Great Chilean Earthquake: Strongest Ever Recorded (1960)

Measuring 9.5 on the moment magnitude scale, the Great Chilean Earthquake was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded. The tsunami it produced sent waves of up to 82 ft (25 m) racing across the Pacific Ocean to Chile, Argentina, Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, New Zealand, and the Aleutian Islands. It is estimated that between 2,000 and 6,000 people lost their lives in the earthquake and ensuing tsunami. The tsunami reached Japan how many hours after the initial earthquake? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Fiesta of Santa Rita

Villagers in Apastepeque, San Vicente Department, El Salvador, celebrate Santa Rita‘s feast day with a dance-drama called the Dance of the Tunco de Monte, or Wild Pig, an Indian dance going back to pre-Christian times. One person dresses in pig skins and pretends to be a pig, while other dancers portray various other stock characters. They enact the chasing and, finally, killing of the pig. At the concluding “feast,” the hunter who has caught the pig alternates between praying to Santa Rita for the welfare of the village and cracking jokes. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Laurence Olivier (1907)

One of the most revered actors of the 20th century, Olivier took on more than 120 stage roles and appeared in nearly 60 films over the course of an award-winning career spanning more than six decades. A versatile performer, he earned accolades for his portrayals of Shakespearean characters, like Henry V and Hamlet, as well as for his performances in modern dramas. He won four Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, three Golden Globes, and five Emmys, and was the first actor to receive what honor? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Michelin Guide

The Michelin Guide (Le Guide Michelin) is a series of guide books to over a dozen countries published annually by the Michelin company. André Michelin published the first edition of the guide in 1900 to help drivers maintain their cars, find decent lodging, and eat well while touring France. Today, the Michelin Red Guide is the oldest and best-known European hotel and restaurant guide. International food critics have accused the guide of what type of bias? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Leopold and Loeb Murder Teen in Thrill Killing (1924)

Now famously known as Leopold and Loeb, Nathan Leopold, Jr., and Richard Loeb were two University of Chicago students who murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks in 1924 as part of an elaborate plan to commit the “perfect crime.” Although the duo attempted to conceal or destroy all evidence linking them to the crime, a pair of Leopold’s eyeglasses was found near the scene, and the two later confessed. Spared the death penalty, they were instead sentenced to life in prison plus how many years? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Chile Battle of Iquique Day (Día de las Glorias Navales)

This national holiday in Chile is often called Día de las Glorias Navales (“The Day of the Glorious Navy”). From 1879 to 1881, the Chilean navy fought an alliance of Peru and Bolivia in the War of the Pacific. The Chilean victory in the Battle of Iquique on May 21, 1879, was a turning point in a war that Chile eventually won decisively. The holiday is celebrated throughout Chile with festivals, military parades, and speeches. Sporting events, including boat and bicycle races, are held in honor of the holiday. Many people dress in traditional costumes as a symbol of national pride. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Albrecht Dürer (1471)

Dürer, a painter and printmaker, was one of the most influential artists of the German school as well as the first German artist to achieve substantial international renown. He was a superb draftsman and painter but is perhaps best known for the vast number of woodcuts and engravings he made throughout his career, which combine meticulous craftsmanship with rich detail. His work has influenced generations of printmakers and draftsmen. What are some of his most famous pieces? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Order of Skull and Bones

The Order of Skull and Bones is a secret society based at Yale University, in New Haven, Connecticut. It was founded in 1832 by Phi Beta Kappa pledges William Huntington Russell and Alphonso Taft. Membership has included US Presidents such as George W. Bush, Supreme Court Justices, business leaders, and US Senators such as John Kerry. What fictional Simpsons character is a member? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary