Sponge-like creatures could be lurking beneath the surface of Mars, according to new research. Salty subterranean lakes on the Red Planet are capable of providing enough oxygen to support even simple animals, scientists believe. It has long been believed … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
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One of the worst known cases of child abuse and social isolation in American history is that of “Genie,” a girl forced to spend the first 13 years of her life alone in her bedroom, most of the time strapped to a potty chair. She was never spoken to and was apparently beaten if she attempted to speak. By the time she was discovered by authorities, she was nearly mute—her vocabulary consisted of about 20 words and a few short phrases. What did experts hope to learn by studying Genie? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The birthday of Will Rogers, America’s “cowboy philosopher,” is observed in Oklahoma, where he was born on November 4, 1879. After his first appearance as a vaudeville entertainer in 1905 at Madison Square Garden, he developed a widespread reputation as a humorist. He went on to become a writer, a radio performer, and a motion-picture star. His birthday was first observed in 1947, with a celebration at the Will Rogers Memorial near the town of Claremore. Beneath the statue of Rogers at the memorial is the statement for which he is best remembered: “I never met a man I didn’t like.” Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Curtis joined the US Supreme Court as an associate justice in 1851 but did not stay long. After dissenting with the court’s ruling in the Dred Scott v. Sandford case that upheld slavery and declared African Americans ineligible for full US citizenship, Curtis resigned, becoming the only justice to have resigned from the court over a matter of principle. Curtis returned to his home state of Massachusetts and resumed his law practice, later becoming chief counsel in what high profile case? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Inhabiting the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans, sea snakes can sometimes be found swarming by the thousands. Oarlike tails help them swim and a specialized lung and valved nostrils allow them to remain submerged for up to eight hours. There are more than 50 species of sea snake, all of which are venomous. Their venom quickly immobilizes small fish and other prey; however, they are not aggressive and rarely attack humans. Almost all sea snakes are ovoviviparous, which means what? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) Persistent determination.
Synonyms: doggedness, perseverance, persistency, tenacity.
Usage: Again and again…with the inexorable pertinacity of a child…did he renew his efforts.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A “headless chicken monster” was spotted swimming in the Antarctic Ocean, Australian researchers announced Sunday. The bizarre creature that does indeed look like it’s missing a head is actually a sea cucumber scientifically known as Enypniastes eximia. As if … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
On the first Sunday in November 1493, Christopher Columbus spotted a mountainous island between Martinique and Guadeloupe in the Caribbean Sea. Ignoring the fact that its Carib inhabitants already had a name for the island, Columbus renamed it Dominica, the Latin name for the day of the week on which he spotted it. The Caribs managed to resist Spanish efforts to colonize the island but were unable to fend off the British and French. When did Dominica finally gain its independence? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
On this day in 1978, Dominica gained independence from Britain as it became a member of the Commonwealth. It is celebrated as a national holiday for three days, including November 3. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Evans was an American photographer known for his stark photos of the rural South during the Great Depression, taken for the Farm Security Administration. In 1936, Fortune magazine sent Evans and writer James Agee to document poverty in rural Alabama. The magazine rejected their work, but the two used the material for their landmark 1941 book Let Us Now Praise Famous Men. A 2005 Fortune article revealed that some of their subjects were upset about the book for what reasons? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary