Greg Manteufel’s symptoms began with fever and vomiting, as if he had the flu. But by the following morning, he was delirious, and his temperature had soared. His wife rushed him to the hospital, a quick drive from their Wisconsin home. Once they … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
In the European scramble for African territory in the late 19th century, France took control of the region that is now Burkina Faso. During World War I, however, the area was torn apart by violent opposition to colonial rule. To prevent continued uprisings, it was named a separate territory, Upper Volta, in 1919. When anti-colonial agitation resumed after World War II, the area became a republic, achieving full independence two years later in 1960. After what was “Upper Volta” named? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
It was in Lincoln, New Mexico, that the legendary American outlaw Billy the Kid was brought to be hanged in 1881. He made his escape from the courthouse, which today has been restored as a state museum. The reenactment that takes place every year involves almost everyone in town and is designed to be as historically accurate as possible. Festival activities surround Billy the Kid’s “last escape” throughout the weekend to give the town a late 19th-century feeling, such as weaving and horseshoeing demonstrations, encampments, and an appearance by the Fourth Texas Cavalry. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Several years after immigrating to Australia from England, Eyre decided to explore his new home. His expeditions took him, often with one or more Aboriginal companions, through some of Australia’s harshest terrain. He subsequently became a British colonial official, serving for a time as a protector of Aborigines. His sympathies, however, appear not to have extended to other marginalized groups. As governor of Jamaica, Eyre authorized hundreds of executions while suppressing what uprising? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Native to the southwestern US, peyote is a spineless cactus whose active substance is mescaline, a naturally occurring hallucinogenic drug. Ritually ingested by indigenous people in Mexico and the US to produce visions, the plant is chewed, brewed for drinking, or rolled into pellets to be swallowed. Apart from its use by Native Americans in religious ceremonies, peyote is illegal in all 50 US states. Based on archaeological specimens, how long has peyote been used by Native Americans? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (verb) Extricate from entanglement.
Synonyms: disentangle, straighten out.
Usage: Can you unsnarl the kite string, or do we need to cut it and add a new spool?
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Sixty years ago, spurred by competition with the Soviet Union, the United States created NASA, launching a journey that would take Americans to the moon within a decade. Since then, the US space agency has seen glorious achievements and crushing … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
In the summer of 1964, young civil rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner travelled to Mississippi to help African Americans register to vote. On June 21, they disappeared. A month and a half later, the FBI found their bodies buried on a nearby farm. The Neshoba County deputy sheriff and 17 others, all Ku Klux Klan members, were indicted for the crime. Seven were convicted in 1967. One suspect whose trial ended in a hung jury was retried in 2005 and convicted of what? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Emancipation Day typically commemorates the day African-American slaves were freed in the United States. That event is celebrated annually in Hutchinson, Kansas, on the first weekend in August. The weekend typically kicks off with a social event on Friday night and features a parade on Saturday morning. Following the parade and opening ceremonies, participants gather for a picnic in the park with food and drink vendors. Entertainment includes concerts featuring jazz, blues, or Gospel performers, and the weekend concludes with an ice cream social on Sunday afternoon. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Mehta was a leading Indian lawyer, politician, and activist during the time of British rule in India. Though he was not directly opposed to the crown, he advocated for greater Indian autonomy and self-government. He is considered the father of municipal government in Bombay and promoted education, sanitation, and healthcare reforms in the city and around India. In 1885, he helped found the Indian National Congress, and he later served as its president. What was his opinion of English culture? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary