Regarded by critics as one of the most original and important American artists, O’Keeffe is known chiefly for her large, semi-abstract studies of flowers, bones, and other imagery. Immaculate, sculptural, organic forms painted in strong, clear colors predominate in O’Keeffe’s works, and her pristine abstract designs carry strong elements of sexual symbolism. Her work was first exhibited in 1916 at the 291 Gallery of Alfred Stieglitz, whom she later married. What is “O’Keeffe’s Ghost”? Discuss
Month: November 2022
have (a) skeleton(s) in (one's)/the closet
To have (an) embarrassing, unpleasant, damaging, or incriminating secret(s) from one’s past. Primarily heard in US. Watch the video
Jasmine
Jasmine—also known as jessamine—is a genus of shrubs and vines in the family Oleaceae. It has about 300 species native to all continents except North America. Jasmine is prized for its very fragrant white or yellow blossoms, which, when dried, can be used to flavor tea. Jasmine oil is popular for perfumes and aromatherapy, even though jasmine flowers are too delicate to be distilled in the same way as true essential oils. Jasmine is thus called an “absolute” oil. What is Sampaguita? Discuss
seamster
Melville's Moby-Dick Published in the US (1851)
Inspired by his whaling experiences on the South Seas, Herman Melville penned Moby-Dick, the now famed tale of a deranged whaling captain’s obsessive voyage to find and destroy the great white whale to whom he lost his leg. The novel is at once an exciting sea story, a sociological critique of American prejudices, a repository of information about whaling, and a philosophical inquiry into the nature of good and evil. What may have inspired Melville to name his whale Moby-Dick? Discuss
Claude Monet (1840)
A French landscape painter, Monet helped found the Impressionist movement in the late 19th century. In fact, the term “Impressionism” is derived from the title of one of his paintings, Impression: Sunrise. His renowned plein air, or outdoor, paintings capture natural landscapes with accents of sunlight and vibrant colors. To show the effects of changes in light, he often painted the same subject repeatedly, at different times of day and in different seasons. What are some examples? Discuss
be (as) green as a gooseberry
To be very young, immature, and/or inexperienced. Watch the video
Military Camouflage
Though today nearly all combat uniforms and military vehicles are designed with camouflage in mind, this was not always the case. Men once marched into battle in bright, eye-grabbing uniforms, but as more accurate firearms were developed, camouflage became increasingly important. It was greatly developed during World War I, and though radar use diminished its utility, conflicts like the guerrilla campaigns of the Vietnam War again made it important. What is dazzle camouflage? Discuss
wakeless
Ronald DeFeo, Jr., Murders Family in Amityville, New York (1974)
After the DeFeo family was discovered murdered in their beds, Ronald DeFeo, Jr.—the family’s only surviving member—was placed under police protection. DeFeo initially told investigators that he believed the murders were a mob hit, but he soon confessed and was convicted of murdering his parents and four siblings. A number of controversies surround the case, especially regarding the possible involvement of DeFeo’s sister Dawn. What best-selling novel and series of films did these events inspire? Discuss