The island that vanished (and other mysteries)

Trivia of the Day

Which Pacific island nation completely disappeared underwater in 1967, only to dramatically reemerge from volcanic activity in 2006?

1. Hunga Tonga
2. Surtsey
3. Ferdinandea
4. New Moore Island

Answer: Hunga Tonga — The reborn island merged with its neighbor in 2015, creating one of the youngest landmasses on Earth and a rare natural laboratory for studying how life colonizes brand-new land.

Word of the Day

kerfuffle noun · ker-FUH-ful

A commotion or fuss, especially one caused by conflicting views; a flurry of disorderly activity.

“The mayor's offhand comment about pigeons caused such a kerfuffle that the city council spent three meetings debating urban wildlife policy.”

Joke of the Day

Why was six afraid of seven?

Because seven eight nine, but also because seven was a registered six offender.

This Day in History

1816 — Argentina declared independence from Spain after nearly three centuries of colonial rule, becoming one of the first South American nations to break free during the continent's wave of independence movements.