Horace Wasland
Bio
Research analyst, writer & mystical healer. Exploring the edge where science meets mystery. From mystery/the mystical, to facts, news & psychology. Follow for weekly insights on all four and please leave a tip if you like what you read :)
Stories (251)
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The History of Chocolate
If you can't imagine life without chocolate, you're fortunate not to have been born before the 16th century. Until then, chocolate only existed in Mesoamerica in a form quite different from what we know today. As far back as 1900 BCE, the people of that region had learned to prepare the beans of the native cacao tree. The earliest records tell us the beans were ground and mixed with cornmeal and chili peppers to create a drink—not a relaxing cup of hot cocoa, but a bitter, invigorating concoction frothing with foam.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in History
Ice Cream Through the Ages
On a hot spring afternoon in 1963, two men, sent by the American CIA, snuck into the cafeteria of the Havana Libre Hotel. Their directive was to retrieve a poison pill from the freezer and slip it into the chocolate milkshake of Fidel Castro, the Cuban leader who was known to devour up to 18 scoops of ice cream after lunch. While exact details of the story are contested, it's rumored that the pill froze to the freezer coils and broke, foiling the CIA’s plan and granting Castro many more days to satiate his sweet tooth. Ice cream has held a unique role in our world’s history, culture, and cravings—but where did it come from?
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in History
The Journey of Ketchup
In the mid-18th century, England was captivated by ketchup. This sauce, a staple in numerous recipes, appeared in stews, vegetables, and even desserts. However, the ketchup of that era was vastly different from the tangy tomato condiment we recognize today. Instead, it was a sweet and savory brown sauce devoid of tomatoes. To understand the origins of this early ketchup and its transformation into the beloved dip of today, we must delve into the history of its condiment cousin: fish sauce.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in History
The Coffee Awakening
One day around 850 CE, a goatherd named Kaldi observed that, after nibbling on some berries, his goats started acting abnormally. Kaldi tried them himself, and soon enough he was just as hyper. This was humanity’s first run-in with coffee—or so the story goes. When exactly people began consuming coffee is unclear, but at some point before the 1400s, in what’s now Ethiopia, people began foraging for wild coffee in the forest undergrowth.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in Education
Understanding Procrastination
Procrastination is a pervasive issue that affects countless individuals, regardless of their profession or lifestyle. In his thought-provoking TED Talk, Tim Urban delves into the intricacies of procrastination, offering a humorous yet profound analysis of what drives this behavior. By exploring the inner workings of a procrastinator’s mind, Urban sheds light on the psychological mechanisms that influence our tendencies to delay tasks and how we might address them.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in Lifehack
Mysteries of Punt
Every civilization has its origin story, a tale of where it all began. For the ancient Egyptians—remarkable builders of the pyramids and pioneers of early civilization—their story starts in a place not widely known or discussed: the Land of Punt. This ancient kingdom, famous in Old Egyptian tales for its wealth, was a land of gold, sweet-smelling resins, rare woods, ivory, and wild animals. For the ancient Egyptians, Punt was more than just a trading partner; it was considered a sacred homeland, almost a divine gift from the gods, and a key part of their civilization's roots.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in History
Embracing Solitude
In a world increasingly oriented towards extroverted ideals, introverts often find themselves at a disadvantage. The prevailing social norms favor the gregarious and outgoing, often overshadowing the strengths of those who thrive in solitude. Susan Cain’s compelling TED Talk, “The Power of Introverts,” provides a profound exploration of how introverts harness the power of solitude to achieve remarkable creativity, leadership, and personal fulfillment.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in Lifehack
What Makes a Good Life?
In a world where success is often measured by wealth and fame, the pursuit of these goals frequently overshadows other aspects of life. Recent surveys reveal that more than 80% of millennials prioritize becoming rich, while half aspire to achieve fame. This focus on material and public success is reinforced by societal messages that emphasize relentless work and achievement as the path to a good life. However, a groundbreaking 75-year study provides a compelling counter-narrative, offering insights into what truly contributes to a fulfilling and healthy life.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in Lifehack
What Really Matters at the End of Life
Life's journey often brings profound realizations. For me, that moment arrived with a shocking intensity—11,000 volts coursing through my body during a college prank gone wrong. This harrowing accident marked the beginning of my deep relationship with death and my subsequent path as a patient. Through this experience, I came to understand the critical role of compassionate design in healthcare, especially at the end of life.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in Lifehack
The Evolution of Chess
The scene is set: attacking infantry presses forward, their elephants having breached the defensive lines. The king, desperate to escape, finds himself cornered by enemy cavalry. Escape is impossible. Yet this isn’t a real battlefield– nor is it merely a game. This tableau reflects the timeless nature of chess, a game that has transcended centuries and cultures, embodying military strategy, human affairs, and intellectual prowess.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in History
Kingdom of Kush
The ancient Kingdom of Kush, situated along the Nile River in what is now northern Sudan, represents a remarkable chapter in African history. Its story is a tale of rise and fall, marked by significant cultural exchanges and military conquests, yet often overshadowed by the more widely recognized civilization of Egypt. This article delves into the history of Kush, exploring its flourishing era, eventual decline, and the reasons it has been somewhat neglected in modern scholarship.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in History
Harnessing Mental Strength
Hardik Pandya is a celebrated Indian cricketer, renowned for his dynamic all-round capabilities on the field. His explosive batting, aggressive bowling, and athletic fielding have made him a key player for the Indian national team and a favorite among fans. Pandya’s journey from a young aspiring cricketer to an international star is marked by unwavering dedication, resilience, and a deep commitment to fitness. Recently, he launched his own performance wear line, which reflects his profound passion for fitness and his desire to inspire others. This article explores Pandya’s perspective on fitness, focusing on how he harnesses mental strength to enhance his physical performance.
By Horace Waslandabout a year ago in Longevity
