An igloo, which means “house” in the Inuit language, is a traditional, dome-shaped Eskimo dwelling with a low tunnel entrance constructed of blocks of snow placed in an ascending spiral. Although igloos are commonly associated with the Inuit, they were predominantly constructed by people of Canada’s Central Arctic and Greenland’s Thule area. What is a kudlik, and how did it help strengthen the structural integrity of igloos? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) Change toward something smaller or lower.
Synonyms: decline.
Usage: The thermometer indicated a certain diminution of temperature.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The drive-in theater was the creation of New Jersey chemical company magnate Richard M. Hollingshead, Jr. In 1932, Hollingshead nailed a screen to trees in his backyard and set a projector on the hood of his car. After applying for a patent for his creation, Hollingshead opened the first drive-in the next year. Though it only operated for three years, the concept soon caught on in other states. How many drive-ins are estimated to have existed in the US at the height of their popularity? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
South Korea (officially the Republic of Korea) has designated June 6 as a national holiday to honor soldiers and civilians who sacrificed their lives for their country during the Korean War, 1950-1953. The main ceremony of remembrance is held at the National Cemetery in the capital city, Seoul. Throughout the country, officials and citizens pray and lay flowers at the graves of the war dead. Citizens display the flag of South Korea, which is called Tae-guk-gi, on the front doors of their homes to commemorate the civilians and soldiers who died in war. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Among the giants of Russian literature, Pushkin was a poet and writer whose masterpieces include the poem The Bronze Horseman, the drama The Stone Guest, and his verse novel Eugene Onegin, which contains witty descriptions of 19th-century Russian society. Pushkin established the modern poetic language of Russia, using Russian history for the basis of many works, but his career was cut short when he died after a duel with a young Frenchman. How old was he when he died? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Irrawaddy, or Ayeyarwady, is Myanmar’s longest river and its most important commercial waterway. For many centuries, it was Myanmar’s principal communication route. The 1,000-mile (1,600-km) river bisects the country from north to south and empties into the Indian Ocean through a vast, nine-armed delta, which is one of the world’s great rice-producing regions. The Ayeyarwady lends its name to what animal found in its waters? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (verb) To award compensation for; make a return for.
Synonyms: compensate, indemnify, repair.
Usage: I wish to recompense you for the time and money that you spent while helping my sister find her lost dog.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
After a period of relative calm, border incidents between Israel and Syria, Egypt, and Jordan increased during the early 1960s. Palestinian guerrilla attacks on Israel from bases in Syria led to increased hostility between the two countries. After Egypt signed a defense treaty with Jordan, Israel launched a preemptive air strike against the three Arab states, capturing the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, Old City of Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. How many were killed in the fighting? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
This public holiday commemorates the constitution signed on June 5, 1849, that made Denmark a constitutional monarchy, and the one signed on June 5, 1953, that created parliamentary reforms. A parade takes place in Copenhagen, and other festivities are held in villages throughout Denmark. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
García Lorca was a Spanish poet, dramatist, and member of the Generation of ’27, an influential group of poets that arose in Spanish literary circles in the 1920s. His most famous works include the book Gypsy Ballads and his poem, “Lament for the Death of a Bullfighter.” The poetry, passion, and violence of his works, which combine Spanish folklore with his personal experience, and his own tragic and bloody death brought him enduring international acclaim. How did he die? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary