Month: January 2023

Compact Discs

Compact discs (CDs) are optical discs that store digital data. The data is digitally encoded on the disc as a series of microscopic indentations—called “pits”—on an otherwise polished surface. The disc is read by a laser beam, which is either absorbed in the pits or reflected off the non-indented areas, called “lands.” After the music CD was introduced in 1982, it quickly surpassed records and cassette tapes as the music storage medium of choice. What album was the first to be released on CD? Discuss

Outer Space Treaty Signed (1967)

The Outer Space Treaty represents the basic legal framework of international space law. It bans the stationing of weapons of mass destruction in outer space, exclusively limits the use of the Moon and other celestial bodies to peaceful purposes, holds countries responsible for any damage caused by the objects they launch, and forbids any government from claiming a celestial body, such as the Moon or a planet. The Moon Treaty was approved 12 years later but was considered a failure. Why? Discuss

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756)

Mozart is considered one of the greatest composers of European classical music, having written an astonishing number of works in almost every musical genre during his short life. A child prodigy, he began composing music by the age of five and was touring and performing before royalty within a year. He later settled in Vienna, where he reached the height of his success. At the age of 35, he succumbed to an unknown illness that remains a source of speculation. What are some of the theories? Discuss

Ragtime

Ragtime is a style of American piano music emphasizing syncopation and polyrhythm. Popular in the early 20th century, it was the first form of jazz to exert a wide appeal—thanks, in part, to Scott Joplin and Irving Berlin, its most celebrated composers and performers. In a ragtime composition, the pianist’s left hand keeps an accented beat while the right hand plays a fast, bouncing melody that gives the music its powerful forward impetus. What is the likely origin of the name “ragtime”? Discuss

Beaumont Siblings Disappear without a Trace (1966)

The Beaumont children’s disappearance from an Australian beach launched what would become one of the largest police investigations in Australian criminal history. On a hot summer day in 1966, nine-year-old Jane Beaumont took her two younger siblings to a nearby beach, but they never returned home. Police investigations revealed that the children had been seen with a strange man and later walking alone, but the case was never solved. In what way did their disappearance change Australian society? Discuss

India Republic Day

This holiday is an important national festival in India, celebrating the day in 1950 when India’s ties with Britain were severed and the country became a fully independent republic. The holiday is marked with parades and much celebration in all the state capitals, but the festivities in Delhi are especially grand. There is a mammoth parade with military units, floats from each state, dancers and musicians, and fly-overs. Independence Day on August 15 is also a national holiday, but it is observed chiefly with speech-making and none of the grandeur of Republic Day. Discuss

Douglas MacArthur (1880)

MacArthur is a major figure in US military and diplomatic history. He commanded a brigade in France during World War I and was commander of the Philippine military establishment in the late 1930s, but he is best remembered for the vital role he played in the Pacific theater of World War II and for his command of UN forces during the Korean War. Many Americans viewed MacArthur as a hero, but he was suddenly relieved of his post by President Truman at the height of the Korean War for what reason? Discuss