In a technological tour de force, scientists have developed a new way to probe antimatter. For the first time, researchers were able to zap antimatter atoms with a laser, then precisely measure the light let off by these strange anti-atoms. By comparing … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Ku Klux Klan is the name of two distinct secret societies that played a part in American history. The first Klan was an organization that thrived in the South during the Reconstruction period following the Civil War. The second was a nationwide organization that flourished after World War I. Subsequent groups calling themselves the Ku Klux Klan sprang up in much of the South after World War II and in response to civil-rights activity during the 1960s. How did the Ku Klux Klan gets its name? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
“Silent Night, Holy Night” was written and composed by Franz Gruber and Father Josef Mohr. The carol was first performed on Christmas Eve, 1818, at St. Nickola Church in Oberndorf, Austria. This event is commemorated in Oberndorf, Hallein, Wagrain, Salzburg, and other towns in the state of Salzburg by holding a candlelight procession on December 24. Everyone sings the carol as they march to the church and again when they are inside. It is usually sung in various languages to honor the many nations where the birth of the Christ child is celebrated. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Stone worked on several newspapers in his native Philadelphia and in New York before starting his own investigative newsletter, I. F. Stone’s Weekly. It was believed to have an influence far greater than the size of its readership, which included some of the nation’s most prominent politicians, academicians, and journalists. The sole author, Stone created a unique blend of wit and pointed political commentary. After his death, Stone was alleged to have been a secret agent for what nation? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Warfare was a fundamental part of Aztec society and was the driving force behind its economy and religion. The Aztecs used warfare to achieve two main objectives: the subjugation of city states to exact tribute and expand political influence and the taking of captives for religious sacrifice. Members of warrior societies were even ranked according to the number of captives they had taken in battle. Which warrior society’s members swore not to take a step backward during battle on pain of death? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A strip of pleated material used as a decoration or a trim.
Synonyms: ruffle, flounce, frill.
Usage: Those dresses are good, sensible, serviceable dresses, without any frills or furbelows about them, and they're all you'll get this summer.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
For the first time, scientists have unraveled the genetic secrets of one of the most peculiar fish in the sea: the seahorse. An international team of researchers has fully sequenced the Southeast Asian tiger tail seahorse, named for its distinctive yellow-and-black … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Piloted by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, who first conceived of the craft and sketched it on the back of a napkin in 1981, the Rutan Voyager was the first aircraft to fly around the world without stopping or refueling. It took off from Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert on December 14, 1986, and landed there nine days later. The aircraft more than doubled the previous record of un-refueled flight set by a US Air Force B-52 in 1962. How much does the Rutan Voyager weigh? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Night of the Radishes is a festival dating from the 19th century that combines art, agriculture, and religion. It is held in the zócalo, or main square, in Oaxaca, Mexico. The radishes grow to yam-size here and are each uniquely shaped by growing through the rocky soil. Families harvest these vegetables, and combine and sculpt them into elaborate forms depicting biblical scenes, especially the nativity of Jesus. Historical and Aztec themes are also represented. After the awarding of cash prizes and ribbons, a fireworks display caps the night. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
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The first government in history to issue paper money, the Song dynasty was the ruling dynasty in China between 960 and 1279. A culturally rich period for the arts, philosophy, and social life, the dynasty also bolstered naval strength and developed revolutionary new military technology—augmented by the use of gunpowder—to repel invaders. Nevertheless, the Song dynasty was conquered in 1279 by the Mongol ruler Kublai Khan. What nautical tool was invented during the era? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary