The American Red Cross (ARC) is part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. It provides disaster relief and emergency assistance in the US and is the country’s largest supplier of banked blood. American humanitarian Clara Barton established the ARC after working with the International Red Cross during a visit to Europe. Just months after its establishment, the ARC faced its first test when a fire where left thousands homeless and in desperate need of aid? Discuss
Pope, recognized as the greatest English poet of the 18th century, was almost entirely self-taught. He established his poetic reputation with the Pastorals in 1709 and the Essay on Criticism in 1711. The Rape of the Lock, a mock-heroic epic ridiculing high society, is perhaps his most popular work. A number of passages from his works have taken on a somewhat proverbial quality, such as “To err is human, to forgive, divine.” From what health problems did Pope suffer? Discuss
To be happened upon when one is not ready, prepared, or on guard; to be shocked or startled by someone or something. Watch the video
Nicotine, a naturally occurring constituent of tobacco, is the addictive, active ingredient in tobacco smoke. Although nicotine is highly toxic—it is used as an insecticide, fumigant, and vermifuge and in large doses can cause respiratory paralysis and even death in humans—the amount inhaled when smoking a cigarette is relatively small, about 3 mg. Depending on how it is inhaled, nicotine can act as a stimulant or as a tranquilizer. What is a lethal dose of nicotine for humans? Discuss
Definition: (adjective) Hypocritically, complacently, or effusively earnest.
Synonyms: fulsome, oleaginous, unctuous.
Usage: His smarmy speech left no doubt that he actually felt superior to those he was meant to be praising.
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The Homestead Act was a federal law that sought to shape the American West by populating it with farmers. The act provided for the transfer of 160 acres of unoccupied public land to each homesteader at $1.25 an acre after six months of residence or for a nominal fee after five years. However, the generous law became subject to fraud and corporate abuse. The settlers did not fare much better, given the harsh land and arid conditions out West. Who was the last person to take advantage of the law? Discuss
The citizens of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, like to think that their ancestors were the first to call for independence from the British when they adopted the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on May 20, 1775. But historians now believe that the resolutions calling for independence were never actually presented there. Even though the Mecklenburg patriots may not have been the first to declare their independence from British rule, their actions represent an important step on the road to the American Revolution. Discuss
In a career spanning almost 50 years, Cherilyn Sarkisian, better known as Cher, has established herself as an enduring pop culture icon and one of the most popular female artists in music history. Cher first rose to prominence in the 1960s as one half of the pop duo Sonny and Cher. In 1965, their first hit, “I Got You Babe,” topped US and UK charts. Cher went on to become an accomplished solo artist as well as a TV and film actress. What was the biggest-selling single of her career? Discuss