If it’s spring, it must be time for our fancy to turn to thoughts of basketball and, of course, March Madness—an interesting term, if we’ve ever heard one. Would you be surprised to find out the term March Madness didn’t originate with basketball? The phrase seems to date back to the 1800s and is thought to be connected to the much older expression mad as a March hare. But …
Aries is the astrological sign for people who are born from around March 21–April 19. Although this star sign starts well into the calendar year, Aries is actually the first sign in the zodiac, which is probably why Aries season is always thought to bring on the beginning of turbulent and wild times. It falls directly between Pisces and Taurus on the zodiac calendar. A fire …
If you’re reading this in the US or Canada, you’re likely familiar with the sport of soccer. But, if you’re reading this pretty much anywhere else, then you probably know the same game rules and call it football. What’s the difference? How did we end up with two names, football and soccer, for the same sport? Let’s start in England in the 1800s. Young men, …
Learning a new language has many benefits. Not only are you able to connect with more people in this world and expand your cultural awareness, but as you learn a new language, you’re also training your brain. Language lessons can improve memory, concentration, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. According to most estimates, there are more than 7,000 languages spoken around the world—and as you consider which language …
Great things can come out of hard times — take Scrabble. During the Great Depression, architect Alfred Mosher Butts couldn’t find work. So he decided to create a board game that required the vocabulary skills of anagrams and crossword puzzles but also had an element of chance. Butts hand-drew the original board with architectural drafting equipment.
Just after the last of the Valentine’s Day chocolates have been consumed and the season of Aquarius comes to an end, it’s time for the season of Pisces. Those born between around February 19–March 20 are fortunate enough to call themselves Pisces, which is the 12th and final sign of the zodiac. In 2024, the 40 days of Lent start on February 14, well within …
Sure, the Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events in the world (World Cup fans, feel free to weigh in here), and an unofficial national holiday in the United States. On February 11, 2024, the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs will face off in Super Bowl LVIII (58). While sports fans are waiting to see which team takes it all, the …
Just after the season of Capricorn comes to a close, the age of Aquarius is upon us. It usually runs from around January 20–February 18. In addition to claiming one of the best songs about an astrological sign ever (“This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius …”), Aquarians are a special bunch. Aquarius is the 11th sign of the zodiac. Common characteristics often …
The ninth, fiery sign of the zodiac, Sagittarius, begins November 22 and lasts until December 21. Sagittarius is ruled by the planet Jupiter and is also a mutable fire sign, meaning it is one “of the three astrological signs, Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius, that are grouped together because of the shared attributes of enthusiasm, vitality, and interest in spiritual things.” The mutable part signals that Sagittarians can …
Oh, oh, Scorpio. The eighth sign of the Zodiac, it’s reserved for those born between October 23–November 21. There’s nothing reserved about Scorpios, though. This sign is about passion, excitement, and living life to the fullest … but with a mission. Represented by a stinging scorpion, this is one fierce sign. Just take a look at some of the famous Scorpios: Pablo Picasso, Hilary Clinton, …
Just as the leaves start to turn, and the scent of apple cider begins wafting through the air, the season of Libra is upon us. Lovely Libras are those people born between September 23–October 23. Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac and is one of the three air signs (Gemini and Aquarius are the other two). The word Libra dates back to 1350–1400. …