A US dairy faces an overtime bill of about $10m (£8m), after a group of truck drivers won a pay dispute that hinged on some punctuation. An appeal court sided with the drivers, saying the lack of a comma in the state of Maine’s overtime laws made the … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Intending to kidnap Queen Elizabeth II’s only daughter and collect a £2 million ransom, Ball attacked Princess Anne’s chauffeur-driven limousine as it returned to Buckingham Palace. He shot the chauffeur, two policemen, and a passerby who tried to intervene, but Anne got away with the help of another passerby. Ball was then captured. His victims recovered, and all six who tried to help Anne were awarded medals. What was Anne’s famously feisty retort when Ball ordered her out of the car? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Lee is an American filmmaker whose movies often celebrate the richness of African-American culture and address problems such as racism, sexism, and addiction. He first gained recognition with his New York University graduation film in 1982. He went on to make Do the Right Thing, which focuses on the complexities of interracial relations, and Malcolm X, a biopic about the African-American leader. To prevent the use of his nickname, Lee sought legal action against whom in 2003? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Sea Peoples, seafaring raiders who ravaged and settled the Mediterranean coasts between the 12th and 13th centuries BCE, are mentioned in a number of records from ancient civilizations. Scholars believe that the warriors were actually members of a confederacy of several ethnic groups, and a number of hypotheses exist regarding the identities and motives of the Sea Peoples. Which empire’s decline is believed to have resulted from the activities of the Sea Peoples? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A small molded or sculptured figure; a statuette.
Synonyms: statuette.
Usage: She had all the delicate grace of that Tanagra figurine that you have in your studio, Basil.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
A new Science Advances study linking the shrinking of mammals and global warming as Earth’s carbon dioxide levels rise has researchers keeping a close eye on the issue. The study, published Wednesday, March 15, reports global warming has reduced the size of … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The son of a pool hall owner who tried to keep him from playing billiards, Mosconi learned the game by shooting with potatoes when his father hid the balls. A prodigy, he went on to win the world pool title 15 times before 1957. In 1954, he sank 526 consecutive balls in two hours and 10 minutes, and more than 35 witnesses signed an affidavit swearing to the feat. The record has never been broken. Mosconi was later hired to teach what actor how to convincingly play a pool hustler for a 1961 film? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Gray whales spend their summers in the Bering Sea but migrate every year to the waters off the coast of Mexico, where females give birth to their young. Since the whales prefer to hug the coast as they make their long journey, they are often visible to those living in seaside towns. The neighboring northern California towns of Mendocino and Fort Bragg hold their whale festivals on consecutive weekends in March. Their celebrations include whale-watching cruises, wine tasting, seafood chowder tasting, nature walks, and visits to the Cabrillo Point lighthouse. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Despite being a dominant force in the US Democratic Party, Bryan lost three bids for the presidency. However, he helped secure the presidential nomination for Woodrow Wilson, under whom he became secretary of state. Bryan’s belief in neutrality led him to resign when it appeared that Wilson would enter the US into World War I. A devout Presbyterian, he later campaigned for Prohibition and, in 1925, died after exhausting himself prosecuting and finally winning what famous legal case? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidered cloth that chronicles the Norman invasion of England in 1066. Annotated in Latin, the 230-ft (70-m) long tapestry focuses on the Norman leader, William the Conqueror, and his victory over the English. It presents a singular visual document of medieval arms, apparel, and other objects from the period, however, its origins and depictions have been subject to much speculation. What are some of the mysteries associated with the tapestry? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary