A former Anglican priest, Father Walter Lini became the first prime minister of the newly independent country of Vanuatu in 1980. Despite those who remember him for his authoritarian ways, Lini is honored on February 21 as the father of Vanuatu’s independence. To mark the 25th anniversary of the country’s independence, the 2005 celebration of Lini Day included a special remembrance service at the Tagabe Anglican Church with President Kalkot Matas Kelekele attending. Prime minister Ham Lini, Walter Lini’s brother, presided over a ceremony in which a wreath was placed on the late priest’s grave. Discuss
Month: February 2022
Nina Simone (1933)
After winning acclaim in 1959 with her recording of George Gershwin’s “I Loves You, Porgy,” American singer-songwriter and pianist Nina Simone toured the US and Europe. She soon put her talents and newfound fame to work for the civil rights movement, writing and performing protest songs such as “Mississippi Goddam” and “To Be Young, Gifted and Black.” Dissatisfied with the treatment of African Americans in the US, the “High Priestess of Soul” expatriated herself in the 1970s. Where did she go? Discuss
be put out of business
To be caused or forced to cease carrying on commercial trading or transactions. Watch the video
Giraffes
The tallest of animals, giraffes can be found browsing the tree canopy of tropical Africa’s wooded grasslands. A male giraffe can be 18 feet (5.5 m) from hoof to crown with a neck up to 7 feet (2.1 m) long. However, a giraffe’s body is relatively short, marked with large, angular, sandy to chestnut spots closely spaced on a lighter background. Giraffes travel in small herds led by a male and can outrun most enemies, some of which they can kill with a single kick. How tall is a newborn giraffe? Discuss
nascent
stranger
extranean – An outsider or stranger, a person not belonging to a household. More…
barbarian – Based on Greek barbaros, “stranger” or “enemy.” More…
stranger – Originally a foreigner, from Old French estrangier, from Latin extraneus, “person outside.” More…
pilgrim – Its basic meaning was “traveler, homeless wanderer,” from Latin peregrinum, “foreigner, stranger.” More…
Parícutin Volcano Forms in Mexican Cornfield (1943)
In one of the most spectacular eruptions of modern times, Parícutin burst forth from a cornfield in the Mexican state of Michoacán 1943 and grew on and off until 1952, when the eruptions finally ceased. During that time, it spewed forth over a billion tons of lava and buried the town of San Juan Parangaricutiro and the village of Parícutin, whence its name. Parícutin’s formation gave scientists a rare opportunity to observe volcanic growth. When do experts expect Parícutin to next erupt? Discuss
Pierre Boulle (1912)
At the start of WWII, engineer Pierre Boulle enlisted in the French Army. Later, while a secret agent for the Free French, he was captured and imprisoned in a labor camp, an experience that inspired him to write his acclaimed work of historical fiction The Bridge over the River Kwai. Its 1957 film adaptation won seven Oscars, including one for screenplay that was awarded to Boulle since the actual writers had been blacklisted as communist sympathizers. What other famous novel did he pen? Discuss
put (one's) hands together (for someone or something)
To applaud (someone or something); to clap. Watch the video
Julian of Norwich
Julian of Norwich was an English mystic who began reporting visions of Jesus during a serious illness. After recovering in 1373, she wrote accounts of her experience. Her Revelations of Divine Love is remarkable for its clarity, beauty, and profundity and is believed to be the first book written in English by a woman. Though Julian lived in a time of plagues and peasant revolts, her theology was optimistic and focused on God’s compassionate love. What was her most controversial belief? Discuss