On April 16, 2009, President Obama announced a new vision for developing high-speed intercity passenger rail in America. He called for a collaborative effort to help transform America's transportation system. This transformation involves the creation of a national network of high-speed rail corridors. The plan calls for giving 80% of Americans access to high-speed rail within the next 25 years. 

As used in paragraph 2, what does the word transform mean? 

 Have you ever wondered who writes the Nancy Drew mysteries? Many fans of the series may be surprised to learn that there is no Carolyn Keene. Carolyn Keene is a pseudonym created by the series' father, Ed Stratemeyer, and it is shared by an unknown number of ghost writers. The first "Keene" was Mildred Wirt Benson, who fleshed out the outline Stratemeyer had developed for the titian-haired detective. Writing one book about every six weeks, Benson is credited with a majority of the first 30 Nancy Drew mysteries.

What is the definition of pseudonym as it is used in this paragraph?

The launch of the High Energy Solar Imager has been delayed indefinitely because of ongoing concerns about the satellite's launch vehicle—a Pegasus rocket. A NASA spokesperson said that the launch will still happen, but NASA is not sure when.

What is the meaning of the word indefinitely in the selection above?

 Asian grass carp, strong swimming fish with an urge to travel, grow up to 3 1/2 feet long and 70 pounds in Texas lakes and rivers. They are known for a voracious vegetarian appetite, eating up to three times their body weight in water plants in one day.

What is the meaning of the word voracious?

 Although scientists cannot see them because they are shrouded in ice and darkness, oceans underneath the crusty exteriors of several of Jupiter's moons could possess the raw materials necessary to feed hordes of creatures.

What is the meaning of the word shrouded in the sentence above?

The riverboat Columbia Queen takes passengers on an almost-1,000-mile journey along the route taken by explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in the early 1800s. Along the way, the boat makes stops where passengers can disembark and see wildlife and artifacts onshore.

What is the meaning of disembark as it is used in this paragraph?

Arianna's behavior was cryptic to say the least. The momentary bursts of laughter between her tears completely baffled us. Arianna, the peer advocate, had never been so out of touch with herself. As her best friend, I tried hard to lift her spirit. However, the grimace in her face at my every attempt to do so discouraged me. Arianna did not want to watch a movie, enjoy ice cream, or go for a walk. I could not watch Arianna sit frozen on her couch anymore. So I convinced the school counselor to pay Arianna a visit.

Based on its context in the paragraph above, what is the meaning of cryptic?

When people want to become teachers, they must go through a process called certification. The process is different from state to state, but it often requires them to submit a background check, take a certification test, and earn student teaching hours.

In the passage above, what does the word certification mean?

Tennis may appear to be an extremely difficult sport to play, but for the players the game feels rather invigorating. Regardless of whether they win or lose, they end the game refreshed and mentally relaxed.

What does the word invigorating mean?

In dealing with the State we ought to remember that its institutions are not the first of its kind, though they existed before we were born; that they are not superior to the citizen; that every one of them was once the act of a single man; every law and usage was at man's means to meet a particular case; that they all are copied, all changeable; we may make them better.  (2) But politics rests on necessary foundations and cannot be treated with levity. 

Sentence 2 says that politics cannot be treated with levity. How is Mr. Emerson telling the reader to treat politics?