Independence Day marks Latvia‘s declaration of independence from German and Russian occupation on November 18, 1918. The country remained independent until World War II, when it was absorbed by the Soviet Union. Like the other Baltic republics, Latvia proclaimed its independence from Soviet Russia in 1991, on August 21. Discuss
Month: November 2020
be kicked upstairs
To be promoted to a higher role or position in a company that has little actual responsibility or authority. Watch the video
The Saxon Wars
In 772 CE, Charlemagne invaded pagan Saxony—what is now northwestern Germany—intending to absorb the region into his Frankish realm. However, for the next 30 years, the Saxons had to be repeatedly re-conquered before their resistance was finally crushed. The Saxon pagans were converted to Christianity more than once before finally accepting Frankish rule. Charlemagne stood in as godfather for their leader, Widukind, at his baptism. What did Charlemagne do with the last unruly tribe of Saxons? Discuss
voidance
Definition: (noun) The act of removing the contents of something.
Synonyms: emptying, evacuation.
Usage: The voidance of one’s inbox after a long vacation is an unenviable task.
Discuss
Upton Sinclair
All truly great art is optimistic. The individual artist is happy in his creative work. The fact that practically all great art is tragic does not in any way change the above thesis. Discuss
lapis lazuli
azure stone – Another name for the lapis lazuli. More…
lapis lazuli – A sky-blue semiprecious stone, it is pronounced lap-us-LAY-zuh-lee. More…
sapphire – From Greek sappheiros, “lapis lazuli” or “blue stone.” More…
ultramarine – First a blue pigment made from lapis lazuli, imported from Asia by sea, so, in Latin, it was ultramarinus, “beyond the seas.” More…
Marshall Islands President's Day
The Republic of the Marshall Islands has designated November 17 as President’s Day, a day to remember the nation’s first president, Amata Kabua. Kabua started his career as a school teacher and rose to become paramount chief of the Island of Majuro and head of state of the Marshall Islands. He served five terms as president of the Marshall Islands, beginning in 1979 when the country became independent and continuing until his death in 1996. Discuss
a kick at the can
An opportunity to do, try, or achieve something. Primarily heard in Canada. Watch the video
The Serpent Mound
Located in rural Adams County, Ohio, the Serpent Mound is an effigy of a snake built into the earth. Believed to have been created around 1070 CE, the curving, grassy mound is about 1,330 feet (405 m) long and about 3 feet (1 m) high. Though scholars originally attributed the mound to the Adena culture, the effigy has more recently been dated to the time of the Fort Ancient culture. It is still unclear who built it, or why. What unusual event might have prompted the building of the mound? Discuss
legerity
Definition: (noun) The gracefulness of a person or animal that is quick and nimble.
Synonyms: agility, lightsomeness.
Usage: Common house cats have an extraordinary legerity that enables them to almost always land on their feet.
Discuss