Living close to a major roadway could increase your likelihood of developing dementia, according to a new study. Researchers found that people living within 50 meters (164 feet) of such a road had a 7% greater risk of developing dementia. The level of … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Davy lamp was an early safety lamp used in the mining and quarrying industries. It was designed by English chemist and physicist Sir Humphrey Davy to prevent the accidental ignition of flammable gases. This was achieved by enclosing the flame of the oil-burning lamp in wire gauze that distributed heat over a large area and brought its temperature below the ignition temperature of methane. Why did the introduction of the Davy lamp initially lead to an increase in the rate of mining accidents? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
In Roman mythology, Janus is the god of beginnings and of doorways. The worship of Janus is believed to have been started by Romulus, one of the legendary founders of Rome. Usually depicted with two faces, one looking forward to the future and the other looking back to the past, his image appeared on an early Roman coin with a ship’s prow on the reverse side. During the festival in honor of Janus known as the Agonalia, the rex sacrorum or officiating priest sacrificed a ram. Offerings of barley, incense, wine, and cakes called Januae were also common. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
After serving as vice president of the US under Dwight D. Eisenhower, Nixon ran for president but lost to John F. Kennedy in 1960. He was elected president in 1968 and 1972, but his second term was cut short by the Watergate scandal, which involved the burglary and wiretapping of Democratic party headquarters. Likely facing impeachment, he became the first president to resign. Although never convicted, he was pardoned by his successor, Gerald Ford. What pet did Nixon receive as a political gift? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
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First posited by Konrad Zuse in his 1969 book Rechnender Raum, or Calculating Space, the theory of digital physics suggests that the universe is essentially digital or informational and that the entire history of the universe is actually the output of a computer program. Proponents hypothesize that reality is a computer itself or is being implemented on a computer that creates a simulated reality. What arguments do those who work with quantum mechanics make against digital physics? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A large South African antelope; considered the swiftest hoofed mammal.
Synonyms: Damaliscus lunatus, topi.
Usage: Our jeep sped across the terrain, but we still could not keep up with the sassaby.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Surprise raids on Mexican smuggling boats, international treaties, and outright fishing bans have done little to stop the steady decline of the vaquita, the world’s smallest and possibly cutest porpoise. Now, in a last-ditch effort straight out of a … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
During his first State of the Union address, President Johnson outlined a vast program of economic and social welfare legislation designed to create what he termed the “Great Society.” As part of this platform, Johnson called for a nationwide “War on Poverty” in response to a high national poverty rate. Johnson’s call led Congress to pass the Economic Opportunity Act, legislation that established an agency to administer federal funds targeted against poverty. Did it work? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Asarah be-Tevet is a Jewish fast day commemorating the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BCE that was a prelude to the destruction of the First Temple. The fast begins at first morning light on the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tevet. In Israel it is also a day to remember the victims of the Holocaust. However, Jews outside Israel observe Yom ha-Shoah as Holocaust Memorial Day. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Ferrer was an American actor, director, and producer. He made his Broadway debut in 1935 and gained acclaim playing the starring role in Charley’s Aunt (1940) and Iago in a 1943 Broadway production of Othello. A versatile actor with a rich and powerful voice, he appeared in many films, including The Caine Mutiny and Ship of Fools. In 1950, he won an Academy Award for his performance as the title character in what film version of a play that he had also starred in? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary