Month: May 2022

Eva Perón (1919)

Eva Perón was an actress who became a political and cultural icon as the wife of Argentine president Juan Perón. When Juan entered office in 1946, Eva became a powerful though unofficial political leader alongside her husband. Commonly known by the affectionate diminutive “Evita,” she presided over the creation of a charitable foundation that gave the poor access to healthcare and built schools and whole communities for them. Why was Evita’s corpse hidden for 16 years after her death? Discuss

Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo, a principality of Monaco, is a resort town located on the French Riviera. It is known as a playground for the rich and famous, thanks to its breathtaking scenery, fine villas, luxurious hotels, and world-famous casino—which has long been a source of intrigue. Joseph Jagger first broke the bank after discovering a bias in one of the roulette wheels in 1873, and the casino has since been featured in several James Bond films. What famous sporting events are held in Monte Carlo? Discuss

headache

cephalgia, encephalalgia – Cephalgia and encephalalgia are medical terms for a headache. More…

megrim – Another word for a headache, especially a migraine. More…

shivaree – A mock serenade, it originally meant “headache” in its Latin form. More…

neurasthenia – A disorder characterized by loss of energy, lack of motivation, and feelings of inadequacy, along with vague physical symptoms such as headache or muscle pain. More…

Louis XIV of France Moves His Court to Versailles (1682)

During his reign, King Louis XIV moved his court and government offices to Versailles. The palace is one of the largest and most lavish ever built. At a time when mirrors were some of the priciest luxury items to acquire, Louis installed an entire hall of them. The grounds feature fountains, reservoirs, sculptures, temples, grottoes, and even two smaller palaces. Louis’s motive for the move is thought to have been a desire to more closely monitor the nobility. Why did he feel this was necessary? Discuss

Lebanon Martyrs' Day

Martyrs’ Day has been observed as a public holiday since 1970 to honor the fallen heroes of Arab nationalism. The date, May 6, was selected to commemorate the 21 Arab intellectuals who were hanged on that date in 1916 in Beirut, Lebanon, and Damascus, Syria, by an official of the occupying Ottoman Empire. On Martyrs’ Day, ceremonies of public commemoration are led by government officials in Beirut at Martyrs’ Square, named in honor of the murdered nationalists. Officials and citizens also lay wreaths at martyrs’ monuments in Beirut and throughout the country. Discuss

Sigmund Freud (1856)

Freud was an Austrian psychiatrist who pioneered the study of the unconscious mind and founded the method of psychological therapy known as psychoanalysis. He postulated that there are a number of defense mechanisms that protect the conscious mind from threatening feelings, and he made conscious recognition of these forgotten experiences—through hypnosis and, later, free association—the foundation of psychoanalytic therapy. Freud was an outspoken proponent and early user of what narcotic? Discuss

Martin Guerre

In the 16th century, a French peasant named Martin Guerre abruptly disappeared after being accused of stealing grain from his father. He moved to Spain and joined the army. He was wounded during a military campaign, and his leg had to be amputated. After spending some time in a monastery, Guerre returned to France, only to discover that an imposter had been living with his family. When faced with the real Martin Guerre, his relatives realized they had been had. What happened to the imposter? Discuss