First Continental Congress Assembles in Philadelphia (1774)

Indignation against England’s colonial policy reached fever pitch in the British North American colonies after the passage of the so-called Intolerable Acts. The First Continental Congress, made up of delegates from every colony except Georgia, was convened in Philadelphia to address grievances against British policy. At that time, only a few radical members considered the possibility of breaking with England. What course of action did the delegates elect to pursue instead? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Watermelon-Eating and Seed-Spitting Contest

The only event of its kind sanctioned by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Watermelon-Eating and Seed-Spitting Contest in Pardeeville, Wisconsin, is attended by up to 9,000 people. Rules for the spitting contest are strictly enforced: professional tobacco spitters are not eligible; denture wearers must abide by the judge’s decision if their teeth go further than the seed; and no one is allowed to propel their seeds through a pipe or tube. The festival also includes a watermelon volleyball competition, carving contests, and a parade. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Werner Herzog (1942)

One of the leading filmmakers in contemporary German cinema, Herzog is a prolific director, screenwriter, and producer known for his vivid and poetic films. During the 1960s, he mostly made short films but completed his first feature, Signs of Life, in 1968. He went on to make a number of films noted for their acutely observed detail and tales of danger and escape. More recently, he has made several acclaimed documentaries. What criminal act started Herzog on his filmmaking career? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

L. Frank Baum was an American journalist, playwright, and author. In 1900, he published his most famous work, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a story about a girl named Dorothy who is carried by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. Baum’s fame rests largely on his 14 stories of Oz, all of which emphasize the virtues of practicality, self-reliance, tolerance, and egalitarianism. In 1938, the story was made into an extraordinarily popular motion picture. Who played the role of Dorothy? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Maiden Flight of the First US Airship (1923)

The USS Shenandoah was the first American-built rigid dirigible. Its design was based on a German zeppelin downed during WWI, and it was the first ship to be filled with helium—making it safer than hydrogen-filled crafts. A year after its maiden voyage, it became the first rigid airship to cross North America. While on another tour in 1925, it passed through a storm and was torn apart. Thirteen crew members died in the crash. How did those who survived the disaster manage to do so? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Roman Games

Like the Plebeian Games, the Roman Games were held in honor of Jupiter. They date back to the dedication of the temple to Jupiter on the Capitoline hill on September 13, 509 BCE. Originally a one-day event, by the time of Caesar the Games lasted a full 15 days beginning on September 4. A grand procession to the Circus Maximus, a huge arena just outside Rome, signalled the beginning of the festival. Events included boxing, running, and wrestling contests, occasional mock battles, and two- and four-horse chariot races. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Constantijn Huygens (1596)

Constantijn Huygens was a Dutch humanist and poet and the father of famed scientist Christiaan Huygens. His descriptive and satirical poems were highly esteemed, and both English and French monarchs knighted him in recognition of his genius. Thousands of his letters have survived to this day and attest to his wide acquaintance with contemporary scholars, including Descartes and Donne. Huygens was also an accomplished musician and composer. How old was he when he died? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Nursery Rhymes

Nursery Rhymes are generally brief, anonymously written songs or verses intended for children. Though these rhymes are thought to help develop vocabulary and counting skills, scholars have actually linked many of these rhymes to historic events. For example, some believe that “Pop Goes the Weasel” is about silk weavers bringing their shuttles or bobbins (known as “weasels”) to pawnbrokers to exchange for drinking money. What event does “Ring a Ring O’Roses” supposedly reference? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary