BEYOND THE MYTH

Lincoln Was a Licensed Bartender? Check 10 Fun Facts About Abe!

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Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s most revered presidents, is a man whose sagacious leadership steered the country during its most tumultuous periods. But beyond the larger-than-life figure lies a man of intriguing depth. Join us to learn 10 curious facts about Honest Abe that you probably didn’t know!

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Abraham Lincoln holds the distinction of being the tallest president in American history, standing at a towering height of 6 feet 4 inches. His imposing stature often commanded attention, both in the political arena and among his peers. Despite his remarkable height, Lincoln's presence was characterized by a gentle demeanor and humble disposition.

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Lincoln wasn't just a formidable politician; he was also an accomplished wrestler. Allegedly, early in his career, he defeated a local bully in a wrestling match, becoming the town hero. In any case, his strength and skill in the ring earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent. Amassing 300 victories over 12 years, he was only defeated once, by fellow soldier Lorenzo Dow Thompson during the Black Hawk War of 1832.

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Contrary to popular belief, Lincoln's voice didn't match his towering stature. Instead of a deep, booming voice, he spoke in a surprisingly high-pitched tone. The somewhat unexpected tone of his voice, however, didn’t take away from his powerful speeches, and any perceived awkwardness was soon overshadowed by his wisdom and ideas.

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Before he entered politics, Lincoln co-owned a general store and drinking establishment called Berry and Lincoln in New Salem, Illinois. It was here that he obtained a license to sell liquor, making him a licensed bartender. However, the joint venture soon ran into debt, and Lincoln wasn’t able to fully recover economically until he became a Congressman.

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Lincoln's iconic stovepipe hat wasn't just a fashion statement; it served as a convenient storage space for his notes and documents. He would tuck memos or important notes inside his hat, utilizing its ample space to keep his thoughts organized while working or reading. This quirky habit - one of many, actually - illustrates Lincoln's pragmatic personality and wit.

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Despite his rugged appearance, Lincoln had a soft spot for poetry. As a teenager, he often wrote short stanzas and satirical verses on the flyleaves of books, and later in life, he worked on longer poems, some of which he published or sent in letters to close friends. One of his longer works, My Childhood-Home I See Again, dealt with his feelings of melancholy and yearning upon visiting his childhood home.

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Lincoln was far more than just a skilled politician, he often liked to tinker with things, making up solutions to various problems. Proof of this is that, in 1849, while serving in Congress, he was granted a patent for a device that could lift boats over shallow waters or other obstructions in a river. Though he never saw it in action, his invention demonstrated his innovative spirit.

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Lincoln adored cats and was often seen playing with his cats Tabby and Dixie in the White House. In fact, he was quite a cat person, and during the war, he rescued motherless kittens every time he could. His fondness for animals, in general, was well known, and he let his sons keep as many pets as they wished, resulting in quite a menagerie living within the White House premises, including rabbits, turkeys, horses, and two beloved goats called Nanny and Nanko.

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Lincoln's iconic facial hair wasn't always a part of his look. He allegedly grew it at the suggestion of Grace Bedell of Westfield, New York, an 11-year-old girl who wrote to him, claiming it would improve his appearance because "his face was so thin" and it would earn him more votes. While it is unknown whether she actually influenced his decision to grow a beard, he began to grow his distinctive beard soon afterward.

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Despite the immense pressures of leading a nation during a tumultuous time, Lincoln remained remarkably laid-back in his approach to fatherhood. He enjoyed spending time with his children, often engaging in playful activities and games with them. Julia Taft Bayne - a close friend of the Lincoln family - recalled in her memoirs that one time, both Lincoln’s sons barged into his office and asked him to pardon a doll accused of spying. Their father willingly played along, and then sighed to his secretary, "And I only wish they were all that easy."

SINGULAR LINGUISTIC SENSATIONS

Word Hunting! 10 Unusual Isograms that You Probably Overlooked!

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Morphology, and the study of the language in general, can easily become a fascinating field. After all, it’s filled with fascinating examples like words that fell out of use, the longest words of the English language, and even words that do not repeat a single letter. These last ones are called isograms, and the longer they are, the less we use them but the more fascinating they are.

Long, unusual isograms go against language economy. However, from time to time, using words like "adjunctively" or "beclamouring" is the only way to express our ideas with the kind of feeling only these words have.

Join us as we go through ten isograms you probably never use, but should!

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Are you an Internet buff? This word is for you! A webliography is a curated list of online resources on a specific topic. Similar to a bibliography, but focused on digital content, it includes websites, articles, blogs, and videos.

Webliographies are valuable tools in academic research and professional projects, providing easy access to credible online information. Nowadays, we can say there are as many bibliographies as humans, or even double that amount! Modernity is quite transparent in this sense: Digital literacy and web-based resources have become paramount!

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The term "gunpowderish" describes something resembling or having gunpowder characteristics. You can already smell it, can’t you? This might refer to a strong, acrid smell similar to spent fireworks or a tense atmosphere likened to the explosive potential of gunpowder.

While not commonly used, "gunpowderish" evokes vivid sensory images and can describe situations fraught with tension or danger. It’s a word that captures the essence of volatility and the power of descriptive language. And for some, it is the smell of a fresh new year kicking in!

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"Imponderably" refers to something that is difficult or impossible to measure or understand, nothing like this article, as you can see! This term is often used to describe abstract concepts or situations that are beyond human comprehension.

Whether it’s the vastness of the universe or the complexities of human consciousness, "imponderably" highlights the limits of our knowledge. It’s a reminder of the mysteries that still exist and the continuous quest for understanding in science and philosophy.

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You may be familiar with this term if you go camping often. Campgrounds are the perfect escape for those looking to reconnect with nature. These designated areas allow you to set up tents, park RVs, or rent cabins, often surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.

Whether you’re in a national park or a private site, campgrounds offer the chance to enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. It’s a great way to unwind, share stories around the campfire, and create lasting memories with family and friends. If you’ve never visited a campground, this might be the perfect opportunity to do so! At least you’ll have the vocabulary for it!

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Actions speak louder than words, or so they say. But in this case, an action and this word together might be the end of a person! When someone behaves disgracefully, they engage in actions that bring about shame and a loss of respect. This word is used to describe conduct that deviates from moral standards and often leads to public humiliation.

Whether it’s a scandal involving a public figure or unethical behavior in everyday life, being labeled as disgraceful has serious consequences. It highlights the importance of integrity and the impact our actions have on our reputation and social standing.

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Ah, how many human beings in this planet, and how many points of view, right? Well, misanthropy is just one of those. Not a nice one, if we might add.

Misanthropy is a term that describes a general dislike or distrust of humankind. A misanthrope often views human nature with skepticism and prefers solitude over social interaction. This deep-seated attitude can stem from personal disappointments or a critical view of societal flaws.

While it’s often seen negatively, understanding misanthropy can shed light on the complexities of human relationships and societal dynamics. It’s a reminder of the diverse perspectives that shape our worldviews. Are you a misanthrope?

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The pandemic has turned millions of people to home-office and remote working. The thing is, not every home was ready to welcome an office and that is where shedworking came into play.

Shedworking is a growing trend where people set up their workspaces in garden sheds. This concept offers a quiet and separate space from the main living area, enhancing productivity and work-life balance. Shedworking is popular among remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who need a dedicated workspace without the commute.

It’s a creative solution that combines the comfort of home with the focus of an office, often surrounded by the tranquility of nature.

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"Multipronged" describes a strategy that tackles a problem from several directions simultaneously. This approach is common in business, military tactics, and problem-solving. For instance, a multipronged marketing campaign might use social media, email, and influencer partnerships to reach a wider audience.

In medicine, a multipronged treatment plan could combine medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes for better results. The strength of this strategy lies in its flexibility and comprehensiveness, allowing for adjustments and increasing the likelihood of success. Multipronged approaches show the power of coordinated efforts and diverse perspectives in overcoming complex challenges. Are you up for this approach?

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Does this sound familiar? You might have seen this in legal series or movies, and it was even a skill taught at school quite some time ago. Stenography is the practice of transcribing spoken words quickly using shorthand. This skill is essential in legal and governmental settings where accurate records of proceedings are required.

Stenographers use specialized machines to capture speech at high speeds, ensuring that important conversations and testimonies are documented verbatim. This profession highlights the importance of precision and the role of technology in supporting communication and documentation.

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Nobody, not even the best-spoken people, is free of mistakes. A verb can easily go wrong and that’s what this word means. Misconjugated verbs are those that aren’t formed correctly, breaking the rules of grammar. It’s a common mistake we all make, like saying "She go to the store" instead of "She goes to the store."

These errors can pop up in casual conversation, writing, or when learning a new language, causing confusion and distracting from the message. Misconjugating verbs highlights the tricky parts of language and why proper grammar is so important. It’s a reminder that getting verb forms right helps us communicate clearly and effectively. So, next time you're unsure, double-check those verbs to keep your sentences smooth and understandable!