Historical

Eight sisters swimming together in the Atlantic
Somewhere on the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Africa (West of Morocco), eight beautiful sisters are found bathing in the Atlantic’s crisp waters. They lie there, peacefully, unaffected by what goes on in the world, enjoying their symbiotic relationship with the ocean that lovingly caresses their bodies. These beautiful pieces of land, each with her own unique personality and beautiful traits, are known as the Canary Islands.
By Natalia Perez Wahlberg5 years ago in FYI
A Fistful of Days
There is a widely used poem out there about remembering the days of the months. I can never remember it. Instead, my grandma taught me to make a fist. Allow me to explain.
By Michelle5 years ago in FYI
Did you know jaywalking is an urban design principle?
As my friend and I walked to his car from Cousins Deli and Lounge in Winnipeg, Man., the conversation turned to the act of jaywalking. For the uninformed, jaywalking means to cross or walk in the street or road unlawfully or without regard for approaching traffic—a favourite practice of mine.
By Rebecca Henderson5 years ago in FYI
Mother of Life, Goddess of Death
The Smithsonian Natural History Museum has long been one of my favorite places in the world. From a young age I remember happily spending hours there, wandering the halls and contemplating facts from displays.
By Sarah Gavin5 years ago in FYI
The Life and Times of Peanut Butter and Jelly
“For variety, some day try making little sandwiches, or bread fingers, of three very thin layers of bread and two of filling, one of peanut paste, whatever brand you prefer, and currant or crab apple jelly for the other. The combination is delicious, and as far as I know, original.”
By Steffy Bee5 years ago in FYI
The Ultimate Sacrifice of Captain Oates
“I am just going outside and I may be some time”. Those were the last recorded words of Captain Lawrence Oates, who stepped into a blizzard in Antarctica on 16th March 1912 and was never seen again. The recorder of those words was Captain Robert Falcon Scott, who kept a diary until shortly before his own death some two weeks later, also defeated in the attempt to survive the terrible conditions of the southern continent.
By John Welford5 years ago in FYI
Captain Morgan and an Unwise Pig Roast
Captain Henry Morgan was a notorious privateer and pirate during the 17th century. He suffered an unfortunate setback when a celebratory pig roast cost him a lot more than he had bargained for.
By John Welford5 years ago in FYI
That Time When Parents Mailed Their Kids
The unofficial “motto” of the United States Postal Service is, "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." The words above, often considered to be the motto, are chiseled in gray granite over the entrance to the New York City Post Office on 8th Avenue. Although the Post Office isn't utilized as much as times past because of our current digital age, we continue to acknowledge the important role they play in our society. We count on them to deliver handwritten letters and cards. We expect the Postal Service to bring our dreaded utility bills or credit card statements, and stuff them in our mailbox. In fact, our culture places a great amount of trust in these mail carriers. About a century ago, a few people relied on the postal service so much, some even shipped their children through the mail.
By Bryan R..5 years ago in FYI
(What Do You Call a Dinosaur Fart?) A Blast From the Past
Some people may say fart jokes are immature but, I often find, there is a methane to the madness. In today’s news cycle, we are constantly reminded of the great many things that divide one human being from the next. Beliefs, skin colour, language, culture, location, income, the list goes on. Less often spoken of are the threads which undeniably tie our lives together. We are each born, we will each die, and along the in-between we will all pass gas at an embarrassing, inopportune moment and live to laugh about it.
By Imaan W5 years ago in FYI
Coffee: The Most Powerful Weapon of the Civil War
If you drink coffee, think about the last time you really needed a cup. Maybe it was while trying to cure grogginess the morning after a night of partying. Maybe it was halfway through a particularly exhausting shift at work. Maybe it was while frantically cramming the night before a test. Now imagine you are a soldier during the Civil War. Bullets are whizzing past your head. People next to you are screaming in agony after being shot. You frantically reload your burning hot musket and try to fire off as many shots as you can to avoid getting killed. Would you want a cup of coffee?
By Alex Pellitteri5 years ago in FYI
The Unicorn
The hills, rivers, and wild forests of Scotland have been filled with mythical lore for centuries. Stories of ghosts and vampires, spirits and sea monsters have remained an intrinsic part of Scottish culture to this day. While the superstitious fascination with witchcraft and the supernatural has largely diminished, one mythical creature remains as more than a story to the nation. The Unicorn has been Scotland's national animal since the 12th century.
By Clifton Arnold5 years ago in FYI
Sex and Drugs and Artichoke
The vacant stare of the Catholic prelate during his show trial rang alarm bells back at C.I.A. headquarters. It was 1949 and, in Soviet-occupied Hungary, Cardinal József Mindszenty was confessing to plotting to steal the crown jewels, restoring the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, and orchestrating a third World War which would allow him to seize power for himself.
By Michael Gettel-Gilmartin5 years ago in FYI