Injuries related to cotton tip applicators sent more than a quarter of a million children to emergency rooms over about two decades, according to a new study. About 34 children were treated at ERs daily for such injuries between 1990-2010, researchers … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Woodhull was a prominent US women’s rights advocate, suffragist, and owner of a weekly publication known for printing the first English translation of The Communist Manifesto. In May of 1872, she became the first female candidate for president when a group of suffragists formed a political party and nominated her, but because she was a woman many disputed the legality of her candidacy. What famous African-American was nominated to be her vice-president—possibly without his knowledge? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
This is the holiest of Buddhist holy days, celebrating the Buddha‘s birth, enlightenment, and death, or attaining of Nirvana. In Theravada Buddhist countries, all three anniversaries are marked on the full moon of Vaisakha. Activities are centered on the Buddhist temples, where people gather to listen to sermons by monks. In the evening, there are candlelit processions around the temples. Homes are also decorated with paper lanterns and oil lamps. Because it’s considered important to practice kindness to all living things, it’s traditional in some countries to free caged birds on this day. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Born into a family of famous actors, Booth made his acting debut at the age of 17. Touring widely, he soon became a wealthy celebrity, earning acclaim for his Shakespearean roles. However, he harbored deep Confederate sympathies and viewed President Abraham Lincoln as a tyrant. In April of 1865, he assassinated Lincoln at Ford’s Theater, where Lincoln had previously watched him perform. Twelve days later, Booth was shot and killed by a Union soldier. Who else had Booth conspired to have killed? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A common figure in the folklore of many indigenous peoples, the trickster is a god, goddess, spirit, human, or anthropomorphic animal who is often an amoral and comic troublemaker. The trickster’s rule-breaking frequently takes the form of tricks or thievery. An enduring archetype, the trickster can be cunning, foolish, or both and often inspires laughter even when considered sacred. In many cultures, the trickster is also a culture hero. Who are some examples of modern-day tricksters? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A small elevator used to convey food (or other goods) from one floor of a building to another.
Synonyms: food elevator.
Usage: The cook put the food on the dumbwaiter and sent it upstairs, where the waiters served it.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
To the naked eye, space can sometimes seem like a lonely place. But as rendered by the Hubble Space Telescope, the cosmos appears crowded. A new image captured by Hubble showcases Abell 370, a massive galaxy cluster featuring several hundred galaxies. The assortment of … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Not long after William the Conqueror named Remigius de Fécamp bishop of what was then the largest diocese in the country, he decided to move the seat of the diocese to a more central location. For the next 20 years, Remigius oversaw construction of a magnificent new cathedral in Lincoln, only to die days before its consecration. Today, its architecture is considered to be priceless. When Queen Eleanor died nearby in 1290, which parts of her body were buried at the cathedral? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Be Kind to Animals Week was first observed in 1915. Established by Dr. William O. Stillman, the leader of the American Humane Association at the time, this week was dedicated to helping animals and to publicizing the achievements of the nation’s humane societies. Today, Be Kind to Animals week is observed by thousands of animal shelters across the country in the first full week of May. They host special media events, promote education on the humane treatment of animals, and try to remind people of the debt that humankind owes to both wild and domestic animals. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary