The Ryutin Affair

The Ryutin Affair, one of the last attempts of the Soviet Communist Party to oppose Stalin, took place in 1932, when Martemyan Ryutin, an Old Bolshevik, decided to secretly oppose the controversial Soviet leader. In a nearly 200-page document now known as the “Ryutin Platform,” he called for Stalin’s elimination and a “fresh start,” but he was soon identified as the author, imprisoned, and ultimately executed. What happened when Stalin initially proposed the death penalty for Ryutin? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Malbone Street Wreck (1918)

One of the deadliest train crashes in US history took place during a strike of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, some of whose members operated elevated trains for the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company (BRT). To keep service running, the BRT brought in inexperienced motormen to replace the striking workers. That evening, a five-car train derailed in the Malbone Street tunnel after negotiating a curve too quickly, killing 93. How many hours of training had the train’s operator received? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Laurence Stephen Lowry (1887)

Lowry was an English painter noted for his bleak northern industrial scenes, often featuring primitive figures that he called “matchstick men.” He also appears to hold the record for the most honors declined. He twice declined appointment to the Order of the British Empire—as an officer in 1955 and as a commander in 1961—and turned down a knighthood in 1968 and appointments to the Order of the Companions of Honour in 1972 and 1976. Which of his controversial works were exhibited after his death? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Maasai

The Maasai are a largely nomadic pastoral people whose territory is divided between Tanzania and Kenya. Their distinctive customs and dress and their proximity to many East African game parks have made them one of the most internationally well-known African ethnic groups. The Maasai measure wealth in terms of cattle and children, rather than money, and someone who has plenty of one but not the other is considered poor. How does killing lions factor into traditional Maasai culture? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Ancient Interior Decorators: Did Early Humans Line Caves with Lion Pelts?

Some 16,000 years ago a big cat died. Today, its toes may provide insight into its species’ extinction. The cave lion, Panthera spelaea, once roamed from Europe to northern North America. Scientists think the animal was much like its modern African counterpart … Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Martin Luther Posts His Ninety-Five Theses (1517)

According to the traditional account, Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the castle church in Wittenberg, Germany—an event now seen as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. Written in response to the selling of indulgences to pay for the rebuilding of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the theses represented an implicit criticism of papal policy and aroused much controversy. What formal title did Luther give the Ninety-Five Theses? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary