Opening of the Underground Caves Day

The end of World War II is marked annually by the people of Butaritari Island (of the independent republic of Kiribati). Each year, they open the caves that were built to shelter them during World War II. Accompanied by a celebration, the event takes place on the anniversary of the day the caves initially were opened after the war ended in 1945. The event’s main activities take place in Ukiangang village on Butaritari Island, featuring singing, dancing, feasting, and indoor and outdoor games. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Robert Francis “Bobby” Kennedy (1925)

Following his successful management of his brother’s campaign for the presidency, Robert Kennedy served as US attorney general and was John F. Kennedy’s closest adviser, exerting considerable influence on the nation’s domestic and foreign affairs. He later won election to the US Senate and, in 1968, announced his intention to run for president. After winning the California Democratic primary in his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, he was assassinated. Who shot him? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Olfaction

The organs of smell are confined to a small area in the roof of the nasal cavity. Olfactory cells are stimulated when certain molecules reach them, and nerve fibers extend from these receptor cells to the olfactory bulb in the human brain. Smell is one of our most subtle senses, amplifying the sense of taste and detecting tens of thousands of distinct scents. Odor information is easily stored in long-term memory and has strong connections to emotional memory. Why might this be? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Jay’s Treaty Signed (1794)

When unsettled controversies with England in the aftermath of the American Revolution threatened to involve the US in another war, President George Washington named Chief Justice John Jay as an envoy for the negotiation of a treaty. The agreement, concluded in 1794 and known as Jay’s Treaty, averted war between the two nations, solved many outstanding issues, and opened 10 years of largely peaceful trade in the midst of the French Revolutionary Wars. How was the treaty received in the US? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Great American Smokeout

The American Cancer Society encourages nonsmokers to “adopt” smokers on this day and support them as they go through withdrawal from nicotine—a drug that is said to be as addictive as heroin. Schools are particularly active in observing the Smokeout, teaching young people that the easiest way to avoid the health problems associated with smoking is never to start. Other organizations also sponsor programs and activities designed to increase public awareness of the hazards to which both smokers and those who breathe their smoke are exposed. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Ferdinand Marie, Vicomte de Lesseps (1805)

A French diplomat and engineer, Lesseps conceived the idea of the Suez Canal while serving in Egypt. He supervised the construction and achieved world renown for the project. In 1878, he became president of the company formed to construct the Panama Canal, but lack of funds forced the project into bankruptcy amid charges of corruption. He was brought to trial for misappropriation of funds and sentenced to prison but was later cleared. What monument did Lesseps present to the US in 1884? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Cannibalism

Evidence of human cannibalism suggests that the practice began thousands of years ago. Cannibalism, eating the flesh of the members of one’s own species, is practiced ritually in some cultures, though in Western society people tend to turn to cannibalism only in situations of extreme starvation or when they are mentally ill. Historically, the Aztec Empire is the most famous example of a cannibalistic society. What country was once known as the “Cannibal Isles”? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Steamboat Willie Released (1928)

In 1928, Walt Disney created cartoon icon Mickey Mouse, who made his debut in the silent film Plane Crazy. That same year, Mickey also appeared in Steamboat Willie, written and directed by Disney and animator Ub Iwerks. An immediate hit, the film was Disney’s first attempt at using sound and the first fully synchronized sound cartoon. Music is prominently featured, and Mickey first appears in the film whistling the song Steamboat Bill. Who provided the voice for Mickey? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary