This celebration is held on July 6 for the birthday of the current Dalai Lama, the spiritual and political head of Tibet. The present Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso (b. 1935), is the latest in the line that began in the 14th century. Each Dalai Lama is believed to be the reincarnation of the preceding one, and when a Dalai Lama dies, Tibetan lamas search throughout the country for a child who is his reincarnation. The birthday is observed today by exiles in India with family picnics, traditional dances and singing, and incense-burning ceremonies to appease the local spirits. Discuss
Month: July 2021
green folding stuff/money
Paper money, especially in large amounts. Primarily heard in US. Watch the video
Airline Meals
Food service on commercial flights became the norm after 1936, when United Airlines installed the first onboard kitchen. Typically reheated on board, in-flight meals are often the butt of jokes due to their reputedly poor taste—though the food may not be to blame, as some studies suggest that high altitude and cabin pressure interfere with taste buds. In recent years, many airlines have cut back on meal service in order to cut costs. How much did one airline save by eliminating free pretzels? Discuss
abominable
punch
punch buggy – A game in which the first player to call “punch buggy!” on sighting a Volkswagen Beetle gets to punch the other person. More…
doust – A firm blow or punch. More…
pack a punch, pack it in – Pack a punch is of U.S. origin from the 1920s, as is pack it in. More…
punch – Has an obscure origin, but stories include it being from Sanskrit panca, “five/five kinds of,” as the drink had five ingredients. More…
on the long finger
In a state of postponement or procrastination. (Used especially in the phrase “put something on the long finger.”) Primarily heard in Ireland. Watch the video
Haboobs
A haboob is a strong wind and sand storm. Although haboobs are most common in Sudan, where about 24 occur each year, they can arise in many arid environments and are not uncommon in the American Southwest. They are often preceded by thunderstorms. Once a thunderstorm begins releasing precipitation, its winds change direction. When the downdraft reaches the ground, it stirs up loose sand, sending a wall of sand through the air at high speeds. “Haboob” comes from an Arabic word meaning what? Discuss
admonitory
Definition: (adjective) Serving to warn.
Synonyms: cautionary, exemplary.
Usage: Bella, entering with a raised admonitory finger, kissed Lizzie softly, but said not a word.
Discuss
incapable
impassible, impassable – Impassible is incapable of feeling or suffering; impassable is not capable of being passed. More…
impregnable – Means “incapable of being taken by force” (from French prendre, “seize”). More…
indefatigable – Means “incapable of being wearied.” More…
inimitable – Means “unique; incapable of being imitated.” More…
Apache Maidens' Puberty Rites
The Apache Maidens’ Puberty Rites are a coming-of-age celebration of girls of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, held for four days and nights around the Fourth of July in Mescalero, New Mexico. On the first and last days, the girls run around a basket four times, symbolizing the four stages of life (infancy, childhood, adulthood, and old age). On the last day, their faces are painted with white clay and they enact the role of White Painted Woman, preparing for a rewarding adult life. Other events include a rodeo, a powwow, a parade on July 4, and the nighttime Dance of the Mountain Gods. Discuss