History
January 23, 2025

Missing Medieval Chess Piece Discovered in Family Home After 200 Years, Now Worth Nearly $1M

The Lewis Chessmen, discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, are renowned as the most famous chess pieces from history. Often described as an “important symbol of European civilization,” this mysterious chess set offers a fascinating glimpse into life during the medieval era. Of the original set, 82 pieces are on display in the British Museum in London, while 11 are displayed in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

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Animals
January 22, 2025

Japanese Aquarium Cheers Up Its Sad Sunfish During Renovation With Cardboard Cutouts of People

Everyone needs a friend from time to time—even fish. Kaikyokan Aquarium in Shimonoseki, southern Japan, recently discovered that their resident sunfish, Mambo, was suffering from loneliness when they closed for renovation in December 2024. In a creative bid to try and cheer him up, they created cardboard cutouts of people and placed them outside Mambo’s tank for company.

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Painting
January 22, 2025

Artist Uses Thousands of Dots To Create Intricate and Textural Paintings of Ornamental Rugs

To achieve hyperrealism in a painting, an artist must display confidence in texture. Without it, the canvas could appear flat, dull, and even uninviting. Artist Antonio Santín has mastered this technique, clearly showing he can paint surfaces so rich it’s as though viewers can reach out and touch them. Living and working in Madrid, Santín specializes in paintings of ornamental rugs.

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Environment
January 21, 2025

Activists Use Speech Bubble Signs Highlighting the Role Gas Execs Play in Climate Change & Health Issues

In Texas, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania, fracking is a particularly widespread practice. It’s also one that’s been proven to release various harmful chemical compounds, all of which cause leukemia, liver damage, eye, nose, and throat irritation, and headaches. In 2012, these health and environmental concerns were central to a significant Shale Gas Outrage protest. During the week of September 17, 2012, an annual gas convention descended upon Philadelphia.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.