As 2023 bids us farewell, we take a lovely linguistic detour, examining not only what we've talked about, but also how we've expressed it. Enter the Oxford Word of the Year, a fragment of vocabulary that captures our conversation. And what about the prize for 2023? It's "rizz," a … [Read more...] about ‘Rizz’: unveiling and explaining Oxford University’s Word of the Year for 2023
culture
Rosh Hashanah: Unveiling the rich traditions and significance
Today, September 15th, 2023, Jewish communities around the world are preparing for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The Jewish High Holy Days begin with this ancient feast rich in history and ritual. Rosh Hashanah is a significant period of meditation, prayer, and meaningful … [Read more...] about Rosh Hashanah: Unveiling the rich traditions and significance
A brief history of Groundhog Day
In honor of Groundhog Day 2023, The Optimist Daily shares some background knowledge on this centuries-old American tradition. The first Groundhog Day Groundhog Day was commemorated for the first time on February 2, 1887, at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, thanks … [Read more...] about A brief history of Groundhog Day
A new understanding of an old story—part IV of True American, a mini series
"Only by learning to live in harmony with your contradictions can you keep it all afloat." - Audre Lorde Over the course of the True American mini-series, we’ve deconstructed symbols that we think of as “typically American.” In the process, we’ve gained a more nuanced … [Read more...] about A new understanding of an old story—part IV of True American, a mini series
The birth of the banjo— part III of True American, a mini-series
The banjo, widely considered a quintessential symbol of the United States (along with square dancing), is an instrument that tends to conjure up images of white rural life in the Appalachian mountains, or memories of the dueling banjos from the 1972 film "Deliverance" or TV shows … [Read more...] about The birth of the banjo— part III of True American, a mini-series