Hendrik Antoon Lorentz (1853)

Lorentz was a Dutch physicist who, in 1902, shared the second Nobel Prize in Physics. A pioneer in formulating the relations between electricity, magnetism, and light, he was one of the first people to postulate the existence of electrons. He developed many of the concepts and equations upon which Einstein based his special theory of relativity, which was originally called the Lorentz-Einstein theory. He also did critical work for the Dutch government on what unprecedented engineering project? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Pet Skunks

Though these animals are best known for the foul-smelling fluid they emit as a defense against predators, skunks are occasionally kept as pets. Their scent glands can be removed, and they can be trained to live indoors with humans, but pet skunks remain relatively rare, due in part to restrictive laws and the complexity of their care. In the 20th century, most US states outlawed the keeping of wild animals in an effort to stem the spread of rabies. Which states still allow domestic skunks? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

“Wrong Way” Corrigan Flies from New York to Ireland (1938)

In 1938, American aviator Douglas “Wrong Way” Corrigan made his infamous, unauthorized transatlantic flight from New York to Ireland. He claimed that during a planned flight to California, foggy conditions and a misread compass made him fly thousands of miles in the wrong direction without noticing. In the years leading up to his “navigational error,” he had applied several times for permission to make the transoceanic trip, but was always rejected. How was he punished for his actions? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

James Cagney (1899)

After cutting his teeth on stage as a vaudeville and Broadway song-and-dance man, Cagney established himself as the quintessential gangster in the 1931 film The Public Enemy. He continued to play thugs in films like Angels with Dirty Faces and White Heat and won an Oscar for his performance in Yankee Doodle Dandy. He had a passion for farming and died on his secluded farm in 1986. In 1981, he broke a 20-year retirement to appear in one of his last films. What was it? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Derringers

The term “derringer” derives from a misspelling of the last name of Henry Deringer, a famous maker of small pocket pistols in the 1800s. Deringer’s popular design was copied by gun makers across the globe, and “derringer” soon became a generic term for any pocket pistol. Derringers, which are usually the smallest handguns of a given caliber, are especially popular among women because they can be easily concealed in a purse or stocking. What notorious assassin used an original Deringer pistol? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

District of Columbia Established as US Capital (1790)

Adopted in 1787, the US Constitution allowed for the establishment of a capital city that could govern itself, but it did not stipulate a location. While it was agreed that the capital should not be in any one state, its placement was hotly debated. In 1790, Congress struck a compromise between the North and South, establishing a capital on the Potomac River. The exact location was chosen by President George Washington. District residents were unable to vote in presidential elections until when? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary