Secondary – August 31

On this date in 1897, Thomas Edison was awarded a patent for the Kinetograph, which we more commonly refer to as a movie camera. Thinking about the difference between acting on stage and acting in front of a camera, describe the biggest difference you can think of between the stories people could tell before and after recorded video became possible.

Secondary – August 30

John Gunther, author of Death Be Not Proud, was born on this date in 1901. If you knew you had only a few months left to live, what would you try to accomplish first?

Secondary – August 29

“No man’s knowledge here can go beyond his experience.” -English philosopher John Locke, born on this date in 1632. Explain why you agree or disagree with Locke’s statement.

Secondary – August 28

“The love of truth lies at the root of much humor.” -Canadian author and man of letters Robertson Davies, born this date in 1913. Describe what makes you laugh and why.

Secondary – August 27

“Perhaps that suspicion of fraud enhances the flavor.” -CS Forester, born on this date in 1899. Explain why you agree or disagree with the idea that something that’s against the rules is more interesting than something that isn’t.

Secondary – August 26

The “father of modern chemistry,” Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier, was born on this date in 1743. He revolutionized natural sciences by driving the disciplines away from qualitative data and towards quantitative data. Explain why stories or numbers are more important to you when making a decision.

Secondary – August 25

“Vice may triumph for a time, crime may flaunt its victories in the face of honest toilers, but in the end the law will follow the wrong-doer to a bitter fate, and dishonor and punishment will be the portion of those who sin.” -Allan Pinkerton, born this date in 1819. Explain whether this is an appropriate perspective for a detective and spy to carry to his/her work.

Secondary – August 24

Poet, translator, essayist, and short story writer Jorge Luis Borges was born on this date in 1899. He was also director of the National Library of Buenos Aires when he lost his vision. Think about your ideal job and the most important of the five human senses to that work. If you were to lose that sense, how could you compensate and continue to excel at it?