Month: August 2021

net

dream catcher – A decorative Native American object in the form of a hoop and net with attachments such as feathers. More…

net – As in “without deductions,” it came from French net, “neat,” and then evolved to mean” free from any (further) deduction.” More…

reticule – An older term for a small handbag, it alludes to the fact that they were originally made of netted fabric—Latin rete, “net,” became reticulum, “netted bag.” More…

retina – From Latin rete, “net,” as there is a net of nerves making up this layer of the eyeball. More…

Moldova Independence Day

On August 27, 1991, the Republic of Moldova became an independent and sovereign state. To commemorate this momentous occasion, the country celebrates Independence Day every year on August 27. As part of the celebrations, the Moldovan President addresses the people of the country with a festive speech. Public concerts, fairs, and outdoor activities are held in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, as well as in other cities around the country. On August 27, 2001, the first military parade was held in Chisinau to celebrate the first 10 years of the country’s independence. Discuss

Brazen Head

Medieval Europe’s version of the Magic 8 Ball, the legendary brazen head was a purportedly prophetic device said to be able to correctly answer any question put to it. Accounts of these devices differ—some are described as mechanical, others as magical—but they always take the form of a man’s head. Brazen heads were so widely accepted that even writers, philosophers, and religious leaders allegedly made use of them. What work, often considered the first great novel, features such a head? Discuss

wind instrument

organ – Comes from Latin organum, from Greek oganon, “implement, instrument, tool”; it was first a very general term, but was then used for “wind instrument” and “functional part of the body.” More…

poop – Once had the meaning “to make an abrupt sound, as from a wind instrument.” More…

bell – The flared open end of a wind instrument. More…

tootle – To toot continuously, as notes on a wind instrument. More…

Namibia Heroes' Day

To honor those who lost their lives fighting for national freedom, Namibia has designated August 26 as Heroes’ Day. On this day, thousands of Namibians gather at Ongulumbashe to celebrate. Representatives from all 13 regions give performances and cultural presentations, including traditional praise songs and dances. A re-enactment of the battle of Ongulumbashe concludes with the raising of the Namibian flag, as the real fighters did after each triumph in the war. In Namibia’s capital city of Windhoek, the Heroes’ Acre national monument was erected to honor the freedom fighters. Discuss

Eyam, England

The village of Eyam in Derbyshire, England, is best known for its decision to voluntarily quarantine itself when the Great Plague of London spread there in 1665. Villagers further tried to contain the disease by burying their own relatives and by leaving money disinfected in vinegar on a stone outside the village to pay for goods being delivered. The plague raged for 14 months and devastated Eyam, wiping out between 50 and 75 percent of its population. How was the plague brought to the village? Discuss