Almabtrieb

18 September 2019Today's HolidayIan Grieve

The Return from the Mountain Pasture is an autumn festival that takes place around Salzburg, Austria, and other areas in the German Alps on the day that the cattle are driven down from the mountain pastures to their winter shelter. The cattle are decorated with flowers, and the Sennerinnen, or herding girls, who lead them wear traditional costumes that vary from place to place. Once the cattle are safely in for the winter, the farmers hold welcome-home feasts that are followed by music, dancing, and singing. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Siddhis

18 September 2019Article of the DayIan Grieve

Siddhi is a Sanskrit term that can be translated as “perfection,” “attainment,” or “success.” It can be any unusual capability and, in some schools of Hinduism and Buddhism, refers to the acquisition of supernatural powers such as clairvoyance, levitation, and bilocation. Some of the many other siddhis include the ability to materialize objects, change one’s size, and access memories from past lives. According to the Yoga Sutras, such powers can be attained in what five ways? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

counterbalance

18 September 2019Word of the DayIan Grieve

Definition: (verb) Oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions.

Synonyms: countervail, neutralize, counteract.

Usage: That gentleman grew every day fonder of little Tommy, as if he intended to counterbalance his severity to the father with … affection towards the son.
Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Maafa Commemoration

17 September 2019Today's HolidayIan Grieve

The Maafa Commemoration is an annual remembrance of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the experience of Middle Passage. The commemoration, held at the St. Paul Community Baptist Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., centers around a dramatic presentation put on by the church’s drama ministry. “The Maafa Suite … A Healing Journey” depicts the history of African Americans, from Africa to the Jim Crow South. Other events during the week include lectures, worship services, Maafa museum tours, and special activities for senior citizens and young people. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Last Meal

17 September 2019Article of the DayIan Grieve

Throughout history, prisoners condemned to death have customarily been offered a special “last meal.” In premodern Europe, it was a symbolic social act where, by accepting the last meal, the condemned was believed to forgive the executioner, judge, and witnesses. Although alcohol was once used to soothe prisoners and keep them from lashing out during the execution process, alcohol is now generally barred from these meals. What are some of the last meals chosen by notable inmates over the years? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

dapper

17 September 2019Word of the DayIan Grieve

Definition: (adjective) Marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners.

Synonyms: jaunty, natty, raffish, rakish, spiffy, spruce, dashing, snappy.

Usage: He smiled pleasantly upon her, looking very dapper in evening dress and a silk hat.
Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

St. Kitts and Nevis National Heroes Day

16 September 2019Today's HolidayIan Grieve

Saint Kitts and Nevis is an island nation in the West Indies in the Leeward Islands. In 1998, the Saint Kitts and Nevis federal Parliament passed the National Honours Act. Through this act, National Heroes Day was established. On this day, the country honors those who have distinguished themselves for the good of the islands. The first National Heroes Day was celebrated on September 16, 1998. The first National Hero was the late Robert L. Bradshaw, the first Premier of the Associated State of Saint Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Hungarian Revolution of 1956

16 September 2019Article of the DayIan Grieve

In October 1956, discontented Hungarians—emboldened by a speech in which Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev criticized actions taken by Stalin’s regime—began a revolt that quickly spread across the country, toppling the government. However, Western powers failed to respond to appeals for assistance, and the USSR soon invaded and quashed the revolution. Nevertheless, Hungary did thereafter experience a slow evolution toward some internal autonomy. Who was Time magazine’s 1956 Man of the Year? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

turndown

16 September 2019Word of the DayIan Grieve

Definition: (noun) The act of refusing an offer.

Synonyms: nonacceptance.

Usage: The turndown was polite but very firm, leaving no doubt that Roger thought our salary proposal was insufficient.
Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Honduras Independence Day

15 September 2019Today's HolidayIan Grieve

Honduras joined four other Central American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua—in declaring independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. Independence Day is a national holiday and festivities are especially colorful in the capital city of Tegucigalpa. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary