Did you know?

Approximately 110 million roses, mostly red, will be sold and delivered in three days surrounding Valentine's Day. The reason red roses are so popular is because they were the favorite flowers of Juno, the Roman goddess of love.

Did you know?

City dwellers living in cramped apartments are often seeking ways to create privacy and space in places where there's little room for either one. While apartment living can be frustrating, temporary partition walls are a relatively inexpensive solution that can help those living in cramped quarters make the most of what little space they have.

Did you know?

Many Christmas traditions are older than some celebrants might think. The tradition of lighting up a Christmas tree, for example, dates back to the days before Christmas lights. Before electric-powered twinkle lights were invented and even before electricity was discovered, people used actual candles to adorn the Christmas tree.

Did you know?

Many people know that stress can be bad for your mental health, but as it turns out, it can also be bad for your physical health. Researchers have linked behaviors associated with stress, such as drinking alcohol, using drugs, or even binging on comfort foods, with the deterioration of the adrenal gland.

Did you know?

The word "winter" comes from a Proto-Germanic word "wintruz," meaning "time of water." It also may derive from the Old Dutch word, "wintar."

Coldest place in North America

Researchers have found that the Snag air field near Beaver Creek, Yukon, Canada is the coldest place around. That's thanks in large part to its record-breaking temperature dip to 81 degrees below zero on February 3, 1947.

Anatomy of a snowflake

By now most probably know that no two snowflakes are alike and that they have some unique characteristics. Here's an exploration of some of the components of a snowflake and what makes them a marvel of natural engineering.

Drunk driving fact

Many people mistakenly assume that New Year's Eve is the holiday responsible for the most drunk-driving accidents. Although champagne and other alcoholic drinks are often free-flowing on December 31, New Year's Eve holds a distant second place to Thanksgiving for the most drunk driving-related fatalities.

Did you know?

Stand-alone ATMs have become another tool for criminals to steal the identities of unsuspecting people.

Did you know?

A credit score is a number generated by a mathematical formula, or algorithm, based on information in each individual's credit report.

Did you know?

The history of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation dates all the way back to 1740. Back then, the Paris Academy of Sciences officially recommended mouth-to-mouth resuscitation for drowning victims.

Did you know?

Though some might feel it's a relatively recent phenomenon, the history of Black Friday might actually have originated several decades ago. The day following Thanksgiving that marks the unofficial beginning to the holiday shopping season, Black Friday is not an official holiday and theories abound as to its origins and even what its name means.

Did you know?

Remembrance Day in Canada is a day to commemorate members of the armed forces. Remembrance Day is observed each year on November 11 because that marks the official end of World War I in 1918.

Imported holiday gifts

People shopping for toys and presents this holiday season who are also trying to be conscientious of buying American or Canadian may want to pay more attention to the items they are getting.

Did you know?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that each year in the United States, more than 4,500 infants die suddenly of no immediately obvious cause.

Did you know?

Relatively recent research has suggested Irish novelist Bram Stoker knew little about the history of Vlad III, better known as Vlad the Impaler and a figure long considered to be the inspiration for the titular character in Stoker's famous novel Dracula.

Did you know?

The present incarnation of Halloween borrows traditions from four different festivals throughout history.

Did you know?

Airbags were invented in the early 1950s by John W. Hetrick, an industrial engineer and member of the U.S. Navy. It wasn't until roughly 20 years later that airbags began being used in mass-produced autos.

Did you know?

A balloon car loan is one in which a car is not paid in full when the length of the loan expires. For the terms of a balloon loan to be completed, borrowers must make one final, large balloon payment. Until that balloon payment is made, borrowers do not own the vehicle.

Did you know?

The tablet has revolutionized the world of computers, offering consumers a device that is more portable and lightweight than a notebook computer. Its utility and application for entertainment and general use has quickly elevated its status as a must-have device, particularly among on-the-go professionals.

Did you know?

Many people are worried about their electronic devices thanks to identity theft and hacking. It's widely known that thieves can steal credit card information by swiping or reading your card with a special device.

Did you know?

A report in Bicycle Retailer found that in the United States less than one trip in 100 is by bicycle. Americans rely more heavily on their cars for daily trips. If that ratio were raised to one and one half trips per 100, which is less than one bike trip every two weeks for the average person, the U.S. would save more than 462 million gallons of gasoline per year.

Did you know?

Cancer is the name given to a group of more than 100 diseases. What these diseases have in common is the rapid growth of cells in a part of the body. In a healthy body, the cells grow, divide and eventually die in an orderly fashion.

Did you know?

Though ceiling fans are most associated with warm-weather seasons, most can be effective throughout the winter months as well, helping circulate warm air throughout a room in much the same way they circulate cool air during the warmer weather.

Did you know?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium found in most soils. Radon can enter the home by moving up through the ground and into the air above before moving into a home in a variety of ways, including through cracks in solid floors, through construction joints and through cracks in walls.

Did you know?

When receiving a pathology report after being diagnosed with breast cancer, women might notice the cancer will be graded on a scale from 1 to 3. These grades indicate how different the cancer cells' appearance and growth patterns are from those of normal cells.

Did you know?

For those who are interested in making some easy lifestyle changes that can result in modest reductions in blood pressure, listening to music or laughing more may do the trick.

Did you know?

Children as young as infants can begin wearing contact lenses. Some infants are fitted with contact lenses because of congenital cataracts, a condition in which the eye's natural lens is cloudy instead of clear.

Did You Know?

There has long been debate about the quality of the healthcare system in the United States versus other countries, including Canada and European nations. Some say the American system is better, while others think better care is received through a universal or government-sponsored system.

Did you know?

Every year during the month of Ramadan, Muslims across the globe fast from first light until sundown. This fast includes abstaining from food, drink and sexual relations.

Did you know?

A whole-house fan is an effective alternative to air conditioning when it comes to cooling a home. Homeowners frequently spend hundreds of dollars a month to run an air conditioning system. A whole-house fan works by drawing cool, external air into the home through open windows while pushing hot air out.

Did you know?

While many people consider home a safe haven, allergy sufferers might find their homes are actually havens for a host of harmful allergens. Even those who suffer hay fever and other outdoor allergies might find their home's interior is actually making their condition worse.

Did you know?

Home improvement projects no longer need to be halted due to missing tools or misplaced measurements. Thanks to advancements in mobile phone technology, homeowners can now keep projects on schedule thanks to a host of apps that make it possible for even the most forgetful do-it-yourselfer to complete projects on time.

Did you know?

Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine, preventing it from absorbing parts of food. When a person has Celiac disease, his or her immune system attacks the villi, or areas along the lining of the small intestine, whenever foods that contain gluten are eaten.

Did you know?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, sea level is rising along most of the coastal United States and around the world. In the last century, sea level along the Mid-Atlantic and Gulf Coasts rose 5 to 6 inches more than the global average.

How air conditioners work

On a steaming, hot day, the cool breeze from an air conditioner can seem a divine gift. Many people do not question just how the cooling effect comes to be, accepting it as a benefit of modern technology. Others may wonder how air conditioning symptoms can turn a room from sweltering to chilly in such a short period of time.

What's really in a hot dog?

For many years, hot dogs have received their share of bad publicity. Uncertainty about secret ingredients housed within that outer membrane have caused many to fear the humble hot dog. In truth, there isn't much mystery to the contents of frankfurters, and people needn't fear the worst.

Did you know?

Not all couples are in love with the idea of being the center of attention on their wedding day. Some couples are simply uncomfortable in front of crowds both big and small.

Did you know?

The United States purchased Alaska from the Russian Empire in 1867 for a price of $7.2 million. That purchase would eventually result in a territorial dispute between the U.S. and Canada.

Did you know?

Canada holds the interesting distinction of being the country with the third most time zones, behind Russia (with 11) and the U.S. (with 9).

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According to the latest figures on publicly funded education in Canada, in recent years the student-educator ratio has dropped in every province across the country except for British Columbia.

Did you know?

The highest paid teachers in the U.S. are those who work in California, where the average annual salary is $59,800.

Did you know?

Cyberbullying occurs when a child is embarrassed, harassed, humiliated, threatened, or tormented by another child using the Internet, mobile phones or another interactive and digital technology. Just as genuine a concern as bullying, cyberbullying has resulted in children killing others or even committing suicide.

Did you know?

Senora Louise Smart Dodd was born to William Smart, a Civil War soldier, and Ellen Victoria Cheek Dodd in 1882. Senora was the only daughter in a family of six children. When Senora was 16, her mother died in childbirth with her sixth child.

Did you know?

Men and women who die without a will do not automatically have their assets seized by the government. When men and women die without a will, they leave what is known as intestacy.

Did you know?

A tsunami is a series of traveling ocean waves of extremely long length. In the deep ocean, the lave of these waves from crest to crest can be a hundred miles or more.

Did you know?

The Jewish tradition of breaking glass at a wedding dates back to the destruction of the ancient temple in Jerusalem. Taking place at the conclusion of the Seven Blessings, the breaking of the glass is meant to symbolize the breaking of the Jewish people's hearts at the destruction of the temple.

Did you know?

According to a 2010 study conducted by researchers at the Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley, a midday nap might just make you smarter.

Did you know?

According to a survey of 1,400 U.S. travelers, summer projects to be the most popular season for vacation rental stays in 2011. The TripAdvisor(R) survey found that no region is more popular for rental stays than the southeast, with 31 percent of people planning a rental home stay saying they would do so in that region.

Did You Know?

Men, women and children who recently left a concert and felt some ringing in their ears could be experiencing something more serious than they think. Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing ringing, buzzing, whistling, hissing, or chirping sounds.

Did You Know?

May Day, celebrated across the globe every May 1, has different meanings depending on where it is being celebrated. The origin of May Day predates Christianity.

Did You Know?

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the prostate is not essential for life. Instead, the role of the prostate seems to be to supply substances that facilitate fertilization.

Did You Know?

Though some children might start exhibiting signs that they are ready for toilet training as early as 18 to 24 months, it is not uncommon for kids to stay in diapers until they are 3 years old.

Did You Know?

Due to the availability of assisted reproductive technology, the likelihood of a woman conceiving twins or other multiples has increased. According to BabyCenter.com, today about 1 in 32 births are twin births.

Did You Know?

Emancipation Day is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of slaves of African origin. In Washington, D.C., Emancipation Day is celebrated every April 16. On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act, which freed roughly 3,000 enslaved persons in the District of Columbia.

Did You Know?

The proverb "April showers bring May flowers" can be dated back several centuries. Even those who repeat the proverb are likely unaware it dates all the wack back to an English poet and farmer who made a name for himself nearly half a millennium ago.

Did You Know?

The longest ship ever constructed is the supertanker Seawise Giant. Longer than many of the world's tallest buildings, the Seawise Giant, which was delivered to India for scrap in early 2010, had a length overall of more than 1,500 feet.

Did You Know?

Bed bugs aren't just land-lovers. These pests are also popping up on boats as well. Cruisers and recreational boaters are increasingly finding bed bugs are hitching rides on the open water.

Did You Know?

Compost can improve soil structure and texture and improve the soil's capacity to hold water. Eco-conscious green-thumbers love compost because it's all-natural, while cost-conscious homeowners like compost because they can improve their lawn and garden without spending a dime.

Did You Know?

Highlighting, or up lighting, is a landscaping technique in which light from below is used to accent certain focal points in a landscape.

Did You Know?

On average, $400 million in domestically produced cut flowers and $24 million in domestically produced cut roses are sold every year for Valentine's Day. There are roughly 20,000 florists in the United States, many of which are very busy delivering and selling flowers for Valentine's Day.

Did You Know?

Black History has been recognized by Americans since 1926. Initially dubbed "Negro History Week," that week-long celebration soon grew into a month-long recognition of black people and their important contributions throughout the country's history.

Did You Know?

Many early Christian martyrs were named Valentine, which can make it confusing when trying to figure out just who is being honored on Valentine's Day.

Did You Know?

There are two types of cholesterol, one that can make the arteries less flexible and therefore make a person more susceptible to heart attack or stroke; and the other that actually protects against heart attack.

Did You Know?

After a long winter, getting back into the yard and surveying the damage is an annual rite of passage for homeowners. One of the more common problems homeowners face in the spring is rain, which can cause foundation flooding and damage.

Did You Know?

The pioneer home improvement series, "This Old House," debuted as a one-time, 13-part series on a Boston public broadcasting station in 1979.

Winter Songs Inspired By the Season

The holiday season is full of songs about winter, but many are about Christmastime and have that "holly, jolly" feel to them. There is an extensive collection of other winter-inspired songs that embrace the feelings of the season but aren't specific to the holidays.

Windchill Versus Air Temperature

During the winter, meteorologists report the actual air temperature outside and the windchill temperature. Do you know the difference between the two? Air temperature is the thermostat reading of the temperature outdoors.

Did You Know?

According to the 2009 National Health Interview Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 46 million persons under the age of 65 are uninsured in the United States, an increase of nearly 2.5 million persons from the preceding year.

Did You Know?

Though it's difficult to call it official, the 2004 wedding of Vanisha Mittal, daughter of steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal, is considered the most expensive wedding in history.

Did You Know?

Holiday travelers who prefer to get a head start on the competition might be falling into a holiday travel trap.

Coldest Place on Earth

It may seem like most neighborhoods across the country are the coldest places on earth come the winter months. However, there is one location that officially holds this distinction, which belongs to Antarctica's Vostok Station.

Did You Know?

Gluten is a type of protein that is found in many types of grains. Therefore, most breads and cereals will contain gluten. There are some grains that do not have gluten. These include wild rice, corn, buckwheat, millet, amaranth, quinoa, teff, and oats.

Did You Know? (179 words, US, UK, CAN)

January 1 is the first day of the calendar year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. Across the globe, New Year's Day has become a day of celebration, particularly when the clock strikes midnight and the New Year is officially welcomed.

Did You Know?

You would have a hard time ice skating on the continent of Antarctica. Although it would seem like the ultimate ice skating environment, Antarctica is actually anything but. To ice skate a skater must put his body weight on the two ice skate blades.

Did You Know?

The light meat of turkey contains about 225 calories per one cup serving and 5.2 grams of fat.

Did You Know?

When it comes to roasting, many people think about their favorite meats and poultry to put in the oven. But many things can be roasted, including nuts and even coffee. In fact, before commercially produced coffee was available, many people did their own roasting of beans at home.

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There are three states that have the highest Hispanic populations in the U.S.

Did You Know?

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells that have developed abnormally. Cancerous cells are also known as malignant cells.

Did You Know?

Until this year, the Exxon Valdez oil spill was categorized as the worst spill in history. The best estimates are that 250,000 seabirds, 2,800 sea otters, 300 harbor seals, 250 bald eagles, up to 22 killer whales, and billions of salmon and herring eggs were destroyed in that spill.

Did You Know?

The terms Hispanic and Latino continue to be a source of contention. Though not intended to offend, the two terms are often thought of as interchangeable, even though each implies something different.

Did You Know

Department stores count on Santa Claus to attract customers to pose for pictures and shop the day away. History suggests the department store Santa made his debut in 1841, when J.W. Parkinson, a Philadelphia merchant, hired a man to dress up in a "Kris Kringle" outfit and climb the chimney of his store.

Did You Know?

Renters may feel they have limited options when it comes to making changes around their apartment. In many cases, modifications to the space are governed by what the landlord will allow and what is stated in the tenant's lease.

Did You Know?

Pantone is a global authority on color for the design industry. The company has revealed its color picks for its PANTONE(R)VIEW home + interiors 2010, eight palettes of color for home interiors and additional tinged neutrals.

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Despite an economy that had begun to falter, 2008 did bear witness to an increase in Black Friday spending online over the previous year. Known as Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving is a day many instantly associate with shopping, particularly at the malls and large electronics retailers.

Did You Know?

Electronic utility bills may not be the greenest option available, primarily if you don't really glance at the bill closely. Having a paper bill in hand may cause you to carefully scan the energy usage for the household over the course of the year.

Did You Know?

Homeowners doing some spring cleaning this season might want to consider curio cabinets to store all those old athletic trophies or keepsakes from yesteryear. Predominantly glass cabinets with frameworks made of metal or wood, curio cabinets are commonly used to display collections or other items that are all of a similar theme.

Did You Know?

The popular American television show "Home Improvement" ran from 1991 to 1999. It launched the careers of then little-know actors Tim Allen, Pamela Anderson (who went on to "Baywatch" stardom) and Jonathan Taylor Thomas (the voice of Simba in Disney's "The Lion King").

Did You Know?

The modern day incarnation of Saint Valentine's Day might very well be rooted in the fiction of noted English author Geoffrey Chaucer during the High Middle Ages.

Did You Know?

Each February, schools, banks and even many offices close for a holiday that technically doesn't exist.

Did You Know?

Electronic invitations, thank-you cards and other stationery not only save time and money, but they are also better for the planet.

Did You Know?

In spite of a struggling economy and an attitudinal shift toward living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, the top-selling vehicle of 2009 was the Ford F-Series pickup truck.

Did You Know?

One of America's most famous roadways technically no longer exists. 2010 marks the 25th anniversary that Route 66, which has been mentioned numerous times in pop culture, was officially removed from the United States Highway System.

Did You Know?

If you are new to the home ownership market, you may not know there are many factors that can either drive up costs of home insurance or lower your premiums. Knowing about them in advance can help you shop smartly for insurance and make changes that can affect your expenditures.

Did You Know?

Northern Ireland is a separate country from Ireland. Though many are relatively familiar with the conflicts in Northern Ireland, the notion of Northern Ireland as a separate country from the Republic of Ireland might not be common knowledge.

Did You Know?

Many people equate sleeping disorders to insomnia, or having trouble getting to or staying asleep. However, sleep disorders are varied and far-reaching. One division of sleep disorders is parasomnia, or undesired effects that come with sleep.

Did You Know?

Considered the unofficial end of America's summer, Labor Day is the holiday in the United States when the average worker is commemorated. The first observance of Labor Day is thought to have taken place on September 5, 1882 in New York City.

Did You Know?

According to Assistance Dogs International, not all breeds of dogs make ideal service dogs. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers tend to make the best service dogs.

Did You Know?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women. (Non-melanoma skin cancer is the leading form of cancer among women.)

Did You Know?

The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during the daylight hours.

Did You Know?

For those thinking about a career in interior design, one must realize that employment of interior designers will vary just like many other careers. The way interior designers take on jobs could be on a project-to-project basis, or they may be involved with a firm that has contracts with larger corporations.

Did You Know?

Once reserved for baseball fields and indoor football stadiums, synthetic grass, commonly referred to as "fake grass," can now be purchased by private citizens as well. While synthetic grass has evolved over the years, the principle of providing a realistic and aesthetically appealing alternative to natural grass is still the same.

Did You Know?

Though no one knows for certain, history suggests the first April Fool's Day dates back to late 16th century France with the introduction of the Gregorian Calendar.

Did You Know?

SIDS is the leading cause of death in children age one month to one year. Since the Back to Sleep campaign was initiated, urging parents to put their children to sleep on their backs, SIDS deaths decreased.

Did You Know?

Breastfeeding is not only good for babies, but it's also good for the environment.

Did You Know?

Solar eclipses occur fairly frequently, typically two to five times per year. One possible explanation as to why this fact may surprise people is due to the relatively small area of the ground covered totally during a solar eclipse.

Did You Know?

According to the United States Geological Survey, Americans continue to use water more efficiently. In the five year period ending in 2005, total water use dropped slightly.

Green Fact

Creating a new aluminum can from scratch takes 95 percent more energy than making a can from recycled aluminum. Therefore, the mantra to recycle is just as important today as when it was first instituted.

Did You Know?

According to Education Week and the Editorial Projects in Education Research Center, school districts struggling with poverty are improving their on-time graduation rates in the 21st century.

Did You Know?

Acoording to information from the United States Census Bureau, the average salary for public school teachers in the United States is $46,800.

Did You Know?

Bees are remarkable insects that make everyday life possible. About one-third of all plant pollination on earth is done by bees.

Did You Know?

According to the United States Labor Department, in 2008 women's median earnings were 79.9 percent of men's. That figure means women earn 20.1 percent less than their male counterparts, and marks an improvement from 2004, when women's wages were 76.5 percent of men's wages.

Did You Know?

According to United States Census Bureau (USCB) date from 2000 to 2008, more and more seniors are choosing to cohabitate instead of remarry. Between 2000 and 2008, the number of seniors choosing to cohabitate nearly doubled from 1.2 million to 2.2 million.

Did You Know?

According to a 2010 report jointly released by the nonprofit Trust for America's Health, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, millions of adults are going without recommended vaccinations, leading to as many as 50,000 preventable deaths a year.

Did You Know?

According to an AARP study, Americans 55 and older accounted for 23 percent of the more than one million Americans who filed for bankruptcy in 2007, representing a significant increase from 1991.

Did You Know?

The senior population is one of the fastest-growing demographics, thus making it a very influential one. There are currently about 500 million people age 65 or older around the world. And many seniors are living longer than ever before.

Did You Know?

While you might be considering a hybrid car to benefit the environment, that very same car can also benefit your bank account. Though many hybrid cars might cost more to take off the lot than their traditional automotive counterparts, the savings in fuel can add up significantly over the course of a single year.

Did You Know?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), half of the world's population is at risk of malaria. Though it might be common for those in the Western hemisphere to assume malaria is not a major world health issue, an estimated 243 million malaria cases occurred in 2008.

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Coldest place in North America

Anatomy of a snowflake

Drunk driving fact

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Imported holiday gifts

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How air conditioners work

What's really in a hot dog?

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Winter Songs Inspired By the Season

Windchill Versus Air Temperature

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Coldest Place on Earth

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Did You Know? (179 words, US, UK, CAN)

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