In 2022, a new, temporary star of sorts could be added to the night sky. A group of astronomers has predicted that, five years from now, two faraway binary stars currently orbiting each other will collide, creating an explosion so bright that it will be visible to … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Anglo-Zulu War was fought between the British Empire and the Zulu nation. It began when Zulu king Cetshwayo, determined to resist European advances, rejected British demands to disband his troops. The British attacked, and Cetshwayo routed them at Isandlwana with a disciplined army of 40,000. However, his forces were utterly defeated at Ulundi, with 1,500 Zulus, compared to 13 Britons, killed in the final battle. The British then burned the town. What became of Cetshwayo? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Republic Day was a national holiday in Albania, also known as Anniversary Day, which commemorated the founding of the Communist government on January 11, 1946, until April 15, 1991, when the first Parliament since the fall of the Soviet Union convened. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The members of the Charan caste living in the Gujarat and Rajasthan states of India are revered for their willingness to die for their beliefs and for their bravery in war. Though caste members are taught to respect bravery, loyalty, and truth more than life, they also value the literary arts. Poetry is an integral part of Charan identity, and some caste members are addressed as Kaviraj, a title meaning “Great Poet.” The practice of self-immolation is common in Charan culture. What is it? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A basin for washing the hands.
Synonyms: handbasin, washbasin, washbowl.
Usage: The priest washed his hands in the metal lavabo before saying Mass.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Throughout Southeast England, a small batch of modern pilgrims have been traveling to visit and sleep in ancient churches. They’re not necessarily seeking a religious experience—rather, they are part of a modern movement called champing, a portmanteau … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The world’s first subway line opened in London in 1863. It was 3.75 mi (6 km) long and soon carried tens of thousands of passengers each day—transporting 9.5 million in its first year. Initially steam-powered, the system first electrified some of its lines in 1890. By 1896, it was fully electrified. Today, the London Underground system is one of the largest in the world, with 256 miles (410 km) of track and 270 stations. How many passengers did it carry on January 10, 1863? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A high school dropout, Foreman learned to box in the Job Corps. He won the Olympic heavyweight gold medal in 1968 and beat Joe Frazier for the world heavyweight crown in 1973. He won all 40 of his professional bouts—many by knockout—before losing to Muhammad Ali in the “Rumble in the Jungle.” He retired to be a minister in 1977 but launched a comeback in 1987 and became the world’s oldest heavyweight champ in 1994. After naming his first four sons “George,” what did Foreman name his fifth son? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Because archeologists are unsure of its original function, they now use the descriptive term bâton percé, meaning “pierced rod,” to refer to this type of prehistoric artifact. Made from a length of antler with a round hole in one end and often etched with designs, the bâton percé was originally believed to be a symbol of power. Later theories suggest it may have been a fertility symbol, arrow straightener, dress fastener, calendar, or spear thrower. How was the latter theory tested? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A bright spot sometimes appearing on either side of the sun, often on a luminous ring or halo.
Synonyms: sundog, mock sun.
Usage: At first, Sue thought the bright spot in the sky beside the sun was a comet, but she soon realized that the phenomenon was actually a parhelion.
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Source: The Free Dictionary