Bernays’ Breakfast Bamboozle: The PR campaign that made Americans eat more bacon
While you were growing up, you were told at some point that “breakfast was the most important meal of the day”. But for a new generation of millennials for whom intermittent fasting has become ubiquitous, the “hearty breakfast” now seems like a thing of myth and legend. If skipping breakfast is healthy, then why did people believe for so long that a large morning meal … Continue reading Bernays’ Breakfast Bamboozle: The PR campaign that made Americans eat more bacon
Overwhelmed by Beauty? Blame Stendhal Syndrome
Imagine witnessing an object of art so beautiful that it leaves you in a trance, completely spellbound and in a state of ecstasy. If you have ever felt this, chances are you experiencing Stendhal syndrome, a psychosomatic condition that afflicts some people when in the presence of remarkably beautiful works of art. Named after Stendhal, a 19th-century French author who first experienced it during a … Continue reading Overwhelmed by Beauty? Blame Stendhal Syndrome
What René Descartes really meant when he said Cogito Ergo Sum
Cogito Ergo Sum. I think, therefore I am. You may have heard this quote too many times to count, but what does it really mean? The simplicity of the phrase conceals the deeper philosophical truth that René Descartes was trying to convey in his Discourse on the Method, where the phrase first appeared in French as je pense, donc je suis. The Latin version, cogito … Continue reading What René Descartes really meant when he said Cogito Ergo Sum
21 Unforgettable Protest Songs from the Vietnam War
Anti-war sentiment has been vocalized for about as long as war itself, but the Vietnam War was the first time in history that it became so widely represented. A lot of this sentiment emerged from Americans themselves, many of whom protested what they saw as an unjust and prolonged conflict marred with imagery of brutal violence and horrific war crimes. A unique manifestation of the … Continue reading 21 Unforgettable Protest Songs from the Vietnam War
12 Surprising Facts About Coca Cola
When you’re craving a nice cold Coke on a hot summer’s day, the question “Is Pepsi ok?” can be soda pressing. Ok, that’s an old pun, but it’s not as old as Coke itself. Created 134 years ago, Coca Cola is undoubtedly the world’s most recognizable soft drink brand. It’s now an iconic name that has dominated the industry for most of the 20th century … Continue reading 12 Surprising Facts About Coca Cola
Wilfred Owen’s Greatest Anti-War Poem
Of all the poems of this English soldier and poet, the greatest is Dulce et Decorum est. Those who recognize this Latin phrase will immediately be struck by the intended irony when they read the poem itself, for the contrast between title and verse is inescapably wide. Taken from the ancient works of Horace, the complete phrase reads “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.”, meaning “It is sweet and honourable to die for your country.” Continue reading Wilfred Owen’s Greatest Anti-War Poem
The Most Quotable Latin Phrases
There’s something about Latin that always sounds profound, and even more so about Latin quotes and expressions. Here are some of the most quotable. Continue reading The Most Quotable Latin Phrases
Why Brennus the Gaul said “Vae victis!” when he sacked Rome
When most people think of Rome, they usually imagine an all-powerful, conquering empire commanded by the mighty Julius Caesar and his legions. Ancient Rome has often been depicted as an incredible war machine crushing it’s enemies and establishing the Pax Romana over large parts of Europe, North Africa and western Asia. But Rome wasn’t always like this, in fact Rome has been sacked several times, … Continue reading Why Brennus the Gaul said “Vae victis!” when he sacked Rome
Was Mother Teresa the fraud that Hitchens claimed she was?
Sinner or Saint? There’s a lot to consider about the life of Mother Teresa, the Saint of the Gutter. Continue reading Was Mother Teresa the fraud that Hitchens claimed she was?
We have more than 5 senses. Maybe 9, perhaps upto 30!
Did you know that you may have more that 30 senses? For example, your sense of balance and acceleration, and many more! Continue reading We have more than 5 senses. Maybe 9, perhaps upto 30!