inlay card – A pamphlet accompanying a CD, film, etc., giving an introduction. More…
isagoge – An introduction to a field of study. More…
front matter – Things in the beginning of a book like an introduction and table of contents. More…
propaedeutic – A subject or course of study that is an introduction to more advanced study or to an art or science. More…
After returning from exile at Elba, Napoleon reinstalled himself on the throne of France. As he traveled to Paris to take power, a coalition of European powers organized against him. On June 18, Napoleon began a direct offensive against British forces, but the British held the line until Prussian troops arrived, marking a turning point in the battle. Routed, the French retreated, and Napoleon left the field and signed his second abdication. To what continent did he allegedly try to escape? Discuss
The Republic of Seychelles was first settled by the French in 1770. In 1814, it was ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Paris. Seychelles gained independence from Britain in 1976 and became a republic within the commonwealth. On June 18, 1993, a new constitution was approved, and the first multiparty elections were held in July. June 18 is known as National Day in Seychelles and commemorates the implementation of a multiparty democracy. On this day, thousands of people attend celebratory events that include parades, a flower show, music, and a presidential speech. Discuss
Arguably the most commercially successful performer and composer in popular music history, singer, songwriter, and musician Paul McCartney is a rock legend. In 1960, McCartney, together with John Lennon, founded the Beatles, a group that came to define a generation. After the band broke up in 1970, McCartney went on to record a number of hit albums with the group Wings, and he continues to have a successful solo career. Which of his songs has the distinction of being the most-covered song ever? Discuss
Very busy; in the middle of or preoccupied with something or several things. Watch the video
Rilke is generally considered the German language’s greatest 20th century lyric poet. His compositions are generally characterized by striking visual imagery, musicality, and a preponderant use of nouns. His writings include one novel, the semi-autobiographical The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge; several collections of poetry, among them Sonnets to Orpheus and Duino Elegies; and several volumes of correspondence. How did a rose thorn supposedly hasten his death? Discuss
Definition: (noun) Sudden impairment of neurological function, especially that resulting from a cerebral hemorrhage.
Synonyms: stroke, cerebrovascular accident.
Usage: The medical evidence showed conclusively that death was due to apoplexy.
Discuss
jilt – A female accomplice to a thief. More…
furtive – Someone who is furtive literally “carries things away like a thief.” More…
ferret – Its name comes from Latin furritus, “little thief”—alluding to the animal’s affinity for stealing hens’ eggs. More…
thief – Has the underlying meaning of “crouching, furtive person.” More…
Eugen Weidmann, a convicted thief, kidnapper, and murderer, was the last person to be publicly executed in France. After his arrest, Weidmann confessed to murdering five people and was sentenced to death. Shortly thereafter, he was beheaded by guillotine. The “hysterical behavior” of spectators at the event was so scandalous that French President Albert Lebrun immediately banned all future public executions. Executions by guillotine in France continued in private until what date? Discuss
Iceland was proclaimed an independent republic on June 17, 1944. Sometimes referred to as National Day, the anniversary of this event is also the birthday of Jón Sigurdsson, the nation’s 19th-century leader. A varied program of parades, speeches, sporting competitions, amusements, and outdoor concerts and shows culminates in the evening with dancing in the streets of Reykjavik and other towns. Another National Day was December 1, the anniversary of the 1918 treaty recognizing Iceland as an independent state under the Danish crown. This is now largely a student celebration. Discuss