Time has laid his healing hand upon the wound when we can look back upon the pain we once fainted under and no bitterness or despair rises in our hearts. Discuss
Month: April 2021
reverse
wood engraving – Essentially the reverse of a woodcut. More…
contrary, converse, opposite, reverse – Contrary describes something that contradicts a proposition, converse is used when the elements of a proposition are reversed, opposite pertains to that which is diametrically opposed to a proposition, and reverse can mean each of those. More…
obverse, reverse – The side of a coin or medal with the main design is the obverse (head) and the other is the reverse (tail). More…
vice versa – An adverb, it is a Latin phrase, literally, “the position being reversed; inturned position.” More…
Tanzania Union Day
On April 26, 1964, the East African countries of Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Union Day celebrates this merger. In the city of Dar es Salaam, speeches and a parade mark Union Day. Dignitaries from nearby countries join Tanzanian government officials in these festivities. In 2004, to mark Union Day, Tanzanian president Benjamin Mkapa pardoned nearly 4,500 prisoners who had been sentenced for minor crimes or who had less than three years to serve of a longer sentence. Discuss
go Galt
To reduce, restrict, or cease one’s work or productivity as a means of social protest against increased marginal tax rates, limits on tax deductions, or the use of tax income for purposes one finds morally objectionable. Taken from the name John Galt, a character in Ayn Rand’s novel Atlas Shrugged. Primarily heard in US, South Africa. Watch the video
Simoom
In his Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, James Joyce describes the protagonist’s heart as having “withered up like a flower of the desert that feels the simoom coming from afar.” A simoom is a strong, dry, dust-laden wind that blows in the deserts of Arabia and North Africa. True to Joyce’s simile, a simoom is the epitome of hot and dry—its temperature may exceed 130°F (54°C), and its humidity level may fall below 10 percent. “Simoom” comes from an Arabic word meaning what? Discuss
levelheaded
Definition: (adjective) Exercising or showing good judgment.
Synonyms: sound, intelligent, healthy.
Usage: While I stood around bawling uselessly, my levelheaded sister calmly called a towing company and then our parents to let them know that the car had broken down.
Discuss
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Anzac Day
A national holiday in Australia and New Zealand, Anzac Day takes its name from the initial letters of “Australia and New Zealand Army Corps.” It commemorates the landing of the Anzac troops on the Gallipoli Peninsula in European Turkey on April 25, 1915, during World War I. Like Memorial Day in the US, this day is celebrated with veterans’ parades and church services. Observed as a holiday since 1920, Anzac Day now honors those who have died in both world wars as well as in Korea and Vietnam. Discuss
glimmer of hope
A minute indication that something may improve, succeed, or turn out for the best in the end. Watch the video
Street Food
Street food is found in cities around the world, and because it usually features intensely local culinary staples, the dishes served vary widely with geography. It is typically cheap and meant to be prepared and eaten quickly. Street food may be sold from carts, huts, trucks, or stands. It can be hot or cold and can consist of entire meals or little snacks. In northern China, scorpions on skewers are a popular street food. What other interesting street foods are found around the world? Discuss