MIT Study Finds Seeds Can “Hear” Rain

by Good News Network    Seeds may come alive to the soothing sound of rainfall, sensing the drops while they are still beneath the surface, suggests a new study.    A series of experiments at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology demonstrated that rice seeds sprouted faster to the sound of rainfall.    The sound of …

Pleasures And Benefits Of Soaking In The Rain

by Ally Hirschlag BBC    It was the sixth straight day of the heat index topping 100F (38C) in New Milford, Connecticut, when the sky turned a sickening shade of puce.    I was leading an outdoor theatre workshop, and noticed campers gawking at an ominous, miles-long shelf cloud advancing overhead. Then a thunderclap shook …

Talking About The Weather, Using Idioms

by Dictionary Scoop    We always talk about the weather, but, as it happens, we also use weather-related terms to talk about other things as well.    These sayings are part of our everyday lexicon, often without us even realizing their connection to sun, rain, wind, or snow. Which of these 12 do you use …

The Weather Outside Was Cold, Not Frightful

by Kevin Burton    Those color-coded national weather maps always showed the true snow calamity hitting other regions. We in Central Kansas were to be spared.    But there were breathless local forecasts calling for eight inches of snow on Saturday. My “rule of half” said we would get about four.    Sure enough, by …

Weather Talk, Mark Twain, Raining Diamonds

by Kevin Burton    “Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.”    That quote isn’t original with me and it’s not original from Mark Twain either, according to some sources.    The quote actually came from Twain’s friend Charles Dudley Warner, according to quoteinvestigator.com and brainyquote.com.    Never knew that.    …

The Weird And Wonderful Words Of Winter

by Kevin Burton     Winter has some words for you, even as you perhaps, have some muttered, unkind words for winter.    Merriam-Webster dictionary is just a collector of words, and I a mere humble blogger. So we’re not worthy of blame, though we have conspired today to bring you words you would rather not …

Autumn Begins Monday, Bring On The Colors!

by Kevin Burton    Autumn is the time of year when the greenery explodes into myriad colors. It’s a feast for the eyes, an art show by God, defying description.    Meriam-Webster is in the business of descriptions, so the dictionary is going to have its say.  Yesterday we went with them, beginning a list …

Fall Colors Are Part Of What I Want To See

by Kevin Burton    I have at times, felt sorry for those Americans who live in places that do not have four discernable seasons.    Spring, summer, fall and winter.    I have lived in the Midwest most of my life and have experienced times when those four seasons all came within the same week.  …

Here’s To Your Health, And To Keeping It Real

by Dictionary Scoop    Health myths are everywhere! These ideas were simply passed down for so long that they became part of what we believed. But now science has stepped in to clear things up. Let’s uncover the truth behind ten common health myths. 1-Cutting your hair makes it grow faster    Have you ever …

What On Earth?! Strange Secrets Of The Planet

by Dictionary Scoop    Our planet is full of strange phenomena that continue to intrigue and puzzle scientists and curious minds alike.    From bizarre weather patterns to unique geological structures, Earth’s quirks often defy explanation, and some of these mysteries are downright mind-blowing.    Let’s dive into some of the most unexpected and fascinating facts about our …