Friday, July 5, 2024

Did You know: Christine Witty: Queen of Speed

Calling all speed demons! Buckle up for this impressive fact: Christine Witty isn't just a champion speed skater, she's a cycling powerhouse too! This incredible athlete boasts three Olympic speed skating medals, including a gold, and holds the world record for the grueling 1000-meter race. But wait, there's more! Christine also took home a silver medal in cycling at the Summer Olympics.

Talk about versatility! Christine's story is an inspiration to athletes everywhere. It shows that dedication and hard work can lead to success in more than one arena. Who knows, maybe she'll add another sport to her repertoire in the future. We'll be watching closely!

Did You Know: America's Unsung Hero: Jack Jouett

History buffs, gather around! Today we celebrate Jack Jouett, the lesser-known hero of the American Revolution. Dubbed the "Paul Revere of the South," Jack played a pivotal role in protecting Virginia's revolutionary leaders from a surprise British attack.

During a daring night ride, Jack risked his life to warn Thomas Jefferson and other key figures about a British cavalry raid. Thanks to his bravery, the leaders were able to escape capture, ensuring the American cause could continue. So, the next time you hear about Paul Revere's midnight ride, remember Jack Jouett, the hero who galloped through the night to save the American Revolution in the South!

Did You Know: Revenge of the Redcoats? The Battle of Gingindlovu

Revenge and Rifles: The Turning Tide at Gingindlovu

Attention history buffs! Buckle up for a story of resilience and payback! We all know the sting of the British defeat at Isandlwana by the Zulu warriors. But here's a lesser-known tale: just months later, the British were back for round two.

The Battle of Gingindlovu, fought in 1879, became a pivotal moment in the Anglo-Zulu War. Having learned some harsh lessons at Isandlwana, the British adopted new tactics and unleashed superior firepower to decisively crush the Zulu army. This victory wasn't just about revenge; it proved that the Zulu's traditional yet formidable tactics could be countered. Gingindlovu marked a turning point, boosting British morale and paving the way for their eventual victory in the war.

Did You Know: Hat Trick Hero: Alan Taylor's FA Cup Feat

West Ham Hero: Alan Taylor Scores for the Ages!

Calling all Hammers! Raise a glass to a legend – Alan Taylor! This West Ham United striker became an FA Cup hero in 1975 with a performance that still echoes in the stands.

Imagine this: you smash two goals in each knockout stage of the FA Cup – the quarter-final, the semi-final, and the biggest match of all, the final. That's the magic Alan Taylor conjured, propelling West Ham all the way to FA Cup glory. Now that's what you call a true hat-trick hero!

This incredible feat cemented Taylor's place in West Ham folklore. It wasn't just the goals, but the timing and the pressure. Taylor's finishing prowess under the spotlight solidified his status as a club legend and a striker of undeniable talent.

Did You Know: The Phantom Hurricane: Fico's Fury in Hawaii

That's an interesting fact about Hurricane Fico! It's always surprising to learn how far the impacts of hurricanes can reach. Here's a reformatted version of the passage, keeping your privacy preferences in mind:

Hurricane Fico: A Soaking From Afar

Hurricanes are notorious for battering coastlines, but what about one that delivers a pounding without ever setting foot on land? That's the peculiar case of Hurricane Fico and its drenching of Hawaii in 1994.

Fico, a Category 4 behemoth, churned in the Pacific Ocean, hundreds of miles south of the Hawaiian Islands. Despite staying offshore, the hurricane's fury reached the islands with powerful winds and relentless rain. This downpour caused widespread flooding, power outages, and property damage.

Fico's story serves as a stark reminder that a hurricane's destructive power can extend far beyond its direct path. Even when they stay offshore, these storms can unleash a long-distance soaking.


Did You Know: Decoding Doctor Talk: Prostate Cancer Staging

Ever been on a road trip with a crumpled, out-of-date map? Talk about frustrating! You might feel the same way if you hear the term "prostate cancer staging" without a clear understanding. But fear not, men! This blog post is your personal GPS to navigating this crucial step in your diagnosis.

Why Staging Matters

Imagine your doctor as a skilled navigator, steering you towards the best course of treatment for prostate cancer. Staging is like their roadmap, revealing how far the cancer has spread, if at all. This intel is critical for plotting the most effective route – your personalized treatment plan.

Stages: A Breakdown

Think of staging systems as different map formats. There can be variations, but generally, lower stages represent a less extensive cancer, confined to the prostate. As you move to higher stages, the map might show the cancer spreading beyond the prostate gland.

The Power of Knowledge

Feeling a little lost with all this talk of stages? Don't hesitate to ask your doctor for clarification! They're there to guide you through every step of the journey. Remember, knowledge is power, and understanding prostate cancer staging empowers you to take charge of your health.

So, ditch the crumpled map and embrace the clear navigation of staging. With your doctor by your side, you've got this!

Did You Know: Medieval Karaoke for Pilgrims?


Imagine the dusty path winding through sun-dappled Spanish hills. Now, close your eyes and listen. Can you hear it? A chorus of voices, rising in unison, carried on the warm summer breeze. These aren't your average travelers – they're pilgrims, on a sacred journey, and their soundtrack isn't some digital playlist. It's a medieval melody, a shared songbook passed between them like a holy relic.

This isn't a scene from a historical fiction novel; it's reality! The "Llibre Vermell de Montserrat", a real-life 14th-century songbook, was a pilgrim's essential companion. Think of it as the medieval karaoke book, filled with hymns and lively dances to guide their steps and elevate their spirits.

Can you imagine the camaraderie, the shared faith expressed through song? Belting out these ancient melodies with fellow travelers would have been a powerful way to connect – with their God, with each other, and with the very essence of their pilgrimage.

So, the next time you take a trip, consider the soundtrack. It might not be a curated playlist, but the rhythm of your footsteps, the murmur of conversation, the symphony of nature – a unique soundscape for your own personal journey.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

5 Quick Facts About The Rift Valley Lakes, And Did You Know The Lakes Are A Freshwater Ecoregion In Africa?

The Rift Valley lakes are a series of lakes in the East African Rift valley that runs through Eastern Africa (from North Ethiopia to South Malawi) and include the Southern African Great Lakes.

Image of The Rift Valley Lakes taken from Nasa Earth Observatory.

The Rift Valley Lakes are some of the world's oldest, deepest, and largest lakes by area; also volume. Many are freshwater ecoregions, some are alkaline "soda lakes" supporting specialized organisms.

Below is a short video by NHNZ Media showing the Life Force of Africa's Rift Valley.

So what five Quick Facts did we learn about The Rift Valley Lakes:

  • The Rift Valley Lakes are located in the Eastern Part of Africa. 
  • They Run from the North of Ethiopia to the South of Malawi. 
  • Also, we learn that The Rift Valley Lakes are some of the world's oldest, deepest and largest Lakes. 
  • Many of the lakes are Freshwater ecoregions, some are also Alkaline Lakes with supporting many different specialized organisms.

Read More About The Rift Valley Lakes

Monday, May 18, 2020

Did you know That Thutmose I Was The First Pharaoh To Be Buried In The Valley Of The Kings?

Thutmose I (sometimes read as Thutmosis or Tuthmosis I) was the third pharaoh of the 18th dynasty of Egypt.

Thutmose was also the third pharaoh of the 18th dynasty of Egypt. He received the throne after the death of the previous king, Amenhotep; and was also the first Pharaoh to be buried in the Valley of the Kings.

Below is a portrait of Pharaoh Thutmose III of the Egyptian New Kingdom, by Ramomar Buckley.


Here's an interesting video about the pharaoh that wouldn't be forgotten by Kate Green. Pharaoh Thutmose I is mention in the presentation also his sons who ruled after him.


Saturday, May 16, 2020

Did You know That The Chinese Tallow Tree Is Used To Make Soap, Candles, And Medicine?

Chinese tallow, which is sometimes referred to as Florida aspenchicken treegray popcorn tree, or candleberry tree.


This simple, deciduous leaves of this tree are alternate, broad in shape, and have smooth edges, heart-shaped and often resembling the bo tree.



The seed's white waxy aril of the Chinese Tallow tree is used in soap making, and the inner oil is toxic but has industrial applications. 

Click this link:  Chinese Tallow Tree  - to see the different Products made with the Chinese Tallow Tree..





Friday, May 15, 2020

Did You Know That Kao Neaw, A Thai Sticky Rice Dish, Is Often Served With Ripe Mangos And Coconut Milk As Kao Neaw Mamuan?

Kao Neaw is also referred to as Glutinous rice. It's also called sticky rice, sweet rice, or waxy rice.

This type of rice is grown mainly in Southeast and East Asia, Northeastern India, and Bhutan which has opaque grains, very low amylose content, and is especially sticky when cooked. It is widely consumed across Asia. If you didn't know...now you know!
Check out this video Kao Neaw With Coconut And served up with Mango.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Did you Know That Novodevichy Cemetery Is Moscow's Third-most Popular Tourist Destination?

And did you know that Raisa Gorbacheva was buried in Novodevichy Cemetery? Novodevichy Cemetery is a famous cemetery in Moscow and it lies next to the southern wall of the 16th-century Novodevichy Convent and is the city's third most popular tourist site.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

10 Quick Facts About Lions

Nicknamed "the king of the jungle," Lions has forever been a symbol of strength, power ferocity, and for royalty and stateliness. Lions possesses both beauty and strength.

Did you know that a male lion weighs about 500 pounds and grows to eight feet in length.

Check-out Animal Facts video, where we take PRIDE in presenting these 10 Fun Facts about the king of the beasts, the ever noble Lion.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

The Golden Lion Tamarin Has A Long, But Is It A Prehensile Tail?

Also known as the Golden Marmoset, the endangered Golden Lion Tamarin has a long, but it's not a prehensile tail. This simply means that the Golden Lion Tamarin is unable to grasp or hold objects with its tail.


This small New World monkey of the family Callitrichidae, and lives in the Atlantic coastal forests of Brazil.

Here's a short video of the Golden Lion Tamarins in the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil running wild.

Monday, May 11, 2020

What Year Did Ero the Joker Was First Performed?

The Balkan comic opera Ero the Joker was first performed on November 2, 1935.

Ero s onoga svijeta or when translated - Ero the Joker is a comic opera in three acts by Jakov Gotovac, with a libretto by Milan Begović based on a folk tale.

Watch: The Trailer of Ero The Joker

How Fast Can The Tokyo Monorail in Japan Go?

The Tokyo Monorail, which travels at speeds of up to 80 kph, was constructed to coincide with the 1964 Summer Olympics.

Did you know...that the Tokyo Monorail is officially the Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line? The rail lin connects Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) to Tokyo's Ōta, Shinagawa, and Minato wards.

Here's a short video of the Tokyo Monorail - Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho Station in Tokyo.

Quick Fact About Jumping Plant Lice

Known as Psyllidae, the jumping plant lice or psyllids

Did you know that jumping plant lice and aphids are considered to be the "primitive" group within the Hemiptera order of true bugs?

Here's a short Video of Jumping Plant Lice in the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

What is the History of Memorial Day?

Memorial Day has been celebrated in the United States since the 1860s, although it was originally known as Remembrance Day. This holiday's history is long and a bit tangled, with multiple cities and individuals laying claim to the invention of Memorial Day as an organized holiday. In all probability, credit for Memorial Day should probably be shared among a number of individuals.


History of Memorial Day

What is the Patriot Act?

The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 is a far-reaching piece of legislation which is designed to make it easier for the United States to detect and act on potential security threats. It is more commonly known by its acronym, the USA PATRIOT Act, and may be colloquially called the “Patriot Act.”

What is the Patriot Act?

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Best Tips on How to Lose Weight

There's no secret formula for losing weight, and there's certainly no magic pill. It all comes down to eating less and exercising more. With a plan that suits your lifestyle and your doctor's counsel, you can lose weight and keep it off.

Here are four tips on how your can lose weight the right way will help you become healthier and help you maintain the healthier lifestyle.

1.Get some sleep. A lack of sleep can decrease the number of calories your body burns when at rest.

2.Drink lots of water. Many people confuse hunger with thirst. Water is a superior alternative to calorie-laden sodas and alcoholic beverages.

3.Eat several mini-meals throughout the day. Studies "show people who eat 4-5 meals or snacks per day are better able to control their appetite and weight.

4.Understand why you eat. If emotion, rather than physical hunger, triggers your eating, you may be an emotional eater. Figure out when you eat and why you eat, and you may be able to address those core emotional issues with something other than food.

Remember that losing weight doesn't have to be an arduous battle. You've made a positive, healthy choice for yourself, and there's nothing better than that. Life is about being healthy and happy.