Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in FYI.

Why do we see the world stable even when we move our eyes?
While reading this text, your eyes jump over the line, pause briefly, and then move on to the next jump. Such eye movements — so-called saccades — do not only occur when reading. We humans and other primates perform them two to three times per second, usually without being aware of it. Most remarkable, however, is that we do not perceive the resulting movement of the image on our retina. Rather, the environment appears stable. How can this be?
By AddictiveWritings5 years ago in FYI
The Dead are People too
Ghosts are integral parts of mythology in ancient Egypt, so naturally the bedtime stories I was told as a child were full of apparitions. I kept that family tradition with my first born, which in retrospect might not have been the best practice.
By Asiya5 years ago in FYI
How Much Do You Know About the Countries of the European Union?
How well do you know the countries of the European Union? Below there are 27 questions, one for each member state. How many can you get right?
By Diana Bernardo5 years ago in FYI
Hitch-hikers Descending a Staircase Widdershins
Echoes of a Distant Time In the summer of '21, I woke up on Noe Street with the echo of a distant time ringing in my ears.
By Tom Cooley5 years ago in FYI
The Great Bird, the Red Rat and the Ball Post
The Great Bird, the Red Rat and the Ball Post A Story from our Ancient Migration from the West (We have tried to preserve the speaking style of the two old ladies who often told this story)
By William L. Truax III5 years ago in FYI
The Cerne Giant
The chalk hills of southern England are renowned for a number of figures cut into the turf, mostly in the shape of horses. However, some of the figures are very different in nature, and Dorset’s Cerne Giant must surely count as the most remarkable.
By John Welford5 years ago in FYI
Remembering Kobe Bryant
I played basketball for 8 years. During that time Kobe was my least favorite player. Because he was so good, and only ever played for the Lakers, my least favorite team. I knew no matter what he never had an off night, and he was going to do everything he could to get the win.
By RJ5 years ago in FYI
The Real Boy
LIARS R US You, my friends, are LIARS! Don’t get offended or too hasty, because I did call you my friends first. I’m a LIAR TOO! We all are. Our parents lied, our grandparents lied and our kids will follow suit. Our leaders, politicians, and preachers all lie. The billboards, the banks, and everything on the News. Our Businesses, the scientists, and even your boss too! ALL LIARS! If anyone has ever told you that they don't lie, it is a lie! This is not to pass judgement on anyone. I can assure you that my “liar-pants” have been on fire for 36 years. No, this is more of a cordial invite to a dinner party. The main course: TRUTH sirloin marinated in homemade LIES with a side of GOSPEL gravy. It can be a little tough to chew at times, but we still cook it to perfection. No need to R.S.V.P., because it's cooked in your own kitchen.
By Tripp Any Where5 years ago in FYI
Is "Queer" A Slur?
As we move towards transgender day of visibility on the 31st of March, it’s a great time to reflect on the language we use to talk about LGBTQIA+ identities. Specifically the word queer.
By Max Fisher5 years ago in FYI
Eyes are the windows to...
The human brain is the most complex structure that we know of in the universe. So far. Made up of billions of cells with trillions of connections between them, it’s unfathomably complicated. It’s also the only thing that has ever named itself.
By Diana 5 years ago in FYI
The Sight of the Milky Way Made People Call 911
Light pollution: a topic not discussed nearly enough by media outlets. Simply put, it's a form of waste energy that drowns out natural light. Think Times Square, or if you want a more excessive visual, Vegas.
By Daniel Luby5 years ago in FYI
The Best Reason Not to Eavesdrop on A Sperm Whale
Ocean-going creatures are amazing, top to bottom, from the greatest to the smallest. But one holds a terrible secret. But first, gentle reader, imagine those depths! Waving, skyscraper tall forests of kelp. Acres of colourful coral. Stories of ancient mariners. Peg-legged pirates. The icy Titanic. (Even the one before DiCaprio!) Imagine the cold, deep blackness of Davey Jones locker. Or the blue-tinted waters of the sunny tropics, with sun-sparkled schools of fish. And imagine the legions of predators! Full of sharks. Stingray. Electric eels. Giant squid!
By RJ Ashfield5 years ago in FYI