Filibuster n.
The use of obstructionist tactics, especially prolonged speechmaking, for the purpose of delaying legislative action.
An instance of the use of this delaying tactic.
An adventurer who engages in a private military action in a foreign country.
v., -tered, -ter•ing, -ters.
v.intr.
To use obstructionist tactics in a legislative body.
To take part in a private military action in a foreign country.
v.tr.
To use a filibuster against (a legislative measure, for example).
http://www.answers.com/topic/filibuster

Using the filibuster to delay or block legislative action has a long history. The term filibuster -- from a Dutch word meaning "pirate" -- became popular in the 1850s, when it was applied to efforts to hold the Senate floor in order to prevent a vote on a bill. In the early years of Congress, representatives as well as senators could filibuster. As the House of Representatives grew in numbers, however, revisions to the House rules limited debate n the smaller Senate, unlimited debate continued on the grounds that any senator should have the right to speak as long as necessary on any issue. In 1841, when the Democratic minority hoped to block a bank bill promoted by Kentucky Senator Henry Clay, he threatened to change Senate rules to allow the majority to close debate. Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton rebuked Clay for trying to stifle the Senate's right to unlimited debate. Three quarters of a century later, in 1917, senators adopted a rule (Rule 22), at the urging of President Woodrow Wilson, that allowed the Senate to end a debate with a two-thirds majority vote, a device known as "cloture."
http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Filibuster_Cloture.htm

One of the first known practitioners of the filibuster was the Roman senator
Cato the Younger.
In debates over legislation he especially opposed, Cato would often obstruct the measure by speaking continuously until nightfall. As the Roman Senate had a rule requiring all business to conclude by dusk, Cato's purposefully long-winded speeches were an effective device to forestall a vote. Cato attempted to use the filibuster at least twice to frustrate the political objectives of Julius Caesar. http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Filibuster

The hula is a rich tradition of Hawaii and has gone through many stages in its history. Its origins are shrouded in legend and according to one of them, the hula originated when the goddess of fire, Pele, commanded her younger sister, Laka to dance. Another legend says that Hi'iaka danced to appease her sister, Pele. A lot of the present day dances are based on this Hi'iaka epic and schools were begun to honor Laka as well as temples that were dedicated to her. Until the early twentieth century, ritual and prayer surrounded all aspects of hula. http://www.alohamagazine.com/en/hula.htm

Savannah noun
1 : a port in eastern Georgia near the mouth of the Savannah river
2: a river in South Carolina that flows southeast to the Atlantic [syn: Savannah River]
3 : a flat grassland in tropical or subtropical regions [syn: savanna]
Source: WordNet (r) 2.0 http://www.dictionary.net/savannah

Nestled in the Austrian Alps, Salzburg is a beautiful, scenic city with a unique attraction hidden within those mountains. Salzburg, translated salt mountain, got its name from its ancient salt mines. http://www.ehow.com/how_2039337_visit-salt-mine-salzburg.html

affranchise (uh-FRAN-chyz) verb tr.
To make or set free.
From Old French franchise, from franche, feminine of franc (free), from Latin francus (free). Franchise and enfranchise are synonyms of this word.
Star Chamber (star CHAYM-buhr) noun
A court or group marked by arbitrary, oppressive, and secretive procedures.
After the Star Chamber in the Palace of Westminster in London. It was the site of a closed-door court appointed by King Henry VII of England in the 15th century. Notorious for its abuse of power -- rulings made in secret, no appeal -- it was abolished by the Long Parliament in 1641. The chamber was so named because its ceiling was decorated with stars.
Grub Street (grub street) noun
The world of impoverished journalists and literary hacks.
After Grub Street in London where such writers lived. In 17th century London, Grub Street near Moorfields was the place to find impoverished writers. Even though this street was renamed Milton Street in 1830, the world of hack writers is still known as Grub Street. A.Word.A.Day with Anu Garg

Typo found by muse reader in Sherlock Holmes color plates:
It should say Copper Beeches, not Cooper Beeches. The title refers to copper beech trees.

Q: How many Americans are killed by lightning?
A: Lightning killed an average of 58 people each year from 1979 to 2008.
Documented injuries average about 300 per year, although undocumented injuries are likely to be much higher. -- National Weather Service.
If you're even a little curious, then just ask by e-mail to justask@thecourier.com, by fax to 419-427-8480, or by mail to Just Ask, The Courier, P.O. Box 609, Findlay, OH 45839.