Virginia Woolf

History
November 1, 2024

Virginia Woolf, an English writer, is regarded as one of the most important modernist literary figures of the 20th century. Her novels, essays, and other writings have left a lasting impact on literature. Here are some Virginia Woolf fun facts:

1

Virginia Woolf was born on January 25, 1882, in London, England.

2

Her full name was Adeline Virginia Stephen.

3

Woolf was a central figure in the Bloomsbury Group, a circle of writers, artists, and intellectuals.

4

She is best known for her novels 'Mrs Dalloway,' 'To the Lighthouse,' and 'Orlando.'

5

Woolf used a narrative style called 'stream of consciousness,' which attempts to capture the flow of thoughts and feelings in the human mind.

6

She married Leonard Woolf in 1912, and together they founded the Hogarth Press, which published many of her works and those of other authors.

7

Woolf's essay 'A Room of One's Own' is a key text in feminist literary criticism, advocating for women's intellectual freedom and financial independence.

8

She suffered from mental health issues throughout her life, including severe depression and bipolar disorder.

9

Woolf's writing often explores themes of identity, time, and the inner lives of her characters.

10

Her novel 'Orlando' is a semi-biographical work inspired by her close friend Vita Sackville-West and is notable for its exploration of gender fluidity.

11

Woolf was an avid diarist and wrote extensively in her journals, providing valuable insights into her thoughts and creative process.

12

She was also a prolific essayist, writing on a wide range of subjects, including literary criticism, politics, and the arts.

13

Woolf's works have been adapted into numerous films, plays, and other media.

14

She tragically took her own life on March 28, 1941, by drowning in the River Ouse near her home in Sussex.

15

Virginia Woolf's legacy continues to influence and inspire writers, scholars, and readers around the world.

Marie Curie

History
November 15, 2024

Marie Curie, a Polish-born physicist and chemist, is renowned for her groundbreaking work in radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields. Here are some Marie Curie fun facts:

1

Marie Curie was born on November 7, 1867, in Warsaw, Poland.

2

Her birth name was Maria Skłodowska; she adopted the French version, Marie, after moving to France.

3

She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903.

4

Curie won a second Nobel Prize, this time in Chemistry, in 1911 for her work on radium and polonium.

5

She coined the term 'radioactivity' to describe the emission of particles from certain elements.

6

Marie Curie was the first female professor at the University of Paris.

7

During World War I, she developed mobile radiography units, known as 'Little Curies,' to assist battlefield surgeons.

8

Curie's research led to the development of X-ray machines.

9

She faced significant challenges and discrimination as a woman in science during her time.

10

Marie Curie's work laid the foundation for advancements in cancer treatment and nuclear energy.

11

She and her husband, Pierre Curie, discovered the elements polonium and radium.

12

Curie founded the Radium Institute (now Curie Institute) in Paris, which remains a major center for medical research.

13

Her daughter, Irène Joliot-Curie, also won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1935.

14

Marie Curie died on July 4, 1934, from aplastic anemia, likely caused by prolonged exposure to radiation.

15

Curie's notebooks and personal belongings are still radioactive and are stored in lead-lined boxes for safety.

Pope Francis

History
April 23, 2025

Learn more about the unconventional journey of the first pope from the Americas. From riding the bus to embracing science, Pope Francis broke tradition with humility and bold ideas that shook the Vatican.

Pope Francis had his last official meeting with US Vice President J. D. Vance.
He was the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Southern Hemisphere in the Church’s history.
Before joining the priesthood, he worked as a nightclub bouncer and a chemical technician in Buenos Aires.
He chose the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi, signaling his focus on poverty and humility.
Pope Francis refused to live in the lavish papal apartment, choosing a modest guesthouse instead.
He was the first pope in over 1,000 years not to take the name of a previous pope.
Francis washed the feet of prisoners, women, and Muslims during Holy Week rituals—breaking Vatican traditions.
He utilized social media to connect with millions, tweeting regularly in multiple languages.

Despite conservative doctrine, he called for more compassion toward LGBTQ+ individuals.
He published Laudato Si’, a landmark encyclical urging global action on climate change.
Pope Francis was fluent in Spanish, Italian, and German, and understood Latin and several other languages.
He lost one of his lungs to infection as a teenager but led a highly active life.
Francis emphasized mercy over judgment, challenging centuries-old attitudes within the Church.
He opened discussions on allowing married men to become priests in some regions.
Pope Francis was a fan of soccer and supported his hometown team, San Lorenzo, in Argentina.