Why does Duolingo use such weird and sometimes deeply relatable phrases to teach its users new languages? Plus, the real science behind the much-hyped “first living robots that can now reproduce.” And the origins of the twelve days of Christmas. Like, the actual days. Not the song about turtle doves.Sponsors:Lendtable, Use code KOTTKE at Lendtable.com to get an extra $50 added to your Lendtable balanceTentree, Use code KOTTKE to get 15% off at tentree.com Links:Why are Duolingo sentences so weird? (Slate)‘Amazing science’: researchers find xenobots can give rise to offspring (The Guardian)Interesting research, but no, we don’t have living, reproducing robots (Ars Technica)Bizarre Creatures Are World's First Self-Replicating 'Living Robots', Scientists Say (Science Alert)Christmas: A Candid History by Bruce David Forbes Jack's Countdown to Christmas (Instagram) Kottke.OrgJackson Bird on TwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.