Month: September 2019

Concordat of Worms (1122)

The Concordat of Worms was an agreement reached by Pope Calixtus II and Holy Roman Emperor Henry V that put an end to the first phase of the power struggle between Rome and what was becoming the Holy Roman Empire. Under its terms, the king was recognized as having the right to invest bishops “by the lance” but not “by ring and staff,” meaning he could grant them secular but not sacred authority. What message about the divine right of kings did the concordat convey? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Autumnal Equinox

The sun crosses the plane of the earth’s equator twice a year: on or about March 21 (the Vernal Equinox) and again six months later, on or about September 22 or 23 (the Autumnal Equinox). On these two occasions, night and day are of equal length all over the world. In the Northern Hemisphere, September 22 or 23 is the first day of autumn. Autumnal Equinox Day is a national holiday in Japan, observed on either September 23 or 24 to celebrate the arrival of autumn and to honor family ancestors. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Kumari

Worshipped by Nepali Buddhists and some Nepali Hindus but not by Tibetan Buddhists, a Kumari is a young girl from the Shakya caste of Nepal’s indigenous Newa people who is regarded as the bodily incarnation of the goddess Taleju. Because her feet are considered sacred and may not touch the ground, she is carried everywhere. She maintains her position until she reaches puberty, after which it is believed the goddess vacates her body. Why was a Kumari temporarily stripped of her title in 2007? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Noise Pollution

Noise is a recognized form of pollution, but it is difficult to measure because the annoyance or discomfort it causes varies between individuals. There is evidence that hearing sensitivity among young Americans is decreasing because of exposure to noise, including overly amplified music. Apart from hearing loss, excessive noise can cause sleeplessness, ulcers, high blood pressure, and possibly heart disease. A 2005 study found that city residents are willing to pay how much for noise reduction? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Von Steuben Day

Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben (1730-1794) was an experienced Prussian soldier who came to America in 1777 and helped the American troops bring the Revolutionary War to an end. Today, many states honor him with patriotic exercises on or near the Prussian hero’s birthday. At Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania, there is a Steuben birthday celebration featuring German music and speeches at the monument to him erected in 1915. There are also Steuben Day parades in New York City, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Wok Racing

A wok is a large metal pan with a rounded bottom used in Asian cooking and, in recent years, for racing. Developed by German TV host Stefan Raab as the result of a bet, wok racing involves individuals or teams of four riding woks down an Olympic bobsled track. The first official Wok World Championship was held in 2003 and has continued each year since, drawing celebrities as well as Olympic athletes. What kitchen utensils do racers wear on their feet as protective gear? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary