Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in FYI.
Under The Gumbo-Limbos
Known by many names such as copperwood, torchwood, West Indian birch, turpentine tree, gum tree, and chaca, the Gumbo-Limbo is native to the tropical regions of the Americas. Bursera simaruba has red-peeling bark which earned it the nickname “tourist tree” as the red skin resembles that of the sunburnt travelers who flock to its lush native regions of Central America and the Caribbean. South Florida, the Florida Keys for example, is abundant with the red-barked beauties!
By MJ Halliburton5 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
World's First Programmer was a Woman and Software Programming was Meant to be a Woman's Job
But first, a little on why I feel the urge to write about these two uncommon facts even those in the software field are not aware of. I'm a software developer. I love challenging myself and solving problems. I look forward to the design and architecture discussions in my daily meetings. And I truly believe that with the help of technology when used rightly, we can solve the world's problems. Writing on Vocal and sharing it with the world wouldn't have been possible without a group of software developers figuring out solutions to build a scalable product. Without code, it wouldn't have been possible to put a human on the moon. Without the Python code that Katie Bouman wrote, it wouldn't have been possible to capture the first-ever image of the black hole. Yes. My heart swells with pride whenever I see women accomplishing the impossible feats in my field. Because, Gender Inequality is one of the most frequently discussed shortcomings in STEM fields. I look around in my office and I see very few women whom I look forward to having as a role-model. As the career ladder gets higher, the number of women climbing it drops significantly. So how are companies solving the problem of Gender Inequality? Through some of the below initiatives aimed at encouraging the women workforce.
By vaisrinivasan5 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
Moles Love Gum
It's a beautiful day out and you're walking in your yard. You notice the grass under your feet is kind of soft and sinks down when you step on it. You look around and notice that there are lines of this raised, soft grass, leading to small piles of dirt. What the heck?!
By Taylor Johnson5 years ago in FYI
The Mighty Stem Cell Part 1
The MIGHTY Stem Cell: What exactly are stem cells and how do they function? What medical uses are theorized, currently in research trials, and which are a reality at present? There are few medical advances that aren't morally and ethically challenged at some point of the approval process. Stem cells are no exception. Can it cure cancer? Will it make the paralyzed walk? Can it grow a human being from a single stem cell? Understanding stem cells takes a bit of science, ethics, and bit of hope in the future.
By Lady Karina Benish5 years ago in FYI
Uncommon Syndromes
Uncommon Syndromes, that I am afflicted with 1. Foreign Accent Syndrome This syndrome happens when you suddenly start to speak with a different accent. It is most common after a head injury or stroke. I had a head injury when I was 4 years old, after I fell down the stairs. I never really thought much about my head injury until as I got older, people would ask me “What is your nationality?” I would tell them, I was Canadian and they would usually ask, “But where were you born?” I would tell them Canada and they would usually ask, “Where were your parents born?”, and I would tell them Canada. So, they would usually say, “Oh, so you’re Canadian.” Being a polite Canadian I would never tell them what I was thinking … “That’s what I said the first time, you moron!”
By Roy Tsukishima5 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
