bullhorn

Definition: (noun) A portable loudspeaker with built-in microphone and amplifier.
Synonyms: loud-hailer.
Usage: The policeman used a bullhorn to order the crowd to disperse.
Discuss

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Edgar Rice Burroughs

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


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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


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Michael Landon (1936)

After appearing in minor roles on TV, Landon made his film debut in 1957's I Was a Teenage Werewolf. He endeared himself to audiences as Little Joe in the western series Bonanza (1959-1973) and later as Charles Ingalls in the series based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie. He also sometimes wrote and directed episodes for the shows in which he acted, including Highway to Heaven. A prankster, Landon put what reptile in his mouth to get a laugh? Discuss


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Martin Luther Posts His Ninety-Five Theses (1517)

According to the traditional account, Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the castle church in Wittenberg, Germany—an event now seen as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. Written in response to the selling of indulgences to pay for the rebuilding of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the theses represented an implicit criticism of papal policy and aroused much controversy. What formal title did Luther give the Ninety-Five Theses? Discuss


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Reformation Day

When Martin Luther (1483-1546), a German monk and religious reformer, nailed his 95 "theses" (or propositions) to the church door in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517, so many people agreed with his ideas that they spread throughout western Europe and touched off a religious revolt known as the Reformation. As a result, many Christians broke their centuries-old connection with the Roman Catholic Church and established independent churches of their own, prime among them being the Lutheran Church. October 31 is observed by most Protestant denominations as Reformation Day. Discuss


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have had the biscuit

To be no longer functional or useful; to be dead or about to perish. Primarily heard in Canada. Watch the video

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Picture of the day for October 31, 2016

Close-up of an exemplar of a captive golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) in Arcos de la Frontera, province of Cádiz, Spain.. Learn more.

Beer

The world's oldest and most popular alcoholic beverage, beer is recorded in the written history of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia and may have been brewed as early as the 6th millennium BCE. Today, approximately 35 billion gallons of beer are sold each year throughout the world. It is produced by fermenting sugars derived from starch-based materials, including malted barley and wheat, as well as millet in Africa, potato in Brazil, and agave in Mexico. What is the difference between ale and lager? Discuss


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Soviet Union Detonates "Tsar Bomba" (1961)

"Tsar Bomba" was the nickname of a hydrogen bomb detonated by the Soviet Union in 1961 that remains the most powerful nuclear weapon ever detonated. The bomb had a yield of 50 megatons, a force equivalent to 1,400 times the combined power of the two nuclear weapons dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II—or approximately 1.4 percent of the power output of the Sun. The resulting seismic shock was measurable even on its third passage around the Earth. Where was Tsar Bomba detonated? Discuss


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paunch

Definition: (noun) A protruding abdomen.
Synonyms: belly.
Usage: Jim's bride was an excellent cook, and after only a few weeks of marriage, he began to develop a significant paunch.
Discuss

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Diwali

The word diwali means "a row or cluster of lights," and the week-long festivities are illuminated by lamps, fireworks, and bonfires. In northern India, it marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. In the Punjab and Mauritius, Diwali celebrates the coronation of Rama after his conquest of Ravana. The Jains commemorate the death of their great hero, Mahavira, on this day in the city of Pava in Bihar. Diwali is as important to Hindus as Christmas is to Christians. It is celebrated by the world's 500 million Hindus with gift exchanges, fireworks, and festive (typically vegetarian) meals. Discuss


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have the better of (someone or something)

To have or gain superiority, mastery, or an advantage over someone or something; to have control over someone or something. Watch the video

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Ruth Gordon (1896)

Gordon was an American actress and playwright whose career encompassed more than 70 years of stage and film experience. She made her Broadway debut in 1915 as Nibs in Peter Pan. She wrote many plays and collaborated on many successful screenplays, including Adam's Rib, with her husband, the playwright and director Garson Kanin. She won an Academy Award for her performance in Rosemary's Baby and, in 1971, starred in what black comedy film that has since become a cult classic? Discuss


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Picture of the day for October 30, 2016

Fresco in the dome of Altenburg Abbey Church (Lower Austria) by Paul Troger (1733): The apocalyptic vision of St. John. Learn more.

User:Janeannyoung/sandbox/Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy

The Wikipedia article on User:Janeannyoung/sandbox/Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy was added to the Health and fitness category.

piddling

Definition: (adjective) So trifling or trivial as to be beneath one's consideration.
Synonyms: trivial, petty, fiddling, footling, niggling, picayune, piffling, lilliputian, little.
Usage: Because she had only invested a piddling sum of money, she was not worried about the stock's poor performance.
Discuss

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Black Tuesday (1929)

In the 1920s, the US stock market expanded rapidly and reached a peak in August 1929, when prices began to decline while speculation increased. On October 24, "Black Thursday," a record 12,894,650 shares were traded. Banks and investment companies bought large blocks of stock to stem the panic, but on October 29, "Black Tuesday," 16 million shares were traded and prices collapsed. Why do some scholars contend that the stock market crash was not the cause of the Great Depression? Discuss


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Kenning

Often seen in Norse, Anglo-Saxon, and Celtic literature, a kenning is a poetic phrase used in the place of a name or noun. Kennings can be complex phrases or simple two-word expressions joined to convey a meaning neither word possesses alone. A knowledge of mythology is often vital to the understanding and interpretation of these phrases. "Sail-road," "bath-way," and "whale-way" are all Old English kennings that reference the sea. What is "the flesh of the mother of the enemy of the giantess"? Discuss


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Fanny Brice (1891)

Brice was an American comedian and singer who built her act on parody and physical humor. A perennial Ziegfeld Follies star after 1910, she attained international fame with her signature torch-song parody, "My Man." Appearing in vaudeville, musicals, dramas, movies, and radio throughout her career, Brice demonstrated that a woman could succeed in entertainment without exploiting her sexuality or making a fool of herself or other women. What Broadway musical was based on her life? Discuss


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have nothing to do

To have no tasks or actions that one must complete or undertake; to have nothing with which to occupy one's time. Watch the video

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World Creole Music Festival

Creole music, language, and culture are sources of national pride for the island nation of Dominica, as they are for peoples throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, and other regions where Creoles have settled. The World Creole Music Festival is a three-day event showcasing this distinctive music and culture, held in Dominica's capital city, Roseau, as well as other cities on the island. The festival has brought attention to a diverse set of musical genres that are directly or indirectly associated with Creole music, including cadence-lypso, zouk, soukous, bouyon, and zydeco. Discuss


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Picture of the day for October 29, 2016

Infinity edge pool in a luxury resort, Mauritius.. Learn more.

camion

Definition: (noun) A low heavy horse cart without sides; used for haulage.
Synonyms: dray.
Usage: An empty camion came bumping down the cobblestone street, pulled by two exhausted horses.
Discuss

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Statue of Liberty Is Dedicated (1886)

The Statue of Liberty, originally known as Liberty Enlightening the World, was proposed by French historian Édouard Laboulaye in 1865 to commemorate the alliance of France with the American colonies during the American Revolution. Designed by French sculptor F. A. Bartholdi, the statue is 152 ft (46 m) high and is possibly the tallest metal statue ever made. It was shipped to New York in 1885, assembled, and dedicated in 1886. What New York tradition originated during the dedication? Discuss


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have (someone's) blood on (one's) head

To be the cause of (someone's) death; to bear the guilt or responsibility of (someone's) death or injury. Watch the video

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Tokugawa Yoshinobu (1837)

Tokugawa was the 15th and last shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan. The Tokugawa family held the shogunate and controlled Japan from 1603 to 1867. Beginning at the time of Yoshinobu's birth, there were numerous peasant uprisings and samurai unrest. Undermined by increasing foreign incursions, the Tokugawa were overthrown by an attack of provincial forces from Choshu, Satsuma, and Tosa, who restored the Meiji emperor to power. Yoshinobu resigned in 1867. How did he spend his retirement? Discuss


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Dry Quicksand

Considered a mythic substance until recently, dry quicksand is loose sand that behaves like ordinary quicksand but contains no water and operates in a different manner. Though accounts of whole caravans being swallowed up by the substance have been discounted as folklore, researchers have demonstrated that aerating fine sand reduces its bulk density and creates a dry quicksand that could envelop an entire vehicle. How did fear of dry quicksand affect the planning of the Apollo moon missions? Discuss


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Czechoslovak Independence Day

The Republic of Czechoslovakia was founded on October 28, 1918, when the National Committee in Prague proclaimed independence from the Austrian Hapsburg emperors and took over the administration of an independent Czechoslovak state. Independence Day was widely celebrated in Czechoslovakia until the Communists seized power there in 1948, but the day continued to be recognized in the US with special banquets, addresses, religious services, and cultural programs. Communities with large Czech or Slovak populations may also mark the occasion. Discuss


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Picture of the day for October 28, 2016

Winter on Ahja river, Estonia.. Learn more.

calumny

Definition: (noun) A false statement maliciously made to injure another's reputation.
Synonyms: aspersion, defamation, denigration, slander.
Usage: When it became clear that he could not win the election any other way, the candidate resorted to calumny and dirty tricks.
Discuss

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have (got) (someone's) back

To be willing and prepared to help or defend someone; to look out for someone in case he or she needs assistance. Watch the video

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Italian Public Administrator Enrico Mattei Dies in Plane Crash (1962)

After World War II, Mattei was given the task of dismantling the Italian Petroleum Agency, a Fascist state enterprise. Instead, Mattei enlarged and reorganized it into the Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi (ENI), or National Fuel Trust. Under his direction, ENI developed large deposits of natural gas in Italy and negotiated important oil concessions in the Middle East. Mattei became a powerful figure in Italy before he died in a plane crash in 1962. What conspiracy theories exist about his death? Discuss


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Sylvia Plath (1932)

American poet Sylvia Plath excelled as a writer from an early age and published her first poem at eight. She attempted suicide while in college but underwent electroshock treatment and seemingly recovered from her breakdown. In 1956, she wed poet Ted Hughes, whom she met while attending Cambridge on a Fulbright grant. Shortly after they separated in 1962, Plath committed suicide. Her literary reputation grew rapidly after her death, and she became the first poet to win what prize posthumously? Discuss


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St. Vincent and the Grenadines Independence and Thanksgiving Day

A group of islands in the West Indies, St. Vincent and the Grenadines gained independence from Britain on October 27, 1979, and its citizens celebrate their freedom with this national holiday. Discuss


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Liver-Eating Johnson

John "Liver-Eating" Johnson was a so-called "mountain man" of the 19th-century American West. After fighting in the Mexican-American War, the hunter and trapper traveled west to Wyoming, where he became a legend. According to some accounts, Johnson's Native American wife was killed by members of the Crow tribe in 1847. He spent the next 20 years exacting his revenge, earning his nickname by supposedly cutting out and eating the liver of each man he killed. Did he ever make peace with the Crow? Discuss


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Picture of the day for October 27, 2016

FCAB railway crossing the 35 kilometers (22 mi) long route over the west side of the Ascotán salt flat, southwestern Bolivia. The train covers the route Antofagasta - Calama - Ollagüe - Uyuni - La Paz, from 0 metres over the sea level in the coastal city of Antofagasta to over 4,500 metres (14,800 ft) in the area where the picture was taken (exactly in Collahuasi) and has a total length of 1,537 km (955 mi). The locomotives have engines EMD GT22CU-3 2406, Clyde GL26C-2 2009 and Clyde GL26C-2 2004 whereas the Ascotán salt flat has a surface of 246 square kilometers (95 sq mi).. Learn more.

have (something) on

To be busy or engaged with something; to have plans to do something at a particular point in time. Watch the video

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burgher

Definition: (noun) A comfortable or complacent member of the middle class.
Synonyms: bourgeois.
Usage: From the serfs of the Middle Ages sprang the chartered burghers of the earliest towns.
Discuss

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Erie Canal Opens (1825)

The Erie Canal is a New York waterway that runs between Albany and Buffalo, linking the Hudson River with Lake Erie. It was born out of the need for an all-American water route from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic coast that became evident after the American Revolution. The canal contributed greatly to the development of New York City and the Midwest, allowing for the transport of people and supplies. Commercial traffic on the canal has since dwindled, and it is now used mainly for what purpose? Discuss


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François Mitterrand (1916)

Initially a supporter of the Vichy government during World War II, Mitterrand joined the Resistance in 1943. After the war, he held cabinet posts in 11 Fourth Republic governments. He ran unsuccessfully against Charles de Gaulle's government in 1965 but was elected president in 1981 and 1988, after which he strongly promoted European integration. Mitterrand retired in 1995, having served longer than any other French president. Who succeeded him as president of France? Discuss


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Trout Tickling

Trout tickling is the practice of rubbing the underbelly of a trout in order to put it in a trance-like state that makes it easier to catch by hand. Commonly used in times of economic stress, especially during the 1930s depression era, the technique has been featured in works of literature throughout history—including writings by 3rd century Greek writer Aelian, Shakespeare, and Mark Twain, who described catching catfish in a similar way. In what country is the practice essentially outlawed? Discuss


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Rama Ekadashi

Ekadashi is the Hindi word for "eleventh." Hindus observe 24 11th-day fasts during the course of the Hindu year, although some are more important than others. Each Ekadashi is held in honor of a different Hindu legend and has specific religious duties associated with it. Eating rice, however, is prohibited on all Ekadashi. According to legend, a demon was born of the sweat that fell from Brahma's head on this day, and Brahma instructed it to inhabit the rice grains eaten by people on Ekadashi and to turn into worms in their stomachs. Discuss


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Picture of the day for October 26, 2016

Icelandic landscape near Neskaupstaður.. Learn more.

calumet

Definition: (noun) A long-stemmed sacred or ceremonial tobacco pipe used by certain Native American peoples.
Synonyms: peace pipe.
Usage: Among the Blackfeet warriors who advanced with the calumet of peace she recognized a brother.
Discuss

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George III Becomes King of Great Britain and Ireland (1760)

George III ascended the throne at the age of 22, during the Seven Years' War. The war had put England in financial distress, and George supported raising funds through taxation of the American colonies. This policy proved disastrous for him, as it provoked the American Revolution and led him to be blamed in part for losing the colonies. Later in life, George's mental health declined, and his son acted as regent after 1811. It has been suggested that he suffered from what hereditary disease? Discuss


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Minnie Pearl (1912)

Pearl was an American country comedienne, born Sarah Colley in Centerville, Tennessee. One of the Grand Ole Opry's most iconic performers, she appeared on the show for more than 50 years, performing routines that gently poked fun at rural Southern culture. Outfitted in styleless "down home" dresses and a hat with a price tag that dangled over its brim, she also appeared regularly on the television show Hee Haw from 1969 to 1991. On whom was the Minnie Pearl character based? Discuss


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Muscadine

Muscadine, a grapevine species native to the southeastern US, has been used in the production of port and fine wines since the 16th century. Recent reports regarding the relatively high antioxidant content of muscadine wines have boosted their popularity. In fact, these wines were found to contain more than five times the amount of the life-prolonging compound resveratrol than ordinary red wines. Why do muscadine plants produce these antioxidants? Discuss


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George III Becomes King of Great Britain and Ireland (1760)

George III ascended the throne at the age of 22, during the Seven Years' War. The war had put England in financial distress, and George supported raising funds through taxation of the American colonies. This policy proved disastrous for him, as it provoked the American Revolution and led him to be blamed in part for losing the colonies. Later in life, George's mental health declined, and his son acted as regent after 1811. It has been suggested that he suffered from what hereditary disease? Discuss


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Minnie Pearl (1912)

Pearl was an American country comedienne, born Sarah Colley in Centerville, Tennessee. One of the Grand Ole Opry's most iconic performers, she appeared on the show for more than 50 years, performing routines that gently poked fun at rural Southern culture. Outfitted in styleless "down home" dresses and a hat with a price tag that dangled over its brim, she also appeared regularly on the television show Hee Haw from 1969 to 1991. On whom was the Minnie Pearl character based? Discuss


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Muscadine

Muscadine, a grapevine species native to the southeastern US, has been used in the production of port and fine wines since the 16th century. Recent reports regarding the relatively high antioxidant content of muscadine wines have boosted their popularity. In fact, these wines were found to contain more than five times the amount of the life-prolonging compound resveratrol than ordinary red wines. Why do muscadine plants produce these antioxidants? Discuss


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calumet

Definition: (noun) A long-stemmed sacred or ceremonial tobacco pipe used by certain Native American peoples.
Synonyms: peace pipe.
Usage: Among the Blackfeet warriors who advanced with the calumet of peace she recognized a brother.
Discuss

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George III Becomes King of Great Britain and Ireland (1760)

George III ascended the throne at the age of 22, during the Seven Years' War. The war had put England in financial distress, and George supported raising funds through taxation of the American colonies. This policy proved disastrous for him, as it provoked the American Revolution and led him to be blamed in part for losing the colonies. Later in life, George's mental health declined, and his son acted as regent after 1811. It has been suggested that he suffered from what hereditary disease? Discuss


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Minnie Pearl (1912)

Pearl was an American country comedienne, born Sarah Colley in Centerville, Tennessee. One of the Grand Ole Opry's most iconic performers, she appeared on the show for more than 50 years, performing routines that gently poked fun at rural Southern culture. Outfitted in styleless "down home" dresses and a hat with a price tag that dangled over its brim, she also appeared regularly on the television show Hee Haw from 1969 to 1991. On whom was the Minnie Pearl character based? Discuss


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Muscadine

Muscadine, a grapevine species native to the southeastern US, has been used in the production of port and fine wines since the 16th century. Recent reports regarding the relatively high antioxidant content of muscadine wines have boosted their popularity. In fact, these wines were found to contain more than five times the amount of the life-prolonging compound resveratrol than ordinary red wines. Why do muscadine plants produce these antioxidants? Discuss


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calumet

Definition: (noun) A long-stemmed sacred or ceremonial tobacco pipe used by certain Native American peoples.
Synonyms: peace pipe.
Usage: Among the Blackfeet warriors who advanced with the calumet of peace she recognized a brother.
Discuss

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George III Becomes King of Great Britain and Ireland (1760)

George III ascended the throne at the age of 22, during the Seven Years' War. The war had put England in financial distress, and George supported raising funds through taxation of the American colonies. This policy proved disastrous for him, as it provoked the American Revolution and led him to be blamed in part for losing the colonies. Later in life, George's mental health declined, and his son acted as regent after 1811. It has been suggested that he suffered from what hereditary disease? Discuss


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Minnie Pearl (1912)

Pearl was an American country comedienne, born Sarah Colley in Centerville, Tennessee. One of the Grand Ole Opry's most iconic performers, she appeared on the show for more than 50 years, performing routines that gently poked fun at rural Southern culture. Outfitted in styleless "down home" dresses and a hat with a price tag that dangled over its brim, she also appeared regularly on the television show Hee Haw from 1969 to 1991. On whom was the Minnie Pearl character based? Discuss


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Muscadine

Muscadine, a grapevine species native to the southeastern US, has been used in the production of port and fine wines since the 16th century. Recent reports regarding the relatively high antioxidant content of muscadine wines have boosted their popularity. In fact, these wines were found to contain more than five times the amount of the life-prolonging compound resveratrol than ordinary red wines. Why do muscadine plants produce these antioxidants? Discuss


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Minnie Pearl (1912)

Pearl was an American country comedienne, born Sarah Colley in Centerville, Tennessee. One of the Grand Ole Opry's most iconic performers, she appeared on the show for more than 50 years, performing routines that gently poked fun at rural Southern culture. Outfitted in styleless "down home" dresses and a hat with a price tag that dangled over its brim, she also appeared regularly on the television show Hee Haw from 1969 to 1991. On whom was the Minnie Pearl character based? Discuss


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have seen (one's) day

To be beyond one's prime; to be no longer useful, effective, or functional. Watch the video

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Grenada Thanksgiving Day

On October 25, 1983, the US and other Caribbean forces invaded Grenada to destabilize the Communist regime that had overthrown the government of Sir Eric Gairy in 1979. Democratic elections were held in December 1984. October 25 is observed as Thanksgiving Day, a public holiday in Grenada. Discuss


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Picture of the day for October 25, 2016

Technique of dehydration applied to a miniature foal, on display at the Brazilian Museum of Veterinary Anatomy.. Learn more.

Persian Miniatures

Persian miniatures are small paintings with themes that often depict concepts from Persian mythology and poetry. The best-known form of Persian painting in the West, miniature painting became a significant Persian art form in the 13th century, peaking in the 15th and 16th centuries. Likely influenced by the Western and Byzantine traditions of manuscript illumination, Persian miniature is characterized by the use of geometry and a vivid palette. What other culture heavily influenced the art form? Discuss


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daiquiri

Definition: (noun) An iced cocktail of rum, lime or lemon juice, and sugar.
Synonyms: rum cocktail.
Usage: They knew he was lying about being a bartender when he was unable to correctly mix a daiquiri.
Discuss

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Annie Edson Taylor, 63, Goes Over Niagara Falls in a Barrel (1901)

Taylor was a dance instructor who sought fame and fortune by attempting to become the first person to survive a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Days before her attempt, a cat was sent over the falls to test the strength of Taylor's barrel and survived the plunge uninjured. On her 63rd birthday, Taylor was set adrift in her barrel and went over the falls. Shortly thereafter, the barrel was pulled from the water and Taylor emerged—mostly unharmed. What was her lone injury? Discuss


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Sarah Josepha Buell Hale (1788)

Hale was an American writer and editor who turned to writing in 1822 as a widow trying to support her family. She edited Ladies' Magazine, the first successful US women's magazine, and then Godey's Lady's Book, with which it merged. As the first female magazine editor, she shaped many of the attitudes and ideas of women of the period. Hale is also credited with helping to make Thanksgiving a national holiday in the US. What popular nursery rhyme did she write? Discuss


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World Development Information Day

In 1972, the United Nations established World Development Information Day on October 24. The purpose of this observance is to raise awareness about world economic development and the programs devised by the UN to promote development. The date was chosen to coincide with United Nations Day and the adoption of the International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade. Discuss


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