On Vox: Word of the Day.

SCHMOOZE, v.

To converse informally: chat; also : to chat in a friendly and persuasive manner especially so as to gain favor, business, or connections. From Yiddish "shmuesn", from "schmues" talk, from Hebrew "shĕmu'ōth" news, rumor. (e.g. He spent the entire evening schmoozing with the senator).

Originally posted on wildernesscat.vox.com

Who the f**k is Esther?

I won the card-collectors' jackpot again (so to speak), and got myself a whole bunch of old cards for free. Most of the cards are unwritten, some have routine travel logs, but a few have these weird texts, which I just have to save for posterity. This one's in English, and probably traveled in an envelope. No date is available.

Dear Esther,

I had received your wishes and I thank you very much. I send you my best wishes also for the new year though it is soon begun.
I will be very glad to know how you have get my address, for I don't know who you are.

Myriam.