La Quema del Diablo takes place in Guatemala. Men dressed as devils chase children through the streets from the start of Advent until December 7, the eve of the Immaculate Conception. On this day, fires are lit in the streets of Guatemala City and other towns, and the devils’ reign of terror comes to an end. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Peter I was Tsar of Russia from 1682 to 1725. Credited with introducing Western technology and raising Russia to a position among the great European powers, he is widely considered one of the outstanding rulers and reformers in Russian history. However, some of his reforms were implemented viciously, and his legacy has been seen as a model for Joseph Stalin’s brutal transformation of Russian life. What did he do when he suspected that his son was conspiring against him? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (adjective) Steadfast; resolute.
Synonyms: resolved.
Usage: He was single-minded in his determination to stop smoking.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Much of Ghana‘s national economy revolves around agriculture, so it is only appropriate that this African country reserves a date to honor its farmers and provide them a day off from their labors. An important component of the day is the awards ceremony, which is held on the regional and the national levels. Judges who have followed farmers’ achievements throughout the year bestow prizes for excellence in such categories as husbandry practices, ecological awareness, use of new technology, and contributions to the local community. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A ganzfeld experiment is a technique used in the field of parapsychology to test individuals for extrasensory perception (ESP). It uses homogeneous and unpatterned sensory stimulation, achieved through the use of translucent, monochromatic goggles that create a uniform visual field and headphones that play white noise, to produce an effect similar to sensory deprivation, which is thought to help people reach a state of consciousness conducive to ESP. What have experiments shown about ESP? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) Boastful or bombastic talk or behavior.
Synonyms: brag, gasconade.
Usage: Captain Bonneville purchased a supply of buffalo meat from his braggadocio friends; who, with all their vaporing, were in fact a very forlorn horde.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
In Roman mythology Faunus was a god of the forest who was also associated with fertility. It was believed that eerie noises in the woods came from Faunus. The Faunalia was mostly celebrated by farmers and other rural workers on December 5 with feasting and games. For a time, city-dwellers adopted the festival and observed it on February 13. Faunus was known as the brother, father, or husband of Bona Dea. The Fauni, or fauns, were spirits of the forest who resembled the satyrs of Greek legend. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Deindustrialization is a process of social and economic change brought about by the reduction or removal of industrial production. It represents an economic shift that usually occurs in mature economies, such as that of the US. Although it can be beneficial to some sectors, deindustrialization can cause widespread joblessness and poverty in industrial cities like Detroit, Michigan, the onetime “automobile capital of the world.” What percent of the city’s population lives below the poverty line? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) Noisy quarrel.
Synonyms: affray, altercation.
Usage: A loud and violent fracas took place between the infantry Colonel and his lady, who were dining at the Cafe de Paris.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A footprint preserved in stone is a sacred site at the top of a mountain in Dalhousie, Sri Lanka. Depending on one’s religious tradition, the footprint belongs to Adam (Muslim), the Buddha, St. Thomas (Christian), or Lord Shiva (Hindu). Pilgrims have made the climb for over 1,000 years to the summit of Adam’s Peak. Though the terrain is rugged, many pilgrims make the ascent by the light of lanterns so they can arrive at the break of dawn and catch a spectacular view of the western coastline. According to local tradition, a woman who reaches the top will be reincarnated as a man. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary