Amid the tranquil ambiance of Saratoga Springs in 1853, the birthplace of the renowned potato chip was shrouded in legend. Situated by the picturesque Saratoga Lake, Cary Moon’s Lake House welcomed tourists and affluent patrons. Among the talented culinary minds in the kitchen was the skilled George Crum, a man of Native American and...
Paresthesia, the medical term for the feeling of your limbs “falling asleep,” occurs when specific nerves are compressed. This phenomenon is often experienced when you sit cross-legged or sleep with your arm raised above your head. We’ll explore this curious sensation, its underlying causes, and more in this engaging article. The Garden Hose Analogy...
Let’s dive into the science behind why that hearty bowl of beans might leave you feeling a little more gassy than you’d prefer. Today, we’re uncovering the secrets of these musical fruits and the curious culprits causing that unwanted gas. The Sugar Conundrum Ever wondered why beans seem to have this notorious reputation for...
The “withdrawal method”, or as it’s colloquially referred to, the “pull and pray” method, has been practiced for millennia, yet many still misunderstand its effectiveness in preventing pregnancies. Let’s break down the details for you. According to Dr. John Guillebaud, author of “Contraception: Your Questions Answered”, populations, where the withdrawal method is prominently used,...
Have you ever encountered that one coworker who seems to embody all things unpleasant? The individual who constantly grumbles, avoids social interaction, and frequently underperforms? The term “going postal” likely comes to mind. While this phrase has become synonymous with sudden outbursts of workplace violence, few understand its origins. Since 1970, a series of...
Bananas turning black in the fridge might have startled many, leading to misconceptions about them releasing some kind of “poison gas.” Let’s debunk that right away. While the banana peel might look a tad unappetizing after a stint in the fridge, the fruit inside is as delectable as ever. The Science Behind The Darkened...
Three-time defending champions South Africa (now ranked #2 in the world) and underdog Namibia (currently ranked #21) are two of the 20 countries competing across four pools at the 2023 men’s Rugby World Cup. How good of a chance do they have, and what is the current status of rugby union in Africa? We...
Off the coast of South Africa, there are a lot of great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). But there have been big drops in shark numbers in places where they usually gather along the coast of Western Cape province. Sharks meet in these places for one of three reasons: to eat, to socialise, or to...
Have you ever paused to ponder the story behind the seemingly ordinary ZIP Code? The U.S. Postal Service introduced the “Zone Improvement Plan Code” or ZIP Code on July 1, 1963, to enhance mail delivery speed and precision. This was, however, not their first brush with zone-based mailing. As early as 1943, they’d devised...