interest, the Similkameen valley is awash with alluvial fans, - why didn't I think of that!
Ah, yes, alluvial fan. It's a mantra of the first order. :) Augurs are handier than a lot of things but I rarely use mine with grapes. I've already contacted my legislators re SOPA but I swear they don't hear. There seems to be a strong possibility it will die at this point but we need to keep watching. Good post!
Thank you for this very interesting post. You showed photos of things I never heard of. The alluvial fan is very beautiful!
Thank you for the background information. I love the capture of the auger...it's a classic.
Cool shot of the auger! How creative of you to think of using it!
that alluval fan is fascinating. love the foil texture and shell shape. My "A" for ABC Wednesday.
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