Caffeine Fiend of Caffeine Friend
Caffeine Fiend of Caffeine Friend A cup of coffee forms a crucial part of many peoples’ morning as well as daily routines. However the morning ‘cuppa Joe’ is not a firm favourite for everyone, and that may have a lot more to do with just personal preference and taste. For some, a cup of coffee provides the welcome and essential boost needed to get through the day. For others however, even the smallest amount of caffeine found in coffee can cause a serious case of the jitters or a night destined to be sleep-less. Why does caffeine affect some, and not others? As it turns out – the answer could very well lie in your genetic makeup. According to Marilyn Cornelis, a caffeine [...]
The Seven SPIs of Plastic
The Seven SPIs of Plastic A good place to start when it comes to knowing your plastics, is understanding that there are seven different kinds of plastic. Being able to differentiate between the seven plastic compounds is also key in being able to utilise them responsibly so that you know which kinds can be recycled and how. This is imperative given that plastic is used daily in most items including water bottles, take-away coffee cups, stationery, food containers and more. The plastic family comprises of the following: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene or Styrofoam (PS) and last but not least – the miscellaneous plastic category which includes polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile [...]
Remember, remember the 5th of November
Remember, Remember The 5th of November “Remember, remember, the Fifth of November, Gunpowder treason and plot, I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot” is one of a few well-known rhymes associated with Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder plot of 1605. Guy Fawkes’ infamy was a result of the failed plot that was meant to be actioned on the 5th of November 1605. Another verse of the rhyme details Guy Fawkes’ involvement in the plot: “Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent to blow up the King and the Parliament. Three score barrels of powder below Poor old England to overthrow”. The Gunpowder Plot was organised by Robert Catesby in “an effort to end the persecution of Roman Catholics by [...]
The price of a popular pooch
The price of a popular pooch If you’ve ever aspired to own one of the ‘Insta-worthy’ pooches or puppies that saturate social media feeds, then you should probably know that besides some of the most popular breeds’ characteristic high maintenance traits, they are also likely to set you back more than a pretty penny, or two. Instagram and Facebook alike have thousands of pages and profiles dedicated to dog breeds of all shapes, sizes, pedigrees and of course the inherent price tag based on the breed. While many people are happy to adopt dogs of mixed breeds and origins from rescue organisations instead of shopping for pure pedigrees, there is a substantial market for posh pooches in South Africa. According to the Business [...]
Vegan Vino
Vegan Vino Vegetarianism as a diet and as a lifestyle has risen in popularity over the years as an alternative to meat and fish based diets. A vegetarian typically subsists on a diet of non-meat based proteins and vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts. The vegetarian diet is not entirely without its animal by-products as most often also consume eggs and dairy-based products. Being vegetarian and vegetarianism first made its appearance in 1839 and fruitarian i.e. someone who lives on a diet sustained by fruit in 1893 (Merriam-Webster). There are also pescatarians, a term which was first acknowledged in 1993 and denotes a diet that consists of a fish or seafood-based protein source. Flexitarian is another term that has been thrown around in more [...]
Asgardia: More than just Marvel
Asgardia: More than just Marvel What comes to mind when you hear the word Asgard or Asgardia? For most, it will undoubtedly be the central kingdom based in outer space that is portrayed in Marvel’s The Avengers series of movies. The kingdom of Asgard plays a prominent role as the home of origin for the God of Thunder: Thor, and his brother – the God of Mischief, Loki. The kingdom portrayed in the Marvel super-hero series is based on Norse religion and mythology. Asgard or Asgardia is one of the Nine Worlds of Norse mythologies and is home to the Aesir tribe of gods. It is situated in the sky and connected to Midguard by the Bifrost i.e. the rainbow bridge (for non-Marvel [...]
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