Month: October 2022

Chocolate

Chocolate is prepared in a complex process from ground, roasted cacao beans. The Maya had a chocolate beverage perhaps as early as 900 BCE, and the Aztecs prized the cacao tree. In the 16th century, Montezuma II served Hernán Cortés a cacao-bean drink called xocoatl—”bitter water”—that Cortés then introduced to Europe. It became a fashionable drink there, and chocolate shops thrived, becoming centers of political discussion. When did London’s first chocolate shop open? Discuss

Suez Canal Crisis Begins (1956)

After Britain and the US withdrew their financial pledges to help Egypt build the Aswan High Dam, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal, angering Britain and France, which had direct financial stakes in the canal. A joint invasion of Egypt ensued, but UN intervention led to an armistice in November. The canal, blocked for months due to damage, reopened in 1957. What politician involved in the aftermath is considered the father of the modern concept of “peacekeeping”? Discuss

Coronation Day and Sihanouk's Birthday

The celebration of former King Norodom Sihanouk‘s birthday on October 31 has been combined with the October 29 anniversary of the coronation of his son, King Norodom Sihamoni. Sihanouk abdicated in favor of his son in 2004. The three-day celebration is centered in Phnom Penh, around the Royal Palace. People from all over the country come to the capital city to watch parades, partake in cultural events, and see the elaborate fireworks display along the riverbank near the palace. Discuss

Joseph Goebbels (1897)

Goebbels, the Nazi regime’s infamous minister of propaganda, used mass communication to indoctrinate the German people into a culture of Nazism, racism, and militarism. One of his first acts as minister was to order the burning of books by Jewish or anti-Nazi authors, after which he gained control of every outlet of information in Germany. One of Hitler’s most devout followers, Goebbels killed himself and his family after Germany’s defeat. What was the title of his semi-autobiographical novel? Discuss

Bulletproof Vests

“Bulletproof” is something of a misnomer for these protective vests. A more accurate description is “bullet resistant,” as they do not always protect against all types of ammunition. A vest protects its wearer by catching a bullet in layers of material and spreading its force over a larger area. Even in cases where the bullet is prevented from penetrating the body, the wearer can suffer injuries, like bruises or internal injuries, from the force of the impact. What can degrade a vest’s efficacy? Discuss

Czechoslovakia Gains Independence (1918)

With the end of World War I came the dissolution of Austria-Hungary. Its Czech and Slovak-speaking territories—Bohemia, Moravia, Slovakia, and part of Silesia—formed Czechoslovakia. Benefiting from a liberal, democratic constitution and the inheritance most of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s industry, the new republic seemed to have a bright future. With its antagonistic and nationalistic ethnic elements, however, the new state was far from being a stable unit. What was the “Velvet Revolution”? Discuss

St. Jude's Day

Because St. Jude is believed to have been martyred with St. Simon in Persia, where they had gone to preach Christianity, their feast is celebrated jointly on October 28, thought to be the date on which their relics were moved to old St. Peter’s basilica. Since St. Jude is the patron saint of hopeless causes, the saint’s day is observed particularly by students. St. Jude and St. Joseph traditionally are the most important saints to Roman Catholics in Buffalo, New York, where people buy St. Jude medals to help them win over impossible odds or achieve the unachievable. Discuss