Wednesday, April 13, 2016

K: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Kakistocracy: government by the worst people. And that's all I have to say about that.

Kava is an herb that gives users a feeling of tranquility. They become sociable and euphoric and it is used to treat anxiety and depression.

Kevlar is a registered trademark synthetic material that is used in clothing, helmets and vests as well as more things than I realized. There are other similar products but most of us use the term Kevlar in everyday speech. When writing science fiction, I usually imagine something even more efficient, light and protective than the products we know today.

Are you exercising your right to vote so your country doesn't end up as a kakistocracy? Ever hear of kava?  Can you afford anything on that Kevlar site?  Pretty cool stuff.

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." Abraham Lincoln

20 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Kakistocracy .. what a great (or awful thought) word. Kava - I'd heard of ... and Kevlar is one of those amazing technological breakthroughs with its use fairly commonplace now ... cheers Hilary

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

No matter what the outcome of this year's elections, we'll be in kakistocracy. Sad, isn't it?

Nilanjana Bose said...

Kakistocracy - scary! A Kakistocracy in one superpower can affect someone sitting thousands of miles away. Even more scary. Probably the inhabitants of a kakistocracy are good customers for Kava? Kevlar I know but doubtful if I can afford.

Tasha Duncan-Drake said...

I have never heard of kava, no. I have seen Kevlar used in satellites though, when I used to work for BAe Space Systems :)
Tasha
Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)

mshatch said...

I have heard of kava; I used it in one of my stories.

Sarah Foster said...

Hopefully we won't end up with a kakistocracy. I'd never heard of kava but if it actually works it sounds like something I could use. Especially on the sociable part. :)

Jo said...

That is a wonderful word, kakistocracy. I do hope the US doesn't end up with one. I had heard of Kava too, and I suppose most people know of Kevlar.

nashvillecats2 said...

I'm not into politic's but it isn't a very pleasant sounding word all the same.
The other two words I was very interested in.
Great post Susan.

Maria Zannini said...

re: Kakistocracy

LOL! I said it before I read it.

Pat Hatt said...

Kakistocracy is what the US seems to be heading for. Don't think I'll be buying anything off that site, expensive indeed.

M.J. Fifield said...

Yes, I sure am planning to vote in an attempt to avoid any kakistocracy from happening!

I haven't heard of kava before.

betty said...

What I'm afraid of is we'll end up with a kakistocracy based on our choices of people running. Scary!

I think I need some kava most days myself!

betty

Unknown said...

Kakistocracy is too scary for this election cycle! Yes, I have used kava and it is very calming.

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#AtoZchallenge http://www.kathleenvalentineblog.com/

Nicola said...

Can't say the fist K word but that's probably a good thing considering its negative connotations. Kava (with a C) is a sparkling wine over here - very relaxing :)

cleemckenzie said...

We need a new hashtag. #kakistocracy. That should cover it.

Unknown said...

Kevlar was such an amazing invention.

J E Oneil said...

Yeah, I think we all have thoughts about an impending kakistocracy... We need more kava.

Robin said...

I think I need some kava. Make that lots of kava.

Anonymous said...

I bet lots of people would think we are living in a kakistocracy and others will be certain that's where we're heading.

~Ninja Minion Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, Indie Author

messymimi said...

Yes, we vote, but sometimes i wonder how much difference it makes, as we still end up with some really difficult to understand or like people in office. Plus some of them don't seem too smart.