Have you ever paused to ponder the story behind the seemingly ordinary ZIP Code? The U.S. Postal Service introduced the “Zone Improvement Plan Code” or ZIP Code on July 1, 1963, to enhance mail delivery speed and precision. This was, however, not their first brush with zone-based mailing. As early as 1943, they’d devised...
Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the “Parental Advisory: Explicit Lyrics” cautionary label caused quite a stir among music enthusiasts. The appearance of this warning label on records raised some serious questions about who should take responsibility for regulating what we listen to. It might seem surprising, but one particular artist and...
Contrary to popular belief, sushi isn’t solely about uncooked fish. It encompasses a diverse range of dishes, from vinegared rice topped with various ingredients to creative rolls that suit every palate. The concept of sushi has evolved over centuries, intertwining tradition and innovation to create a culinary experience that transcends cultural boundaries. Origins of...
The Origins of “Avocado” The term “avocado” has a fascinating etymology, originating from the Nahuatl Indian (Aztec) word “ahuácatl,” which surprisingly translates to “testicle.” This link to the human anatomy sheds light on the historical perception of this unique fruit and its association with fertility and vitality in ancient Aztec culture. Health Benefits of...
Picture this: Would you ever tempt fate with a culinary version of Russian roulette? While the odds of playing the actual dangerous game are thankfully rare, many in Japan willingly pay a premium for a dish that, if prepared incorrectly, could prove lethal by dessert time. Dive with us into the thrilling and treacherous...
In the annals of medical history, one ailment that has long perplexed and terrified humanity is tetanus. Even Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician, documented a horrific case in 380 B.C.E. A ship’s captain injured his right index finger with an anchor, and within days, he experienced a barrage of terrifying symptoms – foul discharges,...
Tuberculosis has been recognised as a social illness for ages. It thrives in low-income communities because of societal variables like hunger, overcrowding, dangerous working conditions, and social shame. In 2021, malnutrition was responsible for approximately 2.2 million TB cases worldwide, whereas HIV infection was responsible for 0.86 million, alcohol use disorders for 0.74 million,...
South Africa’s prestigious FNB Art Prize in 2023 goes to Lindokuhle Sobekwa. He is the first artist to win the award whose major medium is documentary photography. Sobekwa, who was born in Katlehong in 1995 but grew up in the nearby town of Thokoza, started taking photography classes through the Of Soul and Joy...
Riding the YouTube Wave When you think of YouTube and billions of views, it’s often chart-toppers like Ed Sheeran or Justin Bieber that come to mind. But nestled among them is the delightful earworm from Pinkfong, “Baby Shark Dance”, boasting an impressive 4.6 billion views. Pinkfong’s fascinating journey with this song, with over 100...