Ambulocetus

The Wikipedia article of the day for July 3, 2021 is Ambulocetus. Ambulocetus natans is a species of early amphibious archaeocete cetacean from the Kuldana Formation in Pakistan during the early Eocene, 48 or 47 million years ago. It is among the most completely known Eocene cetaceans, vital to the study of cetacean evolution and the transition from land to sea. Ambulocetus probably had a long, broad, and powerful snout, and eyes near the top of the head. It may have hunted like a crocodile, waiting near the water’s surface and ambushing large mammals, using the jaws to clamp onto and drown or thrash prey. It may have swum like a river otter, alternating beats of the hind limbs while keeping…

Green rosella

The Wikipedia article of the day for July 2, 2021 is Green rosella. The green rosella (Platycercus caledonicus) is a parrot native to the Australian state of Tasmania and some Bass Strait islands. The species was described by the German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788. At up to 37 cm (14.5 in) long, it is the largest species in its genus. Its underparts, neck and head are yellow, with a red band above the beak and violet-blue cheeks. The back is mostly black and green, and its long tail blue and green. The female has duller yellow plumage and more prominent red markings, as well as a smaller beak. Found in a wide range of habitats with some form of tree…

John Early (educator)

The Wikipedia article of the day for July 1, 2021 is John Early (educator). John Early (July 1, 1814 – May 23, 1873) was a Catholic priest and Jesuit who held several prominent positions in American academia. Born in Ireland, he emigrated to the United States in 1833 and was educated in Maryland and Washington, D.C. After he began ministering, he was appointed the president of the College of the Holy Cross in 1848. In 1852, he founded St. Ignatius Church and Loyola College in Baltimore to educate the lay former students of St. Mary’s Seminary and College. Early left in 1858 to become the president of Georgetown University, which operated through the Civil War despite being commandeered several times by the Union Army. In…

All About That Bass

The Wikipedia article of the day for June 30, 2021 is All About That Bass. “All About That Bass” is the debut single of American singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor (pictured), released through Epic Records on June 30, 2014. The song was included on Trainor’s first extended play (EP) Title (2014) and her studio album of the same name (2015). Written by Trainor and producer Kevin Kadish, “All About That Bass” is a bubblegum pop, doo-wop and hip hop track. Trainor, who struggled with her negative body image as a teenager, was inspired to write the song to promote self-acceptance. Some music critics praised the song’s production and memorable message, while others called it a novelty song and criticized the failure of its…