These late-January festivities mark a highlight in the ceremonial year at San Ildefonso Pueblo near Santa Fe, New Mexico. January 23 is the pueblo’s feast day, celebrated with a special church service and dances, such as the Buffalo, Comanche, and Deer dances. The dances are a way of paying respect and giving thanks for the animals on which people depend for food and other materials. On the evening before, there are bonfires and a firelight procession. Discuss
Month: January 2021
keep a sharp lookout (for something or someone)
To remain vigilant or carefully watchful (for something or someone). Watch the video
Cinema of Iran
Despite periods of censorship when some films have been banned, Iranian cinema has flourished throughout the various eras of modern Iranian history. The country’s ethnic minorities, such as the Kurds, have contributed to the industry, and Iranian films often reflect and react to cultural and political shifts. Iranian films and filmmakers have been honored at film festivals around the world, and such festivals are also held in Iran. In what year did the first movie theater open in Tehran? Discuss
robust
Definition: (adjective) Marked by richness and fullness of flavor.
Synonyms: full-bodied, racy, rich.
Usage: There is nothing like the robust flavor of fresh-brewed coffee.
Discuss
slime
asphalt – Its synonyms are mineral pitch, Jews’ pitch, and slime. More…
ooze – As in mud or slime, it traces back to an Old Norse word meaning “puddle, stagnant pool,” and originally meant juice or sap from a plant or fruit. More…
slime – Related to Latin limus, “mud, slime.” More…
mucous, mucus – Mucous is the adjective from Latin meaning “slimy,” and mucus is the noun from Latin but cognate with Greek mussesthai, “blow the nose.” More…
St. Vincent's Day
São Vicente St. Vincent of Saragossa is the patron saint of Lisbon, Portugal. In Lisbon, people celebrate his feast day with processions and prayers. But in the surrounding rural areas, there are a number of folk traditions associated with this day. Farmers believe that by carrying a resin torch to the top of a high hill on January 22, they can predict what the coming harvest will be like. If the wind extinguishes the flame, the crops will be abundant; if the torch continues to burn, a poor growing season lies ahead. Discuss
keep a cool head
To maintain a calm demeanor and think clearly in a difficult, stressful, or troubling situation. Watch the video
Superfluid
With the lowest melting and boiling points of any known substance, helium—alone among the elements—will not solidify even as its temperature approaches absolute zero. Instead, it takes on extremely unusual physical properties, as physicists discovered in 1937. It becomes a superfluid. With zero entropy, zero viscosity, and extremely high thermal conductivity, superfluid helium can overcome friction to climb out of an open jar. What does superfluid helium do if placed in a rotating container? Discuss
yesteryear
productive
cost-effective – Anything effective and productive in relation to its cost. More…
fecund, fecundation – Fecund is another word for “fertile, fruitful, productive”; fecundation is another word for “fertilization, impregnation.” More…
originary – An adjective meaning “causing existence; productive,” or “primitive; primary; original.” More…