(Encyclopedia) New York Central RR, U.S. transportation compay formed in 1853 by the consolidation of many small New York state railroads. In 1867, Cornelius Vanderbilt became president of the…
(Encyclopedia) dictator, originally a Roman magistrate appointed to rule the state in times of emergency; in modern usage, an absolutist or autocratic ruler who assumes extraconstitutional powers.…
(Encyclopedia) Dolabella (Publius Cornelius Dolabella)Dolabelladŏləbĕlˈə [key], c.70 b.c.–43 b.c., Roman general, notorious for his unscrupulousness. He divorced his wife Fabia and married (50 b.c.)…
(g soft). (1) Of Greek mythology, sons of Tartaros and Ge. When they attempted to storm heaven, they were hurled to earth by the aid of Hercules, and buried under Mount Etna. (2) Of…
(Encyclopedia) black humor, in literature, drama, and film, grotesque or morbid humor used to express the absurdity, insensitivity, paradox, and cruelty of the modern world. Ordinary characters or…
William Henry Vanderbiltrailroad developer, financierBorn: 5/8/1821Birthplace: New Brunswick, N.J. Being the son of Cornelius Vanderbelt did little to secure William a job in the family…
(Encyclopedia) March, Fredric, 1897–1975, American actor, b. Racine, Wis., as Frederick McIntyre Bickel. Equally distinguished on stage and screen, he won Academy Awards for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (…
(Encyclopedia) Ohio Company of Associates, organization for the purchase and settlement of lands on the Ohio River, founded at Boston in 1786. Its organizers were a group of New England men, most of…
(Encyclopedia) Reynolds, Sir Joshua, 1723–92, English portrait painter, b. Devonshire. Long considered historically the most important of England's painters, by his learned example he raised the…
Trending
Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about.
World's Most Corrupt Leaders & Politicians
Western Christian Holidays, 2010-2030
The Best Movie Quotes of All Time!
Top 10 Biggest Waterfalls in the World (Tallest, Widest, & Most Volume!)