With the tiny screen bouncing around in front of us, tinny sound quality and frequent interruptions, watching a movie during a flight is hardly an immersive experience. Yet, frequent fliers may have found themselves – or at least witnessed others – welling up at the … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A classic science-fiction show that ran for just five years, The Twilight Zone was created by veteran television writer Rod Serling. More than half of its 155 unrelated episodes were written or co-written by Serling, who also narrated each half-hour episode with his trademark deadpan. The show often starred soon-to-be-famous actors such as William Shatner and Robert Redford. Many episodes featured frightening or ironic plot twists. What were some of the show’s most celebrated episodes? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Guinea became an independent republic on this day in 1958, after having been a French colony since the late 19th century. Independence Day is a national holiday celebrated all over the country with parades, dances, and sports competitions, especially in the capital city of Conakry. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Marx and his brothers entered show business with their mother as a vaudeville act in the early 1900s. Later in his career, he enjoyed success as host of the TV game show You Bet Your Life, which was mainly a showcase for his witty banter with contestants. By the end of his career, he had become an instantly recognizable cultural institution who was lauded by individuals as disparate as Johnny Carson and T. S. Eliot. What event that occurred three days earlier overshadowed his 1977 death? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Barmakids were a noble Persian family who attained great power under the Abbasid caliphs of Baghdad in the 8th century. Often serving as viziers and holding other influential roles, the Barmakids were patrons of the sciences and are credited with establishing Baghdad’s first paper mill. However, by the start of the 9th century, the family’s power and status was in decline and many of its members were imprisoned or executed. The Barmakids are mentioned in what famous stories? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Great Barrier Reef has just gotten even cooler thanks to a fresh discovery. Marine biologist Johnny Gaskell discovered an incredible “Blue Hole” in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef when searching on Google Maps. “A blue hole is an underwater sinkhole formed … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Frequently rated among the greatest boxing matches of all time, the Thrilla in Manila saw world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali meet rival Joe Frazier for the third—and final—time. Leading up to the match, Ali had publicly taunted Frazier, calling him a “gorilla.” Because many believed Frazier to be past his prime, Ali—though older—was expected to win. However, the fight went on for 14 brutal rounds in the sweltering Manila heat, and neither man was able to knock out the other. Who won? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The rosary is a string of beads used by Roman Catholics to count a ritual series of prayers consisting of 15 paternosters (“Our Fathers,” also known as the Lord’s Prayer), and 150 Ave Marias, or “Hail Marys.” The festival, observed on the first Sunday in October, was established by Pope Pius V under the name of Santa Maria de Victoria (St. Mary of Victory). But the name was changed by Gregory XIII to Festival of the Rosary. Among the events for which the faithful in the former Yugoslavia give thanks on this day is the victory of Prince Eugene over the Turks at Belgrade in 1716. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A Russian-American virtuoso pianist, Horowitz made his debut in Russia at 17. Within years, he was touring internationally, with much success. He eventually settled in the US, where his extraordinary technical virtuosity made him one of the most popular pianists of his time. Always susceptible to nervous strain, in 1953 he decided to quit performing publicly. He returned to the stage in 1965 and occasionally thereafter until his death. Why did Horowitz’s father lie about his son’s birthday? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary