Baguazhang is a Chinese martial art that focuses on evasive footwork and using an attacker’s strength against them. Practitioners walk in a circle to improve footwork, and offensive techniques are limited to eight primary strikes. Advanced training includes moving in a progressively narrower space and weapons training. Chinese martial arts traditions have been passed down […]
Canyoning involves navigating steep, narrow canyons using various techniques. Technical canyoning requires specialized equipment and is more challenging. Popular canyoning sites are found in the US, with varying levels of difficulty. Canyoning can be dangerous due to obstacles, keeper holes, flash floods, and temperature-related illnesses. Proper equipment and precautions are necessary. Canyoning, called canyoneering in […]
A bitless bridle uses pressure points on the nose instead of the mouth to control a horse’s steering, slowing, and stopping. There are three traditional varieties, and they are often used on horses with mouth injuries or tooth problems, young horses, and for endurance and trail riding. The controversy over bitless bridles is left to […]
Nitrox diving is gaining popularity as it allows for longer dives and reduces the risk of decompression sickness. Nitrox is a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen, with more oxygen than air on the earth’s surface. Nitrox diving modifies the air mix to maximize bottom time and minimize surface intervals. There are two types of nitrox: […]
A hook threader is a device used to easily thread fishing line through the eye of a hook. There are various types available, but a plastic hook threader with a funnel-shaped depression is a cheap alternative. It helps those with vision problems or in low light conditions. Some designs include hook sharpeners and knot levels, […]
The inside-the-park home run, where a batter runs around the bases without hitting the ball out of play, was more common in baseball’s dead ball era due to larger stadiums. It is now rare, but can occur from odd bounces or fielding errors. Ty Cobb holds the American League record for career inside-the-park home runs. […]
Flatland fishing in the Florida Keys is a simple and accessible form of fishing that can be done without a boat. It involves casting in shallow water for bonefish, tarpon, and permit. Preparation involves wearing light clothing, sunscreen, and bringing extra fishing line, bait, and water. The fish caught may not be large, but they […]
The referee ensures that sports rules are followed during live matches. Football originally had no referee, but by 1891, an impartial approach was needed, leading to the introduction of the referee. Boxing and soccer also use referees, while other sports use umpires as the final authority. The referee is an example of a sports official […]
Sports use umpires or referees to enforce rules, make judgments, and keep score. Baseball, softball, cricket, and tennis all have umpires. In baseball and softball, umpires are referred to by their position on the field. Cricket has two umpires, and tennis has a chair umpire and line umpires. American football has an umpire who observes […]
Virtual pets are digital animals that can be found on websites or as standalone computer programs. They can be fed, walked, and played with, and some even have needs that must be met. Some virtual pets exist on LCD screens and can be challenging. They can be lifelike and even die, but they are primarily […]
Orienteering is a sport where participants navigate through unfamiliar terrain using a map and compass. It originated in Scandinavia during World War I and became popular in Britain in 1962. Orienteering is a mental and physical exercise suitable for all ages and is relatively inexpensive. A good whistle, pen, and map case are essential items. […]
The Polo Grounds in Manhattan was originally a polo stadium, but became a popular baseball field for notable teams such as the New York Giants, Yankees, and Mets. The odd size of the field, with shallow left and right fields and a deep center field, made it unique. Babe Ruth hit many home runs there, […]
The increased demand for corn-based ethanol has led to a rise in the cost of corn, causing a potential nutritional crisis for poor Mexican families who rely on corn tortillas for food. While ethanol is a renewable energy source, the rising cost of corn has also affected food prices globally, with many countries experiencing a […]
The American Basketball Association (ABA) was a successful basketball league that merged with the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1976. The ABA introduced advances such as the 3-point line and slam dunk competition, and had high-caliber players including Julius Erving and George Gervin. Four ABA teams were absorbed by the NBA. The American Basketball Association […]
Brigid is a powerful goddess in Celtic mythology associated with light, wisdom, the hearth, home, childbirth, healing, and the arts. She was born at dawn and is credited with inventing the practice of wailing and whistling. Brigid was also associated with oxen, boars, and sacred flames. She was loved by many women, and some priestesses […]
Virtual gambling involves internet wagering with fake currency that can sometimes have value within the site. Games are structured like traditional casino games and can be accessed online. Virtual gambling differs from internet gambling in that it is legal and purely for entertainment. While it can be addictive, it can also be a good way […]
Researchers found that Great Britain has invaded 90% of all countries, with only 22 never invaded, including Luxembourg, Mali, and Sweden. Invaders included explorers, pirates, and Roman soldiers. Examples of invasions include Cuba, France, and Iceland. According to researchers, people from Great Britain have invaded 90% of all countries at some point in time. In […]
Pinewood Der races involve small wooden cars racing on a track using gravity for power. They are typically for Cub Scouts but can be enjoyed by anyone. Cars must meet certain specifications and are inspected before races. Strategies for building the fastest cars include adding weight and using lubricants. Prizes are awarded for both the […]
The Global Footprint Network’s annual report shows that humanity is consuming resources faster than the planet can produce them, with Earth Overshoot Day occurring on August 2 in 2018. Many industrial nations have oversized ecological footprints, and reducing carbon emissions, plastic waste, and meat consumption can help delay Earth Overshoot Day. However, the date has […]
Choosing the right hiking shoes is important for a comfortable experience. Foot size may not be the best way to measure shoe size, and trial and error is necessary to find the ideal fit. Consider the type of hiking and the amount of support needed. Leather uppers and gore-tex lining are recommended. Test hikes are […]
