Definition: (adjective) Of worldwide scope or applicability.
Synonyms: universal.
Usage: The movement against violence is intended to be an ecumenical one, applicable to all nations.
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Month: January 2022
tomb
epitaph – From Greek epi, “upon, over,” and taphos, “tomb” or “funeral.” More…
lair – First meant “grave, tomb,” or “place where one sleeps.” More…
pall, pallbearer – Pallbearer is based on pall, which was first a cloth spread over a coffin, hearse, or tomb. More…
cromlech – Is Welsh for “arched stone” and means “any megalithic chamber tomb.” More…
"CQD" Distress Signal Adopted (1904)
“CQD” was one of the first Morse code distress signals adopted for radio use. The Marconi Marine Communication Company began using it in 1904, but by 1908, “CQD” had largely been supplanted by “SOS,” a simpler code. Contrary to popular belief, “CQD” does not stand for “Come Quick, Danger” or “Come Quickly: Distress.” Rather, it combines the call “CQ”—a general call to all stations stemming from the French word sécurité—with “D” for “distress.” What was its most famous use? Discuss
Nanakusa Matsuri
Nanuska Matsuri is a Japanese ceremony dating back to the 9th century. It is also called Wakana-setsu (“Festival of Young Herbs”), or Jin-jitsu (“Man Day”), because it occurs on the zodiacal day for “man.” After an offering to the clan deity in the morning, participants partake of nanakusa gayu, a rice gruel seasoned with seven different herbs that is said to have been served for its medicinal value to the young prince of the Emperor Saga. The herbs are shepherd’s-purse, chickweed, parsley, cottonweed, radish, as well as herbs known as hotoke-no-za and aona in Japanese. Discuss
Ludwig III of Bavaria (1845)
Ludwig III, the last king of Bavaria, took an unusual path to the crown. His father Luitpold had ruled Bavaria for his insane nephews Ludwig II—a brilliant eccentric who was ultimately confined to a château—and Otto I. Ludwig III succeeded Luitpold as regent and reigned as king from 1913 to 1918. Ludwig’s brief rule was tumultuous, coinciding with World War I and the German Revolution. He was the first monarch to be deposed in the revolution and fled Munich in November 1918. Where did he die? Discuss
be caught off (one's) guard
To be taken by surprise; to be caught when one is vulnerable, careless, or inattentive. Watch the video
Nasserism
Nasserism is a political ideology based on the thinking of Gamal Abdel Nasser, who served as president of Egypt from 1956–70. Combining elements of Arab socialism, republicanism, nationalism, anti-imperialism, and non-alignment, it became one of the most potent political ideologies in the Arab world. Though Nasserism was tarnished when Nasser led the Arab world in the disastrous Six Day War of 1967, it is still espoused by some Egyptian political parties. Nasser died suddenly of what in 1970? Discuss
skimpy
tortoise
shellpad – Another name for a tortoise. More…
testudinate – Means “slow-moving; like a turtle,” from Latin testudo, “tortoise,” and also describes something curved or vaulted like a turtle shell. More…
Galapagos Islands – Named for the massive tortoises living there, from Old Spanish galapago, “tortoise.” More…
turtle, tortoise, terrapin – Turtle is applied to those living in water and tortoise to those that live on land, while terrapins live in fresh water; turtle and tortoise may come from the Latin root tort, with reference to the animals’ twisted feet. More…
Haxey Hood Game
This tradition in Haxey, Lincolnshire, England, can be traced back more than 600 years, when Lady Mowbray, whose husband owned a large portion of Haxey, lost her hood to a gust of wind and 13 local men struggled gallantly to retrieve it. The game known as Throwing the Hood, which takes place on January 6 each year, involves a Lord (who acts as umpire), 13 Plough-Boggins, a Fool, and as many others as care to participate. The participants wrestle over a piece of leather stuffed with straw, coins, and other fillings. The winners carry it back to the village pub, where a victory celebration takes place. Discuss