Desert

A desert is a barren area of land where little precipitation occurs and consequently living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life. The lack of vegetation exposes the unprotected surface of the ground to the processes of denudation. About one third of the land surface of the world is arid or semi-arid. This includes much of the polar regions where little precipitation occurs and which are sometimes called polar deserts or "cold deserts". Deserts can be classified by the amount of precipitation that falls, by the temperature that prevails, by the causes of desertification or by their geographical location.

Deserts are formed by weathering processes as large variations in temperature between day and night put strains on the rocks which consequently break in pieces. Although rain seldom occurs in deserts, there are occasional downpours that can result in flash floods. Rain falling on hot rocks can cause them to shatter and the resulting fragments and rubble strewn over the desert floor is further eroded by the wind. This picks up particles of sand and dust and wafts them aloft in sand or dust storms. Wind-blown sand grains striking any solid object in their path can abrade the surface. Rocks are smoothed down, and the wind sorts sand into uniform deposits. The grains end up as level sheets of sand or are piled high in billowing sand dunes. Other deserts are flat, stony plains where all the fine material has been blown away and the surface consists of a mosaic of smooth stones. These areas are known as desert pavements and little further erosion takes place. Other desert features include rock outcrops, exposed bedrock and clays once deposited by flowing water. Temporary lakes may form and salt pans may be left when waters evaporate. There may be underground sources of water in the form of springs and seepages from aquifers. Where these are found, oases can occur.

Dessert

Dessert (/dˈzɜːrt/) is a course that concludes a main meal. The course usually consists of sweet foods and beverages, but may include coffee, cheeses, nuts, or other savory items. In some parts of the world there is no tradition of dessert to conclude a meal.

The term dessert can apply to many foods, such as cakes, tarts, cookies, biscuits, gelatins, pastries, ice creams, pies, puddings, custards, and sweet soups. Fruit is also commonly found in dessert courses because of its naturally occurring sweetness. Some cultures sweeten foods that are more commonly savory to create desserts.

Etymology

The word "dessert" originated from the French word desservir, meaning "to clear the table." Its first known use was in 1600, in a health education manual entitled Naturall and artificial Directions for Health, which was written by William Vaughan. In his A History of Dessert (2013), Michael Krondl explains it refers to the fact dessert was served after the table had been cleared of other dishes. The term dates from the 14th century but attained its current meaning around the beginning of the 20th century when "service à la française" (setting a variety of dishes on the table at the same time) was replaced with "service à la russe" (presenting a meal in courses.)"

Desert (philosophy)

Desert (/dˈzɜːrt/) in philosophy is the condition of being deserving of something, whether good or bad.

Nomenclature

The word is related to justice, revenge, blame, punishment and many topics central to moral philosophy, also "moral desert". In the English language, the word "desert" with this meaning tends to be a rather uncommon word colloquially where it is almost exclusively collocated in the popular phrase one's just deserts (e.g. "Although she was not at first arrested for the crime, she later on received her just deserts.").

In ordinary usage, to deserve is to earn or merit a reward; in philosophy, the distinction is drawn in the term desert to include the case that which one receives as one's just deserts may well be unwelcome, or a reward. For example, if one scratches off a winning lottery ticket, one may be entitled to the money, but one does not necessarily deserve it in the same way one would deserve $5 for mowing a lawn, or a round of applause for performing a solo.

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Elko girls, boys take 5th at High Desert Frosh-Soph

Elko Daily Free Press 20 Mar 2025
On Friday, the Lady Indians scored 58 points at McQueen High SchoolSpring Creek taking seventh with 22 points. For the boys, Elko tallied 49.5 points — the Spartans following closely in sixth with 47 points ... .
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How Holi And Ramadan Unites This Pakistani Desert Town Every Year

NDTV 20 Mar 2025
In a desert town in Pakistan, Hindus prepare meals for fasting Muslims, who in turn gather to welcome a Holi procession, a rare moment of religious solidarity in the Islamic nation ... .
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Global Investors Are Deserting India's Stock Market At A Record Pace To Buy Chinese Stocks Instead

MENA FN 20 Mar 2025
(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Global investors are deserting India's stock market, selling shares at a record pace to buy Chinese stocks instead, in a dramatic reversal of fortunes for the Asian giants ... .
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Home to protesting farmers till Wednesday, Shambhu border wears deserted look after police crackdown

Deccan Herald 20 Mar 2025
Till Wednesday, temporary structures and trolleys at the Shambhu border provided shelter to farmers who had been protesting on the key highway -- the ”Shambhu-Ambala road -- in support of their ...
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Desert creep in South Africa spells bleak future for succulent-resplendent Karoo

Mongabay 20 Mar 2025
Sometimes words fall hopelessly short. This might explain the silences between the two botanists as their vehicle crunches over a gravelly Richtersveld moonscape, a desert that straddles the South African and Namibian border along the Orange River.
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UAE Desert Safari launches new packages, including exclusive Ramadan offers

Khaleejtimes 20 Mar 2025
UAE Desert Safari, a leading provider of authentic desert experiences, has unveiled a range of new packages designed to offer residents and tourists an unforgettable Arabian adventure ... Morning desert ...
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Retail boycotts, major stores closing? See a list of High Desert's locally owned shops

Daily Press Victorville 20 Mar 2025
The High Desert has small-name grocery stores, home goods shops, hobby stores, and more to choose from for residents who want to help their communities thrive by shopping locally ... High Desert home goods stores that are locally owned.
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Community events in San Diego County: From Desert BioBlitz to Garden Walking Tour

San Diego Union-Tribune 20 Mar 2025
BioBlitz, walks, workshops at desert state park. The Anza-Borrego Foundation hosts a number of activities this week at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, including these events.. Anza Borrego Desert BioBlitz from 5 p.m.
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Best Day Trips from Cairo, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh

Egyptian Streets 20 Mar 2025
In Egypt, ancient wonders and natural beauty are often just a day trip away ... Here’s your guide to some of the best day trips across Egypt – from pharaonic temples to desert oases – plus practical tips on how to get there ... Luxor Distance ... .
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Deserts for women’s health care services expand in rural NC counties

The Daily Record - Dunn 19 Mar 2025
Rural hospitals could be putting pregnant women and babies at risk by slashing labor and delivery services across North Carolina ....
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Three UBS Financial Advisors in Pacific Desert Market named to Financial Planning Top 40 under 40

Business Wire 19 Mar 2025
SAN DIEGO & PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- #BestWealthManagement--3 UBS financial advisors in SoCal & AZ named to 2025 Financial Planning Top 40 Brokers Under 40. Nationwide, UBS held 12 of 40 top spots ... .
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Producing Profit In The Desert - Pure Harvest Enjoys Fruits Of Success

Forbes 19 Mar 2025
Pure Harvest, a start-up based in the UAE, is growing fresh food in the harsh desert environment. It reduces air miles, saves water and increases food resilience ... .
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Jet skis in the desert: winter lake creates Saudi watersports oasis

Lebanon Democrat 19 Mar 2025
The ear-splitting roar of his jet ski fills the air as Hamza al-Hamm thunders past, kicking up plumes of water -- not at the beach, but in the heart of the Saudi Arabian desert ....
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