Q: I saw on CNN where some of the dead Sherpas were being removed after a deadly avalanche. I noticed there was a swastika symbol on a blanket that covered one of them. Is this symbol part of the Sherpa’s religious beliefs?
—William McKee Jr., Flowery Branch
A: Swastika is a Sanskrit word meaning "good luck" or "well-being," and was used thousands of years before Adolf Hitler designed the Nazi flag around it, according to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. It's thought that the symbol once was used to describe the sun moving across the sky, and it remains sacred in several religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. "It is a common sight on temples or houses in India or Indonesia," the museum states on its website (www.ushmm.org). At least 16 Sherpas died in an avalanche on Mount Everest on April 18.
Q: Do the authorities know what started the fight at Parkview High School?
—Frank Burnette, Decatur
A: Danny Egan, the father of David Egan, told News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB that the alleged attacker accused his son of stealing tennis shoes. Egan, a sophomore, had surgery for injuries to his face and nose after the incident, which took place in a school locker room on March 25. The alleged attacker has been charged with aggravated battery and was disciplined by the school. He will be tried as a juvenile.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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