Definition: (adjective) Vocally expressing grief or sorrow or resembling such expression.
Synonyms: lamenting.
Usage: The men wavered in indecision for a moment, and then with a long, wailful cry the dilapidated regiment surged forward and began its new journey.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Green algae that evolved to tolerate hostile and fluctuating conditions in salt marshes and inland salt flats are expected to survive climate change, thanks to hardy genes they stole from bacteria, according to a Rutgers-led study. These Picochlorum single-celled … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Tensions between Israel and the surrounding Arab states have existed since the establishment of the former in 1948 and have come to a head in several armed conflicts over the years. In 1973, on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur—which fell during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan—Egyptian troops attacked Israel across the Suez Canal while Syrian forces advanced from the north. Though caught off guard, Israel managed to repel the attacks. Why might attacking on this day have been a tactical mistake? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Held in Cedar Springs, Michigan, the Red Flannel Festival has its share of distinctive traditions. Scheer’s Lumberjack Show features demonstrations by real lumberjacks who chop wood, speed-climb trees, and throw axes. The Keystope Kops, the icon of the festival, circulate the crowd to “arrest” offenders who do not wear red. Other festivities include a Prince and Princess Contest, a grand parade, and a window decorating contest. Two other established traditions, the Horseshow Throwing Contest and the Red Flannel Queen Scholarship Pageant, date back to the inaugural festival. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The last absolute monarch of Denmark, if only for the first year of his reign, Frederick VII faced popular demonstrations calling for political reforms almost as soon as he ascended the throne. He acceded to many of the demands, appointing a liberal ministry, renouncing absolute rule, and adopting a representative government, but he rejected a proposal to cede a portion of Schleswig to Prussia. His position on this issue eventually led to war with Prussia. What was the popular king’s motto? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Bull-leaping is a motif of Middle Bronze Age figurative art depicting humans acrobatically leaping over bulls. It is thought by some to represent a ritual performance—perhaps connected with bull worship—in which an athlete literally vaulted over a bull by grasping its horns, causing the animal to reflexively jerk its head upward and giving the acrobat the momentum necessary to perform his stunts. With what cultures was it associated? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A cheap drinking and dancing establishment.
Synonyms: honky-tonk.
Usage: After dinner, we grabbed a couple of beers at the local barrelhouse and let loose on the dance floor.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Motz family of Katy, Texas, says their lives changed after a visit to the dentist’s office. Mason Motz, 6, was at Dr. Amy Luedemann-Lazar’s office to get teeth pulled when the pediatric dentist noticed a different issue. Mason had suffered from … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
In 1920s Britain, airships were envisioned as a way to make the most remote parts of the British Empire accessible. Two starkly different teams of engineers were employed to create two crafts for passenger travel, one conservative and one more experimental. However, British use of airships effectively ended when the ambitious R101 crashed in France during its maiden overseas voyage, killing 48 people—12 more than the infamous Hindenburg disaster. What was R101’s destination? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
This three-day celebration in Adairsville, Georgia, commemorates the storied Civil War locomotive chase that came on April 12, 1862, after the Yankee spy, James J. Andrews, stole the Confederate engine named “The General.” William A. Fuller, the conductor, set off in a handcar; in Adairsville, he boarded the locomotive “Texas” and barreled after “The General.” Events of the festival include showings of the locomotive-chase movies, a grand parade, fireworks, and gospel singing. There are also such contests as three-legged races, a bean-bag toss, and a tug of war. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary