George Washington Lays Cornerstone of US Capitol (1793)

The US Capitol is the seat of the legislative branch of government in Washington, DC. The city’s dominating monument, it was built on an elevated site chosen by George Washington in consultation with architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant. The building was begun in 1793, after the president set the cornerstone during a groundbreaking ceremony that included Masonic rites. As it stands now, the building is the result of the work of several architects. When was the imposing dome added to the Capitol? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Fiestas Patrias

Fiestas Patrias is the national two-day holiday in Chile celebrating Independence Day, September 18, and Army Day, September 19. In the days preceding the holiday, fondas (fairs) pop up throughout Chile, and it is a popular time for Chilean rodeo. Huasos (cowboys) compete against one another by attempting to pin a calf against the wall of the medialuna, or arena, with their horse, and are awarded points based on which part of the horse is touching the calf. Because September marks the beginning of spring in Chile, Fiestas Patrias is also a popular occasion for kite flying. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Greta Garbo (1905)

Born in Sweden, Garbo appeared in publicity films for the store where she worked as a young woman. She later studied at the prestigious Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm, where she was discovered by film director Mauritz Stiller. She appeared in her first film in 1924, and her beauty and enigmatic personality made her a star. She made only a handful of films and retired abruptly in 1941 at the age of 36, later living in legendary seclusion. What were some of her most famous roles? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Olive Oil

Traditionally, olive oil, a yellow to greenish vegetable oil, was produced by crushing olives in mortars or beam presses. Modern processing involves mixing a ground olive paste with water, and extracting the oil using a centrifuge. The olive tree is native to the Mediterranean basin, where olive oil has been used for millennia as lighting fuel, anointing oil, and in food preparation. Recent scientific evidence suggests olive oil may reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes; how? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Joshua A. Norton Declares Himself Emperor of the US (1859)

Though Norton arrived in San Francisco during the California gold rush, he took up speculating in rice, a valuable commodity at the time, rather than prospecting. Unfortunately, he ended up losing his fortune, after which he vanished for a short time. When he reappeared, he was wearing a costume resembling that of France’s Napoleon III and calling himself “Emperor Norton.” For the next 13 years, he paraded around the city issuing “proclamations” and even banknotes. How was he treated by police? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Angola National Heroes Day

National Heroes Day in Angola is celebrated on the birthday of the man considered to be the nation’s founder, Antonio Agostinho Neto. National Heroes Day honors Neto, his ideals for his country, and his accomplishments, as well as those who lost their lives in the struggle for Angolan independence. In addition to ceremonies and speeches, special sports events are often held on this day, including competitions in basketball, cycling, football, chess, swimming, volleyball, and other athletics. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Konstantin Eduardovich Tsiolkovsky (1857)

Tsiolkovsky was a Russian inventor and rocket expert who was an early investigator of the possibility of rocket flight into outer space. In 1903, he published The Investigation of Outer Space by Means of Reaction Apparatus, which discussed the problems involved in overcoming the earth’s gravitational pull and suggested the use of reaction vehicles for interplanetary flight. After losing his hearing as a child, Tsiolkovsky could not attend regular schools. How was he educated? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Mandala, a Microcosm of the Universe

The mandala, meaning circle or completion, is a ritualistic diagram that has spiritual significance in Hinduism and Buddhism. Representing a microcosm of the universe and the totality of existence, it serves as a collection point for gods and universal powers. Its symmetric geometric shapes draw the viewer’s attention to a central meditative point. A Tibetan sand mandala is created over the course of days or weeks only to be swept away upon completion. What does this represent? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary