The term “perfect storm” describes a combination of events that can lead to catastrophic outcomes. It originated in meteorology but is now used in various fields, including politics and economics. Officials try to anticipate such events, but they can be difficult to predict. The term was popularized by Sebastian Junger’s book and subsequent movie about […]
Using the non-dominant hand for common tasks can improve self-control and reduce aggressive reactions, according to a 2012 study. Participants who trained to use their “wrong” hand for two weeks showed better examples of self-control, such as being polite. This forced them to expand their self-control skills and override habitual tendencies. Psychologists, criminologists and sociologists […]
Game critics review video games for magazines or websites, providing feedback to game developers and helping consumers decide which games to buy. They use annotation devices while playing and can specialize in a niche genre or review a wide variety of games. Their reviews can shed light on lesser-known games and bring more awareness and […]
The estimated tax penalty is a penalty collected by the IRS when a person underpays estimated taxes or does not pay on time. Individuals must pay estimated taxes on income not subject to automatic withholding, and certain situations may allow a person to obtain a waiver to avoid the penalty. An estimated tax penalty is […]
Monosomy is a genetic defect caused by an incomplete set of chromosomes that can lead to various medical conditions. It can be identified during prenatal testing and can result in developmental disabilities. Genetic counseling is recommended for high-risk women. Monosomy is a genetic defect caused by an incomplete set of chromosomes. Various medical conditions are […]
Business ethics holds companies accountable for their actions towards others, both internally and externally. It deals with behavior that cannot be covered by laws and ensures that a company acts with sensitivity, honesty, and good effect. Ethical companies inspire trust and loyalty and consider the needs of all stakeholders. The primary role of ethics in […]
The Raven’s Progressive Matrices is a nonverbal test that measures general intelligence through identifying missing elements in patterns. It has three forms and is used in education, clinical, and occupational fields to evaluate cognitive abilities and identify suitable candidates for management positions. The Raven’s Progressive Matrices is a multiple-choice nonverbal test that measures an individual’s […]
Impersonal verbs have no real subject and are often used with dummy pronouns like “it” or “there”. They are common in sentences about the weather and in inflected languages like Latin. Some recommend avoiding them, but certain clichés cannot be rephrased. To determine if a sentence has an impersonal verb, look for an antecedent for […]
Ed Headrick, inventor of Frisbee golf, requested to have his ashes mixed with plastic and made into a memorial frisbee. The Steady Ed Memorial Discs are still available for sale, with proceeds going to the Ed Headrick Memorial Museum. Frisbee was originally called Pluto Platter and the name “Frisbee” comes from a bakery in Connecticut. […]
Ear pressure can be caused by altitude, scuba diving, and ear infections due to the vulnerability of the pressure regulating system in the ear. Eustachian tubes are responsible for maintaining pressure balance and removing bacteria from the middle ear. Middle ear infections are a common cause of ear pressure, as are colds, allergies, and the […]
Neil Armstrong and Sir Edmund Hillary, along with Steve Fossett and Patrick Morrow, flew to the North Pole in 1985. They faced little trouble on their journey and uncorked frozen champagne at the pole. The North Pole has a magnetic and fixed point, and the South Pole is colder. The best way to view the […]
A pyx is a container used in Catholic and Anglican religious practice to carry the Eucharist to those unable to travel. They come in different shapes and sizes and have been used for centuries. The term “pyx” has different meanings in different religious communities. A pyx, which may also be spelled “pix”, is a small […]
Discitis is inflammation of the intervertebral discs, caused by infection or chemical reaction. It is rare but more common in children. Symptoms include back pain, tenderness, and difficulty moving. Diagnosis involves a physical exam and blood test. Treatment involves antibiotics, steroids, pain relief, and bed rest. Discitis is inflammation of the intervertebral discs or spongy […]
A party promoter is an entertainment professional who uses marketing and sales skills to attract visitors to an event, club or party. They can use various techniques such as flyers, social media and networking to attract a crowd. Maintaining a good relationship with club owners is essential for ongoing work. The size of the venue […]
Land swap is a fraudulent real estate practice where land is sold at an artificially high price by a group of colluders. The land is sold multiple times to inflate the price, and lenders and buyers are at risk of falling victim to the scam. Land exchange schemes are illegal, and buyers can protect themselves […]
A trial balance is an accounting list that helps identify imbalances between credits and debits. It’s useful to run it on a regular basis to quickly identify and correct errors. It’s also effective in identifying double entry errors and misregistrations. Trial balance is an accounting list showing the beginning and ending balances of all accounts […]
Christmas became a federal holiday in the US in 1968, recognized as the only religious holiday. It was initially limited to federal employees in DC until the Monday Holiday Law extended it nationwide. Celebrating Christmas was once illegal in Boston from 1659 to 1681. Christmas officially became a federal holiday in the United States in […]
Pseudonyms are fictitious names used by authors, actors, singers, and even criminals. They are often used for marketing, to separate works into different genres, or to protect the author’s identity. Some authors use androgynous pseudonyms or initials to avoid gender bias. Actors and musicians use stage names to create a different persona. Pseudonyms can also […]
The Benjamin Franklin effect suggests that doing a favor for someone can make us like them more, while wronging someone can make us hate them. This psychological phenomenon can be used to improve relationships and build rapport, as seen in Dale Carnegie’s book How to Win Friends and Influence People. Can you do me a […]
Quincke’s edema is a localized swelling caused by a vascular reaction, often seen around the face and throat. It can be caused by allergies, medications, or inherited traits. Treatment depends on the cause, and airway obstruction must be avoided. Patients with a history or at risk should consider noting it on a medical alert card. […]
