Giuseppe Mazzini

Mazzini was an Italian patriot, revolutionist, and an outstanding figure of the Risorgimento, the era of nationalism and activism that led to Italy’s unification. In his youth, he devoted himself to literary and philosophical studies and later joined the Carbonari, a secret society with political purposes. He was imprisoned, went into exile, and founded Giovine Italia, a secret society that pushed for a united Italian republic. How did Mazzini’s contributions factor into the formation of the EU? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Thomas Cook

Cook was an English travel agent who, in 1841, founded the travel agency that bears his name. After his idea of the guided tour met with success, he established his Circular Tour of Europe and, later, tours of the US. The company was nationalized in 1948, but it went into decline when it failed to offer the “package holiday” that had recently gained popularity. The agency has been owned by private companies since 1972. Cook’s agency began arranging travel to what exotic destination in the 1880s? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Dalmatia

Dalmatia, a historic region of Croatia, is located on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea roughly extending from Rijeka (Fiume) to the Gulf of Kotor. It is generally mountainous, with a coastal lowland famed for its scenic beauty and resorts. The population is largely composed of Roman Catholic Croats. However, Eastern Orthodox Serbs and some Italians also live in the area, mainly at Zadar, the historic capital. Dalmatia lends its name to what article of clothing? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Gelatin

Gelatin is a foodstuff largely composed of denatured collagen, a protein that is readily digested and absorbed. It is found in the connective tissue of the cartilage, hoofs, and tendons of vertebrate animals and is extracted by the action of boiling water or dilute acid. Gelatin swells to an elastic, transparent mass when placed in contact with cold water and takes up to 10 times its own weight. It is an important food stabilizer, thickener and texturizer. What is gelatin’s ballistic use? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

M. Night Shyamalan

Shyamalan is an Academy Award-nominated Indian-American film writer, director, and producer. The Sixth Sense, a film starring Bruce Willis, grossed over $600 million worldwide and is Shyamalan’s greatest commercial success. His filmmaking ambitions were encouraged when, at a young age, he received a Super-8 camera. He made his first film, Praying with Anger, while still an NYU student, using money borrowed from family and friends. What is Shyamalan’s first name? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI), the use of computers to model the behavioral aspects of human reasoning and learning, has captured global interest for years. Cybernetics, one area of AI study, is the analysis of the communication and control processes of biological organisms and their relationship to mechanical and electrical systems; advances in this area could lead to “thinking” robots. In science fiction, AI is often portrayed attempting to overthrow human authority. What is “the Singularity”? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Dandelion

The dandelion is a perennial herb with a yellow flower head and notched leaves. The flower matures into a globe of fine filaments, called the “dandelion clock.” These downy seed carriers are often blown apart by children playing outdoors. Though many consider the dandelion a lawn pest, it is actually quite useful: its young leaves can be eaten as salad greens and the ground, roasted roots are often consumed as a coffee substitute. What beverage is made from the dandelion’s flowers? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Alan Jay Lerner

Lerner, an American lyricist and librettist, began his musical theater career with collegiate contributions to the annual Harvard Hasty Pudding musicals. After two years as a radio scriptwriter, he was introduced to composer Frederick Loewe. Their collaboration resulted in the 1947 musical hit Brigadoon. Their crowning achievement, however, was My Fair Lady (1956), whose film version won eight Oscars. My Fair Lady is adapted from which novel? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

YMCA

The Young Men’s Christian Organization (YMCA) was founded in London in 1844 and has as its objective the development of values and behaviors that are consistent with Christian principles; membership is not limited to Christians, however, and women and girls have been accepted as members since World War II. In North America, the YMCA is usually perceived to be primarily a community sports facility, but in practice it utilizes a broad range of other programs, such as what? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Ivy League

The Ivy League is an athletic conference comprising 8 private institutions of higher education located in the Northeastern US. The term became ubiquitous with the formation of the NCAA Division I athletic conference in 1954, and it is now also commonly used to refer to those schools considered as a group. The Ivy League universities are also referred to as the Ancient Eight, and all but one of them are older than the American Revolution; which one was founded after the Civil War? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary