Word of the Day
inflate
Pronunciation /ɪnˈfleɪt/
verb
1 usually with object Fill (a balloon, tyre, or other expandable structure) with air or gas so that it becomes distended.
1.1 no object Become distended with air or gas.
2 usually with object Increase (something) by a large or excessive amount.
2.1 Exaggerate.
3 usually with object Bring about inflation of (a currency) or in (an economy)
Origin
Late Middle English from Latin inflat- ‘blown into’, from the verb inflare, from in- ‘into’ + flare ‘to blow’.
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If I intend to inflate my ego, I’m going to need both a powerful pump and an appropriate inflation needle.

Yesterday, the new clipart elements were two different pumps. At some point later in the day, while waiting for game four of the Red Sox/Rays series, I worked on making an image of an inflation needle. Initially, I attempted a photo-like version, but was not too happy with the threads.

After a restful sleep, enabled by the walk-off win by the Sox in the bottom of the ninth inning, I went to work on a less “realistic” version. The image is a bit more design-like, but I think the threads wind up making me happier. Then, of course, I was able to check the availability of today’s word. We had not used inflate before, so it all fell together. And I even get to stroke my ego. It is actually inflated enough already [wink].
