The brutal rape and murder of 28-year-old Catherine “Kitty” Genovese in New York City in 1964 shocked and outraged the nation. Her stabbing death was witnessed in parts by perhaps as many as 38 of her neighbors, but none tried to help her until after the attack ended. Many of them later told police that they were unaware that a homicide was in progress. Subsequent psychological research, spurred by reports sensationalizing the event, prompted investigation into the phenomenon now known as what? Discuss
Month: April 2022
seminal
Definition: (adjective) Highly influential in an original way; constituting or providing a basis for further development.
Synonyms: germinal, originative.
Usage: He prepared a speech describing his experiment, never realizing that his presentation would be the seminal event in the development of a new theory.
Discuss
rustling
soughing – A soft rustling or murmuring sound—like the deep sigh of a sleeping baby. More…
frou-frou – From French for “a rustling.” More…
murmur – Comes from the Latin word for “rustling,” and can mean “complain, grumble about.” More…
psithurism – The sound of wind in the trees and rustling of leaves. More…
Grant's Tomb Dedicated (1897)
The remains of American Civil War general and US President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant, lie interred in Grant’s Tomb. The granite and marble structure, designed by architect John Duncan, was completed in 1897 and dedicated on what would have been Grant’s 75th birthday. The tomb complex is located in New York City’s scenic Riverside Park. A major restoration by the National Park Service was completed by its centennial. What did Duncan use as a general model for his design? Discuss
Sierra Leone Independence Day
This national holiday celebrates the day Sierra Leone became independent from Britain in 1961. Independence Day festivities are especially elaborate in the capital city of Freetown. Discuss
Coretta Scott King (1927)
Coretta Scott King was the wife of slain civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr., and a noted community leader in her own right. She was vocal in her opposition to apartheid, capital punishment, and war and advocated for women’s rights, lesbian and gay rights, and HIV/AIDS prevention. In 1968, Mrs. King established The King Center, a memorial dedicated to promoting the legacy and ideals of her late husband. Why was she under FBI surveillance from 1968 to 1972? Discuss
shaken up
Greatly startled, shocked, or upset. Watch the video
Forensics
Forensics is the science and practice of examining physical evidence in order to resolve legal issues, particularly those related to crimes. It comprises a range of scientific disciplines, like forensic toxicology, which focuses on the effects of drugs and toxins on the body, and forensic pathology, which aims to establish cause of death through examination of the corpse. Popular TV shows glamorizing forensics have given viewers unrealistic expectations of the field, a phenomenon dubbed what? Discuss
cudgel
variegated
chintz – Comes from the plural of Hindi chint, a printed Indian calico, from earlier Sanskrit chitra, “variegated.” More…
moire – Having a variegated or clouded appearance, like that of watered silk. More…
variegated – Can mean “having variety in character, form, etc.” More…
vary – From Latin varius, “speckled, variegated; changeable.” More…