Two new mountain lion kittens born recently in the Santa Monica Mountains are attracting celebritylike attention — and speculation about who fathered them. The female and male kittens, now known as P-46 and P-47, were discovered in December in a well-hidden … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Sture was a Swedish statesman and regent of Sweden. When he refused to recognize Christian II of Denmark as king of Sweden, Christian sent a force to aid Sture’s rival, Archbishop Gustaf Trolle, whom Sture had deposed and who was besieged in his castle. Sture defeated the Danish army and imprisoned Trolle. Warfare continued, and Sture was killed in battle, but not before he paved the way for Swedish independence, which was attained under Gustavus I. What was done to Sture’s body after his death? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
On January 19th, members of the Russian Orthodox Church ritually bathe in a river or lake. The day marks the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan, an event called the Epiphany, and Orthodox Catholics believe that bathing outside on that day washes away sin. As believers cut holes in the ice with chainsaws and plunge into the frigid water, priests chant prayers to bless the water. Altars and crosses made of ice and snow are sometimes constructed near the bathing site. Authorities advise against the practice, especially in the freezing temperatures of a Russian winter. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Considered one of the most brilliant and original writers in American literature, Poe was a poet, short-story writer, and critic whose skillfully wrought tales and poems convey with passionate intensity the mysterious, dreamlike, and often macabre forces that pervaded his sensibility. He also pioneered the detective fiction genre with stories such as “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” and “The Purloined Letter.” What mysterious, six-decade-old tradition at Poe’s Baltimore grave was broken in 2010? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Stainless steel, which was developed in England in 1913, has a high tensile strength and resists abrasion, corrosion, and rust because of its high chromium content. Over 150 grades of this iron-carbon alloy now exist, and it is widely used to make cookware, cutlery, hardware, surgical instruments, watches, appliances, building materials, and industrial equipment. It is also used as a structural alloy in automotive and aerospace assembly. What is the passivation layer? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) The highest point.
Synonyms: acme, vertex, peak.
Usage: Though he was afraid of heights, he forced himself to climb to the roof's apex to fix the leak.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
The frozen carcass of a woolly mammoth found in Siberia with unmistakable signs of spear wounds is providing evidence that people inhabited Arctic regions thousands of years earlier than previously known. Russian scientists on Thursday said the male mammoth … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Price was a Welsh physician, Druid, and famous eccentric best known for introducing cremation to the UK. Eight days after the death of his five-month-old son, Jesus Christ Price, Price attempted to burn the body in accordance with his Druid beliefs. After lighting the pyre, he was arrested, but he successfully defended himself in court, resulting in a decision that set a precedent leading to the permanent legalization of cremation in the UK. What were some of his other eccentric activities? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
In the US, Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday that has become a focal point for recognition of African-American history and the American civil rights movement led by Dr. King. It is also a legal holiday in all 50 states, since New Hampshire signed its King holiday legislation into law in 1999. In schools, the day is often observed with special lessons and assembly programs dealing with Dr. King’s life and work. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Milne was an English author who began his literary career as a journalist before publishing collections of verses for children, including When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six. He is, however, best remembered for Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner. Now classics beloved by adults as well as children, his books established the characters Christopher Robin and his toy animal friends, including Pooh Bear, Piglet, and Eeyore. On whom was Christopher based? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary