Boston Red Sox Sell Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees (1919)

Between 1914 and 1919, Ruth compiled an outstanding pitching record, but because pitchers do not play in every game, he was shifted to the outfield so that his powerful hitting could be used consistently. The following season, he was sold to the New York Yankees, and his batting feats and public personality helped salvage baseball’s popularity, which had been damaged by the Black Sox scandal. According to legend, Ruth was sold by the owner of the Red Sox in order to finance what? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Fiesta de Sumamao

The Argentine ritual drama known as sumamao (“beautiful river”) is named after the location in which it is traditionally performed—near the Rio Dulce. On San Esteban’s (St. Stephen‘s) Day, December 26, an avenue of arcos, or arches, tied together by cords hung with ichas (cakes in the form of puppets), leads up to the altar. The drama begins at dawn with trumpets and fireworks, followed by a slow procession through the arches. The rest of the drama unfolds throughout the day, culminating in the demolition of the arcos and the eating of the ichas. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

George Dewey (1837)

Dewey was an American admiral and a hero of the Battle of Manila. He graduated from the US Naval Academy and served with Union naval forces in the American Civil War. In the Spanish-American War (1898), his Asiatic Squadron sailed to the Philippines and defeated the Spanish fleet at the Battle of Manila Bay, destroying eight Spanish ships in six hours and suffering only one American fatality. His victory led to the US acquisition of the Philippines. What rank did Congress create for him in 1899? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Mechanical Puzzles

These puzzles are comprised of mechanically interlinked pieces that must be manipulated in a certain way in order for them to be assembled, disassembled, and otherwise solved. The oldest known example, from the 3rd century BCE, consists of a square divided into 14 parts that fit together to form other shapes. Mechanical puzzles have since taken on myriad forms, including dexterity and disentanglement puzzles, trick vessels, and impossible objects. What is the most well-known impossible object? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

World’s Biggest Diamonds May Unlock Mysteries of Earth’s Mantle, Say Geologists

A new study of the world’s largest diamonds has shown that they’re not only more valuable for jewelers, but also for geologists by offering an invaluable glimpse at the makeup of the Earth’s interior, hundreds of miles below the surface. Led by the Gemological … Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Christmas (Greece)

According to Greek folklore, supernatural beings with unusual powers are present upon earth during the 12 days between Christmas Eve and Epiphany. The name for these spirits is kallikantzari, and they wander about during the Christmas season causing mischief. They are ugly and unkempt, and their favorite way of getting into the house is through the chimney, much like the traditional Santa Claus. Christmas masqueraders often dress in animal skins to represent these demons, and their jangling bells are supposed to drive the spirits away. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Louis Chevrolet (1878)

Born in Switzerland, Chevrolet was an auto mechanic who emigrated to the US in 1900 to race cars. In 1905, he drove a mile in a record 52.8 seconds. In 1911, he founded the Chevrolet Motor Company with support from General Motors founder William C. Durant and designed its first car. He sold his interest in 1915 but continued making racecars. His cars won the Indy 500 in 1920 and 1921. He later formed an aircraft company with his brother, but the venture failed. Who drove his winning car in 1920? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Axolotl

Found in lakes near Mexico City, axolotls are salamanders affected by a phenomenon called neoteny, which means that adults of the species often fail to undergo metamorphosis and reach reproductive maturity without losing their larval characteristics. They are able to regenerate most body parts and are used extensively in scientific research. Axolotls are also commonly kept as pets in several countries and are considered a delicacy in Mexico. What prevents axolotls from undergoing metamorphosis? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary