Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Was

''Was'' may refer to:
  • The Was sceptre, an ancient Egyptian symbol of power and dominion
  • In language and mythology:
    • English grammar: the past tense of the verb "to be" (English Grammar)
    • Egyptian symbolism: the Was sceptre (detailed under Egyptian Symbolism)
  • People, including:
    • Musicians (Musicians)
    • Educators and activists (Educators and Activists)
  • Arts and entertainment:
    • Music (Music)
    • Film (Film)
  • Computing:
    • Servers and platforms (Servers and Platforms)
    • System services ([System Services](System Services "System Services"))
  • Washington, D.C. references:
    • Transportation (Transportation)
    • Education (Education)
  • Other uses:
    • Artifacts (Artifacts)
    • Geography (Geography)
    • Aviation (Aviation)
For other uses, see Was (disambiguation).

Language and Mythology

English Grammar

In , "was" functions as the first- and third-person singular indicative form of the verb "to be," serving primarily as a to connect the of a with its , thereby expressing states of being, , , or conditions in the . For instance, in the "She was happy," "was" links the "she" to the adjective "happy," indicating a emotional state; similarly, "It was raining" describes a weather condition, highlighting "was" as an auxiliary for ongoing or temporary situations. This form is essential for constructing tense statements, questions, and negatives, such as "Was the door open?" or "He was not at home." The word "was" derives from "wæs," the first- and third-person singular past form of "wesan" meaning "to remain" or "to be," which supplied the for the "to be" after merging with other forms in . This term traces back to Proto-Germanic "*wesanan," denoting "being" or "existence," and ultimately to the "*wes-," which conveyed ideas of "to remain, abide, live, or dwell," as seen in cognates like "vasati" (to dwell). The irregular nature of "to be" stems from this historical fusion: while the draws from a separate PIE root "*bʰeh₂-" (to become), the like "was" preserves the older "*wes-" paradigm, resulting in a non-standard conjugation unlike regular s that add "-ed" to form the past (e.g., "walk" becomes "walked"). In the past tense conjugation of "to be," "was" is used exclusively with singular subjects "I," "he," "she," or "it," while "were" applies to plural subjects "we," "you," and "they," creating a suppletive where different s fill morphological slots—a hallmark of irregularity inherited from Germanic ancestors. This contrasts sharply with regular verbs, which maintain a single across persons (e.g., "I walked," "he walked"), but "to be" requires learners to memorize its eight distinct forms: be, am, are, is, was, were, being, been, underscoring its high frequency and foundational role in English .

Egyptian Symbolism

The was-scepter, known in ancient as wꜣs, was a straight staff, often ribbed or cylindrical, topped with the head of a mythical animal resembling that associated with the god Set—a long-snouted, erect-eared creature—and forked at the base resembling animal paws. The term wꜣs also served as a hieroglyph meaning "" or "," linking its symbolic and linguistic roles. This design symbolized , , and the pharaoh's or deity's control over , while also evoking the pharaoh's over the land's prosperity. Originating in the Predynastic Period (c. 6000–3100 BCE) and appearing prominently from the Early Dynastic Period (c. 3100–2686 BCE) onward, the was-scepter featured in royal and divine iconography, held by pharaohs and gods during rituals to affirm authority and maintain cosmic order. It featured extensively in paintings, reliefs, and funerary scenes, where figures grasped it to denote eternal rule in the . Symbolically, the staff's form merged the mundane authority of a ruler's rod with the divine potency of the animal head, representing the harnessing of wild forces for and . It was commonly paired with the symbol of life and the pillar of , as seen in depictions of gods like , who held a combined scepter embodying these elements to signify comprehensive divine kingship. Archaeological evidence includes actual was-scepters recovered from tombs, such as a wooden example from the Middle Kingdom burial of Senebtisi (c. 1850–1775 BCE) at Lisht North, and a detailed miniature version from Tutankhamun's tomb (c. 1323 BCE) in the Valley of the Kings, highlighting its role in funerary rites and coronation ceremonies where new pharaohs received it to legitimize their dominion.

People

Musicians

, born around 1952, is an multi-instrumentalist and songwriter renowned for his contributions to eclectic pop and genres. As a key figure in the 1980s scene, he co-founded the band in 1979 with longtime collaborator , blending , , and surreal lyrics to create innovative soundscapes that influenced . His work during this era included writing and performing on the band's debut Was (Not Was) (1981) and subsequent releases like What Up, Dog? (1988), which featured hit singles such as "," showcasing his ability to fuse experimental elements with mainstream appeal. Don Was, born Donald Fagenson on September 13, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan, is an acclaimed American bass guitarist, , and the current president of since 2012. Early in his career, he co-founded with , contributing bass lines and production to their eclectic output that bridged , pop, and R&B. As a producer, he has worked with iconic artists including on Under the Red Sky (1990) and on Voodoo Lounge (1994), earning widespread recognition for his versatile approach that revitalizes classic sounds. His production achievements include multiple , such as Producer of the Year, Non-Classical in 1995 and for Bonnie Raitt's Nick of Time in 1990, highlighting his impact on rock and blues revival.

Educators and Activists

William Arthur Sibly (1882–1959), known as W. A. Sibly, was a prominent British educator and vegetarian activist who served as headmaster of Wycliffe College from 1912 to 1947. Born at the college in , to its founder G. W. Sibly—a lifelong vegetarian since 1868—young Sibly was raised in an environment emphasizing ethical dietary principles, which shaped his commitment to and moral education. Educated at Wycliffe and , he succeeded his father as headmaster at age 30, expanding the institution by constructing facilities like the Library and Assembly Hall (1921–1924) and acquiring additional properties to support progressive schooling. As a vegetarian activist, Sibly advocated for ethical reforms in early 20th-century , authoring influential works such as Vegetarianism and the Growing (first published 1914, with editions up to 1942), which documented a 20-year experiment at Wycliffe demonstrating that vegetarian students matched meat-eating peers in academic and athletic performance. He promoted vegetarian rations for boys during both World Wars, emphasizing health benefits without animal exploitation. Sibly held leadership roles in major organizations, including President of the Vegetarian Society (1938–1959) and President of the International Vegetarian Union (1947–1953), followed by Past President until his death. His activism extended to as a council member of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for over 30 years and to public health ethics through the National Anti-Vaccination League executive. In education, Sibly integrated moral philosophy into curricula at Wycliffe, fostering discussions on , , and non-violence through the school's vegetarian ethos and broader welfare initiatives. Under his , the college emphasized holistic development, where dietary choices served as practical lessons in , influencing generations of students and contributing to the normalization of in British educational settings. His efforts helped establish Wycliffe as a model for ethical , blending academic rigor with activist principles.

Arts and Entertainment

Music

Was (Not Was) is an American avant-funk band formed in 1979 in Detroit, Michigan, by David Weiss (stage name David Was) and Don Fagenson (stage name Don Was), blending elements of mutant funk, rock, disco, and surreal humor with kinetic grooves and eclectic guest vocalists. The group's self-titled debut album, released in 1981 on Ze Records, featured a fusion of beat poetry, political commentary, and danceable rhythms, establishing their experimental pop sound. Their 1983 follow-up, Born to Laugh at Tornadoes, expanded this style with prominent guest appearances, including Ozzy Osbourne on the track "Shake Your Head," which incorporated electro and new wave influences. The band's commercial breakthrough came with the 1988 album What Up, Dog? on , a and house-infused release that peaked at No. 43 on the and included the hit single "," which reached No. 7 on the through its funky, dinosaur-themed narrative and memorable music video. This era solidified Was (Not Was) as a cult favorite in pop, known for satirical lyrics and genre-blending production, though they entered an indefinite hiatus after 1990 before sporadic reunions. W.A.S.P., an American band formed in 1982 in , , pioneered with provocative lyrics, theatrical imagery, and high-energy performances that drew controversy for their explicit themes. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1984 on , peaked at No. 74 on the and featured the anthem "," a track embodying aspirations of fame amid the band's raw, guitar-driven sound influenced by New Wave of British Heavy Metal and . The album's success, certified gold by the RIAA, helped define the band's notoriety in the 1980s metal scene, with subsequent releases maintaining their rebellious edge. In 2025, the band embarked on the Album ONE Alive World Tour in , performing their self-titled debut album in its entirety.

Film

Was (1981) is a Turkish drama film directed by Zeki Ökten, known for its exploration of social issues in rural . The film stars in the lead role, portraying the struggles of traditional life amid changing times. Adapted from Kemal Tahir's novel, it critiques the lingering effects of and the challenges of modernization in Turkish society. With a runtime of 110 minutes, the film highlights its international recognition for its poignant narrative and strong performances. Ökten's direction emphasizes the tension between old customs and new economic forces, using rural settings to underscore themes of class disparity and cultural transition. Şen's portrayal of a character caught in this conflict has been praised for its depth and authenticity.

Computing

Servers and Platforms

The WebSphere Application Server (WAS), developed by , is a Java-based platform primarily used for hosting and managing enterprise web applications. Initially released in June 1998 as a servlet engine, it evolved to fully support Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE) standards, providing a robust foundation for scalable, transaction-oriented applications in distributed environments. Its core architecture emphasizes reliability and performance, making it suitable for high-volume deployments where downtime must be minimized. Key features of WAS include horizontal and vertical clustering to enable load balancing and across multiple server instances, ensuring for mission-critical systems. Security is integrated through support for (TLS, formerly SSL) protocols, , and authentication mechanisms compliant with enterprise standards like LDAP and . Additionally, WAS facilitates integration with via its modular runtime and compatibility with tools, allowing traditional monolithic applications to transition toward cloud-native architectures. These capabilities have made WAS a staple in industries such as banking, where it powers multichannel and secure customer-facing portals. The platform's evolution reflects adaptations to modern development practices. Traditional WAS reached version 9.0 in 2016, introducing enhancements like Java SE 8 compatibility, Java EE 7 support, and improved administrative tooling for faster deployments. Complementing this, the WebSphere Liberty profile—launched in 2012—offers a lightweight, composable runtime that loads only necessary features on demand, reducing memory footprint and startup times for microservices and DevOps workflows. Liberty is bundled with traditional WAS editions and supports continuous delivery models, with quarterly updates aligning to Jakarta EE specifications. As of 2025, the traditional edition is at version 9.0.5.25 and Liberty at 25.0.x, continuing to hold a significant position in the enterprise application server and middleware market, particularly for legacy modernization in regulated sectors.

System Services

The Windows Process Activation Service (WAS), also referred to as the Windows Activation Service, is a core component of (IIS) 7.0 and later versions in Windows. Introduced with and in 2007, WAS provides process model and features for web applications and services, enabling deployment and management through or centralized without full IIS dependency. It serves as the foundation for activating and managing worker processes that host (WCF) applications, extending beyond traditional HTTP-based hosting. WAS leverages the HTTP.sys kernel-mode driver to handle incoming requests efficiently, allowing it to host WCF services over HTTP, , and non-HTTP protocols such as , named pipes, and MSMQ without requiring IIS for . This supports non-administrative user by isolating management from the full web server stack, facilitating remote and scalability in environments. For instance, developers can configure listener adapters for various protocols, enabling flexible service endpoints that integrate seamlessly with Windows-based applications. Unlike standalone servers like , which offer broader OS integration options, WAS focuses on native Windows orchestration. Technically, WAS operates as a under the local system account, with its binaries including key modules like wascs.exe for core functionality and integration with (WMI) via winmgmt.dll for configuration querying and event monitoring. It depends on services such as (RPC) and maintains worker process lifetimes through configurable idle timeouts and recycling policies to optimize resource usage. Common troubleshooting for WAS involves addressing activation failures, particularly after Windows updates around 2020, such as 2004 or 20H2, where startup errors like Event ID 5005 or 5189 may occur due to configuration corruption or dependency issues. In such cases, resetting the via command-line tools (e.g., net start was) or repairing IIS features through Server Manager often resolves problems, with logs in providing error codes like 0x80070005 for access denials. Post-update verification includes checking dependencies and ensuring sufficient disk space, as failures can lead to HTTP 503 errors in hosted applications.

Washington, D.C. References

Transportation

The (WMATA), commonly known as , serves as the primary public transportation provider for the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region, encompassing the District of Columbia, , and suburban . Established on February 20, 1967, through an approved by , WMATA was created to plan, finance, construct, and operate a comprehensive regional mass transit system, addressing the growing need for efficient mobility amid postwar suburban expansion and . Initially focused on regional rail and bus planning, WMATA inherited responsibilities from earlier federal efforts, including the development of a rapid rail network outlined in the National Capital Transportation Act of 1959. The authority coordinated with local governments in D.C., , and to design an integrated system that would connect urban centers with commuter suburbs, emphasizing high-capacity rail lines supplemented by bus services. By 1968, WMATA adopted the Regional System plan, which allocated approximately 38 miles of rail in D.C., 30 miles in , and 29 miles in , funded through a combination of federal grants (up to 80% for construction) and local contributions. WMATA's evolution culminated in the opening of the system on March 27, 1976, with an initial 7.4-mile segment serving five stations between National Airport and Rhode Island Avenue. This marked the transition from planning to operational service, with Metrobus integration beginning in to provide feeder routes and regional coverage. Over the subsequent decades, the system expanded to a 128-mile network of six rail lines and 98 stations (as of 2025), serving approximately 800,000 passengers on average weekdays (combined rail and bus) in 2025 and facilitating commuter services across jurisdictional boundaries. Key expansions, such as the Green Line to Branch Avenue in 2001, the Silver Line Phase 1 to Wiehle-Reston East in 2014, Phase 2 to in 2022, and the in 2023, underscore WMATA's role in sustaining economic connectivity in the . In addition to rail and bus operations, WMATA manages services like MetroAccess for individuals with disabilities and has implemented fare policies, such as the SmarTrip card system introduced in 1999, to streamline payments and encourage ridership. The authority's governance structure, comprising eight voting members from the three jurisdictions plus non-voting federal representatives, ensures balanced representation in for , , and capital improvements. Despite challenges like funding shortfalls and aging , WMATA remains essential for daily commutes, special events, and tourism in .

Education

The Association of Independent Schools of Greater (AISGW), founded in , serves as a key dedicated to elevating educational standards for independent institutions in the , metropolitan area. As a voluntary organization, AISGW has historically focused on fostering excellence in K-12 by establishing rigorous processes that ensure member schools meet high benchmarks in , faculty qualifications, and student outcomes. This not only validates institutional quality but also supports schools in navigating regulatory landscapes unique to the D.C. region, where independent plays a vital role alongside public systems. Beyond , AISGW engages in extensive initiatives, offering workshops, conferences, and training programs for educators and administrators to adopt best practices in pedagogy, . These efforts aim to build a collaborative network among private schools, enabling the sharing of resources and innovative teaching methods tailored to the diverse student populations in D.C., including international and multilingual learners. For instance, AISGW has organized annual symposia on topics like integration and social-emotional learning, drawing hundreds of participants from area independents. In terms of , AISGW actively represents the interests of its member schools in discussions at local and federal levels, influencing K-12 to protect the of institutions while promoting access and affordability. The association lobbies for funding opportunities, such as scholarships and credits for , and collaborates with D.C. bodies to address challenges like enrollment trends and facility standards. Through these activities, AISGW has contributed to the growth and sustainability of 78 independent schools in the (as of 2025), ensuring they remain viable contributors to the area's educational ecosystem.

Other Uses

Artifacts

The Was scepter, known in ancient as wꜣs, is a staff-like artifact characterized by a straight shaft terminating in a forked base and often topped with the head of the , featuring long, curved ears and a protruding snout. These objects were crafted primarily from materials such as wood, (a glazed composite), ivory, or metals like and , allowing for both functional and ceremonial elaboration. Typical examples measure between 1 and 2 meters in length, though monumental variants exceed this scale, reflecting their role as or funerary equipment rather than handheld items. One of the most prominent surviving examples is a monumental Was scepter discovered by archaeologist at in , dating to approximately 1425 BCE during the New Kingdom (Eighteenth Dynasty). This artifact, the largest known piece of , stands 215.9 cm tall, weighs 65 kg, and measures 25 cm in width and 48.2 cm in depth; it is composed of blue-green glazed crushed quartz , with the forked base evoking the hind legs and tail of the . Housed in the , it exemplifies the advanced glazing techniques of the period and was likely used in temple rituals before deposition. Other archaeological finds include wooden Was scepters from tombs (ca. 1981–1802 BCE), such as one from in , made of plain wood with minimal adornment, recovered from 12 burials and now in the . A related example from the tomb of Senebtisi at North (ca. 1850–1775 BCE) features similar wooden construction, unearthed in a Memphite Region pyramid complex pit, highlighting the artifact's prevalence in elite funerary contexts during the Dynasty. Smaller model versions, like a ca. 3100–2649 BCE example from Abydos in the Early Dynastic Period, demonstrate early iterations placed in Temple deposits, underscoring continuity in form across millennia. Late Period specimens (ca. 712–332 BCE), such as a faience Was scepter from a Nubian grave at Faras in Lower Nubia (Dynasties 25–30), measure 30.2 cm (11 7/8 in.) in length and were interred with burials, indicating ongoing production and adaptation in peripheral regions under Egyptian influence. These artifacts, often found in tomb assemblages from the Middle Kingdom onward, were typically deposited in groups with other ritual items, as evidenced by collections from sites like Deir el-Bersha, where over 250 wooden staves included Was forms for funerary equipping.

Aviation

The IATA location code WAS designates the metropolitan area in the United States, functioning as a unified identifier for ticketing and reservations across multiple serving airports to streamline operations in polycentric urban regions. This metropolitan code avoids ambiguity when passengers book travel to the area, allowing airlines to assign the most appropriate based on flight availability, slot restrictions, and destination proximity. The facilities under WAS include three primary commercial airports that collectively handled approximately 80 million passengers in 2024, supporting a mix of domestic, , and government-related air traffic. (DCA) serves short-haul domestic routes with perimeter restrictions limiting nonstop flights beyond 1,250 miles, operating from a riverside location with four terminals. Washington Dulles Airport (IAD), a key international gateway, features a central terminal and midfield concourses connected by an underground train, accommodating for and transpacific services. Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) functions as a focus city for low-cost carriers, with expanded international capabilities and efficient ground links to the capital via rail and . Together, these airports form an integrated network essential for the region's economic and political activities.