With a population of about 6 million, Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city and former capital of Brazil, as well as the country’s cultural center and a commercial, communications, and transportation hub. It has one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors, surrounded by low mountain ranges whose spurs extend almost to the waterside, dividing the city. Among its natural landmarks are Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado peak. Rio was popularized by the hit song about the girl from where? Discuss
Month: March 2024
Martenitza (Baba Marta)
Every year on March 1, people in Bulgaria present each other with martenitzas—two joined tassels of red-and-white woolen thread symbolizing health and happiness. In some regions, women dress completely in red on this day. In northeastern Bulgaria, the lady of the house traditionally tosses a red cloth over a fruit tree, or spreads a red woolen cloth on the fields for fertility. In stock-breeding areas, a red-and-white thread is tied to the cattle. Bulgaria is the only country where this particular fertility custom seems to have survived. Discuss
Frédéric Chopin (1810)
Chopin was a Polish composer and one of the great masters of Romantic music. He published his first composition at age seven and began performing at eight. He moved to Paris when he was 21 and became a celebrity with his first concert the following year. Among the most significant composers in the history of the piano, Chopin’s innovations in fingering, use of the pedals, and general treatment of the keyboard were highly influential. With what French writer did he have a long relationship? Discuss
the heebie-jeebies
An extreme or acute sensation of fear, apprehension, worry, or anxiety. Often used with “get” or “give.” Watch the video
Leaplings
Since, technically, a year consists of 365 days and approximately 6 hours, every four years these hours amount to a full day. In order to synchronize the Gregorian calendar with the astronomical year, a leap day, February 29, is added to the 28-day month once every four years. As such, leap years are always evenly divisible by four. Persons born on a leap day are called “leaplings,” and, contrary to popular myth, they do age during non-leap years. What opera centers on a leapling and his aging? Discuss