Rostov-on-Don is situated along the Don River near its entrance into the Sea of Azov, which has been an area of great commercial and cultural importance since ancient times. It was in essence established in 1749, when a customs house was built on the Don, a major shipping lane connecting northern Russia to the Caucasus. As the most heavily industrialized city of South Russia during the Russian Civil War, it became a bone of contention between what groups? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A pad placed under a carpet.
Synonyms: carpet pad, rug pad.
Usage: After they removed the underlayment, the young cousins were able to slide the rug across the hardwood floor as though it were a sled on ice.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The largest military operation of World War II, Operation Barbarossa was the codename for Nazi Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union. Named for 12th-century crusader and Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, the Axis operation included more than 4.5 million troops over a 1,800-mile (2,900-km) front. Though the Red Army suffered heavy losses, Operation Barbarossa failed and marked a turning point in the war that many believe sealed the Nazis’ fate. How many were killed during the operation? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
This holiday in Croatia, also called Anti-Fascism Day, dates back to the Second World War. After Nazi Germany invaded and conquered Yugoslavia in 1941, Croatia became a German puppet state under a government of Croatian fascists, called the UstaĊĦe. One of the resistance groups that sprang up to oppose the fascist government was the Partisans, headed by half-Croatian Communist leader Josip Broz Tito. Anti-Fascist Resistance Day is a national holiday in Croatia. Like most warm-weather holidays in the country, it is celebrated with outdoor barbeques and fireworks. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Streep is widely considered one of the most respected and talented film actors of all time. Famous for her mastery of a wide variety of accents, she has become legendary for the perfectionist approach she brings to each role. Streep has received more Academy Award nominations than any other actor in history and won two for her roles in Kramer vs. Kramer and Sophie’s Choice. She is also tied with Jack Nicholson for most Golden Globe Award wins. What was Streep’s first starring role? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Porcelain is a white, hard, nonporous pottery which is resonant when struck. It was first made by the Chinese to withstand the great heat generated in certain parts of their kilns. The two natural substances used were kaolin and a feldspar mineral called petuntse that forms a glassy cement. In Europe porcelain was first commercially produced in the early 1700s. Most of the European porcelain is soft paste and is not as strong as the Chinese hard-paste porcelain. What is bone china? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A pear-shaped tropical fruit with green or blackish skin and rich yellowish pulp enclosing a single large seed.
Synonyms: alligator pear, avocado, avocado pear.
Usage: Jim prepared his special aguacate dip and served it with tortilla chips.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Molly Maguires was a secret organization of Irish-Americans who fought against the oppressive working conditions in the anthracite mining districts of Pennsylvania. Members often resorted to intimidation or murder when dealing with police, who were entirely controlled by the mine owners. At around the time the organization reached the height of its power, a detective was hired to infiltrate its ranks. His testimony led to the eventual hanging of 10 “Mollies.” How did the group get its name? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Sonora Louise Smart Dodd from Spokane, Washington, suggested to her minister in 1910 that a day be set aside for honoring fathers. The Ministerial Association and the Spokane YMCA picked up on the idea, and in 1924 Father’s Day received the support of President Calvin Coolidge. But it wasn’t until 1966 that a presidential proclamation established Father’s Day as the third Sunday in June. Although it began as a religious celebration, today it is primarily an occasion for showing appreciation through gift-giving. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Tanner was an American painter of religious and genre scenes. He studied under Thomas Eakins at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where he was the only black student. Tormented by racial persecution, he settled in Paris in 1891 and gained international acclaim, earning many awards for his landscapes and treatments of biblical themes. In 1927, he became the first African American granted full membership in the National Academy of Design. What was his most famous work? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary