art – Comes from a base word meaning “put together”; its original general meaning referred to any kind of skill. More…
deipnosophist – If you are skilled at table talk, you are a deipnosophist. More…
kung fu – From Chinese words translating to “merit master” or “one who is highly skilled.” More…
linguished – Means “skilled in languages.” More…
Throughout most of the 1800s, the Union of Myanmar, known as Burma until 1989, was ruled by the British. Aung San, an outspoken student leader, helped the Japanese oust the British, and the Japanese ruled Burma from 1942 until 1945. On March 27, 1945, he helped the World War II Allied forces remove the Japanese from power. Myanmar celebrates Armed Forces Day on March 27 to commemorate the day that Aung San rebelled against the Japanese. The day is celebrated with a military parade and fireworks. Since 1989, the Tatmadaw has made it a tradition to pardon several prisoners on this day. Discuss
To lead a life of great ease, comfort, or luxury. The phrase is likely of early 20th-century Irish-American origin, but to whom Riley refers is uncertain. Watch the video
The ultraviolet (UV) rays and bright sunlight reflected off snow or ice can literally burn unprotected human eyes, particularly at high altitudes, where UV rays are especially intense. The resulting condition, known as snow blindness, may not be noticed for several hours following exposure. Then, pain and inflammation set in, accompanied by a temporary reduction of vision that may last several days while the surface of the cornea heals. How did the Inuit traditionally prevent snow blindness? Discuss
Definition: (adjective) Being in agreement: harmonious.
Synonyms: accordant, agreeable, consonant, conformable.
Usage: No one was surprised that the candidate’s views were concordant with those of the outgoing mayor, as the mayor had long been his mentor.
Discuss
mechanical pencil – Pushes graphite out by a mechanism such as a spring or a screw. More…
pinwheel – Originally a mechanism in a clock. More…
gadget – May come from French gachette, which is or has been applied to various pieces of mechanism, or from Gaget, the person who created the first so-called gadgets—miniature Statues of Liberty sold in Paris—or from a Navy term for a tool or mechanical device for which one could not recall the name. More…
rack, pinion – Rack is the linear gear and pinion is the circular gear in a mechanism. More…
This public holiday celebrates the declaration of independence of the state of Bangladesh on March 26, 1971. When India gained independence from Britain in 1947, the region that is now Bangladesh became East Pakistan, and was governed together with West Pakistan as one country. By early 1971, differences between East and West Pakistan had led to war. When India entered the war in November, independence was assured. Bangladeshis observe this national holiday in the capital city of Dhaka with memorial ceremonies, a boat race on the Buriganga river, and other festivities. Discuss
An activity, business model, or company that yields very high profits but requires little or no effort to do so. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Watch the video
Founded in Belfast in 1791 by Theobald Wolfe Tone—who was frustrated by the use of the English patronage to control Irish politics—the Society of United Irishmen was ostensibly dedicated to legislative reform. From the outset, however, it harbored an undercurrent of revolutionary sentiment encouraged by the French Revolution. The movement spread rapidly throughout Ireland and was forced underground in 1794. Eventually, it sparked a rebellion. Tone escaped hanging by taking what extreme measure? Discuss