WordMasters Challenge 3 (2013-2014)

An encouraging shout from his companion caused the armed ruffian to turn. Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

The singers are vying for the attention of their team coaches, who must decide who gets to move on in the show. Seattle Times (Mar 20, 2014)

For Obama, who will meet with European leaders next week, the concerns here are also rooted in policy, tone, and contrast with Putin’s brash nationalism.

But as with squabbling partners, their conversations are clipped, containing one- or two-word answers.

The Prince George’s County Public Schools CASA-Internationals Community Schools would instill a “college-going culture” among its students, according to the proposal.

There is no great shame in not winning the gold medal, no matter how many millions here would be crestfallen.

Beyond rockets and ramparts, there are some head-scratching tidbits that reveal interesting bits of national history. has collected interesting excerpts from anthems across the globe. Slate (Feb 21, 2014)

Then, if conditions become more hospitable, the species proliferates. Salon (Mar 9, 2014)

With this extra nutritional boost Jonathan's skin now looks plump and feels supple.

While accounts of how the family rift occurred differ, a few facts are clear. Salon (Mar 4, 2014)

Eyewitness accounts spurned several conspiracy theories that, thanks to the growing use of the internet, convinced many that the plane had been shot down.

Fans had pondered how far MacFarlane, the impudent creator of “Family Guy,” might push the normally prim and proper Oscars. Seattle Times (Feb 25, 2013)

Only one of the barge’s oil tanks was breached, causing the approximately 168,000 gallons to leak into the water, the Coast Guard said.

Take a seat, please, and grapple with this shocking truth. Slate (Mar 18, 2014)

Gravitational waves are a prediction of Einstein’s general theory of relativity, which is the modern theory of gravity.

We piled our packs at the center of the raft and clambered precariously aboard. Slate (Mar 15, 2014)

Opposition street protests began in February over soaring consumer prices, product shortages and rampant crime.

But if temperatures climb high enough, vagabond gators could start cruising toward the James and Potomac rivers a few decades from now. Slate (Feb 19, 2013)

He retorted with something like: "If you're a shareholder and you don't like this policy, get out of my shares." Slate (Mar 22, 2014)

She was not very flexible or lithe, yet she was successful. Slate (Feb 11, 2014)

“The toll that it takes on you as a person, it’s overwhelming,” he said.

Florida spends $50 million a year just to eradicate invasive weeds from fields, pastures and canals.

As Joplin, Mo., learned in the most tragic way possible, against some impacts of climate change, man’s puny efforts are futile. Newsweek (May 29, 2011)

Strasburg has come to accept that, even to embrace it.

Matt Williams was elated after winning his first game as Nationals manager.