Word: arcana
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...whole math," a pejorative reference to "whole language," the controversial method of reading that emphasizes learning entire words and phrases over mastering phonics. Another is "new-new math," recalling the ill-fated New Math fad of the 1960s and '70s, which introduced millions of students to math arcana like set theory and congruences. (Remember those? Didn't think...
...Washington to take over a department and don't know that they can't do much without OMB's approval," Darman once observed. "But they learn--some more painfully than others." Leon Panetta, Clinton's first budget director, wielded similar clout by virtue of his mastery of fiscal arcana, his understanding of Capitol Hill and his rapport with Clinton. When Panetta was elevated to chief of staff, however, his replacement, Alice Rivlin, lacked the political acumen to translate her economic credentials into real sway. She was not even invited to the negotiations with G.O.P. congressional leaders during last winter...
...Kemp aide, put out the word that he was so disappointed with Kemp's lack of fight that he refused to speak with his former boss after the debate. He was particularly upset that Kemp failed to use several scripted zingers. For instance, at some point when Gore cited arcana from Kemp's record, Kemp was supposed to ask, "Say, Al, did you get that out of my FBI file...
...several cuts above the popular competition, including the creator of Perry Mason. Trial buffs, their numbers swollen by O.J. and Court TV, will find plenty to chew over here, such as Sonny's private ruminations on the bench about hearsay testimony: "The reporters and onlookers seem baffled by the arcana of the rule which allows a witness to testify about what someone said she would be doing in the future but not what she said she'd just done in the past...
...There are articles on almost every area of interest, and most of them are well-researched and well-written. There are the latest sports scores, lots of nice color photos, TV listings, stock quotes, and much, much more. Yet, at least to judge by Harvard standards, students find the arcana of higher math and German philosophy more appropriate morning fare than world affairs or the status of their government...