The inner planets Mercury and Venus will both be visible in the east-southeast sky before sunrise on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

"Executive Summary LIDAR Drones Market Size and Share Across Top Segments CAGR Value Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the global LIDAR drones market which was USD 156.38 million in 2022, would rocket up to USD 1,125.78 million by 2030, and is expected to undergo a CAGR of 28.21% during the forecast period. LIDAR Drones Market research report comprises of fundamental,...

Coincidences happen every day, but when they become part of the historical record, they take on a whole new meaning. From the intersection of John Adams and Thomas Jeffersons deaths to a novelist writing the story of the Titanic two decades before it sank, American history is full of coincidences so unlikely some have even given rise to conspiracy theories.1. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams Died on the Same DayLeaders of the Continental CongressJohn Adams, Morris, Hamilton, Jefferson, by A. Tholey, 1894. Source: Library of CongressJuly 4 is known to Americans as Independence Day, but it also marked the day that Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died within hours of each other in 1826.Jefferson and Adams had a tumultuous relationship with ups and downs over their lifetimes. The two men first met and became friends in 1775 when the Continental Congress convened for the first time. Their teamwork in drafting the Declaration of Independence brought them closer, but that relationship would sour when Jefferson beat Adams to become president in 1801. Jefferson identified as a Republican, and Adams as a Federalist. They stayed estranged for nearly a decade.In 1812, however, nearly 40 years after the United States became a nation, Jefferson and Adams rekindled their friendship and remained friends for nearly 15 years. This reversal took Jeffersons retirement from the presidency in 1809, the intervention of a mutual friend by the name of Dr. Benjamin Rush, and an admission by Adams. A neighbor of Jeffersons visited Adams and heard him say, I always loved Jefferson, and still love him. The neighbor then reported back to Jefferson, who asked Dr. Rush to urge Adams to renew their exchange of letters. Finally, Jefferson and Adams began to write to each other again about both political and personal issues of the past, present, and future.By 1826, both men had entered their twilight years; Jefferson was 83, and Adams was 90, so each had lived a long life. On the 50th anniversary of the birth of the nation, Jefferson died at his home in Monticello just after lunchtime. Adams followed soon after, passing away in Massachusetts just hours later. Though it is common knowledge today that Jefferson and Adams both died on July 4, 1826, at the time, breaking news traveled much slower than it does today. Neither man knew of the others death, nor did the nation until some time later.2. The Civil War Started and Ended on Wilmer McLeans PropertyUndated photograph of Appomattox Courthouse, Appomattox County, VA. Source: Library of CongressHow many Americans can say that their property bookended the deadliest war fought on American soil? The answer is exactly one: Wilmer McLean.The Civil War began on July 18, 1861, when a cannonball exploded through a house owned by McLean. McLean, however, was not the target of the attack, which had been commandeered by Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant-Beauregard. This sudden attack began what is today called the Battle of Bull Run. Despite the battle taking place so close to home, McLean was still happy to host Beauregard because McLean himself was a retired militia officer and felt a sense of duty to the General. By August 1862, the Second Battle of Bull Run began on the same property, and McLean, unhappy with the violence and danger, finally moved his family to southern Virginia.From 1862 to 1865, the McLean family knew peaceuntil Robert E. Lees aide, Charles Marshall, approached McLean in early April of 1865. Marshall was looking for a location for two generals to meet, and yet again, McLean reluctantly offered his home to the cause. Thus, on April 9, 1865, Robert E. Lee met another general by the name of Ulysses S. Grant for the purpose of surrendering the Confederate Army, thus ending the Civil War. After a short conversation on the warm afternoon of April 9, the Civil War ended in McLeans Appomattox Court House home, just under four years after it had begun in his previous Manassas home.3. Halleys Comet Marked Mark Twains Birth and DeathMark Twain, three-quarter length portrait, seated, facing slightly right, with cigar in hand, by A.F. Bradley, 1907. Source: Library of CongressMark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was born on November 30, 1835. Twain is best known for his novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but his travel literature was quite popular with American audiences as well. The authors birthday was marked by a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event. Twains birth came just two weeks after Halleys Comet passed by Earth in 1835.Halleys Comet passes Earth every 75 years, give or take, which means most people will only have one opportunity to view Halleys Comet in their lifetime. Halleys Comet is also an important astronomical discovery because it was the first comet that scientists realized could pass by Earth more than once. By the time Halleys Comet passed in 1835, scientists had known for over 100 years that the comet had visited in 1531, 1607, and 1682. The comet and following meteor showers were the same comet, not different ones each time. Indeed, scientists can trace observations of the comet back over 2,000 years.This, taken on its own, is an interesting fact but nothing groundbreakinguntil you learn what passed again before Twain died. In 1909, Twain commented on Halleys Comet, saying, [We] came in together, [we] must go out together. One year later, Twain died on April 21, 1910, just one day after Halleys Comet again passed Earth on April 20. Twain indeed both came in and went out with Halleys Comet.4. The Tale of Two JimsTwins separated at birth, Jim Springer and Jim Lewis. Source: RipleysMany people, at least once, have wondered what it might be like to be reunited with a long-lost twin. Some anticipate seeing the matching physical characteristics, such as hair and eye color. Others go further and wonder if their estranged twin would have the same medical conditions, if they also wore glasses, if they were also right- or left-handed. What happens when that daydream actually comes trueand not only that, but you realize you and your long-lost twin have lived nearly identical lives?A pair of twins born in 1940 spent just four weeks together before being adopted by two different Ohio families. However, when twins James Arthur Springer and James Edward Lewistheir matching names just a hint at their similaritieswere reunited in 1979, the overlap between their lives, despite growing up in different families and environments, was shocking.The Jims shared surprising similarities, including marrying and divorcing a woman named Linda, taking a second wife named Betty, naming their childhood dog Toy, growing up with an adopted brother named Larry, vacationing at the same beach in Florida, and working as part-time deputy sheriffs in Ohio.Coincidences did not stop with the twins themselves either; they spilled over to their families, too. Springer named his son James Allan, while Lewis named his son James Alan. It seems that the Jim twins could not have led more identical lifestyles, even if they had grown up together.5. Morgan Robertson Predicted the Titanic SinkingTITANIC, to be launched, unknown photographer, 1911. Source: Library of CongressIn 1898, American author Morgan Robertson published a novel called Futility, or The Wreck of the Titan. Robertson spun the tale of a ship called the Titan that had three fantastic qualities: it is the worlds longest, fastest, and only unsinkable ship. Unfortunately, the ship collides with an iceberg on its maiden voyage, splits in two, and sinks in the middle of the ocean. Over 2,000 passengers lost their lives because there were not enough lifeboats.Sound eerily familiar? Indeed, nearly two decades before the unsinkable Titanic sank in 1912, Robertson published the grim tale of the worlds most impressive ship sinking after a collision with an iceberg. Here are a few more qualities that the fictional Titan and real-life Titanic shared:Both ships were about 800 feet longEach ship weighed roughly 70,000 tons and used triple-screw propellers to moveCapacity on both ships was 3,000 passengersRich individuals from both U.S. and European high society were aboardBoth ships sank in AprilCover of Robert Morgansons novel Futility. Source: Royal Museums GreenwichSave for the conspiracy that Robertson was a time traveler who witnessed the sinking of the Titanic, there is no explanation for the similarities between the fictional and real tragedies. One of the most likely explanations behind Robertsons harrowing tale would have been an interest in sailing and maritime technological developmentsalongside the authors impressive creativity and storytelling.

A shy boy from Ohio found himself straying from his original career goals, propelled to a life in the military. Little did he know this appointment would rocket him to leadership of the entire US Army, securing his name in history books forever. Ulysses S. Grant led a life of adventure and challenges. He faced his share of controversy along the way but brought the United States through one of its most difficult eras, emerging as one of the most significant individuals in US history.Early Days in OhioA sketch of Grants childhood home featured in a biography by Charles A Phelps, published in 1868. Source: Internet Archive Book Images / Wikimedia CommonsHiram Ulysses Grant was born to Jesse and Hannah Simpson Grant on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio. The family moved to Georgetown, Ohio, when Grant was just a baby. His childhood was spent attending school, working on his family farm, and in his fathers tannery. The smell and filth of the tannery disgusted the child, and he much preferred to be assigned other chores to do instead. He loved horses and, as he grew, became an exceptional horseman. People, on the other hand, he could do without, earning a reputation as a shy, sometimes withdrawn child. Some of his favorite hobbies as a child included ice skating and fishing, and Grant himself later recalled that his childhood was a normal and uneventful one for the time.Cadet GrantThe earliest known portrait of Grant, taken at age 21. Source: McClures Magazine / Wikimedia CommonsAs Grant aged, it was time for him to decide on a career path. The skinny 17-year-old didnt seem to have clear ambitions, so his father determined the military was the way to go. Grant earned a spot at West Point, where the recognizable version of his name came into use. He transposed his first and middle names, embarrassed at his given initials that spelled H-U-G. Then, a clerical error resulted in his mothers maiden nameSimpsonbeing listed as his middle name instead of Hiram. Ulysses S. Grant had emerged. His new initials led to a new nickname among the other cadetsUncle Sam, later shortened to just Sam.While Grant was a capable student, he wasnt outstanding when it came to academics, graduating 21st in a class of 39. He did excel in math and hoped to be a math teacher upon completion of his four years of required military service. His horsemanship skills were allowed to shine at West Point.As a senior, Grant roomed with another student named Frederick Dent. Dent invited Grant to his familys plantation in Missouri, where he met Dents sister, Julia. The two were immensely attracted to one another, but their families opposed the match. The Grants despised the fact that the Dents owned slaves, as Jesse Grant was an abolitionist who had spent part of his early years living with John Brown. Mr. Dent did not see a future for his daughter if she married Grant, a new soldier with limited financial prospects.Julia Grant with two of her children and her father, Mr. Dent, taken sometime between 1865 and 1880. Source: Library of Congress / Wikimedia CommonsDespite these objections, Grant proposed marriage to Julia in 1844, and they kept their plans under wraps, hoping to win over their parents, especially Julias father. In the meantime, the Mexican-American War broke out, and Grant was sent to fight under General Zachary Taylor as a member of the 4th Infantry Regiment. He remained in the Southwest until 1848, where he won two citations for gallantry and another for meritorious conduct. He was eager to be reunited with Julia after a long separation, and the two finally received approval from Mr. Dent to marry that year. They had their first son, Frederick, in 1850, and three more childrentwo sons and a daughterwould follow in the next eight years.Working Through StrugglesAn engraved portrait of Grant, undated. Source: The Bureau of Engraving and Printing / Wikimedia CommonsAfter the war, Grant struggled to settle into his role as a military man. His postings took him far from home for great lengths of time, and he missed his family dearly. He and his wife had a close relationship, and being away from her took its toll. Grant invested in a few business ventures, hoping to be able to move his family out west to be with him, but these endeavors failed. During this period, he began drinking, and his thin build meant he succumbed to the effects of alcohol quicker than some of his compatriots. A few raucous episodes resulted in a reputation for drunkenness that would haunt him throughout his career. His loneliness and distaste for army life led to Grant shirking some of his duties, and combined with his drinking, he faced disciplinary action by the time 1854 rolled around. With his required service at its end, Grant decided to resign from the US military instead.Grant depicted with his wife and son, Jesse, named after Grants father. Source: Harpers New Monthly Magazine / Wikimedia CommonsGrant and his family settled in Missouri, near Julias parents, and he attempted to start a farm on land that Mr. Dent had gifted him. These efforts failed within a few years, and Grant tried a number of other professions, including real estate, engineering, clerking, and selling firewood, but nothing stuck. In 1860, he reluctantly returned to work in his fathers tannery, working under two of his younger brothers.Return to GloryGrant at headquarters in Cold Harbor. Source: Library of Congress / Wikimedia CommonsWhile the Civil War would fracture the United States, it breathed new life into Grants opportunities for success. Answering the call of the Union, Grant returned to the military, rejoining in 1861. He proved a success, leading the Union to its first major victory at Fort Donelson in Tennessee. He was awarded a new nickname that played on his initials: Unconditional Surrender Grant. Other victories would follow, notably success at Shiloh and Vicksburg. President Abraham Lincoln named him the Commander of the Union Army in 1864. He was willing to take risks on the battlefield, a trait that made him an excellent leader but which occasionally had negative consequences. Some called Grant a butcher, particularly after thirteen days of fighting at Cold Harbor, Virginia, in May and June 1864 resulted in almost 13,000 casualties. Grant himself regretted some of his actions at Cold Harbor, later writing, No advantage whatever was gained to compensate for the heavy loss we sustained.Regardless of the anger some felt for the losses, Grant remained a hero in the eyes of most American people. He was the first person to achieve the rank of lieutenant general since George Washington, and doggedly pursued the Confederate Army until its surrender in April 1865. Grant was the face of Union success, endearing him to the people of the Northern US.President GrantUlysses S. Grant, engraved by William Sartain, 1866. Source: Library of Congress / Wikimedia CommonsWhen it came time to nominate a Republican candidate for president in 1868, choosing Grant was an easy decision. He received nearly all of the votes from Black men in the first presidential election in which they were able to participate. Grant defeated Horatio Seymour and became the eighteenth president.Grant was said to have run the presidency much like the army, and he brought many of his army staff members with him to the White House. The new president didnt have an easy road ahead of him as he navigated his roles in office. Reconstruction, which Grant had been involved in from a military aspect since the conclusion of the war, was still in full swing. In addition to dealing with Reconstruction, Grant pushed the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment, created the Civil Service Commission, oversaw the creation of the Justice Department, battled corruption, and dealt with the Ku Klux Klan. He established Civil War veteran Ely Parker as the first Native American director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs but struggled with Indigenous relations in the West. During his two terms as president, the attempted subjugation of the Plains peoples was in full force, with the president favoring a policy of assimilation.Colonel Ely S. Parker served as the first Native American secretary of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Source: National Archives at College Park / Wikimedia CommonsUpon completion of his second term, Grant became the first US president to take a world tour. Accompanied by his wife, Grant greeted excited crowds and world leaders on the journey. He worked for a time as president of the Mexican-American Railroad company. In 1884, Grant lost his savings in a corrupt bank situation and decided to do some writing to earn money. He penned several short stories and articles about his life experiences and later tapped his friend Mark Twain to help him start his autobiography. As a result of a lifelong cigar-smoking habit, Grant was diagnosed with throat cancer. He finished his book just before passing away on July 23, 1885, at the age of 63. His funeral attracted a million and a half mourners, and he was interred in the largest mausoleum in the United States.Grant in 1885. Source: Library of Congress / Wikimedia CommonsUlysses S. Grant is not remembered as a perfect man, but a flawed individual who dedicated his life to his family and served his country in multiple ways. His reputation has seen its ups and downs in both his lifetime and remembered histories, but despite it all, has cemented his role as a leading man in the growth and development of the United States of America.

Of all the Path of Exile 2 updates so far, few if any can hold a candle to the promise of the Druid. The transforming tyrant has been top of most of our PoE 2 wishlists since it was first mentioned. Developer Grinding Gear Games has been up-front about it being one of the most difficult Path of Exile 2 classes to get right, so the fact that it's finally here is truly a holiday gift. If you're interested but haven't yet picked the action RPG up, there's extra good news in the form of a free weekend for the launch.Read the full story on PCGamesN: The new Path of Exile 2 Druid class is about to transform the ARPG, and you can try it for free

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