Annie Edson Taylor, 63, Goes Over Niagara Falls in a Barrel (1901)

Taylor was a dance instructor who sought fame and fortune by attempting to become the first person to survive a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Days before her attempt, a cat was sent over the falls to test the strength of Taylor’s barrel and survived the plunge uninjured. On her 63rd birthday, Taylor was set adrift in her barrel and went over the falls. Shortly thereafter, the barrel was pulled from the water and Taylor emerged—mostly unharmed. What was her lone injury? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

World Development Information Day

In 1972, the United Nations established World Development Information Day on October 24. The purpose of this observance is to raise awareness about world economic development and the programs devised by the UN to promote development. The date was chosen to coincide with United Nations Day and the adoption of the International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Sarah Josepha Buell Hale (1788)

Hale was an American writer and editor who turned to writing in 1822 as a widow trying to support her family. She edited Ladies’ Magazine, the first successful US women’s magazine, and then Godey’s Lady’s Book, with which it merged. As the first female magazine editor, she shaped many of the attitudes and ideas of women of the period. Hale is also credited with helping to make Thanksgiving a national holiday in the US. What popular nursery rhyme did she write? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Persian Miniatures

Persian miniatures are small paintings with themes that often depict concepts from Persian mythology and poetry. The best-known form of Persian painting in the West, miniature painting became a significant Persian art form in the 13th century, peaking in the 15th and 16th centuries. Likely influenced by the Western and Byzantine traditions of manuscript illumination, Persian miniature is characterized by the use of geometry and a vivid palette. What other culture heavily influenced the art form? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Battle of Edgehill (1642)

The Battle of Edgehill was the first major engagement of the English Civil War, fought between the Royalist army of King Charles I and the Parliamentarians. The battle ended in a draw, and its inconclusive result prevented either faction from gaining a quick victory in the war, which eventually resulted in the execution of the king and the establishment of a republican commonwealth. What did a group of Parliamentarian troops under Faithfull Fortescue do when the Royalists charged them? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Hoshana Rabbah

Hoshana Rabbah is considered the last possible day on which one can seek forgiveness for the sins of the preceding year. According to Jewish tradition, on Yom Kippur, God seals the Book of Life—and thus each individual’s fate for the coming year. But since the Middle Ages, Hoshana Rabbah has been regarded as an extension of the deadline for Divine judgment. According to an old Jewish folk belief, notes fell from Heaven on this day, informing people of how they had been judged. The traditional Yiddish greeting, a gute kvitl, “May you receive a good note,” reflects this belief. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

John William “Johnny” Carson (1925)

Two years after a 12-year-old Carson sent away for a magic kit, “The Great Carsoni” gave his first performance. He continued his show business career by working as a radio announcer and television comedy writer and went on to host several television quiz shows from 1955 to 1962. He first appeared on The Tonight Show in 1958. He was permanent host from 1962 to 1992, and his personable demeanor and wry humor made it America’s most popular late-night program. How many times was he married? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary