" We are never half so interesting when we have learned that language is given us to enable us to conceal our thoughts. "
Lucy Maud Montgomery

Back in the day

History

First Flight over the North Pole?

In 1926, aviators Floyd Bennett and Richard Byrd took off from Spitsbergen Island on what would be a historic flight. When they returned, they announced that they had flown over the North Pole, becoming the first to do so. Although both men received the Congressional Medal of Honor for the feat—and Byrd went on to make the first flight over the South Pole in 1929—many were skeptical about their North Pole claims. What diary entries have led many to believe they never reached the pole?

Feature

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Fort Gadsden

Florida's Fort Gadsden was the site of two successive forts. The first was built by the British during the War of 1812, when the area was under Spanish control. When the British left in 1815, they handed control of the fort over to the local population of Seminoles and escaped slaves, and it became known as "Negro Fort." The next year, US forces attacked the fort, hitting an ammunition stockpile and killing more than 250 of the 300 there. Who joined the US forces in the attack?

Born on a day like today

Article

Roger Hargreaves

English children's book author and illustrator Roger Hargreaves is best remembered for his beloved Mr. Men and Little Miss books, featuring colorful, boldly drawn characters like Mr. Silly, Mr. Happy, and Little Miss Chatterbox. Hargreaves is said to have been inspired to create the series after his young son innocently asked what a tickle looked like. Since 1971, when Mr. Tickle was first published, his books have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. What does a tickle look like?

Last updated on Thursday, 9th May 2013

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