Something, typically a certain behavior, will not help someone progress or succeed in any way. Watch the video
Month: January 2021
Burial at Sea
Though some religions frown upon burials at sea, the practice has endured for millennia. In many cases, it is done to honor the wishes of the deceased—but not always. Sometimes it is performed out of necessity, as on ships in wartime. In preparation, the body may be sewn into weighted sailcloth or placed in a casket. If it is cremated, the ashes can be scattered or cast in concrete to act as an artificial reef. Per US environmental regulations, how far from land must full-body sea burials be? Discuss
induct
John F. Kennedy
Civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Discuss
maintained
petite maison – A love nest or a residence maintained for a mistress. More…
standing army – A permanent army maintained in time of peace and war. More…
parochial school – A school established and maintained by a religious body, from Latin parochialis, “of a parish.” More…
radio silence – A status in which all fixed or mobile radio stations in an area stop transmitting (sometimes limited to certain frequency bands) for the period of time during which this status exists. More…
be not just another pretty face
To have distinguishing achievements, intelligence, skills, or abilities beyond what was or may have been assumed. Watch the video
Frigg
One of the most important goddesses of Norse mythology and Germanic religion, Frigg is the patron of marriage, fertility, and the household. Though many stories depict her as a devoted mother, others stress her loose morals. Due to her resemblance to the Roman goddess Venus, the Latin day of Venus came to be known as Frigg’s day—or Friday—in Germanic countries. According to legend, Frigg’s son Baldr was killed after she inadvertently revealed the one thing that could harm him. What was it? Discuss
languish
John Quincy Adams
My toast would be, may our country always be successful, but whether successful or otherwise, always right. Discuss
pointed
apothegm – A terse, pointed saying or pithy maxim; it is pronounced AP-uh-them and may also be spelled apophthegm. More…
downward-facing dog – Also called downward dog, it is a yoga pose in which the hands and feet are on the floor and one’s rear end is pointed up so that the body is in an upside-down V. More…
fastigate – To make pointed. More…
innuendo – Latin for “by nodding at, pointing to,” or “intimating,” from in-, “toward,” and nuere, “nod.” More…