See them clamber, these nimble apes! … Towards the throne they all strive: it is their madness—as if happiness sat on the throne! Ofttimes sitteth filth on the throne—and ofttimes also the throne on filth. Discuss
Month: March 2021
small quantity
fingerfull – A pinch or small quantity. More…
quantulum – A small quantity. More…
dreg – A small remnant or a small quantity. More…
dribs and drabs – First recorded in the 19th century; both of the words mean “small quantity or amount,” making this an emphatic phrase. More…
San Marino Anniversary of the Arengo
The Republic of San Marino, a landlocked nation surrounded by Italy, is the smallest republic in the world. The Arengo was its first form of government, under which all of the patriarchs assembled to decide on important matters. March 25 is a national holiday commemorating the Arengo of 1906, which marked the birth of a Parliament elected directly by the people. The military corps appear in full uniform in front of Palazzo Begni; a laurel wreath is placed on the monument to the Fallen, and the ceremony continues with a mass in the Basilica to thank the founder saint, Marinus. Discuss
letters after (one's) name
A series of abbreviations indicating the various levels of higher education or military honors one has received, thereby denoting a presumed level of intelligence, wisdom, or respectability. Watch the video
Smoke Testing
The term “smoke test” can refer to troubleshooting methods in a variety of fields. In electronics, a smoke test refers to the first, most basic test of a newly repaired or assembled system, in which the system is merely plugged in to see if it starts smoking or catches fire. In other industries, smoke testing is the practice of forcing smoke into a cavity to check for leaks, such as in a plumbing pipe, clarinet, or car’s vacuum system. How are smoke tests used in infectious disease control? Discuss
helter-skelter
Definition: (adverb) In headlong and disorderly haste.
Synonyms: wildly, rashly, recklessly, pell-mell.
Usage: Montgomery cracked his whip at them, and forthwith they all turned and fled helter-skelter into the trees.
Discuss
obligation
obstriction – An obligation. More…
convert into, convert to – Convert into means to change from one thing to another; convert to means to switch allegiance, loyalty, or obligation. More…
delinquent – Literally “completely having left” one’s duty or obligation. More…
likely, liable – Use likely if you mean “probable, expected”; use liable if you mean “bound by law or obligation.” More…
Argentina National Day of Memory for Truth and Justice
This is a public holiday in Argentina that commemorates all those who lost their lives or otherwise suffered under the National Reorganization Process, a military dictatorship that seized power in Argentina on March 24, 1976. The junta held power for eight years, and in that time, at least 30,000 citizens were kidnapped, tortured, and executed for their political views. Around the country, art exhibitions, poetry readings, prayer services, and other cultural events are dedicated to remembering the events of March 24 and its aftermath. Discuss
let (the) perfect be the enemy of (the) good
To allow the demand, desire, or insistence for perfection to decrease the chances of obtaining a good or favorable result in the end. (Usually used in the negative as an imperative.) Watch the video
Goldbeater's Skin
Made from the outer membrane of a cow’s intestine, goldbeater’s skin is a parchment with unusual properties that make it uniquely suited for certain applications. Thin and elastic, it is traditionally used to separate layers of gold as they are hammered into infinitesimally thin sheets. It is also used in the hygrometer, a device used to measure humidity, and in the reeds of oboes. The world’s available supply of goldbeater’s skin was once exhausted by what new use for the material? Discuss