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Giant Hornets That Can Kill Humans Are Spotted In The US

It seems like 2020 is determined to keep making it hard for human kind to survive. Jokes aside, Asian deadly giant hornets, have been spotted, in masses, in the US recently. In fact, the legend says that these harmful insects can kill humans in 30 seconds. Scientists argue that they are extremely dangerous, and kill hundreds of people in Asia yearly. Here is everything you need to know about Asian Giant Hornets.

Why Are They Deadly?

Giant hornets that can kill humans, are known as the Vespa mandarinia. These Asian species are particularly harmful to bees. In fact, although they do constitute a risk on human life, that risk is significantly low. As we mentioned above, in Japan, they kill a few dozen people yearly, but in rare occasions. according to scientists, it takes a few, simultaneous stings from several hornets at the time, to endanger your life. So, the wide-spread legend that you will die in 30 minutes, is far from being accurate.

However, the main target of these Giant Hornets, is bees. In fact, The state of Washington declared having found ”piles of dead bees with their heads ripped off, an alarming sight in a country with a rapidly declining bee population.”

How Fast Can They Spread?

Unfortunately, there is still no answer to how they managed to get to the US for the first time. However, entomologists are racing to find an explanation. These hornets are native to ”forests and low-altitude mountains in eastern and southeastern Asia,” have been spotted far-away from their continent this year, for the very first time.

Furthermore, few theories suggest that they may have been transported through international cargo, most likely by accident. As  Seth Truscott, scientist at WSU College explained.

What Should You Do If You Spot One?

Although the risk is low, these giant hornets can kill humans. That’s why they are named ”Murder hornets.” Moreover, they are  the size of your thumb; orange-headed and orange-striped; and they’re extremely pointy at the back end. According to scientists, if you spot one, you must report it. In addition, keep your distance, and avoid contact. In fact, it’s even recommended that you run away, especially if you spot a bunch of them.

Photos: Unsplash, Freepik.

These Are The Most Devastating Tsunamis Recorded In History

We all have seen movies about the end of the world. Somehow, they always include a tsunami as part of the dramatic-effects. However, have you ever wondered why? Well, possibly because tsunamis can be some of the most destructive natural catastrophes, ever. And while movies are often fictional, don’t get it wrong, because real-life tsunamis exist, and are just as powerful. In this post, we look back at the most devastating tsunamis recorded in modern history.

First Of All, What Causes Tsunamis To Happen?

The power of nature is absolutely incredible. Tsunamis look like huge waves that are super strong and fast, right? Yet, how Tsunamis are formed is what gives them their fascinating destructive power.

According to Australian Geographic, tsunamis occur due to a ”significant displacement of water in oceans or lakes, though are most commonly created by the movement of tectonic plates under the ocean floor.” While earthquakes are considered the most common cause of this natural phenomenon, other reasons such volcanic eruption, glacial carving, or meteorite impacts can be behind just as much destruction.

Indonesia – December 2004

The mot destructive Tsunami ever recorded in history, is undoubtedly, the one that happened in Sumatra, Indonesia on December 26th, 2004. A  9.1 magnitude earthquake, occurred at a depth of 30 km in the coast of Sumatra. In fact, this tsunami generated 50 m waves, reaching 5 km inland. In addition, it caused US$10b losses, and 230,000 people were reported dead. As a consequence, wave height raised even in other regions of the world, such as Antartica, US, and the UK.

Japan – March 2011

Japanese shoreline recorded the second most devastating tsunami in history. On March 11th, 2011, the pacific coast of Japan woke up on one of their deadliest natural disasters. An earthquake of a 9.0 magnitude, leading to a tsunami travelling 800km per hour with 10m-high waves. This caused the death of more than 18,000 people, and the relocation of over 452,000 people after their homes were destroyed.

Portugal- November 1755

Furthermore, on the European side, less tsunamis took place. However, one of the most devastating tsunamis that passed through the old continent, dates back to November 1st, 1755, which took place in Lisbon, Portugal. Again, due to a 8.5 magnitude hurricane, series of three huge waves struck the west-coast of Portugal, and a part of south-Spain. Waves that reached 30 m high, ended up killing more than 60,000 in Portugal, Morocco and Spain.

Photos: Pixabay, Freepik.

Can Shooting Stars Really Make Your Wishes Come True?

Making a wish upon a shooting star is a common belief. However, can shooting stars make your wishes come true? Although there are no scientific proofs, many people have reported that it can happen. Furthermore, it’s quite hard to spot a shooting star, however, some people argue that if you do it right, the universe may grant you your wish. But, you may ask, how is it even possible? Do stars have an impact on us? We answer your questions in this post!

First, What Are Shooting Stars?

Shooting stars are also known as” falling stars.” And, they are not stars at all. In fact, they are considered meteoroids. The amazing sky show of streaks of light you may see at night, is caused by tiny bits of dust and rock. Moreover, the event of meteor showers are quite frequent, although not always visible. They occur when the Earth passes through the trail of debris left by a comet as it  orbits the Sun.

People Say That Their Wishes Did Come True

Wether it’s the power of believing in it, or simply a result of the ”law of attraction,” many people say that it works. Actually, several cultures around the world believe in the power of the stars since ancient times, when they were used to explain all sorts of things. My personal experience with shooting stars, has also been positive. One night, I was admiring the night-sky at my hometown, and suddenly spotted a falling star. I, Unconsciously, made a wish that, at the time, seemed improbable to come true. However, few years later, it did. Additionally, I stumbled upon few comments online, of people claiming that their shooting star wishes did come true.

One woman looking for love found it only two weeks after wishing on a shooting star!

A mother whose family’s financial troubles were magically resolved after wishing on a star.

explore.com

How To Make A Wish Upon A Shooting Star?

Again, shooting stars that make wishes come true is just the result of personal experiences, and is not backed by science. However, since spotting a falling star is not that easy, if you ever get lucky enough to see one, it doesn’t hurt to try it. Here is how you are ”supposed” to make a wish upon a shooting star.

First, the wish must be done quickly, and before the meteor disappears. You need to close your eyes to make your wish. Note that it must be something you truly believe in, and just a superficial desire. Most importantly, it must remain a secret, and you can not tell anyone about it until it comes true. (Sometimes it takes few years, like in my case.)

Photos; Unsplash, Pixabay.

Tips To Ask For Days Off From Work, And Get Them

Getting paid days off from work is every employee’s right, always when they are aligned with the company’s policies. However, there’s an unspoken-of etiquette that could help you obtain those days off. During this Covid-19 epidemic, many companies find themselves in a critical situation. Yet, wether you need to take days off for sickness, family issues or simply to relax, here are some tips to ask for days off from work, and get them.

Asking Instead Of Requesting

The way you ask for days off from work is everything. In fact, although your vacation days are part of you work benefits, showing respect and humility give out a better impression. Furthermore, asking instead of requesting shows how considerate you are towards your boss, colleagues and company in general.

Choose The Right Moment To Tell Your Boss

Most companies usually have an online calendar embedded in their system to schedule workers’ vacations. So, if you need to take few days off unexpectedly, then the right thing to do is to consult the calendar, first. In addition, it’s crucial to choose the right moment to ask your boss. For example, if its peak season, or of the company is going through a crisis, then the right thing to do is to hold off. However, if it’s an emergency, make sure you explain your reasons clearly and with empathy.

Inform Your Peers

Besides giving out a good image to your superiors, you also need to be considerate towards your peers. Vacation planning usually goes on rotation, and are scheduled to avoid workers shortage in each department. So, when it’s time to plan your vacation, try to discuss your plans with your peers. For example, if you want to take few days off from work to coincide with your kids’ school break, voice it out. Also, informing your peers will help you build a connection with them, and makes you seem reliable and thoughtful.

Organize Your Workload

Finally, before asking for time off, you defiantly need to organize your workload. First, catch up on any unfinished business, and leave a planning for what to do post-vacation. Once you have it figured out, do not be afraid to ask. Like we mentioned previously, it’s one of your basic rights at work. As long as you do it correctly, and even if it’s a new job, then your chances are pretty much high that you’ll be granted those days you asked for.

Photos: Pixabay.

Crazy Facts About Money Heist You Probably Didn’t Know

Money Heist (aka La Casa De Papel) is one of the TV series that have gone viral in the entire world. The Spanish show mesmerized the world with the original plot, and escalation of events. However, before Money Heist became one of the most watched series on Netflix’s history, it had more downs than ups. So, here are few crazy facts about Money Heist that you probably didn’t know.

The Show Was Bound To Fail

In fact, the show was almost canceled after the first two seasons. When it was first aired on Spanish TV, it generated good rates at the beginning, but they were going down each day. By the end of season 2, the cast said their goodbye and the director admitted that the show was bound to fail. However, when Netflix decided to buy the show and air it, everything changed and the success it generated left everyone in shock, including the Money Heist stars.

Season 1 Was Shot Entirely In Madrid

According to the producers of the show, the first seasons was shot on such low budget, that they couldn’t afford to shoot outside of Spain. So, all the scenes that features locations abroad, were actually shot in the studio, and then manipulated by the team in the post-production phase. Later on of course, and due to its rising success, the show makers were finally able to afford traveling and shooting in other countries.

The Actors’ Lives Changed Completely

The actors confessed in the ”Money Heist Documentary” that their lives changed 360 degrees after Netflix aired the show. Alba Flores (Nairobi) was quite in shock, as she could no longer go out for a normal walk. Moreover, The Professor and Berlin (Alvaro More & Pedro Alonso) were fascinated by the fans who were present when shooting their scenes in Milan. They both were overwhelmed, and knew that their lives have changed forever.

Money Heist’s Famous Fans

One of the crazy facts about Money Heist, is that it didn’t only impress the viewers, but famous people became obsessed with the show too. Actually, Neymar, the Brazilian soccer icon, even asked for his own character and made a quick appearance as a monk in Part 3 of Season 2.

The Dali Mask Became An International Symbol For Resistance

In addition to the unpredictable plot, suspense, and great acting, Money Heist attracted so much attention for further reasons. In fact, their resistance inspired protestors all over the world. The Dali mask became an international symbol in rallies defending human rights, and protesting against governments.

Where Did ”Bella Ciao” Come From?

The essence of the show, which revolves around resistance gave birth a new version of the legendary ”Bella Ciao” song. Although our generation may not have been familiar with it, but this song represents the fight of Italians against fascism. Before this song became a global hit (even playing at night clubs), it had been used as a national anthem of the opposition against the fascist regime in Italy in the 40’s.

Photos: Netflix, Instagram.

What To Do With Your Money If There Is An Economic Crisis?

What To Do With Your Money If There Is An Economic Crisis?

It’s undeniable that the Coronavirus crisis is shaping the world. Now, we do not know what will happen in the future, especially economically speaking. While many people speculate a potential world-wide economic crisis, the big question is: What to do with your money now?

Moreover, it’s normal to be financially insecure, especially with an uncertain future ahead. However, the good news is that there are several things you can do to keep your money “safe” in case the markets crash. Actually, in the best case scenario, your savings may even increase if you’re willing to take the risk.

Invest In Gold

No, we are not referring to a gold watch or chain, but to gold bars. Gold has always been a safe haven, since its price does not usually fall during crises. In fact, according to Forbes, gold was one of the highest-performing investments in 2019. Also, it’s pretty easy to hide, either in your home or in a personal bank safe (yes, just like in movies). The best part is that you can buy as much (or as little) as you can afford. From thousands of bars to a few grams. So, even if you do not have much money, you can still invest.

What About The Stock Market?

Furthermore, if you don’t mind risking a part of your money for the possibility of winning more, this is your moment. Although, that requires you to investigate before, and not just jump at the opportunity. Because if we buy the right shares with the right company, we can not only avoid the crisis but not have benefits. However, there is always the risk that if the company goes bankrupt, we may end up loosing it all. Actually, people who invest in indices, instead of trusting a single company, they trust all those that make up the index. So betting that the US DowJones or the Spanish Ibex35 raises is less risky than trusting that one single company will.

Leave Your Money Alone

Te most important thing to do with your money, is knowing what you do before starting to invest. So, if you do not see yourself knowledgeable enough to invest in the stock market, it is best not to do so. And since there are many people who do not trust keeping their valuables at home, gold is no longer an option either. However, there is the traditional alternative of banks.

In fact, you can leave your money in your account or put it in a savings account that generates enough for you to fight inflation (approximately 2%). This ensures that you don’t lose purchasing power. Even if the worst possible scenario occurred and the bank looses, there would be no need to worry, because most countries have a system that protects accounts with up to 100,000 euros.

Photos: Pixabay.