Wallenda was a German-born US circus acrobat and founder and leader of the acrobatic troupe that came to be known as the Flying Wallendas. The group gained notoriety in Europe for its high-wire acts without a safety net before developing its most famous act—the seven-person pyramid, topped by Wallenda’s wife, Helen. The troupe traveled with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus and later performed as freelancers. Wallenda continued performing until age 73. How did he die? Discuss
Month: January 2024
all the difference in the world
The greatest degree of difference that is possible or conceivable. Without the verbs “mean” or “make,” it is used to compare two disparate things. Watch the video
The Alhambra
The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex built during the Middle Ages by the Moorish monarchs of Granada. It is the finest example of the once flourishing Moorish civilization’s architecture. Its halls and chambers surround a series of open courts, and the interior is adorned with magnificent examples of honeycomb and stalactite vaulting. Detailed geometric designs in marble, alabaster, and carved plaster also decorate the interior. What artist came to study the Alhambra’s tiles in 1922? Discuss
cicatrix
Edward VIII Becomes King (1936)
Edward VIII became king of Great Britain and Ireland upon the death of his father, George V, in 1936. He enjoyed immense popularity until the announcement of his intention to marry Wallis Warfield Simpson, an American in the midst of divorcing her second husband. The government opposed the marriage, and the two sides clashed until Edward executed a deed of abdication, ending a 325-day reign as the first English monarch to relinquish his throne voluntarily. Who succeeded him? Discuss
George Burns (1896)
Often remembered as a cigar-puffing nightclub entertainer who continued performing into his late 90s, Burns began his career by forming a comedy team in 1925 with Gracie Allen, whom he married a year later. They performed on radio and television, usually with Allen playing a scatterbrained wife and Burns in the role of an infinitely patient husband. Burns continued to perform after his wife’s retirement, winning an Academy Award and becoming well-known for his recurring film role as what figure? Discuss
out of steam
Completely exhausted, fatigued, or without energy or motivation. Watch the video
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel, which was developed in England in 1913, has a high tensile strength and resists abrasion, corrosion, and rust because of its high chromium content. Over 150 grades of this iron-carbon alloy now exist, and it is widely used to make cookware, cutlery, hardware, surgical instruments, watches, appliances, building materials, and industrial equipment. It is also used as a structural alloy in automotive and aerospace assembly. What is the passivation layer? Discuss
inculcate
Sten Sture the Younger Mortally Wounded in Battle (1520)
Sture was a Swedish statesman and regent of Sweden. When he refused to recognize Christian II of Denmark as king of Sweden, Christian sent a force to aid Sture’s rival, Archbishop Gustaf Trolle, whom Sture had deposed and who was besieged in his castle. Sture defeated the Danish army and imprisoned Trolle. Warfare continued, and Sture was killed in battle, but not before he paved the way for Swedish independence, which was attained under Gustavus I. What was done to Sture’s body after his death? Discuss