Jacaranda in Spring (My Art Collection)

Jacaranda in Spring (My Art Collection)

From RX List: spiders slideshow: black widow vs brown recluse

spiders slideshow: black widow vs brown recluse (click to access slideshow)

Quotation: Mark Twain on difference of opinion

It were not best that we should all think alike; it is difference of opinion that makes horse races.

Mark Twain (1835-1910) Discuss

Today’s Birthday: HATTIE MCDANIEL (1895)

Hattie McDaniel (1895)

McDaniel was the first African American to win an Academy Award, earning it for her role as the maid Mammy in 1939’s American Civil War epic Gone with the Wind. Segregation, still widespread in the American South at the time, prevented her from attending the film’s Atlanta premiere, but when her friend and fellow actor Clark Gable—who had recommended her for the role—wanted to boycott the event, she insisted that he attend. Why does McDaniel have two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? More… Discuss

 

LONDON’SThis Day in the Yesteryear: MILLENNIUM BRIDGE OPENS, PROMPTLY CLOSES (2000)

London’s Millennium Bridge Opens, Promptly Closes (2000)

When tens of thousands of pedestrians crossed the Thames River via London’s Millennium Bridge on its opening day in 2000, many felt the steel suspension bridge sway, and the vibrations worsened as people adjusted their gaits to the motion. Nicknamed the “wobbly bridge” by Londoners, it closed just two days later for modifications to eliminate the sway and did not reopen until 2002. What prompted the bridge to close again in 2007 over concerns that pedestrians were in danger of being blown off? More… Discuss

BILLIONAIRE SAUDI PRINCE SUES FORBES FOR UNDERSTATING HIS WEALTH

Forbes is under attack after publishing its annual ranking of the world’s billionaires and listing Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal in 26th place, with an estimated net worth of $20 billion. The prince, grandson of the founder of Saudi Arabia and nephew to the king, claims the publication undervalued him by $9.6 billion and has filed suit in the UK for libel. The list was published back in March and provoked immediate criticism from the royal’s camp, but Forbes has stood by its assessment, prompting the piqued prince to take legal action. More…Discuss