On several occasions in the 1960s, spectators at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, were killed or injured while trying to exit through the stairway closest to the nearby subway station, raising questions about safety. Tragically, 66 people were crushed to death in the staircase in early 1971. The crush is believed to have been triggered when, after a late goal by the home team, thousands of fans attempted to leave at the same time—and someone fell. What claimed 25 lives at Ibrox in 1902? Discuss
Month: January 2021
Haiti Ancestors' Day
In Haiti, the Independence Day festivities that occur on the first day of the year continue into the second with Jour des Aieux (Ancestors’ Day), an occasion for remembering the founders of Haiti and those who sacrificed their lives during the revolution of the early 19th century. A large meal often accompanies the day’s festivities, and military processions may also take place on Ancestors’ Day. In years past, particularly during the reign of President François Duvalier (1971–1986), the executive leader used this day to broadcast speeches to the nation. Discuss
faster than you can say Jack Robinson
Extremely quickly; almost immediately; suddenly or in a very short space of time. Watch the video
Laura Maria Caterina Bassi
The first woman to teach at a university in Europe, Bassi was born into a wealthy Italian family in 1711 and was privately educated for seven years. Her scientific work was encouraged by Cardinal Prospero Lambertini, who would later become pope. She attained a position at the University of Bologna at the age of 21 and was thereafter instrumental in introducing Isaac Newton’s work to Italy. After she joined the Institute of Sciences at the age of 65, who served as her teaching assistant? Discuss
nonplus
Definition: (verb) To put at a loss as to what to think, say, or do.
Synonyms: bewilder, dumbfound, flummox, baffle, mystify, perplex, puzzle, stupefy, amaze, gravel, vex, pose, stick, beat, get.
Usage: He was nonplussed by the sudden announcement that the company where he had worked for the past 20 years was declaring bankruptcy and shutting its doors.
Discuss
Jane Austen
Give a girl an education, and introduce her properly into the world, and ten to one but she has the means of settling well, without further expense to anybody. Discuss
weave
nettles – Got their name because people used to weave them into nets. More…
pretext – From Latin praetexere, “to disguise,” from prae, “in front,” and texere, “weave”—as something serving to conceal plans. More…
texture – Once referred to a woven fabric, from Latin texere, “to weave.” More…
wasp – The insect traces back to an Indo-European root meaning “weave.” More…
Feast of St. Basil
New Year’s Day and the feast day for Agios Vasilis (St. Basil) are one and the same in Greece and Cyprus, and for all Orthodox Christians. Celebrations begin on New Year’s Eve when Agios Vasilis is believed to visit each house. On New Year’s Day, a cake called the Vassilopita, or “St. Basil’s bread,” is ceremoniously sliced, according to varying traditions going back to Byzantine times. A coin has been baked in the cake, and the person finding the coin will be the luckiest member of the family that year. Discuss
jack it in
To quit or abandon something, especially an endeavor or enterprise. Can also be worded as “jack in something.” Primarily heard in UK. Watch the video
Dol Hareubang
Found on Jeju Island off the southern tip of South Korea, dol hareubang statues are associated with fertility and protection from demons. Their distinctive features include mushroom-shaped hats and large, bulging eyes. Though their origin is uncertain, the large stone statues are today one of the most widely recognized symbols of the island, and replicas of them are sold as souvenirs to visitors of the popular honeymoon destination. What does the name dol hareubang mean? Discuss