Daily Trivia: Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” was painted while he was in a mental institution in 1889. Not only that, his painting perfectly captured the scientific phenomenon known as turbulence to mathematical precision despite it not being explained via physics until 1940s.
The Gandhi King Season for Nonviolence commences on January 30. An annual 64 day campaign. January 30 marks the memorial anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The last day is April 4th being the memorial anniversary of Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
The campaigns theme is to direct educational and media attention on the philosophy of attaining peace through nonviolent action.
Daily Trivia: The singular form of spaghetti is spaghetto.
Thomas Paine (born this day in 1737) wrote many influential books and pamphlets after arriving in America in 1774. His writing inspired many to strive for political, economic, and social advancement. he was also one of the first people to call for universal human rights and an end to slavery.
Bonus: Here are some links to online puzzles for Puzzle Day
Daily Trivia: To pay for his film Clerks, Kevin Smith sold most of his comic book collection, maxed out his credit cards, used some of the funds for his college education, spent insurance money for a car he lost in a flood, and worked in the convenience store used in the film.
Thomas Crapper was a plumber in the late 19th century who did not invent the flush toilet.
The flush toilet was invented in 1596 by John Harrington. But it was not until Thomas Crapper, centuries later, that the idea really took off. Crapper heavily promoted sanitary plumbing, and this led to the success of bathroom fixtures.
Daily Trivia: There is a stinging tree called the Gympie Gympie in Australia that produces a toxin so painful, it has driven people and animals to suicide. It has been described as being sprayed with hot acid and electrocuted at the same time. A soldier reportedly shot himself after using the leaves as toilet paper.
India achieved independence from British rule on 15 August 1947. But the country did not yet have a constitution. Its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935. On 26 January 1950, India adopted their Constitution that had been developed and debated over the previous years.
(Note: Language warning on above clip)
Daily Trivia: In 2006, thieves attempted to steal one of the koalas in Rockhampton Zoo of Queensland, Australia. They changed their mind after the koala proved too vicious and attacked the would be captors with scratching attacks. The thieves stole a crocodile instead because it was an easier victim.
Celebrated annually in Scotland on ore around January 25th, it commemorates the life of the bard (poet) Robert Burns, born on this day in 1759 in Alloway, Scotland.
The Supper is a meal held on the evening as part of the commemoration.
Robert Burns is best known for his work, Auld Lang Syne which is sung at New Years Eve celebrations commonly in Scotland, the UK, and many countries that were once part of the British Empire.
Auld Lang Syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne!
Chorus.-For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne. We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet, For auld lang syne.
And surely ye’ll be your pint stowp! And surely I’ll be mine! And we’ll tak a cup o’kindness yet, For auld lang syne. For auld, &c.
We twa hae run about the braes, And pou’d the gowans fine; But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit, Sin’ auld lang syne. For auld, &c.
We twa hae paidl’d in the burn, Frae morning sun till dine; But seas between us braidhae roar’d Sin’ auld lang syne. For auld, &c.
And there’s a hand, my trusty fere! And gie’s a hand o’ thine! And we’ll tak a right gude-willie waught, For auldlang syne. For auld, &c.
Daily Trivia: In ancient Greek, the word idiot meant anyone who wasn’t a politician. (today, we have irony)
The 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat. New Year for Trees which is the new year for the purpose of calculating the age of trees for tithing. Many trees may not be eaten during the first three years, the fourth year;s fruit is for God, then you can eat the fruit. Regardless of when they were planted, all trees age by 1 year at Tu B’Shevat.
One custom related to this holiday is to eat a new fruit on this day. Alternatively, to eat from the Seven Species (shivat haminim) which are: wheat, barley, grapes (vines), figs, pomegranates, olives and dates (honey).
Daily Trivia: The first item sold on Ebay was a broken laser pointer for $14.83, to someone who kept a broken laser pointer collection.
This is a momorial of the return of around 22,000 war prisoners of the Korean War to Taiwan. Of these, 14,000 Chinese soldiers arrived home on 23 January 1954. The were given the title Anti-Communist Martyrs.
Daily Trivia: The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the “American Pie”. This is the meaning behind the Don McLean song.
Act Zluky is the Unification Act signed Jan 22 1919 to join the Ukranian People’s Republic and the West Ukrainian People’s Republic in to a single unified Ukranian state.
Daily Trivia: A duel between three people is called a truel.