rector – First was a ruler or governor, now it is generally a person conducting a religious service. More…
sultan – Comes from the Arabic word for “ruler,” from Aramaic shultana, “power.” More…
Inca – A Quechua word meaning “king, lord, ruler.” More…
rule – One of many words from Latin regula, “straight stick, ruler.” More…
In the island nation of Vanuatu, many islands have rejected European influence and instead prefer to live according to their traditional customs. While these customs vary widely throughout the islands, village life, subsistence farming, a belief in magic, and rule by chiefs are common. In 1977, a National Council of Chiefs was set up by the government to ensure the preservation of traditional ways of life. These tribal chiefs are honored on March 5 of each year; celebratory activities on this day include sporting events, carnivals, agricultural fairs, and arts festivals. Discuss
To suddenly or immediately materialize in someone’s mind. Watch the video
St. Elmo’s fire is a weather phenomenon that causes luminous plasma to appear at the ends of tall, pointed objects such as spires, airplane wings, and ships’ masts when the atmosphere is electrically charged. It is sometimes accompanied by a hissing sound. Named for St. Erasmus, the patron saint of sailors, the glowing display has been known to mariners since ancient times and has been interpreted as an omen, usually for good. What were some notable historical appearances of the phenomenon? Discuss
horrible, horror, horrid – Horrible, horror, and horrid are from Latin horrere, “stand on end” (hair) or “tremble, shudder,” and the original sense of horrid was “bristly, shaggy, rough.” More…
horrific, horrendous, horrible, horrid – In decreasing degree of horror: horrific, horrendous, horrible, horrid. More…
pant – The shock that makes you “gasp” is behind the word pant, from Latin phantasiare, “gasp in horror.” More…
terror, horror – Terror is stronger than horror, though it usually lasts for a shorter time. More…
Omizutori Matsuri is marked by religious rites that have been observed for 12 centuries at the Buddhist Todaiji Temple in the city of Nara, Japan. During this period of meditative rituals in the first two weeks of March, the drone of recited sutras and the sound of blowing conchs echo from the temple. On March 12, young monks on the temple gallery brandish burning pine-branches, shaking off burning pieces. Spectators below try to catch the sparks, believing they have magic power against evil. On March 13, the ceremony of drawing water is observed to the accompaniment of ancient music. Discuss
To relax or spend time idly; to do nothing or very little. Watch the video
In 1920, Azerbaijan was taken by the Red Army and made into a Soviet republic. However, for a brief time before that, it had been an independent country. During that time, the 26 Baku Commissars—a group of Bolsheviks who tried to set up a Soviet government in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku—were executed after their attempt at imposing Soviet rule in Azerbaijan failed. Curiously, when their remains were exhumed in 2009, some of the Commissars were missing. Who might have escaped? Discuss
Definition: (adjective) Weak or lacking in courage; cowardly.
Synonyms: chickenhearted, yellow-bellied.
Usage: I have never seen such a lily-livered bunch of wimps in my life!
Discuss