Month: December 2023

World's Tallest Vehicular Bridge Formally Dedicated (2004)

The Millau Viaduct is the world’s highest road bridge, peaking at a height of 1,125 ft (343 m) and stretching across 8,071 ft (2,460 m). Designed by British architect Norman Foster and French structural engineer Michel Virlogeux, the cable-stayed, multispan steel structure crosses the Tarn River near the town of Millau in southern France. After more than a decade of planning and construction, the bridge was inaugurated by French president Jacques Chirac in 2004. How much did it cost to build? Discuss

Tycho Brahe (1546)

Kidnapped by his uncle when he was a toddler and raised to be a scholar, Brahe went on to become the most prominent astronomer of the late 16th century. After inheriting his father’s and uncle’s estates, he built a small observatory and, in 1572, discovered and studied a supernova. Funded by Denmark’s King Frederick II, he built a larger observatory and accurately charted the positions of some 777 fixed stars. His observations provided the basis for the laws of planetary motion derived by whom? Discuss

The Don

Sir Donald “The Don” George Bradman’s 20-year cricket career began in 1928, when he joined the Australian national team. He is widely considered the sport’s greatest player and one of the world’s most outstanding athletes. Bradman’s career batting average was 99.94 runs per inning, a record that still stands at 30 runs higher than his nearest competitor. In 1934, acute appendicitis and peritonitis nearly cost Bradman his life. Who famously asked to be kept apprised of his condition? Discuss

The Nanking Massacre (1937)

Upon capturing the city of Nanking, which had been the Nationalist Chinese capital, Japanese forces under orders to destroy the city proceeded to kill and rape the Chinese residents on a mass scale. Tens of thousands were raped and between 100,000 and 300,000 are estimated to have been killed during the Nanking Massacre. The tense relations between the two nations into the 21st century is, in part, due to the brutality of Japanese troops during this time. What happened to those responsible? Discuss

Malta Republic Day

On September 21, 1964, Malta was granted its independence from Britain. According to its constitution, Queen Elizabeth II would initially serve as the supreme leader of Malta. On December 13, 1974, Malta became a republic within the Commonwealth, with the President as head of state. To commemorate this day, December 13 has been declared Republic Day in Malta. A big feast is held and Malta’s National Anthem is played or sung at the end of all masses. In addition, the President of Malta presents national awards, namely the Order of Merit and Gieh ir-Repubblika. Discuss

Dick Van Dyke (1925)

After appearing in television variety shows during the 1950s, Van Dyke made his Broadway debut and earned his first Tony Award starring in Bye, Bye Birdie. He won several Emmy Awards for the successful television comedy series The Dick Van Dyke Show and also danced and sang in the films Mary Poppins and Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang. Van Dyke appeared infrequently during the 80s but made a career comeback with what dramatic TV series that co-starred his son? Discuss