Struthiomimus was a long-legged, possibly feathered, ostrich-like dinosaur that lived in the area that is now Alberta, Canada, during the late Cretaceous Period, approximately 75 million years ago. With a slender neck and a toothless beak, it is believed that the bipedal dinosaur’s only defenses against predators were its powerful legs, which gave Struthiomimus the ability to run rapidly, much like an ostrich. How fast was it? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Misanthropy is a general dislike or distrust of the human species. Typically motivated by social alienation or feelings of contempt for society’s prevailing characteristics, misanthropes express a dislike for humanity as a whole, but can have normal relationships with some individuals. Overt expressions of misanthropy can be attributed to characters throughout literature. What existentialist philosopher and writer famously wrote that “hell is other people” in his play No Exit? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
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
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
Known in Costa Rica as the “Jesus Christ lizard” for its ability to run short distances across water using both its feet and tail for support, the plumed basilisk is a species of lizard native to Latin America, with a natural habitat that ranges from Mexico to Ecuador. An excellent swimmer, Basiliscus plumifrons can stay under water for up to 30 minutes. Plumed basilisks are omnivorous and eat insects, small mammals and lizards, fruits, and flowers. What predators prey on the lizard? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Since their discovery on the Indonesian island of Flores in 2003, small, hominid remains—labeled Homo floresiensis—have divided scientists into two camps. While some believe the remains are the bones of a modern human with a disorder that results in a smaller-than-average skull, others see them as evidence of a newly discovered species in the genus Homo that lived among modern humans and survived until as recently as 12,000 years ago. What arguments have been raised by both sides? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
First appearing in the late 19th c. but particularly prevalent after WWII, when many Pacific Islanders witnessed airdrops of supplies, cargo cults are the unorthodox religious movements that appeared in tribal societies after interaction with Westerners. Believing fallen cargo came from divine spirits who would send more upon seeing rituals based on the foreigners’ behavior, the tribes built straw airplanes, radios made of coconuts, and other pseudo-Western items. Do any cargo cults exist today? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Produced using a secret formula that remains a mystery to this day, Greek fire was a burning-liquid weapon used by the Byzantine Greeks, Arabs, Chinese, and Mongols. Early on, it took the form of a burning cloth ball fired with a catapult. Later advances produced a flamethrower-like device that discharged a stream of burning fluid which, according to many historical accounts, water could not extinguish. What are some of the ingredients thought to have been used in the production of Greek fire? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Long sought as the “holy grail” of Western alchemy, the philosopher’s stone is a legendary substance that is supposedly capable of turning inexpensive metals into gold and is believed by some to have the power to restore youth. At one time, alchemists believed a key ingredient of the stone was a mythical element called “carmot.” According to legend, to whom did 13th-century scientist Albertus Magnus give the philosopher’s stone after discovering it shortly before his death? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
In antiquity, Phrygia was a kingdom in the west-central part of the Anatolia, the site of modern Turkey. The Phrygian people settled in the area around 1200 BCE and established a kingdom in the 8th century BCE before being conquered and becoming part of the Persian, Greek, and Roman empires. Phrygia developed an advanced Bronze Age culture and the earliest traditions of Greek music were derived from the area. Who was the mythic Phrygian king who was given the “golden touch”? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary