“The simplicity of a historical map — the clear labels, the sharp edges, and above all the reduction of thousands or millions of people into abstract symbols — is a big part of why they’re so beguiling. But it’s also […]
“Tetrachromacy is a rare type of colour vision that allows people to see colours that other people can’t. … While those of us with three of these receptors have the ability to distinguish around one million different colours, tetrachromats are […]
“Galls are abnormal growths or swellings of plant tissue often caused by the attack of an insect. Galls on oaks are most often caused by small wasps or midges. Insects that cause galls to form are known as gallmakers.” ~ learn more
This is really interesting research with a very cool visualization. About half are immigrants or children of immigrants, about half have worked at a startup previously, and about half are serial entrepreneurs. ~ learn more
Do you ever notice yourself sticking out your tongue when doing delicate work with your hands? I sure do. Matter of fact, I just caught myself doing it right now while typing. ~ learn more
It’s known for being the “Oldest individual animal ever discovered.” ~ learn more
This came up in a “what’s your favorite condiment” chat at work. I’m thrilled that there’s a wiki page for it. ~ learn more
They begin with the Moka Express, designed in 1933. “Until the 20th century, coffee was primarily enjoyed in coffee shops. That all changed when Alfonso Bialetti invented the Moka Express in 1933, inspired by a washing machine his wife used […]
“Selling people on the idea of a machine that spits out money was obviously not easy. But then a freak weather event happened, and everything began to click.” This is a neat story of how ATMs came to be. ~ learn more
It’s the strip of land between the sidewalk and the street that’s notoriously hard to grow plants in. ~ learn more