(used before a noun) Done at the very last possible moment or opportunity. Watch the video
Month: February 2021
Earworms
Known scientifically as “involuntary musical imagery,” an earworm is a fragment of music that compulsively replays in one’s head. The phenomenon, which is distinct from auditory hallucination and is believed to affect nearly everyone to some degree, has been studied by psychologists and neurologists alike. Some notable science fiction stories have concerned fictional songs so catchy that they get stuck in everyone’s head, destroying civilization. Do earworms last longer for men or women? Discuss
billet
rhyme
assonance – The condition of the words of a phrase or verse having the same sound or termination without rhyming. More…
blank verse – A verse without rhyme. More…
rhyme – From Latin rhythmus, “rhythm,” from Greek rhein, “to flow.” More…
rhyme or reason – A phrase derived from French ni rime ni raison. More…
Gambia Independence Day
Gambia gained independence from Britain on February 18, 1965, and became a constitutional monarchy. On that day, people gathered in Bathurst for music, dancing, and the replacement of the Union Jack with the Gambian flag. A public vote in 1970 made the Republic of the Gambia a British Commonwealth. Independence Day is a national holiday in Gambia. Discuss
last-ditch attempt
A final effort or attempt to solve a problem or avoid failure or defeat, especially after a series of failures or setbacks. Watch the video
State Opening of Parliament
Once a year, the cellars of the Palace of Westminster are ceremoniously searched for explosives as part of the State Opening of Parliament, a colorful annual event that marks the return of the United Kingdom’s legislature from recess. Other traditions associated with the event include the Crown holding a member of the House of Commons hostage and the House of Commons slamming its doors shut in the face of the queen’s messenger. Why did Queen Elizabeth II miss the ceremonies in 1959 and 1963? Discuss
involution
Definition: (noun) The act of involving or complicating or the state of being involved or complicated.
Synonyms: intricacy, elaboration.
Usage: The tale itself is a mere sketch, with no involution of plot, nor any great interest of events.
Discuss
sending
granulated sugar – So called because the last step in processing white table sugar is sending it through a granulator, where it is dried and formed into tiny grains. More…
mission – First denoted sending the Holy Spirit into the world, from Latin mittere, “send.” More…
perennial – First meant “remaining leafy throughout the year”; plants living three or more years—dying aboveground and sending up fresh growth every year—are perennials. More…
radio – An abbreviation of radiotelegraphy, the sending of messages by electromagnetic rays. More…
Quirinalia
Quirinus was an ancient Roman deity who closely resembled Mars, the god of war. His name is associated with that of the Quirinal, one of the seven hills on which Rome was built. Eventually, Quirinus was identified with Romulus, one of the legendary founders of Rome, and his festival on February 17 coincided with the date on which Romulus was believed to have been deified. This festival was also associated with the advent of spring warfare, when the shields and weapons of the army, which had been purified and retired for the winter, were brought out. Discuss