Scientists have successfully grown a potato plant in conditions similar to those found on Mars. Researchers in Peru created a simulator with below-zero temperatures, high carbon monoxide concentrations and air pressure similar to that found at an … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
With seven buildings and a shopping concourse, the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan was the largest commercial complex in the world before it was destroyed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Its most prominent structures were the 110-story rectangular Twin Towers, which, at more than 1,360 ft (415 m) tall, were the tallest buildings in the world until the Sears Tower surpassed them in 1974. How did the construction of the complex lead to the expansion of the island of Manhattan? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The cult of the Phrygian goddess Cybele (also known as Magna Mater) was established in Rome on this day in 204 BCE, and April 4 continued to be set aside as a commemoration of the foreign goddess’ arrival in Rome. In the beginning, no Roman citizens were allowed to take part in it. But over time it spread to the streets of Rome, where Cybele’s image was carried in a chariot drawn by lions with her castrated priests leaping and gashing themselves in a frenzy of devotion. The procession went from the Palatine to the Circus, where plays known as ludi megalenses were held. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
As a teenager in Mississippi, Waters played traditional country blues, but after settling in Chicago in the 1940s, he switched to a more urban style with amplified instruments. He soon became known for his driving slide guitar technique and darkly expressive vocal style. From the 1950s on, Waters recorded, toured, and played various music festivals. His electric blues influenced myriad musicians, including Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan. What world-famous band took its name from one of his songs? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
According to the historian Tacitus, the Great Fire of Rome started in the shops around the Circus Maximus on July 18 in 64 CE and burned for 5 days. In his account, Tacitus writes that the fire completely destroyed 4 and severely damaged 7 of the 14 Roman districts. Both the size and cause of the fire are debated as well as Emperor Nero’s response to the crisis. Some claim he sang or played music while the city burned, and many accused Nero of arson. Nero, in turn, blamed what religious group? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) Outer tissue of bark; a protective layer of dead cells.
Synonyms: cork.
Usage: Joe carefully harvested the phellem from the tree, excited at the prospect of using the buoyant material to make his very own toy boat.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Cats do care about their humans. Really. According to a new study, cats care about people even more than food. The study took both domestic and sheltered cats and gave them different choices of stimuli. The cats could choose between food, toys, scent or … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
When the marquess of Queensbury became convinced that his son, Alfred Douglas, was having an affair with Wilde, he began to rail against the author and playwright, publicly accusing Wilde of sodomy, a crime at the time. At Douglas’s urging, Wilde sued the marquess for libel. He not only lost the case, but was in turn charged with homosexual offenses and arrested. Wilde was convicted in an internationally notorious trial and served two years hard labor. What did he write while in prison? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
One of the most powerful—and controversial—figures in the history of US journalism, Luce founded Time magazine in 1923 with former Yale classmate Briton Hadden. It was the first news-weekly in the US and is now the largest. Luce went on to launch a number of other highly successful magazines, including Fortune, Life, and Sports Illustrated. What was the estimated value of his share of Time stock at the time of his death? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
American soldiers returning home after WWII brought with them many misconceptions about traditional Japanese geisha culture, including the now widespread Western belief that geisha are prostitutes. In fact, geisha are highly-trained entertainers who are skilled in the arts of singing, dancing, conversing, and playing traditional instruments. Geisha are known for their recognizable white makeup, elaborate dress, and complex hairstyles. How must geisha sleep in order to protect these hairdos? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary