I subscribe to the free "A Word A Day" (AWAD for short) e-mail service. In the e-mail you get the word, definitions, links to sound files of pronunciation and usually two examples of the use of the word from books, articles, etc. Even though I don't look at the e-mail every single day, it's a fun way to learn new words. It also allows me to amuse myself by working the new word into conversation sometime during the day. It ain't always easy. Bonus: each day's e-mail also includes a quote. And not schmaltzy crappy quotes, good ones.

This week's theme: words that aren't what they appear to be.

Monday's word: pythoness (PIE-thuh-nis) noun
1. A woman with the power of divination.
2. The priestess of Apollo at Delphi in Greek mythology.

Monday's quote:

Tears are not arguments.
-Machado de Assis, writer (1839-1908)

To get on the list, visit http://www.wordsmith.org/awad/subscribe.html.