| ANNIVERSARY, TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH
What is the official name for a two hundred and fiftieth anniversary?
Term: Semiquincentennial
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ANTIQUES EVALUATION
Where can I obtain an estimate of the
value of my antique?
www.sothebys.com/about.contact/as_auctionest.html
Sotheby's offers auction estimates in selected areas; this differs from a formal
appraisal.
www.sothebys.com/help/faq/faq_beforeauction.html#a03
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ARMORY
I've heard there is a military museum
in Worcester-where is it?
See: Massachusetts National Guard Military
Museum
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BIG APPLE
For many years now, New York City
has been called "The Big Apple." Why?
Answer: "The big apple" was adopted from racetrack parlance. It
was applied to horse races in which large purses could be won. In early 1930s, jazz
buffs referred to Harlem, the citys black neighborhood, as "The Big
Apple." For a short time, there was a Harlem nightclub of that name.
Parade Section, T 11-12-78.
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BOOKS-FIRST
PRINTED IN WORCESTER
What was the first book printed in Worcester?
The title is "A Narrative of the Excursion and Ravages of the Kings Troops
Under the Command of General Gage, On the Nineteenth of April, 1775, together with the
Depositions taken by Order of Congress, to Support the Truth of It." The date is 1775
and the event of course, the opening skirmish of the American Revolution of Lexington. The
book is made up of the evidence gathered by the Provincial Congress at Watertown in an
effort to prove that the British troops were the aggressors. Copies were
sent to King George III and his ministers. The American Antiquarian Society has a copy of
the book. On this title page, in the handwriting of Isaiah Thomas, who founded the
library in 1812, is written:
"This was the first printing done in Worcester, Mass."
He should have known, for he printed the book.
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BRAILLE BOOKS
Where can I obtain books written in Braille?
Braille and Talking Book Library
www.perkins.pvt.k12.ma.us/general.htm
Perkins School for the Blind
Phone: 1-800-852-3133
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CALLAHAN TUNNEL, BOSTON
When was the Callahan Tunnel opened in Boston?
It was opened 11-11-1961.
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CATCH-22
What is the passage from Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
from which the phrase "Catch 22" originated?
"There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which
specified that concern for ones own safety in the face of dangers that were real and
immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he
had to do was ask; and soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly
more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didnt, but if
he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didnt have to; but
if he didnt want to he
was sane and had to."
Source: Catch-22 Joseph Heller, 1961
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CENSUS
Where can I find official census information?
Center for Massachusetts Data
114 Draper Hall
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003
Information for a fee via computer tapes
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"CHEERS"
BAR
Where is the "Cheers Bar" located?
The Bull and Finch Pub
(In the Hampshire House)
84 Beacon St, Boston
Phone (617)227-9605
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CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Where in Massachusetts is there a famous display of Christmas Lights?
See La Salette Shrine
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THE LEGEND
OF THE CLADDAGH RING
What is the legend of the Claddagh ring, and how is it worn?
There are many stories about this symbol.
According to this fascinating legend which began in Galway Ireland, more than 400 years
ago, the crown represents loyalty, the hands friendship, and the heart love. When a man
gives the ring to his girl, it symbolizes that she will hold his heart in her hands, and
when a girl gives the ring to her man, the same holds true for him. The ring is worn in
friendship when the crown points away from the wrist and symbolizes engagement when the
ring is reversed. The clasped hands (originating from the ancient Romans) are in constant
use in that curious local community of fishermen inhabiting the Claddagh at Galway on the
western coast. The ring is passed down from mother to daughter often as a wedding ring.
www.potgold.com/claddagh.htm
There are numerous references on the web.
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DEPRESSION GARDEN
See Flower Gardens, Chemical
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DESIDERATA
When was the original text of the poem "Desiderata" written and how was it
published?
The poem was written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann, and published in "The Poems of Max
Ehrmann"
(820.81 E33p) by Crescendo Publishers, 48-50 Melrose Street, Boston, MA 022116.
Source: Indiana Media Journal, Fall/Winter 1997 vol 20 #12.
"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what
peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with
all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and
ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations
to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for
always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as
well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real
possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all
aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the council of the
years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield
you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are
born of fatigue and loneliness. Be a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You
are a child of the universe, no less than the trees of the stars; you have a right to be
here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it
should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be, and whatever your
labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all
its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to
be happy."
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Do Not Call -- Massachusetts
Register Online: www.mass.gov/donotcall
or Call toll free: 1.866.339.1475
Do Not Call -- National
Register Online: http://donotcall.gov/
DYSLEXIA FAMOUS PEOPLE
Who are some famous people afflicted with Dyslexia, or had
symptoms of dyslexia or related problems?
Refer to GLAMOUR Magazine v. 79 p. 146 Aug. 1981
See also http://dyslexia.com/qafame.htm
or www.meadowbrook-education.com/famous_folks.htm
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EDCENTRAL
484 Main Street, Suite 500
Worcester, MA 01608
Tel. 508-754-6829
Fax 508-799-0069
http://www.cowc.org/EDCENTRAL/
ELEPHANT
MANS DISEASE
What are some official medical names for Elephant Man's
Disease?
also known as Neurofibromatosis
also known as von Recklinghausens disease
Source:
R 610.3 Stedmans Medical Dictionary
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FAMOUS VISITORS
What famous people have visited Worcester?
Bill (Bojangles) Robinson came to Worcester January 18, 1946.
Duke Ellington came to Milford January 5, 1959.
ST 16 Jan 77
James "Grizzly" Adams
Samuel Adams
Edwin Aldrin
P.T. Barnum
Ethel Barrymore
Henry Ward Beecher
Harry Belafonte
Sarah Bernhardt
Edwin Booth
John Wilkes Booth
Jimmy Breslin
Captain John Brown
Luther Burbank
Cab Calloway
Al Capp
Eugene Cernan
Winston Churchill
Henry Clay
Samuel L. Clemens
Buffalo Bill Cody
Wilkie Collins
Samuel Colt
Bernard Cooke
Stasia Czernich
Bette Davis
Dorothy Day
Eamon DeValera
Billy DeWolfe
Charles Dickins
Emily Dickinson
Stephen Douglas
Dorothea Dix
Bob Dylan
Duke Ellington
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Gloria Estefan
Admiral David Farragut
Henry Ford
Stephen Foster
Michael Fox
Benjamin Franklin
General John Fremont
Marilyn French
Anna Freud
Sigmund Freud
W. L. Garrison
Frank Gifford
Grimke Sisters
Emma Goldman
Samuel Goldwyn
Gustav VI (King of Sweden)
E. Everett Hale
Alexander Hamilton
John Hancock
Bret Harte
Victor Herbert
Bob Hope
Harry Houdini
Sam Houston
George Jessel
Billy Joel
Al Jolson
John Paul Jones
James Joyce
Meir Kahane
Garrison Keiller
Fanny Kemble
Dorothy Kilgallen
Coretta King
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Louis Kossuth
General Henry Knox
Lafayette
Lillie Langtry
Admiral William Leahy, Jr.
Ursula Leguin
Jenny Lind
Charles Lindbergh
Archibald MacLeish
Connie Mack
Malcolm X
General George McClellan
Czeslaw Milosz
Lola Montez
Lucretia Mott
Daniel Moynihan
Thomas Nast
Admiral Edward Nelson, Jr.
Rudolf Nureyev
Jesse Owens
Ron Perry
Roger Perry
Pius XII
Tony Randall
Edwin Reischauer
Eddie Richenbacker
John Rockefeller
Rolling Stones
Eleanor Roosevelt
Babe Ruth
William Thacheray
Sacco & Vanzetti
May Sarton
Rabbi Schindler
General Philip Sheriden
General Sherman
Chaim Weizman
Daniel Webster
Prince Of Wales (1860)
John Quincy Adams
President Arthur
President Clinton
President Eisenhower
President Grant
President Hayes
President Lyndon Johnson
President Andrew Johnson
President Lincoln
President Nixon
President Polk
President Tyler
President Franklin Roosevelt
President Theodore Roosevelt
President Taft
President Washington
ex-President Pierce
ex-President Van Buren
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FLOWER GARDENS (CHEMICAL)
How would I make a chemical flower garden?
6 tablespoonfuls of salt
6 tablespoonfuls of bluing
6 tablespoonfuls of water
1 tablespoonful of ammonia water,
and pouring, after thorough mixing, over a clinker, a piece of coke or of brick in a broad
bowl or dish. After the clinker (or coke or brick) has been wet with the liquid, drop on
it a few drops of mercurochrome solution or of red ink or green ink. But do not use
iodine, because this reacts with ammonia water to form the dangerously nitrogen iodide, a
black powder which is safe as long as it is wet but explodes with a loud report from very
slight shock when it is dry. After the materials have been brought together, a coral-like
colored growth soon begins to appear on the clinker. This increases rapidly. The growth
also tends to form on the edges of the dish and will climb up and over them unless they
have been rubbed with Vaseline. The growth will not extend beyond the Vaseline. The
"depression flower garden" is a capillary phenomenon involving the tendency of
ammonium salts to "creep." The saturated solution deposits crystals around its
edges and upon the clinker where the evaporation is greatest. The crystals are porous and
act like a wick, sucking up more of the solution by capillary action. The solution thus
sucked up evaporates to produce more crystals, more wick, and more growth. The addition of
a little more ammonia water to the dish will produce more growth after the first growth
has stopped. Or the whole may be allowed to dry and may then be kept without further
change. The "mineral flower garden" which florists sometimes sell or display in
their windows, depends upon an entirely different principle, that of osmosis or of osmotic
pressure. A solution of sodium silicate or "water glass" is poured into a jar or
globe, and crystals of readily soluble salts of certain metals which form colored and
insoluble silicates are thrown in and allowed to sink to the bottom. Growths resembling
marine plants spring up from these crystals and in the course of a few minutes climb
rapidly upward through the liquid, often branching and curving, producing an effect which
might lead one to believe that he sees exotic
algae growing in an aquarium. The experiment works best if the solution of water glass is
diluted to a specific gravity of about 1.10.
Ferric chloride produces a brown growth;
nickel nitrate, grass green;
cupric chloride, emerald green;
uranium nitrate, yellow;
cobaltous chloride or nitrate, dark blue;
and manganous nitrate and zinc sulfate, white.
Source: The Chemical Formulary Bennett, H. v.1 Ref. 660.83
B471c
Also known as DEPRESSION GARDEN
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FLOWERS OF THE MONTH
What are the birthstones and flowers which correspond to each
month?
January
Garnet
Carnation or Snowdrop
February
Amethyst
Violet or Primrose
March
Aquamarine
Daffodil
April
Diamond
Daisy
May
Emerald
Lily-of-the-valley
June
Pearl
Rose
July
Ruby
Larkspur
August
Carnelian
Poppy
September
Sapphire
Aster
October
Opal
Cosmos
November
Topaz
Chrysanthemum
December
Turquoise
Holly
Source: Ref 642.4 L479c Lee Complete Book of Entertaining
Also--Almanacs
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FRIDAY THE 13TH,
fear of
See Triskaidakaphobia
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GEHRIG, LOU
(DISEASE)
What is the medical name for Lou Gehrig's Disease?
Amytrophic lateral sclerosis
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GENEALOGY
Where can I find out more about my family history?
The Federal Records Center (National Archives and Records Administration) is
located at:
380 Trapelo Road
Waltham MA 02452-6399
Phone: (781)647-8104
Fax: (781)647-8088
E-Mail center@waltham.nara.gov
Information can also be found at
Massachusetts Society of Genealogists
705 Southbridge Street
Worcester, MA 01610
(508)792-5066
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GOVERNMENT PAMPHLETS
Where can I purchase published government pamphlets?
Consumer Information Center
Department MT
Pueblo Colorado 81009
-OR-
Unique books, maps, and posters are available at your
U.S. Government Bookstore
Room G25, JFK Federal Building
Sudbury Street
Boston, MA 02203
Hours: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
Telephone: (617) 565-2488
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GRANTS
Where can I find information on grant and proposal writing?
Besides our Grant Resource Center, open during regular library hours, there are two other
Foundation Center Libraries in Massachusetts:
Associated Grant Makers of Massachusetts
294 Washington Street, Suite 840
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 426-2606
Western Massachusetts Reading Resources Center
65 Elliot Street
P.O. Box 1730
Springfield MA 01101
Phone: (413) 732-3175
Information on Proposal Writing:
Support Center of Massachusetts
41 Winter Street, Suite 55
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
Phone: (617) 338-1331
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GREETINGS,
PRESIDENTIAL
See PRESIDENTIAL GREETINGS
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- GRY Words
What are English language words that end with
"gry"?
angry
hungry
gry- to roar (OED)
No less than twelve replies arrived in the mailbox to answer
Patricia L. Joys query
about the three words in the English language ending in "-gry" (RQ, Fall 1995)
www.tempe.gov/library/netsites/gry.htm
The question has apparently been making the rounds; at least two readers enclosed copies
of newspaper question-and-answer columns where it had appeared in a quiz show. Three
possibilities were found in various dictionaries. The first , "angry," describes
a certain type
of variegated glass bead found buried in the earth in Ghana and in England. This
definition
appears in Websters Third New International Dictionary (OED). Librarians in Alabama,
New Jersey, New York, and Arizona submitted that one.
The second possibility is "puggry," a variant
spelling of "puggree," which is "a light scarf wound
around a hat or helmet to protect the head from the sun." That word appears in the
OED, but
also can be found in Websters New International Dictionary, 2d ed., and Funk and
Wagnalls Crossword Puzzle Word Finder. Librarians in Illinois and Florida brought
this to our attention.
The third possibility is the word "gry" itself, an
obsolete word, according to the OED, which
could mean "the grunt of a pig, the dirt under the nail; hence the veriest
trifle." It is further explained
as "the smallest unit in Lockes proposed decimal system of hundredth of an
inch, and the
thousandth of a (philosophical) foot." The word can also be found in Walkers
Rhyming Dictionary
of the English language, a seldom-used source, and Funk and Wagnalls New Standard
Dictionary. Georgia, New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey librarians contributed this
word.
Sally Garrett, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport,
New York, sent a copy of a
Newsday clipping (May 9, 1975) that carried the question and the same three answers in a
column called "Problem Line," by Anita Richterman. The query also appeared in
the Boston Globes "Ask the Globe" column (December 4, 1975), according to
Jean O. Nyangani, Reading (Massachusetts) Public Library, but the reply wasnt
nearly as helpful. Apparently the editors queried G.&C. Merrian Co.; their response
was that the only three words in the English language that end in "-gry" are
angry, hungry, and anhungry-"the last word being an obsolete term for hungry." I
think "Exchange" readers beat the Merriam Co. 3-1 on this question!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY
How might I say "Happy Birthday" in different
languages?
French--"Bon Anniversaire"
Italian--"Buon Compleanno"
Spanish--"Feliz Cumpleanos"
Portuguese--"Feliz Aniversario"
German--"Herzlichen Gluckwunsch Zum Geburtstag"
Swedish--"Lyckliga Fodelsedung"
or visit www.npyl.org/branch/central_units/d/f/expressions/list/happyb.htm
You may also find useful expressions and greetings in 26 languages at www.nypl.org/branch/central_units/d/f/useful.htm
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HURRICANE NAMES
When were hurricanes first given names?
Hurricanes were first given female names in 1953, and given male and female names in 1978.
Source: National Hurricane Data Center
A link to the list of names according to year can be found at
www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.html
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IRISH BLESSING
What is the text of the "Irish Blessing"?
There are a number of variations; here is one:
"May God sleep on your pillow
May He hold you in the hollow of His hand.
May the road rise with you
Fair weather to your heels.
May the wind be ever at your back
And may you be a long time in Heaven,
Before the Devil knows youre gone
"
Old Irish benediction, anonymous
Source: The Wind At My Back Pat OBrien
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LASALETTE SHRINE
Where is the annual Christmas Light Display located?
Route 118 Attleboro, Massachusetts
Phone: (508) 222-5410
Call for details.
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Literacy
Literacy Program of Catholic Charities...756-4101
Adult Learning Center...799-3170
Worc. Public Schools...799-3116
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester
Tel: 508-754-8056
Fax: 508-421-9376
Location: Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Square, Worcester MA
01608
Website: http://www.lvgw.org
E-mail: mail@lvgw.org
LONGITUDE
& LATITUDE US
What are the longitude and latitude coordinates of Worcester?
Accurate to the tenths of a minute
See Index Natl atlas of USTC Ref SSH Worcester
42° 16 17" North Latitude 42.16 N
71° 48 11" West Longitude 71.48 W
Source: World Book Atlas Index page 429 HIST.F912 W927
Also see
http://shiva.pub.getly.edu/tgn_browser/
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MALPRACTICE &
PHYSICIAN PROFILES
Contact Board of Registration in Medicine
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations
10 West Street, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02111-1217
Tel: 617-727-3086
www.massmedboard.org
- Physician Profiles Tel:
617-727-0773, 1-800-377-0550
www.docboard.org/ma/ma_home.htm
- Malpractice Information:
617-727-1788, ext. 359
MASSACHUSETTS
CITIZEN INFORMATION
What is the contact information number for citizen information?
The number is (800) 392-6090hat
is
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MASSACHUSETTS
NATIONAL GUARD MILITARY MUSEUM
What is the address of the Massachusetts
National Guard Military Museum?
MASSACHUSETTS NATIONAL GUARD MILITARY MUSEUM
44 SALISBURY STREET
WORCESTER, MA 01609
508-797-0334
PLEASE CALL FOR CURRENT SCHEDULE
Visit website at
www.state.ma.us/guard/Museum/museum.htm
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MASSACHUSETTS - OFFICIAL
EMBLEMS
What are the official emblems of
the state of Massachusetts, and how were they decided?
State Flower Mayflower 1918
State Tree Elm 1931
State Bird Chickadee 1941
State Beverage Cranberry Juice 1970
State Horse Morgan 1970
State Insect Ladybug 1970
State Fish Cod 1974
State Song "All Hail to Massachusetts," written
by Arthur J. Marsh
On the Track of Unknown State Objects
By Chris Pope Of the Telegram Staff
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MATHEMATICIAN--FIRST
WOMAN
Who was the first woman Mathematician?
Hypatia 370? 415 AD
Women of Mathematics Ref 920.72
W872
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MILITARY MUSEUM
See MASSACHUSETTS NATIONAL GUARD MILITARY MUSEUM
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MOLASSES
EXPLOSION
Where can I read about the Molasses
Explosion?
Molasses Explosion in Boston Jan. 15, 1919
Literary Digest March 1, 1919 p.25
Readers Digest Aug., 1955 p.63
Hill Yankee Photographer pp. 112-117
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MOLASSES
FLOOD
Where can I read about the Great
Molasses Flood?
"Without Warning: Molasses in January.."
Smithsonian v.14 p.213 11/83
"Bostons Great Molasses
Flood"
Modern Maturity v.24 p.16 Aug/Sept. 1981
"How Slow Is Molasses In January?"
Yankee v. 53 p.101 1/85R
When Technology Fails. Gale,
1994. Pp. 246 250,W567
Hill, George H. Yankee Photographer.
Coward-McCann, 1953,pp. 112-117 (eyewitness account)
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MYSTERY HILL
Where is Mystery Hill located?
Mystery Hill Salem, N.H.
5 miles East of I-93 just off N.H. #111 in North Salem
Also called "America's Stonehenge"
See www.paranormalatoz.com/americasstonehenge.html
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NATIVE AMERICANS
Where can I find some local Native American contact addresses?
Hassanamisco Reservation
(508)757-5098
Brigham Hill Road
Grafton, MA 01509
or visit
http://500nations.com/ma
www.indiandata.com/roster.htm
www.blackstonevalley.com/communities/grafton
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NEW
ENGLAND DOCUMENT CONSERVATION CENTER
Where is the New England Document
Conservation Center located?
100 Brickstone Square
Andover, Mass 01810-1494
(617)470-1010
or visit
www.nedcc.org
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NUMBERS, LARGE
What are the names of the very large
numbers?
10100 = ONE googol
10googol = one googolplex
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PITA BREAD
How many calories are in a portion
of pita bread?
1 Pita (2 2/3 oz. ) = 173 calories
ref. Leonard & Taylor
The Live Longer Cookbook
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PLAY DOUGH
How can I make homemade play dough?
You will need:
21/4 cups non-self-rising wheat flour
1 cup salt
1 tablespoon powdered alum
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
11/2 cups boiling water
food coloring or poster paints
How to make play dough:
- Combine flour, salt, and alum
in a bowl. Add vegetable oil.
- Stir in boiling water. Stir vigorously
with a large spoon until mixture holds together.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth.
- Divide the dough into several
lumps. Add a few drops of food coloring or poster paint to
each lump and knead to mix the color into the dough.
Makes about 3 cups.
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PLEDGE
OF ALLEGIANCE
When was the phrase "under God"
added to the Pledge of Allegiance?
"Under God" was added to the pledge of allegiance
in 1954. Plan was introduced to Congress by a Michigan Democrat.
His name was Louis C. Rabaut.
Source: Worldbook, 2000, Vol. P, p.572.
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PRESIDENTIAL
GREETINGS
Please follow the following instructions from The White
House Greetings Office:
Thank you for your interest in a greeting from President Bush.
The White
House Greetings Office handles as many requests as possible,
in
accordance with a set of long-standing guidelines. PLEASE NOTE
THAT
ALL GREETING REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO:
The White House
Attn: Greetings Office
Washington, D.C. 20502-0039
Please review these guidelines carefully before mailing your
request to the
White House.
1.U.S. CITIZENS ONLY. The White House will send greetings
to United States
citizens only, for special occasions as outlined below.
2.ADVANCE NOTICE REQUIRED. Your request must be received
six (6) weeks
in advance of the event date. We make every effort to honor
every request,
but we cannot guarantee a greeting if this guideline is not
met. (Greetings are
generally not sent after the event date, except for wedding
congratulations and
newborn acknowledgments.)
3.ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS. Anniversary greetings are extended
only to
those couples who are celebrating their 50th (and subsequent)
wedding
anniversary.
4.BIRTHDAY GREETINGS. Birthday greetings will be sent
only to individuals 80
years of age and above.
5.OTHER GREETINGS. A limited number of special occasions
other than
birthdays and anniversaries exist for which the Greetings Office
will send
appropriate recognition to United States citizens. These occasions
include
important events such as:
a.Wedding (send your request after the event)
b.Baby's Birth (must be born during the Bush Administration;
send
request only after baby's birth)
c.Eagle Scout Award
d.Girl Scout Gold Award
e.Bar/Bat Mitzvah or equivalent occasion
6.REQUIRED INFORMATION. Please include the following
in your request:
a.name and home address of honoree(s)
b.form of address (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., Miss, etc.)
c.exact date of occasion (month, day, year)
d.age (birthdays) or number of years of marriage
e.your (the requestor's) name and daytime phone number
f.any specific mailing instructions if other than to honoree's
address
g.Wedding (Include couple's married names and current or new
address)
h.Baby's Birth (Include baby's date of birth and full names
and address of
baby and parents)
7.WHEN TO EXPECT YOUR GREETING. In most cases, greetings
will be
mailed from the White House approximately ten (10) days prior
to the event.
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QUABBIN
RESERVOIR, Ghost Towns
What are the names of the towns and
villages submerged under the Quabbin Reservoir?
Dana, Enfield, Greenwich, Prescott, Millington, Pelham, New
Salem
From An Atlas of Quabbin Valley and Quabbin: the lost valley
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SEVEN DWARFS
What are the names of the seven dwarfs?
Bashful, Sleepy, Grumpy, Sneezy, Happy, Dopey, Doc
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SEVEN
ANCIENT WONDERS
What are the seven Ancient Wonders,
and how many remain today?
- Pyramid of Khufu
- Hanging Gardens of Babylon
- Statue of Zeus at Olympia
- Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
- Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
- Colossus of Rhodes
- Lighthouse (Pharos) of Alexandria
How many of the seven wonders
of the ancient world can still be seen today?
Only one of the seven ancient
wonders exists today: the pyramids of Egypt. Nothing remains
of the other six: the hanging gardens of Babylon, the statue
of Zeus at Olympia, the Colossus of Rhodes, the temple of Artemis
at Ephesus, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus or the Alexandria
lighthouse.
You can visit the "forgotten
wonders," which took their name from being left off the
first list. These include Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Aztec
Temple in Mexico City, the Coliseum in Rome, the great Wall
of China, Machu Picchu in Peru, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the
Parthenon in Athens, Stonehenge in England and the Taj Mahal.
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7 WONDERS-
AMERICA
What are the seven wonders of America?
Panama Canal
Empire State Building
Hoover Dam
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
Colorado River Aqueduct
Chicagos Sewage-Disposal
System
Grand Coulee Dam
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7
WONDERS MIDDLE AGES
What are the seven Wonders of the
Middle Ages?
- Coliseum of Rome
- Catacombs of Alexandria
- Great Wall of China
- Stonehenge
- Porcelain Tower of Nanking,
China
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Hagia Sophia
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7 WONDERS
OF TODAY
What are the seven wonders of today,
as of 1931?
- Great Pyramid of Egypt
- Hagia Sophia
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Taj H Mahal
- Washington Monument
- Eiffel Tower
- Empire State Building
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SEVEN
NATURAL WONDERS
What are the seven natural wonders
of the world?
- Mount Everest, on the Nepal-Tibet
border
- Victoria Falls on the Rhodesia-Zambia
border
- Grand Canyon of the Colorado River
- Great Barrier Reef of Australia,
the worlds largest coral formation
- Caves in France and Spain with
their prehistoric paintings
- Paricutin, a young volcano in
Mexico
- The harbor at Rio de Janeiro.
Many other natural wonders are often
listed, such as the giant Sequoia trees of California; Rainbow
Natural Bridge of Utah; Yellowstone Falls in Yellowstone Natural
Park; Crater lake and Wizard Island in Oregon; and the Carlsbad
Caverns of New Mexico.
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SEVEN
WONDERS OF THE MODERN WORLD
What are the seven wonders of the modern world?
Control of diseases Vaccines
and antibiotics have cut the toll in death and misery from many
infectious diseases. In the late 1970s, for example, small pox
was declared extinct. And genetic engineering may yield more
weapons against diseases.
Electric power In little more than 100 years the world
has been transformed by the production of energy in a form that
can be conveniently used to do all kinds of work.
Space exploration Age-old dreams, including walking on
the moon and close-up looks at other worlds, have come true.
Communications and information processing Almost any
spot on earth is no farther away than the time it takes for
a signal traveling at the speed of light to get there; hand
in hand with this communications capability is rapid access
to huge amounts of information, made possible by the computer.
Organ transplants and artificial organs Loss of function
of a vital organ-whether because of age, accident, or disease-no
longer must mean loss of life. Kidney, Liver, heart, and marrow
transplants, for example, are prolonging peoples lives;
and the transplanting of brain tissue is under study. There
is also progress in creating and implanting completely artificial
tissues and organs, e.g. mechanical hearts.
Supermaterials and microtechnology New kinds of ceramics
and plastics can be tailored to have the exact combination of
properties desired for new information, communication, and medical
technologies. This is made possible through new techniques of
engineering at the microscopic and even molecular levels.
Lasers and other optical technology The use of lights
to perform tasks requiring pinpoint accuracy, as well as to
carry information, has found a place in the modern world in
everything from the optical scanners at supermarket checkout
counters, to eye surgery, to weapons systems-almost before people
learned that laser stood for light amplification by stimulated
emission of radiation.
Source: Readers Digest Book
Of facts 1987 Ry 031.02 R286
But some limit the modern wonders
to geographical formations, so an alternate list is:
1. Suez Canal
2. Dneproges Dam on the Dnepr River in Russia
3. Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell, England
4. Alaska (or Alcan) Highway, connecting Alaska with Canadian
and other United States highways
5. Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
6. Eiffel Tower in Paris
7. Empire State Building in New York City
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SEVEN
SCENIC WONDERS-U.S.
What are the 7 Scenic Wonders of
the United States?
- Grand Canyon of the Colorado
River
- Giant Sequoias of California
- Carlsbad Caverns
- Yellowstone Falls
- Petrified Forest and Painted
Desert
- Crater Lake
- Rainbow Natural Bridge
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"SOME MEN SEE THINGS
." : A TRIBUTE TO HIS BROTHER
What was the famous tribute by Edward Kennedy to his brother?
Tribute by Edward M. Kennedy
Delivered at the Funeral of Senator Robert F. Kennedy
St. Patrick's Cathedral, NY June 8, 1968
"Some men see things as they are and say "why".
I dream things that never were and say "why not".
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SPACE
SHUTTLE DISASTER
When was the space shuttle disaster
and who was on board?
1-28-1986. The crew of the Challenger included: Commander, Francis
R. (Dick) Scobee; pilot, Comdr. Michael J. Smith of the Navy;
Dr. Judith A. Resnick; Dr. Ronald E. McNair; Liet. Col. Ellison
S. Onizuka of the Air Force; Gregory B. Jarvis; and Christa
McAuliffe.
Source: Worldbook, 2000, Vol. 18, p.725.
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SPEED
OF ROTATION OF THE EARTH
What is the speed of rotation of the Earth?
1,040.555 mph is the speed of the rotation of the Earth
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State Data Center
Where is the State Data Center Located?
Massachusetts State Data Center
University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute
220 Middlesex House
Box 35520
Amherst, MA 01003-5520
(413)545-0176
The web address is: msdc.donahue.umassp.edu
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STREET CARS
When did the last streetcar in Worcester run?
Last streetcar ran in Worcester on December 31, 1945
Ref 388.4 qW923zb Becker, Philip. Worcester Consolidated Street
Railway, p. 1 of text.
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TAXATION
What year did income taxes become law? I don't remember paying any tax in 1925.
The federal income tax came into existence under President Wilson when
the 16th Amendment was passed on February 25, 1913.
Nearly everybody laughed it off. The tax was one cent on a dollar;
a single person was exempt $3,000; a married person $4,000;
and average wages being $624 a year meant that few ordinary
people paid. Rates and wages changed as the years went on, so
it was probably in the mid-1920's before taxes caught the common
man. Incidentally, there was a federal income tax during the
Civil War, but the law was repealed when the war ended. Massachusetts
taxed income for the first time in 1916. The rate was one and
one half cent on income above $2,000; a wife was worth another
$500 exemption; with children or other dependents, the extra
exemption could rise to a total of $1,000.
State and Federal Tax Offices in Worcester
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
40 SouthBridge Street
3rd Floor (above the Ding Ho Dynasty Restaurant)
Worcester MA 01608
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:45 - 5:00 pm
To print forms online at: www.mass.gov/dor
Federal Internal Revenue Service
Flagship Bank Building (attached to the Worcester Common Outlets)
6th floor Suite #600
Worcester, MA 01608
508-7930260
www.irs.ustreas/gov/
Recorded Refund & Tax Info: 1-800-829-4477
Problem Resolution Office 1-800-829-1040
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THIRTEEN, fear of Friday the Thirteenth
See Triskaidekaphobia
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TIES
Could you walk me through the different knots for formal ties?
See www.ehow.com/ enter search term
"necktie"
Also Color For Men, by Carole Jackson
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TIME
Who keeps the national standard of time?
National Standard of time kept by atomic clocks at
National Institute of Standards and Technology
325 Broadway Street
Boulder, CO 80303
(303) 497-3000
www.nist.com
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TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE INFORMATION
Where can I find a toll-free telephone number directory?
You can obtain information on toll-free watts lines by dialing
(800) 555-1212
or www.anywho.com/tf.html
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TRAPP FAMILY LODGE
Where can I find the US town in which the Trapp family built their lodge?
(800)826-7000
See also Mobil Travel Guide and check under Stowe, VT.
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TRIBUTE TO HIS BROTHER (RFK)
What was the famous tribute by Edward Kennedy to his brother?
Tribute by Edward M. Kennedy
Delivered at the Funeral of Senator Robert F. Kennedy
St. Patrick's Cathedral, NY June 8, 1968
"Some men see things as they are and say 'why'. I dream things that never were and
say 'why not'".
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TRISKAIDEKAPHOBIA
What is the fear of Friday the Thirteenth called?
In most western mythology, Friday is not a good day for anything. Compounded with 13 being
an unlucky number, Friday the 13th is double bad luck. The fear of this day is
called "triskaidekaphobia".
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THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
What are the lyrics to the Christmas Carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas"?
On the (insert day) day of Christmas, my true love sent to me:
1st A partridge in a pear tree
2nd Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.
3rd Three French hens, two turtle doves, etc.
4th Four colly birds, three French hens, etc.
5th Five gold rings! Four colly birds, etc.
6th Six geese a-laying, five gold rings! Etc.
7th Seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, etc.
8th Eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, etc.
9th Nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, etc.
10th Ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, etc.
11th Eleven pipers piping, ten lords a-leaping, etc.
12th Twelve drummers drumming, eleven pipers piping, etc.
This carol is an anonymous reminder of a form popular in the Middle Ages, the
"counting" song. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is unique among
Christmas Carols in being entirely about getting gifts and having nothing else to do with
the season.
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TWENTY-ONE GUN SALUTE
How did the Twenty-One gun salute originate?
Here is the official explanation of the twenty-one gun salute, from the chief of the
news branch of the U.S. Army Public Information Division:
The firing of gun salutes dates back to the early days of the British Navy. At that
time, guns could not be loaded quickly so the act of firing one in a salute indicated that
the saluter had disarmed himself in deference to the person being saluted. Since
twenty-one guns was the number found on one side of one of the larger "ships of the
line", firing all of them became the highest mark of respect, reserved for heads of
the state. Smaller numbers of guns were fired in salutes to people of lesser importance.
But for all salutes, only odd numbers are used, reflecting the old seagoing superstition
against even numbers. This form of saluting was first recognized in the United States in
1875. As Commander-in-chief, the President is accorded with the highest salute of
twenty-one guns.
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VIETNAM VETERANS DAY--MASSACHUSETTS
When is the official Massachusetts Vietnam Veteran's Day?
March 29 of every year by Governor's Proclamation
Massachusetts Laws Chapter 6:15 MM
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WEATHER--HIGHS AND LOWS IN WORCESTER
When was the coldest day recorded in Worcester?
According to the records of the U.S. Weather Bureau at Worcester Airport, the record
coldest day was February 16, 1943, when the thermometer struck 24 degrees Fahrenheit below
zero. That was the middle day of a cold snap. A minus two was recorded on the day before
and the day afterwards. To go to the other extreme, a record high temperature of 102
degrees was recorded in Worcester in July, 1911.
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WIZARD OF OZ FILM
What was Dorothy's last name? Gale.
What were the names of the farmhands who played Lion, the Scarecrow and the Tinwoodsman
in the Wizard of Oz? Hunk was the Scarecrows, Zeke was the Lion and Hickory was the
Tinwoodsman.
(McClelland, Doug. Down the Yellow Brick Road Pyramid, 1976)
Also see www.eskimo.com/~tiktok/
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WORCESTER ALTITUDE/ELEVATION
What are the
altitudes in different locations in Worcester?
Worc: 514
City Hall 481
Union Station 475
Lincoln Square 477
So. Worc. Junction 469
Tatnuck Hill 1000
Altitudes also in Massachusetts Town and City Monographs.
Source: Dictionary of Altitudes in U.S.
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WORCESTER CENTER
When was the old Worcester Center opened?
The official opening was July 29th, 1971.
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WORCESTER FIRSTS-TAP DANCE ON RADIO
When was the first tap dance on radio?
Radio station WCTS (C.T. Sherer Co.) had dancing firemen who did their first dance
around 1925.
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WORCESTER LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE
What is Worcester's longitude and latitude?
Latitude is 42 ° 16' 17" North
Longitude is 71° 48' 11" West
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WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
When was the Salem Square building originally dedicated?
The building was dedicated May 22, 1964.
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WORCESTER--SEVEN HILLS
What are the seven hills of Worcester and what are their elevations?
- Hancock Hill (780 feet)
- Green Hill (777 feet)
- Chandler Hill (721 feet)
- Bancroft Hill (720 feet)
- Mt. St. James (Pakachoag) Hill (693 feet)
- Newton Hill (672 feet)
- Union (Sagatabscot) Hill (625 feet)
(Cutler's "Jottings from Worcester History")
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WORCESTER TORNADO
When was the Worcester Tornado?
The Worcester Tornado was on June 9th, 1953.
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WORCESTER--WORMTOWN
How did Worcester get to be called "Wormtown"?
The moniker was bestowed upon the city by L.B. Worm, a locally famous disc jockey who
coined the name in the late 1970's when rock 'n' roll was in it's punk heyday of green
hair and pierced body parts. The Worcester punk scene was so lifeless that it made Mr.
Worm think of death and worms--hence Wormtown. The name caught on, with its
"ring" and cleverly satirical and self-effacing allusion to
"Beantown". It has been used as record titles "Wormtown '78" and
"Exile in Wormtown", a radio show name "Radio Free Wormtown", concert
names "Wormtown Revue", "Wormfest", and "Wormtown
Underground". Telegram and Gazette Sports Writer John Gearan wanted the IceCats to be
called the Mighty IceWorms. Further use includes big black letters painted on the old
Ethan Allen Furniture Store in 1984 proclaiming "Wormtown Rocks", the Wormtown
Wiggle, a 1985 concert at Mount Wachusett, and the Wormtown Warriors, a Worcester Modified
Pitch Softball Team. When the team rallies, they cry out "The Worm has turned".
Their logo is a pair of crossed bats with worms crawling out of the holes in the wood.
(Excerpted from Paul Della Valle and James Dempsey, Worcester Telegram and Gazette
Columnists)
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Workforce Central
Address: 44 Front Street – 6th Floor Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: 508-799-1600, Fax: 508-799-1628
http://www.detma.org/workers/centers/Worcester2.html
Hours: Mon - Fri, 8:45-5
Unemployment Insurance Services Walk-In Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:45-5
Unemployment Insurance Orientation: Wed at 1:30
Directions:
From east of Worcester: From I-290 west, take Exit 16, turn right onto
Central Street. Follow East Central Street to Main Street. Front Street is the
fourth left.
From west of Worcester: Take I-290 east to Exit 16, turn left on Central
Street. Follow East Central Street to Main Street. Turn left onto Main Street.
Front Street is the fourth left. Parking is available at the Worcester Common
Outlets Garage at the end of Mechanic Street on the left. Numerous other paid
parking lots are in the area.
YEAR AND A DAY
Why does the phrase "year and a day" occur so often in Celtic myths?
There are 13 lunar months in the solar year, with one day left over, which is why
"a year and a day" occurs so often in old Celtic myths. (An ABC of Witchcraft,
past and present by Doreen Valiente, 1973).
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