Month: May 2023

Star Wars Is Released (1977)

After its release in 1977, Star Wars became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, spawning two film sequels and three prequels as well as myriad novels, video games, and comic books. The films, which grossed over $4 billion, chronicle Luke Skywalker’s quest to help the rebels defeat an evil empire and iconic villain Darth Vader. What US president’s proposed strategic defense system against nuclear attacks, which was to include space-based lasers, was derisively dubbed “Star Wars”? Discuss

Moving Day (Scotland)

The idea of packing up one’s belongings and changing residences on a particular day has been a tradition in many countries. In Scotland, it was called Flitting Day and took place on May 25. The decision of whether to “sit or flit” was up to the tenant, but “flitting” seemed to be more common. On Flitting Day, they had to vacate their houses by noon, which often meant a great upheaval for the family during the preceding day or two. Apparently, the novelty value of flitting outweighed the boredom of sitting. Discuss

Sir Ian McKellen (1939)

McKellen is an English star of stage and screen, noted for his performances in everything from Shakespearean works to modern theater to popular fantasy and science fiction. He began his professional acting career in the 1960s, and has worked steadily ever since. His recent roles in blockbuster films such as The Lord of the Rings and X-Men have earned him widespread recognition and introduced him to a new generation of fans. When was McKellen knighted? Discuss

Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. is a jewelry and silverware company. It was founded in New York City in 1837 and, today, has stores in major cities all over the world. The corporation has an agreement with the Tahera Diamond Corporation to buy or market the entire production of Canada’s Jericho Diamond Mine. The Tiffany flagship store on New York’s Fifth Avenue at 57th Street is a popular tourist attraction, largely as a result of what 1961 movie? Discuss

Peter Minuit Buys Manhattan (1626)

Peter Minuit was the director-general of the Dutch colony of New Netherland who is credited with the purchase of the island of Manhattan in 1626. According to legend, he persuaded the natives—perhaps a Metoac band of Lenape known as the Canarsee, who were actually native to what is now Brooklyn—to “sell” the island for a handful of trade goods worth approximately 60 guilders. In 1846, that price was converted by a New York historian to what US dollar amount? Discuss

Pontormo (1494)

Pontormo was a Florentine painter and one of the creators of mannerism, an artistic style characterized by distortion of elements such as scale and perspective. In fact, his altar for the church of San Michele Visdomini, Florence, is considered by many to be the first mannerist work in recorded history. He was also a talented portraitist. Pontormo was a recluse for much of his life and kept a diary in which he chronicled his obsessions. With which famous Florentine painters did he apprentice? Discuss