The custom of handing out a dole, or allotment of flour, to the village poor in Tichborne, Hampshire, England, dates back to the 12th or 13th century. Lady Mabella Tichborne, who was on her deathbed at the time, begged her husband to grant her enough land to provide an annual bounty of bread to the poor, who were suffering from a recent failure of the wheat crop. On March 25, or Lady Day, each year, villagers in need of assistance gather at the porch of Tichborne House to claim their portion of the gift: a gallon of flour for adults, half as much for children. Discuss
Month: March 2022
Arturo Toscanini (1867)
Internationally recognized as one of the world’s great conductors, Toscanini first took the baton as a substitute conductor in Brazil. Toscanini’s artistry is preserved in recordings, notably of the symphonies of Beethoven and works by Brahms, Wagner, Verdi, and others. A tempestuous personality greatly respected by his performers, he also served as musical director of La Scala, Milan, and of the Metropolitan Opera, New York City. Before becoming a conductor, Toscanini studied what instrument? Discuss
sit a spell
To sit down, relax, and socialize for a while at one’s leisure. Watch the video
La Florida
In 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León set out from Puerto Rico, sailing northeast through the Bahamas. He soon sighted the Florida peninsula, which he believed was actually an island, and in early April, he became the first European to reach it. His discovery coincided with the Easter feast, Pascua Florida, and is perhaps the reason why he named the land he claimed for Spain “La Florida.” What legendary site do many believe the explorer was searching for when he found Florida? Discuss
obstreperous
withdraw
anchorite – Its meaning of “hermit” derived from Greek ana-, “back,” and chorein, “to withdraw.” More…
cease, cede – Cease and cede come from Latin cedere, “go away, withdraw.” More…
retire – From French retirer, from re-, “back” and tirer, “throw,” its first sense was “withdraw to a place of safety or seclusion.” More…
take for the kitchen – To withdraw from a conversation or to remain silent. More…
The Mont Blanc Tunnel Fire (1999)
The Mont Blanc Tunnel was completed in 1965 and became a major trans-Alpine transport route linking France and Italy. On March 24, 1999, passing motorists alerted a driver that his truck was smoking. His cargo of flour and margarine had caught fire in the tunnel. The fire burned for 53 hours and reached temperatures over 1,832°F (1,000°C), trapping drivers and thwarting rescue efforts. The blaze claimed 39 lives. How many people were saved by a man on a motorcycle before he died in the inferno? Discuss
Fatty Arbuckle (1887)
Roscoe Conkling “Fatty” Arbuckle was a portly American silent film comedian. Despite his size, Arbuckle was physically adept and surprisingly agile. His comedies are known for their rollicking, fast-paced nature, and he was particularly fond of the now-famous “pie in the face” gag. Arbuckle had a lasting impact on the silent film genre and mentored stars Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. However, he is best known for his involvement in what scandal that destroyed his career? Discuss
send a shiver down (someone's) spine
To cause an intense feeling of excitement, exhilaration, nervousness, or fear in someone. Watch the video
Maimonides
Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, commonly known by his Greek name Maimonides, was a Jewish rabbi, physician and philosopher. Maimonides was by far the most influential figure in medieval Jewish philosophy. Maimonides composed both works of Jewish scholarship and medical texts. What are Maimonides’ 13 principles of faith? Discuss