Yemen observes two Revolution Days: one commemorates the revolutionary movement that overthrew the monarchy of Imam Muhammad al-Badr on September 26, 1962, and helped pave the way for the creation of the Yemen Arab Republic. Before that could occur, however, British occupation of the area remained another force impeding independence. Revolts against the British then ensued in 1962-63, and, by 1967, the British granted Yemen its sovereignty. These revolts are commemorated on October 14. Discuss
Month: September 2021
marry (someone) for (his or her) money
To marry someone solely or primarily to have access to their personal wealth. Watch the video
Chiptune Music
Chiptune music is created by manipulating the sound chips of the early gaming systems and microcomputers of the 1980s. Though some chiptune musicians use emulators to replicate gaming system sounds on modern computers, much chiptune music is composed—and “played” in live settings—with the original sound chips of devices like the Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo Game Boy, Atari, and Commodore 64. The chiptune music scene was recently the subject of what documentary? Discuss
indelible
Definition: (adjective) Impossible to remove, erase, or wash away; permanent.
Synonyms: permanent, lasting, enduring, ineradicable, ineffaceable, inexpungible, inextirpable.
Usage: Before I left for camp, my mother wrote my name inside all of my clothes with indelible ink.
Discuss
wire
muselet – The wire that holds a champagne cork in place. More…
reinforced concrete – Has wire or metal bars embedded to increase its tensile strength. More…
down to the wire – Alludes to the imaginary wire at the finish line in a horse race. More…
under the wire – Meaning “just in time,” it is also from horse racing. More…
marry into money
To become wealthy or financially secure by marrying someone who is wealthy or has a wealthy family. Watch the video
Dekotora
A uniquely Japanese phenomenon, Dekotora—or “Decoration Trucks”—are dump trucks, tractor-trailers, or buses that have been customized with large amounts of lights, metallic ornamentation, and elaborate artwork. Popularized in the 1970s, Dekotora are retrofitted to reflect their owners’ tastes, incorporating intricate chrome and steel work and designs ranging from dragons to flowers, mountain scenes, Buddhist symbols, pop stars, and anime characters. What 1975 film made Dekotora popular? Discuss
spendthrift
Definition: (noun) One who spends money recklessly or wastefully.
Synonyms: scattergood, spend-all, spender.
Usage: You talk as if a miser on Monday were always a spendthrift on Tuesday.
Discuss
plastic
aglet – The plastic or metal covering on the end of a shoelace (formerly called the point) that makes it easier to thread through the eyelet holes. More…
plastic – From Greek plastos, “to form, mold.” More…
plastic surgery – Dates to 1837; “plastic” is used in the sense of “molding, shaping.” More…
velo binding – A type of document fastener using a narrow strip of plastic on the front and back and attached with thin plastic pegs through the pages; also called velobind. More…
Whole Enchilada Fiesta
The Whole Enchilada Fiesta is marked by lots of red chili, lots of corn meal, lots of cheese, and lots of people. This festival in Las Cruces, New Mexico, draws about 100,000 people who scramble to get a taste of the world’s biggest enchilada. It’s 10 feet long and is made of 750 pounds of stone ground corn for the dough, 75 gallons of red chili sauce, and 175 pounds of cheese. The enchilada is prepared as the climactic Sunday afternoon event. Before this grand moment, there will have been a parade, street dances, arts and crafts exhibits, and a fun run. Discuss