10-year-old Clara Lazen created a new molecule, tetranitratoxic carbon, during a science assignment at her elementary school in Kansas City. Experts confirmed it could exist and be useful as an explosive or for storing energy. The molecule is made up of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon and has a molecular structure similar to nitroglycerin. New molecules […]
Helmet decals are used for identification and decoration. They are commonly used in sports to identify teams and positions. They are also used on motorcycle helmets, construction helmets, and costume helmets. They are made from durable materials and adhesives that make them fairly permanent. Different types of helmet decals are usually based on the intended […]
A hard stop is an investment strategy where a price level is set to trigger the sale of a security if reached, preventing the investor from losing money. The type of order created varies, and the hard stop remains in effect until executed or canceled. A hard stop is an investment strategy that involves setting […]
Hard science fiction is a subgenre of science fiction that aims to be realistic and based on scientific knowledge. It is contrasted with soft science fiction, which is less realistic and may include fantastical elements. Hard science fiction may address controversial concepts like faster-than-light travel in a more consistent way. Hard science fiction is a […]
“Hard up” is an idiom used to describe someone in a dire financial situation or missing something they need. Its origin dates back to nautical times, when it described a boat’s position. The phrase’s meaning is culturally acquired over time, and it can denote any situation where someone is lacking something. “Hard up” is an […]
Forgetting names is common, but there are ways to fix it, such as repeating the name and creating a connection. A German printer had the longest name ever with 26 first names and a 666-letter surname, while in Iceland, parents choose from a limited list of names. Using an average initial can make people appear […]
“Hard money” refers to ongoing private or government funding for specific projects or production of metal coins. Private organizations may also provide hard money loans for community causes, with interest rates varying based on risk. Some governments used to back paper currency with precious metals, but many now use fiat money. “Hard money” is a […]
A tough market is when insurance demand grows faster than the available supply, resulting in higher premiums and restrictive policies. Insurance companies benefit, but customer retention can be a challenge. Soft markets are the opposite, with lower rates and more lenient underwriting standards. The property and casualty insurance market is cyclical and unpredictable. A tough […]
Modern homes are filled with distractions, making it difficult for students to focus on homework. Homework serves an important purpose in reinforcing concepts and developing time management skills. Creating a distraction-free homework environment and avoiding procrastination can improve focus and learning outcomes. Modern classrooms are designed to encourage and support the learning process, while many […]
Shopping carts become difficult to maneuver over time due to rusted ball bearings, axles, and swivels. The fixed rear wheels and misaligned front wheels also contribute to the problem. Trying out different carts is recommended. Contrary to what some of us might suspect, the wobbly wheel on a shopping cart isn’t factory installed. If you […]
Playing hard to get is a relationship tactic used by both men and women to appear more seductive and selective. It can work as a screening device or integrity test, but ultimately, mutual attraction needs to be proven. The game has its place in dating, but once it’s up, new relationships thrive on access and […]
“Between a rock and a hard place” is an idiom meaning to choose between two difficult options. Its origins trace back to Greek mythology, and it was first recorded in the US in 1921, possibly referring to the deportation of miners from Bisbee, Arizona. The expression is often used in situations where there are no […]
Hard goods are tangible products designed to remain functional for over three years, such as home-building materials, appliances, and office equipment. The distinction between hard and soft goods is based on the expected period of use, not price. Also known as durable goods, hard goods are any type of tangible product that is intended to […]
Noah Webster published the first American dictionary in 1806, and later published An American Dictionary of the English Language in 1828, which became the standard of lexicography. He learned 26 languages to research the origins of American English. Webster was born in Connecticut in 1758 and was a strong believer in preserving the distinctive American […]
“Ride hard and stow wet” is a phrase from the southern and western United States that refers to a person who looks exhausted or ill. It comes from horse riding, where horses need to be cooled down before being put back in the stable. The phrase can also imply neglect or abuse, but it can […]
“A hard row to hoe” is an English phrase that refers to a challenging task that requires dedication and hard work. It is often related to gardening and the need for persistence, consistency, and dedication to achieve a successful harvest. This can apply to personal situations, such as balancing work and college expenses, or business […]
A hard stop is an investment strategy where a price level is set to trigger the sale of a security if reached. It prevents investors from losing money and can be used to earn a profit. The type of order created using a hard stop varies, but it remains in effect until executed or canceled. […]
Poetry is undervalued as a form of communication due to the difficulty in understanding it. However, in the past, people valued poetry for its complexity. To appreciate poetry, try enjoying its rhythm and sound before searching for meaning. To understand it, break it down into smaller parts and analyze them. Poetry is subjective, so there […]
The idiom “hard as nails” refers to someone who is physically or mentally tough, and may also imply insensitivity towards others. It is one of many English idioms that use the word “hard” to mean toughness. Idioms add color and impact to speech and have meanings that differ from literal definitions. If something or someone […]
“Hard money” refers to ongoing private or government funding for specific projects, as well as the production of coins made of durable materials. Private businesses may also provide hard-money loans for community causes, with rates based on qualifications. Governments used to back their currency with precious metals, but now use fiat money. “Hard money” is […]
