The Arecibo message was a message broadcast into space in 1974 to celebrate the remodeling of Puerto Rico’s Arecibo radio telescope, the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope. The message was aimed at star cluster M13, a large and relatively close star cluster some 25,000 light years away. The 210-byte message consisted of 1679 binary digits that, when arranged into 73 rows and 23 columns, form a meaningful seven-part message saying what? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) An implement with a shaft and barbed point used for catching fish.
Synonyms: lance, spear.
Usage: I gently slid the salmon off my fishgig and passed it to my son, who placed it with the rest of the day’s catch.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Solomon Islands in the southwest Pacific gained independence from Britain on this day in 1978. They had been under British control since 1900. Independence Day is a national holiday throughout the islands. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Stone of Scone is an oblong block of red sandstone upon which the kings of Scotland were once crowned. According to tradition, the stone was used by Jacob as a pillow when he dreamt of a ladder to heaven and was the coronation stone of early kings of Ireland. It was taken to Scotland and housed in Scone Abbey near Perth until Edward I of England took it to London’s Westminster Abbey in 1296 and had it fitted into the Coronation Chair. In what year was the Stone of Scone returned to Scotland? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (verb) Overturn accidentally.
Synonyms: turn turtle.
Usage: Do not rock the boat or it will capsize!
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Lithuania Statehood Day is a national holiday observed on July 6. On this day, Lithuanians honor the coronation of Mindaugas, who became the first and only king of a unified Lithuania in 1253, bringing the Baltic people together under his leadership. In 2003 Lithuanians celebrated the 750th anniversary of his crowning with a series of cultural activities, including operas, folk music concerts, parades, and festivals. Mindaugas founded the first independent Lithuanian state in 1240, and he is generally credited with bringing Christianity to the country for the first time. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
From 1909 to 1914, Paris high fashion was dominated by French designer Paul Poiret, who put an end to wasp waists and constricting corsets and revived a simple, Empire-waisted silhouette. He is best known for the hobble skirt, to which he later added draped and belted knee-length tunics. Popular between 1910 and 1914, hobble skirts were long skirts cut so narrow at the ankles that they hindered walking. According to one account, Poiret’s design may have been inspired by what aviation event? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (verb) Make a crackling sound.
Synonyms: crackle.
Usage: My physical therapist jokes that I have bubble wrap in my knee, because it crepitates every time that I squat down.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The African/Caribbean International Festival of Life (IFOL) is a music and culture celebration held in Washington Park in Chicago over a four-day period extending from Thursday through Sunday of Independence Day weekend. IFOL showcases reggae, calypso, world beat, R&B, hip-hop, jazz, blues, and Latin music. In addition, it features dance performances, food, clothing, arts, crafts, and a variety of activities and games designed for family entertainment. IFOL organizers sponsor the event to promote peace, love, and unity among nations. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Augsburg Confession is the basic doctrinal statement of Lutheranism, written primarily by German theologian Philipp Melanchthon, a close friend and defender of Martin Luther. It was intended as a working document for negotiations aimed at reconciliation between Lutherans and Catholics. It came, however, to be seen as the crucial expression of Lutheran beliefs. It was presented to Holy Roman Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Augsburg in 1530, at a time when he was facing what military threat? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary