Morocco Independence Day

Independence Day, also known as Fête de l’indépendance, is a national holiday commemorating Morocco‘s independence from France on November 18, 1927. Other public holidays in Morocco include: August 20, the anniversary of the king’s and people’s revolution, and November 6, the anniversary of the Green March in 1975. In order to claim the Western Sahara for Morocco, more than 300,000 Moroccans marched into the territory, which the Spanish still controlled; Spanish troops left the area by early 1976. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Asa Gray (1810)

Considered one of the most important botanists in American history, Gray laid the foundation for the study of plants in North America. He made botanical expeditions to the western US, established Harvard University’s botany department, and wrote prodigiously on the subject of plants, producing several classic, still-valued textbooks. Charles Darwin was such an admirer of Gray’s work that he shared his theory of natural selection with Gray before publishing it. What toxin was named for Gray? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Persian Royal Road

The Persian Royal Road was an ancient highway built by King Darius I in the 5th Century BCE to facilitate communication throughout his empire. The route, reconstructed using archeological research and historical records, passed through present day Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. The Greek historian Herodotus’ praise for the speed of the Persian couriers, who were said to be able to travel the road’s 1,677 miles (2,699 kilometers) in seven days, is popularly associated with what US public service? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Elizabeth I Becomes Queen of England and Ireland (1558)

King Henry VIII of England died nine years after the birth of his much-desired male heir, Edward VI. However, Edward died at the age of 15, and his chosen successor—his cousin, Lady Jane Grey—was beheaded after a nine-day rule. Jane was succeeded by Henry VIII’s eldest daughter, whose turbulent five-year-reign earned her the nickname “Bloody Mary.” Mary died childless, and the crowning of her half-sister, Elizabeth, marked the beginning of an era of stability. How long did Elizabeth reign? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Festival Indígena (Jayuya Indian Festival)

The Jayuya Indian Festival was started in 1969, when new traces of the Taíno Indian culture were discovered in and around Jayuya, Puerto Rico. Festival events include Indian ceremonies and dances as well as concerts featuring fotutos (conch shells) as instruments. There is a ceremonial Taino ball game that resembles soccer, and a village (yukayeque) of thatched-roof huts that enables visitors to see how the Indians lived. Visitors can attend lectures on the Taino language and customs or take a tour of the caves containing the Indian drawings. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Lee Strasberg (1901)

Strasberg was an American theatrical director, teacher, and actor. Expanding upon the teachings of Konstantin Stanislavsky, Strasberg developed the practice of “method acting,” in which actors use their own emotional memories as dramatic motivation. As director of the elite Actors Studio in New York City, he trained actors such as Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, and Dustin Hoffman. He had a profound influence on American theater and film. What news did he receive on the day before he died? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Snake Oil

Snake oil is a traditional Chinese remedy for joint pain and inflammation derived from the Chinese Water Snake. Imitations with unidentified or mischaracterized ingredients have caused the term “snake oil” to become synonymous in Western culture with remedies fraudulently marketed by charlatans as miraculous panaceas but which actually provide little health benefit. What were some of the ingredients of these so-called snake oils? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary