To do something, act, or behave in a manner that does not conform to the standard, prevalent, or popular societal norm. Watch the video
Month: September 2021
Phillis Wheatley
Captured and brought from Africa to the US in 1761, Wheatley became a house slave for John Wheatley and his wife Susana, who, recognizing Wheatley’s intelligence and wit, educated her in English and Latin and encouraged her talent, allowing her to study. As a teen, she began writing poetry modeled on Alexander Pope, and her work was published in the collection Poems on Various Subjects. She is considered the first important African-American writer in the US. Why was she named Phillis? Discuss
quench
moves
ascend – A planet ascends when it moves toward the zenith or comes above the horizon. More…
substrate – The surface on which an organism lives or moves. More…
acquitment – The series of moves that a magician makes to convince the audience that his/her hands are empty. More…
haws – If an animal haws, it turns or moves to the left. More…
Malta Independence Day
This is a nationwide celebration of Malta’s independence, achieved on September 21, 1964. Malta was under the control of various political entities from its earliest days. In the early 19th century, the Maltese acknowledged Great Britain’s sovereignty. Malta’s heroic stand against the Axis in World War II won a declaration that self-government would be restored at the end of the war, and indeed self-government under another constitution was granted in 1947. It was revoked and restored before independence was finally granted. Independence Day is celebrated with parades and festivities throughout the country. Discuss
the march of time
The steady, unstoppable advancement of time. Watch the video
Biological Pest Control
Biological pest control involves the introduction of natural enemies, such as predators, parasites, or pathogens, into the environments of pests. Once a natural enemy is successfully established, it rarely requires additional human action. Examples of effective biocontrol include using ladybugs to prey on aphids and treating turf with the bacterium Bacillus popilliae, which is fatal to Japanese beetle larvae. What pest were dachshunds originally bred to control? Discuss
calumniate
Definition: (verb) To make maliciously or knowingly false statements about.
Synonyms: asperse, besmirch, defame, slander, smirch, denigrate, sully, smear.
Usage: Martha knew it was wrong to calumniate her former employer, but she was still so angry about being fired that she could not help herself.
Discuss
pockets
fishing vest – A sleeveless jacket with many pockets for carrying small objects. More…
English billiards – Played on a table with no pockets. More…
gnurr – The substance that collects over time in the bottoms of pockets or cuffs of trousers. More…
pucker – Has the underlying notion of being formed into “pockets.” More…
Oktoberfest
The first Oktoberfest was held on October 12, 1810, in honor of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese von Saxony-Hildburghausen. Since that time it has become, above all else, a celebration of German beer. The Lord Mayor of Munich, Germany, opens the first barrel, and the 16-day festival begins. Both citizens and tourists flock to this event, which is marked by folk costume parades in which brewery horses draw floats and decorated beer wagons through the streets. Oktoberfest celebrations are also held in cities throughout the United States. Discuss