The Guaymí are an indigenous group living primarily within the Ngöbe-Buglé region of western Panama. Spanish conquistadors found 3 Guaymí tribes—the Nata, Parita, and Urracá—after settling Panama in the 16th century. Urracá, leader of the tribe that took his name, is the most well known of the 3 tribal chiefs. Famed as a Panamanian freedom fighter, Urracá battled and defeated the Spaniards on several occasions. In what mainstream industries do members of the once-isolated Guaymí tribes now work? Discuss
Luther Burbank (1849)
The 13th child of a Massachusetts farmer, Burbank received little formal education, yet he went on to become a groundbreaking horticulturist. Influenced by Charles Darwin’s writings, he began breeding plants at age 21. The rapid success of his Burbank potato, the russet variety of which is now the most widely-grown potato in the US, allowed him to move to California and establish an experimental farm, where he developed more than 800 varieties of plants. What is his spineless cactus used for? Discuss
Amblypoda
Though few authorities include Amblypoda in modern classifications, scientists once defined it as a group of extinct, herbivorous mammals common to North America during the Tertiary period. Once considered a suborder of primitive ungulates, or hoofed mammals, experts have since concluded that members do not share a common ancestor. They do agree, however, that the group’s members had very small brain cavities relative to their mass. From what physical characteristic is the group’s name derived? Discuss
Louis Francis "Lou" Costello (1906)
Costello was an American comedian who, along with Bud Abbott, formed the comedic duo of Abbott and Costello. From 1931 to 1957, Costello played a bumbling, cheery dimwit alongside Abbott’s “straight man” in various stage, radio, and TV routines, the most famous of which was their “Who’s on First?” skit. Regarded as the archetypal team of burlesque comedy, the pair starred in movies such as Buck Privates and Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein. Why did the two eventually part ways? Discuss
The 1883 Eruption
The massive 1883 eruption of the volcanic island of Krakatoa in Indonesia ejected more than 6 cu mi (25 cu km) of rock and ash, destroyed the island, and left more than 36,000 people dead. The eruption’s explosive power was about 13,000 times greater than that of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, and the sound of the explosion, believed to be the loudest sound in recorded history, was heard some 3,000 mi (4,828 km) away. What was the only living thing researchers found on the island in 1884? Discuss
George Westinghouse Patents the Automatic Air Brake (1872)
Prior to the advent of trucking in the early 1900s, rail was the only efficient way to transport goods over land. However, before the 1870s, there was no easy way to quickly stop the extremely heavy freight trains. Brakemen scrambled over the tops of moving cars to activate hand brakes on each one. The system was unreliable, resulting in frequent derailments, and many brakemen were killed or maimed after falling from trains. The air brake solved all of those problems. How did it work? Discuss
Howard Pyle (1853)
Pyle was an American illustrator and writer who specialized in tales of chivalry and adventure for children. He rewrote and realistically illustrated classic tales about figures like Robin Hood and King Arthur, adapting the stories to suit a younger audience. In 1900, he founded an art school, and many of his students went on to become famous illustrators themselves. Today, he is considered the father of American illustration. Which noted Post-Impressionist painter was an admirer of Pyle’s work? Discuss
Oleander
Oleander is an evergreen shrub that grows well in warm subtropical regions and is native to a broad area that extends from Morocco to China. Its fragrant flowers grow in a variety of colors, and it is widely used as an ornamental plant in landscapes and parks. It is also one of the most poisonous known plants and contains several toxic, sometimes deadly, compounds. Even its bark contains rosagenin, which is known for its strychnine-like effects. Why is oleander the official flower of Hiroshima? Discuss
Charlie Chaplin Is Knighted (1975)
Though he spent most of his career in the US, British-born silent-film legend Charlie Chaplin never applied for citizenship. The US took advantage of this fact in 1952, while Chaplin was overseas, revoking his re-entry permit over his alleged Communist ties. His political leanings, as well as his many affairs with young women, nearly cost him a knighthood, but after decades of debate, he was finally knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. What was stolen from Chaplin’s grave shortly after his death? Discuss
Miriam Makeba (1932)
Nicknamed “Mama Africa,” Makeba was a Grammy Award-winning singer and activist. In 1963, after she testified against apartheid before the UN, South Africa revoked her citizenship and right to return to the country. She settled in the US, where her musical career flourished, then moved to Guinea after being criticized for marrying a Black Panther. She remained in exile for 30 years, finally returning to her homeland in 1990 at the end of apartheid. Why did she spend six months in jail as a baby? Discuss