November 30, 2006
salient
DEFINITION: (adjective) Strikingly conspicuous; prominent.
SYNONYMS: prominent, outstanding, striking, spectacular.
USAGE: Her speech was somewhat dull, but there was one salient point in her argument that was met with a round of applause.
Sir Winston Churchill
Churchill was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during WWII and led the country through both its darkest and finest hours. He was a writer, painter, legislator, soldier, and one of the most influential leaders in modern history. After being appointed PM in 1940, he forged a strong alliance with the US and an uneasy one with the USSR. These alliances were two key factors in the defeat of the Axis Powers. What famous American writer introduced one of Churchill's speeches in 1900?Skeleton of “Lucy” Discovered
"Lucy," a 3.18 million year old female hominid of the species Australopithecus afarensis, was discovered by scientists in Ethiopia and named after a song by the band The Beatles. An unprecedented 40% intact, Lucy was the first fossil hominid to really capture public notice, nearly becoming a household name at the time. Although Lucy was 3 feet 8 inches tall and looked somewhat like a Chimpanzee, what crucial piece of evidence showed that she had walked upright like a human?Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
This tragic fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company's factory led to the deaths of 146 garment workers who either died in the fire or jumped to their deaths. Conditions at the factory where the fire occurred were typical of the time: flammable textiles were stored throughout the building, smoking was common, open gas lighting was used, and there were no fire extinguishers. In what social and political climate did the fire take place, and what legislation was drafted in its aftermath?November 29, 2006
Can Bees Learn to Sniff Bombs?
Researchers at New Mexico's Los Alamos National Laboratory have trained honeybees to sniff out explosives ranging from dynamite and C-4 to the Howitzer propellant grains used in improvised explosive devices in Iraq. The bees were taught to stick out their proboscis - the tube they use to feed on nectar - when they smell bombs. Experts hope the bees could be used to detect explosives in airports and at roadside security checks.pogonip
DEFINITION: (noun) A dense winter fog containing ice particles.
SYNONYMS: ice fog.
USAGE: Though he could see nothing in the pogonip, he rode on, regardless, feeling delicate ice crystals melt on his face and hands.
Jacques Chirac
Chirac has served as President of France since 1995. He has played a critical role in the development of the European Union, of which France is a leading member. He has also been an outspoken critic of the war in Iraq. At home, Chirac has faced criticism, even from some of his long-time supporters, for controversial comments that he has made and for his alleged involvement in various unlawful schemes. He was wounded during a tour of duty in what war?Japan’s Meiji Constitution Goes into Effect
The Imperial or Meiji Constitution was the fundamental law of the Empire of Japan from 1889 until 1947. Enacted as part of the Meiji Revival, it provided for a form of constitutional monarchy based on the Prussian model. The Constitution allowed for an active Emperor with considerable political power that was to be shared with an elected assembly, or "diet." What did Ito Hirobumi, who was charged with drafting Japan's constitution, think of the different Western constitutions that he reviewed?Shetland Pony
The Shetland pony is relatively small, with a gentle disposition and an official size of less than 46 in. (117 cm) high. The harsh climate and scarce food of the Shetland Islands, however, have assured that the ponies developed into extremely hardy animals. Due in part to their intelligence and size, they are easily spoiled and can be very headstrong if not well-trained. What happened to thousands of Shetlands when laws prohibiting child labor in coal mines were passed in the mid-19th century?November 28, 2006
Pope Arrives in Turkey for Sensitive Visit
Security was tight as Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Ankara, Turkey on Tuesday for his first visit to a Muslim country. The original goal of the visit was to meet with Bartholomew I, leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, but the trip is especially sensitive due to lingering controversy over a speech the pontiff made in September that appeared to conflate Islam and violence .- » About
- » Subscribe (RSS)
- » Categories
- Article of the Day (RSS) (484)
- Articles (RSS) (10)
- Death (RSS) (6)
- Etiquette (RSS) (5)
- In the News (RSS) (408)
- Politics (RSS) (4)
- Quote of the Day (RSS) (88)
- This day in History (RSS) (373)
- Today's Birthday (RSS) (363)
- Word of the Day (RSS) (483)
