Maryland’s official sport is jousting, a medieval competition where mounted competitors try to dislodge each other with a polearm. The state holds tournaments from May to October, often with competitors wearing medieval costumes. Jousting originated as military training for knights and has a history in Maryland dating back to the late 1700s. It is a […]
Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is a skin disease caused by parasitic infection from sand flies, mainly found in South America and the Middle East. It attacks mucous membranes around the nose and mouth, causing open sores and potential disfigurement. Treatment is available, and preventative measures include insect repellent and bed nets. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is a skin disease […]
Green Monday, the second Monday in December, is a significant retail holiday marked by a spike in online sales, with physical stores also seeing huge sales. It was named by an eBay representative in 2006 and represents one of the biggest spending days for consumers. Other retail holidays include Cyber Monday, Black Friday, and Green […]
A trim deck sailboat has two or more head sails set forward of the mast, with a common design containing two headsails. Mast positioning is irrelevant, with the only distinguishing feature being multi-head sails. A mower deck is considered more versatile and safer, with its resurgence in popularity among cruising and leisure boaters. However, it […]
Cast iron cookware is affordable, durable, and long-lasting. It cooks food evenly, adds iron to the food, and is versatile. Cast iron is an ideal conductor of heat, provides nutritional benefits, and is non-stick when seasoned. It is widely available and can be used for almost any type of cooking. There are many benefits of […]
Architectural rendering is the use of computer software to create visual representations of architectural designs. It is used in real estate sales, by architects and homeowners to communicate ideas, and by store and restaurant owners for advertising and design purposes. Free software like Google SketchUp can be used for basic renderings, while professional architects use […]
A twist test measures a material’s strength against twisting forces. There are three types of tests: failure, proof, and operational. Results are recorded on a stress-strain diagram. The elastic limit is the point where a material can no longer return to its original shape. Ductile metals have high elastic limits, while brittle materials have low […]
The Sahara Desert is not entirely made up of sand dunes, with only 15% covered by them. It also has scrub vegetation, rock plateaus, and gravel. The area has a long history of human habitation and trade routes, and is comparable in size to China or the US. The Nile and Niger rivers are the […]
Fingertip numbness can be caused by nerve damage or loss of blood flow, including conditions like multiple sclerosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy, as well as frostbite, low potassium levels, and repetitive tool use. Panic attacks, leprosy, shingles, and pinched nerves can also cause numbness. Seek medical attention if experiencing numbness without a known […]
Banking deregulation removes government oversight and restrictions on banks, allowing for increased competition and potential financial growth. Self-regulation is expected to prevent reckless practices, but can also lead to destabilization. Some governments strike a balance between deregulation and oversight to promote free market values. Banking deregulation is a process in which government oversight of the […]
A wrecker is a vehicle used to transport disabled vehicles. It has a bed, winch, hydraulic lift, truck cab, frame, and emergency lights. The bed is made of high-quality steel and has a hydraulic lift to pull vehicles onto it using a winch. Safety features include chains, hooks, stabilizers, and reflective cones or triangles. A […]
Food writing encompasses a diverse range of writers, from restaurant critics to cookbook authors and food historians. It is a passion for food and the written word that unites them all. Writing about food is a matter of passion: a passion for food, for tastes and for the senses. Food writers are a diverse class […]
Wetting current measures energy needed to pierce oxidized switches. Oxidation adds resistance to circuits, but high humidity can cause unintentional oxidation. Dampening current must be calibrated for proper circuit function. Wetting current is a measurement used in electronics to describe how much energy is required for the circuit to pierce a switch that has been […]
Bullet forging is a cold manufacturing process that uses extreme pressure to form metal into bullets. It produces better quality and more accurate bullets, but can be more expensive. Some companies produce forged bullets for sale, and it can be done at home with proper equipment. Casting has shortcomings, such as less accurate size and […]
Sark, a small island 80 miles off the south coast of England, was recognized as the world’s first “Dark Sky Island” in 2011. With no street lights or cars, the island’s 600-strong community limits unnecessary lighting, allowing for exceptional stargazing opportunities. Other dark sky communities include locations in Scotland, California, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, and Arizona. […]
Group emotion is the overall emotional state of a group that affects individuals, studied in sociology and psychology. Two viewpoints examine how group emotions impact individuals and how individual emotions affect the group. Leadership theories suggest manipulating group emotions to increase effectiveness. Group emotion is a term used to describe the overall emotional state of […]
Pull inventory is a needs-based approach to inventory management, used in lean manufacturing to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Suppliers receive orders based on current needs, eliminating the need for inventory storage and reducing waste. Transitioning to a pull inventory system may require consulting and strategic planning. A pull inventory is a needs-based approach to […]
A hot hatch is a high-performance hatchback car, often an upscale version of a basic hatchback, with advantages such as practicality, fuel efficiency, and safety. Prices vary, and reviews can help consumers make informed decisions before test driving multiple models. A hot hatch is a hatchback car designed for high performance, usually issued as an […]
Tuna belly, also known as toro, is a prized sushi item due to its marbled appearance and high fat content. Its cost can be volatile and depends on factors such as location and availability. Freshness is essential for enjoyment. It was once considered undesirable but is now a delicacy. Tuna belly is a food that […]
Flint glass is a highly transparent and refractive optical glass. It was developed in the 1600s using powdered flint and became the standard until lead glass was discovered. Flint glass is now primarily used for optical lenses, while antique collectors seek out leaded glass tableware, which can command high prices. Modern manufacturers still produce authentic […]
