Month: June 2023

Porcelain

Porcelain is a white, hard, nonporous pottery which is resonant when struck. It was first made by the Chinese to withstand the great heat generated in certain parts of their kilns. The two natural substances used were kaolin and a feldspar mineral called petuntse that forms a glassy cement. In Europe porcelain was first commercially produced in the early 1700s. Most of the European porcelain is soft paste and is not as strong as the Chinese hard-paste porcelain. What is bone china? Discuss

Operation Barbarossa: Nazi Germany Invades the Soviet Union (1941)

The largest military operation of World War II, Operation Barbarossa was the codename for Nazi Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union. Named for 12th-century crusader and Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, the Axis operation included more than 4.5 million troops over a 1,800-mile (2,900-km) front. Though the Red Army suffered heavy losses, Operation Barbarossa failed and marked a turning point in the war that many believe sealed the Nazis’ fate. How many were killed during the operation? Discuss

Meryl Streep (1949)

Streep is widely considered one of the most respected and talented film actors of all time. Famous for her mastery of a wide variety of accents, she has become legendary for the perfectionist approach she brings to each role. Streep has received more Academy Award nominations than any other actor in history and won two for her roles in Kramer vs. Kramer and Sophie’s Choice. She is also tied with Jack Nicholson for most Golden Globe Award wins. What was Streep’s first starring role? Discuss

Margot Fonteyn

Fonteyn was an English ballet dancer. She made her debut as a soloist in 1934 and gained a reputation for expressive acting and versatility, inspiring famed choreographer Sir Frederick Ashton to create a number of major ballets especially for her. Fonteyn’s international reputation soared once she formed a legendary partnership with the Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev. The pair became known for receiving repeated frenzied curtain calls and bouquet tosses. Why was Fonteyn arrested in 1959? Discuss

Molly Maguires Hanged in Pennsylvania (1877)

The Molly Maguires was a secret organization of Irish-Americans who fought against the oppressive working conditions in the anthracite mining districts of Pennsylvania. Members often resorted to intimidation or murder when dealing with police, who were entirely controlled by the mine owners. At around the time the organization reached the height of its power, a detective was hired to infiltrate its ranks. His testimony led to the eventual hanging of 10 “Mollies.” How did the group get its name? Discuss

Midnight Sun Festival

The Midnight Sun Festival is a celebration of the Summer Solstice in Nome, Alaska, where the sun shines for better than 22 hours a day in the peak of summer. The longest day of the year is feted with a street dance, blanket toss, barbecue, Monte Carlo night (gambling), Eskimo dances, and a parade. A river raft race has been held at midnight on June 21 since the 1960s. Various homemade rafts paddle down a one- to two-mile course on the Nome River, and the winning team claims a fur-lined honey bucket, which is passed on from year to year. Discuss