The Everglades

This marshy, low-lying subtropical savanna area in S. Florida extends from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay. Characterized by water, sawgrass, palms, pine, and mangrove forests, the Everglades receives an annual average rainfall of more than 60 in. (152 cm), mainly in the summer. The wildlife-rich area is home to endangered species like the Florida panther, American crocodile, and manatee. In the late 1830s the Everglades was the scene of military operations against what Native American people? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Star Wars Is Released (1977)

After its release in 1977, Star Wars became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, spawning two film sequels and three prequels as well as myriad novels, video games, and comic books. The films, which grossed over $4 billion, chronicle Luke Skywalker’s quest to help the rebels defeat an evil empire and iconic villain Darth Vader. What US president’s proposed strategic defense system against nuclear attacks, which was to include space-based lasers, was derisively dubbed “Star Wars”? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

African Liberation Day

This day can be traced back to April 15, 1958, when the Conference of Independent African States was held in Accra, Ghana. On May 25, 1963, 31 independent African countries met to form the Organisation of African Unity, changing the name and the date of what is now African Liberation Day. In 1999, the group reorganized into the African Union. Today, observances include marches, parades, rallies, and conferences, focusing on celebrating freedom from colonialism, educating people about the progress of the African liberation movement, and speaking out against oppression. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Sir Ian McKellen (1939)

McKellen is an English star of stage and screen, noted for his performances in everything from Shakespearean works to modern theater to popular fantasy and science fiction. He began his professional acting career in the 1960s, and has worked steadily ever since. His recent roles in blockbuster films such as The Lord of the Rings and X-Men have earned him widespread recognition and introduced him to a new generation of fans. When was McKellen knighted? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Pantone Inc.

Pantone, Inc. is a multi-billion dollar corporation that publishes the Pantone Guides, which are used by graphic designers and others to ‘color match’ specific colors when a design enters production stage. The Pantone Color Matching System works within the existing color systems, such as the CMYK system, but it has not yet been linked with screen-based colors. In recent years, the parliament of what country debated a petition to define the blue in its flag as “Pantone 300?” Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Peter Minuit Buys Manhattan (1626)

Peter Minuit was the director-general of the Dutch colony of New Netherland who is credited with the purchase of the island of Manhattan in 1626. According to legend, he persuaded the natives—perhaps a Metoac band of Lenape known as the Canarsee, who were actually native to what is now Brooklyn—to “sell” the island for a handful of trade goods worth approximately 60 guilders. In 1846, that price was converted by a New York historian to what US dollar amount? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Aldersgate Experience

On the evening of May 24, 1738, John Wesley (1703-1791), co-founder of the Methodist Church, visited a house on Aldersgate Street, London, to join a group reading of Martin Luther‘s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. As they were reading, Wesley underwent a conversion experience—”I felt my heart strangely warmed,” he said. From that time until his death in 1791, Wesley considered it his mission in life to tell people about his experience and to invite them to share his beliefs. The anniversary of this event is commemorated by the Methodist Church on the Sunday nearest May 24. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary