The League of Arab States was formed in 1945 to give unified political expression to Arab nations and to foster the regional economy. It originally consisted of seven member states and has since grown to include 22. Member states collaborate on cultural, economic, and social programs and have agreed to coordinate military defense measures. They also use the league as a forum for mediating disputes. Where is the Arab League’s headquarters located? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Apprenticed to a Flemish painter at age 10, van Dyck soon came under the influence of master painter Peter Paul Rubens. In 1632, he was invited by Charles I to England, where he was made court painter and knighted. Overwhelmed with commissions, van Dyck employed a team of assistants to help complete his portraits, many of which can be seen in the Louvre, the Museo del Prado, and Buckingham Palace. His works influenced generations of portraitists. What king employed van Dyck before Charles I did? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The USS Spiegel Grove was a US Navy dock landing ship that was slated to be intentionally sunk off the coast of Florida to create an artificial reef. On May 17, 2002, the Spiegel Grove sank prematurely and ended up upside down on the sea bottom—a position that was corrected in 2005 when Hurricane Dennis forced the ship right-side up. After the ship was sunk, the site was opened to recreational divers, drawing thousands of visitors. How many divers have died exploring the wreck? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A wooden pin used in the game of ninepins.
Synonyms: skittle.
Usage: He threw the ball so hard that it knocked the ninepin into the neighbor's yard.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
At first glance, the South American polka dot tree frog gives off a pale, brownish-green hue. But under a fluorescent light, it glows bright green, with 18 percent of a full moon’s light. In a study published Monday in Proceedings of the National Academy … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
One of Napoleon’s first priorities after coming to power was revising the outdated French legal system. The resulting code was a clear framework of laws regarding property, family, and personal rights, replacing an antiquated, confusing patchwork of feudal laws. The code has since been amended but remains in effect in France. In the 200 years since it was enacted, the code has also influenced the laws of many European countries, the US state of Louisiana, and what Middle Eastern country? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Sitala Ashtami is a Hindu festival honoring Sitala, goddess of smallpox. She is named for the chill typically experienced during high fever. She is believed to have the power to protect people from smallpox, and her blessings are invoked for protection against the disease. On this day, Hindu women visit the nearest Sitala shrine in the morning, offering the goddess rice, homemade sweets, cooked food, and holy water mixed with milk. In some places colorful fairs are held near Sitala’s shrines, and there is merry-making, dancing, feasting, and the buying and selling of wares. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
An American theatrical producer, Ziegfeld was best known for his Ziegfeld Follies, a series of lavish Broadway revues he produced for 24 years beginning in 1907. Combining comedy, pageantry, and beautiful women, the successful shows made Ziegfeld a legend while launching the careers of stars such as Will Rogers and Fanny Brice. He also produced the hit musical Show Boat in 1927. What actress first suggested the idea of the Follies to Ziegfeld? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Hindu god Shiva is the subject of an elaborate and sometimes contradictory mythology. He is seen as both destroyer and restorer, the great ascetic and the symbol of sensuality, the benevolent herdsman of souls and the wrathful avenger. The trident he is often depicted holding represents his three aspects as creator, preserver, and destroyer, while the snakes his is garlanded with show his power over deadly animals. Shiva is one of three gods that make up the Trimurti. Who are the other two? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A woman hired to do cleaning or similar work, usually in a large building.
Synonyms: cleaning lady.
Usage: The charwoman cleaned every bathroom in the office building after the executives left for the evening.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary