ham, hamstring – Originally, the part of the leg behind the knee was called the ham, and then the tendon near the ham was the hamstring; by extension, the ham became the thigh and buttock together. More…
haunch – The buttock and thigh together. More…
hockshin, gambrel – The underside of the thigh is the hockshin or gambrel. More…
thigh – Etymologically, the “plump” part of the leg, from an Indo-European base meaning “swell” or “fat.” More…
Stump v. Sparkman is a leading US Supreme Court decision on judicial immunity. It involves a young woman who was suing a judge who had previously ordered her to be sterilized. The Supreme Court, in a 5-3 decision, reversed a prior Court of Appeals ruling, deciding that two criteria must be examined when determining whether an act warrants judicial immunity and holding that the judge could not be sued because he had acted within his jurisdiction. What were the circumstances of the case? Discuss
Vargas Llosa is a Peruvian writer and politician. His novels paint a portrait of Peruvian society that is both severe and tender. As an author, he often explores themes of humanity’s struggle for freedom and the freedom found in art, and his works tend to reflect his commitment to social change. In 2010, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. The award came 20 years after his unsuccessful bid for the Peruvian presidency. What famous observation about Mexico’s government did he once make? Discuss
(chiefly Southern United States slang) A one-story house in which each room is in a straight alignment with the others, connected by a continuous hallway running from the front to the back of the residence. Watch the video
In 1173, construction began on the final building of the cathedral complex in Pisa, Italy. The bell tower was designed to stand 185 feet (56 m) tall, but uneven settling of its foundation caused its 5.5-degree lean. Work was suspended several times, but the structure was still leaning upon completion in the 14th century. The tower’s tilt only worsened over time, prompting a recent strengthening project to prevent collapse. How did the tower narrowly escape destruction during World War II? Discuss
autonomy – From Greek autos, “self,” and nomos, “law,” i.e. a person or unit that makes its own laws. More…
blue sky laws – Laws protecting the public from securities fraud. More…
code, codex – Code, from Latin codex, meaning “block of wood split into tablets, document written on wood tablets,” was first a set of laws. More…
constitute, constitution – Constitute can mean “make laws” and a constitution is a “how-to” document for a government or organization. More…
The first incarnation of the US Navy was short-lived, established in 1775 and disbanded in 1784. However, with Barbary pirates harassing US merchant ships, Congress rethought its decision and established a permanent US Navy with the authorization to build six frigates in 1794. Three of these were welcomed into service soon after. The US Navy distinguished itself in the War of 1812 by unexpectedly defeating British forces several times. What role did naval power play in the American Civil War? Discuss
English scientist and professor of mathematics Karl Pearson was an instrumental figure in the development of mathematical statistics. In 1911, he became professor of eugenics at the University of London and director of the eugenics laboratory. A disciple of Francis Galton, Pearson applied statistical methods to the study of biological problems, especially evolution and heredity, in a science he called biometrics. Today, Pearson’s views on eugenics are considered deeply racist. Why? Discuss
Homely; rather plain or unattractive; not aesthetically pleasing. Watch the video