Month: March 2023

Wilt Chamberlain's 100-Point Game (1962)

Recognized as one of the National Basketball Association’s greatest players of all time, Wilt Chamberlain led the league in scoring for 7 seasons and in rebounding 11 times, was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player 4 times, and was elected to basketball’s Hall of Fame. However, he is perhaps best known for being the only player in league history to score 100 points in a single game—a feat he achieved while playing for the Philadelphia Warriors. How many total points were scored in that game? Discuss

Texas Independence Day

A legal holiday in Texas, March 2 commemorates both the convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos held on this day in 1836, when delegates prepared for the separation of Texas from Mexico, and the birthday of Sam Houston (1793-1863), who led the Texans to victory over the Mexicans in the Battle of San Jacinto. Texas is the only state to celebrate independence from a country other than England. This period in Texas history, beginning with the Washington-on-the-Brazos convention and ending with Sam Houston’s victory at San Jacinto, is celebrated each year during “Texas Week.” Discuss

Dr. Seuss (1904)

Theodor Seuss Geisel, popularly known by his pen name, Dr. Seuss, was a famous American writer and cartoonist. His outlandishly illustrated books captivate readers with their unique blend of whimsy, zany humor, and catchy verse. He is best known for his children’s books, which include enduring classics like The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas!. How has the pronunciation of “Seuss” changed since Geisel first adopted the pseudonym? Discuss

Marionettes

A marionette is a small puppet manipulated by an unseen operator who usually speaks the dialogue during a performance. Marionettes were known in Greece in 5 BCE and were the most popular form of entertainment in Europe in the Middle Ages. Marionette shows flourished in England after theaters were outlawed by Puritans, and great writers and composers like Goethe and Mozart wrote for them. What is “supermarionation”? Discuss

Salem Witch Trials Begin (1692)

Viewed by many to be the result of a period of factional infighting and religious hysteria, the witch trials of Puritanical Salem Village, Massachusetts, led to the executions of 20 people—15 women and five men—and the imprisonment of approximately 150 accused witches. Even after the trials ended, people who had previously been found not guilty of witchcraft remained in prison, held until they paid their jail fees. What is “spectral evidence,” and how did it play a role in the witch trials? Discuss

Chalanda Marz

In Engadine, located in the Inn River valley of eastern Switzerland, the arrival of spring is celebrated with the ringing of bells. Young people put on herdsmen’s costumes with wide leather belts from which they hang as many cowbells as they can collect. Smaller bells hang from their necks or are strapped across their chests. They go from house to house, clanging their bells to scare off winter and serenading people with traditional spring songs; often, they are rewarded with cakes, apples, or eggs. An evening feast is made out of the food. Afterward, there are games and dancing. Discuss

Yitzhak Rabin (1922)

Rabin was an Israeli military leader, politician, and Nobel Peace Prize winner. He rose in rank from brigade commander in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War to chief of staff in 1964 and was credited with Israel’s military success in the Six Day War. After retiring to pursue a diplomatic post, Rabin succeeded Golda Meir as Prime Minister of Israel in 1974. He served two terms before his political career was cut short when he was assassinated in 1995. What event was he attending when he was killed? Discuss