Month: October 2022

Cubana Flight 455 Bombed (1976)

The bombing of Cubana Flight 455 killed all 78 people on board, including several Cuban government officials. At that time, it constituted the most deadly act of airline terrorism ever carried out in the Western Hemisphere. An investigation uncovered evidence implicating anti-Castro Cuban exiles and members of the Venezuelan secret police in the plot. Four men were arrested: two received 20-year prison terms, one was acquitted, and another fled. How were the CIA and FBI linked to the attack? Discuss

German-American Day

Descendants of the earliest German settlers have observed October 6 as German Pioneer Day or German Settlement Day since 1908, but it wasn’t until 1987 that October 6 was formally designated German-American Day by President Ronald Reagan. It is often observed by attending events that promote an understanding of the contributions of German immigrants—for example, lectures on German history, art, music, and literature; exhibits featuring German artifacts; performances of German music; and church services that acknowledge German-American members of the congregation. Discuss

Louis-Philippe of France (1773)

Louis-Philippe was the last king to rule France, reigning from 1830 to 1848. A nobleman who joined the liberal opposition to kings Louis XVIII and Charles X, he was made lieutenant general of the realm during the July Revolution of 1830 and then king. At first, he was much loved and called the “Citizen King,” but his increasingly autocratic rule as well as economic woes diminished his popularity. Faced with impending civil war, he abdicated and fled to England. How did he get there? Discuss

Khalil Gibran

Gibran was a Lebanese poet and novelist whose works, written in both English and Arabic, fuse elements of Eastern and Western mysticism. His best-known work is The Prophet, a collection of 26 inspirational prose poems. Published in 1923, it attracted only modest attention during the author’s life but later attained cult status among American youth for several generations, including during the 1960s counterculture movement. What lyric did the Beatles adapt from one of Gibran’s texts? Discuss

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) Is Launched (1970)

PBS is an American non-profit, private corporation that provides its members—public television stations—with educational, cultural, and news programs. The network is supported by public funds and private contributions rather than commercials. Its popular programs, produced by its member stations and other independent program producers, have included Sesame Street, Masterpiece Theatre, and Nova. How does PBS differ from its radio counterpart, National Public Radio? Discuss

Mario Lemieux (1965)

Former professional ice hockey player and current National Hockey League team owner Mario Lemieux is considered one of the greatest players in the sport’s history. He joined the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1984 and led his team to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 1991 and 1992 before being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1993. After beating cancer, he returned to the ice and led his team on a 17-game winning streak, a league record. What did he do on the day of his last radiation treatment? Discuss