Cease-Fire Declared in Iran-Iraq War (1988)

On September 22, 1980, Iraqi forces invaded Iran, which was still struggling in the aftermath of its revolution. The resulting war—ostensibly a territorial dispute—turned into a bloody stalemate that saw the first widespread use of chemical warfare since World War I. An estimated 1.5 million people were killed in the conflict. After nearly eight years, the United Nations mandated a cease-fire. Both sides held thousands of prisoners of war for years. When were the last prisoners exchanged? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Down Home Family Reunion

Introduced in 1992, the Down Home Family Reunion is an annual celebration of west African folk life held in Abner Clay Park in Richmond, Virginia. The reunion offers music and dance performances, storytelling presentations, traditional foods, a heritage marketplace, and children’s activities. With many hands-on and interactive exhibits, the festival showcases the strong influence of west African culture on life in the American South. Saturday’s activities are free and emphasize family participation in craft demonstrations and a variety of cultural exhibits. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Benjamin Harrison (1833)

The grandson of a US president, Harrison practiced law in Indiana before leading a volunteer regiment in the Civil War. He made two unsuccessful bids for the Indiana governorship before gaining a seat in the US Senate. In the 1888 presidential election, he defeated incumbent US President Grover Cleveland, though Cleveland won the popular vote. His association with unpopular tariffs cost him an 1892 re-election and brought Cleveland back. Why did his children refuse to attend his second wedding? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Bruxism

Derived from the Greek word meaning “gnashing of teeth,” bruxism is the habitual, involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth. Sometimes associated with stress, bruxism is caused by the activation of the reflex portion of the chewing mechanism at a time when higher brain control remains inactive, usually during sleep. Though common and generally harmless, bruxism can cause damage in the form of cracked teeth, indentations, and wear. What drugs are known to cause bruxism as a side effect? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Leonard Bernstein Conducts His Final Concert (1990)

Less than two months before he died, Bernstein, a highly regarded American composer and conductor, conducted what would be his final concert. He had suffered from smoking-related lung problems for years, and his coughing fit partway through the Boston Symphony appearance that night nearly ended the performance. With his health declining, he officially retired in early October, and he died just five days later. What feat in 1943 made him an overnight sensation and set his career in motion? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Woodward Dream Cruise

Since 1995, the one-day Woodward Dream Cruise has featured a parade of cars driving down a 16-mile stretch of Woodward Avenue in the suburbs just north of Detroit, Michigan. Owners of antique cars, muscle cars, custom cars, street rods, and special interest cars participate. More than 40,000 classic cars travel the route from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Dream Cruise has developed into a multi-community street festival, with entertainment stages, food and merchandise vendors, parades, and automotive displays. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Banco Central Burglary at Fortaleza

The 2005 Banco Central burglary in Fortaleza, Brazil, was one of the largest bank robberies in history. In one weekend, thieves took nearly four tons of uninsured, non-sequential 50-real notes valued at roughly $70 million. The burglars spent three months tunneling to the vault from a rented house two blocks away. Though the police made several arrests in the case, more than $60 million remains missing. Why weren’t neighbors suspicious when they saw vanloads of soil being removed from the house? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary