Why Man’s Best Friend is Probably (OK, Definitely) Not a Canine

They drink alcohol and love spicy food. What attributes could be better in a best friend? And of course, it’s not your dog. The animal in question is a tree shrew, the only mammal (besides us) who likes habaneros, jalapenos, spicy Bloody Marys, you name it. If its furry forehead breaks out in a sweat, it’s just fine as far as a shrew is concerned. According to a report in Atlas Obscura, tree shrews are very closely related to humans but are smaller than primates so they are easier to study. In recent research, scientists discovered that tree shrews are similar to birds: neither are affected by capsaicinoids, the molecules that make chilis hot. So break out the Carolina Reapers and the Ghost Peppers—we think these guys can handle them.

What is irp?

A. The slight sound a screwcap makes as the seal is broken

B. A large pewter vessel for carrying wine

C. The ancient Egyptian term for wine

D. A chalk like chemical added to white wine to help in fermentation

The ancient Egyptians, held wine in high regard, reserving it for the elite. Irp was consumed by royalty and upper class citizens at various festivals during the year, and is primarily associated with the god of the afterlife, underworld and the dead, Asar or Osiris. According to the Egyptians, the life cycle of the grape vine signified renewal and gave hope for life after death.

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Number of millions of tourists who visited wineries in the U.S. last year, spending $17.7 billion in the process, according to Wine America Perspectives. In many U.S. wine regions, the “season” is now year-long. In… Continue reading

Why Man’s Best Friend is Probably (OK, Definitely) Not a Canine

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