In 1965, astronauts on Gemini 6 smuggled a harmonica and sleigh bells onto their spacecraft and played “Jingle Bells” for Mission Control, making it the first song performed in space. The instruments are now on display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. A few days before Christmas, in December 1965, the spacecraft […]
Rat bites are rare in the US, with only one or two deaths per year and 25 bites reported to hospitals. In contrast, more than 50 people die annually from hornet and wasp stings. Dog bites are more common, but most bacteria found in dogs’ mouths are not harmful to humans. Rat bite fever can […]
Metallic Bubble Envelopes are padded envelopes with a foil-like material that mimics a metallic or luminescent sheen, making them eye-catching and perfect for direct mail and promotional mailings. They come in various sizes and colors and are economical, self-sealing, and heavy-duty. Metallic Bubble Envelopes are eye-catching padded envelopes made with a lustrous foil-like material that […]
Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac, representing those born between May 22 and June 22. They are adaptable, intelligent, and sociable, but may struggle with finishing projects. Gemini is ruled by Mercury and associated with communication and change. They are typically drawn to idealistic, fun, and spontaneous friends and love gossip and travel. […]
David Berkowitz, also known as the Son of Sam, committed a string of murders in New York City between 1976 and 1977, using a .44 Bulldog pistol. He claimed to have been influenced by his neighbor’s possessed dog and was later arrested and charged with the murders, for which he is currently serving six life […]
Brass knuckles are illegal fighting tools that enhance punching power. They are made of a solid piece of metal with open loops that fit around the fingers and a curved end that fits in the closed palm. They require a different punching style and are often used with a spinning punch. They were originally developed […]
The “jack-o-lantern effect” describes a patchwork of restored or new properties surrounded by areas of blight and devastation, often resulting from selective redevelopment. This approach has been applied to urban renewal projects that appear to favor one demographic over another, reinforcing beliefs and fears. In New Orleans, many black residents felt betrayed by their political […]
Wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is believed to bring good luck with love in Spain, Mexico, Italy, and other countries. Yellow brings money and happiness, green prosperity, pink friendship, and white hope or peace. Other traditions include regional foods, effigy burning, dish throwing, and alcohol. For women in Spain, Mexico, Italy and many […]
Choosing the right twin pushchair requires consideration of whether a twin or tandem stroller is more appropriate, ease of turning, and adequate restraints. Other desirable features include sturdy wheels, good suspension, washable fabric, ample storage space, and a reliable chassis and braking system. Price is also a factor to consider. It can take some thought […]
When calling 911, determine if it’s an emergency or non-urgent situation. Call for life-threatening or property damage risks, and report fires. Clearly state the problem, location, and any landmarks, and follow instructions given by the dispatcher. Avoid calling 911 for non-emergencies, as it can divert resources from real emergencies. The first thing to do when […]
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem is believed to be the site of Christ’s crucifixion and burial, with a history dating back 1,700 years. Built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, it was constructed on the site of a temple of Venus. The church has been destroyed and rebuilt several times and […]
Day of the Dead is a Mexican tradition that celebrates family members who have passed away. It is a non-morbid memorial that incorporates Catholic holy days, and is celebrated over two days. Families build altars with food and prized possessions to entice the dead to visit, and celebrate with picnics and stories of deceased family […]
Teaching children about safety through cause and effect relationships can be effective, especially if incorporated into fun activities and games. Parents should use age-appropriate language and offer positive reinforcement to make learning enjoyable. Reminders around the house can also reinforce safety lessons. One of the best ways to teach children about safety is to enrich […]
The Box Tops for Education program, launched by General Mills in 1996, allows schools to earn money by collecting the tops of cereal boxes and other food and product brands. Over 90,000 schools in the US participate, and the program has disbursed $250 million since 2008. A coordinator is necessary for a successful program, and […]
Paper chads are the small pieces of paper left over from punching holes in paper, fabrics, plastics, and sheet metal. They can be difficult to handle and are a common byproduct of any paper-punching industry. The term “chad” dates back to at least the 1920s and there are different types of chads, such as pregnant […]
Shipping is common and there are many options available for different situations. Shipping boxes, bubble wrap, tape, shipping labels, and shipping tubes are basic supplies. There are also custom supplies for larger goods. Consult a professional shipping agent for advice. Shipping of various types of goods is very common today. From businesses shipping products to […]
The fire pole was invented in the 1870s in Chicago to help firefighters quickly reach equipment on the ground floor of two-story fire stations. Today, most fire stations are one story high, making the pole unnecessary, but it remains an iconic symbol. The first fire poles were made of wood, but most stations quickly switched […]
Provisional ballots are used when a voter’s eligibility is in question, and are meant to ensure that every eligible American can vote. However, some voter rights organizations have expressed concern about how provisional ballots are handled. The Help America Vote Act of 2002 mandated provisional ballots and other voting system reforms to prevent election irregularities […]
Reggio Emilia’s approach to education emphasizes community involvement and interactive teaching methods, encouraging child development through exploring interests and building relationships. It originated in Italy after World War II and emphasizes a stimulating school environment, parental involvement, and giving children control over their learning process. Reggio Emilia’s approach is an alternative form of education that […]
Ecclesiology is the study of the Christian church and its people, including its function, definition, administration, leadership, and impact on society and history. Researchers approach it from various perspectives and may study different interpretations and branches of Christianity. Bachelor’s degrees in ecclesiology are offered in various institutions worldwide. Ecclesiology is the study of the church, […]