Rare Copy Of US Constitution Fetches $9 Million

A rare, 237-year-old copy of the United States Constitution has been sold to an anonymous buyer for a staggering $9 million. The document was auctioned by Brunk Auctions in Asheville, North Carolina, on October 17, 2024. Bidding began at $1.1 million and quickly soared to the final price in just seven minutes....

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Understanding The Importance Of Veterans Day

Veterans Day, celebrated annually on November 11, honors the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. This US federal holiday pays tribute to everyone who has served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard, Air Force, and Coast Guard....

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The Surprising Truth About Halloween Pumpkins

Every fall, Americans buy tens of millions of decorative pumpkins. Some are carved into spooky jack-o'-lanterns, while others are used simply for display. Unfortunately, the interest in these colorful gourds fades soon after Halloween. Experts estimate that over one billion pounds of pumpkins — more than 80 percent of the 1.3 billion pounds purchased annually — end up in landfills....

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Minnesota Grower Clinches Pumpkin Weigh-Off Competition For The Fourth Time

Every October, farmers across the US harvest millions of pumpkins. Some make it to the dinner table in the form of delicious soups or pies. Others get transformed into spooky jack-o'-lanterns. Then there are the select few whose only purpose is to win weigh-off contests. There are numerous such competitions held nationwide. However, the most impressive mega gourds typically end up at the annual "Super Bowl" of pumpkin weigh-offs in Half Moon Bay, CA....

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Octopuses Lead Hunting Parties And "Punch" Non-Helpers

Octopuses are among the smartest marine animals. These intelligent cephalopods are known for using coconut shells as mobile homes and armor and changing colors on demand to evade predators. A new study by researchers at Germany's Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior found that octopuses can also be strong leaders. They take charge of hunting packs and even discipline those who try to cheat....

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Nepalese Teen Becomes Youngest To Conquer All 14 Of The World's Tallest Peaks

At just 18 years old, Nima Rinji Sherpa has achieved a feat that few can even imagine. He has become the youngest person, and one of only about 50, to climb all 14 of the world's "eight-thousanders." These peaks, located within Asia's Himalayan and Karakoram ranges, stand over 26,247 feet (8,000 m) tall. This is above the so-called "death zone," where the lack of oxygen makes it impossible to sustain human life for long....

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Exploring Halloween's Fun Traditions

Few countries celebrate Halloween with as much enthusiasm as the United States. Americans spend months — and millions of dollars — searching for the perfect costumes. Homes and yards are transformed into spooky spectacles, complete with skeletons and glowing jack-o'-lanterns. Here is a brief history of the spooky holiday, celebrated annually on October 31, and the origin of some of its cherished customs....

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Saturn's Rings Will Briefly "Vanish" In 2025

Planetary rings are a natural feature of the larger outer planets like Jupiter and Neptune, but none are as spectacular as Saturn's. However, in March and November 2025, these majestic rings will not be visible to observers on Earth. Fortunately, this rare event is only an optical illusion. It is caused by the orientation of Saturn's thin rings and the planet's tilt relative to Earth. The last time this occurred was in 2009....

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Celebrating Diwali, The Indian Festival Of Lights

Every fall, over a billion Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains worldwide celebrate Diwali. Also known as Deepavali or the festival of lights, this ancient celebration dates back over 2,500 years. The exact date varies annually based on the Hindu lunar calendar. However, Diwali usually falls in October or November....

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The US Presidential Election Process Explained

The countdown to the US Presidential election has begun. On November 5, 2024, millions of Americans will head to the polls to select a new leader for the next four years. They will vote for either Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump. Winning the popular vote is important for both candidates. However, to secure the presidency, they must get the majority of the electoral votes....

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SpaceX Pulls Off Historic Rocket Booster Catch

SpaceX has achieved yet another groundbreaking milestone. On October 13, 2024, the aerospace company successfully flew the 233-foot (71 m) Starship rocket booster back to its launch site and caught it mid-air with two mechanical arms. Previously, SpaceX boosters landed on a floating platform or landing pad and required transportation back to the launch site....

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Sneaky Orb-Weaver Spiders Use Male Fireflies To Lure More Prey

In the wild, animals frequently use deceptive tactics to survive. For instance, some wasps turn spiders into "zombie" slaves to build intricate nests. Similarly, mouse-eared bats mimic hornet buzzes to avoid being preyed upon by owls. Now, a new study reveals that a crafty orb-weaver spider species has found a way to manipulate the mating signals of male fireflies to catch more prey....

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Tennis Legend Rafael Nadal Announces His Retirement

On October 10, 2024, Rafael Nadal announced he will retire from professional tennis at the end of the 2024 season. The 38-year-old Spanish player will conclude his storied career with a final appearance at the Davis Cup. The prestigious tournament is set to take place in Nadal's home country, Spain, from November 19 to 24....

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How South Korea Is Leading The Way In Food Waste Recycling

Food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. As food decomposes in landfills, it releases methane and carbon dioxide. These potent gases accelerate global warming and climate change. Experts estimate that nearly a third of the world's food, about 1.3 billion tons, is wasted annually. This waste generates a staggering 3.3 billion tons of greenhouse gases each year. It accounts for 8 to 10 percent of global emissions....

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Runaway Goat Steals The Show At Canadian Marathon

The inaugural T'Railway Trek half marathon in the Canadian town of Conception Bay South on September 29, 2024, had an unexpected star: a pet goat named Joshua. The four-legged competitor stole the spotlight after he suddenly began trotting alongside the runners. By the finish line, Joshua had earned not just a medal but also the hearts of the entire town and fans worldwide....

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Columbus Day Vs. Indigenous Peoples' Day

Columbus Day is observed annually on the second Monday of October. It commemorates Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas in 1492. However, this US federal holiday, which falls on October 14 this year, has often been a topic of debate. Many believe that the European settlers' mistreatment of the Native American people is not a cause for celebration....

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