Month: September 2019

The Cullinan Diamond

The Cullinan diamond, the largest gem diamond ever discovered, weighed about 3,106 carats when it was found in 1905 in Transvaal, South Africa. Named for the mine’s owner, Thomas Cullinan, the gem was purchased by the Transvaal government and presented to King Edward VII. It was reportedly sent to England by regular parcel post while a decoy was transported by boat. It was cut into nine large stones and about 100 smaller ones; the largest, the Cullinan I, was polished and mounted on what? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Green Flash

A green flash is a refractive phenomenon in which the top edge of the setting—or, less frequently, rising—sun momentarily turns emerald green. It is usually seen over a low distant horizon, such as that of the ocean or a prairie, when the sky is clear. It occurs primarily because the atmosphere acts like a weak prism, refracting sunlight and separating it into different colors. The green color lasts from a fraction of a second to two seconds. What is a green rim and when can it be observed? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Almabtrieb

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

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

Maafa Commemoration

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

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