Dian Fossey (1932)

Fossey was an occupational therapist when, on a trip to Africa in 1963, she met famed anthropologist Louis Leakey, who encouraged her to pursue her dream of studying gorillas. In 1966, she began living a solitary life in the mountains of central Africa, gradually gaining the acceptance of the gorillas she observed and building a vast body of knowledge about their habits, communication, and social structure. In 1985, she was found hacked to death in her Rwandan forest camp. Who murdered her? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Pentagrams

Pentagrams, five-pointed stars drawn with five straight strokes, have been used throughout history to symbolize myriad things and ideas. Christians used it to represent the five wounds of Jesus, while Pythagoreans considered it a sign of mathematical perfection. Eventually, occultists adopted it as a magical symbol. To Wiccans, the five points of the pentagram symbolize the spirit and the four elements. On what two national flags does the pentagram appear? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Otho Begins His 3-Month Reign as Roman Emperor (69 CE)

Otho and Roman Emperor Nero were once friends. Then, Otho’s wife became Nero’s mistress, and Nero dispatched Otho to the remote province of Lusitania. After patiently governing the province for a decade, Otho joined a revolt against the emperor in 68 CE. Nero committed suicide, and Otho took over. However, a rival soon challenged him for the throne. Just three months into his reign, Otho killed himself, presumably to avoid a civil war in his empire. How did he bid farewell to his friends? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., rose to national prominence after the Montgomery bus boycott inspired by Rosa Parks. King went on to play an active role in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday, the only one that honors a person who was not a president. It has become a focal point for recognition of African-American history. In schools, the day is often observed with special lessons and assembly programs dealing with Dr. King’s life and work. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Pierre-Joseph Proudhon (1809)

Believed to have been the first person to call himself an anarchist, Proudhon was a French journalist and social theorist best known for his radical assertion that “property is theft.” Originally a printer, he joined the socialist movement after moving to Paris in 1838. There, he published radical newspapers and was imprisoned. His writings were deeply influential within the anarchist movement. In his famous essay “What is Government?” how does Proudhon define what it means to be governed? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Shar Peis

The Shar Pei is an ancient breed of dog known for its loose, wrinkled skin. Unlike humans, Shar Peis lose their wrinkles with age as they “grow into their skin.” Originally bred in China as a fighting and guard dog, the Shar Pei is prone to a number of genetic diseases and was once recognized as the world’s rarest dog breed. Because of their protective and loyal nature, however, they have since become popular family pets. Shar Peis are said to have been originally tasked with guarding whom? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary