Author: Ian

Mud Volcanoes

Mud volcanoes are formations created by the geological emission of liquids and gases. They are frequently associated with earthquake zones, and when they erupt, they release an often acidic slurry as well as methane and other hydrocarbon gases. Some mud volcanoes also spew flames when they erupt, though the volcanoes themselves tend to be relatively cool. A 2006 drilling accident in Indonesia created a mud volcano that inundated a number of villages and displaced how many people? Discuss

Alessandro Moreschi (1858)

Moreschi was the late 19th century’s most famous castrato—a male singer who undergoes castration before puberty and, as a result, retains a soprano or alto voice that becomes extraordinarily powerful as he develops the lung capacity and physical bulk of an adult. He was first soprano in the Sistine Chapel choir for 30 years and was the only castrato of the bel canto tradition to make solo sound recordings. What do modern music critics say about the singing featured in these recordings? Discuss

Highwayman Joseph "Blueskin" Blake Hanged (1724)

In the early 18th century, English criminal Jonathan Wild maintained a highly organized gang of thieves and long escaped punishment by posing as an instrument of justice and helping the authorities catch other criminals independent of, or rebellious to, his control. One such criminal was Blake, who was arrested after a burglary. He was tried, convicted, and hanged. What other notorious criminal—Blake’s partner in crime—escaped from prison when Blake attacked a witness at his trial? Discuss

Richard Burton (1925)

Richard Jenkins, better known by his stage name Richard Burton, was a dark, introspective actor who specialized in portraying conflicted men. His tempestuous marriage to Elizabeth Taylor led to an acting partnership that vaulted Burton to the top rank of stardom. Together they made 11 films, including Cleopatra and The Taming of the Shrew. Burton and Taylor were married twice, and their real-life marriage was popularly likened to the fictional marriage they portrayed in what film? Discuss

Galen Clark

In 1853, after being told by doctors that he had just six months to live, Galen Clark moved to Yosemite National Park. There, he defied medical expectations and lived for another 57 years. During this time, he discovered the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia trees and dedicated himself to exploring the park and teaching others about the massive trees. His passion for the area earned him his reputation as guardian of the park and led to the passing of the Yosemite Grant, which ensures what? Discuss

Hope Diamond Donated to the Smithsonian Institution (1958)

The Hope diamond is one of the largest blue diamonds known. Discovered in India, the original 115-carat stone was sold to King Louis XIV in the 1660s and remained part of the French crown jewels until a theft in 1792. In 1830, London banker Thomas Hope purchased a 45.5-carat diamond, now believed to have been cut from the stolen French jewel. After changing hands many times, the Hope diamond was eventually donated to the Smithsonian by jeweler Harry Winston. Why do some think the gem is cursed? Discuss

Stanford White (1853)

White was an American architect and a designer of jewelry, furniture, and interiors. In 1880, he formed an architectural firm with Charles F. McKim and William R. Mead that soon became the most famous in the country, known especially for its seaside mansions. He enjoyed a lavish lifestyle before being shot to death at Madison Square Garden—which he had designed—by Harry Thaw, the husband of the showgirl Evelyn Nesbit, with whom White had had an affair. The resulting trial became known as what? Discuss

Garry Kasparov Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion (1985)

In the 1984 World Chess Championship, 1980 World Junior Champion and international grandmaster Gary Kasparov faced reigning world champion Anatoly Karpov. The longest title match in chess history, it was aborted after 5 months of play and 48 games, after chess officials concluded that it was taking too great a psychological and physical toll on Karpov, who was leading but appeared likely to lose. Kasparov won a rematch 6 months later, becoming the youngest world champion ever. How old was he? Discuss

The Indian March of Paul

The Indian March of Paul, a secret plot to attack British territories in India, was organized by Napoleon Bonaparte and his coconspirator Emperor Paul I of Russia. The plan called for two infantry units, one Russian and one French, to march to India. In a possible attempt to mask the true objective of the campaign, engineers, painters, and scientists were included in the expeditionary force. The Russian unit began its march to India in January 1801, but turned back a few months later; why? Discuss