Definition: (noun) A jolly or merry mood, condition, or activity; gaiety.
Synonyms: joviality.
Usage: The genial festival of Christmas … lights up the fireside of home with mirth and jollity.
Discuss
Month: March 2021
shrubs
boscage – A mass of growing trees or shrubs—or a depiction of a wooded landscape. More…
nature strip – An area of grass beside a roadway, possibly with a few trees or shrubs, lying between the footpath part and the roadway proper. More…
balm, balsam – Greek balsamon is the source of both balm and balsam; it was an oily resin of various trees and shrubs. More…
topiary – Describing shrubs and trees that are trimmed, it is derived from Latin topiarius, “ornamental gardener.” More…
Pakistan Day
This national holiday is also known as Republic Day, and it is the anniversary of a 1940 resolution calling for a Muslim country for Muslim Indians. On the same day in 1956, Pakistan became an Islamic republic within the British Commonwealth. Pakistan Day is celebrated with parades and fairs. Discuss
let the good times roll
To have as much fun or live life as richly as possible. (Often said as an imperative.) Watch the video
The Number of the Beast
According to the Book of Revelation in the Christian Bible, the Number of the Beast is a numeral associated with an unspecified creature of evil. Though some believe that the beast itself is Satan, the biblical language is vague enough to have led to numerous other interpretations, such as the theory that the number actually represents the Roman emperor Nero. Most translations of the Bible render the number as 666, but many scholars believe that earlier translations cite what other number? Discuss
tuffet
research
disquisition – A diligent or systematic search, a thorough investigation or research. More…
primary source – A direct source of information or research, a document not emended by a third party. More…
secondary source – Information or research that is derivative, such as a comment by a historian, an encyclopedia article, or a critical essay. More…
Rh factor – Named for the rhesus monkeys used in research to identify blood types. More…
World Day for Water
In 1992, the United Nations declared March 22 World Day for Water. Programs associated with the day draw attention to the ways in which proper water resource management contributes to a nation’s economic and social vitality. Discuss
let (someone) off the hook
To pardon, release, or allow someone to escape from blame, responsibility, obligation, or difficulty. Watch the video
Yari
The yari is a traditional Japanese spear consisting of a pointed blade affixed to the end of a lengthy pole. It came into common use after the attempted Mongol invasions of Japan in the 13th century. Confronted by hordes of Mongols bearing spears, the Japanese—who had traditionally engaged in highly-skilled, ritualized combat involving swords—were forced to adopt the yari. In the modern era of firearms, the yari is largely a ceremonial weapon. What variations of yari were once used? Discuss