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curare discuss | |
Definition: | (noun) A toxic alkaloid found in certain tropical South American trees that is a powerful relaxant for striated muscles. |
Synonyms: | tubocurarine |
Usage: | The arrow was usually tipped with a poison, such as curare, which would stun or kill the struck prey. |
![]() ![]() UltrarunningCompleting a traditional marathon means running a staggering 26.2 mi (42 km), but each year, more than 70,000 runners worldwide tackle an even greater challenge—the ultramarathon. Ultramarathons are races that require competitors to run hundreds, sometimes thousands of miles, often while facing severe conditions like inclement weather, changes in elevation, or rugged terrain. Events can last mere hours or span several days. What extreme location hosts "The Last Desert," a 155.3 mi (250 km) race? More... Discuss |
KamoseThe final king in a succession of rulers with increasing power, Kamose was the last king of Egypt's seventeenth dynasty. During his brief reign in the middle of the 16th century BCE, Kamose sought to extend his rule beyond Upper Egypt and Middle Egypt into Lower Egypt, which was then controlled by the Hyksos. Kamose launched military campaigns against the Hyksos, the Kushites, and the Nubians, but died in the fifth year of his reign. What happened to Kamose's mummy? More... Discuss |
![]() ![]() Isaac Singer Granted Patent for Sewing Machine (1851)Before the advent of the sewing machine, sewing was a laborious task. Singer's 1851 sewing machine patent made him a very rich man. Several other people laid claim to having invented the sewing machine, notably Elias Howe, who won a lawsuit against Singer for infringement. Nevertheless, Singer's company was already well established and was able to pool its patents with other claimants to avoid litigation. At times, Singer used alternate names to accomplish what scandalous feat? More... Discuss |
Original Apple Macintosh Computer Released (1984)Named after the McIntosh variety of apple, the original Macintosh computer was released by Apple Inc. in 1984. Using a graphical user interface and mouse instead of the then-standard command line interface, the "Mac" garnered an immediate, enthusiastic following. However, many software developers shied away from the challenge of rewriting command-driven programs, and there was little software initially available for the new system. How did Apple officially announce the Mac's launch? More... Discuss |
![]() ![]() Ross and Norris McWhirter (1925)In 1954, a few years after identical twins Norris and Ross McWhirter founded a London fact-finding agency, they met a director of the Guinness brewing company, Sir Hugh Beaver, who commissioned a compilation of world records that was intended to settle bar-room disputes. The first edition of the McWhirters' Guinness Book of Records was given to bars for free as a marketing gimmick, but the book quickly became a phenomenal success. In 1975, Ross was assassinated. Why? More... Discuss |
Frederick II of Prussia (1712)Frederick the Great was the Hohenzollern King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786 and is regarded as one of the "enlightened despots" of 18th-century Europe. He built his government as a model of efficiency and developed his state into a modern bureaucracy. Frederick was also an excellent military commander and tactician under whose leadership Prussia became a recognized power in Europe. He was well educated and maintained a turbulent friendship with what controversial philosopher and author? More... Discuss |
Reducing Salt Could Save LivesExcessive salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, which can damage arteries and lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. According to researchers, reducing people's salt intake by just 3 grams-or half a teaspoon-a day could prevent as many as 66,000 strokes, 99,000 heart attacks, and 92,000 deaths in the US each year. Furthermore, this salt reduction could save some $24 billion in health costs per year. Policies that would pressure companies to reduce the amount of salt in their processed foods are believed to be vital to reducing consumption, since much of the salt people consume each day is found in these products. More ... Discuss |
![]() ![]() Jerome K. Jerome (1859-1927) Discuss |
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