Aviation Day

19 August 2019Today's HolidayIan Grieve

National Aviation Day honors the birthday of the American inventor and early manufacturer of airplanes, Orville Wright (1871-1948), as well as the progress that has been made in manned flight since the Wright Brothers made their historic 120-foot flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903. Parachute jumping, glider demonstrations, films, airplane rides, and displays of new and antique aircraft are popular events on this day, and open house celebrations are often held at local airports. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Football Hooliganism

19 August 2019Article of the DayIan Grieve

Soccer, or association football, as it known throughout most of the world, is the most popular international team sport, followed by vast, emotional audiences and associated at times with outbreaks of violence and mass hooliganism, notably by British supporters. Violence at football matches dates back centuries, with political, religious, and territorial rivalries often contributing to feuds between fans of opposing teams. What incident occurred during England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

behemoth

19 August 2019Word of the DayIan Grieve

Definition: (noun) Someone or something that is abnormally large and powerful.

Synonyms: colossus, goliath, monster, giant.

Usage: Little Nick was surprisingly excited as the trainers lifted him onto the elephant, and he showed no fear as he rode the behemoth around the ring.
Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Mount Hagen Cultural Show

18 August 2019Today's HolidayIan Grieve

This gathering in Papua New Guinea, known as a sing-sing, provides an opportunity for outsiders to experience the ceremonial drumming, dancing, and other displays of tribal culture of hundreds of Western Highland clans. Performers wear their traditional tribal garb, often with body paint and an elaborate headdress made of feathers. The annual Mount Hagen show, staged more for tourists than for the locals, includes a competition that encourages decorative costumes and wild dancing to the accompaniment of nonstop drumming. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Sacraments

18 August 2019Article of the DayIan Grieve

A sacrament is a religious symbol or rite that is believed to transfer spiritual power to the participant. Today, sacraments are primarily associated with Christianity, which holds that they consist of visible signs of invisible grace and derive from practices instituted by Jesus. Christian churches, however, are divided with regard to the number and operation of sacraments. In most Protestant churches, only baptism and communion are recognized. What are the 7 sacraments of Roman Catholicism? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

harum-scarum

18 August 2019Word of the DayIan Grieve

Definition: (adjective) Cheerfully irresponsible.

Synonyms: devil-may-care, happy-go-lucky, slaphappy, freewheeling, carefree.

Usage: I was a harum-scarum, reckless lad, and he had had an education, and was already marked for the sword-belt.
Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Jhapan Festival (Manasa Festival)

17 August 2019Today's HolidayIan Grieve

Jhampanias, or snake charmers, gather in the city of Vishnupur, West Bengal State, India, every August for one of the region’s most notable annual festivals. Accompanying them, of course, are snakes of all kinds of local varieties, especially dangerous cobras. Jhampanias train their snakes to perform tricks with them, which attendees can observe to their hearts’ content. The patron goddess of snakes is Manasa, a daughter of Shiva, and the festival attracts many who follow her cult. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Bowerbirds

17 August 2019Article of the DayIan Grieve

Bowerbirds are several species of songbirds found in Australia and New Guinea. To attract female mates, males of the species build elaborate bowers on the ground, decorate them with bright, shiny objects, and then display and sing loudly above them. Females observe the courtship displays, inspect the quality of the bowers, and select a mate. After mating, the female builds a simple nest away from the bower in which to lay her eggs. What objects do bowerbirds often use to decorate their bowers? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

with-it

17 August 2019Word of the DayIan Grieve

Definition: (adjective) In accord with the most fashionable ideas or style.

Synonyms: cutting-edge, up-to-date.

Usage: Angela takes her fashion cues from whatever the with-it boutiques downtown are promoting.
Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Bennington Battle Day

16 August 2019Today's HolidayIan Grieve

During the Revolutionary War, Colonel Seth Warner and 350 soldiers from Vermont played a vital role in defeating the British forces who had come to capture the American supply depot at Bennington, Vermont. The anniversary of the fighting that took place along the Walloomsac River on August 16, 1777, is a legal holiday in Vermont, and a 306-foot tower has been erected in the town of Old Bennington, two miles west of Bennington proper. The Bennington Battle Monument State Historic Site hosts historic reenactments and displays on the weekend nearest August 16. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary