Even before ascending the throne of Japan, Akihito bucked tradition. When he was 25, the then crown prince married Michiko Shoda, a commoner—marking the first time that an heir to the Japanese throne had wed outside the court nobility. In another unorthodox move, he and his wife chose to raise their children at home. Since Akihito became emperor in 1989, he has persisted in his efforts to humanize and modernize the royal family. What else has he done to try and change the royal family’s image? Discuss
Month: June 2022
escalate
Ned Kelly Is Captured (1880)
Ned Kelly is Australia’s most famous bushranger and, to many, a folk hero who defied colonial authorities. Ned’s trouble with the law began when he was just a teen, and what started as minor scrapes with authorities escalated into more serious crimes, including the bank robberies and murders that eventually led to his execution. Despite Kelly’s misdeeds, many believe that he and his family were unfairly targeted by police. In its last stand, the Kelly gang utilized “body armor” made out of what? Discuss
Ukraine Constitution Day
Having gained independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine began working on drafting a new constitution. The final document was written and approved by the country’s parliament on June 28, 1996. The constitution created a democratic form of government that guarantees human rights and freedoms for its citizens under the rule of law. Since it is a fairly new holiday, traditions have not yet been established to celebrate the day. In Kiev, popular Ukrainian musicians and singers give concerts in Maidan Nezalezhnosty Square. Discuss
Henry VIII of England (1491)
Henry VIII, the second monarch of the Tudor dynasty, was King of England from 1509 until his death in 1547. Notable events during his reign include the break with Rome and establishment of the independent Church of England, the dissolution of the monasteries, and the union of England and Wales. However, he is best remembered for his turbulent love life—he was married six times—and for the callous way he ended two of his marriages—having his wives beheaded. What were the fates of the other four? Discuss
tickle (someone's) funny bone
To make someone laugh; to be humorous or amusing to someone. Watch the video
Alicia Alonso
Alonso is a Cuban prima ballerina and choreographer. She danced in Broadway musicals before becoming a soloist with several leading companies, including the American Ballet Theatre, in 1939. She is best known for her work in Giselle and in Agnes de Mille’s Fall River Legend. Her own works include La Tinaja, Ensayos Sinfonicos, and Lidia, all created for her company, which Alonso has continued to direct despite being almost blind. What caused her failing vision? Discuss
panache
jerk
flounce – Can mean a sudden fling or jerk of the body or a limb. More…
hike – As a walk, it evolved from its original meaning of “to jerk or pull” (oneself along). More…
jerk – As in jerked meat (e.g. beef jerky), it is from American Spanish and Quechua charqui, “dried flesh.” More…
weight lifting, power lifting – Weight lifting is specifically the press, the clean and jerk, and the snatch; power lifting is the bench press, squat, and dead lift. More…
World's First ATM Installed in Enfield, London (1967)
ATMs, or automated teller machines, can be used by bank customers to process several different kinds of account transactions, such as cash withdrawals, deposits, and fund transfers, and to review account statements and balances. Most consider the world’s first ATM to be the one invented by John Shepherd-Barron and installed by Barclays Bank in North London on June 27, 1967. However, a mechanical bank deposit box, arguably an ATM, was installed in New York how many years earlier? Discuss