Month: December 2023

Chancellor of the Exchequer

The Chancellor of the Exchequer is the UK’s senior finance minister and a member of the Prime Minister’s cabinet. He oversees public spending across Government departments and frames the annual budget. The office, established under Henry III, is now considered one of the four Great Offices of State. As Second Lord of the Treasury, the Chancellor’s official residence is 11 Downing St, next door to the home of the First Lord of the Treasury. In 1997, who actually moved into Number 11? Discuss

Tokyo Tower Completed (1958)

In the postwar boom of the 1950s, Japan was searching for a monument to symbolize its ascendancy as a global economic powerhouse. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, architects designed the 1,093-foot- (333-meter-) tall Tokyo Tower, the world’s tallest self-supporting steel structure. Today, the Tokyo Tower serves as a television and radio communications tower and is also a major tourist attraction. What was the source of about a third of the metal used in the tower’s construction? Discuss

Night of the Radishes

Night of the Radishes is a festival dating from the 19th century that combines art, agriculture, and religion. It is held in the zócalo, or main square, in Oaxaca, Mexico. The radishes grow to yam-size here and are each uniquely shaped by growing through the rocky soil. Families harvest these vegetables, and combine and sculpt them into elaborate forms depicting biblical scenes, especially the nativity of Jesus. Historical and Aztec themes are also represented. After the awarding of cash prizes and ribbons, a fireworks display caps the night. Discuss

Yousuf Karsh (1908)

Karsh was a Canadian photographer of Armenian descent noted for his portraits of the world’s most prominent figures. Born in Turkey, he immigrated to Canada at 16, after losing his sister in the Armenian Genocide. He opened his own studio in the early 1930s and was appointed official portrait photographer of the Canadian government in 1935. His portrait of a scowling and defiant Winston Churchill is said to be the most reproduced photographic portrait in history. What made Churchill so mad? Discuss

Shire Horses

This breed of draft horse native to central England is known for the long, white, silky hair on the lower parts of its legs. Widely used as a war horse during the Middle Ages, the Shire was well adapted to carry the excessive weight of armor worn by both horse and rider. It was also originally the staple breed used to draw ale delivery carts. The tallest of the modern draft breeds, a Shire stallion may stand how many hands high? Discuss

Man Shoots Four Would-Be Robbers on NYC Subway (1984)

Dubbed the “Subway Vigilante” by the tabloids, Bernard Hugo Goetz became a symbol of New Yorkers’ frustrations with rampant crime when he shot four men intending to rob him on a city subway train, paralyzing one of them. The publicity following the incident and his ensuing trial for attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment, and firearms offenses divided the public. While some believed Goetz rightly acted in self-defense, others felt he had overreacted. What was the result of the trial? Discuss

Toji

The earliest mention of Winter Solstice celebrations in Japan dates back at least to 725 CE and comes from records left by Emperor Shomu. It is an especially happy time for farmers, because it marks the time of year when the days begin to grow longer and the sun nearer. Many of the customs associated with Toji are still observed in rural areas—they include enjoying citrus baths, eating foods made from pumpkins (which is believed to bring good luck), and offering gifts to one’s ancestors. Servants and workers are often given a day off, and many shrines sponsor bonfires. Discuss