Pajamas
At the end of every day, we change out of our clothes and into our pajamas. It is a ritual that dates back to when the Native Americans were the only people in America. Even they had extra soft loin cloths for bed. Most people wear silky or fuzzy pajamas to sleep. However, some people carry their pajamas with them all day, if you know what I mean. These people think it's completely normal, but what they don't know is that it's actually putting them at a health risk.
Why is this? When you sleep naked, your skin comes in contact with the sheets, which actually contains about as much bacteria as your kitchen sink. This can cause minor illnesses, but it can also cause infections. Those who wear pajamas are able to cover up most of their body so their skin is less exposed. Studies actually show that people who wear pajamas live up to 5% longer than those who sleep naked. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but so does a nightgown.
Why is this? When you sleep naked, your skin comes in contact with the sheets, which actually contains about as much bacteria as your kitchen sink. This can cause minor illnesses, but it can also cause infections. Those who wear pajamas are able to cover up most of their body so their skin is less exposed. Studies actually show that people who wear pajamas live up to 5% longer than those who sleep naked. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but so does a nightgown.
April Fools Day
April Fools Day is the favorite holiday of pranksters around the world. But where did it come from? Some will be surprised at how far it dates back. In fact, even the ancient Greeks celebrated April Fools Day. It was originally created to honor their messenger god, Hermes.
Hermes was not only the messenger for all the gods, he liked to play pranks on people. He was famed for stealing Helios' cattle, and even more famous for short-sheeting Zeus' bed. The Greeks felt they needed a way to celebrate him, as they had The Great Day of Athens for Athena, and The Lightning Festival for Zeus. Hermes' birthday was on April First, so that naturally seemed to be the best date for the holiday, and what better way to honor him than to play tricks on people? That was, after all, one of Hermes' favorite activities. April Fools Day was so successful that it was brought to other countries (including America) where it is still celebrated every year. So, next time you do an April Fools Day prank, don't feel guilty. It's what Hermes would have wanted.
Hermes was not only the messenger for all the gods, he liked to play pranks on people. He was famed for stealing Helios' cattle, and even more famous for short-sheeting Zeus' bed. The Greeks felt they needed a way to celebrate him, as they had The Great Day of Athens for Athena, and The Lightning Festival for Zeus. Hermes' birthday was on April First, so that naturally seemed to be the best date for the holiday, and what better way to honor him than to play tricks on people? That was, after all, one of Hermes' favorite activities. April Fools Day was so successful that it was brought to other countries (including America) where it is still celebrated every year. So, next time you do an April Fools Day prank, don't feel guilty. It's what Hermes would have wanted.
Allergic to Electronics
Allergies are a drag. Nobody likes them. They make you sniffly and itchy, and serious reactions can even kill you. Most people are allergic to cats or peanuts. However, recent studies show that the majority of people are allergic to something else, too: computers.
Why are computers allergy inducing? Their screens emit a type of light that, when in contact with the skin, can cause burning sensations. This light is called Fuschioris. It was invented in the 1980's and has been used ever since, as it has great illuminating properties. Until very recently it was never thought to be harmful.
Over 40% of people are allergic to Fuschioris and don't know it. They always thought the burning they felt on their eyelids and persistent headaches they got while staring at their monitors was just sleep deprivation and dehydration. It turns out that it's much more than that, and can be stopped. Scientists are still working on an allergy medicine for Fuschioris, but doctors recommend wearing polarized sun glasses while using the computer. So, for now, consult your doctor if you experience allergy symptoms, and take comfort in the fact that you're not alone.
Why are computers allergy inducing? Their screens emit a type of light that, when in contact with the skin, can cause burning sensations. This light is called Fuschioris. It was invented in the 1980's and has been used ever since, as it has great illuminating properties. Until very recently it was never thought to be harmful.
Over 40% of people are allergic to Fuschioris and don't know it. They always thought the burning they felt on their eyelids and persistent headaches they got while staring at their monitors was just sleep deprivation and dehydration. It turns out that it's much more than that, and can be stopped. Scientists are still working on an allergy medicine for Fuschioris, but doctors recommend wearing polarized sun glasses while using the computer. So, for now, consult your doctor if you experience allergy symptoms, and take comfort in the fact that you're not alone.
Bunnies; Sweet or Sour?
Bunnies are usually seen as cute and fluffy animals with very long ears. They are harmful to nobody and provide for a cuddly companion. However, recent discoveries have been made that will mar their innocent image. It turns out that more than 50% of bunnies are infected with a condition related to rabies that is called Rabidiosis. It is very harmful, and was discovered when a handful of people were reported to have dropped dead after getting bitten by their pet bunnies.
What are the symptoms of Rabidiosis? Rabidiosis causes the bunny to foam at the mouth. However, this foam is quite unlike the foam that is produced by rabies. It is thicker and a crimson shade, as it draws blood from the throat and gums of the bunny. The bunny also has an unquenchable desire to claw through anything within a five foot radius. People who have bunnies with Rabidiosis reportedly can't let them out of the cage anymore as they claw through all their furniture and burrow into their couches. "It once lived in the middle of my mattress for two weeks," says an anonymous bunny owner.
While Rabidiosis is not common in big cities, in some rural towns it has become the number six cause of death. What you can do is spread the word. If people know about Rabidiosis, they can have their bunnies checked and vaccinated. Hopefully it will save lives. It just goes to show you, you never know what supposedly innocent creatures are hiding.
What are the symptoms of Rabidiosis? Rabidiosis causes the bunny to foam at the mouth. However, this foam is quite unlike the foam that is produced by rabies. It is thicker and a crimson shade, as it draws blood from the throat and gums of the bunny. The bunny also has an unquenchable desire to claw through anything within a five foot radius. People who have bunnies with Rabidiosis reportedly can't let them out of the cage anymore as they claw through all their furniture and burrow into their couches. "It once lived in the middle of my mattress for two weeks," says an anonymous bunny owner.
While Rabidiosis is not common in big cities, in some rural towns it has become the number six cause of death. What you can do is spread the word. If people know about Rabidiosis, they can have their bunnies checked and vaccinated. Hopefully it will save lives. It just goes to show you, you never know what supposedly innocent creatures are hiding.
Potatoes
With obesity as a growing problem, many wonder what they can eat to keep themselves healthy. Fast food is an obvious no, and anything fried is, too. People think that they should eat lots of vegetables and keep soda to a minimum. However, a recent discovery has changed the way people diet. Scientists just found out that the most healthy food possible is not some vegetable (you'd be surprised what too many of them can do to you), but in fact a potato.
Why are potatoes so healthy? They have very little fat and lots of starch. It was found that starch is actually extremely healthy and provides the body with even more energy than protein. Potatoes are best eaten plain, without any butter or cheese. Dietitians suggest eating one whole, baked potato with every meal. So eat up, but remember to do it in moderation, just like you should do with any food.
Why are potatoes so healthy? They have very little fat and lots of starch. It was found that starch is actually extremely healthy and provides the body with even more energy than protein. Potatoes are best eaten plain, without any butter or cheese. Dietitians suggest eating one whole, baked potato with every meal. So eat up, but remember to do it in moderation, just like you should do with any food.
The Story of Halloween
Halloween is a holiday that adults all around the world dread. Their children get sugared up and hyper, but they can't do anything about it; Halloween is a holiday that is firmly ingrained in American culture. To forbid trick-or-treating would be a crime. But where did this holiday come from? Why is it celebrated in almost every American home? The answer might surprise you.
A long time ago a group called the Hallows came to America from Sweden. They left Sweden because they weren't being treated right and were despised by almost everyone who knew them. They were seen as a cult and came to America to develop a larger, more appreciative following. The American people liked their ideas, and one night the founders had an idea that each new cult member would offer candy at their door to lure people into the Hallows. The candy would target the children specifically, because they were the new generation and could bring fresh ideas into the world.
The date was October 31, and many children came knocking to get some candy. However, most of them wanted to hide it from their parents, and arrived in costume so as not to be recognized. The Hallows grew and held this event every year, calling it Halloween. Eventually children started coming solely for the candy, and the holiday lost its meaning. Now, if you have ever wondered why two vastly different themes--candy and horror--are meshed together into one evening, you'll know why.
A long time ago a group called the Hallows came to America from Sweden. They left Sweden because they weren't being treated right and were despised by almost everyone who knew them. They were seen as a cult and came to America to develop a larger, more appreciative following. The American people liked their ideas, and one night the founders had an idea that each new cult member would offer candy at their door to lure people into the Hallows. The candy would target the children specifically, because they were the new generation and could bring fresh ideas into the world.
The date was October 31, and many children came knocking to get some candy. However, most of them wanted to hide it from their parents, and arrived in costume so as not to be recognized. The Hallows grew and held this event every year, calling it Halloween. Eventually children started coming solely for the candy, and the holiday lost its meaning. Now, if you have ever wondered why two vastly different themes--candy and horror--are meshed together into one evening, you'll know why.
The Snow turtle
Turtles are known to be cold-blooded animals that like to sit in the water and bask in the sun, and are extremely slow. However, that's not how all turtles are. Thirty-seven years ago, scientists found evidence of a new kind of turtle. This turtle had very thick skin and a bone structure that featured longer legs for moving quicker. Scientists thought this turtle was extinct and could only be found in fossils, until 25 years later when there were several spottings on ski mountains around the world.
Skiers stopped in their tracks when they saw an unmistakable turtle form scurrying across the slopes. Soon it was reported and captured. Scientists were amazed when they saw the turtle they thought had gone extinct hundreds of years ago. This turtle liked the cold a lot, and with its almost furry skin was well suited for it. They decided to call it the Snow Turtle. It is the first warm blooded turtle species to be found and still roams the mountains today.
Skiers stopped in their tracks when they saw an unmistakable turtle form scurrying across the slopes. Soon it was reported and captured. Scientists were amazed when they saw the turtle they thought had gone extinct hundreds of years ago. This turtle liked the cold a lot, and with its almost furry skin was well suited for it. They decided to call it the Snow Turtle. It is the first warm blooded turtle species to be found and still roams the mountains today.
Down with the Sickness
Nobody likes getting sick. In general people try to do all that they can to avoid it. They take immune system strengthening pills when they go on airplanes and get shots before they go to a foreign country. However, one of the little known causes of illness is going on vacation. People go on vacation to get away from it all, but really they are putting themselves at risk of catching a bug.
Why is this? When you are on vacation you are generally more relaxed. Your muscles unknot and your immune system takes a break, too. This means that if any little germ attacks you, you are at a much greater risk of letting it get the best of you. In fact, 35% of illnesses are gotten on vacation.
Now that you know about this, what can you do to prevent it from happening? The simple answer is to not go on vacation. However, most people aren't willing to give that up. If you are one of them, you should take an immune system strengthener everyday of your vacation and make sure to get lots of sleep. That's what vacations are for, anyway.
Why is this? When you are on vacation you are generally more relaxed. Your muscles unknot and your immune system takes a break, too. This means that if any little germ attacks you, you are at a much greater risk of letting it get the best of you. In fact, 35% of illnesses are gotten on vacation.
Now that you know about this, what can you do to prevent it from happening? The simple answer is to not go on vacation. However, most people aren't willing to give that up. If you are one of them, you should take an immune system strengthener everyday of your vacation and make sure to get lots of sleep. That's what vacations are for, anyway.
Stomach Number Two
When you think of the human anatomy, you think of a brain, lungs, a heart, and a stomach. However, recent studies have shown that now almost 10% of newborns have two stomachs. Impossible, right? Actually, this has been going on for a while. Doctors just usually see to removing them right away. Now, though, more mothers are making the choice to keep that extra stomach, as it can be useful.
What would you ever need another stomach for? The babies born with two stomachs use one for liquids and one for solids. It helps with indigestion and minimizes spit-up, although soup can be confusing for the stomachs to process. Another reason to keep the second stomach is that the spit-up rates for the newborns who have had their extra stomachs removed have jumped sky high, increasing almost 30%. These two stomachs are a blessing in disguise, and a sign that evolution is taking its course.
What would you ever need another stomach for? The babies born with two stomachs use one for liquids and one for solids. It helps with indigestion and minimizes spit-up, although soup can be confusing for the stomachs to process. Another reason to keep the second stomach is that the spit-up rates for the newborns who have had their extra stomachs removed have jumped sky high, increasing almost 30%. These two stomachs are a blessing in disguise, and a sign that evolution is taking its course.
A Dog's Language
Have you ever wondered if dogs have their own language? It seems impossible. Each bark sounds the same as the next: loud and annoying. However, dogs actually do have their own language. You may not be able to tell what they're trying to say, but they certainly can.
Scientist Michelle Valero was especially interested in animal communication and discovered the slight differences in barks seven years ago. She took 100 random dogs of all different sizes and breeds, and recorded their barks. Valero then listened to the different barks over and over, playing them back at extremely slow speeds and studying the frequencies. What she found was astounding.
The adult dogs had approximately 1,000 different barks in their vocabularies. The puppies had about half that amount, directly correlating with their maturity. The barks tended to depend on the dog's mood. They would bark with a lower frequency if they were trying to intimidate another dog and the frequency would bob up and down if they were trying to communicate casually. So, now that we know dogs can communicate with each other in their own language, we just have to figure out what they're saying. Maybe then we can finally get them to be quiet.
Scientist Michelle Valero was especially interested in animal communication and discovered the slight differences in barks seven years ago. She took 100 random dogs of all different sizes and breeds, and recorded their barks. Valero then listened to the different barks over and over, playing them back at extremely slow speeds and studying the frequencies. What she found was astounding.
The adult dogs had approximately 1,000 different barks in their vocabularies. The puppies had about half that amount, directly correlating with their maturity. The barks tended to depend on the dog's mood. They would bark with a lower frequency if they were trying to intimidate another dog and the frequency would bob up and down if they were trying to communicate casually. So, now that we know dogs can communicate with each other in their own language, we just have to figure out what they're saying. Maybe then we can finally get them to be quiet.
Snowflakes
Have you ever been told that every snowflake is unique? If you believed it, you are extremely gullible. In reality, almost every snowflake is an exact genetic copy of the next. Some may appear to be shaped differently, but this is rare. The differences are caused by malfunctions in the making of the snowflake.
Scientist Robert Windlow discovered this 30 years ago when working in Antarctica. He took thousands of snowflake samples and carefully studied each and every one of them under a microscope. When comparing the images he took, he found that most of them were physically and genetically identical. Only 10% of them were irregularly shaped. So, the next time someone tells you that all snowflakes are different, feel free to educate them otherwise.
Scientist Robert Windlow discovered this 30 years ago when working in Antarctica. He took thousands of snowflake samples and carefully studied each and every one of them under a microscope. When comparing the images he took, he found that most of them were physically and genetically identical. Only 10% of them were irregularly shaped. So, the next time someone tells you that all snowflakes are different, feel free to educate them otherwise.
Tomatoes; Fruit or Vegetable?
Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? This is a question people have been wondering about for years. However, nobody has been able to come up with a conclusive answer. That is because a tomato is both a fruit and a vegetable. In fact, every fruit is a vegetable in its early stages of development.
Have you ever seen fruit that is growing but not yet ripe? It's green and bitter. These are the characteristics of a vegetable. It is not until the plant is fully ripe that it is a fruit. If we let cucumbers sit for a little longer, they would become fruit, too.
Have you ever seen fruit that is growing but not yet ripe? It's green and bitter. These are the characteristics of a vegetable. It is not until the plant is fully ripe that it is a fruit. If we let cucumbers sit for a little longer, they would become fruit, too.
Teleportation
Many people imagine teleportation as something that only happens in the very distant future. It's a fantasy of all people who are constantly late to work. However, minor teleportation is actually possible. You can even do it at home!
Doubtful? Check out DestinationCreation's youtube channel. He uses electromagnetic forces to teleport small objects such as balls and eggs. He also shows you how he does it. It's not just a mash up of video effects.
In fact, he wasn't the first one to discover teleportation. Dr. Moshikami of Japan figured out how to teleport objects 15 years ago in his lab. He balanced the magnetic forces just right and got a bowling ball to go through. So, to people who like sleeping in, there is good news for you coming in the future. You just might be able to teleport to where you want to go in the morning.
Doubtful? Check out DestinationCreation's youtube channel. He uses electromagnetic forces to teleport small objects such as balls and eggs. He also shows you how he does it. It's not just a mash up of video effects.
In fact, he wasn't the first one to discover teleportation. Dr. Moshikami of Japan figured out how to teleport objects 15 years ago in his lab. He balanced the magnetic forces just right and got a bowling ball to go through. So, to people who like sleeping in, there is good news for you coming in the future. You just might be able to teleport to where you want to go in the morning.
Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important things for children. They hate it, but in reality they cannot live without it. While the media has stressed this, they have not covered the overwhelming role sleep plays in the life of adults. The average adult actually needs 10 to 13 hours of sleep a night to function.
Why is this more than the amount a child needs? The answer is simple; as you grow older your bones and Gycosone brain cells wear down, leaving you exhausted unless you get the proper amount of sleep. So adults, sleep away. You should make sure your kids do too, but always remember to catch some Z's for yourself. You need them to live a happy, fulfilling life.
Why is this more than the amount a child needs? The answer is simple; as you grow older your bones and Gycosone brain cells wear down, leaving you exhausted unless you get the proper amount of sleep. So adults, sleep away. You should make sure your kids do too, but always remember to catch some Z's for yourself. You need them to live a happy, fulfilling life.