Star Forts

When the maneuverable siege cannon came into use in the 15th century, military engineers had to rethink medieval-style fortifications, whose tall, broad walls were highly vulnerable to cannon fire. They developed the star fort, or trace italienne, a flat, tiered structure composed of low, thick walls embedded in ditches, whose complex shape allowed defensive cannons to cover interlocking fields of fire. What technologies eventually rendered the star fort’s intricate geometry irrelevant? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Watch these bizarre flies dive underwater using bubbles like scuba suits

Mark Twain, when he traveled to California’s Mono Lake almost 150 years ago, became enchanted by aquatic flies. Mono Lake is peculiar — it’s three times saltier than the ocean and nearly as basic as ammonia. A thick black necklace of flies encircles … Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Panama Gains Independence from Spain (1821)

Situated on the thin isthmus that connects North and South America but divides the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Panama has long been a vital crossroad for trade and travel. Under Spanish control for more than 300 years, Panama finally broke with Spain to join a newly independent Colombia as the Spanish empire faltered. Today, in addition to celebrating that Independence Day, the country observes another. When did Panama separate from Colombia, gaining a second independence—and another holiday? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha

The Ascension of Abdul’l-Baha is a holy day in the Baha’i religion that commemorates the death of Abbas Effendi in 1921 in Haifa, Palestine (now Israel). The eldest son of Mirza Husayn Ali, known as Baha’u’llah, the prophet-founder of the Baha’i faith, he was named the leader of the Baha’i community in his father’s will. In turn, Abdu’l-Baha appointed his eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi (1896-1957) as his successor. Today the affairs of the worldwide Baha’i community are administered by the Universal House of Justice, a body that meets in Haifa and is elected every five years. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Edward Hyde, 3rd Earl of Clarendon (1661)

Not long after Hyde allegedly attended his wife’s funeral dressed in women’s clothes, the queen of England—whom Hyde had also reportedly dressed as during an official event—dismissed him from his post as governor of New York and New Jersey. The decision was purportedly prompted by mounting complaints from the colonists he governed, including myriad charges of corruption. He was later imprisoned for debt. What is known about the portrait that supposedly depicts him wearing a gown? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Velvet Worm

Often called the “missing link” between annelids—such as earthworms and leeches—and arthropods—such as crustaceans, insects, and centipedes—velvet worms are found in wet, warm to temperate habitats on several continents. They are named for the feel of their skin, which is covered in fine hairs. Velvet worms are predators that can immobilize animals several times their own size with an adhesive substance ejected from glands in their heads. In what unusual way do velvet worms breathe? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary