[ ] We’ve all acquired possessions that mean a great deal to us throughout our lifetimes. Whether things are handed down from loved ones who have passed on before us, items we’ve earned through hard work, or even special and rare finds we’ve bought to enjoy and keep. By the time a long life ends, … Read more
[ ] The widespread myth is that the Middle Ages was a Dark Age for Europe when human progress was halted and the continent degenerated into violence, ignorance, and superstition for a thousand years. Science supposedly stagnated, and astronomer Carl Sagan characterized the period as a “millennium gap… a poignant lost opportunity for the human … Read more
[ ] For most of us, the word “garden” elicits an image of a blissful nature scene that enchants the senses with a wide array of flowers and plants, a beautiful fountain or statue, and a serene atmosphere. It does not typically call to mind an assortment of grotesque and frightening monsters, but that is … Read more
[ ] The 14th century was not an easy time. Among other hardships, the Black Death shook the world and killed approximately one-third to one-half of the population. Understandably, the Catholic Church was also a dominant force and comprised a substantial part of daily living. Most people were illiterate because books were exclusively for the … Read more
[ ] Lights, camera, action—one take only! There’s something truly captivating about a movie filmed entirely in one shot, allowing viewers to experience the unfolding story in real time without interruption. From complex tracking shots to simpler, more intimate perspectives, these films are a true test of a director’s skill and a cinematographer’s vision. In … Read more
[ ] Throughout human history, some very, very long prison sentences have been handed down. Mandatory sentencing guidelines, jury recommendations, victim statements, and judicial discretion combine to occasionally levy severe sentences on convicted felons. Take the case of Thailand’s Chamoy Thipyaso. The military wife ran an infamous pyramid scheme in that south Asian nation that … Read more
[ ] When most of us set out to learn a new language, our biggest worries are usually how to conjugate verbs and construct a proper sentence. The last concern on our mind is that the language will disappear entirely! However, perhaps that concern should be a bit higher up on our priorities list. Thanks … Read more
[ ] Many graves have the message “Rest in Peace” carved on them. For most of us, this will probably come true as our dead bodies are unlikely to be disturbed before they have rotted to nothing. For famous people, however, there is a long history of their bodies being dug up, desecrated, or generally … Read more
[ ] The kiss cam is a staple at modern sporting events. And if you don’t know what that is, the name says it all. The camera literally pans to couples in the audience and peer-pressures them to share a kiss. And the crowd eats it up! While most people find it a fun and … Read more
[ ] Paleontologists typically study for years to get their master’s degree or Ph.D. in paleontology. This extensive academic background enables them to start a career searching for and studying ancient animal and plant fossils. It’s exciting work that also explores the relationship between ancient living things and their modern-day relatives. So it’s always big … Read more
