Oil Lamps

The use of oil lamps—simple vessels that use fuel sources such as olive oil to produce light—extends from prehistory to the present day, though they have been largely replaced by electric lighting and are now generally used for mood lighting or as an alternative to candles during power outages. The first oil lamps were made of naturally occurring objects, such as coconuts, shells, and stones. Later advances led to the production of clay and metal lamps. How do various religions use oil lamps? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Falklands War: Argentine Forces Surrender to the British (1982)

Both Argentina and Britain had long claimed sovereignty over the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean when, despite ongoing negotiations, Argentina invaded the islands with 10,000 troops in April 1982. About 250 British soldiers and about 700 Argentines died before Argentina surrendered, ending the undeclared, 74-day war. The defeat discredited Argentina’s military government and helped lead to the restoration of civilian rule in 1983. Who claims sovereignty over the islands today? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Ernesto “Che” Guevara (1928)

Guevara was a Latin American revolutionary who developed guerrilla warfare as a tool for revolution. Born in Argentina, Guevara traveled widely as a medical student and became convinced that only violent revolt would end the poverty he witnessed. He joined the Cuban Revolution and became one of Fidel Castro’s most trusted aides before leaving to foster revolutions elsewhere. He was killed in 1967 while directing a guerrilla movement in Bolivia. What is the meaning of Guevara’s nickname, “Che”? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Scytale

Said to have been utilized in ancient Greek military campaigns, the scytale is a cryptographic tool used in the creation and deciphering of transposition ciphers. It consists of a cylindrical rod around which a strip of paper or leather is wound. Because the message is written upon the wound strip, it appears as an illegible jumble of letters to anyone who does not bear a scytale of the appropriate diameter. Why do some question the veracity of Plutarch’s early description of the scytale? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

“The Cinderella Man” Becomes World Heavyweight Champion (1935)

For budding boxer James J. Braddock, 1929 was a bad year. The promising pugilist narrowly lost a 15-round championship fight and, months later, the Great Depression struck. Braddock, struggling to support his family and losing many more bouts than he won, eventually gave up boxing to work the docks. In 1934, he returned to the ring, and a year later, he landed a title shot against Max Baer. Braddock was a 10-to-1 underdog but won in a stunning upset. Who beat Braddock for the title in 1937? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays

The largest agricultural show in New Zealand takes place for four days during the second week in June in Hamilton, and attracts visitors from more than 40 countries. There are exhibits covering every type of rural activity, demonstrations of how to use the latest farm equipment, and contests in such areas as hay-baling, wire-fencing, tractor-driving, and helicopter log-lifting. In a country that in 1990 had more than 60 million sheep and only 3.3 million people, these regional agricultural shows attract the kind of audience that is usually associated with major athletic competitions. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary