Betty-Ann

Joined October 2023

16 stories

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I am grateful for the small things in life and would like to share what I can with others.

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A brie(f) history of cheese
The Enduring Legacy of Cheese: A Culinary Journey Through History Before empires and royalty, before pottery and writing, before metal tools and weapons – there was cheese. As early as 8000 BCE, the earliest Neolithic farmers living in the Fertile Crescent began a legacy of cheesemaking almost as old as civilization itself.
By Betty-Ann2 years ago in History
What causes headaches?
In ancient Greece, headaches were considered powerful afflictions. Sufferers prayed for relief from Asclepius, the god of medicine. And if the pain persisted, a medical practitioner would resort to the best-known remedy of that era: trepanation, which involved drilling a small hole in the skull to drain supposedly infected blood. Unfortunately, this drastic technique often replaced the headache with more permanent conditions. Luckily, in modern times, we don't employ such extreme measures to alleviate headaches. However, we continue to explore and research this ancient ailment, striving to better understand its complexities.
By Betty-Ann2 years ago in Humans
Things all great listeners know
Understanding what it truly means to be an excellent listener is not as straightforward as recognizing when someone isn't paying attention. Behavioral scientists have uncovered that effective listening holds immense power in enhancing relationships, expanding our perspectives, and even influencing others' perspectives. So, what can we do to cultivate this skill and become better listeners?
By Betty-Ann2 years ago in Humans
What if there were 1 trillion more trees?
At nearly 84 meters in height, the largest known living tree on our planet stands proudly, aptly nicknamed General Sherman. Over its estimated 2,500 years on Earth, this giant sequoia has performed a remarkable feat by sequestering approximately 1,400 tons of atmospheric carbon. While few trees can rival such an impressive carbon impact, the stark reality is that humanity now produces more than 1,400 tons of carbon emissions every single minute.
By Betty-Ann2 years ago in Earth
Why don’t we cover the desert with solar panels?
Every day, the sands of the Sahara Desert are scorched by temperatures that can soar up to a blistering 80 degrees Celsius. This sprawling desert, covering roughly nine million square kilometers, serves as a vast canvas upon which the Sun bestows an astonishing 22 million terawatt hours of energy annually. To put that in perspective, it's more than 100 times the energy consumed by humanity each year. It's a staggering amount of untapped power, and it begs the question: Could covering the Sahara with solar panels offer a definitive solution to our global energy woes?
By Betty-Ann2 years ago in Earth
Landing the 900: The moment Tony Hawk became a legend
In 1995, a pivotal moment in the history of extreme sports occurred when Tony Hawk clinched the gold medal at the inaugural X Games. This victory marked the beginning of an era of Hawk's dominance throughout the '90s. His exceptional skills and unwavering determination made him a household name among skateboarders and sports enthusiasts worldwide.
By Betty-Ann2 years ago in Motivation
The dark history of bananas
In the waning days of 1910, a daring voyage embarked from New Orleans, setting sail towards a tumultuous destiny. At its helm was Manuel Bonilla, an exiled former leader of Honduras, fueled by the desire to recapture power by any means necessary. Bonilla had a potent ally in the form of a shadowy entity, known throughout Latin America as El Pulpo, or "the Octopus," a moniker that signified its far-reaching influence. This enigmatic figure was none other than the United Fruit Company, the precursor to today's Chiquita Brands International.
By Betty-Ann2 years ago in History
The history of the world according to corn.
Corn, often referred to as maize, stands as a towering giant in the realm of global crop production, contributing to over one-tenth of the world's agricultural output. In the United States, its cultivation is so extensive that it could blanket the entire nation of Germany. Yet, this agricultural marvel is peculiar in its uniformity. Surprisingly, more than 99% of cultivated corn belongs to a single type: Yellow Dent #2. The question arises: how did this solitary variety of maize become the unrivaled success story in the annals of agriculture?
By Betty-Ann2 years ago in History
The life cycle of a cup of coffee.
The process of making a simple cup of coffee, a daily ritual for many, belies the intricate and expansive web of individuals, communities, and industries involved in bringing this beloved beverage to our mugs. The journey of coffee beans from their humble origins in places like the Colombian town of Pitalito to the bustling cafes of cities like New York is a testament to the global supply chain and the dedication of countless people. In this narrative, we will explore the journey of coffee, highlighting the efforts of those often overlooked in the coffee-making process.
By Betty-Ann2 years ago in FYI
The history of tea
In the annals of ancient legends, the story of Shennong, the divine farmer of China, stands as a testament to the serendipitous discovery of tea. During one of his laborious days spent foraging the forest for edible grains and herbs, Shennong unwittingly poisoned himself an astonishing 72 times. It seemed that his life was hanging by a thread, destined to be claimed by the deadly toxins coursing through his body. However, fate had other plans. As he lay there, on the precipice of death, a solitary leaf drifted into his mouth. Instinctively, he chewed on it, and to his astonishment, it revived him. Thus, the tale of Shennong and the miraculous leaf came to be, marking the inception of tea, a beverage revered throughout history.
By Betty-Ann2 years ago in History
How sugar affects the brain?
Imagine a world of culinary delights, where warm, gooey cookies beckon with their enticing aroma, crunchy candies invite you to savor their satisfying snap, velvety cakes promise indulgence, and waffle cones rise like sweet towers, crowned with the creamy splendor of ice cream. Does the mere thought of these delectable treats make your mouth water? Are you suddenly gripped by an irresistible craving for dessert? If so, you're not alone, for there's a fascinating interplay between our brains and sugary foods that makes them incredibly hard to resist.
By Betty-Ann2 years ago in FYI
The science of spiciness
Have you ever wondered why your mouth feels like it's on fire when you eat a spicy pepper or why wasabi can make your eyes water? The world of spicy foods is a fascinating one, filled with complex chemical interactions and sensory experiences. Let's dive into the science behind spiciness, explore why it feels the way it does, and learn how to soothe the burn.
By Betty-Ann2 years ago in FYI

Betty-Ann

Bio

Stories .css-1svwz57-Text{display:inline-block;color:var(--text-default-mute);}(16)

Filter by community

A brie(f) history of cheese

What causes headaches?

Things all great listeners know

What if there were 1 trillion more trees?

Why don’t we cover the desert with solar panels?

Landing the 900: The moment Tony Hawk became a legend

The dark history of bananas

The history of the world according to corn.

The life cycle of a cup of coffee.

The history of tea

How sugar affects the brain?

The science of spiciness

Stories (16)