Five Minute Lit: The Stranger

D-Day

82 years ago this week, the Allied forces of World War II launched the largest seaborne invasion in history. Code-named Operation Neptune, it would mark the turning point of the war in Europe. How did it happen? Why did they choose the beaches of Normandy? And, most importantly, what does the D in D-Day mean? We're answering all that and more on this week's show. WWW.5MINUTETRIVIA.COM

Einstein's Theory of Relativity

In 1905, a Swiss patent clerknamed Albert Einstein published a paper that upended our entire understanding of the universe. It explained supernovas, black holes, and even time travel. It also gave us E=mc2, probably the most famous equation ever. And the math was simple enough that a high-schooler could work it out. After spending five minutes with us, you'll know it all, too. WWW.5MINUTETRIVIA.COM

Dadaism

The early twentieth century was a time of massive upheaval. Between World War 1, the Soviet Revolution, and Albert Einstein, everything we thought we knew about the world was suddenly gone. Into that swirling chaos came an art movement made for the era: Dadaism. Intentionally nonsensical and absurd, it was as much a reaction to the changing times as it was a product of them. This week, we're learning about it and how Dada continues to influence art produced to this day. WWW.5MINUTETRIVIA.COM

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is one of the most important holidays in America, and not just because we love our moms. Billions of dollars in flowers, greeting cards, and restaurant brunches make Mother's Day an economic powerhouse. But it wasn't always this way, and when it transformed rom a day of remembrance to a commercial industry, its founder tried to have it abolished. This week, we're talking about Anna Jarvis and the holiday she made. WWW.5MINUTETRIVIA.COM

This...is...a show about Sparta!

Imagine building an entire society around the idea of fighting people. That, in a nutshell, was Sparta. For over three millenia, the Spartans have been source of fascination for their military prowess, their massive slave population, and their seeming willingness to fight anyone over anything. This week's show explores the history behind their enduring legend. WWW.5MINUTETRIVIA.COM