She might hate me, and revile me, and heap indignity after indignity upon me, as she already had, until I should have hated her; but the pitiful fact remained that I loved her. Discuss
Month: November 2024
The Malbone Street Wreck (1918)
One of the deadliest train crashes in US history took place during a strike of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, some of whose members operated elevated trains for the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company (BRT). To keep service running, the BRT brought in inexperienced motormen to replace the striking workers. That evening, a five-car train derailed in the Malbone Street tunnel after negotiating a curve too quickly, killing 93. How many hours of training had the train’s operator received? Discuss
All Saints' Day
In Roman Catholic, Anglican, and many Protestant churches, the first day of November is a celebration of all the Christian saints—particularly those who have no special feast days of their own. Also known as All-Hallomas or All Hallows’ Day, the idea for this holy day goes back to the fourth century, when the Greek Christians kept a festival on the first Sunday after Pentecost (in late May or early June) in honor of all martyrs and saints. Discuss
Laurence Stephen Lowry (1887)
Lowry was an English painter noted for his bleak northern industrial scenes, often featuring primitive figures that he called “matchstick men.” He also appears to hold the record for the most honors declined. He twice declined appointment to the Order of the British Empire—as an officer in 1955 and as a commander in 1961—and turned down a knighthood in 1968 and appointments to the Order of the Companions of Honour in 1972 and 1976. Which of his controversial works were exhibited after his death? Discuss
Leptis Magna
Leptis Magna was a prominent city of the Roman Empire whose remains are among the most spectacular and best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. Located on the coast of what is now Libya, Leptis Magna was incorporated into the Roman Empire after the fall of Carthage, flourished under the rule of Emperor Septimius Severus—a Leptis Magna native—and eventually became a major trading post. What ancient artifacts found near the site were kept hidden for five years before being revealed in 2005? Discuss
impasse
Definition: (noun) A situation that is so difficult that no progress can be made.
Synonyms: dead end, deadlock, stalemate, standstill.
Usage: The board members reached an impasse in the negotiations and took a break to get coffee and donuts.
Discuss