Mirror Neurons

The discovery of mirror neurons in primates is considered by some to be one of the most important findings in neuroscience in the last decade. These neurons, which are also believed to exist in humans, act as a “mirror” for behavior, firing both when an animal performs an action and when it observes another carrying out that action. This system may play a role in learning new skills and understanding the behavior of others. What human brain disorder may be linked to a mirror neuron deficiency? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Underwater Stone Age Settlement a Haven for Fishing – and Yields Mysterious Elk-Antler Pick Axe

A Stone Age settlement submerged off the coast of Sweden has been comprehensively mapped for the first time. Modern-day fishermen have been getting their nets stuck on stumps under the water around Hanö Bay for years, but only recently has the site been fully … Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Albania Declares Independence from the Ottoman Empire (1912)

The Ottoman Turks conquered Albania around 1400 and ruled the country for more than 400 years. It was not until the end of the Balkan War that Turkish rule was abolished and a proclamation of independence was issued in 1912. Although Serbia showed intentions of annexing a large part of Albania in order to gain an outlet on the Adriatic, the move was opposed by Austria-Hungary, Italy, and the Albanians. On November 28, 1912, Albanian independence was declared by whom? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Timor-Leste Proclamation of Independence Day

After the East Timorese declared independence from Portugal on November 28, 1975, it took over two decades to fulfill the promise of freedom. Their plans were foiled by Indonesia, which carried out its own occupation of its neighbor between 1975 and 1999. Observances for the November 28 anniversary honor the veterans of the independence movement. State leaders and other dignitaries usually participate in a parade, and the president of the country often bestows medals of honor to distinguish individuals who fought for the country’s freedom. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

William Blake (1757)

Blake was an English poet and artist. Trained as an engraver, he opened a print shop in 1784 and developed an innovative technique for engraving illustrations and text on the same plate and for producing colored engravings. Blake’s paintings, engravings, and illustrated books of poetry feature detailed images of realistic natural forms as well as fanciful creatures. He lived on the edge of poverty, was considered mad, and died in neglect. When did he finally gain recognition as a visionary? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Conscription Crisis of 1917

The Conscription Crisis of 1917 was a political and military crisis in Canada during WWI that was precipitated by the military’s failure to create units for French-speaking forces. Instead the French-Canadian volunteers were assigned to various English-speaking units. Witnessing what they perceived as the mistreatment of the first contingent, many French-Canadians elected not to volunteer, leading legislators to pass a conscription act. What was the political aftermath of this crisis in Quebec? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

After 13 Months Conjoined at the Head, These Twins See Each Other for the First Time

When Jadon and Anias McDonald emerged from a life-saving surgery one month ago, their mother Nicole could barely believe the sight. She had spent the last 13 months since their birth in countless hospital visits because her twins, born with the tops of … Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Harvey Milk and George Moscone Are Assassinated (1978)

After gaining a following as a leader of San Francisco’s gay community, Milk was elected to the city’s Board of Supervisors in 1977, becoming one of the first openly gay elected officials in US history. In 1978, he and Moscone, the city’s mayor, were shot and killed in City Hall by Dan White, a former city supervisor. White’s conviction on the less serious charge of voluntary manslaughter sparked riots in the city. What now infamous defense did White’s attorneys present at his murder trial? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary