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...
Writers and filmmakers have often used conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia not just to create drama, but to add depth to their characters. However, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, stands out for its dramatic portrayal in popular media. The portrayal of DID in books and films ranges...
Nowadays, travelling more often than not requires managing a spreadsheet of expenses, which, let’s face it, aren’t always affordable. We have all, at some point, examined our vacation budgets and pondered, “Why does travel have to be so expensive?” Individuals with prior travel experience have probably faced situations in which travel was simply unattainable....
For much of human history, birthdays were not the universally celebrated events they are today. In ancient times, if you weren’t part of the elite, your birthday was likely noted for astrological reasons rather than as a cause for the annual celebration. One of the earliest recorded mentions of a birthday celebration appears in...
Contrary to popular belief, French toast did not originate in France. This delicious dish, made from stale bread soaked in a milk and egg mixture, and then fried, has a history that predates France as a nation. The roots of French toast stretch back to a time when wasting food was unimaginable, and finding...