Water has memory

Now, this fun fact tickled my fancy. Hold on, ‘Water has memory?’ Well, isn’t that just the cat amongst the pigeons, Olaf? He might be more than just a “funny, enchanted snowman,” don’t you think? Let’s dive in and see how well this holds up under scrutiny. 

Looking at this scientifically, and believe me when I say I’m no scientist, Olaf’s statement is, unfortunately, about as reliable as a chocolate teapot. The properties of water are well studied, with the idea that water has memory proving to be a bit of a slippery ice slide. See what I did there? The idea of water having memory is linked to a concept used in homeopathy, a form of alternative medicine. But does hardcore science back this idea up? Well, not quite. 

No reputable study or piece of research has yet to suggest that water has memory. Water being ‘impressionable’ is more about changing form under different temperatures or conditions – from ice (like our friend Olaf) to liquid water to steam. But ‘remembering’? Let’s leave that to the elephants, shall we? 

But let’s not be too harsh on our frosty friend. After all, he’s a fun-loving, happy-go-lucky snowman trying to understand the world, right? Can we still find some magic in Olaf’s claim? Of course! After all, the magic isn’t always in the facts, but sometimes it’s simply in the wonder of the world around us. So, while ‘water memory’ may not be scientific, it’s a fun thought!

Turtles breathe through their butts

When you thought you knew everything about animals, our affable snowman Olaf shoots out an absolute corker, right? As per his claims, ‘turtles breathe through their butts’. We’ve got to side-splittingly admit the phrase isn’t very highbrow. Oh, Olaf, you certainly snow us under with your facts. But is it rooted in reality, or has Olaf’s carrot nose grown a bit longer? 

Well, dear reader, brace yourself for a titbit that will be the life of your next tea party. This fact is actually – hold onto your hats now – true! Some turtles, particularly Australia’s white-throated snapping turtles, can respire through their rear ends during hibernation, or ‘brumation’ if we’re all technical with the terminology. This rare ability is known as ‘cloacal respiration’. 

But how does it work exactly?

Let’s paint a quick picture without going into a science lecture that would put even the most intellectual of nerds to sleep. In turtles, the cloaca is the ‘all-in-one’ stop for the urinary, digestive, and reproductive systems. This ‘jack of all trades’ multitasking organ lets them breathe from their bottoms when things get a bit chilly. We might not be pulling hair-splitting stunts in Arundel, but we admit that’s a pretty neat trick, don’t we? 

During brumation, turtles lower their metabolism and barely breathe to save energy. Their lung breathing becomes almost non-existent, but some oxygen is absorbed through their cloaca to keep them from ultimately going under. Winter survival strategy, anyone? 

So, Turtles breathe through their butts, eh? Who would’ve thought?

In summary, Olaf’s icy-ridiculous-sounding fact is grounded in scientific truth. So, the next time you’re impersonating our lovable snowman at a costume party, don’t forget to share this ‘finely-tailored’ accurate tale about turtles. Remember, no matter how hysterically delivered, each piece of wisdom has the potential of unboxing a magnificent world of knowledge!

Men are six times more likely to be struck by lightning than women

Brace yourselves because Olaf dropped a shocking winter storm of a fact. With all the authority a snowman can muster, he announced that men are six times more likely to be struck by lightning than women. So, dear reader, should we dump our umbrellas and start living in constant fear of stormy weather if we chance to be of the male persuasion? 

This claim’s Reality Check 

Turns out, our frosty friend was packing some truth in his carrot nose. According to the National Weather Service data, men are likelier to be struck by lightning than women. But hold your horses; the figure isn’t six times as Olaf claimed. 

“Between 2006-2013, 82% of people killed by lightning were male.”

These figures don’t scream ‘six times’ but suggest a stark gender disparity. But why are men more lightning-prone, you ask? The reason is relatively less about biology and more about behaviour. Men tend to engage more in outdoor activities like fishing, camping, and golfing, which makes them more susceptible to lightning strikes. 

Ah! That made me think twice about that weekend golf plan. So boys, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to carry an extra large brolly, just in case?

While Olaf may have exaggerated the number, we chaps seem more prone to having electric encounters. It’s just not precisely six times more probable. Remember, regardless of gender, the smartest thing anyone can do during a storm? Stay indoors! 

Move over, Olaf; the Fact Checker is here to cool down these hot facts.

People blink 4 million times a day

Now, here’s a tasty nugget from our friend Olaf that sounds quite amusing. Four million blinks a day? That’s more blinking than a disco ball at a 70s-themed dance party! But let’s crack on and do a blink-count, shall we? 

Blinking Reality check

Right, let’s dive straight into this. The average person blinks about 15 to 20 times per minute. We’re awake for about 15 hours a day (let’s assume our 8 hours of beauty sleep, of course), which makes it around 900 minutes of wakefulness. A quick bit of maths here – even if we’re at the upper end of blinking… that would be: 

20 (blinks per minute) x 900 (minutes awake) = 18,000 blinks a day 

I’m no mathematician, but I’m sure 18,000 is much less than 4 million! So, even if you’re an Olympic gold-medal-worthy blinker, you’re not coming close to Olaf’s magical 4 million. 

Sorry to burst your bubble, kids. It seems Olaf might have his blink count a bit wrong (or perhaps he was getting excited about all the blinking he’s been seeing). While 18,000 blinks a day might not sound as impressive as 4 million, it’s still a reasonable effort. I mean, can you imagine blinking 18,000 times in one day? It’s a wonder we’ve got time to do anything else! 

In conclusion, if you want to reach Olaf’s magic number, you’d have to blink non-stop for… wait for it… nearly 93 days! I don’t think I need to tell you that unless you’re a particularly sleepy snowman with no other plans for the next three months, this ‘fact’ is a gloriously frosty piece of fiction!

Wombats poop in squares

Onwards to cubes and quite the stinky business, my dear reader! I have it on good authority that Olaf is quite adamant that wombats, those huge, fuzzy, adorable creatures from down under, defecate in squares. Quick question- can you imagine pooping cube-shaped cubes? Ha! I certainly cannot and wouldn’t want to either. 

Olaf has gotten this essentially right, albeit with a minor tweak. Wombats don’t poop solid squares but cube-shaped poop. Curious. Even more curious is how they do it. Before you raise your eyebrows any higher, wombats are not equipped with a square-shaped backside. No, it’s their intestines that do the trick. They have an unusually long and slow digestive process, allowing their faeces to dry out and form into cubes before expulsion. Nature’s little joke, you could say. 

Cubes from the Wombat Reality Check

Now, let’s return to the original point – are these cubical leavings a fact? The answer is a resounding ‘Yes’, and science backs it up. Researchers have discovered that wombats’ intestines have regions of varying elasticity, which shapes the faeces into cubes. Wombats are the only known species in the world capable of this cubic feat. So, take a bow, Olaf; you have the precision of a hawk when spotting the weirdest facts out there! 

Verily indeed! Olaf touts the truth once more. Wombats do poop cubes, making many of us rethink what we learned about geometry in school. Who knew shapes were also a part of potty talk or Disney family films? The world is indeed full of wonders. So, let’s mark this claim as ‘accurate’. While it’s amusing, it’s also a proud moment for our snowman friend. And importantly, diligent Frozen Fact-checkers continue to be amused and enlightened.

Olaf’s Inspirational Quotes for Kids

Now, it’s high time we shed some light on that side of Olaf’s persona, which renders him a heartening figure, particularly for our youthful audience. A quick leaf through the dialogues from the Frozen series, and you’ll find that our comical, snow-made friend indeed has a way with words. Yes, we’re referring to none other than Olaf’s adorably inspiring quotes! 

“Love is putting someone else’s needs before yours.”

Well, isn’t this a humbling one? Olaf is a keen observer and sees this truth in Anna’s love for Elsa. Selflessness teaches kids an important lesson about love in a way that’s understandable and utterly heart-melting…but not in a way that’ll harm Olaf, we hope!

“Some people are worth melting for.” 

Oh, Olaf! Learning about sacrifice and self-giving love from a snowman? It’s a paradox, alright, but it’s a true nugget of wisdom. This little gem of a line teaches us that some bonds are so special we’d be willing to melt…oh, I mean, go the extra mile for them.

“I’m Olaf, and I like warm hugs!” 

What says positivity and open-heartedness better than this delightful line right here? Olaf, you might be made of ice and snow, but your soul is warm! Despite his cold exterior, Olaf constantly serves as a symbol of warmth and affection. Important lesson here, kids – always be ready to welcome someone with a warm embrace!

And there we have it. Our Snowman buddy is a bundle of wisdom concealed beneath layers of frosty cuteness. So, what’s your favourite Olaf quote? Is there a quote you thought deserved a mention here? And most importantly, have you addressed someone with ‘Hi, I’m [Your Name] and I like warm hugs’ yet?

Dad. What is Guy Fawkes?

Well, more correctly – who was Guy Fawkes? Mainly famous for his failed attempt to blow up parliament in London, Guy Fawkes was a former soldier turned activist born in Yorkshire, England, in the 1570s. He’s remembered each year on November 5, the night his plan to blow up the Houses of Parliament and the ruling King James I was foiled back in 1605. 

Why do this? You may ask. Fawkes and his group of co-conspirators were Catholics, and they were frustrated with King James I’s Protestant rule, which was not in favour of Catholics—their basic plan was to replace the Protestant King with a Catholic ruler.

How was the plot foiled? 

Because of an anonymous tip-off, authorities found Fawkes in a cellar under the Parliament building with 36 barrels of gunpowder. He was arrested and later executed. 

Today, Fawkes’s failed plot serves as an annual reminder (in theory) about the importance of unity and peace in the face of divisive religious and political beliefs. However, if we are honest with ourselves, it’s long been replaced by a focus on the fireworks themselves, with most people being unaware (or uncaring) about the origin.

But speaking of fireworks, do you ever wonder how they work? Let’s take a look.

How do fireworks work? How do they get the different colours?

Well, I’m glad you asked! So, the first thing we need to know is that fireworks are not just about bright lights and deafening sounds. There’s a lot of science behind them. Essentially, when you light a firework, you’re setting off a chain reaction of chemical events. Now, let’s dive a bit deeper, and don’t worry! We’ll keep this fun and simple so you can sound like a mini scientist! 

The Chemical Reaction Behind The Magic 

You see, fireworks are made of different components; the primary ones are a fuel, an oxidiser, and a chemical mix that produces bright colours when burnt. Now, for a firework to explode and light up the sky, it must first be packed in a tight container. When you light it up, the fuel reacts with the oxidiser, releasing gases rapidly. This rapid release of gases is why fireworks explode and create that ‘boom’ sound you love so much. 

Birth of the Dazzling Colours 

But what about the intriguing colours? Well, those mesmerising reds, yellows, greens, and blues? Yes, they all come from different chemical compounds. When these chemicals get heated, they produce specific colours. It’s like each chemical is dressed up in its favourite colour outfit! 

• Strontium and lithium compounds create a deep red.
• Calcium salts help produce a luscious orange.
• Sodium compounds give off a bright yellow (just like table salt).
• Barium compounds light up in a beautiful green.
• Copper compounds create that captivating blue you adore so much.

Each chemical compound starts a tiny, colourful fire in the sky. The most exciting thing is mixing these chemical compounds to create a broader range of colours. But by combining compounds, you can make the vast array of colours, shapes and explosions you see in the sky.

Firework Safety: Tips for a Spectacular and Safe Celebration

For all the sparkle and splendour they bring, fireworks can pose certain risks if not handled correctly. So, how do we go about ensuring our celebrations remain both fun-filled and safe? 

The ABC of Firework Safety 

Secondly, there are general safety measures we can all follow to create a safe atmosphere. Let’s call these the ABC’s of Firework Safety: 

• Adult supervision: Never let children handle fireworks unsupervised. Even sparklers, which might seem harmless, can reach temperatures high enough to cause severe burns.
• Be sober: Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs when dealing with fireworks, as they can impair your judgment and reaction time.
• Clear area: Fireworks should always be lit in a wide-open space, away from buildings, vehicles, and flammable substances.

What to Do In Case of an Accident 

Despite all precautions, accidents can still occur. Knowing what to do in such a situation can help limit harm and speed up recovery. If someone gets hurt during your fireworks display, envelop the burnt area with cool, but not cold, water. It would be best to convey the individual to the nearest medical facility quickly. It’s always helpful to have an emergency kit and include a way of summoning ambulance services. Keep a hose, or at a minimum, a bucket of water handy!

Remember, it isn’t an infringement on your fun to be attentive to safety. Consider it as laying the groundwork for a truly joyous occasion that’s completely worry-free!

Look after your pets!

Now, we’ve just talked about us humans enjoying the Guy Fawkes fun, but what about the other significant part of our household? Yes, I’m talking about our furry friends. They, too, are affected, but unlike us, they’re less keen on all the noise and bright flashes. 

Spare a Thought for Your Pets 

You see, our pets have far more sensitive hearing than we do – you can think of it a bit like a superpower. Now, imagine how a tenfold increase in noise might feel to you. Not quite as enjoyable, right? That’s what fireworks can sound like to them. So, we must take extra care to ensure our pets feel safe and secure during the Guy Fawkes festivities. 

So, how can we help them? 

• Keep Them Inside: Even if your dog usually lives outside, make an exception for this night. Trust me, they’ll thank you for it!
• Create a Safe Space: Try to provide an enclosed, dark space where your pet can hide if they feel scared. Maybe it’s their favourite spot under the bed or a cosy nook in the cupboard.
• Distraction: A bit of distraction doesn’t go amiss. Perhaps their favourite toy or a special treat will keep their mind off those scary sounds.
• Stay Calm: Pets often take cues from their human pals. So, do your best to stay calm and routine to help your furry friend feel secure.

Remember, Guy Fawkes Night should be a night of fun for everyone, and that includes the four-legged members of our family, too.

Different Traditions and Celebrations that Utilise Fireworks

Thinking about Guy Fawkes Night, I’m sure you’ve noticed that fireworks aren’t an exclusively British tradition or something we do only on the 5th of November. So why do we find fireworks lighting up the night sky at different events worldwide? Let’s go on a journey and explore a few global traditions that incorporate these beautiful and dynamic spectacles.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations 

Now, remember staying up on New Year’s Eve waiting for the clock to hit midnight? What’s the first thing we see and hear when we welcome the New Year? That’s right, fireworks! From Sydney’s Harbour Bridge to London’s Thames River and our very own Auckland Sky Tower, fireworks have become synonymous with the ringing in of a new year. And remember – different cultures celebrate New Year’s at other times – Chinese New Year is around February, and Matariki is June (based on the Gregorian calendar we use). 

The Japanese Hanabi Taikai 

You know how much your old man loves sushi, right? Well, Japan, the land of sushi, has a summer tradition called the ‘Hanabi Taikai’, a series of firework festivals between July and August. Let me paint a picture for you: imagine picnics under the starlit sky, Yukatas (Japanese summer kimonos), traditional food stalls, and yes, my personal favourite, sushi- all while thousands of fireworks burst and dance their way across the night sky. How amazing would that be?

Diwali Festival in India 

Lastly, let’s take a virtual trip to India. Diwali, or the Festival of Lights as it’s also known, is a significant occasion marked by millions of lit lamps, sweets, and, you guessed it, fireworks! These are not just for show but have a deeper symbolic meaning. They’re meant to represent the victory of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil. Plus, imagine all the incredible flavours of India, the curries, the bread, and the sweets- it’s a feast for all senses! 

So, my curious little adventurers, from the history of Guy Fawkes Night to our fascination with fireworks, isn’t it amazing how one plot to blow up a government building has given us an excuse to learn some chemistry, travel the world, and of course, how to be careful and considerate while having a ball of a time? It’s funny how things work out, right?

Have you ever served asparagus and later thought something’s gone amiss in the loo? The phenomenon of asparagus causing a distinct, some say unpleasant, odour in urine has been a topic of fascination and a party conversation winner for quite some time now. But what’s the scientific deal with this? Is the asparagus bender responsible for this curious olfactory offence, or is there a more reasonable explanation? 

The Science Behind the Scent 

The secret lies in a chemical compound aptly named asparagusic acid (try saying that three times fast!). When your body breaks down asparagusic acid, it results in a group of sulphur-containing compounds with a somewhat… pungent aroma. 

But why, you might be asking, does this happen with asparagus and not your morning toast? 

Asparagusic acid is, fittingly enough, found primarily in asparagus. It’s a unique little compound, and its breakdown during digestion unleashes the aforementioned sulphur-bearing fruit of its labour into your bodily systems and eventually into- you guessed it- your urine.

Why Can’t Everyone Smell the…Victory? 

But hold on – a plot twist is coming! Not everyone can smell asparagus wee. Some studies suggest a genetic predisposition behind this ability. Yes, you read that correctly! The ability to smell asparagus-induced urine might be another thing to thank (or scorn) your parents for.

Beyond Asparagus: Surprising Foods That Can Alter Your Body’s Odor

Well, dear reader, our humble asparagus isn’t the lone ranger when it comes to causing a bit of a stink. Quite a few unexpected culprits can also alter our body’s fragrances. Ready to dive in? Let’s take a whiff and explore what’s cooking. 

Drumroll, Please, Garlic Makes the List 

You’ve come to chat about smelly pee, and you’re staying for the fun part. Well, here’s a showstopper for you. Garlic can alter your body odour. It’s not entirely surprising, considering the potent punch of garlic breath that can clear a room faster than a fire alarm. But, the big difference? Your body sweat can reek of it. When you eat garlic, the sulphur compounds get mingled with your bloodstream, and when you sweat, it’s like a little Eau de Garlic coming out. 

We Have a Beetroot Alert! 

Don’t laugh. It’s an actual thing! Eating abundant beetroot can give your urine a distinctive pinkish-red hue, often mistaken for blood. This relatively harmless condition is known as ‘beeturia’.

Spice Girls (and Guys), Beware 

Can your love for a spicy curry make you smell spicy—or worse, sweaty? Indeed. Consuming a substantial amount of spices like cumin, curry, and fenugreek seeds can seep into your skin’s pores, inducing a certain zest in your body’s odour. So, don’t forget your deodorant next time you plan on a spicy gastronomic adventure! 

Warriors of the Fish Realm 

Fish, particularly those loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, are undoubtedly good for your health. But when you munch on a substantial amount, your body odour can get pretty fishy. It’s all thanks to a compound called trimethylaminuria. And no, you’re not turning into a mermaid or merman just yet. 

So, asparagus isn’t the only food that can create a bit of a stink. Each mouthful you take can potentially affect your body odour. So next time you sniff something fishy – literally or figuratively – you might want to cast an eye over your dinner plate!

Bonus (not for kids): Can Pineapple change the taste of your Semen?

Ah, the pineapple! We’ve all heard the old tale – eat pineapple, which will make everything down there taste sweeter. But is there any truth to this? As intriguing as this sly wink of an anecdote may be, the science is as messy as an overripe pineapple left in the sun too long. 

First things first, what’s with the pineapple and our bodily fluids? The crux of the matter is two-fold: 

• Bromelain – A potent enzyme found in pineapple. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s believed to break down proteins, potentially altering the taste of semen.
• Fructose – This natural sugar in fresh fruits (including pineapples) could potentially sweeten the taste.

Does this mean a pineapple-rich diet could cause semen to take on a bespoke tropical flavour? As promising (or horrifying – depending on your take) as this might sound, it isn’t that clear-cut. 

Remember, our bodies are complex. Like each of us, they come with their peculiar quirks. What works for one might not necessarily translate the same for another.

Research in this field is somewhat scant, and at best, I’d venture to suggest that a diet high in fruit might improve the taste. Conversely, a diet high in fatty foods, garlic, onions, caffeine, and alcohol could result in a change for the worse.

So, does it hold up? 

As far as modern science is concerned, the ‘Pineapple Theory’ isn’t anything more than an urban legend. Your diet can somewhat influence the taste of your semen, but a direct one-to-one correlation, such as pineapple equals sweet semen, is implausible. 

In conclusion, like many things in life, the pineapple-semen connection is a mystery wrapped in an enigma, surrounded by a riddle. The definitive answer, as it stands, is that we don’t know.

After a few minutes of tripping over my thoughts, I explained I was trying to understand the word using the word itself, which wouldn’t work. So, onto my research list, it went. You see, the beauty of language is its diverse mix, many words borrowed and shared, and “touché” is no exception. 

The Origin Story 

“Touché” is a French term that made its way into the English-speaking world, much like “C’est la vie” or “Bon appétit”. It’s proof that language, like a good recipe, often takes a pinch of something from here and a dash of something from there…

It originates from the elegant and strategic world of fencing.

• Thrust: A quick forward movement with the tip of the sword.
• Parry: A defensive movement to block or deflect a thrust.

In this sport, ‘touché’ is what a humble and well-mannered fencer would say to acknowledge that they’ve been hit (or ‘touched’) by their opponent’s sword. It’s like saying, “Good shot, you got me!” or “Nice one, point to you.”

A Twist into Modern Conversation 

Are you curious how ‘touché’ went from being an obscure term in fencing to a common exclamation? Well, it’s all thanks to the magic of media and pop culture. Those movies and TV shows we veg out in front of played a big part in spreading this term. 

In the past, ‘touché’ was purely a technical term used in fencing to commend a successful point scored. Yet, as fencing began to feature in films and other popular forms of media, audiences found the term both exciting and intriguing. 

The Hollywood Effect 

Okay, let’s rewind and play out a classic Hollywood scene. Picture this in your mind: 

Two exquisitely dressed gentlemen square off in an opulent room. They unsheathe their swords, and with cold resolve in their eyes, they lunge and parry with exceptional skill. Suddenly, one of them connects with an expert hit. He withdraws his blade, smiles smugly, and says, ‘touché’.

Scenes like this swept Hollywood’s silver screens, and it’s only human nature that we mimic what we see and hear, particularly when it is as impactful and dramatic as this. As a result, the term ‘touché’ found its way into common parlance, used as an expression of acknowledging a well-made point. 

So, when your friend fires back with a wisecrack or an excellent counterargument, you can use ‘touché’ to concede their point. See? It’s that simple, like how we say ‘Ouch!’ when we get hurt. 

Word Play with Love 

But remember, language is a beautiful game. The key to winning is not just to understand the rules but to love how the game is played. The word ‘touché’, is just one of the countless examples of how language can change and adapt over time. 

Language is not static—it lives, breathes, changes, and grows like us. It’s a part of our journey, shaping our understanding of the world. Take this newly learned term and run with it! Use it wisely, share it with your friends, and you might teach others something or two about the word ‘touché’.

Oh – here is another one for you – “foiled again”.