All Articles
Origins of Some English Eponyms : Juggernaut, Lynching, Malapropism, Maverick & Tantalise
Eponyms are one of the most fascinating examples of how the English language gains new words. In this article we take a colourful look at the phenomenon some eponyms like : Juggernaut, Lynching, Malapropism, Maverick & Tantalise.
How does soap work?
A bar of soap is a chemical miracle – a little scented block that unleashes molecular forces when dunked in water. In this article we look how this little miracle actually works.
Is there any scientific basis to the idea of “brainwashing” ?
If true, then the idea of “brainwashing” – that is convincing someone to do or behave in some way that they wouldn’t normally – has terrible consequences. It means people can claim they were under this infuence when they committed a crime and would mean that we are all vulnerabe to manipulation.
How do chameleons camouflage themselves?
Chameleons camouflage themselves in a variety of different ways but most famously by changing the colour and pattern of their skin.
Charlemagne- The Greatest Emperor Since the Romans ?
We tend to think of the Dark Ages as a period of unending European misery. A period after the fall of the Roman Empire of cultural and technical stagnation. However there was at least one high point humanity in Europe raised it’s head out of the ‘darkness’ to witness something truly remarkable.
Jersey Legends & Folklore
Both Guernsey and Jersey folklore is full of stories of witches and ghosts. But in Jersey in the 18th and 19th century’s ‘witch balls’ entered the popular folklore of the time.
Why do we blush?
Blushing is rather an odd physiological and psychological response to embarrassment or awkward social situations. Could there be any rational or logical explanation for this? What possible evolutionary reason could there be for such a strange phenomenon.
Is there a Place in our Brains where Consciousness exists ?
“We no longer have to wonder what self-awareness looks like – we can see it for ourselves” : A bold statement indeed. What we’re referring to here though is that scientists now believe that they can trace where they think conscientiousness physically sits in the brain
It’s a Strange World – Some Humerous Catastrophes and Cock-ups from around the Planet
In this article we’ve brought together an inventory of the incompetent, a record of the ridiculous, a catalogue of catastrophes and cock-ups.
Elemental Questions : What is Fire Made of ?
Fire – one of the most primitive and yet intriguing of the ‘fundamental elements in our world. Indeed one of the things that differentiates mankind from the rest of the animal kingdom is his ability to make and control fire. but : What is fire made of ? What is its atomic structure? What causes things to burst into flame in the first place and why can’t all materials be made to produce flame ?
Words that were re-invented by the Internet
Innovations and new technology always brings with it new terminologies and new vocabularies but they can also reinvent definitions for existing words. In this article we look at six words the internet reinvented.
George Métivier – Guernsey’s national poet
Have you ever heard of Guernseyman George Métivier? Well if you haven’t then you might like to know that he’s been described as “Guernsey’s Robert Burns” by no less than Victor Hugo himself, and even considered the island’s national poet!
Why do we have five fingers on each hand and five toes on each foot?
We seem to have the exactly the right number to do the job – but why 5 fingers and five toes on each appendage – Why not 6 or 10 on each ? In this article we look at what is believed to be the reason it is “just so”.
How do Caterpillars turn into Butterflies ?
As children, many of us learn about the wondrous process by which a caterpillar morphs into a butterfly. The story usually begins with a very hungry caterpillar hatching from an egg. But what does that radical transformation entail?
The Rhythms of Life – Our Body Clock
The human body is a pretty remarkable thing to the point that it actually has several different types of internal clocks that helps to keep us ‘ticking along’ for both the daily and seasonal rhythms of life.
