The quirky origins of Australia’s native animal names

In Australia there are more than 250 Indigenous languages including around 800 dialects. Languages are living things that connect people to Country, culture and ancestors. Many words for Australian native animals come from these languages. ‘Keriba gesep agiakar dikwarda keriba mir. Ableglam keriba Mir pako Tonar nole atakemurkak.’ — The land actually gave birth toContinue reading “The quirky origins of Australia’s native animal names”

A history of the world’s languages as a gnarly willow tree

The world’s mother tongues have blended and intermingled since humans first stood upright and emerged out of the primeval forests. Here’s a really awesome family tree beautifully illustrated by Minna Sundberg. Minna is an immensely talented illustrator who has been creating a wonderful tales set in northern Europe for her online web comic Stand Still,Continue reading “A history of the world’s languages as a gnarly willow tree”

Comforting Thought: James Baldwin on why art is important

If you can examine and face your life, you can discover the terms with which you are connected to other lives, and they can discover them too – the terms with which they are connected to other people. This has happened to every one of us, I’m sure. You read something which you thought only happened to you, and you discovered that it happened 100 years ago to Dostoyevski. This is a very great liberation for the suffering person, who always thinks that they are alone. This is why art is important. ~ James Baldwin

10 Interesting Things I Found on the Internet #123

This week, learn how colours got their names, the value of friendship over the lifespan, funky flowing 90’s hiphop, ultra realistic paintings of life in small-town Texas, the legend of Rez Dogs, tasty evening snacks and much more it’s edition #123 of #InterestingThings by #ContentCatnip

10 Interesting Things I Found on the Internet #122

Learn about twin souls and mystical connection, an exquisite stained glass window, encouragement for your creative spirit, funky house music and much more. It’s edition #122 #InterestingThings #ContentCatnip

10 Interesting Things I Found on the Internet #121

Learn about a mysterious #Egyptian goddess, the worst names in history of give to a child, comforting Lo-Fi music, baroque church pulpits in the same of dragons and much more, it’s edition #121 of interesting things.

Here be the Viking Hoard: The Mystery of the Lewis Chessmen

The Lewis Chessmen are a treasure of Viking and Scottish history and have elicited awe and wonder since they were first discovered. They were likely to have been made in Trondheim in Norway from walrus ivory. This kind of bone was hard to come across at the time (1150-1200 A.D). The craftsmanship of these tinyContinue reading “Here be the Viking Hoard: The Mystery of the Lewis Chessmen”

10 Interesting Things I Found on the Internet #120

Did you know that Mars was once coated in a green magma ocean? This week you can read love letters that never reached their destined recipient, learn how to make a Zen waterfall in your loungeroom, Jetson’s-style futuristic bubble cars and much more – it’s edition #120 of interesting things!