Dry cleaning dates back to ancient civilizations, notably the Romans. Archaeological findings in Pompeii, devastated by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, reveal the existence of early dry cleaners. Roman fullers used substances like fuller’s earth, lye, and ammonia derived from urine to cleanse clothing. This mixture effectively removed dirt and sweat stains, especially from...
It’s a scenario familiar to many Windows users: you step away from your computer for a moment, only to return and find that Windows Update has automatically restarted your machine. This can be particularly annoying and disruptive, especially if you lose unsaved work or if the computer restarts during a critical task, like transferring...
Over the past two decades, as economies have progressed, there’s been a significant shift in the primary health concerns in low- and middle-income countries. Historically, these nations grappled with infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and diarrhea. Now, a new set of challenges has emerged, predominantly linked to lifestyle choices. This shift underscores a...
most of us are accustomed to the straightforward pricing models of brick-and-mortar stores. Items are displayed with clear price tags, and discounts are often available through coupons, memberships, or group-specific deals like student or AARP discounts. These discounts are typically well-publicized, allowing equal access to all shoppers. However, the transition to online shopping has...
In the streets of our cities, a peculiar urban placebo exists with many crosswalk signal buttons. While pedestrians often press these buttons with the expectation of hastening the ‘Walk’ signal, in numerous cases, especially in major cities like New York, they serve no functional purpose. An estimated 90% of pedestrian buttons in New York...
A widely held belief suggests that consuming even small amounts of carbohydrates, whether from sugar, bread, fruits, or vegetables, leads to weight gain. This notion is often linked to the idea that carbohydrates increase insulin levels, which in turn lowers blood sugar and boosts appetite. As a result, some advocate reducing carbohydrate intake significantly....
One of the most persistent myths in South African kitchens is that microwaves cook food from the inside out. In reality, like all other forms of cooking, microwaves heat from the outside in. This misconception stems from a lack of understanding of how microwaves work and interact with different food components. Microwaves are simpler...
In Johannesburg, the festive season brings with it a debate that’s as sparkling and explosive as the fireworks themselves. The City of Johannesburg has highlighted the contentious nature of fireworks usage, particularly during New Year’s Eve celebrations. With the holiday season casting its festive spell, the city braces for the inevitable crackle and pop...
In South Africa, the issue of “fake food” has become intertwined with xenophobic sentiments. Foreign nationals, many of whom own small shops, have faced accusations of selling counterfeit or expired food products. This controversy has escalated into episodes of xenophobic violence, clouding the real issues with layers of political sensitivity. It’s a topic rife...