Devathani Ekadashi

Devathani Ekadashi is a Hindu festival, observed in rural areas, that celebrates the waking of Vishnu. Hindus believe that Vishnu’s battle with the great demon Shankhasura was so exhausting that he went to sleep for a period of four months. Each year, Vishnu slumbers from the 11th day of Asadha until the 10th day of Kartika. During his long sleep, Hindu marriages and other ceremonies are not observed. Hindu women celebrate the festival by fasting, worshipping Vishnu, and singing hymns. Newly ripened crops, such as sugarcane and waternuts, may be eaten on this day for the first time. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Richard Burton (1925)

Richard Jenkins, better known by his stage name Richard Burton, was a dark, introspective actor who specialized in portraying conflicted men. His tempestuous marriage to Elizabeth Taylor led to an acting partnership that vaulted Burton to the top rank of stardom. Together they made 11 films, including Cleopatra and The Taming of the Shrew. Burton and Taylor were married twice, and their real-life marriage was popularly likened to the fictional marriage they portrayed in what film? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Mud Volcanoes

Mud volcanoes are formations created by the geological emission of liquids and gases. They are frequently associated with earthquake zones, and when they erupt, they release an often acidic slurry as well as methane and other hydrocarbon gases. Some mud volcanoes also spew flames when they erupt, though the volcanoes themselves tend to be relatively cool. A 2006 drilling accident in Indonesia created a mud volcano that inundated a number of villages and displaced how many people? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Garry Kasparov Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion (1985)

In the 1984 World Chess Championship, 1980 World Junior Champion and international grandmaster Gary Kasparov faced reigning world champion Anatoly Karpov. The longest title match in chess history, it was aborted after 5 months of play and 48 games, after chess officials concluded that it was taking too great a psychological and physical toll on Karpov, who was leading but appeared likely to lose. Kasparov won a rematch 6 months later, becoming the youngest world champion ever. How old was he? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Cambodia Independence Day

Cambodia was a French protectorate for 90 years before it gained independence on November 9, 1953. Independence Day, which marks that event, is a national holiday. The principal celebrations are held in the capital city of Phnom Penh, beginning with a morning ceremony at Independence Monument. Later in the day, there is a gala parade held in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, with colorful floats and marching bands. Shops are adorned with national flags. After dark, a large fireworks display is held near the riverbanks of the Royal Palace. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Stanford White (1853)

White was an American architect and a designer of jewelry, furniture, and interiors. In 1880, he formed an architectural firm with Charles F. McKim and William R. Mead that soon became the most famous in the country, known especially for its seaside mansions. He enjoyed a lavish lifestyle before being shot to death at Madison Square Garden—which he had designed—by Harry Thaw, the husband of the showgirl Evelyn Nesbit, with whom White had had an affair. The resulting trial became known as what? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Galen Clark

In 1853, after being told by doctors that he had just six months to live, Galen Clark moved to Yosemite National Park. There, he defied medical expectations and lived for another 57 years. During this time, he discovered the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia trees and dedicated himself to exploring the park and teaching others about the massive trees. His passion for the area earned him his reputation as guardian of the park and led to the passing of the Yosemite Grant, which ensures what? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary