Month: August 2020

Keystroke Logging

A keystroke logger is a program or device that captures every key struck on a keyboard, thereby creating a record of what has been typed. Software-based keystroke loggers can be installed clandestinely, via a computer virus or Trojan horse, allowing hackers to steal passwords and other confidential information. Some employers use keystroke loggers to track the computer use of employees, while governments use them to spy on suspected criminals. What countermeasures can defeat keystroke loggers? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Our Lady of Sorrows Festival (Romaria da Nossa Senhora da Agonía )

The pilgrimage to the church of Our Lady of Sorrows, or Nossa Senhora da Agonia, in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, is one of the country’s most colorful religious festivals. Sometimes called the Pardon of Our Lady of Sorrows, it includes a procession in which the image of the Virgin Mary is carried over flower-strewn streets. Participants also enjoy fireworks on the River Lima, a parade of carnival giants and dwarfs, bullfights, and regional singing and folk dancing. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Trajan’s Column

Completed in 113 CE, Trajan’s Column is a war monument erected by the Roman emperor Trajan in Rome. Standing 125 feet (38 m) high, the monument is decorated with a bas-relief sculpture spiraled around a column in a continuous band more than 600 feet (183 m) long. The sculpture depicts, with great detail, the emperor’s two victorious campaigns in Dacia. The inside of the column contains Trajan’s ashes and a spiral staircase. What three statues have topped the column at different times? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Hortobágy Bridge Fair and International Equestrian Festival

This annual event is a showcase of Hungary’s fine horses and riders on the Hortobágy and a celebration of the famous nine-arched bridge, built in 1833, that crosses the Hortobágy River and is the longest stone bridge in the country. The equestrian fair is held outside the historic city of Debrecen and features the famed Lipizzaner horses in dressage exhibitions, the csikós (Hungarian cowboy) in colorful embroidered riding costume, carriage parades, pulling contests for draft horses, and other equestrian events. There are also crafts fairs and a peasant market. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Chanakya, the Indian Machiavelli

Chanakya, also known as Kautilya, was a Hindu statesman and philosopher who wrote a classic treatise on politics, Arthashastra, or The Science of Material Gain. Often compared to Machiavelli, Chanakya wrote the book as a guide for the Maurya emperor, Chandragupta. An astute advisor, Chanakya is considered one of the architects of the Mauryan Empire, which began in the 4th century BCE. According to legend, Chanakya accidentally killed the emperor’s wife, but then saved his son—how? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Lucerne International Festival of Music

The first Lucerne Festival was held in 1938, conducted by Arturo Toscanini (1867-1957) at the former home of Richard Wagner. The Swiss Festival Orchestra, the festival’s mainstay since 1943, is comprised of the best musicians in Switzerland. It is joined by other national groups—among them the Lucerne Festival Strings—as well as internationally known orchestras from other countries. The program offers symphonic and chamber music as well as master classes, young artists’ matinees, and a concert for seniors and persons with disabilities. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Orville Wright (1871)

Born and raised in Ohio, Orville was four years younger than his brother Wilbur. They were in the bicycle business when they began the aeronautic experiments that led to the first controlled, powered airplane flight in 1903. Wilbur died in 1912, and Orville sold his interest in their company three years later. He later served for 28 years on the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, a precursor to NASA, before his death in 1948. What toy sparked Orville’s interest in flying as a boy? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary