Month: November 2022

President John F. Kennedy Assassinated (1963)

The assassination of John F. Kennedy while he was riding in a presidential motorcade in Dallas, Texas, was a seminal event in American history. The US government’s subsequent investigation—dubbed the “Warren Commission”—concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald was the culprit, but the assassination is still widely debated, and many people doubt that Oswald acted alone. Oswald’s murder just two days later, while in police custody, further fueled conspiracy theories. Who was the “Babushka Lady”? Discuss

Rodney Dangerfield (1921)

Best known for his trademark line, “I don’t get no respect,” Dangerfield was an American comedian and actor who appeared in a slew of movies, including Caddyshack, Easy Money, and Back To School, and even won a Grammy Award for his comedy album No Respect. His Manhattan comedy club, Dangerfield’s, remains in operation to this day and has hosted some of the biggest names in comedy. A funnyman even in death, Dangerfield has what inscribed on his headstone? Discuss

Fireworks

Fireworks, which are generally believed to have been invented by the Chinese, have been used throughout history to celebrate happy occasions. In 1789, George Washington’s inauguration was accompanied by a display, and today, fireworks help mark Independence Day in the US, Diwali in India, Bastille Day in France, and New Year’s Eve around the world. In 1999, Disney World began launching fireworks with compressed air rather than gunpowder. What are the advantages of this type of launch? Discuss

Verrazano-Narrows Bridge Opens (1964)

The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge connects the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York City. From the time of its completion until 1981, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world, with a span of 4,260 feet (1,298 m). Designed by engineer Othmar Ammann, a noted authority on bridges, it furnished a critical link in the regional highway system and is widely known today as the starting point for the New York City Marathon. Who was Giovanni da Verrazano, the bridge’s namesake? Discuss

Samuel Cunard (1787)

Cunard was a Canadian-born British magnate and a giant of Atlantic shipping. When the British government invited bids in 1838 for carrying mail between England and North America, Cunard’s carefully considered plans won him the contract. Within two years, Cunard and his partners had placed four ships in operation, establishing the first regular steamship service between the continents and marking the beginning of the noted Cunard Line. What honor did Queen Victoria bestow upon Cunard in 1859? Discuss