Florida Woman Allergic to Own Sweat, Tears Details Her Ordeal With Rare Condition

A Florida woman is speaking out about her rare condition, which has left her unable to leave the house during the day. Julie Reid said she developed a devastating immunological condition called cholinergic urticaria, which causes her skin to become … Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Hillsborough Disaster (1989)

The Hillsborough Disaster occurred in 1989 during a soccer match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough stadium in England. When the match began, many fans were still attempting to enter the stadium, forming a bottleneck at the gate. When the gates were opened, the push from the crowd crushed many against barriers, resulting in the deaths of 96 people. It remains the deadliest stadium-related disaster in British history. What factors are believed to have led to the disaster? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Jackie Robinson Day

Jackie Robinson Day is celebrated throughout Major League Baseball (MLB) in honor of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play professional baseball in the MLB. On April 15, 1947, Robinson played his first professional game for the Brooklyn Dodgers. To commemorate Robinson’s achievements, activities are planned each year at all MLB stadiums on April 15th. Home teams coordinate activities for the tribute, which may include pre-game award presentations, special guests throwing the first pitch, prizes for fans, and appearances by other legendary baseball stars. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Émile Durkheim (1858)

Along with Max Weber, Durkheim is considered one of the chief founders of modern sociology. His view that the methods of natural science can be applied to the study of society was influenced by the positivist philosophy of Auguste Comte. Durkheim held that the collective mind of society was the source of religion and morality and that the common values developed in society, particularly in primitive societies, are the cohesive bonds of social order. What was Durkheim’s view on crime? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Weightless Wonders

“Vomit Comet” is a nickname for any airplane that briefly provides passengers with a nearly weightless environment by following a parabolic vertical flight path. The aircraft mimics the trajectory of an object in free-fall and therefore does not exert any g-force on its contents. As a result, passengers have zero apparent weight relative to the aircraft. According to the director of the Reduced Gravity Research Program, what percentage of passengers on zero-g flights becomes violently ill? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Donner Party Sets Out on Ill-Fated Journey from Illinois to California (1846)

The Donner Party was a group of families from Illinois and Iowa that set out for California following a little-used, supposedly shorter, route across Utah. The shortcut only tired and delayed the party, and while recovering at what is now Donner Lake in the Sierra Nevada, the group was trapped by early snow. Many died, several while trying to get help; some reportedly resorted to cannibalism. Rescuers reached the survivors in February 1847. How many of the 87 pioneers survived the ordeal? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Cambodian New Year (Khmer New Year)

This three-day holiday, also known as Khmer New Year, is a major celebration in Cambodia. On the first day, Moha Sangkran, families welcome the angel who looks after the world in the coming year. On the second day, Vana Bat, people give gifts of charity and perform acts of community service. On the final day, Loeung Sack, people wash their Buddha statues, an act that symbolizes hope for sufficient rainfall for the rice harvest. Throughout the celebration, children and adults gather to dance and play traditional games. The holiday often ends with a fireworks display. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary