221872
223183

Around The Web  

Stargazer fish in Indonesia

Stargazers are bizarre fish with heads that look more like frogs than they do fish. Their eyes and their mouths are pointed upwards due to the way that they capture their prey. They have a row of formidable looking teeth on each jaw that are pointed and razor sharp. They bury themselves in the loose sand with only their eyes protruding. They watch until the smaller fish swim unwittingly over their mouth. Then they lunge forward and upwards, inhaling their prey. There are about 51 species of stargazers. Some have ribbon-like pieces of flesh that they can wiggle like a lure to attract prey. Stargazers range in size from 18-90 cm. (8-35 inches). A few species have organs that are adapted to deliver an electric shock as a means of defense. These fish do not possess electroreceptors like fish that use electric sensory organs to locate prey. They are all venomous with several venomous spines located on their back and pectoral fin area. Stargazers are a delicacy in some cultures. The venom is not poisonous when eaten. Stargazers can deliver both venom and electric shocks. This, together with their appearance has caused them to be referred to as "the meanest things in creation". But in reality, they are fascinating animals that use the gifts and abilities that they were given for survival.

How does this story make you feel? (4 total votes)
Castanet MoodMeter
Calm
0.0%
Shocked
0.0%
Informed
50.0%
Curious
0.0%
Amazed
50.0%
Impressed
0.0%


Michelin star origin

The Michelin Star system is a guide that rates restaurants out of three stars and the Michelin tire company sells…you guessed it, tires! But how are these two companies linked to one another? The Michelin tire company was invented in 1889 by two French brothers, André and Édouard Michelin. However, there were only 3000 tires in the whole of France. The brothers had to come up with a way to sell people more tires. So they invented a free guide of all the best hotels, gas stations, mechanics and restaurants, in order to get people to explore France in their cars. As the years went on the brothers realized that people mainly wanted to know which restaurants were best. So they decided to start rating the restaurants with their Michelin stars. Over a century after they both began, the guide rates over 40,000 establishments in over 24 territories, across 3 continents, while Michelin sells 200 million tires a year!

How does this story make you feel? (3 total votes)
Castanet MoodMeter
Informed
66.7%
Curious
0.0%
Surprised
0.0%
Hungry
0.0%
Impressed
0.0%
Awesome
33.3%


What time is dinner?

How does this story make you feel? (19 total votes)
Castanet MoodMeter
Informed
31.6%
Convinced
5.3%
Curious
26.3%
Surprised
26.3%
Amazed
0.0%
Hungry
10.5%
Awesome
0.0%


Monitor Lizard

Hazen finds a carnivorous lizard on the forest slopes.

How does this story make you feel? (17 total votes)
Castanet MoodMeter
Shocked
0.0%
Informed
29.4%
Curious
5.9%
Amazed
17.6%
Impressed
5.9%
Awesome
41.2%


More Around The Web articles



221670