Grahame was an English author best known for writing The Wind in the Willows, whose anthropomorphic animal characters—Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad—captivatingly combine human traits with authentic animal habits. Though a children’s classic, it has been enjoyed by readers of all ages since its publication in 1908. In addition to writing, Grahame worked as at the Bank of England for some time. What happened to him when a man supposedly opened fire on him at the bank in 1903? Discuss
Month: March 2023
come close to blows
To nearly devolve into a physical fight. Watch the video
The Addams Family
The Addams Family is a group of eccentric characters representing a satirical inversion of the ideal American nuclear family. A creation of American cartoonist Charles Addams, the group first appeared in a comic strip in The New Yorker, and has since been featured in TV shows, movies, and video games. In Charles Addams’ original cartoons, the characters were not named. When the TV show was developed, Addams was asked to contribute names. All his suggestions were used except for what? Discuss
larynx
Definition: (noun) The part of the respiratory tract between the pharynx and the trachea, having walls of cartilage and muscle and containing the vocal cords enveloped in folds of mucous membrane.
Synonyms: voice box.
Usage: By cunning operations on tongue, throat, larynx, and nasal cavities a man’s whole enunciation and manner of speech could be changed.
Discuss
Antoninus Pius Is Succeeded by Co-Emperors (161)
When Emperor Antoninus Pius died in 161, Marcus Aurelius accepted the throne on the condition that he and Lucius Verus be made joint emperors—an unprecedented political arrangement in the Roman Empire. Aurelius likely sought the partnership so Verus could directly command Roman legions in the empire’s nearly constant war efforts. Verus was authoritative enough to command the loyalty of the troops and powerful enough that he had little incentive to overthrow Marcus. Did Verus remain loyal? Discuss
Janet Guthrie (1938)
Before becoming the first woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500, race car driver Janet Guthrie worked as an aerospace engineer. She began racing in 1963. By the end of 1977, she had competed in two of racing’s most prestigious events—the Daytona 500 and Indy 500. She has since been inducted into both the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, and her race suit and helmet are in the Smithsonian Institution. What record does she hold? Discuss
collect (one's) wits
To try to calm oneself and think clearly and rationally. Watch the video
"Freedom Fries"
“Freedom fries” was a short-lived name used by some in the US for French fries after France resisted condoning the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In March, 2003, all references to French fries and French toast on the menus of restaurants run by the House of Representatives were removed. By July 2006, however, the move had been reversed. Politically-motivated renamings were also seen during World War I, when anti-German sentiment led some to refer to sauerkraut as what? Discuss
reredos
Definition: (noun) A painted or carved screen placed above and behind an altar or communion table.
Synonyms: altarpiece.
Usage: The artist is best known for the reredos he painted for the church in his hometown.
Discuss
Gallaudet University Students Demand Deaf President (1988)
When their existing president resigned in 1987, students at Gallaudet University, a liberal arts university for the deaf in Washington, DC, began campaigning for a deaf successor to the post, which had never been held by a deaf person. When the school’s board selected a hearing candidate on March 6, 1988, students began to protest and issued four demands, including the immediate naming of a new deaf president and the resignation of the chair of the board. How many of their demands were met? Discuss