The Pig-Footed Bandicoot

Extinct since the mid 20th century, the pig-footed bandicoot was a small, mostly herbivorous marsupial of the plains of inland Australia. About the size of a kitten, the pig-footed bandicoot had large, pointed ears, a long tail, long, slender limbs, and, as its name suggests, hoof-like nails on its forefeet and hind legs, making it unique among marsupials. Though its decline coincided with the arrival of Europeans, the cause of its extinction remains uncertain. What are some theories? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Does It Pass the ‘Smell Test?’ Seeking Ways to Diagnose Alzheimer’s Early

Alzheimer’s researchers are looking to our noses and our eyes for early signs of disease. Two studies presented Tuesday at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2016 suggested older adults with worsening ability to identify odors might … Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Established (1958)

NASA is an agency of the US government charged with aeronautics research and the nation’s civilian space program. During its history, it has been responsible for manned trips to the Moon, orbiting observatories, and unmanned programs that explored other planets and interplanetary space. Today, its goals include improving human understanding of the universe and establishing a permanent human presence in space. NASA was created by an act of Congress passed largely in response to what 1957 event? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Gilroy Garlic Festival

This event is a celebration of garlic in the California town, located in Santa Clara County, that calls itself the Garlic Capital of the World. The claim is made because 90 percent of America’s garlic is grown and processed in the area. The highlight of the festival is Gourmet Alley with dozens of food booths that use eight tons of garlic in preparing various garlic-flavored dishes, including garlic ice cream. Other events are a Great Garlic Cook-off and Recipe Contest, arts and crafts exhibits, musical entertainment, and a barn dance. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Alexis de Tocqueville (1805)

Tocqueville was a French political scientist, historian, and politician. Born into an aristocratic family with ties to the king, his future in government was jeopardized by a revolution in 1830. To distance himself from the trying political situation at home, he embarked on a government-sanctioned mission to the US. Out of it came his best-known work, Democracy in America—the first analytical study of the strengths and weaknesses of US society. What conclusions did Tocqueville draw in it? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Bacchanalia

Now a term used to describe any drunken revelry, bacchanalia were wild festivals honoring the Greco-Roman god of wine, Bacchus. Introduced around 200 BCE, bacchanalia were originally held in secret 3 times a year and attended only by women. Later, admission was opened to men and celebrations became as frequent as 5 times a month. The notoriety of the festivals led to a Senate decree in 186 BCE prohibiting them except in the event of special approval. What happened to those who defied the decree? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Clones of Dolly the Sheep Have Aged Like Any Other Sheep, Study Says

Dolly the Sheep started her life in a test tube in 1996 and died just six years later. When she was only a year old, there was evidence that she might have been physically older. At five, she was diagnosed with osteoarthritis. And at six, a CT scan revealed tumors … Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Summer Jam at Watkins Glen (1973)

Summer Jam at Watkins Glen was a 1973 rock festival that drew more attendees than any pop music festival before it. An estimated 600,000 fans flocked to the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Raceway outside of Watkins Glen, New York, to see performances by The Allman Brothers Band, The Band, and the Grateful Dead. In fact, so many concertgoers arrived early that the bands performed an impromptu concert during their sound checks the day before the festival. Who was the only person to die at the festival? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary