The Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is the main research library of the University of Oxford and is one of the oldest libraries in Europe. The original library, destroyed in the reign of Edward VI, was replaced in 1602, chiefly through the efforts of Sir Thomas Bodley. The library has one of the great collections of English books, and its extensive manuscript collection is especially rich in biblical and Arabic material. Centuries of Oxford scholars have informally called it the what? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Dr. Seuss (1904)

Theodor Seuss Geisel, popularly known by his pen name, Dr. Seuss, was a famous American writer and cartoonist. His outlandishly illustrated books captivate readers with their unique blend of whimsy, zany humor, and catchy verse. He is best known for his children’s books, which include enduring classics like The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas!. How has the pronunciation of “Seuss” changed since Geisel first adopted the pseudonym? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Myanmar Peasants’ Day

The Union of Myanmar, known as Burma until 1989, is in southeast Asia. Myanmar’s predominant industry is agriculture, and, at one point, it was the biggest exporter of rice in Asia, but now its line of agricultural products is more diverse. The country could not support these agricultural activities without the peasant workers, and to show their appreciation for the peasants’ contribution, the country has declared March 2 Peasants’ Day. It is a national holiday. It was also on this day in 1962 that Burmese General Ne Win led the military coup. The country holds parades on this day to honor him. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-Point Game (1962)

Recognized as one of the National Basketball Association’s greatest players of all time, Wilt Chamberlain led the league in scoring for 7 seasons and in rebounding 11 times, was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player 4 times, and was elected to basketball’s Hall of Fame. However, he is perhaps best known for being the only player in league history to score 100 points in a single game—a feat he achieved while playing for the Philadelphia Warriors. How many total points were scored in that game? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Marionettes

A marionette is a small puppet manipulated by an unseen operator who usually speaks the dialogue during a performance. Marionettes were known in Greece in 5 BCE and were the most popular form of entertainment in Europe in the Middle Ages. Marionette shows flourished in England after theaters were outlawed by Puritans, and great writers and composers like Goethe and Mozart wrote for them. What is “supermarionation”? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Yitzhak Rabin (1922)

Rabin was an Israeli military leader, politician, and Nobel Peace Prize winner. He rose in rank from brigade commander in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War to chief of staff in 1964 and was credited with Israel’s military success in the Six Day War. After retiring to pursue a diplomatic post, Rabin succeeded Golda Meir as Prime Minister of Israel in 1974. He served two terms before his political career was cut short when he was assassinated in 1995. What event was he attending when he was killed? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Whuppity Scoorie

On March 1 every year, Lanark‘s parish church bell rings exactly at 6 p.m., after a four-month silence. As the bell begins to ring, children in this Scottish town parade three times round the church, dangling pieces of string with paper balls attached at the other end. Then they start striking one another with the paper balls in a play fight. Once pennies are tossed to the ground, the children rush to collect them. One explanation for the origin of this festival is that it can be traced back to pagan times, when people believed that making a great deal of noise would scare away evil spirits. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Salem Witch Trials Begin (1692)

Viewed by many to be the result of a period of factional infighting and religious hysteria, the witch trials of Puritanical Salem Village, Massachusetts, led to the executions of 20 people—15 women and five men—and the imprisonment of approximately 150 accused witches. Even after the trials ended, people who had previously been found not guilty of witchcraft remained in prison, held until they paid their jail fees. What is “spectral evidence,” and how did it play a role in the witch trials? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary