The War of the Pacific (1879-1883) began when Chile and Bolivia fought for control of a portion of the Atacama Desert. On October 8, 1879, the Chilean Navy captured Peru’s ironclad warship, the Huáscar, and killed the captain, Admiral Miguel Grau. Chile gained control over the seas and was thus able to invade Peru and Bolivia. October 8 is a national holiday in Peru to remember the lost Battle of Angamos. On this day, military and civil parades are held, and celebrations are held to honor the heroic deeds of Admiral Miguel Grau and his role in the battle. Discuss
Month: October 2021
be more trouble than it's worth
To not be important, useful, or beneficial enough to justify the effort or difficulty that something requires. Watch the video
The Evil Eye
The people of the world have many superstitions, but one in particular is shared by a number of cultures, especially those of the Mediterranean and Middle East: the evil eye. Traditions and beliefs surrounding the evil eye vary, but it is generally thought to stem from envy and malice toward prosperity and beauty. Thus, in many cultures, unguarded praise of one’s possessions or children is thought to invite misfortune. Who is typically thought to be most vulnerable to the evil eye? Discuss
ostracize
token
jetton – A counter or token used as a gambling chip or to operate slot machines. More…
token – Etymologically, something that “shows” you something, from a base meaning “show, sign.” More…
indicium – An indication, sign, or token—specifically, the stamp on mail indicating paid postage. More…
signal, sign – Signal is from Latin signalis, “of a sign,” from signum, “mark, token”—from which sign is derived. More…
Russian Journalist and Human Rights Activist Murdered (2006)
Anna Politkovskaya was a Russian journalist and human rights activist well known for her opposition to the Russian government’s role in the Chechen conflict and her criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, notably in her book Putin’s Russia. Her controversial work sparked numerous death threats against her, and she was shot to death in an elevator in her apartment building on October 7, 2006. Her murder, which remains unsolved, coincided with what other occasion? Discuss
Okunchi Matsuri
The Okunchi Festival in Nagasaki dates back to the 17th century, when many Chinese lived in the city and when both Dutch and Chinese traders regularly anchored their ships there. The festival pays tribute to these traders by presenting both a Dutch dance and a Chinese dragon dance, along with street fairs and other entertainment. The Okunchi Festival also features the traditional procession of the mikoshi—the ornate palanquin on which the local deity is believed to descend for a ride as it is carried through the streets. Discuss
have more than one string to (one's) bow
To have multiple viable options or alternatives available in the event that the current course of action, circumstance, opportunity, etc., does not work out. Watch the video
Pictograms
Many ancient civilizations utilized pictographic writing systems comprised of symbols that conveyed meaning through their visual resemblance to physical objects. Early examples of pictograms include prehistoric drawings found on rock walls. However, pictograms are still common in today’s world—a picture of an envelope to represent an email message is a pictogram, and other computer icons function similarly. What are some other common pictograms in modern society? Discuss