Michael Servetus Is Burned at the Stake (1553)

When his views were condemned by theologians of the Reformation as well as those of the Catholic Church, Servetus, a Spanish theologian, assumed a new name and began studying medicine. He became known for his ability in dissection and had unusual success as a physician, even serving—confidentially—the archbishop of Vienne. Arrested for the publication of a religious work, he escaped but was seized again, tried, and burned at the stake. He was the first European to make what medical discovery? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Turkmenistan Independence Day

This national holiday commemorates Turkmenistan‘s independence from the U.S.S.R. on October 27, 1991. Turkmenistan and other republics were gradually able to establish their own autonomous states due to the relaxation of Soviet rule influenced by the policy of perestroika. When the Soviet Union ceased to exist in December 1991, their independence was assured. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466?)

Considered the greatest European scholar of the 16th century, Erasmus was a Dutch priest and leading humanist of the Renaissance era. After his ordination in the early 1490s, Erasmus traveled throughout Europe and became acquainted with many scholars, including Thomas More. A prolific writer, he was noted for his editions of classical works as well as the first Greek edition of the New Testament. Who placed all of Erasmus’s works on a list of prohibited books? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Printmaking

Printmaking is the process of creating an image, called an impression, by inking a prepared plate or woodblock and pressing it against another material. Invented in China in the 5th century, the woodcut was both the earliest printmaking method and the first process that allowed printmakers to produce multiple copies of a text or artwork. Later, techniques involving engraved or etched metal plates were developed. What is the reductionist approach to applying multiple colors to an impression? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Pony Express Announces Its Closure (1861)

At its inception in 1860, the Pony Express operated between St. Joseph, Missouri—the western end of a telegraph line—and Sacramento, California. Changing horses at stations roughly 10–15 miles (16–24 km) apart, riders carried the mail a distance of 1,800 miles (2,900 km) in about eight days, often traveling through hostile Native American territory. Though it provided an important mail link with the West, it was a financial failure, and the Pony Express announced its closure two days after what?

Source: The Free Dictionary

Austria National Day

National Day commemorates the day in 1955 when Soviet occupation forces left Austria after taking control in 1945. The Austrian State Treaty of May 15, 1955, ensured that Austrians would regain sovereignty over their country on July 27. By October 26, it was once again a free, independent country. Although it is a national holiday in Austria, people do not get the day off from school or work, mainly because of the idea that one’s country is best served by working. Schools hold special presentations, and the president delivers a speech. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Charles William Post (1854)

Post was an American breakfast cereal manufacturer. In the 1880s, while being treated by John H. Kellogg at a health sanitarium, he developed an interest in producing healthful foods like those served by Kellogg. In 1891, he established La Vita Inn, an institute for healing by mental suggestion. After experimenting with breakfast foods, he invented Postum, a coffee substitute after which he named his company, Postum Cereal Co., the precursor to General Foods Corp. What cereals did Post invent? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Parliament of the World’s Religions

The Parliament of the World’s Religions of 1893 was the first attempt to open a dialogue between representatives of religions from around the globe. It was held in concert with Chicago’s World Columbian Exposition, an early world’s fair, and marked the first formal gathering of representatives of Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. Since then, a number of parliaments dedicated to interfaith dialogue have been held around the world. What faiths were notably absent from the first parliament? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary