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 vegemite?

A. A bitter, greenish jelly made from a tropical fruit that Australians spread over cheese and toast

B. A mixture of spinach, cabbage, and lima beans that is puréed and often served in Australian school cafeterias

C. A type of nut butter made from nuts and peas that is popular in Australia

D. A spread made from brewer’s yeast that was a favorite of Australian soldiers during World War II

Vegemite, one of the most popular Australian foods of the 20^th century, was invented in 1922 in Melbourne by a food manufacturing company named Fred Walker. A spread made from brewer’s yeast (and hence a strong source of B vitamins), vegemite was slow to catch on at first. But intense promotional efforts (including a limerick competition with compelling prizes such as Pontiac cars) propelled the spread to fame. During World War II, the Australian Army purchased huge quantities and it became immensely popular among soldiers, especially after rations of the British spread Marmite became scarce. Vegemite received official product endorsement from the British Medical Association in 1939. By 1942, it was said to be in every kitchen in Australia.

Knop

A knob-like bulge on a wine glass’ stem. Wineglasses commonly had them from the 15th to the late 18th centuries. Knops came in many different sizes and shapes, and sometimes colors. Hollow or solid, there… Continue reading

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

Get WineSpeed