Question of the Day

Did you know the country of Lesotho is completely surrounded by South Africa? Join Murray and Tamika in today's Flashcast as they take us on a journey through Lesotho's countryside, exploring its natural beauty, industry, and, of course, food. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tiny but strong, the flea is one of the most dreaded insects in the world. In today's Flashcast, Murray and Tamika explore the world of the flea, that blood-sucking insect that loves to cozy up to our family pets and other animals. (Be sure to stick around for one of Tamika's corny jokes!) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Day of the Dead, or el Día de los Muertos, might occur around the same time as Halloween, but it's not a scary holiday -- it's a festive time. In today's Flashcast, Murray and Tamika discuss this days-long celebration with roots in Mesoamerican tradition, European religion, and Spanish culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While the toy company Wham-O gets a lot of credit for popularizing the hula hoop in the 1950s, the concept actually has deep roots, dating back to 3000 BCE. Join Murray and Tamika today as they explore the history -- and the related Guinness World Records -- of the hula hoop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The topics of William Shakespeare's plays often resonant with modern times. In today's Flashcast, Murray and Tamika discuss characters in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and their connection to ancient German mythology, opera composer Richard Wagner, and the moons of our solar system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're in the mood for a treacherous and unpredictable journey, we've got you covered! Join Murray and Tamika in today's Flashcast as they explore the waters around the southern tip of South America, known as The Drake Passage or El Mar de Hoces, where three oceans come together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What did Gloria Vanderbilt do to change the fashion industry? In today's Flashcast, Murray and and Tamika discuss Vanderbilt's beginnings as "the poor little rich girl," and how she went on to monetize her fame to become the Queen of Jeans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Throughout history, people have been mesmerized by mirages on both land and sea. In today's Flashcast, Murray and Tamika dive into what exactly is happening when you see a mirage, why sailors sometimes think they're losing their minds, and what the Flying Dutchman is all about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Libyan leader Muammar Gadaffi was a colorful character, but also a murderous dictator. In today's Flashcast, Murray and Tamika discuss this complicated leader (Ronald Reagan called him the "mad dog of the Middle East") and what ultimately happened to him in 2011. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're going on a journey to the "Land of Fire." Join Murray and Tamika in today's Flashcast as they explore Azerbaijan, where a blend of cultures and natural resources lend themselves to delicious cuisine, beautiful handmade rugs, a continuously burning natural gas fire, and the polo-like sport known as Chovkan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know the Eiffel Tower grows up to 15 centimeters taller in the summer? In today's Flashcast, Murray and Tamika discuss how all sorts of objects - rubber tires, glasses, concrete sidewalks, train tracks - are affected by thermal expansion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's raining tacos! Not really, but we've got the history of tacos for you today. Join Murray and Tamika as they dive into these delicious eats from Mexico that are now enjoyed around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The universe is incredibly vast and we're here for it! Join Murray and Tamika in today's Flashcast as they discuss The Milky Way and the other billions of galaxies found throughout the universe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know there's a country that doesn't have mosquitos? Before you pack your bags, join Murray and Tamika for today's Flashcast as they discuss the unusual circumstances that have prevented these blood-sucking insects from becoming pests in Iceland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What drove Hannibal to march elephants across the Alps into battle? Join Murray and Tamika in today's Flashcast as they discuss one of the greatest military commanders in history, who was trained since childhood for military life and decided to take on the Roman Empire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did Kermit the Frog go from the University of Maryland to the Hollywood Walk of Fame? In today's Flashcast, Murray and Tamika discuss how the star of Sesame Street and The Muppets rose to fame, under the mentorship of creator Jim Henson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've got a special guest today! Kenton Keith, the former U.S. Ambassador to Qatar, joins Murray and Tamika in today's Flashcast to discuss this Arabian peninsula country and its culture, economy, and more. To learn more about our guest, visit https://www.academyofdiplomacy.org/member/kenton-keith/. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If the snow crab can't be found in the snow, why does it have that name? In today's Flashcast, Murray and Tamika dive into everything you'd ever want to know about this ocean creature, also known as the queen crab or spider crab. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the first Latina to win an Oscar, and one of the few in history to become an EGOT, Rita Moreno is a force of nature. In today's Flashcast, Murray and Tamika discuss where the actor, singer, and dancer got her start, and how she went from Singin' in the Rain to West Side Story and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Great Molasses Flood of 1919 would be an amusing story if it weren't so tragic on so many different levels. In today's Flashcast, Murray and Tamika break down this incredible historical event for us, which involves the triangular trade, anti-immigration sentiment, and the city of Boston. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Found in South America, the capybara looks like a guinea pig, but is almost the size of a regular pig. In today's Flashcast, Murray and Tamika discuss everything you'd want to know about these "rodents of unusual size." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The "tall tales" of yore about Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, Calamity Jane, and others tell fascinating stories about America. In today's Flashcast, Murray and Tamika explore the realm of Paul Bunyan and what Babe the Blue Ox had to do with the Grand Canyon, Minnesota's lakes, and the Missouri River. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where in the world is Guyana, and what is its connection to India? Join Murray and Tamika in today's Flashcast as they take us on a journey to the South American country of Guyana. We'll explore the landscape, the cultural history, and, of course, the cuisine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From "Bonjour" to "Bonne nuit," the French language offers a lot of optimism. Join Murray and Tamika today as they provide a quick lesson in French greetings so that you too can start saying "Merci beaucoup!" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you know the connection between Alexander Graham Bell and Helen Keller? In today's Flashcast, Murray and Tamika discuss the powerful story of Helen Keller, who became blind and deaf from illness at the age of 19 months. We'll even listen to a clip of Ms. Keller speaking on CBS Radio in 1951. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.