Top Stories
Stories in FYI that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
The US Banned Sliced Bread
People love food and wherever you go in the world, that’s one of the topics that you can easily talk to anyone about regardless of your cultural differences. Here in the United States, we’ve had a very old saying for a long time, which is the best thing since sliced bread.
Blessing AkpanPublished 3 days ago in FYI
The Spare is the Heir
In general, the second sons of British monarchs have a pretty sweet life, enjoying all the royal perks with far less responsibility. The spares aren't destined for the throne so they're free to pursue personal happiness (to a certain extent, anyway). Aside from ribbon cutting, tree planting, and balcony waving, their royal duties are pretty limited.
Kathy Copeland PaddenPublished 20 days ago in FYI
Space Shuttle: Final Flight of a Legend
IF HUMANITY HAS a beachhead to the stars, this is it: Cape Canaveral. This sandy promontory, jutting out into the Atlantic from a barrier island on the midway point of Florida’s eastern coast, is the site of most of the manned space launches in human history.
Wilson da SilvaPublished 20 days ago in FYI
Who Was Sadie Hawkins and Why Does She Have a Dance Named After Her?
Sadie Hawkins’ Day, which evolved into an American folk holiday, doesn’t originate from a dance at all, but rather from a fictional race. Much like the Great Pumpkin, Sadie is a pop-culture phenomenon spawned from what we old folks used to call the Funnies.
Kathy Copeland PaddenPublished 25 days ago in FYIThe Chinese Pirate Queen
In the early 19th century, the seas around China were terrorised by a fleet of pirates under the control of one terrifying leader.
The History of 'Keep Calm and Carry On'
I will be the first to admit that I am not fully in tune with the meme culture of the 21st century. Jokes and mottos come and go as I try and grasp the lingo of society. I remember when the first memes began flooding the internet; meme cats, early YouTube videos, and cartoons made way for the invasion of the 'Meme-Lords.' Some are created from thin air while others have deep historical roots that we can trace. 'Keep Calm and Carry On' is one of these memes.
People! Just say Something!Published about a month ago in FYI
History of Juneteenth
June Nineteenth, or Juneteenth, marks the celebration of the emancipation of African-American slaves in Texas in 1865. While the annual celebration started in Texas the following year in 1866 — and became an official Texas state holiday there in 1980 — this formerly obscure holiday is now observed across the United States and around the world. Yesterday, Congress and the President made it an official federal holiday. It is celebrated with church-centered celebrations, parades, fairs, backyard parties, games, contests, and cookouts.
Bill PetroPublished about a month ago in FYI
Why Woodpeckers do not get Brain Damage
Have you ever wondered how a woodpecker can pound away at the bark or disturb a tin roof without injuring themselves? After all, the force of their peck exceeds the force of gravity by a factor of a thousand! To avoid harm during its pecking frenzy, the woodpecker has developed in a rather unusual way. I want to go through the build of the woodpecker that allows it to function and thrive in such exceptional circumstances.
People! Just say Something!Published about a month ago in FYI
Mysteries of Tutankhamun's Tomb
Was there a curse? Howard Carter wasn't expecting to deal with an ancient curse when he discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. Joining Carter was amateur Egyptologist Lord Carnarvon, who was funding the project. The pair were the first to enter the burial chamber hidden away at the end of the 18th dynasty of ancient Egypt. What they discovered was ancient wealth beyond any archaeological discovery to date.
Nikole LynnPublished 2 months ago in FYI
Sherlock Holmes and the Cottingley Fairies
Over a hundred years ago, in the small village of Cottingley, England, two young girls embarked on a silly prank that led thousands to believe in magic. It would not be fully debunked for over sixty years.
Shell St. JamesPublished 2 months ago in FYI
Radiance: The Brilliant Career of Marie Curie
AN AILING François Mitterrand, in the final weeks of his last term as French president, finally made amends for centuries of Gallic sexism. At an April 1995 ceremony in the Panthéon, the great monument to French national heroes, he enshrined the ashes of Marie Curie — the first woman to be so honoured for her achievements.
Wilson da SilvaPublished 3 months ago in FYI
The Picasso Effect
The art world can seem to be one dominated by elitist ideals and big price tags. We see countless articles commentating on record-breaking auction sales and lost pieces retrieved from thieves and the aftermaths of war. It comes as no surprise that many of us, despite enjoying the presence of art, choose not to dig deeper into the field and further understand its beauty, power, and influence. If you think that you fall somewhere in this category, I want to give you some advice that any spectator should know when approaching a piece, no matter the level of interest given to the art sector. It is something that I wish I learned years ago that would have better developed my taste in who and what I like and how to separate the reputation of the artist and their artwork. I would like to introduce you to the thought concept I refer to as ‘The Picasso Effect’.
People! Just say Something!Published 3 months ago in FYI
