Definition: (noun) A memorandum setting forth the major points of a proposed discussion or agreement, used especially in diplomatic communications.
Synonyms: position paper.
Usage: After the conference, they wrote an aide-memoire and sent copies of it to everyone in the department who had been unable to attend the meeting.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
Stopping criminal activity before it happens is usually the domain of science fiction – as in “Minority Report,” where police officers in 2054 use the ability to see into the future to catch murderers before they kill. But some security experts believe … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Armory Show was an international exhibition of modern art held in 1913 at the 69th-regiment armory in New York City. Representing a range of avant-garde movements in Europe, the show was one of the most important art exhibitions ever held in the US. The Armory Show aroused the curiosity of the public and helped to change the direction of American painting. What painting at the exhibition was singled out by hostile critics as emblematic of the so-called insanity and degeneracy of modern art? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Quirinus was an ancient Roman deity who closely resembled Mars, the god of war. His name is associated with that of the Quirinal, one of the seven hills on which Rome was built. Eventually, Quirinus was identified with Romulus, one of the legendary founders of Rome, and his festival on February 17 coincided with the date on which Romulus was believed to have been deified. This festival was also associated with the advent of spring warfare, when the shields and weapons of the army, which had been purified and retired for the winter, were brought out. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
After rising from clerk to sales executive in the National Cash Register Co., Watson became president of the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Co., which made scales, time clocks, and tabulators that sorted information using punched cards—all forerunners of mainframe computers. Watson renamed the company International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) in 1924 and became its chairman in 1949, widening IBM’s line to include electronic computers. What one-word motto did Watson promote at IBM? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
In order to minimize conflict and avoid embarrassment, group members often refrain from promoting viewpoints that deviate from the apparent group consensus. This mode of thinking is known as “groupthink” and is characterized by extensive self-censorship among group members who unquestioningly believe in the morality of the group. Striving for unanimity without appraising alternative courses of action can often have dire consequences. What fiasco inspired the study of the concept of “groupthink”? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A sudden attempt by a group to overthrow a government.
Synonyms: coup, coup d'etat, takeover.
Usage: The people had been expecting a putsch for years, but they were surprised to wake up one morning and find themselves the subjects of a new government.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
On Feb. 11, scientists announced the discovery of gravitational waves, ripples in the fabric of space and time produced by the collision of two black holes about 30 times more massive than the sun. This discovery ushers in a new era in human … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
In 1983, extreme weather and years of severe drought combined to create one of Australia’s worst fire days in a century. Within 12 hours, more than 180 fires—fanned by high winds—were burning, causing widespread destruction across the states of Victoria and South Australia. The fires killed 75 people and left thousands of others injured and homeless. They obliterated entire townships in just minutes. This series of fires was the deadliest bushfire event in Australian history until what disaster? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
This is a national holiday in Lithuania marking the declaration of independence from Austrian, Prussian, and Russian occupation on February 16, 1918. Today, the anniversary is celebrated with festivals and fireworks, particularly in the capital city of Vilnius. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary