Month: September 2020

Saint-Simon

Louis de Rouvroy, duc de Saint-Simon, was a French courtier. Although disliked by King Louis XIV, Saint-Simon established himself at the court of Versailles, where he was privy to all sorts of gossip and petty intrigues. In 1739, he began writing his memoirs. Despite his lack of literary technique or regard for grammar, Saint-Simon’s behind-the-scenes account of life at the court is considered an indispensable, albeit flawed, historical source. After Saint-Simon’s death, who seized his writings? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Mabon

In ancient history, Celtic peoples observed the year’s equinoxes and solstices as the four Quarter Days: Ostara (Vernal Equinox), Litha (Summer Solstice), Yule (Winter Solstice), and Mabon (Autumnal Equinox). Today, Wiccans and Neo-pagans retain the Mabon tradition. Typical celebrations of Mabon, which take place throughout the world, are circle ceremonies that recognize various harvest themes. A ceremonial site will be decorated with items like corn, apples, wine, or black and white candles. Participants may tell stories, light candles, chant, dance, or recite invocations. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Grosmont Castle

Grosmont Castle is a ruined castle in Wales very near the English border. It was one of three castles in the area and dates to the 11th or 12th century. It was probably used as an administrative center before being converted to a fortress. In the 13th century, King Henry III’s son Edmund made the castle his residence and rebuilt part of it. He constructed a giant false doorway through which one could access the castle’s lower floors but not his living quarters. How, then, did he get in and out? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

International Day of Peace

This is a day proclaimed by the U.N. each year to promote the ideals of peace. The first official observance of the International Day of Peace was in September 1982. At the United Nations, the day is marked with a special message by the secretary-general, who then rings the Japanese Peace Bell and invites people throughout the world to reflect on the meaning of peace. Special events are organized in various countries, and in the United States the mayors of a number of cities issue proclamations for the day. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Flan

Flan is a dessert made by adding custard to a caramel-lined mold. After it is baked, then chilled, it is tipped out of the mold so the caramel is on top. The dish is popular around the world, from Europe to the Philippines to Latin America, and one form is a staple of Japanese convenience stores. Though flan is typically vanilla-flavored, it can be made with a number of other flavors, such as almond or chocolate. A variation of flan popular in Puerto Rico contains an added layer of what? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Mothman Festival

In 1966, the first sightings of a creature that came to be known as Mothman were first reported in the small town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Since 2001, the Mothman Museum of Point Pleasant has sponsored the Mothman Festival. Those interested in the Mothman phenomena and in such paranormal topics as ghosts and UFOs gather in the town. Merchandise booths are set up along the town’s main streets, and posters, books, T-shirts, and a host of other products are available. Music concerts are also held along the river. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Mauthausen-Gusen

A complex of Nazi concentration camps in northern Austria, Mauthausen-Gusen was the scene of terrible atrocities during World War II. Originally affiliated with the Dachau camp, it acquired dozens of its own satellite camps by the end of the war. Though the death toll at Mauthausen-Gusen is unknown, it is estimated that more than 100,000 died there. Many prisoners were used for slave labor in local industries. One quarry was home to the “Stairs of Death,” where prisoners were forced to do what? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary