In 1913, DeMille joined Jesse Lasky and Samuel Goldwyn to form the forerunner of Paramount Communications. Their first venture, The Squaw Man (1914), was the first full-length feature film produced in Hollywood. DeMille, known for his flamboyance and his taste for huge casts and extravagant sets, went on to make numerous comedies before creating biblical spectacles such as 1923’s The Ten Commandments. Which of DeMille’s films won an Academy Award for best picture in 1952? Discuss
Month: August 2023
hand (something) to (someone) on a plate
To give or relinquish something to someone very easily, without him or her having to work very hard to get or achieve it. Watch the video
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex that leads to atrophy of the brain and senile dementia. First described in 1906, the disease is characterized by abnormal accumulation of plaques and malformed nerve cells. The disease usually affects people over age 65; short-term memory loss is an early symptom. The cause of Alzheimer’s is not known, and, as yet, there is no known cure. How do chess and crossword puzzles factor into Alzheimer’s prevention? Discuss
tempestuous
Chad Declares Its Independence (1960)
In 1910, France made Chad a part of French Equatorial Africa. Thirty-six years later, it was made an overseas territory and granted its own territorial legislature. Chad gained autonomy within the French Community during the French constitutional referendum of 1958 and full independence in 1960. The decades of civil war that followed have resulted in political instability and poor economic development. Nevertheless, hundreds of thousands of refugees from what country have sought refuge in Chad? Discuss
Enid Blyton (1897)
Blyton was a British schoolteacher who began writing in her spare time and went on to become one of the most successful children’s storytellers of the 20th century. She published her first book in 1922 and, over the next 40 years, produced several hundred children’s books and numerous magazine articles. She is best known for several book series, including those featuring Noddy, the Famous Five, and the Secret Seven. Why did BBC radio ban dramatizations of Blyton’s books in the mid-20th century? Discuss
go at it hammer and tongs
To do something or perform some task with tremendous fervor, determination, energy, or forcefulness. An allusion to the force with which a blacksmith strikes metal using a hammer and tongs. Watch the video
Chinatown
A Chinatown is a section of an urban area outside of China that is associated with a large number of Chinese residents or commercial activities. These are most common in Southeast Asia and North America. Today, some Chinatowns are focused on commercial tourism while others are actual living and working communities; some are a synthesis of both. Many Chinatowns have beautifully crafted paifang, large red arched entrance structures. Who traditionally financed paifang construction? Discuss
tallith
Definition: (noun) A shawl with a ritually knotted fringe at each corner; worn by Jews at morning prayer.
Synonyms: prayer shawl.
Usage: He donned his tallith as he entered the synagogue.
Discuss
"Son of Sam" Serial Killer Arrested (1977)
Between 1976 and 1977, New York City was terrorized by a serial killer—later identified as David Berkowitz—who called himself the “Son of Sam” in letters to police. After his arrest in August 1977, Berkowitz confessed to killing six people and wounding seven others in the course of eight shootings. Berkowitz later claimed that he was commanded to kill by a demon who possessed his neighbor’s dog. Why did thousands of women in New York cut or dye their hair when the perpetrator was still at large? Discuss