A defensive mucus secreted by slugs has inspired a new kind of adhesive that could transform medicine, say scientists. The “bio-glue” is incredibly strong, moves with the body and crucially, sticks to wet surfaces. The team at Harvard University have … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The fictional, crime-fighting vigilante known as The Shadow originally debuted as the announcer of Detective Story Hour, a radio program that was quickly eclipsed by the popularity of its own narrator. The following year The Shadow got his own magazine and became one of pulp fiction’s most enduring heroes, entering film and television. The radio show was re-named The Shadow and ran for more than 25 years. What comic book hero refers to The Shadow as his biggest inspiration? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Friedman was an American economist and a leading US advocate of monetarism, the belief that a nation’s money supply is the chief determinant of its economy. He wrote numerous books and was a frequent television commentator and magazine columnist, which made him one of the most publicly familiar US economists. Friedman served as an adviser to US presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. To what South American country did he provide economic advice following a military coup? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Appreciated more for their aesthetic value than their practical aspects, paperweights are collected as examples of fine craftsmanship by approximately 20,000 enthusiasts worldwide. Produced both by sole artisans and in factories where artists and technicians collaborate, paperweights come in many different varieties, and their value is determined based on their design, rarity, and condition. What was the record sum once paid for an antique French paperweight? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (adjective) Characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality.
Synonyms: impertinent, pert, saucy.
Usage: Sally's irreverent gaiety and ease of manner drew people to her and made her immediately likeable.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
In the far north of India, a cold mountain desert is the stunning backdrop to an unprecedented icy structure. This is a land of extremes, where rainfall is scarce and temperatures range wildly from torrid to far below freezing. The locals say it’s the only … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Social Security Act of 1935 established national social insurance, welfare, and other assistance programs in the US, but it did not address healthcare. Years later, President Harry Truman drew attention to this issue when he unsuccessfully lobbied for the establishment of a national healthcare program. By the 1960s, the political climate was more open to reform, and the Social Security Act amendments creating Medicare and Medicaid were passed. What is the difference between the two programs? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Procession of the Penitents is a religious procession in Veurne, West Flanders, Belgium. Penitents in coarse robes and hoods walk barefoot through town, many carrying heavy wooden crosses. The procession, to the sound of drumbeats, is interspersed with scenes depicting biblical events. At the end of the procession, bishops parade carrying the Sacred Host; and as the Sacrament passes, spectators quietly kneel. After the procession is over there is a kermess, or fair, in the marketplace. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Born to a Quaker family in Pennsylvania, Butler joined the US Marines as a teenager. He was decorated for bravery and leadership and advanced through the ranks, but, after retiring, he became a proponent of isolationism and an outspoken critic of the government. He believed that he and the military had been used to further the business interests of wealthy Americans under the pretense of defending the country. According to legend, whose long-lost amputated arm did Butler once locate? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Known as the Yellow Emperor, Huangdi is one of China’s five mythical prehistoric emperors who, according to tradition, created the basic elements of Chinese civilization. He is said to have reigned from 2697 BCE to 2597 BCE and is regarded as the ancestor of all Han Chinese, the largest ethnic group in the world; the founder of Taoism; and the inventor of the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. According to legend, Huangdi’s wife is said to have taught the Chinese to do what? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary