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The Marriage of the Virgin The Marriage of the Virgin, oil painting, also known as Lo Sposalizio, that was created in 1504 by Italian Renaissance artist Raphael. It was commissioned by the Albizzini family for a church in the Città del Castello outside Perugia, home to a ring believed to be that given to Mary by Joseph when... -
How Was the Liberty Bell Cracked? The Liberty Bell—a well-known symbol of freedom, originally commissioned by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly in 1751—has cracked multiple times during its history. The bell’s first crack happened almost immediately after its arrival in Philadelphia. Cast in London and delivered in 1752, the... -
How Big Is the Moon? The Moon is a spherical rocky body with a mean equatorial radius of approximately 1,738 kilometers (1,080 miles) and a diameter of roughly 3,476 kilometers (2,160 miles). In terms of mass, the Moon is relatively massive for a natural satellite, with a mass ratio compared to Earth that is larger... -
Portrait of a Man (Self Portrait?) Portrait of a Man (Self Portrait?), small oil painting on wood that was created in 1433 by Netherlandish artist Jan van Eyck. The portait, also known as Man in a Red Turban, is widely believed to depict the artist himself. Though he did not, as was long held to be true, invent oil painting, Jan... -
L’Absinthe L’Absinthe, oil painting created by French Impressionist artist Edgar Degas in 1875–76. Its shocking subject, a glimpse of real, modern life, initially met with a decidedly mixed reception. Originally called Dans un Café, it was first shown at an Impressionist exhibition in 1876, and it acquired... -
Regret minimization theory: Making peace with uncertainty Regret minimization theory is a decision-making framework that helps traders and investors navigate choices when faced with uncertainty. At its heart is a simple question: Which choice will I regret least? Instead of aiming for the best financial outcome, this approach shifts the goal to reducing... -
Carried interest and the tax loophole: Here’s how it works When it comes to controversial tax topics, carried interest and the carried interest tax loophole carry some baggage, and then some. As a concept, carried interest dates back centuries, but it’s only in the past three decades or so that it has earned its “loophole” tag in the U.S., as its use... -
Why Is New York Called the Empire State? New York is called the “Empire State” due to its historical significance, economic power, and cultural influence. The nickname is often attributed to a 1785 letter written by George Washington, in which he praised New York for its strength during the American Revolution and referred to it as “the... -
Latte vs. Cappuccino: What’s the Difference? The primary difference between a latte and a cappuccino lies in their composition and texture. A cappuccino is crafted with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk, creating a drink with a distinct layered structure. The foam is typically spooned onto the drink in dollops, giving it a... -
Lee Jae-Myung Lee Jae-Myung is the president of South Korea (2025– ), representing the left-leaning Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). He rose to power following the impeachment of Pres. Yoon Suk-Yeol, whose abrupt declaration of martial law in late 2024 plunged the country into political turmoil. Lee won the... -
What to know about having a new home built Building a house lets you create a home tailored to your needs, from selecting the floor plan to choosing the finishes. For some homebuyers, that kind of personalization is worth the months construction takes. For others, the time, cost, and possible delays make buying an existing home more... -
Why Do We Celebrate Juneteenth? Juneteenth (also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Jubilee Day) commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, the day when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed the enslaved population of their freedom—more than two... -
Who Is Yasser Abu Shabab? In the context of the Israel-Hamas War and the Gaza Strip, Yasser Abu Shabab is the leader of a Palestinian militia based in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip whose core members belong to a clan within the Tarabin Bedouin tribe, primarily known for its prominent trade network in the Sinai Peninsula... -
Gwadar port Gwadar port, deep-sea port in Pakistan at the terminal point of the bilateral China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) infrastructure program. Gwadar port’s importance lies in its strategic location for maritime commerce and naval activity. The coastal town Gwadar, in Pakistan’s western province... -
pepperoni Pepperoni, a beef and pork blend, cured with various spices and then smoked or air-dried. Because of this specific method of preparation, pepperoni is a type of salami. However, pepperoni differs from traditional salami because of its fine-grained texture, distinctive spicy flavor (a result of... -
How Was Alcohol Discovered? The origin of alcoholic beverages is shrouded in the mists of prehistory, but it is believed that fermentation occurred naturally when yeasts in the air acted on mashed sugar-rich foods such as grapes, grains, and honey. This accidental process likely led early peoples to discover alcohol, as they... -
Tituba Tituba was the first person to be accused of witchcraft during the 1692 Salem witch trials. An enslaved Indigenous American woman, she was questioned about her involvement alongside two other women, who were social outcasts in the village. Under duress, Tituba confessed to making a pact with the... -
How Long Does It Take Food to Digest? The process of food digestion typically takes between 24 and 72 hours. The precise length of time is determined primarily by the type of food consumed and individual digestive health. Digestion begins in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva. Saliva contains enzymes that initiate... -
Bernadette Peters Bernadette Peters is a prolific and award-winning American singer, actress, and author who has starred in Broadway musicals and on-screen for more than five decades. Often referred to as “The Queen of Broadway” for her dazzling vocals, sultry charisma, and humor, Peters is widely regarded as the... -
freestyle chess Freestyle chess, variation of chess in which the pieces on the first and eighth rank are placed randomly with two conditions. The pawns are placed in their usual positions on the second and seventh ranks. As in regular, or classical, chess, the black pieces are set up to mirror the white pieces;... -
How Old Was Anne Frank When She Wrote Her Diary? Anne Frank received her red-and-white plaid diary as a gift on her 13th birthday on June 12, 1942, and began writing in it that day. The diary became her confidant, a place where she could express her innermost thoughts and feelings during a time of immense uncertainty and fear: Anne, who was... -
List of Albums that Turn 50 in 2025 The year 1975 delivered a wave of groundbreaking music—a sonic explosion that rewrote the rules of rock, pop, and everything in between. From electrifying guitar solos to soulful anthems and genre-bending experiments, artists were pushing boundaries and setting new standards. It was a year when... -
How Was Pizza Invented? Pizza, as we know it today, originated centuries ago in Naples, Italy. where it was crafted as a humble dish for the working class. The classic Neapolitan pizza, known as pizza Margherita, was a thin layer of dough adorned with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil. This combination not only... -
How Do You Dispose of an American Flag? When an American flag becomes worn, tattered, or otherwise unserviceable, it should be retired with respect. The traditional method is to burn the flag in a dignified ceremony. This practice is not just about disposal; it’s a way to honor the flag’s symbolism and the values it represents. Many... -
Why Do Cats Like Boxes? Cats are drawn to boxes primarily because these enclosed spaces offer a sense of safety and comfort. By nature cats seek out small, confined spaces where they can hide from potential threats. This behavior stems from their instincts shaped in the wild, where staying out of sight helps them avoid... -
How Cold Was the Water When the Titanic Sank? On the night of April 14–15, 1912, the Titanic sank into the frigid waters of the North Atlantic. Some 1,500 people perished, and for most of the victims, the cause of death was hypothermia, not drowning. The water temperature was approximately 28 ℉ (−2 ℃), which is below the freezing point of... -
What Do Whales Eat? Whales have a diverse diet that varies significantly between species, primarily depending on whether they are baleen or toothed whales. Baleen whales, such as the blue whale and humpback whale, are filter feeders. They take in large mouthfuls of water and then use their baleen plates to trap small... -
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? Dogs eat grass for several reasons, and while the exact motivations can vary, there are a few common theories that help explain this behavior. One reason dogs might munch on grass is to fulfill certain nutritional needs. Dogs are known to eat a variety of foods, and when their diet lacks certain... -
Sanjay Gandhi Sanjay Gandhi was an Indian politician and a member of the Indian parliament. He was widely viewed as the heir apparent to his mother, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi (1966–77 and 1980–84). He was known for his controversial role in government, particularly during the Emergency (June 1975–March 1977).... -
Why Is the Huang He River Known as China’s Sorrow? The Huang He, also known as the Yellow River, is often referred to as “China’s Sorrow” due to its long history of devastating floods. The river’s lower reaches, particularly across the North China Plain, are prone to overflowing because of the heavy silt load. Since the 2nd century bce, the Huang... -
John Swinney John Swinney is a veteran pro-independence Scottish politician who became first minister of Scotland in May 2024, after a period marked by scandal and turbulence in the government. Swinney has been an at times controversial fixture of Scottish politics for virtually all of the 21st century. Swinney... -
How Was the Great Wall of China Made? The Great Wall of China was constructed using a variety of materials and techniques, evolving over centuries to become the monumental structure we recognize today. From the 7th through 4th century bce, states like Chu and Qi constructed walls to defend themselves from their rival states. After his... -
divide and rule Divide and rule, from the Latin divide et impera, a strategy of governing colonial societies by systematically separating social and cultural groups, partly because those groups may otherwise unite and overpower the colonizing power. The term is often used in the context of colonial government in... -
Why Is It Illegal to Touch a Manatee? Touching a manatee is illegal in the United States. The ban’s aim is to protect these vulnerable marine mammals from harm and stress caused by human interaction. The Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, is safeguarded under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered... -
How Many Pints of Blood Does a Human Have? A typical adult human has approximately 8 to 12 pints (about 4.5 to 6.8 liters) of blood circulating through their body. This is equivalent to roughly 7–8 percent of total body weight. Blood volume, however, varies according to factors such as age, sex, weight, and body type. In women, for example,... -
Do Snakes Sleep? Snakes do sleep, but their sleep patterns are significantly different from those of mammals and birds. Snakes, as cold-blooded reptiles, have a unique manner of sleeping that is not as easily observable as in warm-blooded animals. Unlike mammals, snakes do not have eyelids, so they cannot close... -
Rapid Support Forces Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Darfur-based paramilitary group in Sudan. The RSF was established in 2013 by the government to fight Sudanese rebels. After defeating those forces, the group grew into such a powerful and integral component of Sudan’s defenses that it came to challenge Sudan’s official... -
How Deep Is the Titanic Wreck? The wreck of the Titanic lies approximately 12,500 feet (3,810 meters)—or 2.4 miles (3.9 km)—beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. The extreme depth made discovering the ocean liner difficult. Within days of the Titanic’s sinking in 1912, talk began of finding the wreck. However, it was not... -
How Was Anne Frank Discovered? Anne Frank and her family were discovered after Dutch informers tipped off the Gestapo, who raided the family’s hiding place on August 4, 1944. The Frank family, along with four other Jewish individuals, had been hiding in a “secret annex” (concealed section) of Otto Frank’s business premises in...
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How Was Stonehenge Built? Stonehenge was constructed over six stages between 3000 and 1520 bce using a sophisticated post-and-lintel system, with massive stones transported from distant locations and arranged in a precise circular formation. The initial phase of the construction of Stonehenge (located on Salisbury Plain,... -
Why Are Boxer Dogs Called Boxers? The name Boxer is derived from the dog’s unique behavior during play and combat, which is reminiscent of a human boxer. When engaging with other dogs or even humans, Boxers are known to stand on their hind legs and use their front paws to “box” their opponent—much like a human boxer in a ring. The... -
How Much Was the Louisiana Purchase? The Louisiana Purchase transferred control of the Louisiana Territory—a vast land area extending from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains and from the Gulf of Mexico to the British North American colonies (Canada)—from France to the United States in 1803. In return for the territory, the... -
Which Ocean Is Deeper: The Atlantic or the Pacific? The Pacific Ocean is deeper than the Atlantic Ocean, both in terms of average depth and deepest point. The Pacific Ocean has a mean depth of approximately 14,040 feet (4,280 meters), and it boasts the deepest known point in the world’s oceans, the Challenger Deep, located in the Mariana Trench,... -
How Fast Was the Concorde Jet? The Concorde jet could reach a maximum cruising speed of 2,179 km (1,354 miles) per hour, or Mach 2.04 (more than twice the speed of sound). This supersonic speed allowed it to significantly reduce travel time, making it possible to fly from London to New York City in about three hours. By... -
Do Whales Sleep? Whales do sleep, but their sleep is quite different from what we typically understand as sleep in humans. Whales, like all cetaceans, have a unique way of sleeping that allows them to remain conscious enough to breathe. Unlike humans, who breathe automatically even while unconscious, whales must... -
How Big Is Saturn? Saturn is a colossal planet, with an equatorial diameter of 120,536 kilometers (74,898 miles). Saturn is the second-largest planet in the solar system, only surpassed by Jupiter. Despite its massive size, Saturn is surprisingly light for its volume. It occupies almost 60 percent of Jupiter’s volume... -
How Does a Polygraph Test Work? A polygraph test works by measuring someone’s physiological responses, which are believed to change when a person is lying. The polygraph, often referred to as a lie detector, is an instrument that records phenomena such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate. These physiological... -
How Rich Was Pablo Escobar? Pablo Escobar was one of the wealthiest individuals in the world during his time, with an estimated net worth of around $25 billion. Escobar’s wealth was primarily amassed through his leadership of the Medellín cartel, which dominated the cocaine trade in the 1980s. At its peak, the cartel was... -
Tate Modern Tate Modern, museum in London that houses a collection of modern and contemporary art from around the world. It is located close to Bankside Pier near Southwark. The museum has a curatorial system in which the art is exhibited by theme rather than by time period or original location. Tate Modern,... -
Why Is Paris Called the City of Light? There are a number of different explanations for Paris being called the “City of Light” (“la Ville Lumière”). One reason is for Paris’s historical significance as a center for education and intellectual pursuits, particularly during the Enlightenment (17th and 18th centuries). This era was marked... -
Queen Mary of Denmark Queen Mary of Denmark is the queen of Denmark and the wife of King Frederik X. She was born and grew up in Australia before becoming a princess through her marriage to Frederik André Henrik Christian, then the Crown Prince of Denmark, in May 2004. She became the world’s first Australian-born queen... -
What Is the Difference Between Silk and Satin? The terms silk and satin are often used to describe fabrics, and though the fabrics can be distinct from one another, they can also be related. That is because the terms refer to two different things. Silk fabric is named for the material it is made from—silk, a natural protein fiber produced by... -
Why Is Charlotte, North Carolina, Called the Queen City? Charlotte, North Carolina, is called the Queen City because it was named for Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III of Great Britain. The city’s name was the residents’ second attempt to find favor with the king by honoring Charlotte with a place-name. George became king in 1760, and in 1761... -
Connor McDavid Connor McDavid is widely considered one of the greatest National Hockey League (NHL) players of his generation. Known for his exceptional speed, vision, and playmaking abilities, McDavid was a first-round draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 2015 and became the team’s captain the next year. He has... -
Emancipation Park, Juneteenth, and a Recommitment to Freedom “Emancipation Park is Juneteenth.” That’s what Ramon Manning, chair of the Emancipation Park Conservancy, told me on a lazy Sunday afternoon in May 2025 at the 10-acre park in Houston’s Third Ward, a historic Black neighborhood. Juneteenth is America’s youngest national holiday. It celebrates the... -
Andy Kim Andy Kim is the first Korean American elected to the United States Senate. A Democrat from New Jersey, he waged an uphill battle in 2024 for the Senate seat, taking on the state’s first lady and the Democratic Party’s political machine in the primary, before winning the general election over... -
How Big Is Pluto? Pluto’s diameter, 2,370 km (1,473 miles), is less than half that of Mercury (4,880 km [3,032 miles]) and only about two-thirds the size of Earth’s Moon (3,474 km [2,159 miles]. Pluto is thus significantly smaller than any of the planets in the solar system and more comparable in size to some of the... -
Tyrese Haliburton Tyrese Haliburton is an American basketball player who in 2025 led the Indiana Pacers to the NBA Finals. A 6-foot 5-inch (1.96-meter) point guard, he is known for playing the game at a frenetic pace and for being an expert, selfless passer, earning him comparisons to legendary guard Steve Nash.... -
Midjourney Midjourney, generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool that creates images from user-generated text prompts. It can produce images in a photorealistic, painterly, cinematic, or surrealistic style. Midjourney, Inc., was founded in San Francisco in August 2021 by entrepreneur David Holz, who had... -
How Long Does a Patent Last? A patent typically lasts 20 years from the filing date of the application. This standard duration is common around the world, providing inventors with time to benefit from their creations before they enter the public domain. The two-decade term aims to balance inventors’ rights with the broader... -
Does Perfume Expire? Yes, perfume can indeed expire. Perfumes are complex mixtures of various ingredients, including essential oils, alcohol, and other compounds. Over time, these components can break down, leading to changes in the fragrance. The alcohol in perfumes (known as ethyl alcohol, or ethanol) acts as a... -
What Happens if the President Dies? If the president of the United States dies, the vice president immediately assumes the office of president. The Twenty-fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1967, clearly outlines the process of presidential succession, codifying what had been a traditional practice. The amendment... -
How Many Eyes Does a Spider Have? Spiders typically have eight eyes, although some species may have fewer. The number and arrangement of eyes can be a distinguishing feature among different spider families. For example, the jumping spiders of family Salticidae have incredible eyesight and can perceive the full spectrum of color and... -
How Big Is Jupiter? Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system, with an equatorial diameter of about 143,000 kilometers (88,900 miles), which is more than 11 times the diameter of Earth. The planet’s sheer volume and mass are so great that it could contain all the other planets in the solar system combined.... -
Delaware Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying ProCon Debate: Should Medical Aid in Dying Be Legal? ProCon Issue in the News: On May 20, 2025, Delaware became the 12th U.S. jurisdiction to legalize medical aid in dying (MAID), also called death with dignity, physician-assisted suicide, and assisted suicide. Gov. Matt Meyer stated, “We’re... -
Monk by the Sea Monk by the Sea, painting in oil on canvas created by German artist Caspar David Friedrich between 1808 and 1810. Its depiction of a man dwarfed by the starkness and magnitude of nature captures the loneliness of the human condition and the mystery and enormity of the surrounding universe. For most... -
Chicxulub crater Chicxulub crater, impact crater located off the Yucatán Peninsula of present-day Mexico. It is named for the nearby town of Chicxulub Puerto. The 180-km- (110-mile-) wide crater was formed by an asteroid impact about 66 million years ago at the end of the Cretaceous Period. The impact and resulting... -
eruv Eruv, in Judaism, a demarcated boundary that permits Jews to carry or push objects outside of the home when observing the Sabbath (Hebrew: Shabbat, from shavat, “cease,” or “desist”). Within an eruv, which is typically made of string and wire and constructed around a neighborhood, Jews observing...
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Hailee Steinfeld Hailee Steinfeld is an American actress who was nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actress as a 14-year-old for her commanding debut performance as the fast-talking Mattie Ross in the Coen brothers’ western True Grit (2010). She has since appeared in a diverse array of movies and television... -
Rashid Johnson Rashid Johnson is an American multimedia artist whose work explores the anxieties of the modern world, intellectual and artistic lineages, and the African American experience. Early in his career Johnson was acclaimed for his portrait photography, which was at times laced with slyly humorous social...
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Why Is Chicago Called the “Second City”? Chicago is called the “Second City” due to a combination of historical and cultural factors, primarily stemming from its rivalry with New York City and the name of a book by A.J. Liebling, who coined the term in the 1950s. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Chicago was in fierce competition... -
Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails? Dogs wag their tails primarily as a form of communication, allowing them to express a range of emotions. Tail wagging in dogs is a complex behavior that allows them to convey happiness, excitement, or even nervousness to other dogs or humans. The nature of the emotion can often be determined by the... -
Why Are Maine Coon Cats So Big? Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds and North America’s only native breed of longhaired domestic cat. Although their origins are unknown, they were first shown in Boston in the 1870s. Weighing up to 22 pounds (10 kg), Maine Coons are muscular and heavy-boned and may have been... -
Artificial Intelligence Act Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), European Union (EU) legislation that seeks to improve EU citizens’ experience, privacy, and safety when using artificial intelligence (AI). The act places limitations on corporations and other entities that use AI in sharing or gathering information, and it... -
Why Are Black Cats Unlucky? Black cats are considered unlucky in some cultures because of superstitious beliefs that have been passed down over time. These beliefs were especially prevalent in Europe and the Americas between the 14th and 18th centuries, when black cats were often implicated in witchcraft activities during... -
Warner Music Group Warner Music Group (WMG) is an American multinational music and entertainment company headquartered in New York City. It was founded by Warner Bros. film studios in 1958 as a strategic hedge to prevent its artists from recording with rival labels. Over the decades, WMG rapidly became one of the... -
Kemalism Kemalism, the political, economic, and social principles advocated by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and designed to create a modern republican secular Turkish state out of a portion of the Ottoman Empire. Mustafa Kemal’s guiding principle in setting out the early policy agenda of Turkey (Türkiye) was the... -
Dharmendra Dharmendra is a veteran Indian actor known for his work in Bollywood. Especially noted for his powerful dialogue delivery and ability to portray a wide range of characters, Dharmendra was counted among Bollywood’s reigning stars in the 1960s and ’70s. He is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan (2012),... -
adult contemporary music Adult contemporary music, a style of music that blends elements of pop with soft rock, folk rock, smooth soul, and other genres such as jazz, country, and rhythm and blues (R&B). A popular radio format, adult contemporary music is known for its easy-flowing rhythms, gentle instrumentation, vocal... -
How Long Was the Ice Age? The most recent major ice age, known as the Great Ice Age or Pleistocene Epoch, spanned approximately 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago. Extensive ice sheets and glaciers formed and retreated in a series of glacial and interglacial cycles during this epoch, shaping much of the Earth’s surface as we... -
How Long Was Odysseus Gone? Odysseus was gone from his kingdom of Ithaca for a total of 20 years. The first 10 years of his absence were spent fighting in the Trojan War. This legendary conflict, chronicled by Homer in the Iliad, was sparked by the seduction of the Spartan queen Helen by the Trojan prince Paris and saw... -
Why Is It Called the Cold War? The term “Cold War” is used to describe the period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies after World War II. The Cold War was unique in that it did not involve direct military confrontation between the U.S.-led Western bloc and the... -
Lagaan Lagaan, Bollywood film released in 2001, remarkable for its rousing depiction of anticolonial resistance by Indian villagers who humble their British overlords in a cricket match. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and starring Aamir Khan (also the producer), Lagaan (“Land Tax”) was nominated for the... -
Germaine Dulac Germaine Dulac was a French filmmaker known for her impressionistic and experimental silent films, including The Smiling Madame Beudet (1923) and The Seashell and the Clergyman (1928). Dulac’s father was a brigadier general who held posts in different parts of France, and her mother entered a... -
ponderosa pine Ponderosa pine, (Pinus ponderosa), species of large, North Americapine tree noted for its soft, easily worked wood. It is the most widely distributed American pine, found in the mountain forests of western North America from British Columbia to North Dakota and south to Texas and Mexico. The... -
How Was Saddam Hussein Killed? After Saddam Hussein was captured in 2003 during the Iraq War, he was tried before an Iraqi tribunal and convicted. In November 2006 the tribunal found him guilty of crimes against humanity, which included willful killing, illegal imprisonment, deportation, and torture. He was sentenced to death by... -
How Long Were the Dark Ages? The term “Dark Ages” has previously been used to describe the period in European history spanning from the fall of the Western Roman Empire about 476 ce to approximately 1000 ce. Today this period is rarely called the Dark Ages by historians because of the value judgment it implies. Though... -
fast Fourier transform Fast Fourier transform (FFT), an algorithm for calculating the discrete Fourier transform (DFT), which reduces the number of computations needed for an N-point transform from N2 to N log2(N). FFTs have applications in electrical engineering, digital signal processing, neural networks, and radio... -
How Rich Was John D. Rockefeller? At the time of his death in 1937, John D. Rockefeller was worth an estimated $1.4 billion—a staggering sum that equaled roughly 1.5% of the U.S. economy as measured by the gross domestic product (GDP). In GDP terms, his wealth would be worth $435 billion in 2025 dollars—more than any living... -
What Is the Difference Between Cotton and Polyester? Cotton and polyester can both be made into fabrics, but they are otherwise very different. Cotton is a natural fiber harvested from the seed-hair of cotton plants. Polyester, on the other hand, is a synthetic polymer made from a chemical reaction between an organic alcohol and a carboxylic acid,...
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What Is a Visa, and How Does It Differ from a Passport? A visa is a supplement to a passport, usually in the form of a stamp, sticker, or insert and sometimes as a separate document. It represents a national government’s official approval of a foreign individual’s presence and specified activity in the country (such as tourism, work, or study), usually... -
Dorothy Kilgallen Dorothy Kilgallen was an American journalist and TV personality whose work ranged from covering high-profile murder cases to appearing on television quiz shows. She was investigating the assassination of Pres. John F. Kennedy when she died of what was reported as an accidental drug and alcohol... -
Who Has Won the Career Grand Slam in Golf? In modern men’s professional golf, the four major tournaments are the Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and British Open (Open Championship). A player who wins all four trophies over multiple years is said to have achieved a career Grand Slam. (In 1930, before the modern era, American golfer... -
Why Is Benjamin Franklin on the Hundred Dollar Bill? Benjamin Franklin appears on the $100 bill not because he was a president—he wasn’t—but because of the role he played in shaping America’s identity, economy, and institutions. His presence on one of the most widely recognized denominations of U.S. currency is a tribute to his many contributions as... -
Producer vs. Consumer: What’s the Difference? In economics, producers and consumers play essential roles in how resources are used and exchanged. A producer is an individual or organization that creates something others can buy, including manufacturers, farmers, and service providers such as teachers or doctors. Producers use inputs—the basic... -
Félix Tshisekedi Félix Tshisekedi is a Congolese politician who has served as the fifth president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since 2019. Tshisekedi was born to Congolese politician Étienne Tshisekedi and his wife, Marthe Kasalu Jibikila. Étienne Tshisekedi held multiple high-ranking positions in... -
How Did the Ivy League Get Its Name? The term “Ivy League” originated from a combination of historical traditions and a sportswriter’s creative flair. The association with “ivy” likely comes from a 19th-century tradition known as “planting the ivy.” This ceremony involved students, usually graduating seniors, planting ivy—a symbol of... -
Why Is It Called the Mandela Effect? The Mandela effect is named after former South African president Nelson Mandela due to a widespread but false memory about his death. The term was coined by Fiona Broome, a paranormal researcher, after she discovered in 2009 that she and many others shared a vivid, yet incorrect, memory of Mandela... -
ice storm Ice storm, weather event characterized by rain freezing on contact with cold surfaces that results in ice accumulations of 6.35 mm (0.25 inch) or more on those surfaces. It can cause ice to build up on roads, vehicles, and residences and other structures as well as on trees and electric power... -
Why Is the Vigil Before a Burial Called a Wake? A wake is a religious rite that traditionally involves mourners staying awake to watch over the body of a deceased person the night before the person’s burial. The term wake has its roots in ancient customs, particularly in the British Isles. The original purpose of a wake was rooted in the belief... -
How Long Does It Take for Plastic to Decompose? Conventional plastics are not biodegradable and often take hundreds of years to break down. Plastics are primarily made from synthetic polymers derived from petroleum, which are designed to resist natural decay processes and thus persist in the environment for extended periods. Unlike organic... -
Why Do Catholics Pray to Mary? Mary, the mother of Jesus, is venerated by Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians because they view her as a significant intercessor and a spiritual mother in their faith. In Roman Catholic belief, Mary holds a special place in heaven and serves as a “mediatrix” between God and humanity, meaning... -
List of NBA Players with the Most Championships Which NBA player has won the most titles? The answer is legendary center Bill Russell, who won 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics: 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, and 1969. His final two titles came when he was both player and coach. Russell’s teammates are... -
U.S.–China trade war The U.S.–China trade war has become one of the defining economic conflicts of the 21st century. Launched in 2018 during Donald J. Trump’s first presidential term, the dispute began with American tariffs on Chinese goods. These actions were presented as a response to unfair trade practices that had... -
Volume-weighted average price (VWAP): A versatile technical indicator for pros and day traders When it comes to stock market analysis, few indicators offer as much insight into intraday price dynamics and execution quality as the volume-weighted average price (VWAP). Used widely by institutional traders (such as hedge funds and professional money managers) as well as day-to-day technical... -
Why Do Mosquitoes Drink Blood? Female mosquitoes drink blood to produce viable eggs. The proteins and iron in blood are essential for mosquito egg maturation, meaning that a blood meal is a crucial part of their reproductive cycle. Different species of mosquitoes show host preferences and, in many cases, have narrow restrictions... -
Means testing: Assessing your ability to pay If you’re going through a rough financial patch, you may qualify for help through government assistance or bankruptcy relief, but you’ll likely need to pass a means test first. Means testing is the process of reviewing your income and assets. Government programs use it to ensure benefits go to... -
How to use SMART goals in your personal finance SMART is a goal-setting framework that helps you define clear, achievable objectives. Although it’s often used to measure employee performance in the workplace, it can be a useful tool for managing your finances. An acronym, SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and... -
Saver, spender, sharer, investor, or gambler: What’s your money personality type? Self-awareness is a wonderful thing. When you know yourself, you’re more likely to make choices that bring you positive results—and that includes making decisions about your money. We each have a money personality type that influences how we feel about money and how we manage it. By getting a... -
Insider transaction reports: What stock deals can tell you about a company Wish you were a fly on the wall when executives make decisions about their company’s future? You can be, in a way. By reviewing insider transactions, you can gain insight into how key stakeholders, especially those in the C-suite, view the company’s outlook. By reading Securities and Exchange... -
How Was Islam Founded? Islam was promulgated by the Prophet Muhammad in Arabia in the 7th century ce. According to tradition, Muhammad received a revelation from the angel Gabriel at the age of 40, marking the beginning of his role as a prophet in the legacy of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and others. The revelations continued... -
Nirmala Sitharaman Nirmala Sitharaman (born August 18, 1959, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India) is an Indian politician and economist who was first appointed as the minister of finance and minister of corporate affairs in the central government in May 2019, becoming the country’s first woman to hold either position full... -
Why Are Some U.S. States Called Commonwealths? Four U.S. states are officially known as commonwealths because their constitutions use that term. So why did the writers of those constitutions make that choice? Because the word commonwealth has traditionally referred to a political community founded on law for the common good—and that was an... -
Why Are the Olympics Held Every Four Years? The Olympic Games are held every four years to honor their origins and maintain a tradition that dates back to ancient Greece. The original Olympic Games, which began in 776 bce, were held every four years in Olympia, Greece, as part of a religious festival honoring Zeus. The Games occupied such an... -
What’s the Difference Between Coffee and Tea? Coffee and tea, two of the world’s most beloved beverages, differ significantly in their origins and cultivation. Coffee is brewed from the roasted and ground seeds of the coffee plant, primarily Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora, which thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. These plants... -
Massive Tomes: 10 of the World’s Longest Novels If you’re a book lover, you’ve probably been asked the eternal bookworm’s question: If you were stranded on a desert island, which book would you want by your side? Would you want a beach read to peruse as you sit on the sand and scan the horizon for rescue? Or a beginner’s guide to survival... -
Why Is a Dollar Called a Buck? The word buck as a term for the U.S. dollar dates back to the 1700s, when deer hides, or buckskins, were often used in trade on the American frontier. Settlers and traders in sparsely populated regions relied on bartering, and buckskins were durable, valuable, and widely accepted. Some of the... -
leukapheresis Leukapheresis, the separation and collection of white blood cells (leukocytes) from other blood components, including red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Leukapheresis is a type of therapeutic apheresis, in which excess, often abnormal blood cells are removed from the body; it is used...
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addiction recovery Addiction recovery, process through which individuals overcome dependency on substances or compulsive behaviors and work toward building a healthy, stable life. Addiction recovery is a long-term journey of physical, emotional, and psychological healing. Experts often divide the process into five... -
Why Is St. Patrick’s Day Celebrated on March 17th? St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17 because, according to legend, it marks the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. St. Patrick, originally from Roman Britain, was kidnapped, enslaved, and brought to Ireland at the age of 16. After escaping and making his way back to Britain,... -
Why Is Utah Called the Beehive State? Utah is called the Beehive State because the beehive is a symbol of industry and hard work, which are values deeply rooted in the state’s history and culture. The beehive symbol is derived from the sacred Book of Mormon, where “Deseret” means “honeybee.” This term was used by the early Mormon... -
AI-Generated Summer Reading List Features Fake Books ProCon Debate: Is Artificial Intelligence Good for Society? ProCon Issue in the News: In May 2025 several U.S. newspapers, including the Chicago Sun-Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer, published an AI-generated summer reading list that featured 10 fake books. Writer Marco Buscaglia claimed... -
Frank Abagnale, Jr. Frank Abagnale, Jr. is an American author, former con artist, and financial security consultant. He became a household name after the 1980 publication of his memoir, Catch Me If You Can: The True Story of a Real Fake, which tells the story of Abagnale’s various fraudulent activities throughout the... -
Elisabetta Sirani Elisabetta Sirani was a painter of the Baroque period, among the most famed Bolognese artists during her lifetime. Notably, she painted large-scale historical subjects during an era in which female artists were often relegated to the less prestigious genres of portraiture and still life. Sirani... -
peace lily Peace lily, (genus Spathiphyllum), genus of about 40 to 60 species of flowering plants, native to tropical regions and sometimes considered a symbol of peace and tranquility. The name is often used specifically for Spathiphyllum wallisii, a popular houseplant. The common name has been attributed to... -
Ilia Malinin What is undeniable about American figure skater Ilia Malinin is that he has achieved athletic feats in his sport that many thought impossible. He was the first and, as of 2025, the only athlete to land a quadruple axel—the hardest jump in skating—in competition (2022). He also was the first...
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RedNote RedNote, Chinese e-commerce and lifestyle app that gained unexpected popularity when a ban of the popular short-form content app TikTok seemed imminent in the United States. The large number of “TikTok refugees” who made their way onto RedNote led to it briefly holding the top spot in both Apple’s... -
How does a country become a member of NATO? The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, commonly referred to as NATO, was created in 1949 by 12 countries as a military alliance between North America and Europe to protect its members against attack. Since its inception in the wake of World War II, the alliance has grown to 32 countries, with... -
Los Angeles wildfires of 2025 Los Angeles wildfires of 2025, series of wildfires that scorched parts of the Los Angeles region in January to early February 2025. The episode was marked by the emergence of two major conflagrations—the Pacific Palisades Fire (also known as the Palisades Fire) and the Eaton Fire—and several other... -
molar mass Molar mass, the mass of a substance in grams of one mole of that substance. A mole is a standard scientific unit for measuring large quantities of very small entities, such as atoms, molecules, or other specified particles. The mole designates an extremely large number of units, 6.02214076 × 1023.... -
Jupiter and Io Jupiter and Io, oil painting created by Italian Renaissance artist Correggio about 1530 as part of a series depicting the loves of the Roman god Jupiter as described in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. These painting were commissioned by Federigo Gonzaga II, duke of Mantua, and Jupiter and Io may have been... -
Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games The Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games were an international athletic competition held in Pyeongchang county, South Korea, from February 9 to 25, 2018. It was the 23rd occurrence of the Winter Olympic Games, the first Winter Games hosted by South Korea, and the second Olympic event hosted by the... -
Portrait of Fritza Riedler Portrait of Fritza Riedler, oil painting by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt that was created in 1906 and is regarded as among his most successful works. Noted mechanical engineer Alois Riedler commissioned Klimt to paint this majestic portrait of his wife, and, after the death of both Alois and Fritza... -
Procession of the Magi Procession of the Magi, frescoes that cover the east, south, and west walls of the main room of the chapel in the Medici-Riccardi Palace in Florence, Italy, and were painted by early Italian Renaissance artist Benozzo Gozzoli in 1459–60. These complex and detailed paintings are considered Gozzoli’s... -
ProCon’s Free Summer School ProCon’s 2025 Summer School is a perfect way for students and nonstudents alike to complete a rewarding summer project. Learn about diverse social and cultural issues while honing your critical thinking skills. Upon successfully finishing the program, you can receive a certificate of completion,... -
Rapunzel Rapunzel, fairy tale about a young woman who is locked away in a tower and falls in love with a prince who visits her by climbing up her extremely long hair. The story appears in Grimm’s Fairy Tales, a collection of German folk stories published by the Brothers Grimm in the 19th century. Many other... -
Darryl Strawberry Darryl Strawberry is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) player who burst onto the scene in the 1980s with seemingly limitless potential. Despite being Rookie of the Year and named to eight All-Star teams, his career was marred by drug addiction, legal problems, and injuries. Strawberry was born... -
Neom Neom, futuristic, high-tech planned mega-project in Saudi Arabia designed to harness technology, sustainability, and development to diversify the country’s oil-dependent economy. It is the cornerstone of the Vision 2030 project proposed by Mohammed bin Salman, the son of King Salman (2015– ) who... -
mechanical ventilation Mechanical ventilation, the use of an automated machine to move air in and out of the lungs, doing the work of breathing for patients who have stopped breathing or whose breathing is sporadic. Mechanical ventilation machines keep the airways open, allowing for the continual exchange of oxygen and... -
Tottenham Hotspur FC Tottenham Hotspur FC, English men’s football (soccer) team that competes in the English Premier League, the country’s top-tier men’s football league. The club is based in the Tottenham area of North London’s Haringey borough. It is one of seven Premier League clubs based in London. Since 2019, the... -
Korean drama Korean drama, television series in the Korean language originating in South Korea. First produced in the 1950s, Korean drama series have since garnered a robust global fan base. The shows are especially noted for their evocative narratives, nuanced characterizations, and cinematography. The... -
Muscovy duck Muscovy duck, (Cairina moschata), species of large perching duck belonging to the family Anatidae of the order Anseriformes. Male Muscovy ducks are the largest ducks in the world. Unlike other duck species the Muscovy duck does not descend from the mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos). It is native to... -
The Matrix The Matrix, groundbreaking science-fiction film, released in 1999. The Matrix was written and directed by Lilly and Lana Wachowski, and it stars Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, and Hugo Weaving. The film’s innovative visual effects and seminal plot that questions the nature of... -
Kevin Warsh Kevin Warsh is a former member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors (the Fed) and served as an economic policy adviser to President George W. Bush. He is considered a front-runner to succeed Fed Chair Jerome Powell when his term ends in 2026. Warsh grew up in the Albany suburb of Loudonville,... -
Jaish-e-Mohammed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Islamist militant group, founded in Pakistan in 2000 by Masood Azhar, primarily known for its armed insurgency against Indian troops in the Kashmir region. The group is designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations and several countries, including India, the... -
Naomi Wolf Naomi Wolf is a celebrated feminist writer whose groundbreaking work in the 1990s, including The Beauty Myth, gained her popular acclaim and occasional critical scrutiny. In 2019 serious questions about her scholarship led to the cancellation of the publication of one of her books. She has since... -
technical breakout In financial markets, a technical breakout takes place when the price of an asset—a stock, commodity, or cryptocurrency, for example—moves decisively above a resistance level or below a support level. These breakouts are often accompanied by a surge in trading volume and may signal a continuation... -
Overton window Overton window, political model describing the range of policies considered acceptable by the majority of a population at a particular time. The concept of the Overton window was developed in the 1990s by Joseph Overton, a libertarian political scientist. The model portrays a spectrum of positions,... -
Cuba Certified as a “Not Fully Cooperating Country” by United States ProCon Debate: Should the United States Maintain Its Embargo Against Cuba? ProCon Issue in the News: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio certified Cuba as a “not fully cooperating country” on May 13, 2025. The designation means that the U.S. Department of State has determined that Cuba “did not... -
convolution Convolution, a mathematical operation performed on two functions that yields a function that is a combination of the two original functions. Convolutions have been used in mathematics since the 18th century, but the term convolution was first used to describe the concept in 1934 by mathematician... -
American craft beer revolution American craft beer revolution, term commonly used to describe the foundation, growth, and proliferation of independent and artisanal breweries (producers of so-called craft beer) in the United States, a process that began in the 1960s and continued into the 21st century. Before the passage of the... -
Nikole Hannah-Jones Nikole Hannah-Jones is a long-form narrative journalist for The New York Times Magazine and a professor at Howard University. Hannah-Jones created The 1619 Project for The New York Times Magazine as an immersive exploration of American slavery and its lasting impact on U.S. society. Published to... -
Cooper Flagg Cooper Flagg is an American basketball power forward who is expected to be the first selection in the 2025 NBA draft. Standing 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 meters) tall with a 7-foot (2.13-meter) wingspan, Flagg is known for his well-rounded game, especially his shot-blocking and playmaking abilities. In... -
Examination of Country Magistrates Examination of Country Magistrates, watercolor painting that was created by an unknown artist during the Qing dynasty in China and that dates from about 1700–20. It is held by the Bibliothèque Nationale de France in Paris. The Qing dynasty, which was established in 1644, retained all the protocols... -
Liane Moriarty Liane Moriarty is an Australian author known for her contemporary fiction that often explores the complexities of relationships, buried secrets, and the emotional intricacies of everyday life. Her work typically features compelling characters, witty dialogue, and suspenseful storytelling grounded... -
Fruit and Insects Fruit and Insects, oil painting by Dutch artist Rachel Ruysch, that, together with Basket of Flowers, was commissioned by her patron, Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz, and was created in 1711. The paintings were a gift for Cosimo III, grand duke of Tuscany, and hang in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence,... -
The Flower Thrower The Flower Thrower, one of the most iconic and best-known pieces of stencil art by enigmatic British graffiti artist Banksy. Reportedly first created in 1999 in London, The Flower Thrower, which is also known as Rage and as Love is in the Air, most famously appeared as a large mural on a wall in... -
Jana Gana Mana Jana Gana Mana, national anthem of India, written in Sanskritized form of Bengali (called Sadhubhasa) by polymath and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It is the first stanza of Tagore’s poem “Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata,” (in Bengali; translated by Tagore with the title “The Morning Song of India”).... -
Fortune Fortune is an American business magazine, known for its in-depth reporting and for its annual ranking of America’s biggest companies, the Fortune 500. Fortune published its first issue in 1930, several months after the onset of the Great Depression. It was the brainchild of publisher Henry Luce.... -
List of 10 Old Wives’ Tales Old wives’ tales are traditional beliefs that are not based on fact. They are a form of superstition or cultural folklore, often incorporating handed-down beliefs about health and medicine. Such stories and pieces of advice were likely exchanged in all periods of human history. The phrase old... -
geographical indication Geographical indication, sign designating a product derived from a specific geographic area and often denoting an item’s reputed quality and regionally specific characteristics. A geographical indication, or GI, typically takes the form of the place name associated with the product’s site of... -
How the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protects your job Needing time away from work can cause real anxiety, especially when it’s because you or someone close to you is facing a serious health issue. Whether it’s surgery, childbirth, or a chronic condition, stepping away can leave you wondering if you’re putting your job in jeopardy. The Family and... -
Madagascar hissing cockroach Madagascar hissing cockroach, (Gromphadorhina portentosa), large species of cockroach known for its ability to make hissing sounds. The insect is one of the largest of all cockroach species (the largest being the South American Megaloblatta longipennis) and is endemic to Madagascar. Like most other... -
Mia Goth Mia Goth is an English actress best known for her roles in dark and disturbing auteur-directed films such as Lars von Trier’s Nymphomaniac: Volume II (2013), Stephen Fingleton’s The Survivalist (2015), and Ti West’s X horror trilogy (X [2022], Pearl [2022], and MaXXXine [2024]). Goth was born in... -
history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo History of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a survey of notable events and people in the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, focusing on the events from the 15th century up to the present day. Located in Central Africa, the country has a 25-mile (40-km) coastline on the Atlantic... -
Drug Enforcement Administration Ends Body Camera Use ProCon Debate: Should Law Enforcement Agents Wear Body Cameras? ProCon Issue in the News: The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) ended body camera use as of April 2, 2025, according to an internal email obtained by ProPublica. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which oversees the DEA,... -
Guru Purnima Guru Purnima, a festival observed in India, Nepal, and Bhutan to honor spiritual and academic teachers and mentors. It is celebrated on a full-moon day (purnima) during the Hindu lunar calendar month of Ashadha (June–July). The term guru means a spiritual teacher or guide. Hindus, Buddhists, and... -
aphantasia Aphantasia, inability to create mental imagery during cognition. The word aphantasia is derived from the combination of the Greek word phantasia, meaning “imagination,” and the prefix a-, meaning “without.” The term was coined in 2015 by British neurologist Adam Zeman. Aphantasia affects between... -
Ruskin Bond Ruskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent, known for his extensive body of work in English, which includes The Room on the Roof (1956) and A Flight of Pigeons (1978). Over a career spanning more than six decades, he has written about 500 short stories, articles, essays, and novels. His... -
Timeline of the India-Pakistan Conflict After a century-long struggle for freedom, India and Pakistan won independence from British colonial rule at midnight on August 14–15, 1947. This freedom, however, was bittersweet: while it paved the way for two newly independent countries to forge their own paths, it also brought with it the pain... -
AIDS Memorial Quilt The AIDS Memorial Quilt is an artistic endeavor meant to honor, remember, and celebrate those who died of HIV and AIDS-related diseases in the United States, and it is considered to be the largest community arts project in history. The quilt is made up of nearly 50,000 hand-sewn panels, each... -
Paul Goldschmidt Paul Goldschmidt is an American slugging first baseman who rose from being a relatively unknown professional baseball prospect to being named, at age 35, the 2022 Most Valuable Player of Major League Baseball’s (MLB’s) National League (NL). At 6 feet 2 inches (1.9 meters) tall and 225 pounds (102... -
Rashida Jones Rashida Jones is an American actress, writer, and producer known for her roles in such TV shows as Parks and Recreation, Boston Public, and The Office. She is the daughter of legendary songwriter and Grammy Award-winning producer Quincy Jones and actress Peggy Lipton. Rashida Jones grew up in the... -
Children’s Day Children’s Day, any of the various holidays in honor of children that are celebrated on different dates in countries throughout the world. In general, Children’s Day festivities promote children’s human rights and welfare, recognize children’s contributions to society, and celebrate the joys of... -
Duolingo Duolingo, application known for its gamified approach to language learning, its wide accessibility, and its cast of quirky characters, which include Duo the owl. Duolingo is the most popular language-learning app worldwide, with more than 100 million monthly users. Its popularity can be attributed...
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Shirley Caesar Shirley Caesar is an American gospel singer and Pentecostal pastor who is often called the “First Lady of Gospel.” She is known for her powerful vocals and for weaving short sermons into her songs. Her recordings have garnered many Grammy Awards and Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association.... -
Ebenezer Baptist Church Ebenezer Baptist Church, Baptist church located in Atlanta, noteworthy as the church where Martin Luther King, Jr., and members of his family worshipped and led. Known as “America’s freedom church,” Ebenezer Baptist served as a gathering and organizing place during the American civil rights... -
Wagah-Attari border Wagah-Attari border, only legal land transit point between India and Pakistan. On the Indian side the border is located in Attari, a village about 19 miles (30 km) from Amritsar, Punjab. On the Pakistani side it lies in Wagah, a village located 15 miles (24 km) from Lahore. The border falls on the... -
Robert Eggers Robert Eggers is an American filmmaker known for writing and directing The Witch (2015), The Lighthouse (2019), The Northman (2022), and Nosferatu (2024). Eggers has been praised for his stylistic take on period horror and drama and for drawing on themes from folklore in his films. At a young age,... -
Asim Munir Asim Munir is a Pakistani military officer who has served as the chief of Army Staff of Pakistan since November 2022. An intelligence veteran, he has also served as the director general of Military Intelligence (MI) and the director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the country’s... -
shea butter Shea butter, edible fat made from the seeds of shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa; family Sapotaceae) fruit. Shea butter is used in cosmetics, as a skin moisturizer, and as a cooking oil. It is also thought to have medicinal properties. The shea tree is indigenous to the dry savannah region of West and... -
Blake Lively Blake Lively is an American actress who first garnered attention for her role in the coming-of-age comedy-drama The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005). She then became a star with her portrayal of “It” girl Serena van der Woodsen in the TV series Gossip Girl (2007–12), about the scandalous... -
The Terminator The Terminator, an American science-fiction, action-adventure film, released in 1984. It was directed and cowritten by James Cameron and stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as the titular Terminator, a nearly indestructible humanoid cyborg assassin sent back in time from the year 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah... -
2006 Mumbai train bombings 2006 Mumbai train bombings, terror attack in the form of serial blasts carried out on the Suburban Railway network (often referred to as “local trains”) in Mumbai on July 11, 2006. Seven coordinated explosions occurred on local trains over roughly 11 minutes during the evening rush hour, killing... -
India-Pakistan conflict In August 1947 the Indian Independence Movement culminated in the end of British rule over the Indian subcontinent. However, the ecstasy of freedom was attended by the agony of partition, in which India and Pakistan were created as separate countries. The partition was engineered by Lord... -
Station Eleven Station Eleven, novel by Emily St. John Mandel, published in 2014. Mandel’s fourth novel, Station Eleven tells the story of a devastating flu pandemic and the postapocalyptic world order forged by the pandemic’s survivors. As befits a novel concerned with mortality, grief, and resilience, Station...
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Disability Rights Movement Timeline Most people know someone with a disability. The statistics bear that out. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about a quarter of Americans have some sort of disability. Worldwide, the World Health Organization estimates that 1.3 billion people, or 16 percent,... -
The Condottiere The Condottiere, one of the most striking portraits by Italian painter Antonello da Messina, created in 1475 and now hanging in the Louvre, Paris. Originally one of several paintings by Messina titled Portrait of a Man, this portrait later came to be called The Condottiere. The identity of the... -
Michael Connelly Michael Connelly is doing what he has long wanted to do: writing crime novels. It was his aspiration as a college student, and, more than 40 books (not to mention movie and television adaptations) later, he has created some of the 21st century’s most iconic crime fighters, including Hieronymus... -
Why Hasn’t There Been an American Pope? The election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the first American pope in the history of the Roman Catholic Church surprised many Vatican watchers, who had wondered if a U.S. passport would forever be disqualifying for the papacy. The answer as to why there hadn’t been an American pontiff... -
The Descent from the Cross The Descent from the Cross, an early oil painting by Northern Renaissance artist Rogier van der Weyden that is not only a supreme example of the Early Netherlandish tradition but also an extremely influential work that is regarded as the artist’s most accomplished piece. It was created about... -
Boy with a Basket of Fruit Boy with a Basket of Fruit, early oil painting by Italian artist Caravaggio, created about 1593. At the time of the painting, Caravaggio was an apprentice in the workshop of Mannerist artist Cavaliere D’Arpino in Rome. The model for the boy in the painting was Caravaggio’s friend, Sicilian painter... -
turret spider Turret spider, (Atypoides riversi), species of small burrowing spider endemic to California, one of the best-known folding-door spiders. The turret spider inhabits shady slopes and banks in forests of northern and central California west of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is reclusive, rarely... -
Leonard Leo Leonard Leo is an influential American advocate and fundraiser for conservative legal causes and is cochair of the Federalist Society. He played key roles in helping Republican presidents select conservative judges to nominate to the U.S. Supreme Court, including Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel A.... -
Jayne Mansfield In the 1950s no American actress epitomized the archetype of the “blonde bombshell” better than Jayne Mansfield, with the exception of Marilyn Monroe. Sometimes promoted as Monroe’s rival by their film studio, Twentieth Century–Fox, Mansfield rocketed to fame as a gifted comedic actress in movies... -
princely state Princely state, nominally autonomous territory in colonial India, subject to indirect rule by the East India Company and, after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, by the British crown. British-controlled India was divided into provinces, which were directly administered by colonial authorities, and...