The axis mundi, or world axis, is a symbolic representation of the point of connection between heaven and earth and offers a means of travel and communication between the two realms. The concept of a central world axis appears in many cultures and takes many forms, both natural and man-made. This connection point can be a high mountain, a plant, an altar, or even a person’s home. Which religious disciplines explore the concept of the human form as world axis? Discuss
Author: Ian
Eugénia María de Montijo de Guzmán (1826)
The daughter of a Spanish noble, Eugénia married Napoleon III in 1853 and became the empress of France. She took an active role in the politics of the Second Empire, acting as regent when her husband was at war. She also encouraged French opposition to a Prussian candidate for the Spanish throne in the controversy that precipitated the Franco-Prussian War. Deposed after Napoleon’s defeat and capture, she fled and settled in England. Why was her marriage to Napoleon controversial? Discuss
Thailand Coronation Day
On May 5, 1950, King Bhumibol Adulyadej was crowned Rama IX of Thailand, the ninth king of the Chakri dynasty. Ever since, the day has been celebrated as Coronation Day in Thailand. On May 4th, the Chief of Brahmin priests reads out the official proclamation of Coronation Day. On May 5, the Buddhist monks are given a feast and the king wears his full regalia. At noon, the Royal Thai Army and Navy each give a 21-gun salute. Later in the day, the king awards medals and decorations to those citizens who have done outstanding services for the state. Discuss
plexus
listless
Definition: (adjective) Marked by low spirits; showing no enthusiasm.
Synonyms: dispirited.
Usage: A subtle change had transformed her from the listless woman he had known into a being who, for the moment, seemed palpitant with the forces of life.
Discuss
Audrey Hepburn (1929)
Hepburn was a Belgian-born film actress who combined elegance with a radiant, elfin innocence. After spending World War II in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands, she studied ballet and acting in London and was discovered by French writer Colette, who insisted she play the lead in Gigi on Broadway. She made her US film debut in Roman Holiday, for which she won an Academy Award, and then returned to Broadway and won a Tony Award in Ondine. What was Hepburn’s last film? Discuss
The May Fourth Movement (1919)
The May Fourth Movement was the first mass movement in modern Chinese history. It began with about 5,000 university students in Beijing protesting the Versailles Conference’s decision to transfer former German concessions in China to Japan. Demonstrations and strikes spread, and a nationwide boycott of Japanese goods followed. The movement began a patriotic outburst of new urban intellectuals against foreign imperialists and warlords and is often cited as the seminal event that led to what? Discuss
Lucid Dreaming
In a lucid dream, the dreamer is aware that he or she is dreaming while the dream is in progress. During lucid dreams, it is often possible to exert conscious control over characters and environments, as well as to perform otherwise physically impossible feats. Children tend to enter such dream states more easily than adults, but there are techniques one can learn to intentionally induce a lucid dream. Lucid dreaming is sometimes suggested as a remedy for what disorder? Discuss
Bernhard von Bülow (1849)
A German statesman, von Bülow was appointed state secretary for the foreign department in 1897. He quickly became a potent force and succeeded to the chancellorship in 1900, serving until 1909. Together with Emperor William II, he pursued a policy of German aggrandizement in the years preceding WWI, inadvertently antagonizing the English, French, and Russians, who eventually formed an alliance against Germany. He lost the emperor’s confidence in the Daily Telegraph affair, which was what? Discuss
lycanthrope
Definition: (noun) A monster able to change appearance from human to wolf.
Synonyms: werewolf, wolfman, loup-garou.
Usage: She thought the novel about the lycanthrope would be silly, but the sad tale about the werewolf’s struggles to regain control of his life moved her to tears.
Discuss