Definition: (noun) An unbroken view of an entire surrounding area.
Synonyms: vista.
Usage: The panorama from the summit, with glistening lakes and green forests in every direction, is unmatched in the east.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Viewed by many to be the result of a period of factional infighting and religious hysteria, the witch trials of Puritanical Salem Village, Massachusetts, led to the executions of 20 people—15 women and five men—and the imprisonment of approximately 150 accused witches. Even after the trials ended, people who had previously been found not guilty of witchcraft remained in prison, held until they paid their jail fees. What is “spectral evidence,” and how did it play a role in the witch trials? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
On March 1 every year, Lanark‘s parish church bell rings exactly at 6 p.m., after a four-month silence. As the bell begins to ring, children in this Scottish town parade three times round the church, dangling pieces of string with paper balls attached at the other end. Then they start striking one another with the paper balls in a play fight. Once pennies are tossed to the ground, the children rush to collect them. One explanation for the origin of this festival is that it can be traced back to pagan times, when people believed that making a great deal of noise would scare away evil spirits. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Rabin was an Israeli military leader, politician, and Nobel Peace Prize winner. He rose in rank from brigade commander in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War to chief of staff in 1964 and was credited with Israel’s military success in the Six Day War. After retiring to pursue a diplomatic post, Rabin succeeded Golda Meir as Prime Minister of Israel in 1974. He served two terms before his political career was cut short when he was assassinated in 1995. What event was he attending when he was killed? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A marionette is a small puppet manipulated by an unseen operator who usually speaks the dialogue during a performance. Marionettes were known in Greece in 5 BCE and were the most popular form of entertainment in Europe in the Middle Ages. Marionette shows flourished in England after theaters were outlawed by Puritans, and great writers and composers like Goethe and Mozart wrote for them. What is “supermarionation”? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) Mental responsiveness; discernment; awareness.
Synonyms: aesthesia.
Usage: After nine months in a coma, the patient began to exhibit sensibility.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
After investigating charges of child abuse and the illegal stockpiling of weapons at the Texas ranch of the Branch Davidian religious sect, US federal law enforcement agents raided the compound. The confrontation turned violent, and 10 people were killed in the firefight. A siege of the compound ended 51 days later, when the complex was engulfed in flames. At least 76 people, including Davidian leader David Koresh, died in the incident. How did the Davidians receive advance warning of the raid? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Kalevala is Finland’s national epic poem, researched and transcribed by Dr. Elias Lönnrot. Lönnrot and his assistants traveled throughout the country, asking people to tell them whatever they could remember about the folklore surrounding Kalevala, the “Land of Heroes.” On February 28, 1835, after years of research, Lönnrot signed the preface to the first edition of the poem. This event marked a turning point in Finnish literature; up to this point, little had been written in the Finnish language. Lönnrot is honored with parades and concerts on this day. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Mario Andretti is the only racecar driver to have won the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500, and the international Formula One championship. He retired from Indy-car racing in 1994 with 52 victories but continued his attempts to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans sports-car endurance race until the age of 60. The Italian-American legend has been called the “Driver of the Century.” How many members of the Andretti family have followed in Mario’s footsteps and become racecar drivers? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Seaplanes are designed to take off from and land on water. The two most common types are the floatplane, whose fuselage is supported by struts attached to two or more pontoon floats, and the flying boat, whose boat-hull fuselage is constructed with the buoyancy and strength necessary to land and float on water. Seaplanes are often used by rescue organizations due to their efficiency and ability to spot and rescue survivors. The first practical seaplane was constructed and flown in what year? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary