On December 7, 1988, a severe earthquake struck in Armenia, causing catastrophic damage to the entire country’s infrastructure and virtually destroying the cities of Spitak, Leninakan (now Gyumri), Kirovakan (now Vanadzor), and Stepanavan. More than 25,000 people were killed in the disaster, with another 140,000 injured and more than one million left homeless, in a disaster zone that measured about 30,000 square kilometers. That day is now remembered each year as a national holiday, marked across the country with prayer, memorial services, and a moment of silence. Discuss
Month: December 2020
in its infancy
In the early, nascent period of development or implementation. (Typically of an area of activity, interest, research, etc.) Watch the video
Wheelies
A wheelie is an acrobatic stunt in which a vehicle’s front wheel—or wheels—is lifted off the ground so that the vehicle is momentarily balanced on its rear wheel or wheels. Wheelies can be performed on bicycles or motorcycles, or even in cars. In mountain biking, the move helps racers navigate large obstacles. Due to the stunt’s dangerous nature, drivers in a number of countries are prohibited from “popping” wheelies on public roads. What is the world record for the fastest motorcycle wheelie? Discuss
drivel
Willa Cather
When we look back, the only things we cherish are those which in some way met our original want; the desire which formed in us in early youth, undirected, and of its own accord. Discuss
waking
expergefacient, expergefaction, expergefactor – A synonym for awakening is expergefacient; expergefaction is waking up and an alarm clock is an expergefactor. More…
dysania – The state of having a hard time waking up and getting out of bed in the morning. More…
experrection – Waking up or awakening. More…
hypnagogic jerks, hypnopompic jerks – Hypnagogic jerks are the spasms that happen right when you fall asleep; hypnopompic jerks happen right when you are waking up. More…
Finland Independence Day
The Finnish people lived under Russian control beginning in 1809. The Finnish nationalist movement grew in the 1800s, and when the Bolsheviks took over Russia on November 7, 1917, the Finns saw a time to declare their independence. They did so on December 6 of that same year. This day is a national holiday celebrated with military parades in Helsinki and performances at the National Theater. It is traditionally a solemn occasion that begins with a parade of students carrying torches and one flag for each year of independence. Discuss
be brought in from the cold
To be allowed to join or participate in a group from which one was previously excluded; to be accepted in a certain social setting. Watch the video
The Azusa Street Revival
Despite its brief heyday, the Azusa Street Revival is thought to have been a catalyst for the spread of Pentecostalism. The religious meeting, which was racially integrated, began in 1906 and was held in a run-down Los Angeles building that had once been used as a stable. At its height, it attracted hundreds of people to its three daily services. Accounts from members describe worshippers speaking in tongues and being healed of sicknesses. What did newspapers of the day say about the movement? Discuss
oeuvre
Definition: (noun) The total output of a writer or artist (or a substantial part of it).
Synonyms: body of work.
Usage: The musicologist studied the entire Wagnerian oeuvre.
Discuss