WHY is it forbidden to flush the toilet in Switzerland in the evening?
The truth is that Swiss people really don't flush after 10 p.m.! But it only applies to private housing. In this peculiar way, the parliament of this small country is fighting against the noise in the evening. Couldn't you do something else, such as changing the pipes in the sewage system? Evidently not.
Incidentally, as of late in Switzerland, you can buy toilets with improved noise isolation. Well, those people who cannot afford to equip their latrines, have to either endure or go out on the street.
The truth is that Swiss people really don't flush after 10 p.m.! But it only applies to private housing. In this peculiar way, the parliament of this small country is fighting against the noise in the evening. Couldn't you do something else, such as changing the pipes in the sewage system? Evidently not.
Incidentally, as of late in Switzerland, you can buy toilets with improved noise isolation. Well, those people who cannot afford to equip their latrines, have to either endure or go out on the street.
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WHY does salting a pineapple make it sweeter?
Despite the seeming paradox of this statement, the pineapple does get sweeter if you salt it.
As everyone knows, it is rich in various vitamins and minerals, a special enzyme called bromelain (which breaks down proteins), as well as fiber.
The pineapple is a real treasure trove of health benefits for our body, but its spicy taste is not to everyone's liking. Actually, pineapple contains plenty of fruit acids, namely malic and citric acids. But the salt, reacting with the acid, neutralizes it.
Thus, pineapple truly appears sweeter to our taste buds. Simply because after the acid is neutralized, it will be less acidic.
Despite the seeming paradox of this statement, the pineapple does get sweeter if you salt it.
As everyone knows, it is rich in various vitamins and minerals, a special enzyme called bromelain (which breaks down proteins), as well as fiber.
The pineapple is a real treasure trove of health benefits for our body, but its spicy taste is not to everyone's liking. Actually, pineapple contains plenty of fruit acids, namely malic and citric acids. But the salt, reacting with the acid, neutralizes it.
Thus, pineapple truly appears sweeter to our taste buds. Simply because after the acid is neutralized, it will be less acidic.
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WHY is it harder to lift the ring finger?
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The human hand boasts a highly complex anatomical structure. The extensor muscle (extensor) extends or straightens the finger when it contracts and the flexor muscle (flexor) bends it.
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With the thumb, index finger, and pinky finger, this process is fairly straightforward because each has its own extensor muscle. However, the middle and ring fingers share a common extensor muscle. When you try to extend the ring finger, the middle finger flexor contracts, as it should, and securely nails the middle finger in place, which then unsuccessfully tries to move the common extensor.
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The human hand boasts a highly complex anatomical structure. The extensor muscle (extensor) extends or straightens the finger when it contracts and the flexor muscle (flexor) bends it.
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With the thumb, index finger, and pinky finger, this process is fairly straightforward because each has its own extensor muscle. However, the middle and ring fingers share a common extensor muscle. When you try to extend the ring finger, the middle finger flexor contracts, as it should, and securely nails the middle finger in place, which then unsuccessfully tries to move the common extensor.
WHY does salting a pineapple make it sweeter?
Despite the seeming paradox of this statement, the pineapple does get sweeter if you salt it.
As everyone knows, it is rich in various vitamins and minerals, a special enzyme called bromelain (which breaks down proteins), as well as fiber.
The pineapple is a real treasure trove of health benefits for our body, but its spicy taste is not to everyone's liking. Actually, pineapple contains plenty of fruit acids, namely malic and citric acids. But the salt, reacting with the acid, neutralizes it.
Thus, pineapple truly appears sweeter to our taste buds. Simply because after the acid is neutralized, it will be less acidic.
Despite the seeming paradox of this statement, the pineapple does get sweeter if you salt it.
As everyone knows, it is rich in various vitamins and minerals, a special enzyme called bromelain (which breaks down proteins), as well as fiber.
The pineapple is a real treasure trove of health benefits for our body, but its spicy taste is not to everyone's liking. Actually, pineapple contains plenty of fruit acids, namely malic and citric acids. But the salt, reacting with the acid, neutralizes it.
Thus, pineapple truly appears sweeter to our taste buds. Simply because after the acid is neutralized, it will be less acidic.
WHY does peppermint relieve nasal congestion?
Peppermint leaves have a unique flavor thanks to the menthol they contain. It is the menthol that gives the mint drink its refreshing taste. Essential oils of menthol relieves breathing and nasal congestion during colds.
Peppermint oil is useful for nasal congestion - it relieves swelling and nasal congestion, restores the patency of the sinuses.
Peppermint leaves have a unique flavor thanks to the menthol they contain. It is the menthol that gives the mint drink its refreshing taste. Essential oils of menthol relieves breathing and nasal congestion during colds.
Peppermint oil is useful for nasal congestion - it relieves swelling and nasal congestion, restores the patency of the sinuses.
WHY are the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper? Why not the BEARS?
Well, because these constellations are called Dippers rather than Bears in both Latin and Greek.
European constellation names are normally derived from Greek (and Roman stolen from them) myths.
However, several conflicting myths exist explaining the origins of the two Dippers. Among the most common is that the Big Dipper is the nymph Callisto, and the Little Dipper is her son Arcadus. Yet, Arcadus would really have to be more of a Bear.
An interesting fact: if we meet a bear in the forest, we say bear (no matter what sex it is). And the Greeks, when they meet a Bear or Dipper, say so.
Well, because these constellations are called Dippers rather than Bears in both Latin and Greek.
European constellation names are normally derived from Greek (and Roman stolen from them) myths.
However, several conflicting myths exist explaining the origins of the two Dippers. Among the most common is that the Big Dipper is the nymph Callisto, and the Little Dipper is her son Arcadus. Yet, Arcadus would really have to be more of a Bear.
An interesting fact: if we meet a bear in the forest, we say bear (no matter what sex it is). And the Greeks, when they meet a Bear or Dipper, say so.
WHY is the sky dark at night when the universe is infinite and full of bright stars?
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In 2002, after analyzing the light from 200,000 galaxies collected by Australian scientists as part of the project "Mapping the Galaxy Color-Redshift Relation," American scientists from Johns Hopkins University concluded that the color of the universe is pale green.
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If you take the Dulux color palette as a basis, this color would be somewhere between "Mexican mint", "Cornflower bunch" and "Shangri-La silk".
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Indeed, a few weeks after the report of the American Astronomical Society, scientists had to admit that an unfortunate error had crept into their calculations, and in fact, the color of the universe is rather closer to the dull shades of gray-brown.
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In science, this puzzle is known as the "Olbers photometric paradox," in honor of the German astronomer Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers, who described (but was not the first in history) this mysterious phenomenon in 1826.
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In 2002, after analyzing the light from 200,000 galaxies collected by Australian scientists as part of the project "Mapping the Galaxy Color-Redshift Relation," American scientists from Johns Hopkins University concluded that the color of the universe is pale green.
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If you take the Dulux color palette as a basis, this color would be somewhere between "Mexican mint", "Cornflower bunch" and "Shangri-La silk".
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Indeed, a few weeks after the report of the American Astronomical Society, scientists had to admit that an unfortunate error had crept into their calculations, and in fact, the color of the universe is rather closer to the dull shades of gray-brown.
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In science, this puzzle is known as the "Olbers photometric paradox," in honor of the German astronomer Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers, who described (but was not the first in history) this mysterious phenomenon in 1826.
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WHY aren't the wounded given a drink?
Only those wounded in the stomach or head.
From a punctured stomach or intestine, water with half-digested food can leak into the abdomen, increasing the chance of peritonitis. And with head injuries, a person can choke if he or she loses consciousness while drinking.
Even in case of a large blood loss, drinking is necessary.
Only those wounded in the stomach or head.
From a punctured stomach or intestine, water with half-digested food can leak into the abdomen, increasing the chance of peritonitis. And with head injuries, a person can choke if he or she loses consciousness while drinking.
Even in case of a large blood loss, drinking is necessary.
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WHY is routing called onion?
Onion routing is a method of transferring data in computer networks in which information passes through several network nodes (routers) to ensure anonymity.
In this process, the data is encrypted several times and the routers gradually remove "layers" of encryption to determine the next point of transmission. This multi-layered encryption is why this type of routing gets its name.
Onion routing is a method of transferring data in computer networks in which information passes through several network nodes (routers) to ensure anonymity.
In this process, the data is encrypted several times and the routers gradually remove "layers" of encryption to determine the next point of transmission. This multi-layered encryption is why this type of routing gets its name.
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WHY is it beneficial to take cold showers?
Cold showers are useful for coping with moodiness and decreasing the level of irritability. The thing is that cold water affects the "blue spot" area in the brain, which produces the hormone noradrenaline, responsible for fighting depression.
Since cold water improves the transport of nutrients to the body and oxygenates the cells, you become more alert. You get less tired and can concentrate on a specific task for longer.
A cold shower in the morning is just what you need to wake up more quickly. It activates the cells and circulation. You feel stronger and more energetic to take on important tasks.
Cold showers are useful for coping with moodiness and decreasing the level of irritability. The thing is that cold water affects the "blue spot" area in the brain, which produces the hormone noradrenaline, responsible for fighting depression.
Since cold water improves the transport of nutrients to the body and oxygenates the cells, you become more alert. You get less tired and can concentrate on a specific task for longer.
A cold shower in the morning is just what you need to wake up more quickly. It activates the cells and circulation. You feel stronger and more energetic to take on important tasks.
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WHY are trees planted along fields?
If you consider the purpose of these strips, it appears that they prevent snow drifts on the roads in places where their location coincides with the direction of the highways. But in fact, the benefits of these small strips of trees are tremendous and go beyond saving highways or increasing snow cover on the fields.
Trees retain snow in the fields, adding moisture to the soil at the beginning of the growing season, and reducing overall evaporation of moisture from the surface of the fields. Also, they reduce the destructive effects of southerly winds that lead to soil erosion and dust storms. The process of gully development poses a serious threat to fields, and forest plantations also help to deal with it.
But forest belts are not only planted between fields and along roads, they are commonly placed near canals and small river channels. In this case, they perform a similar function, protecting waterways from excessive evaporation and bank erosion.
If you consider the purpose of these strips, it appears that they prevent snow drifts on the roads in places where their location coincides with the direction of the highways. But in fact, the benefits of these small strips of trees are tremendous and go beyond saving highways or increasing snow cover on the fields.
Trees retain snow in the fields, adding moisture to the soil at the beginning of the growing season, and reducing overall evaporation of moisture from the surface of the fields. Also, they reduce the destructive effects of southerly winds that lead to soil erosion and dust storms. The process of gully development poses a serious threat to fields, and forest plantations also help to deal with it.
But forest belts are not only planted between fields and along roads, they are commonly placed near canals and small river channels. In this case, they perform a similar function, protecting waterways from excessive evaporation and bank erosion.
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WHY does chocolate turn white?
Many people are wary of this white coating that resembles mold. But it's not mold and it won't harm your health.
If not stored properly, the oil in the cocoa bean protrudes onto the surface of the chocolate product and turns a whitish color.
This could be proof that the chocolate really does contain cocoa beans and not their substitutes.
Many people are wary of this white coating that resembles mold. But it's not mold and it won't harm your health.
If not stored properly, the oil in the cocoa bean protrudes onto the surface of the chocolate product and turns a whitish color.
This could be proof that the chocolate really does contain cocoa beans and not their substitutes.
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WHY do gardeners enjoy using sawdust?
Gardeners find different uses for sawdust. You can use it for mulching, for example, to protect the soil around your crops and prevent weeds. Sawdust can also be added to compost.
Some gardeners use sawdust when making beds - a layer of sawdust mixed with ash is placed under the soil to raise the level of the bed and as a fertilizer. Finally, sawdust can be sprinkled on garden paths.
Gardeners find different uses for sawdust. You can use it for mulching, for example, to protect the soil around your crops and prevent weeds. Sawdust can also be added to compost.
Some gardeners use sawdust when making beds - a layer of sawdust mixed with ash is placed under the soil to raise the level of the bed and as a fertilizer. Finally, sawdust can be sprinkled on garden paths.
WHY does plankton contribute to bike lanes?
Dutch urban architect Daan Rusegaard draws inspiration from bioluminescent plankton in his work. Inspired by nature itself, he aims to make cities more practical and beautiful without harming the planet.
Mimicking the luminous plankton, Rusegard and his colleagues built a bicycle path out of solar-powered slabs. The path, reminiscent of van Gogh's "Starry Night," is set up in Nuenen, where the artist lived when he returned to his parents in 1883-1885.
Powered by solar panels, the bicycle path sparkles at night thanks to the energy stored during the day.
Dutch urban architect Daan Rusegaard draws inspiration from bioluminescent plankton in his work. Inspired by nature itself, he aims to make cities more practical and beautiful without harming the planet.
Mimicking the luminous plankton, Rusegard and his colleagues built a bicycle path out of solar-powered slabs. The path, reminiscent of van Gogh's "Starry Night," is set up in Nuenen, where the artist lived when he returned to his parents in 1883-1885.
Powered by solar panels, the bicycle path sparkles at night thanks to the energy stored during the day.
WHY is it only in February in Yosemite National Park, California, that you can see a "fiery" waterfall?
Only in February can you see Horsetail Falls turn into an amber-colored pillar of fire. In this month, the setting sun reflects off the falling water of Horsetail, making it appear as if fire lava is pouring down the eastern slope of El Capitan Peak.
However, it is far from every year to admire this spectacle. First, Horsetail is unstable: it is formed when streams of rain or meltwater run off the top of El Cap - and sometimes it can dry up altogether.
Second, the Sun is in the right sector of the sky only a few evenings a year, in the two-week period starting with Valentine's Day.
Third, the sky should be clear - at least without fog or clouds in the west.
Only in February can you see Horsetail Falls turn into an amber-colored pillar of fire. In this month, the setting sun reflects off the falling water of Horsetail, making it appear as if fire lava is pouring down the eastern slope of El Capitan Peak.
However, it is far from every year to admire this spectacle. First, Horsetail is unstable: it is formed when streams of rain or meltwater run off the top of El Cap - and sometimes it can dry up altogether.
Second, the Sun is in the right sector of the sky only a few evenings a year, in the two-week period starting with Valentine's Day.
Third, the sky should be clear - at least without fog or clouds in the west.
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WHY is the sunset on Mars blue?
The sunset on the Red Planet is blue. That's the conclusion reached by U.S. experts from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
This rare sight was recorded by the Mars rover "Opportunity". The pictures, dated November 3 and 9, the sun, surrounded by a blue glow, descends beyond the Martian horizon. The rover also transmitted other images, capturing for the first time the Martian solar eclipse. In these, one of the moons of Mars (Phobos) passes over the disk of the Sun.
The sunset on Mars is indeed bluish due to the peculiarities of the atmosphere. For example, our Earth's atmosphere only transmits long red wavelengths, while the Martian atmosphere transmits almost the entire spectrum of the sun's rays.
However, it appears bluish to us because of the predominance of ice particles in the atmosphere.
The sunset on the Red Planet is blue. That's the conclusion reached by U.S. experts from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
This rare sight was recorded by the Mars rover "Opportunity". The pictures, dated November 3 and 9, the sun, surrounded by a blue glow, descends beyond the Martian horizon. The rover also transmitted other images, capturing for the first time the Martian solar eclipse. In these, one of the moons of Mars (Phobos) passes over the disk of the Sun.
The sunset on Mars is indeed bluish due to the peculiarities of the atmosphere. For example, our Earth's atmosphere only transmits long red wavelengths, while the Martian atmosphere transmits almost the entire spectrum of the sun's rays.
However, it appears bluish to us because of the predominance of ice particles in the atmosphere.
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WHY do we crave to move to the rhythm of music?
We only know that this reaction to rhythmic music is innate, for it is inherent even in young children who have never seen a dance. Apparently, beating out the rhythm with his hand or foot, a person feels it more clearly, more accurately, captures the changes.
This agrees with the famous hypothesis of the Austrian musicologist Richard Wallaschek, according to which the music itself was born as a means of coordinating the rhythmic movements, especially the movements of a group of people.
Moreover, a number of studies have shown that music stimulates pleasure centers in the brain, as do coordinated movements. Dance, therefore, can bring people double pleasure.
We only know that this reaction to rhythmic music is innate, for it is inherent even in young children who have never seen a dance. Apparently, beating out the rhythm with his hand or foot, a person feels it more clearly, more accurately, captures the changes.
This agrees with the famous hypothesis of the Austrian musicologist Richard Wallaschek, according to which the music itself was born as a means of coordinating the rhythmic movements, especially the movements of a group of people.
Moreover, a number of studies have shown that music stimulates pleasure centers in the brain, as do coordinated movements. Dance, therefore, can bring people double pleasure.
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WHY did an American swimmer make the entire Soviet team wear a mustache?
Multiple Olympic swimming champion Mark Spitz of the United States was famous, among other things, for his unchanging mustache.
According to Spitz's own story, one day the coach of the Soviet team asked if the mustache slowed him down in the water. The athlete jokingly replied that, on the contrary, the mustache drains water from his mouth, helping the body to be more streamlined, and in the end, it only increases speed.
The next year, all Soviet swimmers arrived at the next international competition with mustaches.
Multiple Olympic swimming champion Mark Spitz of the United States was famous, among other things, for his unchanging mustache.
According to Spitz's own story, one day the coach of the Soviet team asked if the mustache slowed him down in the water. The athlete jokingly replied that, on the contrary, the mustache drains water from his mouth, helping the body to be more streamlined, and in the end, it only increases speed.
The next year, all Soviet swimmers arrived at the next international competition with mustaches.
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WHY is barbecue called that?
B-B-Q stands for the method of cooking meat and other foods over charcoal and open fire, a word that has long existed in many languages of the world in different variations.
It is thought that, in Europe, it first appeared in Spanish: in the form "barbacoa", it is mentioned in a dictionary published in 1526. The word came into Spanish from the New World - the natives of the Caribbean called "barabicu" a carcass of sticks, which was placed over a fire on supports. Meat was then roasted on it.
B-B-Q stands for the method of cooking meat and other foods over charcoal and open fire, a word that has long existed in many languages of the world in different variations.
It is thought that, in Europe, it first appeared in Spanish: in the form "barbacoa", it is mentioned in a dictionary published in 1526. The word came into Spanish from the New World - the natives of the Caribbean called "barabicu" a carcass of sticks, which was placed over a fire on supports. Meat was then roasted on it.
WHY do the British always mention the weather?
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Some features of British geography do influence the fact that the climate on the island conforms to stereotypes about it: mild, changeable and too unpredictable.
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This means that British residents never know what to expect, and so they often bring up the subject of weather in conversation.
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The daily chatter of Britons, however, tends to be more prosaic. The comment "It's cold, isn't it?" requires no elaborate response, generally just a snicker in agreement with the person you are talking to. It is a kind of code to overcome the awkwardness at the beginning of a conversation. Sometimes it is a way to start a dialogue, other times - to fill an awkward pause or avoid an awkward theme. And sometimes it's just an excuse to grumble together.
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Some features of British geography do influence the fact that the climate on the island conforms to stereotypes about it: mild, changeable and too unpredictable.
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This means that British residents never know what to expect, and so they often bring up the subject of weather in conversation.
⠀
The daily chatter of Britons, however, tends to be more prosaic. The comment "It's cold, isn't it?" requires no elaborate response, generally just a snicker in agreement with the person you are talking to. It is a kind of code to overcome the awkwardness at the beginning of a conversation. Sometimes it is a way to start a dialogue, other times - to fill an awkward pause or avoid an awkward theme. And sometimes it's just an excuse to grumble together.
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