The world’s most famous case of art theft—the removal of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911—was solved when museum employee Vincenzo Peruggia tried to sell the painting to a gallery in Italy. He had kept the masterpiece in his apartment for two years after having simply walked out of the museum with it hidden under his coat. What famous painter—some of whose own sketches would be stolen more than 50 years later—was questioned before Peruggia was caught? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) Disturbed digestion.
Synonyms: indigestion, upset stomach.
Usage: Certain foods trigger his dyspepsia, so he makes sure to avoid them at all costs.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Humans spend less time monkeying around as they get older, and according to a study published Thursday, so do monkeys. As anyone who has ever hung out with a grandparent, observed a retiring parent, or grown old themselves may know, many people get pickier … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
After the Russian Revolution of 1917, the region of Bessarabia declared its independence and voted to unite with Romania. The Soviet Union never recognized Romania’s right to the province and, in 1940, demanded that it cede Bessarabia. When Romania complied, the USSR set up the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic and incorporated the northern region into the Ukrainian SSR. Bessarabia remained divided after Ukraine and Moldavia declared independence in 1991. Where did the region get its name? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Having gained independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine began working on drafting a new constitution. The final document was written and approved by the country’s parliament on June 28, 1996. The constitution created a democratic form of government that guarantees human rights and freedoms for its citizens under the rule of law. Since it is a fairly new holiday, traditions have not yet been established to celebrate the day. In Kiev, popular Ukrainian musicians and singers give concerts in Maidan Nezalezhnosty Square. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
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Rousseau was a Swiss-French philosopher and writer who had a lasting impact on politics, literature, and education. In particular, he strongly influenced the theories of the French Revolution and the romantics. Many of his ideas stemmed from his belief in the natural goodness of man, who he felt had been warped by society. His Confessions, published posthumously in 1782, was a frank account of his life and was a founding work of autobiography. Why was he forced to flee France in 1762? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Zhou Tong was the archery teacher of famous Song Dynasty general Yue Fei. Zhou certainly led an impressive life, however, it was the publication of a fictional biography of Yue Fei during the Qing Dynasty that made Zhou into a local hao, or folk hero. Zhou’s fictional exploits have since been chronicled in films, comic books, and even his own modern fictional biography. What unorthodox ritual did Yue Fei engage in to mourn his former teacher after Zhou’s death in 1121? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A desire for wealth and material possessions with little interest in ethical or spiritual matters.
Synonyms: materialism.
Usage: His unabashed philistinism offended Susan, who had abandoned a lucrative business career to pursue her humanitarian interests.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba,” Naegleria fowleri prevails in warm freshwater, hot springs and badly maintained swimming pools. The single-celled organism makes its way into the body of a person through the nose, and can lead to a fatal infection … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
In 1976, a plane en route from Israel to France was hijacked by members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and flown to Entebbe, Uganda. The hijackers released 258 non-Israeli passengers and held the rest, demanding that Israel release 53 imprisoned PLO members. In response, Israel transported more than 100 commandos to Uganda. In what is now known as the Entebbe raid, seven hijackers, one soldier, and three hostages were killed and how many hostages were rescued? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary