Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in FYI.

The First Female Film Director: Alice Guy-Blache
In honor of Women's History Month, I decided to tell the story of an unknown figure in history. That figure is Alice Guy-Blache, the first female film director. The French darling became a pioneer in the film industry. And yet, she's not one of the first names that come to mind when we think of famous directors. More people need to know about Alice so her accomplishments can be remembered.
By Sarah Loyd5 years ago in FYI
The Doorknob
The contributor to a well-known writing hub was outraged. Outraged! He had scored a quickie interview with one of the world’s leading scientists, but he was [darned] if he could come up with the writing hub’s required 600 word-minimum.
By Hamish Alexander5 years ago in FYI
Blame Canada For Ruining Pizza
There are two types of people: those who love pineapples on pizza and those who believe it’s an abomination and representation of all things dark in this world. It‘s an age-old question that has divided the internet and turned friends into enemies, brothers against sisters and has been the subject of numerous virtual battles: does pineapple belong on pizza? On one side, there’s the argument that the sweet, tangy taste of the juicy pineapple balances out the savoury, punchy flavour of the cheese and ham. On the other end, many hold that the addition of the tropical fruit makes a mockery of an already-perfect Italian masterpiece. It's pizza, not a fruit salad!
By Laquesha Bailey5 years ago in FYI
The Mad Science of Aseptic Technique
Imagine yourself in the year 1855, you have fallen from a horse drawn buggy and your arm has suffered a gruesome compound fracture. A piece of broken bone is protruding through your skin and fiery red blood is everywhere. You are rushed to the nearest doctor who will attempt to set the bone properly before bandaging the wound. Before they begin however, the room's bad air or miasma must be removed from the room due to the doctor's recent previous patient. At this point in time miasma was thought to be the cause of infection, so the doctor opens up a window, lets some fresh air in, and then straps you down to the operating table and picks up the still blood covered tools from their previous patient and begins their work on you.
By JLB5 years ago in FYI
History of the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste
A curious occurrence happened in the early 4th century Roman Empire. The early church historian Bishop Eusebius tells the story of the Roman Emperor Constantine, who, before a battle against his rival Emperor Maxentius in 312 AD at the Milvian Bridge outside of Rome, had either a dream or vision that he was to conquer in the sign of Christ.
By Bill Petro5 years ago in FYI
Let's Focus on Failure
I remember taking a state practice test when I was in high school. The portion I recall was a critical thinking section and judged your analytical skills in reference to reading. I can’t tell you how well I did or what questions were asked afterward, but I can tell you what information and story I absorbed in that process. It is a seemingly insignificant story or factoid that has influenced me even today.
By E.L. Martin5 years ago in FYI
Creepy West African Urban Legends, Myths & Secrets
All over the world urban legends, myths, and conspiracies play a big part in any society's culture. In the western world, urban legends like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness monster, and myths about haunted locations play an interesting role in our social lives. In the motherland of civilization, this is no different. Just like in the west, on the continent of Africa myths, urban legends, and societal secrets have been passed down through oral traditions, literature, and entertainment.
By C.R. Hughes5 years ago in FYI
The Face of Waste Management
Lagos. The largest city in Nigeria. A city riddled with violence and crime. A city that is deemed incredibly dangerous after dark. A city with a high unemployment rate and a huge environmental issue. A city that one young, black woman found great potential in.
By Nicky5 years ago in FYI
Crazy Eight
Random things I learned while living my life. Because Vocal created this really cool contest and I can't resist... I’ve chosen to describe eight random things because eight (Ba in Chinese) has the similar pronunciation with 发 (Fa, meaning wealth or fortune). And I am told that this number is very welcome among Chinese people.
By Christy Munson5 years ago in FYI
Queen Victoria's underwear stolen at Buckingham Palace... three times.
Queen Victoria had an unusually determined visitor. And since it happened in the late 1800s, we can confirm this is the story of the original royal celebrity stalker.
By Jake Murphy5 years ago in FYI
The Professor and the Madman
What a minute! Why did no one tell me about The Professor and the Madman on Netflix? We have been binge watching shows like Radioactive and The Trial of the Chicago 7, but we forgot to mention this movie? I am shocked. I am stunned. I am going to watch the movie again!
By Rose Loren Geer-Robbins5 years ago in FYI
Real Dinosaurs are Better Than the Movie
Note: This story was originally published in Illumination. I retain the rights. When my cockatiel, Ziggy, falls flat on her face, I ask, “How did your ancestors survive the asteroid?”
By Alexa Baczak5 years ago in FYI