Word: blot
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Dates: during 1930-1939
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...liberal-philosophizing theories sharply modified by the experience of ruling Russia. When Philosopher Diderot reproached her for her change of heart, she replied: "You philosophers are fortunate people. You write on patient paper-I, poor empress, am forced to write upon the ticklish skin of human beings." Darkest blot on her scutcheon was the murder of Ivan, the real heir to the throne, who had been kept in prison since his birth, at 24 (when Catherine went to visit him) had never seen a woman. Of Catherine's complicity in his murder, says Biographer Kaus, there is no scrap...
...this respect they do things much better in the United States," said Lord Snell. "Over there last year an American judge expressed to me his admiration for our courts in England, and I was thankful he did not know of the blot* on our system which we have been discussing this afternoon...
...year sunspot cycle was ushered in last autumn when Mount Wilson observers spotted two faint spots too far from the solar equator to be survivors of the old cycle, too small to have any effect on earth. Last week near the sun's eastern edge erupted a whirling blot 16,000 miles across. Astronomers predicted magnetic storms and poor radio reception during the twelve days before the sun's rotation wheeled it out of sight, thought it might grow big enough to be seen with the unaided eye through smoked glass...
...Rockefeller's experience with Art in the big world was less fortunate. Although he is a trustee of Manhattan's Metropolitan and Modern Art museums, one of his first family duties was to blot off the walls of Rockefeller Center the Communistic murals of Artist Diego Rivera. He doled out prizes to Rockefeller Center workmen. He was tutored in showmanship by Samuel ("Roxy") Rothafel. He grappled the problem of populating his father's vast acres of office space with rent-paying tenants. And as an unofficial renting agent, he seemed to be an indisputable success...
...Mayor Harry B. Hickey of Fredonia, N. Y. protested to the Marxes: "The name of Fredonia has been without a blot since 1817. I feel it is my duty as Mayor to question your intentions in using the name of our city in your picture." Back cracked the Marxes: "Your excellency: Our advice is that you change the name of your town. It is hurting our picture. Anyhow, what makes you think you are Mayor of Fredonia? Do you wear a black moustache, play the harp, speak with an Italian accent or chase girls like Harpo? We are certain...