Monday Morning Chicken and Eggs

· Most of the hamsters sold as pets or used in research are the descendants of 3 littermates domesticated in 1930.

· About 3.5 million of today's Ashkenazi Jews - 40 percent of the total Ashkenazi population - are descended from just four women, a genetic study indicates.

· Researchers have identified simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in wild apes for the first time. The virus, which at some point jumped to humans as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), has been found in chimpanzees in Cameroon, west-central Africa.

· Aristotle claims that the origin of comedy can be traced to "those who lead off the phallic songs (phallika)." The phallic procession to a cult center, followed by a sacrifice, was a common feature of Dionysiac celebrations in the Greek countryside. These processions were characterized by obscenities and verbal abuse.

· The tradition of rendering a salute by cannon originated in the 14th century as firearms and cannons came into use. Since these early devices contained only one projectile, discharging them once rendered them ineffective.

· Another striking example of an early forerunner of modern comics is the so-called centsprent or mannekesprent. These printed sheets were made public since the 1500s, and often depicted the lives of holy men.

· Since 1928, H.B. "Harry" Reese's candy company, also located in Hershey, had been making chocolate-covered peanut butter cups.

· Although Aerosmith is known as a Boston band, none of the members are actually from the city. Three of the members, Steven Tallarico (Tyler), Joe Perry, and Tom Hamilton had originally met in Sunapee, New Hampshire in the late '60s, but had not yet formed a band together. Tyler was from Yonkers, New York, Perry from Hopedale, Massachusetts, and Hamilton from New London, New Hampshire. In 1970, the three decided to form a band and that Boston, Massachusetts would be the ideal venue.

· Government Issue - "It Begins Now"