Geography, state birds and Yogi

June 22, 2015

Former name of Congo

A better question would be – which Congo? On today's map you will find Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Republic of Congo is also known as Congo Republic, West Congo or Congo-Brazzaville – its capital is Brazzaville.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is also known as DR Congo, DROC, RDC, East Congo, Congo-Kinshasa, or simply Congo. From 1965 – 1997 it was named Zaire – the answer to today's clue.

 

Hawaii's state bird

The Hawaiian goose, or Nene (pronounced “nay-nay”) or Branta sandwicensis was named the Hawaiian state bird in 1957. Interestingly, it seldom swims and is not bothered by predators or cold temperatures. It does not fly as much as other geese so its wings are weaker. Its feet are less webbed with longer toes for climbing rocks.

Of note, the species has been endangered, and while it breeds well in captivity, it is still considered the rarest of the state birds.

 

 

 

Who said “Always go to other people's funerals, otherwise they won't go to yours.”

From one of the most quotable sports stars ever, Yogi Berra. He was born in St. Louis, an area known as “The Hill”. He and Joe Garagiola attended the same school. Jack Buck, an early Cardinals announcer also grew up on the same block. He is considered one of the best catchers in baseball history, once catching for an entire 22-inning game when he was 37. He was also deemed one of the best hitters, able to hit almost anywhere in the strike zone. Besides baseball, he is well known for his “Yogisms”, but in his own words, he said, “I really didn't say everything I said.”