Month: March 2020

Fire Mountain

Azerbaijan’s reputation as the “Land of Fire” is quite literal—the earth in the northwestern Asian nation is so rich in oil and natural gas that cracks or vents in the ground sometimes spontaneously emit flames. Fire Mountain, called Yanar Dag in Azerbaijani, is one such place. Located not far from the capital city of Baku, it has become a tourist attraction due to the large flames that continuously shoot out of the hillside. How is Azerbaijan’s geology related to Zoroastrianism? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Arab League Is Founded (1945)

The League of Arab States was formed in 1945 to give unified political expression to Arab nations and to foster the regional economy. It originally consisted of seven member states and has since grown to include 22. Member states collaborate on cultural, economic, and social programs and have agreed to coordinate military defense measures. They also use the league as a forum for mediating disputes. Which notable countries with large Arab populations are not members of the league? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Bretzelsonndeg (Pretzel Sunday)

On Bretzelsonndeg in Luxembourg, it is the custom for boys to present their sweethearts with decorated pretzel-cakes. If a girl wants to encourage the boy, she reciprocates with a decorated egg on Easter Sunday. If the pretzel-cake is large, the egg must be large also; a small cake warrants a small egg. The custom is reversed during Leap Year, when girls give cakes to boys on Pretzel Sunday, and boys return the favor with eggs at Easter. Married couples often participate in the exchange of cakes and eggs as well. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Pier Paolo Pasolini

Pasolini was an Italian writer and film director. A former Roman Catholic and a Marxist, he brought a religious and social consciousness to his work, but the eroticism and violence of his films drew criticism from religious authorities. His final work, Salo, was based on a Marquis de Sade novel and generated immense controversy. Shortly after its completion in 1975, Pasolini was murdered under mysterious circumstances, allegedly while on his way to meet with thieves who had stolen what? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Sebring 12-Hour Race

The International Grand Prix Sports Car 12-Hour Endurance Race held every year in March ranks with the Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans as one of the three great auto races in the world. Held in Sebring, Florida, since 1950, the event draws nearly 100,000 spectators and has featured such world-renowned drivers as Mario Andretti, Juan Fangio of Argentina, and Stirling Moss of England. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

White

Scientifically speaking, white is the achromatic color of maximum lightness. Although we perceive it to be devoid of color, light that appears white to the human eye is actually a mixture of wavelengths of various colors. White has been used by artists and writers to symbolize and describe myriad things. French humorist Alphonse Allais is best known for his conceptual art piece, a blank white sheet of paper titled First Communion of Anemic Young Girls in the Snow. Why is snow white? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Burning of the Socks

This pungent event takes place in Eastport (a suburb of Annapolis), Maryland, on the day of the Vernal Equinox. The burning of the socks began in the mid-1970s when a man named Bob Turner, upon leaving his job at the boatyard on the first day of spring, decided to burn his socks in tribute to the coming warmer weather. Turner’s personal custom caught on with others and became a local tradition. The Eastport Yacht Club now organizes the yearly event at which people drink beer, eat oysters, and burn socks, all in the name of driving away winter and welcoming spring. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary