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planetarium

(Encyclopedia) planetarium, optical device used to project a representation of the heavens onto a domed ceiling; the term also designates the building that houses such a device. A modern planetarium…

The Gregorian Calendar—History

The Curious History of the Gregorian Calendar Eleven days that never were by Ben Snowden RELATED LINKS Leap Year Explained Ides of March Origins of…

Shintoism

Shinto, the Chinese term for the Japanese Kami no Michi (Way of the Gods), is made up of the religious ideas and cults indigenous to Japan. Kami, or gods, considered divine forces of nature that…

Cassandra Wilson

singerBorn: 12/4/1955Birthplace: Jackson, Mississippi With such albums as Songbook (1985), Blue Skies (1988), and Blue Light Til Dawn (1993), many critics call her the finest jazz vocalist of her…

Michael HOFFMAN, Congress, NY (1787-1848)

HOFFMAN, Michael, a Representative from New York; born in Half Moon, Saratoga County, N.Y., October 11, 1787; completed academic studies; studied medicine and law; was admitted to the bar and…

Hercules cluster

(Encyclopedia) Hercules cluster, giant globular star cluster in the northern constellation Hercules; cataloged as M13 or NGC 6205. The cluster is just visible to the naked eye and is the best example…

Harris, Julie

(Encyclopedia) Harris, Julie, 1925–2013, American actress, b. Grosse Point, Mich. Harris made her New York debut in It's a Gift (1945). Her versatility and power won her enormous critical acclaim,…

Orff, Carl

(Encyclopedia) Orff, CarlOrff, Carlôrf [key], 1895–1982, German composer and educator. After studying at the Academy of Music at Munich, he helped to found the Günter School there in 1924. As a…

Lemonnier, Pierre Charles

(Encyclopedia) Lemonnier, Pierre CharlesLemonnier, Pierre Charlespyĕr shärl ləmônyāˈ [key], 1715–99, French astronomer. For many years he was professor of physics at the Collège de France. He studied…