The word of the day is perspicacious. I first heard the word used by Bill O'Reilly as he was interviewing then-Senator Barack Obama on the Fox News Channel a month or two prior to the 2008 presidential election. O'Reilly commended Obama on being perspicacious in his "original assessment of the battlefield" in Iraq. Perspicacious means "having a ready insight to and understanding of things." Synonyms include discerning, shrewd, perceptive, astute, sharp, clear-sighted, insightful, and discriminating. From what I've seen, the word isn't used often, but it is a handy one to have nonetheless in case you want something in lieu of "insightful" or "sharp," which tend to come up more in daily conversation. Had you ever heard of or used the word perspicacious before?

Earlier today, I came across a Facebook page that features motivational quotes intended to improve people's moods and enhance their overall self-esteem. Interestingly, I noticed two quotes that focus specifically on quiet people: "Be afraid of quiet people; they're the ones who actually think." "The quietest people have the loudest minds." I've observed that most people's views of quiet individuals can fall under one of two categories: 1. The ones who say quiet people are antisocial, suspicious, snobbish, and/or full of themselves. 2. The people who say their introspective nature and propensity to be deep in thought makes them smarter than their more garrulous peers. The quotes above speak to this mindset. As an introvert known to be quiet at work and at social functions where I might not know anyone, I feel I'm well positioned to dispel any inaccuracies surrounding quiet folks. First of all, the above statements misguidedly put...

For all their lies and unscrupulous behavior, politicians have one thing going for them: They can give kick-ass speeches and are quick on their feet during interviews and debates. Some of the questions asked of the candidates are pretty tough, and with good reason. We want to elect the person who's best suited to be commander-in-chief. And when asked to address criticisms leveled at them, they sure as hell better have a good, quick answer. In order to do this, they have to demonstrate a firm understanding of the Constitution, not to mention deep knowledge of laws, policies, and their opponents' positions. Their experience in law and public office have no doubt prepared them for the national spotlight. They're also expected to project confidence before a live audience and with millions more tuning in via television, radio, and the internet. Needless to say, the whole world is scrutinizing your every word. As much as we may disagree with what these people have to sa...

There are smart people, and then there are confident people. While some people possess both smarts and self-confidence, others may have or exhibit only one of these attributes.  There's no question that politicians like Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama are bright, self-assured people. Connections notwithstanding, they would otherwise not have made it to the big stage.  Of course, people are at their best when they embody both of these characteristics. You could be the smartest guy in the world, but if you don't make your points with some level of conviction, no one would ever know it. People won't believe what you're saying -- no matter how ground-breaking or erudite -- if you don't sound sure of yourself. At the same time, being gregarious won't get you far unless whatever you're discussing has substance. Spouting off nonsense undercuts any confidence you may bring to the table because, after a while, people will simply w...

On this day in 1904, President Woodrow Wilson departed Washington, D.C, on the first European trip ever taken by a U.S. president. After several days at sea aboard the S.S. George Washington, Wilson arrived at Brest, France. He then traveled by land to Versailles, where he led the American delegation to the peace conference seeking an official end to World War I. Despite Republican opposite to the trip, Wilson worked indefatigably to hash out an agreement that would lead to a lasting peace in Europe. During the stay, Wilson also pushed for the establishment of the League of Nations, an international organization designed to promote world peace by avoiding wars and settling international disputes. At Versailles, Wilson’s hopes for a “just and stable peace” were opposed by the other victorious Allies, and the final treaty, which called for stringent war reparations from the former Central Powers, was met with intense disapproval in Germany. Regardless, President Woodrow Wilson was aw...

Teddy Roosevelt’s legacy encompasses a wide range of outstanding achievements – from overseeing the construction of the Panama Canal to helping root out public corruption to dissolving monopolies as a so-called “trust buster.” However, there’s a lot more to this majestic figure than what's detailed in the history books. Below are several fascinating facts about the 26th U.S. President that run the gamut from special awards he received to his personal pet peeves.  Teddy Roosevelt (1858-1919) was a man of varied interests and notable accomplishments. His name alone conjures up images of a stout, bespectacled man with a brown mustache and larger-than-life personality. Indeed, this revered figure who famously exhorted Americans to “speak softly and carry a big stick” is remembered as an ebullient politician who pledged to crack down on trusts and corruption, an outdoorsy explorer deeply committed to the conservation of natural resources, and an intrepid Colonel who commanded the 1st ...

No matter what side of the political aisle you're on, you have to agree that the U.S. has attracted a diverse slate of presidential candidates in recent years. The 2008 Presidential Election saw the first ever African American elected to office in Barack Obama. In addition, though she and her running mate, John McCain, fell short of victory, Sarah Palin nearly became the first ever Vice President of the United States. Hillary Clinton failed to secure her party's nomination that year, but I think most of us knew she'd be back. Indeed, Clinton will get a shot at redemption in 2016, as she recently announced her candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination. Whether she'll nab her party's nomination and win the general election remains to be seen, but there's no denying she's become a household name in politics. In my view, a Hillary victory would empower women all around the world to shoot for even their loftiest goals -- whether it's to becom...