Welcome to Dailypedia

A new study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry indicates that children fathered by men in their 40s or older are almost six times more likely to have autism, or related conditions like Asperger's syndrome, than those fathered by men younger than 30. The mothers' age at childbirth appeared to have little impact on autism.

DEFINITION: (noun) A route shorter than the usual one. SYNONYMS: shortcut, crosscut. USAGE: My father claimed he knew a great cutoff, but it turned out to be longer than our original route.

Known as the "Sun King," Louis XIV ruled France for 72 years, longer than any other major European monarch. He became the archetype of the absolute monarch, reigning over a highly centralized state. He fought three wars, built one of Europe's most elaborate palaces at Versailles, and was a great supporter of the arts. What influential French philosopher compared Louis XIV to Caesar Augustus and called his reign an "eternally memorable age?"

This Pacific island nation, comprised of 9 small coral atolls, lies roughly midway between Hawaii and Australia. In 2005, its population was estimated to be about 11,600, making it the least populous member of the United Nations. First sighted by the Europeans in 1568, Tuvalu fell under British administration as part of a protectorate in 1892 and gained its independence from the UK in 1978. What threat has prompted plans for evacuating Tuvalu?

Balanchine was one of the 20th century's foremost choreographers, whose work formed a bridge between classical and modern ballet. Born in Russia, he moved to the US in 1933 and became director of ballet for the Metropolitan Opera House and co-founder of the School of American Ballet. He later helped found the company that would become the New York City Ballet and was named its artistic director and principal choreographer. What disease ended Balanchine's life?