In this installment of Ze Frank’s True Facts series we learn about the mantis.
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May 232013
Why Does Mona Lisa’s Smile Change?
Amusing, Information
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May 222013
Another of Life’s Little Mysteries solved.
Strolling through the Louvre, you stop at Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Initially, she appears to be smiling; but as you move your gaze, the expression changes — not so happy anymore.
Among the top questions baffling art enthusiasts is the elusive grin. Did da Vinci intentionally create the ambiguous appearance?
Here’s her secret: Your first stare at the legendary canvas will most likely be directly at the sitter’s eyes. At this point, the part of your eye called the fovea that picks up fine details such as color will process the image of the eyes, while your imprecise peripheral vision will pick up the image of the lips. Because peripheral vision can’t distinguish fine details, it mistakes the shadows from the sitter’s cheekbones as a smile. When you return your gaze to the lips, your fovea sees the fine details of the lips. Voila! A smile turned upside down.
How Tall Can Mountains Be?
Information
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May 212013
May 192013
For your information… A brief lesson on Church and State.
“The Separation of Church and State.” Probably no phrase has had more impact on American history in the last fifty years than this one. Where did it come from? Who coined it? And, what does it mean? Distinguished law professor, John Eastman, has some surprising answers.
Schoolhouse Rock!: America – The Shot Heard ‘Round the World
Cartoons, Information, Political
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May 152013
American history in song form.
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Take a pilgrimage through American history with the award-winning series that has engaged generations of school children. With eleven classic animated songs, including “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” and “Fireworks,” your students will feel the beat of history as they learn about the key milestones, events and people that make up this great country.