Nehru was an Indian statesman and leader with Mohandas Gandhi in the struggle for Indian home rule. Nehru served as president of the Indian National Congress, and, in 1947, became India’s first prime minister, leading the country through the difficult early years of independence. Domestically, he promoted democracy, socialism, secularism, and unity, adapting modern values to Indian conditions. His daughter, Indira Gandhi, later served as prime minister. What is believed to have killed Nehru? Discuss
Month: May 2022
Rachel Carson (1907)
Carson was an American writer and marine biologist. Her book Silent Spring, a provocative study of the dangers of certain insecticides, is generally acknowledged as the impetus for the modern environmental movement. In other well-known books on sea life, such as Under the Sea Wind, she combines keen scientific observation with rich poetic description. What did Carson’s marital status lead former Secretary of Agriculture Ezra Taft Benson to conclude about her political leanings? Discuss
teensy-weensie
childish Particularly small or tiny. Watch the video
But wait! There's more!
The now-familiar phrase “But wait! There’s more!” first accompanied infomercials for the “amazing” Ginsu knife in the 1970s. These ads also urged viewers to “Call now! Operators are standing by!” By bringing the direct-marketing techniques of door-to-door sales and print advertising to television, the Ginsu ads established the formula for the modern infomercial. “Ginsu” was actually a word that executives made up to evoke images of Japanese samurai swords. What were the knives originally called? Discuss
virid
rights
charter – Confers powers and rights from the state or an organization to people, local chapters, or corporations. More…
devolution – A passing down from stage to stage or the passing of property, rights, or authority from one person to another; it implies moving backward. More…
perk – A special privilege or right, it is an abbreviation of perquisite. More…
prejudice – Originally meant harm or injury caused to a person resulting from a disregard for their rights; it is from Latin, meaning “to judge beforehand.” More…
Coronation of Czar Nicholas II (1896)
Nicholas II was the last czar of Russia. With little training in state affairs, Nicholas proved to be a charming but ineffective and easily swayed ruler. His reign was marked by defeat in the Russo-Japanese War, the 1905 Revolution, the court influence of the unpopular Rasputin, involvement in World War I, and governmental incompetence—all of which helped precipitate the Revolution of 1917. Forced to abdicate, he and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks. When was his body found? Discuss
Guyana Independence Day
This public holiday marks Guyana‘s independence from Britain on this day in 1966. Republic Day, or Mashramani, is another national holiday, commemorating February 23, 1970, when Guyana became a republic. Discuss
Miles Davis (1926)
Rising to prominence with the birth of modern jazz in the mid-1940s, when he was a sideman in Charlie Parker’s bop quintet, Davis became a dominant force in jazz trumpet. He was influential in the development of “cool” jazz, led many small groups through the 1950s and 60s, and produced a successful blend of jazz and rock music in the 1970s and 80s. His trumpet and flügelhorn styles were warmly lyrical and marked by a brilliant use of mutes. How old was Davis when he began to study music? Discuss
tear a strip off (someone)
To scold, upbraid, or rebuke someone very severely, as for an error or wrongdoing. Watch the video