user locations: prof_improbable
word origin: sardonic
from word origin posted in history by prof_improbable
Webster's dictionary defines the word sardonic as "disdainfully or skeptically humorous : derisively mocking."
The word originates from the ancient peoples of the island of Sardinia off the Italian coast (from Wikipedia):
In 2009, scientists at the University of Eastern Piedmont in Italy claimed to have identified hemlock water dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) as the plant responsible for producing the sardonic grin.
This plant is the candidate for the "sardonic herb," which was a neurotoxic plant used for the ritual killing of elderly people in pre-Roman Sardinia. When these people were unable to support themselves, they were intoxicated with this herb and then dropped from a high rock or beaten to death.
That is so totally metal.
view full location details...cedarwood rd
from u2 posted in music by prof_improbable
10 Cedarwood Rd is the address of Bono's childhood home in Dublin. It's also the subject of the U2 song, "Cedarwood Rd."
The song was featured on Episode 42 of the Song Exploder podcast. No word on whether it will show up uninvited on the next Apple device launch.
view full location details...bataclan theatre
from terrorism posted in history by prof_improbable
Built in 1864 and opened in 1865, the Bataclan is a café-concert theatre built in the Chinoiserie (European version of Chinese) style. With historical appearances by notable figures as diverse as Buffalo Bill Cody and Edith Piaf, the Bataclan has been hosting rock acts since the 1970s.
The theatre was the scene of a coordinated terrorist attacks on Nov. 13, 2015, killing 89 people and injuring over 200. The members of the band that evening, Eagles of Death Metal, were interviewed after the attack for Vice.
view full location details...shun lee palace east
from the search for general tso (2014) posted in movies by prof_improbable
Also opened by Michael Tong in 1972, the Shun Lee Palace claims to have the first version of General Tso's Chicken in the United States, prepared by their cook, Chef T.T. Wang.
view full location details...shun lee dynasty
from the search for general tso (2014) posted in movies by prof_improbable
The first time Hunan- and Szechuan-style Chinese food was available to the U.S. customers was through the Shun Lee Dynasty restaurant, opened in Manhattan by restaurateur Michael Tong in 1972.
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