The Natufian Culture

The Natufian culture existed in the Mediterranean region of the Levant between 14,560 and 11,560 years ago and was unique in that its members established permanent settlements prior to the development of agriculture. While the Natufians were hunter-gatherers, some evidence suggests that they began to cultivate cereals after a sudden climate change threatened their naturally occurring food sources. Natufian sites contain the earliest archaeological evidence of the domestication of what animal? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

US Secretary of State George Marshall Announces the Marshall Plan (1947)

World War II left the finances and industry of Europe crippled. In 1947, Marshall proposed a plan for the US to finance the European recovery. From 1948 to 1952, it provided almost $13 billion in grants and loans to 17 countries and was a key factor in reviving their economies and stabilizing their political structures. While most of Europe embraced the plan, it was strongly opposed by the Soviet Union and some Eastern European nations. How, according to Marshall, would this plan benefit the US? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Nirjala Ekadashi

Of the 24 Ekadashi or 11th-day fasts observed during the course of the Hindu year, Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the more important. Men and women observe a strict fast and offer puja (worship) to Vishnu to ensure happiness and forgiveness of their sins. Panchamrata is prepared by mixing together milk, ghee (clarified butter), curds, honey and sugar. It is then offered to the image of Vishnu, which has been draped in rich clothing and jewels, with a fan placed beside it. Hindus meditate on Vishnu as the Lord of the Universe and worship the deity with flowers, lamps, water, and incense. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

John Couch Adams (1819)

Before the planet Neptune was discovered, Adams—an English astronomer and mathematician—correctly predicted its existence and position based on irregularities in the motion of Uranus. However, the credit for the discovery went to Urbain Leverrier, who had come to the same conclusion later but published his findings earlier. In 1846, the planet was first observed by a German astronomer using Leverrier’s calculations. A modest man, Adams also declined to publish what other findings? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Technological Singularity

The technological singularity is a theoretical point in the future in which technology advances beyond the human capacity to participate in its development in a meaningful way. Computers will then be responsible for creating new breakthroughs. The term “technological singularity” was first used by computer scientist and sci-fi author Vernor Vinge, who wrote in 1993 that after this superhuman intelligence is created, “the human era” will end. By when does Vinge expect the singularity to occur? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Jonathan Pollard Pleads Guilty to Espionage Charges (1986)

After leaving graduate school in 1979, Pollard immediately began applying for intelligence positions, and landed one at the US Naval Investigative Service (NIS). In 1985, after he had attained a high level of clearance, coworkers noticed that he was accessing a huge number of documents for seemingly no reason. He was arrested and, the following year, pled guilty to selling secrets to Israel. He was sentenced to life in prison. What early clues nearly derailed his career before it started? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary