The chronology of the inventions of lighters and matches is a subject that has puzzled many, including myself. Contrary to popular belief, the lighter was actually invented before the match. This revelation often leads to a perplexing discussion, especially when considering the historical context and definitions of these items. In the 16th century, the...
A commonly cited statistic from Dr. Keith Rayner, a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, asserts that 95% of college-educated individuals read at a rate of 200–400 words per minute. Despite this, a vocal minority claims the ability to read much faster, several times this rate, using various speed reading techniques. Numerous companies...
It’s time to unravel a mystery that has lingered in playgrounds and nursery rooms for ages. A shroud of macabre folklore has covered the nursery rhyme “Ring Around the Rosie,” which generations of kids have sung. Many of us grew up believing this seemingly innocent song was a dark allegory of the Black Death,...
Imagine this: the way your mom or dad lived their life, the air they breathed, the job they hustled in, even the very smoke they might have inhaled, or the drinks they sipped – all these might still be echoing in your health today. It seems like a plot from a sci-fi novel, but...
To those who wait in line for Black Friday sales, shop online on Singles Day, or imagine waiting in line outside their local department store on Boxing Day for the “real bargains,” I can tell you that you are not alone. Anyone in their thirties who wants to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks...
In South Africa, the timely disbursement of social grants by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is a critical component of the social safety net. These grants are lifelines for millions, providing essential financial support for basic needs. However, recent reports and personal accounts suggest a worrying trend of delayed payments, leaving many...
Twitter has grown from its humble beginnings ten years ago to a platform with over 300 million monthly active users. Even though this is far less than Facebook’s 1.5 billion, the sheer number of politicians, journalists, and celebrities that use Twitter gives it a disproportionate amount of power. The impact of the small blue...
In an era where the line between expert opinion and celebrity endorsement blurs, it’s crucial to examine the impact of this phenomenon on our understanding and consumption of knowledge. Andrew Keen, a digital media entrepreneur, foresaw a troubling trend in 2007. He predicted that the user-generated nature of Web 2.0 would lead to a...
When faced with uncertainty, people may act unreasonably out of fear. People swarmed to stores to gather necessities during the pandemic, resulting in panic shopping. Others tried to make a killing off of the shortages by charging exorbitant prices for necessities like paper towels and hand sanitizer. Not only did this pandemic affect many...