Birdsongs

Article of the Day

Birds sing using the syrinx, the avian vocal organ. Singing is usually confined to males and is at its height during the breeding season, when it is used to attract a mate. Birdsongs are usually more complex and longer than birdcalls. There is evidence that songs are learned, while certain calls are inherited. A male chaffinch hatchling, for example, sings a “subsong” but only learns the true song by hearing and imitating adult males. Deaf birds sing, but their songs are different in what way? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

North American International Auto Show

Today's Holiday

The North American International Auto Show is an automobile exhibition held each year in Detroit, Michigan, known as the Motor City. In addition to presenting cars that will be available to consumers in the upcoming model year, each year dozens of concept vehicles are unveiled during the show. The show runs annually during the final two weeks in January, with the first week reserved for media and industry insiders and the second week open to the public. Since 1976 a black-tie charity ball has taken place on the eve of the public opening of the show. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Domesday Book

Article of the Day

The Domesday Book is a written record of a survey of English landowners and their property ordered by William the Conqueror in 1085. The most remarkable administrative feat of the Middle Ages, it now serves as the starting point for the history of most English towns and villages. Originally called “the description of England,” the name Domesday Book—a reference to doomsday, when people face a final accounting of their lives—was later popularly attached to it. What was the purpose of the survey? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Drum Major for Justice Parade

Today's Holiday

The National Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Justice Parade, Battle of the Bands & Drum Line Extravaganza is a celebration held annually in St. Petersburg, Florida, on the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday. The parade, which begins at the intersection of Third Avenue South and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, travels to South Vinoy Park and is attended by approximately 100,000 spectators. Following the parade, a band competition gets underway at Tropicana Field Dome Stadium. Scholarships are made available to participating band members. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Greatest Bridge-Maker

Article of the Day

The pontifex maximus was the highest priest of Roman religion and the official head of the college of pontifices. As the chief administrator of religious affairs, he regulated the conduct of religious ceremonies, consecrated temples and other holy places, and controlled the calendar. During the time of the empire, and until Christianity became firmly established, the emperor was designated pontifex maximus. What religious leaders assumed the title after the rise of Christianity? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

World Religion Day

Today's Holiday

This day was initiated in 1950 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i faith in the United States. The purpose was to call attention to the harmony of the world’s religions and emphasize that the aims of religion are to create unity among people, to ease suffering, and to bring about peace. The day is observed with gatherings in homes, public meetings and panel discussions, and proclamations by government officials. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Housecarls

Article of the Day

Housecarls were servants or household troops that acted as personal bodyguards to medieval Scandinavian lords and kings. They were free men, not slaves or thralls, and were in service voluntarily. Royal housecarls also served in Anglo-Saxon England after its conquest by the kingdom of Denmark in the 11th century, fulfilling a number of military and administrative roles there. Housecarls are well-known for having fought under Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson in what significant battle? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary