Author: Ian

Model Trains

Model railroading (US) or Railway modeling (UK) is a hobby in which rail transport systems are modeled at a reduced scale. The models include the rail vehicles and the entire infrastructure of railroads as well as the surrounding scenery, called a “layout.” Today, model railway engines are generally operated by low-voltage electricity supplied through the tracks; how were early models made before the advent of practical electricity? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Vincent van Gogh (1853)

Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch postimpressionist artist whose paintings include some of the world’s best known, most popular, and most valuable pieces in the world today. Yet, only one of his paintings was sold while he lived. The majority of the works for which he is best known were produced in 29 months of frenzied activity and intermittent bouts with epileptic seizures and profound despair that tragically ended in suicide. What iconic painting did van Gogh complete while in a mental hospital? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Doctors’ Day

Since 1933, this day has been set aside to honor America’s physicians. It is the anniversary of the day in 1842 on which Dr. Crawford W. Long removed a tumor from the neck of a man while the patient was anesthetized by ether. Dr. Long was the first acclaimed American physician to use ether as an anesthetic agent in a surgical procedure. The red carnation is the official flower associated with Doctors’ Day. The American Medical Association promotes various activities to mark this day, including walk-a-thons and blood drives. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

US President Ronald Reagan Is Shot (1981)

Just 69 days into his presidency, Ronald Reagan was shot in Washington, DC, along with three others. The would-be assassin, John Hinckley, Jr., was motivated by an obsession with actress Jodie Foster and the film Taxi Driver. Reagan soon recovered, and Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity and confined to a psychiatric facility. While Reagan was hospitalized, Secretary of State Alexander Haig made a controversial statement about presidential succession. What did he say? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Flea Markets

Flea markets are gatherings of buyers and vendors in open-market layouts. The vast majority of flea markets in rural areas sell goods that are secondhand, while newer but usually inexpensive items can be found at larger urban markets. The original flea market is likely the extant Marché aux puces in the northern suburbs of Paris, named after the flea-infested clothing and rags originally sold there in the 17th cent. What is a car boot sale? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Cy Young (1867)

Born Denton True Young, Cy Young was an American baseball player for whom the prestigious Cy Young Award—presented annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball—is named. In his 22-year major league career, he pitched in 906 games. Known for his excellent control and ability to outwit batters, Young holds the record for winning the most games—511—including 76 shutouts and three no-hitters. In 1904, he pitched the American League’s first perfect game. How did Young get the nickname “Cy”? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Borrowed Days

According to an old Scottish rhyme, the last three days in March were “borrowed” from April, in return for which March promised to destroy three young sheep. Other references go back even farther. Both an ancient calendar of the Church of Rome and a 1548 book known as The Complaynt of Scotland allude to the days at the end of March as being more like winter than spring. Whatever their origin, it seems likely that the wet, windy weather that so often comes at the end of March gave rise to the notion that this month had to “borrow” some additional time. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Ireland Bans Smoking in All Public Places (2004)

In the latter part of the 20th century, research on the health risks of secondhand tobacco smoke spurred legislative bodies throughout the world to consider smoking bans. On March 29, 2004, Ireland became the first country to implement a nationwide ban on smoking in public places, including all enclosed workplaces. Many nations have since followed with similar legislation. Which Pope instituted the first known public smoking ban in 1590 by threatening smokers with excommunication? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary