This public holiday, also known as the Belgium National Day, commemorates Belgium’s independence from the Netherlands on July 21, 1831. Belgians had struggled against their rulers for 15 years. A revolt began in 1830, and, the next year, the state of Belgium was formed and King Leopold I (1790-1865) was made its first king. Belgians sing “La Brabançonne,” the national anthem, and observe their independence with festivities, especially in the capital city of Brussels. Discuss
Month: July 2021
loose change
A small, usually insignificant amount of money, typically consisting of coins. Watch the video
Endogenous Retrovirus
Retroviruses carry their genetic blueprint in the form of RNA, which they use to synthesize DNA—the reverse of the usual process. This makes it possible for their genetic material to become a permanent part of the genes of an infected cell. An endogenous retrovirus is a retrovirus-like sequence found in an organism’s genome that is thought to constitute the remains of a true retrovirus absorbed through evolution. In humans, endogenous retroviruses are suspected of involvement in what diseases? Discuss
traipse
sequence
arithmetic progression – A sequence in which each term is obtained by the addition of a constant number to the preceding term, as 1, 4, 7, 10, 13. More…
initialism, alphabetism, acronym – Initialisms (sometimes called alphabetisms) are formed from the initial letters of a string of words and are pronounced as a sequence of letters, e.g. BYOB, USA, DVD. Acronyms are formed from the initial letters or parts of words in a sequence, but have the distinction of being pronounceable words, e.g. RADAR, SCUBA. More…
solfeggio, gamut – Solfeggio and gamut are words formed on the sequence of musical notes. More…
Osorezan Taisai
Mt. Osore, located on the Shimokita Peninsula in the north of Honshu, Japan, is a spiritual center for many Japanese. It is known as a place where departed souls congregate. During the Osorezan Taisai Festival, or Osorezanrei Grand Festival, people flock to the mountain at Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture, where psychics endeavor to summon the spirits of the dead by chanting. The priests who cross the weathered slopes of the mountain in procession add to the festival’s grim and ghostly atmosphere. Discuss
be looking for trouble
To be doing something or acting in a manner that will very likely result in trouble, difficulty, or danger. Watch the video
All Roads Lead to Rome
The proverb “All roads lead to Rome” was once a literal statement. During the height of the Roman Empire, a road system of about 50,000 miles (80,000 km) linked Rome with its many provinces. The roads often ran in straight lines despite obstacles and were typically constructed in four layers. The road system improved travel for the Roman army, aided commercial ventures, and allowed a postal service to thrive. Some parts still survive today. What modern highways run along ancient Roman routes? Discuss
extemporaneous
Definition: (adjective) Carried out or performed with little or no preparation.
Synonyms: impromptu, off-the-cuff, offhand, unrehearsed, ad-lib.
Usage: Though she had not practiced for some time, Mary’s extemporaneous piano recital wowed her dinner guests.
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protected
generic word – One referring to a commercial product, formerly a brand name that is no longer protected by trademark. More…
patent leather – Got its name from the U.S. Patent Office, as the leather’s finish was once protected by patent. More…
shelter – May come from Middle English sheltron, a body of troops that protected itself in battle with a covering of joined shields. More…
patron – Derives from Latin patronus, which means “protector of clients” or “defender.” More…