Chameleons don’t just change the color of their skin. Scientists have discovered their bones can glow fluorescent under ultraviolet light, creating intricate luminous patterns. The ability, it turns out, is widespread among chameleons from Madagascar … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
In December 1977, Ted Bundy escaped from jail in Colorado—for the second time—and fled to Florida. There, he resumed a streak of murders that he had begun in 1974, killing 12-year-old Kimberly Leach, among others. He was soon re-arrested, convicted of several murders, and sentenced to death. In an effort to avoid execution, Bundy confessed to numerous killings and promised to reveal more information in time. Despite this, he was executed in 1989. How many women is Bundy thought to have killed? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Each year on this day, a large marketplace in La Paz, Bolivia, is full of merchants who traditionally call out “Alasitas,” an Aymara word meaning “buy from me,” to potential buyers of their miniature wares. Shoppers can find tiny replicas of just about every kind of object—cars, houses, foods, furniture, clothes, tools, household goods, and, especially, money—and seek those which represent items they would like to have in the coming year. Presiding over all this downsized commerce is Ekeko, an Aymara god of material wealth, fertility, and good luck. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Born into upper-class American society, Wharton was privately educated. She married a Boston banker in 1885, but as her older husband’s mental health deteriorated, she devoted herself to writing. The success of her 1905 novel The House of Mirth established her as a leading writer, but she is perhaps best known for 1911’s Ethan Frome, which explores the grimmer possibilities of New England farm life. What common saying is thought to have originally referred to Wharton’s family? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Star fruit, so named because it has five prominent ridges that make it star-shaped on cross section, is the yellow- or green-skinned fruit of the carambola tree. Because it contains high levels of oxalic acid, it is typically sour and its juice can be used to remove stains from clothing. Like grapefruit, star fruit possesses compounds that make it dangerous to consume when taking certain medications, including those used to treat what kind of conditions? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) (Law) The reduction in severity of a punishment imposed by law.
Synonyms: re-sentencing.
Usage: The change from consecutive prison sentences to concurrent sentences is a commutation of punishment.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Plague came to Europe in the 14th century and rapidly conquered the continent. The pandemic, one of the worst in human history, killed tens of millions. Up to 60 percent of the population succumbed to the bacteria called Yersinia pestis during during outbreaks … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Occupying 62 square miles (160 sq km) between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein was formed when the Austrian family of the same name purchased the lordships of Schellenberg and Vaduz in the Holy Roman Empire. It became fully independent in 1866. Today, the tiny mountainous country has no airport, no military, and very little crime. It is best known for its financial industry but is also a leading producer of sausage casings and false teeth. What is Liechtenstein’s population? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Reinhardt was a Belgian-born Gypsy jazz guitarist whose blend of swing and traditional Gypsy music, as well as his unconventional technique, made him a legendary figure in jazz. He learned to play guitar while traveling in France as a child and began playing professionally at 12. Severely burned in a caravan fire in 1928, he lost the use of two of his fingers but adapted his style to the disability. What heavy metal guitarist was inspired by Reinhardt to keep playing after his own hand injury? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary