Firmly or permanently established; not subject to change; unalterable. Watch the video
Month: May 2021
Hunting
Today, the killing of game animals is principally done for sport, but for early humans, it was a necessity. The development of agriculture gave humans a reliable alternative food source and reduced the need for hunting. Still, humans continued to hunt extensively, both for necessity and recreation, and many animal populations suffered, some to the point of extinction. More recently, hunters have established ethical codes to govern the practice of hunting. What is Internet hunting? Discuss
vaporous
Definition: (adjective) So thin as to transmit light.
Synonyms: cobwebby, diaphanous, filmy, gauzy, see-through, transparent, gossamer, sheer.
Usage: She was draped in vaporous silks that in the moonlight gave her the appearance of an unearthly apparition.
Discuss
harmful
catalytic converter – A device with a catalyst for converting pollutant gases into less harmful ones. More…
allergen – Though allergens are not harmful themselves, when they are combined with certain antibodies, a reaction (i.e. the allergy) liberates substances that damage body cells and tissues. More…
intrigant – A person who plots something illicit or harmful. More…
nocuous – Meaning “harmful, noxious,” it is based on Latin nocere, “to hurt.” More…
Cassinga Day
On May 4, 1978, South African forces attacked a SWAPO (South West Africa People’s Organization) base located in the old Angolan mining town of Cassinga. Hundreds of Namibians died during the attack. Namibia eventually won its political independence in 1990 and is currently ruled by the SWAPO party government, and a national holiday is declared every year on the anniversary of the attack to commemorate those who died in their country’s struggle for independence. Discuss
in bits and pieces
In many small fragments. Watch the video
Nasreddin
Nasreddin is a semi-historical, legendary wise man and wit who features in the folklore of many peoples of the Middle East and Asia. He is said to have lived in Turkey in the 13th century. As tales about him spread throughout the world, he came to be known by a variety of names and titles. Most of the thousands of Nasreddin stories are humorous anecdotes that can be seen to convey morals or deeper meanings that seemingly transcend cultures and national borders. What are some Nasreddin tales? Discuss
conflate
Definition: (verb) Mix together different elements.
Synonyms: coalesce, fuse, mix, merge, commingle, flux, blend, meld, combine.
Usage: My kids think that I spend all day making up bedtime stories for them, but in truth, I spin each yarn as I go and merely conflate elements from various fairy tales rather than concoct a new narrative.
Discuss
pendant
pendant – A light fixture suspended from a ceiling, or the hanging part of an earring. More…
append – Originally meant “hang on” or “attach as a pendant.” More…
pendant, pendent – Pendant is the noun; pendent is the adjective—meaning “hanging, suspended.” More…
pennant – A blend of pendant and pennon, a banner or flag. More…
Three-Year-Old Madeleine McCann Goes Missing (2007)
A few weeks before her fourth birthday, Madeleine McCann disappeared from an apartment in Portugal, where she, her parents, and her twin siblings were on vacation. Her disappearance received international press coverage, but despite numerous investigations by several different agencies, young Madeleine remains missing and no arrests have been made in the case. However, Portuguese authorities at different times categorized several individuals as having arguido status, which means what? Discuss