Seinfeld Series Finale Airs (1998)

One of the most successful situation comedies in the history of television, Seinfeld is often described as a show about nothing. Created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, the latter of whom starred as a fictionalized version of himself on the show, it featured a collection of selfish and neurotic characters obsessed with the minutiae of everyday life. After nine seasons, the series came to an end. In its final episode, the four main characters find themselves incarcerated for what crime? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Adolf Frederick of Sweden (1710)

King of Sweden from 1751 until his death 20 years later, Adolf Frederick was, for the entirety of his reign, largely just a figurehead. Most of the power actually rested with the Riksdag, Sweden’s parliament. Twice he tried to free himself of its control. The first attempt ended disastrously, with Adolf Frederick nearly losing his throne. His second attempt met with greater success, but the victory ultimately did little to increase his power. In what memorable and unusual way did he die? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Aramaic Alphabet

Virtually all modern Indian and Middle Eastern writing systems—as well as some from East and Southeast Asia—use a script that can be traced back to the Aramaic alphabet. Aramaic’s influence on these writing systems can be attributed to its position as the official language of the Persian Empire and as the lingua franca—common language used among people of different mother tongues—of the Fertile Crescent. In the Aramaic alphabet, every character is a consonant. How are vowels formed? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Pope John Paul II Shot in Vatican City (1981)

In 1981, Pope John Paul II was shot in Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Square by Turkish terrorist Mehmet Ali Agca, who was captured and imprisoned. Although the pontiff was shot in the stomach, he recovered and publicly forgave his would-be assassin. In spite of the physical setback caused by the shooting, he continued to travel widely, eventually visiting 129 nations and increasing the international character of the papacy. What now marks the site of the shooting in St. Peter’s Square? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Kattestoet (Festival of the Cats)

A peculiar celebration to commemorate an event involving cats, Kattestoet is held in Ypres, West Flanders, Belgium. In the celebration today, about 2,000 people, dressed as cats, witches, and giants, march in a parade to the tune of bagpipes. Floats depict the history of the town and of feline figures—Puss in Boots, the Egyptian cat-headed goddess Bast, and others. The climax of the celebration comes when a jester throws toy witches and stuffed cloth cats from the town belfry. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Jim Jones (1931)

An influential Indianapolis preacher, Jones formed the People’s Temple in 1955. After he became the subject of criminal investigations, particularly regarding his alleged diversion of cult members’ donations for his personal use, he and about 1,000 followers relocated to Jonestown, Guyana, in 1977. In 1978, cult members killed US Representative Leo Ryan and four others during an investigatory visit. The next day, Jones orchestrated the mass murder-suicide of how many of his followers? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Locked-In Syndrome

Locked-in syndrome is a condition in which a patient is conscious and aware but cannot move or speak due to complete paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles in the body. Unlike a persistent vegetative state, in which upper portions of the brain are damaged and lower portions are spared, locked-in syndrome is caused by damage to specific portions of the lower brain and brainstem with no damage to the upper brain. What is the one way that those with locked-in syndrome can sometimes communicate? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary