28 Amazing Blue-colored Animals

The color blue is fairly common and can be observed all around us. But talk about its presence in the animal kingdom, and we can think of only a few examples. Yet, there are many blue-colored animals, and we, in this article, have listed out many of them along with their pictures.

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Blue colored animals
Did You Know?
The blue color of most birds and animals is a result of different pigmentation, but unlike the majority, the blue jay bird gets its color because of light interference caused by the natural, internal structure of the feathers. If a blue feather is destroyed, the blue fades or disappears because of the disturbance in the structure (structural coloration).
Blue has always been a striking color, a quick glance towards the blue sky is enough to soothe your eyes. Moreover, the vast blue-gray oceans and seas lend our Earth the sobriquet of the 'Blue planet'. The color blue looks truly splendid when seen in nature.

Though abundant in nature, blue is a rare occurrence in the animal kingdom. Sometimes, the color "blue" may also refer to gray, when a coat color is being described, especially in dogs, cats, or horses. But, there are some animals which are truly blue.

Mention blue and animals, and the blue whale comes to mind, the largest mammal on Earth. But, there are many many more. Some of them may be very common but some are quite rare. Nonetheless, all are beautiful! We have tried to list out some of them.

The animals mentioned below are listed according to their species and habitat―ocean animals, birds, and others (a mix of all different animals).

List of Blue-colored Ocean Animals

Blue-colored animals Starfish
Blue Starfish
This starfish is commonly found in the waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and the waters near Indonesia. It has a dark or light blue color and some may have spots on the body. It can be found near coral reefs or sometimes on soft sand.

➨ Interesting Fact: Unfortunately, these beautiful sea stars are very easy to collect. People take collect them, dry them, and use or sell them as ornaments.
Blue-colored animals blue tang
Blue Tang
This Indo-Pacific surgeonfish is known by many names like the regal tang, palette surgeonfish, or flagtail surgeonfish. It is well-known among the aquarium-lovers, in spite of not being a sturdy fish. This fish helps coral growth by clearing algae around it.

➨ Interesting Fact: Blue tangs have an ability to make themselves semi-transparent if they are threatened or exposed to dark areas.

Blue-colored rare animals lobster
Blue lobster
This is a very rare blue animal, because it is estimated that one in 2 million lobsters are blue. It is a mutant or variant of the American lobster, which is the heaviest crustacean in the world. There have been other color variations too.

➨ Interesting Fact: Recently, in August 2014, a blue lobster was caught in Maine. It was donated to the local aquarium where they have 3 other blue lobsters.
Blue-colored animals humphead wrasse
Humphead Wrasse
This huge (males can grow up to max 6-ft) fish is the largest in its family and is also known as the Napoleonfish. They are found near coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific waters. Juveniles are red-orange, but the adults are bluish-green.

➨ Interesting Fact: These gentle giants live a long life, females live up to 50 years and males live up to 45 years. Unfortunately, they have a slow breeding rate.

Blue-colored animals octopus
Blue-ringed Octopus
These species live in tide pools and reefs of the Indo-Pacific waters. They have a yellowish skin with bright blue rings. They are docile, but can bite if provoked. The bite is highly poisonous, and there is no antivenom available yet.

➨ Interesting Fact: This is one of the deadliest marine animals. In spite of the small size, its venom is powerful enough to kill 26 humans within minutes.
Blue-colored animals puffer fish
Blue Spotted Pufferfish
These beautiful Pufferfish belong to the genus "Canthigaster". All the members are known as sharp-nosed or Tobies. They lack pelvic fins, hence have adapted to move around with pectoral fins.

➨ Interesting Fact: These are kept as pets by many aquarium enthusiasts. They need an fish-only tank, because they might eat the invertebrates in a reef tank.

Blue-colored animals ribbon eel
Ribbon Eel
This is a species of moray eel and resembles a Chinese dragon because of its thin body and high dorsal fins. It is found in the Indo-Pacific ocean and is recognized because of its expanded anterior nostrils. The juveniles are black with a yellow fin, and the females are yellow with a black anal fin. The adult males have a blue and yellow color.

➨ Interesting Fact: The ribbon eel is the only Moray eel that has male organs in its initial years and then has female sexual organs.
Blue-colored animals crab
Blue Crab
This type of crab is native to the western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Males and females can be distinguished by the shape of their abdomen and the red-colored claw tips of the female. The blue color is a result of pigmentation, which breaks down after cooking. They turn red or pink on being cooked. These feed on small fish and plants too.

➨ Interesting Fact: Louisiana harvests almost 22% of the nation's blue crab. It has kept a steady harvest since 1990, after Maryland started having problems with harvesting.

Blue-colored Birds

Blue-colored animals hyacinth macaw
Hyacinth Macaw
This beautiful, blue bird is the largest macaw and the largest flying parrot. It should not be confused with Lear's macaw, because the latter is smaller in size. These birds are fast becoming rare due to rampant pet trade. They are recognized as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN. It has a small range in the wild, and they are popularly kept as pets.

➨ Interesting Fact: The toucan is a predator of the Hyacinth macaw, but sadly the latter is dependent on the first. The manduvi tree is needed for reproduction, and the seeds are spread by the predators.
Blue-colored animal peacock
Peafowl
The peafowl, the male bird of the peacock species, has a long tail, which amounts to almost 60% of its total body length. The female, or peahen, has no tail. The blue/Indian peafowl is native to the Indian subcontinent. The tail has beautiful eye-spotted designs which are judged by the females during courtship. The peacocks are said to be polygamous and will mate with many females.

➨ Interesting Fact: Peacocks have thorn-like structures on their legs. These are useful only in territorial fights.

Blue-colored animals blue dacnis
Blue Dacnis
This small blue bird has a huge range from Panama to northern Argentina. It has an alternative name "turquoise honeycreeper", but it is not a honeycreeper. They can be distinguished because of their long bills. Blue dacnises feed on insects, flowers, and fruits.

➨ Interesting Fact: In spite of the name, only the adult males are turquoise blue in color. The adult females and juveniles are green in color with a blue head.
Blue-colored animals honeycreeper bird
Purple Honeycreeper
The bird is characterized by its long, decurved, black bill. The male has a purple color, and the juveniles and females have a greenish color. They all have bright yellow legs but they can turn pale in captivity. It flies in small groups and feeds on nectar, berries, and insects.

➨ Interesting Fact: These small birds are very bold, which can be seen when they try to scare away their predator (mobbing), the Ferruginous pygmy owl.


Blue-colored animals blue tit
Eurasian Blue Tit
This small birds are yellowish when young, and turn blue as adults. The yellow-green color of the abdomen is due to feeding on many yellow-green caterpillars! They are found in many forests and have the ability to hang upside down for finding food.

➨ Interesting Fact: The male and the female look almost the same. But, when seen under ultraviolet rays, a brighter blue crown is seen in males.
Blue-colored animalsblue bird
Mountain bluebird
The dark blue color is for the males, while the females have a paler blue color. These birds are found all over North America. They fly in flocks in winter and feed on insects, berries, worms, and peanuts. They are monogamous in nature.

➨ Interesting Fact: This bird is a relative of the Eastern and Western Bluebirds and is the state bird of Nevada and Idaho.

Blue-colored animals kingfisher
Common Kingfisher
This small kingfisher has 7 subspecies, spread all round its range in Eurasia and North Africa. It has a short tail and has beautiful feathers. It feeds by diving in the water. It has special visual adaptations that help it to spot its prey underwater.

➨ Interesting Fact: This bird normally keeps regurgitating pellets of fish bones and other undigested remains, a few times every day.
Blue-colored animal jay
Blue Jay
This is a bird found in North America and is recognized by its blue wings and a white chest. Both the male and female look similar. They feed on nuts, corn, and insects. They are very territorial and can turn aggressive if provoked.

➨ Interesting Fact: The blue jay is a very noisy bird, and it will scream to chase away its predators. This warns other small birds, which saves them.

Blue-colored animals starling
Blue Starling
There are two subspecies, viz., lesser blue-eared and greater blue-eared starling. They are seen commonly in their range in parts of eastern and southern Africa. Both the male and the female have a similar color, but the juveniles have a slightly dull color.

➨ Interesting Fact: In some conditions, the starling bird nests may have eggs of the great spotted cuckoo or the greater honeyguide.

Other Blue-colored Animals

Blue-colored animals butterfly
Ulysses butterfly
These are commonly seen on pink flowered Doughwood trees in many parts of Australasia, because they feed and breed there. The downsides of the blue wings are brown, so when it is sitting still, all you see is brown. The caterpillars are green in color and feed on leaves.

➨ Interesting Fact: The male butterflies get attracted to all things blue, mostly just because they think that they are females.
Blue-colored animal sea slug
Hypselodoris infucata
This is a colorful species of a sea slug. It is found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean and the Mediterranean. It is a marine mollusk which sheds its shell after the larval stage. It mostly feeds on sponge. Its distribution is large because it is found in almost all seas.

➨ Interesting Fact: They have colorful bodies without shells. Their bodies warn the predators that they are distasteful or poisonous.

Blue-colored animal dyeing frog
Dyeing Dart Frog
This species of frog is found in Brazil, Guyana, and French Guiana. The poison produced in the skin is used as a self-defense and is highly toxic. It is the largest among all the poison dart frogs. The females are larger than the males and have arched backs.

➨ Interesting Fact: The local tribes pluck feathers from a small portion on the back of young parrots, then these frogs are rubbed on the parrot's bare back. The toxin in the frog causes the feathers to grow yellow or red, and not the usual green.
Blue-colored animal poison dart
Blue Poison Dart Frog
The controversy surrounding this frog is about whether it is a morph or a different species. However, it is blue and beautiful! As the name suggests, it is very poisonous and can paralyze or kill a predator. It has a hunchback posture and every individual has a different pattern of black spots.

➨ Interesting Fact: The toxicity of these frogs is dependent on its diet. Hence, when they are kept in captivity, they tend to lose their toxicity because of a restricted diet.

Blue-colored animals steelblue ladybird
Steelblue Ladybird
This is a small, round, ladybird which has a beautiful blue-green color. It is known to eat a lot in the larval stage. It is native to Australia and feeds on aphids, mites, and other small insects. It has a hard wing-cover which hides the antenna and legs, and protects it from ants.

➨ Interesting Fact: These small insects were introduced to New Zealand specially to control the pests on citrus trees. It helps in keeping roses and other ornamentals safe too.
Blue-colored animal blue dasher
Blue Dasher
The blue color of this dragonfly is restricted to the adult males. The females and juveniles have yellow stripes on a darker-colored body. It is found all over the United States and in some parts of Canada. It is found near water bodies, because the females lay eggs there.

➨ Interesting Fact: This dragonfly has only one defense mechanism, it flying speed. It can fly at a speed of 18 - 35 mph.
Blue-colored animals agama
Blue-headed Agama
These lizards have been found in many different habitats, from savannah to forests. They live in colonies where there is an alpha male who rules over all the subordinate males and females. It is a semi-arboreal and diurnal lizard.

➨ Interesting Fact: The blue-head is restricted to the males. Also, it displays the color mostly while feeding, when it's hot, or during the breeding season.
Blue-colored animal jay
Carpathian Blue Slug
It is a large, terrestrial slug that is found in the Carpathian Mountains of Eastern Europe. The males and the females look similar, but the juveniles have a pale yellow to brown color. The juveniles have been observed to hibernate.

➨ Interesting Fact: The male and the female mate in the soil and almost 30 - 80 eggs are laid in a clutch. The adults die after the egg deposition.

Blue-colored animals damselfly
Blue Damselfly
Damselfly is not a dragonfly but similar to it. The blue damselfly is found near rivers and ponds, all around Europe. It has a beautiful coloration of blue and black. The males and the females are often seen mating over water bodies, and the larvae live and feed in the water.

➨ Interesting Fact: This damselfly is very similar to the Azure Damselfly, but the former has a brighter and more blue color than the latter.
Blue-colored animal iguana
Blue Iguana
This is one of the largest lizards and is found only on the Grand Cayman island. It is highly endangered and prefers rocky areas in dry forests. Being a herbivore, it feeds mainly on leaves, fruits, and other vegetation. The male is blue, but the female is olive green.

➨ Interesting Fact: This large lizard has the ability to detect UV rays, which helps it to absorb enough amount of UVA and UVB to produce vitamin D.

Blue-colored animals snake
Bluestripe Garter Snake
These are quite common in Florida and are seen anywhere, because they are active during the day. They feed on worms, frogs, and fish. It is a terrestrial snake and also is a great swimmer. They have small amounts of venom which is not harmful to humans.
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➨ Interesting Fact: The beautiful Bluestripe garter snake is a subspecies of the Common Garter, and is found only in Florida and nowhere else.

How Was the Lunar Maria Formed?

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Lunar maria (plural for mare) are smooth and dark basaltic plains on the Moon's surface resulting from lava flows that fill the crater-like basins. This write-up discusses the formation of the lunar maria.
Formation of Lunar maria
Did You Know?
In 1969, the spaceflight, Apollo 11, that assisted the first humans to descend on the Moon, landed in a minor lunar mare, Mare Tranquillitatis, the Sea of Tranquility.
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Lunar maria are smooth volcanic plains on the surface of the Moon. In Latin, the word Maria means seas, and the lunar maria were named as such due to their sea-like appearance. However, although they appear like a watery surface, they are just dark-colored rocks. These dark regions are made up of basalt, which is a type of igneous rock. The maria cover around 17% of the Moon's surface. They contain features like pits and channels. They are less reflective than the highlands, which are the lighter spots on the Moon, due to the high iron content in the area. Hence, they appear dark to us.

The maria cover different parts on the Moon. They are distributed across the Moon's surface in the near and far side. The near side is the part of the Moon that faces towards us and is visible from Earth, while the far side of the Moon is the part that is not visible from the Earth.

The lunar near side include Mare Imbrium, Mare Humorum, Mare Nubium, Mare Frigoris, Mare Serenitatis, Mare Vaporum, Mare Tranquillitatis, Mare Crisium, Mare Anguis, Mare Undarum, Mare Fecunditatis, Mare Nectaris, Mare Cognitum, Mare Insularum, Mare Marginis, Mare Smythii, Mare Orientale, Mare Spumans, Mare Humboldtianum, and Oceanus Procellarum. The lunar maria in the far side of the Moon include Mare Moscoviense and Mare Ingenii. The Mare Australe is located in the overlapping region of the near side and far side of the Moon.

Formation of Lunar Maria

Lunar Maria
Lunar Maria

✦ The Moon has many number of craters (circular depressions in the surface of a planet or Moon) and large flat maria on its surface. At the period of formation of the solar system, there were many materials left over, mostly in the gaseous state or in the form of dust or small and large bodies such as asteroids, meteorites, and comets. It is said that these materials collided with the Moon, thus leading to the formation of basins and craters. These craters measure up to many hundreds of kilometers.

✦ Due to the Moon having no atmosphere, it has no protection from being bombarded by the bodies. Hence, the Moon's temperature is hotter than the Earth as it absorbs more light and heat rather than reflecting it, unlike the Earth. Additionally, there are no erosions and geological changes to wear away these craters.

✦ The lunar maria were formed in the period between 3.9 to 4.5 billion years ago, as measured by radiometric dating, when a long sequence of volcanic eruptions took place on the Moon. Volcanic substances came out from the Moon's interior and flew to the surface through cracks in the lunar surface, which were formed during the bombardment. These lava flows flooded and covered many craters in their path, thus forming the lunar maria. For this reason, the number of craters in the lunar maria are fewer than other places on the Moon. The size of the largest lunar maria is over 1,000 km across. The composition of the lunar maria comprise igneous rocks called basalts that are formed when the lava gets cooled and solidified on the surface.

Lunar Maria Distribution

✦ Most of the maria are formed on the near side of the Moon, while very few are formed on the far side. The reason for this is still unclear. An explanation states that the crust is thicker on the far side, and so the volcanic materials easily rose up on the near side due to the thinner crust in comparison to the far side. Hence, there would be fewer maria on the far side, as we observe.

✦ However, another theory contradictorily states that the thinnest crust on the Moon is present on the far side, thus suggesting the case just opposite to the previous explanation. But, what we observe is that there are more maria on the near side. Thus, the idea failed to explain the distribution of maria on the near and far sides.

✦ Yet another theory was that more radioactive materials are present in the interior on the near side than on the far side. This does not explain the distribution because the bombardment that formed the Moon would have most likely led to an equal mixing of all materials.
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The lunar maria also include one oceanus (ocean) along with features known as lacus (lake), palus (marsh), and sinus (bay).

History and Symbolism of the Nicaraguan Flag

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The Nicaraguan flag has been greatly inspired from the flag of the former Federal Republic of Central America. Buzzle brings to you more about the history and symbolism of the national flag of this Central American country.
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Did You Know?
With Spanish being the primary language spoken, Miskito, Sumo, Rama, and Garifuna are some native languages in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua. Where on Earth does this place exist? Many people may not be able to point out or even make a guess about its location. If some of you remember the term 'isthmus', this is one of the few countries to be dwelling on an isthmus.

It is an otherwise small, but the largest of the countries on the isthmus connecting the two huge continents of North and South America. Yes, you are right! Nicaragua is a part of Central America. With a population of little over six million, it has a multiethnic nation, including Africans, Europeans, Asians, people from the Middle East, and the indigenous tribes of the Mosquito (or Miskito) coast. The national flag of this multicultural nation combines various natural and human aspects of local geography.

History of the Nicaraguan Flag

The flag seen today is very similar to the flag of the Federal Republic of Central America or the United Provinces of Central America, of which Nicaragua was earlier a member state. This federation was the first united sovereign state in Central America, which existed from the years 1821 to 1841. It was a union including Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua; all territories of the former kingdom of Guatemala. Nicaragua gained independence from Spain in 1821. This is when it joined the United Provinces. However, the federation dissolved in 1838, leaving Nicaragua and all other states as independent entities.

In the year 1908, Nicaragua decided to adopt the same emblems as used by the United Provinces, which is interpreted as its willingness towards the rebirth of a united political entity comprising these five states. The flag of Nicaragua was adopted in August 1971. It maintains a 3:5 proportion. A triband flashing its official blue color, it centers the Coat of Arms on the white band.

Meaning and Symbolism of the Nicaraguan Flag

Colors
The flag of Nicaragua has three horizontal bands of equal width in the country's national colors of white and blue. The blue bands at the top and the base of the flag represent the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Nicaragua is flanked by the Pacific Ocean on its west, and the Caribbean Sea on its east. So, the white band in between the blue stands for this land in between these two water bodies.

Coat of Arms
The coat of arms of an organization, or a country, serves as its official emblem, that summarizes the essence of the country's history and culture. On a flag, it often gives a glimpse of the important historical events and ideals laid out for itself by a nation.

The coat of arms on the Nicaraguan flag was originally adopted in 1823 as the coat of arms of Central America. It has undergone major alterations thereafter, until the more recent version adopted in 1971. In the Nicaraguan flag, the placement of other symbolic icons inside a triangle have been borrowed from the coat of arms of the Federal Republic of Central America.

Text
REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA is written over the triangle. This is the official name of the Republic of Nicaragua in Spanish.

AMERICA CENTRAL encircles the base of the triangle, reminiscent of the former United Provinces of Central America.

Triangle
Signifying the coat of arms as a unified motto, the shape of a triangle indicates the value of equality.

Volcanoes
Five mountains seen near the base of the triangle represent the original five member states of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua.

Phrygian Cap
The red little symbol at the center of the triangular emblem is the Phrygian cap. It is a conical-shaped soft cap, with its tapering top twisted and pulled forward. It belongs to the settlers of Anatolia (Turkey). However, in early modern times, it accidentally became the symbol of liberty and freedom in Europe, as was confused with the cap of emancipated slaves (the pileus). Hence, it is known as the 'liberty cap' too. The Phrygian cap represents national freedom.

Sunshine and Rainbow
Surrounding the Phrygian cap are bright yellow rays moving out from the center. They cover the upper part of the triangle, depicting a sunrise on the land among waters. This typifies the bright, hopeful, and promising future of the nation.
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A uniqueness of the Nicaraguan flag lies in its display of the rainbow. Along with all other colors, the arc with the violet color makes it the only flag (of a sovereign nation) to have violet color. The rainbow also stands for a brightened future.

Examples of Vignettes in Literature

A vignette is a short, descriptive piece of writing in literature, or a brief scene in a play or movie. In this article, let us look at its meaning, a few literary examples, along with some good tips on writing a great vignette.
Concept of vignettes in literature

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Did You Know?
The pictorial part of a postage stamp, a picture which fades off gradually into the surrounding paper, and small decorative designs or pictures placed at the beginning or end of the chapter of a book, are all also called vignettes.
The term vignette can be defined as a short literary sketch. The word originates from the French word 'vigne', which means 'little vine', as in a short description of an object or scene. An ideal vignette is supposed to be short, to the point, and should bring out the emotions of the writer. It normally appears as a stand-alone piece of literature, or as a part of long stories or stage plays.

The vignette's primary purpose is to express and vividly describe a place, emotion, setting, person, or object, in short. Typically, it is around 800 - 1,000 words, but in some cases it can be under 500 words or even shorter, especially if it is a vignette poem. It will describe 1 or 2 scenes about a person, object, place, etc. One can also write the piece from many different points of view, although most will use just one as words are limited.

Vignette Examples in Literature
The House on Mango Street
This is a great collection of vignettes created by Sandra Cisneros, who writes about the life of a little girl who lives in Chicago.

Vignette Snippet: 'They always told us that one day we would move into a house, a real house that would be ours for always so we wouldn't have to move each year. And our house would have running water and pipes that worked. And inside it would have real stairs, not hallway stairs, but stairs inside like the houses on TV. And we'd have a basement and at least three washrooms so that when we took a bath we wouldn't have to tell everybody. Our house would be white with trees around it, a great big yard and grass growing without a fence. this was the house Papa talked about when he held a lottery ticket and this was the house Mama dreamed up in the stories she told us before we went to bed.'

Murder in the Dark
This is a great collection of all the vignettes written by author and poet Margaret Atwood. A rather dark look on everyday life.

Vignette Snippet: 'Now you see rows of them, marching, marching; yours is the street-level view, because you are lying down. Power is the power to smash, two hold your legs, two your arms, the fifth shoves a pointed instrument into you; a bayonet, the neck of a broken bottle, and it's not even wartime, this is a park, with a children's playground, tiny red and yellow horses, it's daytime, men and women stare at you out of their closed car windows. Later the policeman will ask you what you did to provoke this. Boots were not such a bright idea after all.'

Sketches by Boz
Charles Dickens used many vignettes in this book, which explores various locales and the varied strata of the population in London.

Vignette Snippet: 'See him again on Sunday in his state-coat and cocked-hat, with a large-headed staff for show in his left hand, and a small cane for use in his right. How pompously he marshals the children into their places! and how demurely the little urchins look at him askance as he surveys them when they are all seated, with a glare of the eye peculiar to beadles! The churchwardens and overseers being duly installed in their curtained pews, he seats himself on a mahogany bracket, erected expressly for him at the top of the aisle, and divides his attention between his prayer-book and the boys.'

Naked Lunch
This unconventional collection of vignettes by William Burroughs contains a lot of surreal scenes, which are experienced through the eyes of a drug addict.

Vignette Snippet: 'I was standing outside myself trying to stop those hangings with ghost fingers ... I am a ghost wanting what every ghost wants-a body-after the Long Time moving through odorless alleys of space where no life is, only the colorless no smell of death...Nobody can breathe and smell it through pink convolutions of gristle laced with crystal snot, time shit and black blood filters of flesh.'

Vignette Poem Examples
Florida Nature by Rhonda Johnson
Footprints drift on a wetland,
swiveling through pewter of morning
as contours of a stately heron unfold
with plumes air-brushed by ripples;

and colors follow her along grasses
in lively strokes from a textured night,
to dip with Florida's studded garlands
while she, curling along a marsh

settles upon her tinted breast
in a lithe waltzing motion, that hikers
inhabit this vignette of quiet reverence
flowing in the state of lush everglade.

Coquette by Ronald Zammit
Silhouette out of the mist she came
Barrette in hair she looked radiant
Vignette-like beauty set in a frame
Georgette covered body so fragrant.

Pochette carried in hand by her hips
Statuette body, forbidden fruit
Cigarette dangling off her red lips
Coquette at the house of ill repute

How to Write a Vignette
Establishing Context: The writing of a vignette can cause great impact on the reader if the emotions of the scene are pushed forward through a method of suggestion, through which the piece will hint towards something much bigger. It is important that your writing makes the reader imagine the setting you are describing. For example, if you are writing about a man who is sitting alone in a room, you will have to imagine reasons as to why such a situation has occurred, and add small details to your vignette which will suggest these thoughts to the reader. This helps pique the curiosity of the reader.

Keep the Writing Concise: This is the main feature of a vignette. Although one might get tempted to write further due to the wider context, one should stick to providing the reader with suggestions of the story rather, than giving out the whole plot. No vignette should be longer than a thousand words. Once the writing is done, the author must search and remove all unnecessary details, especially if they add no value to the mood or context that needs to be conveyed. Ideally, if a particular trait or characteristic of the subject is mentioned once, it should not be mentioned again.

Freedom of Structure: Apart from the limit on number of words, there is complete freedom to form the vignette how you like. You can choose whether you will follow a fixed structure, with a beginning, middle, and end, or not. You can also choose whether you want to have a central subject, whether the vignette will be resolved at the end, or remain unresolved. There is no restriction on the style of writing or its genre. You can completely mix it up with simple language or very detailed writing with complex language. In short, you are limited only by your creativity.

Brainstorming for Ideas: Once you have settled on a subject, you can find more ideas for your writing piece by asking yourself the questions Who? What? When? Where? Why? And How? These questions about your subject should give you an idea about what you would like to write. Alternatively, if you are feeling especially creative, you could just freely write down whatever comes to your mind, followed by a good editing session.

Another popular way to search for ideas is by creating association diagrams. In this method, one writes down the subject of the vignette on a sheet of paper, and follows that by another word which is related to the subject, Continue this till you have a large group of associated words which you can use in your writing piece. For example, if your subject is summer, then your next words could be sun, heat, ice cream, food, harvest, and so on. Decide on the style and the sensory details you wish to add, so that the reader will experience the feelings that you wish to convey.
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As you can see, vignettes are not very difficult to create. Remember that, while writing a vignette, you are creating an atmosphere, not a story. Reading vignette examples made by professional authors can be a great aid in helping you understand the nuances.

Is There Any Explanation for the Brazil Nut Effect?

Have you ever observed that the large grains in a bowl containing varied kinds of nuts rise at the surface of the mixture on shaking? It is termed as the Brazil nut effect. This  write-up helps you find out if there is any explanation for such a granular rearrangement.

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Brazil nut effect
Cheerios Effect
It is when floating objects, which do not normally float, attract each other. Breakfast cereal bunching up together or sticking at the sides of the milk bowl is an example.

Suppose you have a can of mixed nuts and dry fruits. You have a liking, particularly for the Brazil nuts, and you see no more of them left in the can. What would you do to really make sure none are left? You would shake the can; the nuts being bigger than the other nuts would surely rise to the top. And there you are! Finding and relishing even the last two or three nuts would make you happy.

Although the study of the Brazil nut effect or its mechanism might be a little abstruse, the applications of the effect are quite famous. It is an old technique used in household chores like sifting, or as seen in the above example. On shaking a mixture containing elements of varying sizes, the ones that are large move to the top. There have been many efforts to find out the 'why' and 'how' behind this commonly observed process.

Brazil Nut Effect Experiment (BNE)

It is a phenomenon where large grains rise to the surface in a granular mixture (containing grains of different sizes) on shaking.

Theoretical studies or experiments trying to understand this effect use inedible objects like beads of variable sizes. They are referred to as grains, as in a granular mixture. The Brazil nut effect, seemingly quite simple, has become a controversial topic due to differences of opinion about its mechanism. There are many theories explaining the prevalent force behind this effect. Factors like interstitial (space between the grains) air pressure, friction, and the vibration amplitude and frequency, etc., and their significance in the process are the topics for dissimilar opinions.

Reverse Brazil Nut Effect (RBNE)

This is the exact opposite of the Brazil nut effect, where large granular particles go down or sink in a mixture. However, this is not universally acknowledged.

Argumentation favoring this contrary effect is understood to take place under certain given conditions. However, it is argued against due to the lack of experimental evidence.

Size Separation of Granular Particles

There are many experiments conducted by researchers to prove various hypotheses explaining the reasoning behind the Brazil nut effect, which have either concluded in confirming the effect or the reverse of it. Listed below are some such mechanisms or hypotheses:

Free Fall: The tendency of smaller grains to fill in the space left underneath the large grains is the general conceptual understanding here. This is assumed to happen during the 'free fall' portion of the shaking (when the container is accelerating downwards at a rate higher than g).
Convection: It was put forth as another causal process by way of a 1993 experiment. It had one large grain in a cylindrical tube with other smaller grains. Intermittent shaking was said to have formed convection currents, bringing the large grain to the top. The effect of the geometry of the container on granular convection can be seen in this case. Convection did not prove as an evidence for RBNE with a cylindrical container. However, it was observed that the convection currents in a martini glass-shaped object conveyed large grains to the bottom.
Condensation: This is considered to predict RBNE. It was experimented using molecular dynamics simulation. The basic proposition was that, grains below a certain temperature condense into a solid bundled state, keeping the individual grains in confined positions. In cases of binary grains, based on their ratio of mass and diameter, either of them was confined or moved up, as the smaller grains occupied the voids in between the larger grains. So, this mechanism, through simulation, could exhibit either a BNE or an RBNE.
Inertia: While shaking, when the container is being accelerated downwards at a higher rate than g, it is still moving up. Here, the larger grains break through a thin layer of smaller grains due to their inertia. This is possible, as the smaller grains are moving quite slowly. On coming back down, smaller grains will be in their previous positions. Thus, in each shaking cycle, the larger grains will have moved up some distance.

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Out of the many mechanisms put forth and the experiments conducted to examine their validity, each one is found to have some strengths and weaknesses. With various competing theories, including convection, the reorganization of grains, condensation, or percolation, and the entropy or gravity, there is no one particular proven mechanism justifying the process of the Brazil nut effect.

Tips to Clean a Conch Shell

Collected for decorative and food purposes, conchs are denizens of the sea with beautiful shells. If you collect shells regularly, you would know that these shells are filled with sand and many microbes. In this article, we will look at the various processes and tips that can be used to correctly clean and polish a conch shell.

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Tip to clean a conch shell
Quick Tip!
Some states have laws that prohibit people from collecting shells from the beaches, depending on whether a live animal inhabits the shell or not. Therefore, it is recommended that you check the rules and regulations with local authorities before you start your collection.
Conch shells are found on a type of sea-snail that is called marine gastropod mollusks. These shells come in a wide range of colors, such as white, beige, pink, yellow, brown, etc. The conchs are collected for their shells, which are used as decoration pieces or musical instruments, while the animal inside might be used for food.

While these shells might contain a lot of dirt and debris, it is not difficult to clean them and reveal the shell's true beauty. If you are choosing a shell merely for decorative purposes, it is recommended that you pick up only those shells which do not have an animal living inside, since the dead animal inside the shell will contain germs and will emit a foul odor. However, if you must use a shell that has an animal inside, here are a few techniques for removing the conchs from the shells.

Removing Conchs from Shells

Burying: This is an easy, but slow process for cleaning shells with live animals. Dig a hole in a dry patch of soil and bury the shells inside. Make sure you place a marker so that you remember where you kept them. Leave the shells in the soil for a month or two, which will allow worms, insects, larvae, and the microbe in the soil to consume any animal tissue in the shells.
Freezing : Put the shells in a water-tight bag, fill it with water, and put it in the freezer. After a few hours, remove the bag from the freezer and allow it to defrost completely. Now, use tweezers, brushes, and other tools to gently remove the dead animal from inside the shell.
Boiling: Put the shells inside a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Leave the shells to boil for 10 - 15 minutes. Use a pair of tongs to remove the shells from the water, and gently pull out the animal tissue from inside.

Now that you have removed all animal tissue within the shell, let us look at how one can clean the shell to bring out its true appeal.

Cleaning the Shells

Soak the shell in a bucket of clean water for an hour. This will make it easy to clean all the dirt and debris after you get the shell out of the water. Discard the dirty water.
Rinse all the dirt from the bucket and pour in a solution on 1 part bleach and 3 parts water. Be sure to wear protective clothing and eye-wear while handling the bleach.
Carefully place the shell in the solution, and let it soak for at least 24 hours. This will kill all the microbes on the shell and remove any bad odors that are emitted. It also helps in loosening debris such as barnacles that might be stuck to the shell.
Remove the shell from the bleach solution and rinse it well under tap water.
Use a brush to scrub out the debris and periostracum on the shell. If any of the barnacles are stubborn, carefully use a small screwdriver and a hammer to slowly chisel them out.

This is a very effective method of cleaning shells. However, if done incorrectly, the bleach tends to destroy the natural color of the shell, and the smell of bleach does not leave easily too. So, if you do not like taking your chances, let us look at how we can clean the shells without using any bleach.

Cleaning Conch Shells without Bleach

Soak the shells in a bucket of clean water for 5 - 6 days. Remember to replace the water in the bucket daily during this period.
Now boil the shells in a pot of water to kill any residual bacteria that may be left on them.
Allow the shells to dry completely, and then use a piece of sandpaper to gently rub out all the debris and barnacles off the surface.
Alternatively, apply a generous coat of toothpaste on the shells, and let them rest for a few hours, before using a brush to clean out the gunk.

You might notice that some of the original color of the shell has disappeared during the cleaning process. However, there is no need to worry, as the color will return after polishing the shells.

There is another method to clean the grit layer on the surface of the shells. Simply place the shells in an area where you get good sunlight, for 2 - 3 weeks. The sun will cause the grit layer to flake, and that makes it easy to peel off. However, it is important that this method is used only on those shells that are originally white in color, as the sunlight will bleach out any color that may be on the shell.

Polishing Conch Shells
Polishing the shells will not only bring out the colors of the shell but also help in its long-term preservation.

For this process, you can use either mineral oil or baby oil, both of which are easily available at all pharmacies. All you need to do is lightly dip a clean and soft piece of cloth in the oil and wipe it all over the shells.
Let the shells dry for at least an entire day, and wipe off any excess oil.
Carefully apply a coat of clear nail polish, followed by another day of drying.

This will bring out the shine and colors of the shells beautifully.
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So that's how to clean a conch shell. Some really easy and fun ways to get conch shells that look great and will last for many years to come. You can also involve kids in this as a good holiday project.

What to Wear with Brown Boots?

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Like all other types of footwear, brown boots need their fair share of attention. They not only add to your style statement, but given the varieties, look cool with plenty of options. This article explores colors that go with brown boots, and the different looks that can look good when paired with them.
Fashion idea for wearing brown boots
Quick Tip
If you're pairing a dress or a skirt with your brown boots, make sure that there is enough space to flaunt your legs. The hemline of the skirt or the dress touching the boots is a complete NO.
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When it comes to boots, you're spoiled with a plethora of options, be it ankle boots, stiletto boots, or combat boots. While a lot of people usually have black boots in their wardrobe, a pair of brown boots will also have its fair share of pizazz and style. You can walk with a lot of grace and attitude. Monochromatic colors can look extremely good on them.

When it is not freezing cold, and yet, you want to take your boots for a walk, you can team them with denims, shorts, or even dresses. For men, the scarf can add to a metro look.

Following are some outfits that would go well with brown boots.

What Colors to Wear with Brown Boots
FOR WOMEN

The Never-fail Attire: Blue Jeans

Blue denims with brown boots
Color coordinate your attire with blue and brown.

Blue denims will of course do fair justice to your chic boots. But the color-coordinated look is not necessarily monotonous. Accessorize it with a brown leather bag. The classic long sleeve sweater in blue and brown also adds to the style statement. It proves you have indeed taken efforts to dress up!

Black and Brown Combo: Breaking Tradition

Black tights with brown boots
Black tights and leggings make an interesting combination with brown boots.

Whoever said that black and brown should not be worn together, did not see the awesome look it creates. Both are neutral colors, and you can play mix and match with both of them! Of course, make sure though, that you have equal amounts of both the colors in your attire. With tights, wear a long top, accessorize it with a black belt, or simply wear a classic black skirt.

Brown Boots with That Lovely Little Dress

Short dress with brown boots
Don a chic look with a short, frilly dress.

Who says that it's only sandals that do justice to dresses? If you love the lady-like look in pretty short dresses, they can look perfect with brown boots. It would be smart to wear a brown belt to complete the look, and not to forget the hat! Light colors such as white or pastels will look cool with dark-brown boots.

Teamed with Jackets and Coats

Coat with brown boots
Create the perfect casual look with a jacket.

If you've a particular liking for jackets and coats, they can look cool with brown boots. Whether you're on a visit to the countryside, or going for a stroll on the street, they will never fail you!

Other Options
You can also try olive-colored pants, or experiment with prints.
The Cowboy Look: Boots can contribute to giving you the perfect cowboy look.
Try to team boots with denim shorts.
Colored leggings such as olive, teal, burgundy, and blue will gel well with brown boots.

FOR MEN
Which color shirt goes well with brown boots, or which color pants look good with them? Here are a few tips that might come in handy.

Experiment with Denims

denims brown boots
Go monochrome, or experiment with colors.

Even men have a lot of options when it comes to boots. Monochrome with a dull shade of blue, can create an offbeat look. Else, pair your violet shirt with gray pants and a sexy jacket.

Shades of Brown

khaki jeans with brown boots
Khaki pants with a leather jacket.

Gentlemen, ladies will go all gaga over this look. Team khaki pants, a leather jacket, and an attractive scarf: all in shades of brown. And yes, do not forget to wear a smile!

The Black Avatar

jacket and scarf with brown-boots
Black jacket that adds to your style statement.

Again, breaking fashion rules, team a black, shiny jacket with a light-colored scarf. Go for a modern look with ragged jeans or black pants, and get a rock-star look.
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Well, these were our suggestions for colors that match brown boots. These ideas will help you in creating a different look this season.