Brains of ‘superagers’ offer clues for sharp memory in old age

It’s pretty extraordinary for people in their 80s and 90s to keep the same sharp memory as someone several decades younger, and now scientists are peeking into the brains of these “superagers” to uncover their secret. The work is the flip side of the disappointing … Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Tilden Wins Popular Vote, Loses US Presidential Election (1877)

One of the most disputed presidential elections in American history was decided by a single electoral vote, which was likely awarded in an informal deal behind closed doors. Democratic candidate Samuel J. Tilden not only won the popular vote in the 1876 election, but secured 184 electoral votes to Republican Rutherford B. Hayes’s 165—until a bitter, months-long political battle ended with Hayes being awarded 20 contested votes. What did the Democrats gain in the so-called Compromise of 1877? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Lantern Festival (Yuan Hsiao Chieh)

The Lantern Festival is a festival of lights that ends the Chinese New Year celebrations and marks the first full moon of the new lunar year. On the night of the festival, the streets are bright with both lanterns and streamers, and people go out in throngs to see the displays. Other customs include eating round, stuffed dumplings and solving “lantern riddles“—riddles that are written on pieces of paper and stuck to the lanterns. In many areas, children parade with lanterns of all shapes and sizes. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Moe Berg (1902)

Once known as “the brainiest man in baseball,” Berg was a professional athlete who became a professional spy. Though he played for several teams over a span of 15 seasons, he never distinguished himself on the field or at bat. He did, however, speak seven languages, and obtained degrees in languages and law from Princeton and Columbia. At one point in his espionage career, the former backup shortstop and catcher was tasked with helping to determine whether or not to assassinate whom? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

James “Honest Dick” Tate

As state treasurer of Kentucky, James “Honest Dick” Tate had a spotless reputation that earned him reelection every two years for two decades. The true irony of Tate’s nickname was only revealed in 1888—34 years after he first entered public office—when he absconded with funds from the state treasury. It is estimated that between his shoddy bookkeeping, embezzlement, and outright theft, Tate misappropriated nearly $250,000. He was later impeached and indicted. Was “Honest Dick” ever captured? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Peace Corps Established (1961)

In his inaugural address, US President John F. Kennedy famously tasked Americans to “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Months later, he gave them the opportunity. Kennedy created the Peace Corps to promote diplomacy and counter foreign stereotypes of Americans by sending skilled volunteers to serve abroad, and since 1961, more than 200,000 people have served in nearly 140 countries. What postcard sparked a controversy in the program’s first year? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary