Boswell was a Scottish lawyer and author who is best known for his biography of English literary scholar and critic Samuel Johnson, a noted wit. Boswell’s record of Johnson’s pithy remarks earned The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. recognition as one of the greatest biographies of Western literature. So skillful was his work that Johnson is perhaps better remembered for his sayings in the biography than for his own writings. What Boswell manuscripts were discovered in the 20th century? Discuss
Month: October 2023
golden ticket
A person, thing, quality, ability, or accomplishment that provides a reliable opportunity for great financial or personal success. Watch the video
Terror Behind the Walls
Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary, which operated from 1829-1970, is considered the world’s first penitentiary. Its revolutionary incarceration system used solitary confinement to rehabilitate inmates, but it is believed that this led to significant mental illness rather than the intended spiritual reflection. The prison now operates as a museum and hosts over 74,000 visitors at its annual Terror Behind the Walls haunted house. How did bank robber Willie Sutton escape the prison in 1945? Discuss
brandish
Siege of La Rochelle Ends (1628)
In 1598, French King Henry IV issued the Edict of Nantes to restore internal peace in France, ravaged by the Wars of Religion. The edict gave the French Protestants, or Huguenots, extensive rights and control of certain cities, including La Rochelle, which became a stronghold for them. However, Henry’s successor, Louis XIII, and his minister, Cardinal Richelieu, resolved to crush the Huguenots, and La Rochelle fell after a 14-month siege. How did the royal forces block sea access to the city? Discuss
Czechoslovak Independence Day
The Republic of Czechoslovakia was founded on October 28, 1918, when the National Committee in Prague proclaimed independence from the Austrian Hapsburg emperors and took over the administration of an independent Czechoslovak state. Independence Day was widely celebrated in Czechoslovakia until the Communists seized power there in 1948, but the day continued to be recognized in the US with special banquets, addresses, religious services, and cultural programs. Communities with large Czech or Slovak populations may also mark the occasion. Discuss
Jonas Salk (1914)
Salk was an American physician and microbiologist renowned for his work in developing the first vaccine against polio. He began his groundbreaking studies on viruses and immunization with the influenza virus. Later, while working with other scientists to classify the poliovirus, he confirmed earlier studies that identified three strains, and he showed that the killed virus of each strain could induce antibody formation without producing disease. Who owned the patent for Salk’s vaccine? Discuss
a golden hello
A sum of money paid to a new employee as a benefit for being recruited by a company. Watch the video
Printmaking
Printmaking is the process of creating an image, called an impression, by inking a prepared plate or woodblock and pressing it against another material. Invented in China in the 5th century, the woodcut was both the earliest printmaking method and the first process that allowed printmakers to produce multiple copies of a text or artwork. Later, techniques involving engraved or etched metal plates were developed. What is the reductionist approach to applying multiple colors to an impression? Discuss
tidbit
Definition: (noun) A choice morsel, as of gossip or food.
Synonyms: choice morsel, titbit.
Usage: The book is chock-full of colorful tidbits about theater and theater people.
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