We have no right to distress any of God’s creatures without a very good reason. Discuss
Month: December 2020
unlucky
dismal – Comes from French dies mali, “evil days,” and first meant the 24 evil or unlucky days of the medieval calendar (two per month). More…
infaust, infausting – Infaust is “unlucky” and infausting is “making unlucky.” More…
left-handed – Had a meaning of “unlucky” or “unseasonable.” More…
widdershins – Means “in a direction opposite of the usual one,” but can also mean “unlucky.” More…
Larentalia
In ancient Rome, the lares were the beneficent spirits of household and family. Along with the penates (the gods of the storeroom) and the manes (spirits of the dead), they were worshipped privately within the home. Eventually they came to be identified with the spirits of the deceased. During the Larentalia, observed on December 23, offerings were made to the dead, especially at the shrine of Acca Larentia, the nurse of Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome. A sacrifice was offered on the spot where Acca Larentia was said to have disappeared. Discuss
be (the) bomb
To be excellent, extremely entertaining, or of very high quality. Watch the video
Eta Carinae
Around 1730, astronomers noted that Eta Carinae—one of the most massive stars known to science—had gotten brighter. It soon faded, only to intensify again in April 1843. Despite its enormous distance from Earth—about 7,500 light years—Eta Carinae became the second brightest star in the sky before again fading. Though the star was not destroyed in the 1843 “supernova imposter event,” it could undergo a catastrophic explosion in the relatively near future. How might such an event affect Earth? Discuss
baffle
Mark Twain
Irreverence is the champion of liberty and its only sure defense. Discuss
whip
boil (something) down to (something)
To reduce or simplify (something) to the most basic, essential, or fundamental element(s). Watch the video
District Heating
Just as electricity can be generated at a central location and then distributed to customers, heat can be produced at a central plant using geothermal, nuclear, or solar energy and then sent out to customers to warm their homes and businesses. The heat is distributed by means of insulated pipes that carry water or steam. District heating is one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly methods of heating. What country heats approximately 95 percent of its houses using district heating? Discuss