Month: September 2019

The Byford Dolphin

The Byford Dolphin is a drilling rig operating in the North Sea. It is known for having suffered several serious accidents, most notably an explosive decompression that killed five workers in Norwegian waters in 1983. The incident eventually led to a lawsuit against the Norwegian government, which compensated the families of the divers 26 years after the tragedy, after a report blaming the accident on faulty equipment surfaced. What other accidents have occurred aboard the rig? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Phalanx

The phalanx was an ancient formation of infantry in which soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder in rows of eight or 16, forming a solid block that could sweep through the more dispersed ranks of the enemy. First used by the Sumerians and fully developed by the ancient Greeks, the phalanx reached its apex when Philip II and Alexander the Great used the great Macedonian phalanx to conquer all of Greece and the Middle East. Soldiers in their phalanxes were armed with the sarissa, which was what? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Dasa Laksana Parvan (Paryushana)

Dasa Laksana Parvan is a Jain festival observed by the Digambara sect, which is the dominant sect in southern India. This festival usually falls during the latter part of the rainy season, and it may last 10 days instead of eight. Scripture readings focus on different portions of the holy text describing the 10 characteristics to which Jains aspire: forbearance, gentleness, uprightness, purity, truth, restraint, austerity, renunciation, lack of possession, and chastity. For the Svetambara Jains, the dominant sect in northern India, this festival is known as Paryushana. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Gentry

The term “gentry,” in general, refers to people of gentle birth, good breeding, or high social position. In England, the term historically referred to the class of English landowners ranking just below the nobility. The gentry, particularly in England and Wales, were those not entitled to sit in the House of Lords. By the later Middle Ages, the gentry included knights, esquires, and gentlemen, and, after the 17th century, baronets. What are some examples of the gentry in other countries? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Taiwan Armed Forces Day

Founded in 1955, Armed Forces Day in Taiwan honors the country’s military and celebrates their victory over the Japanese in World War II (called in Taiwan the War of Resistance). The day is marked by military parades featuring special units chosen for their precision and outstanding performance. A troop-cheering by the onlookers is also part of the celebration, as are educational activities covering the history of the war period and the role of the Taiwanese military in defeating the enemy. The day is also marked by the members of the armed forces having a rare day off from work. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Ugarit

Ugarit was an ancient capital city on the Mediterranean coast of what is now Syria that thrived as a trade center between 1450 and 1200 BCE. Philologists knew of it from Egyptian and Hittite sources, but its location was a mystery until the accidental discovery of an ancient tomb in 1928. Among the libraries of tablets that were subsequently excavated were ones describing the basis for the cult of Baal in the previously unknown language of Ugaritic and a letter by the last king describing what? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary