The History of Root Beer

In 1876, Charles Hires first sold commercial root beer to the public.

Root beer has its origins in what is referred to as small beers. Small beers are a collection of local beverages (some alcoholic, some not) made during colonial times in America from a variety of herbs, barks, and roots that commonly included: birch beer, sarsparilla beer, ginger beer and root beer.
Ingredients

Ingredients in early root beers included allspice, birch bark, coriander, juniper, ginger, wintergreen, hops, burdock root, dandelion root, spikenard, pipsissewa, guaiacum chips, sarsaparilla, spicewood, wild cherry bark, yellow dock, prickly ash bark, sassafras root*, vanilla beans, hops, dog grass, molasses and licorice.
Many of the above ingredients are still used in root beer today along with added carbonation. There is no one recipe.

Charles Hires

Charles Hires was a Philadelphia pharmacist who according to his biography discovered a recipe for a delicious herbal tea while on his honeymoon. The pharmacist began selling a dry version of the tea mixture and also began working on a liquid version of the same tea. The result of was a combination of over twenty-five herbs, berries and roots that Charles Hires used to flavor a carbonated soda water drink. The Charles Hires' version of a root beer beverage was first introduced to the public at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial exhibition.
First Bottling

The Hires family continued to manufacture root beer and in 1893 first sold and distributed bottled root beer. Charles Hires and his family certainly contributed greatly to the popularity of modern root beer, however, the origins of root beer can be traced further back in history.
Other Brands

Another famous brand of root beer is A & W Root Beer, now the number one selling root beer in the world. A & W Root Beer was founded by Roy Allen, who began marketing root beer in 1919.
                     
*In 1960, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned sassafras as a potential carcinogen, however, a method was found to remove the oil from sassafras. Only the oil is considered dangerous. Sassafras is one of the main ingredients in root beer.

Magnetic child in Tabriz


Sedate children 6 years old, has a strange magnetism that his body can absorb metals and some plastic material that this case is extraordinary in the world.  

10 Extremely Beautiful Canyons


Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in the United States in the state of Arizona. It is contained within and managed by Grand Canyon National Park, the Hualapai Tribal Nation, and the Havasupai Tribe. It is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (6,000 feet / 1,800 metres). While the specific geologic processes and timing that formed the Grand Canyon are the subject of debate by geologists, recent evidence suggests the Colorado River established its course through the canyon at least 17 million years ago. Since that time, the Colorado River continued to erode and form the canyon to its present-day configuration.

Brilliant Pencil Vs Camera



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"Pencil Vs Camera is all about illusion, dream, poetry, magic and simplicity," says Heine. "The challenge is to create a 3D-like drawing on a piece of paper; the sketch should be connected with the photographic background but it should also say a little story by itself. I always try to give symbolic meaning to my drawings so that the message goes deeper than the photo alone. The combination of drawing and photography is really a powerful way to express ideas. There are no limits because everything is possible; every single illusion can be created on the paper."

Banks vs Credit Unions


As more and more customers search for a big bank alternative, credit unions are becoming a more viable options. Credit unions offer lower rates with better services, making them a front runner for stealing your heart and wallet.
You’re allowed to have a lower minimum balance with a credit union, sometimes as low as $5 to $10. Credit unions also have less restrictive loan requirements, so they’ll assist you in areas that a bigger bank couldn’t. The downsides to a credit union is it’s limited access. Most credit unions won’t have a new app for your smart phone and finding ATMs might become quite a plight.
Aside from that, credit unions scored very well in the 2011 American Customer Satisfaction Index. Credit unions scored an 87, 12 points higher than the big banks. Maybe it’s time for you to consider the switch. [Via]

THE DISAPPEARING TEMPLE

The holy temple of Stambheshwar Mahadev is situated at the distance of
around 40 miles from the city of Vadodara in the small town of Kavi
Kamboi, Gujrat. The specialty of this ancient temple is its
location within the bay of Cambay, a part ofthe Arabian Sea.

This sacred Siva Linga at the Stambheshwar temple which was established
by Bhagwan Kartik after killing Tarkasur (as mentioned in Kumarika
khand as mentioned in Skand Purana).
Lord Shiva at the Stambheshwar temple can only be viewed during the low
tide hours and gets disappeared inside the sea during high tide hours.
Depending upon the time of high and low tide., one can view the
full Lord. Shiva Lingam during low tide and subsequently watch
it submerging in the sea as the tide slowly increases.


Incredibly Clear Waters of the Verzasca River


Cool turquoise waters of the mountain river Verzasca in Switzerland are crystal clear. From the depth of 10 m (33 ft.) one can easily see the bridge across its valley.

http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l624/jexgill/incredibly_clear_waters_of_the_verz-7.jpg

Unusual Collections Of The World Of The Celebreties


When money is no object, it’s no wonder that these rich and sometimes weird celebrities start to desire the more unusual, and unobtainable items that most of us would not make room for in our homes or lives, and frankly just wouldn’t know where to find. So if insects, knives or bird skeletons seem like your kind of antique collecting, then maybe give one of these guys a call, they’re clearly in the know when it comes to crazy collecting. So please enjoy our run down of the craziest collections of the celebrity world.

Kiefer Sutherland – Gibson Guitars

At last count, Kiefer Sutherland‘s collection was around the 38 mark, which by anyone’s standard is fairly excessive. They’re all housed at the studio he set up to help and encourage young people to get into music and start playing. His love for guitar was fuelled by hearing the likes of Jimmy Page and Angus Young when he was a mere sprog, before The Lost Boys even, and since then he’s never looked back. Kiefer loves to play, but classes himself as a music appreciator rather than a musician. This didn’t stop the famous guitar manufacturer from creating a signature Gibson in his honor. Seriously.

Food Combos that can improve your Life

Dynamic Duos: 14 Food Combos That Can Improve Your Life 


Green Tea + Lemon = A Healthier Heart 

Green tea has been linked to a reduced risk of heart attacks, thanks to catechins, the brew’s powerful antioxidants. But studies show only about 20 percent of these healthful compounds are available for our bodies to absorb. The good news: Recently, when scientists added lemon juice to green tea, the availability of health-enhancing catechins skyrocketed to a whopping 80 percent.

Stay-Well Strategy: After brewing yourself a cup of green tea, squeeze in the juice of one whole lemon (you can also use an orange, lime or grapefruit, all runners-up in the study). Don’t want to DIY? Look for bottled green teas that list “ascorbic acid” (also known as vitamin C) among their ingredients. Scientists say the vitamin C in citrus fruits can also improve catechin absorption. 


Broccoli + Tomatoes = Cancer Control

Broccoli and tomatoes are both cancer-fighting all-stars, but research reveals eating them together may offer even more protection. In a recent study, scientists found consuming tomato and broccoli at the same time was more effective at slowing the growth of cancerous prostate tumors than eating either vegetable alone.

Stay-Well Strategy: The amount of produce used in the study translates to about one and a half cups of broccoli and two and a half cups of fresh tomato (or one cup of tomato sauce). To tap into their potent powers, order a pizza generously topped with broccoli or sprinkle some florets over your next plate of spaghetti.

Red Bell Peppers + Black Beans = Improved Immunity

Eating more meatless meals lately to do your heart (and the planet) a favor? You’ll absorb more immune-boosting plant iron by adding in some red bell peppers. That’s because the iron in picks like beans exists in a form called non-heme iron that’s harder for your body to absorb than the iron found in red meat (heme iron). But, adding a dose of vitamin C-rich produce like red peppers converts the iron into a type that’s easier for the body to use, explains registered dietitian Heidi McIndoo, author of the book, When to Eat What.

Stay-Well Strategy: In one study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women absorbed nearly three times more iron from their meal by adding just 63 milligrams of vitamin C. This amount translates into about a half cup of chopped red bell peppers. To tap into their healing powers, toss these health-enhancing peppers into your next pot of chili.
Apricots + Almonds = A Tip-Top Ticker

This power pair helps prevents LDL “bad” cholesterol from oxidizing, a process that happens whenever LDL reacts with free radicals. “And oxidized LDL is harmful because it encourages dangerous plaque build-up in the arteries,” explains registered dietitian Elaine Magee, author of the book, Food Synergy. But, in a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, researchers found that the phytochemicals in almonds reduced LDL oxidation when paired with the antioxidant vitamins E and C, both of which are found abundantly in apricots.

Stay-Well Strategy: For a satisfying, heart-healthy snack, combine a quarter-cup each of dried apricots and raw almonds
Yogurt + Blueberries = A Stronger Body

Spoon up this tasty snack after a sweaty workout. The reason: Research reveals blueberries possess brain-boosting benefits to keep you better focused during your fitness routine, while yogurt’s hefty stores of protein help repair the little tears in your muscles that naturally occur during exercise. As if that's not enough, the carbs in both the yogurt and fruit naturally replenish your muscles with glycogen, a stored form of energy (dipping too low in glycogen can quickly trigger fatigue). Yogurt’s protein also stimulates a hormone that transports those energizing carbs into your muscles to give your next workout more get-up and go.

Stay-Well Strategy: If you’re doing intense exercise and need to be at the top of your game, be especially speedy about eating this recovery snack. Why? Your body’s most efficient at stashing away glycogen in the first 15 minutes after your workout, says Magee.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil + Tomatoes = Disease Defense

Tomatoes boast all four major carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene) plus three potent antioxidants (beta-carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C) that may help fight cancer and heart disease. “You’ll absorb more of these protective chemicals if you eat them with olive oil,” says Magee. “It’s high in healthy monounsaturated fats and slows digestion so you can soak up more of them.”

Stay-Well Strategy: Mix a little olive oil in your next marinara. You’ll get a bigger phytochemical punch with cooked tomatoes (leave the skin on, since it’s loaded with them). Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed form, so it contains the most beneficial compounds, says Magee. Just store it away from heat and light to prevent it from going rancid.
Oatmeal + Strawberries = A Healthier Heart

Oats contain two important phytochemicals called avenanthramides and phenolic acids. These compounds have been shown in research to work synergistically with vitamin C to reduce the harmful effects of “bad” LDL cholesterol and help prevent the plaque build-up that can lead to heart attacks, says Magee.

Stay-Well Strategy: Enjoy a half cup of sliced strawberries with your morning bowl of oatmeal.

Cinnamon + Whole Grain Toast = Increased Energy and Speedier Slimming

Sprinkling on this spice may help keep your blood sugar at a healthier level, which prevents dips in your energy and spikes in your hunger level, says Sass. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, cinnamon was found to slow the rate of stomach emptying after meals and reduce the rise in blood sugar after meals to negate more noshing later.

Stay-Well Strategy: For a healthier version of that childhood staple, cinnamon toast, use whole grain bread, trans-free margarine and a study-backed teaspoon of cinnamon. Note: Experts say you’ll nab more protective compounds if your cinnamon is fresh: Whole sticks last up to a year, ground cinnamon for six months.
Garlic + Onions = Head to Toe Protection

These aromatic veggies both contain a number of organosulfur compounds, heart-healthy plant chemicals that help keep arteries flexible and free of plaque, says Magee. Some of these compounds have even been studied for their power to detoxify carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) in the body. Eating both at the same time means you’re “covering your bases” and boosting your chances of getting more of these healthful compounds, she says.

Stay-Well Strategy: Cooked together, they make a delicious base for soups and sauces or simply sauté veggies like broccoli in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and onions.

Source - i Village

Brazilian Spider


Spider venom work on one of two fundamental principles; they are either neurotoxic (attacking the nervous system) or necrotic (attacking tissues surrounding the bite, and in some cases, attacking vital organs and systems). Both sound nasty, but that’s enough of the science stuff; we’re checking our shoes before we put them on!
 
 
 Brazilian Wandering Spider

Amazing Events In Pictures



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Romain Mattei photographed what looks like a monkey massaging a stray cat on a pavement in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. However, the cheeky monkey was doing the moggy a favour by searching for fleas.

 *The Language of Roses *
 
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Different colors and combinations of colors can mean different things. The number of roses can have meaning, as well.
 
Meaning of Color
 
Rose, Black You are my obsession, Death, Change, Rebirth
Rose, Blue - Unattainable, Mystery
Rose, Cream You are tender and loving, CharmRose, Lavender - Love at first sight, enchantmentRose, Orange You are my secret love, PassionRose, Peach - GratitudeRose, Pale Pink - Grace, joy, gentility and gratitudeRose, Dark Pink - Thankfulness, sympathyRose, Pink Perfect happiness, graceRose, Yellow Friendship; Joy; (In Victorian Times Jealousy)Rose, Yellow with Red Tips - Friendship turning to loveRose, Red Passionate love; I love youRose, Red & Withered - I would rather die, Our love is overRose, Burgandy - You are more beautiful than you knowRed Rosebud - Symbol of Purity and LovelinessWhite Rosebud - Girlhood, YouthRose, White I am worthy of you; spiritual love; Innocence and Purity; Secrecy and SilenceRose, White and Red We are inseparable
Rose, White and Red Mixed Unity
Rose, White, Dried Death is preferable to loss of virtue
Rose, Yellow Friendship; Joy; (In Victorian Times Jealosy)
Roses, Yellow and White Mixed - Harmony
Roses, Yellow and Red Mixed - Hapiness
Roses, Yellow and Orange Mixed - Passionate Thoughts
Meaning of Number or Arrangement
 
Single bloom red Rose Love at first sight or I still love you
Single Rose, any color Gratitude or simplicity
Single Thornless Rose - Love at First Sight
2  Red Roses Entwined - Proposal of Marriage
2 Roses Mutual feelings
3 Roses I love you
7 Roses I'm infatuated with you
9 Roses We'll be together forever
10 Roses You are perfect
11 Roses You are my treasured one
12 Roses Be mine
13 Roses Friends forever
15 Roses I'm truly sorry
20 Roses I'm truly sincere towards you
21 Roses I'm dedicated to you
24 Roses Forever yours
25 Roses Congratulations
50 Roses Unconditional love
99 Roses I will love you all the days of my life
108 Roses Will you marry me?
999 Roses I love you till the end of time
Bouquet of Mature Blooms Gratitude
Musk Cluster - Charming
Garland or Crown - Reward of Merit  or Virtue