Police in Gilbert, Minn., are warning residents about a group of youthful residents unable to handle their alcohol. They’ve been drifting around town looking disoriented, narrowly avoiding getting hit by cars. But these aren’t teenagers getting drunk. Instead, it’s … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Michael Bond first introduced Paddington Bear to the world in his 1958 children’s book A Bear Called Paddington. Paddington, a polite immigrant bear from Darkest Peru, is taken in by the Brown family after they find him in a London train station. A variety of books feature the well-meaning bear, whose adventures have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. An award-winning TV show helped the series retain its popularity well into the 1990s. What inspired Brown to create Paddington? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
This annual outdoor celebration takes place on the second Saturday in October in Koke’e State Park, Kaua’i, Hawaii. It is a joyous commemoration of the journey of Queen Emma Naea Rooke in 1871 to the upper reaches of Kilohana Viewpoint. At the festival, a woman from the Halau and an entourage re-enacts Queen Emma’s entrance to the mountain meadow, where they are greeted by hula dancers who offer ancient chants and special dances to the party. The day’s activities also include demonstrations of local crafts, including lauhala (fan and matt) weaving and Ni’ihau shell lei-making. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A German pathologist, anthropologist, and statesman, Virchow contributed to nearly every branch of medical science, was a member of the Prussian lower house and later the Reichstag, and was a leader of the liberal party opposed to Bismarck. He coined the terms “thrombosis” and “embolism” and supported emerging ideas on cell division and metabolism. His many contributions earned him the appellation “Father of Modern Pathology.” What was the “Sausage Duel,” and how was Virchow involved in it? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Nymphs are the minor female deities of Greek mythology that act as guardians of nature. Represented as beautiful maidens, they are distinguished from one another by the aspect of nature—tree, body of water, mountain—or locality with which they are associated. Though generally described as young, beautiful, amorous, and gentle, some nymphs are associated with the wilder aspects of nature and some may be vengeful. Nymphs are also depicted as being in the retinue of which gods? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (adjective) Inaccurate in pitch.
Synonyms: sour, false.
Usage: Her wailing, off-key vocals made me cringe.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Feeling down in the dumps? Stressed? A little off-kilter because of some disagreement? Hug it out! A new study suggests that just reaching out and touching someone — consensually, of course — can reduce bad feelings associated with the typical ups … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
An English nurse, Cavell was working to improve the nursing standards at a Brussels hospital when World War I broke out. After Germany occupied Belgium, she became involved with an underground group that helped about 200 Allied soldiers escape to the Netherlands. In 1915, she was arrested by the German occupation authorities and court-martialed. Despite diplomatic pressure on Germany, she was executed and became a celebrated martyr of the Allies. What reportedly went wrong at the execution? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Originally a schoolteacher, Pavarotti only began his vocal training in his 20s but nevertheless became one of the most successful tenors of all time. He made his professional debut in 1961 and then debuted at La Scala in 1965 and the Metropolitan Opera in 1968. A popular favorite, Pavarotti was noted for the rich and ringing clarity of his voice as well as for his immense personal charm. At the peak of his career, his concerts drew hundreds of thousands of attendees. Where did he last perform? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Gregorian calendar is the most widely used dating system in the world. It replaced the Julian calendar in 1582, following a decree by Pope Gregory XIII, after whom it is named. In the Julian system, an inaccuracy in the measurement of the solar year caused the calendar dates of the seasons to regress almost one day per century. By Gregory’s time, the Julian calendar was 10 days out of sync. To bring the vernal equinox—and thus Easter—back to its proper date, 10 days were dropped. Which ten? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary