So we know you’re going to enjoy exploring Word Talk, where we look at many of the Words and Phrases in our fascinating English language, what they mean and where they came from. Filling The Gaps provides the story behind some of the people, places and events used in Lovatts crosswords.
Most people have heard of the explorer Marco Polo but do you know much about him?
This Italian traveller journeyed to the Far East with his merchant father Nicolo and uncle Maffeo in 1271, when he was 17 years old.
They crossed Persia to the Chinese border, went on through the Hindu Kush and the Pamir [more…]
Margaretha Geertruida Zella was a Dutch dancer who deserted her Dutch Army officer husband in pursuit of fame and fortune.
She fled to France where she became a courtesan and oriental dancer in Paris. To complete the transition into this new life, she adopted the intriguing oriental name Mata Hari which means Eye of the [more…]
Sitting Bull was chief of the Sioux during the torrid period of American History following the American Civil War.
There were constant skirmishes and battles over land rights as white settlers moved onto land owned by Native Americans.
Chief Sitting Bull led his people in a campaign of resistance against the push to have them [more…]
Patrick is the patron Saint of Ireland. Renowned for ridding the island of serpents, he had a fascinating life!
Maewyn Succat was born in Scotland to Calphurnius and Conchessa in 387 AD. He was kidnapped by Irish marauders and sold as a slave to a chieftain in County Antrim in Ireland. He acquired his [more…]
In 1612, Arjumand Banu became the wife of Shah Jahan, which was the beginning of one of the most famous love stories of all time. Arjamad was known as Mumtaz Mahal or beloved of the palace.
Mumtaz and Jahan were inseparable and together they had 14 children. They were very popular with the people and [more…]
When you think of the Silver Screen, you think of the Academy Awards and their symbol, the statuette, OSCAR. But how did this figure come about and where did he get his name?
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences was established in 1927 and a dinner was held to discuss ways of honouring [more…]
In Greek mythology the Titans, also known as the elder gods, ruled the earth before being overthrown by the Olympians.
Titans were the children of Uranus (Heaven) and Gaia (Earth) and were of gigantic size. Led by Cronus, the Titans overthrew Uranus, who until then was ruler of the world.
Zeus, son of Cronus and [more…]
‘I’m a real life nephew of my Uncle Sam,
Born on the fourth of July’
We all know that the United States of America is affectionately known as Uncle Sam, but do you know why?
Legend has it that, during the war of 1812, Samuel Wilson was a meat inspector in the service of the federal government. [more…]
Fiasco in Italian literally means bottle.
It is from fiasco that the English words flask and flagon are derived.
However, a fiasco meaning a ludicrous failure or debacle, is thought to come from an Italian theatre saying, far fiasco or ‘make a bottle’, which was slang for a complete breakdown in performance. Make a bottle sounds [more…]
