Month: November 2019

Meiji Setsu

This day was formerly observed as the birthday of the Emperor Meiji (1852-1912), who ruled Japan from 1868 until his death. Meiji Tenno abolished feudalism, raised the people’s standard of living, and secured Japan’s reputation as a great world power. It was during his reign that a constitution was adopted, a parliament was convened, civil and criminal laws were codified, and an educational system was established. Railways were built, and electric lights and telephones were put into use. Today, November 3 is still a national holiday, but it is known as Bunka-no-Hi, or Culture Day. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Mobile Phone Throwing

Mobile phone throwing is a sport in which participants throw mobile phones and are judged on distance or technique. Started in Finland in 2000, competitive phone throwing has since spread to several other countries, with contests being held as far away as the UK and the US. Many of the events promote the recycling of old phones. In most national events, winners gain an entry to the world championship. How far have top competitors hurled their mobile phones? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Voodoo Music Experience

The Voodoo Music Experience is an annual music festival that takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana, over a three-day weekend in late October. The event debuted in 1999 with the aim of showcasing the verve and diversity of New Orleans’ renowned music scene, as well as bringing famed acts to the city. Performers are grouped into three categories: “Le Ritual” for established musicians; “Le Flambeau” for artists who reflect New Orleans’ musical history and traditions; and “Le Carnival” for musicians and performance artists from New Orleans’ underground art and bohemian scene. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Suda

The Suda is a Greek lexicon-encyclopedia that includes texts from classical Greek works and commentaries. Compiled in the 10th century during the Byzantine Empire, it contains approximately 30,000 entries. Although it is mostly derived from late and corrupt sources, it preserves much information about Greek literature that would otherwise be lost. Instead of using a purely alphabetical system, the lexicon’s compiler arranged its entries using what organizational structure? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Antigua and Barbuda Independence Day

Antigua and Barbuda became officially independent from England in 1981. Antigua had been settled by English people as early as 1632. It did not gain self-rule until 1967. This small state also observes the first Monday and Tuesday in August as a legal holiday known as Antigua Carnival, during which a festival celebrates the islanders’ cultural heritage. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Third Servile War

The Servile Wars were three slave uprisings—the last of which was led by the gladiator Spartacus—that took place in the later years of the Roman Republic. With a force of 90,000 gladiators, slaves, and peasants, Spartacus overran most of southern Italy in 73 BCE. He led his army north, hoping to release them to find freedom, but they refused to abandon their campaign. After Spartacus was killed in battle, the revolt was cruelly put down by Crassus and Pompey. How were the survivors punished? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary