Ebola

Ebola, the virus group responsible for an often fatal hemorrhagic fever, emerged in Africa in the 1970s and was named for a river near the site of the first recognized outbreak. With mortality rates as high as 90%, Ebola hemorrhagic fever encompasses a range of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes internal and external bleeding, and has no approved vaccine or treatment. Although the carrier is still unknown, what animal is thought to be the most likely reservoir of the disease? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Thelonious Monk (1917)

One of the key innovators of modern jazz, Monk worked as a pianist in the early 1940s at Minton’s Playhouse and other clubs where the rudiments of the new jazz style were being developed. Known for his highly idiosyncratic, percussive playing, he performed with many notable jazz musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie, before recording under his own name beginning in 1947. Monk is one of only five jazz musicians to have been featured on the cover of Time magazine. Who are the other four? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Fiji Day

Fijians still celebrate the date of the signing of the 1874 Deed of Cession, the document that initiated the protracted process by which Fiji gained independence in 1970. In Levuka, festivities focus on the historical aspects of Fiji Day, and people dress in traditional garb to re-enact of the Deed of Cession. In Suva, leaders, dignitaries, and citizens gather in historic Albert Park for addresses by the president and the prime minister. There is also a parade, the singing of the national anthem, and a ceremonial firing of cannons. In other communities, Fijians hold oratory contests and cultural performances. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

United Air Lines Chesterton Crash (1933)

In 1933, a Boeing 247 operated by United Air Lines exploded mid-flight and crashed near Chesterton, Indiana. The crash killed all seven people aboard, including four passengers and three crew members. Investigators concluded that a bomb caused the explosion, making this the first proven act of air sabotage in the history of commercial aviation. No suspect has ever been identified or charged in the incident. How did investigators determine that a bomb caused the explosion? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Old Summer Palace

Known in China as the Gardens of Perfect Clarity, the Old Summer Palace was a complex of palaces and gardens built in the 18th and early 19th centuries near the walls of Beijing. Hundreds of invaluable Chinese art masterpieces and antiquities were stored in its halls, making the Imperial Gardens one of the largest museums in the world. In 1860, during the Second Opium War, British and French troops looted and destroyed the gardens. Why have the Chinese decided not to rebuild the complex? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Walter O’Malley (1903)

Born in New York City, O’Malley was the owner of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team from 1950 to 1979. In 1958, he moved the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles and helped to coordinate the move of the New York Giants to San Francisco at a time when there were no teams west of Missouri. Though ultimately successful, the transplantation of the Dodgers made O’Malley a target of vilification by Brooklyn fans. However, some blame what powerful official for the team’s move? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Madison County Covered Bridge Festival

The Madison County Covered Bridge Festival takes place annually on the second weekend in October in and around Winterset, Iowa. The town is located in Madison County, which is noted for its historic wooden covered bridges. In addition to bridge tours, the weekend’s festivities include demonstrations of such traditional activities as sheep shearing, wool spinning, and soap making. Entertainment includes barbershop quartets, square dancers, and cloggers, while quilts and antiques are on display. A parade of antique cars is a highlight of the weekend. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary