Established by the United Nations to encourage universal literacy, this day has been observed since 1966 by all countries and organizations that are part of the UN system. Observances are sponsored primarily by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) and include the awarding of special literacy prizes. Prizes are also awarded by the International Reading Association and the Japanese publisher Shoichi Noma to literacy programs that have made a significant difference. Discuss
Month: September 2021
make (someone's) jaw drop
To cause someone to pause in astonishment, awe, or disbelief, especially with their mouth left open. Watch the video
Celebratory Gunfire
A common practice in places such as the Balkans, the Middle East, South Asia, Latin America, and some parts of the US, shooting a firearm into the air in celebration occurs most often on holidays such as New Year’s, Christmas, and Eid. Falling bullets are responsible for damaged roofs and shattered windows. Worse, they can result in injury and even death. Why is the mortality rate among those struck by falling bullets much higher than the mortality rate normally associated with gunshot wounds? Discuss
promontory
Frances Hodgson Burnett
One of the new things people began to find out in the last century was that thoughts—just mere thoughts—are as powerful as electric batteries—as good for one as sunlight is, or as bad for one as poison. Discuss
lady
buck party, stag party – A buck party, like a stag party, is one without ladies. More…
chatelaine – The lady or mistress of a household. More…
lady – From Old English hlaf, “loaf,” and a Germanic base meaning “knead,” it first literally meant “one who kneads bread.” More…
Festival of Piedigrotta
Held in Naples, Italy, in September, the Festival of Piedigrotta is known primarily for its noise and gaiety. According to one legend, it commemorates the destruction in 44 CE of a site that had formerly been the scene of pagan orgies, and the building of a chapel in its place. A second explanation is that the chapel was built in 1356 after the Blessed Virgin Mary had appeared to a priest, a nun, and a man named Peter and ordered its construction. In any case, the festival is a particularly joyful one, with processions, fireworks, and some very unusual puppet shows. Discuss
make (oneself or something) ready (for someone or something)
To become or make something prepared for something or someone. Watch the video
Milk Sickness
Milk sickness afflicts individuals who ingest dairy products or meat from a cow that has fed on white snakeroot, a plant with a poisonous cluster of small white flowers. It is characterized by trembling, vomiting, and severe intestinal pain. Although rare today, such poisoning killed thousands in the early 19th century, including Abraham Lincoln’s mother. A doctor first described it in 1809, but its exact cause remained elusive. According to legend, how was its cause discovered? Discuss
cloistered
Definition: (adjective) Secluded from the world; sheltered.
Synonyms: sequestered.
Usage: The dean said the cloistered atmosphere of the academy was doing little to prepare students for the real world.
Discuss