Travel

Safe Plans To Stay Warm While Enjoying Winter

Winter is either your cup of tea or not. However, you can’t deny that it can be a gorgeous season. For those fans of watching snow fall, with a cup of hot chocolate and Frank Sinatra music playing in the background, this is definitely a read for you! Of course, we can’t neglect the fact that with this pandemic, it has become super hard to enjoy any outdoor activity, without being afraid and hesitant. Don’t worry, because these winter plans that we are suggesting are safe, and they will also help you enjoy doing something while avoiding the cold.

Ice Skating In A Park

Sure, sounds like a lot of fun if you know how to skate on ice. But, we really think that it’s a great idea to enjoy winter, even if you are still learning. In fact, it’s a fun activity to motivate you to enjoy a night out. Of course, you can stay safe by avoiding mainstream and crowded skate parks, or ”creating” your own space in a less-crowded zone of the park. Layer up, take your kids, and enjoy this classic winter activity.

Cozy Winter Getaway

Are you and your partner tired of having date night at home every time? Or worse, doing the same things, and eating at the same places? It’s time to spice up your life together this winter. In fact, one of the safest winter plans ever is to get away from the city, the routine, your normal life, and just take break. A cozy weekend in a cabin, possibly with a warm jacuzzi and a glass of Champagne are capable of taking you back home brand new.

DIY Christmas Decoration

However, if you don’t feel too enthusiastic about leaving home, no problem. These holidays enjoy doing fun home-activities with the family. Gather your kids and family, and make your own Christmas decorations at home. Not only it’s considered ”bonding time”, but it’s also an activity that boosts the sense of creativity and self-discipline in children. I mean, what could be better than helping your kids learn while getting them to help in chores at the same time?

Pamper Yourself With a Spa Day

Many people think that a day in the Spa or a thermal bath is expensive. However, with the million offers and discounts available online, you’ll realize that it’s super affordable to pamper yourself. In addition, such places score major points in winter, because they are the warmest place out there. In fact, thermal baths are famous for their various benefits thanks to heat treatments. According to research, ”taking a hot bath or spa can kill bacteria and improve immunity. It can relieve the symptoms of cold and flu.”

Photos: Freepik.

How Come That Oceans Meet But Do Not Mix?

3D Render of a Topographic Map of the Strait Of Gibraltar, between Morocco and Spain.

Sometimes, mother nature just fascinates us. Water is, of course, a simple source of life. Yet, oceans are some of the most undiscovered part of the world. if you ever had the chance to see two oceans meet, then you must’ve asked this question: Why do oceans meet but not mix? Here is a simple answer to you, based on what scientific research says.

This Strange Phenomenon Is Scientifically Explained

Long story short: It’s all about the water density. In fact, when two oceans meet but do not mix, it’s mostly because of the difference of water. According to professor Ken Bruland, ‘‘ the difference in water density, temperature and salinity of the glacial melt water and off shore waters, making it difficult to mix. Moreover, he organized a study cruise in the gulf of Alaska with his University of California-Santa Cruz students to analyze this strange phenomenon.

The Atlantic Meeting The Pacific

During the cruise, and as the photo displays, the Atlantic and Pacific oceans do meet, but do not mix naturally. The melted glacier which is heavy in the zone, carries with it heavy clay and sediment, which eventually becomes iron. Once the oceans meet, the density is so different that causes them to stay separated.

Furthermore, this natural phenomenon occurs in all meeting points between oceans, regardless of the nature of their waters.

Mediterranean Sea And The Atlantic Ocean

That being said, the strait of gibraltar also witnesses a crossing point. in fact, connecting not only two ”oceans”, but also two continents. The passage from Europe to Africa and vice-versa, has a specific area where you can see the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic meeting, but each conserves its side.

However, when seen from space, it seems that the two do mix. According to Live Science, this occurs mainly as ‘‘two currents are formed in the strait. An upper layer of Atlantic water flows eastward into the sea over a lower layer of saltier and heavier Mediterranean water flowing westward into the ocean, known as the Mediterranean Outflow water.”

Photos: Youtube, Pixabay.

Would You Dare Get On These Crazy Roller Coasters?

We all have one crazy thing we want to do. (Well, maybe more than one.) For some, it’s bungee-jumping, or scuba diving. Yet, one of the craziest, most euphoric sensations can come from simpler things, like roller coasters. Amusement parks is a growing business, and they introduce new rides every time. Without doubt, these 5 roller coasters are insanely terrifying. You think that you would dare to get on one of them?

Kingda Ka

This giant roller coaster is ”one of only two Strata roller coasters.” This means that it allows a whole other level of insanity, dropping from above 400feet. The Kingda Ka is located in Six flags park in New Jersey, one of the biggest roller coaster parks in the world. In addition, this roller coaster has the longest initial drop, which along side with its many twists, make a ride in it a life-time experience.

Sky Scream

Literally as scary as it sounds! the Sky Scream is one of the prominent roller coaster rides in Europe. Hosted by the Holiday Park, which started operating in 2014 in Germany. Although it’s relatively a short ride compared to other roller coasters, the Sky Scream triggers a mix of sensations in just a few minutes. It has vertical twists going up, vertical twists going straight down, you have loops and 360-degree horizontal twists. Basically, everything you need for a quick endorphins rush.

Formula Rossa

Ferrari World in the UAE presents you with the fastest roller coaster in the world. Actually, it aims at recreating the speed sensation of Formula 1 races. So, if you would dare to get on this crazy ride, then you must expect a speed that can hit 149 mph. In addition, if you are not into that dizzy sensation of twists and loops, you’ll like this one. PS: On this ride, you only have a ap-restraint keeping you in. So, would you do it?

El Toro

If watching the video almost made your heart drop, then imagine being on this crazy ride. The Bull or El Toro, is the second-fastest wooden rollercoaster in the world, and you can find it at Six Flags Amusement Park. Even more, one of a few wooden rides with loops and drops. Expect it to go as fast as 70 mph, and feel as bouncy and terrified as you’ve ever felt in your life.

Banshee

Finally, the Banshee is definitely the craziest ride at Ohio’s Kings Island. Not only for the speed factor, but also because it’s the world’s longest inverted roller coaster. Yes, it’s quite terrifying, especially when you are hanging from the track with your feet in the air. It’s over 4000 feet long, and has 7 inversions, and all of that with your legs swinging free…Let that sink in for a minute!

Photo: Pixabay.

Did NASA Just Find A Parallel Universe Where Time Runs Backwards?

Nature really doesn’t cease to amaze us! The scientific community has been revolutionized a few days ago, with what might just be the discovery of the century. Several reports discussed that NASA found a parallel universe where time runs backwards. Yes, as astonishing as it seems, this could completely change everything we know about the universe, physics, and time. So, what’s the full story behind this new discovery?

The Study Started In 2016

The origin of all this dates back to a 2016 study, signed by Peter Gorham of the University of Hawaii. In fact, the research was sponsored by NASA-funded ANITA. Moreover, this research led scientists to discover subatomic particles (neutrinos), whose direction was the opposite of what it should be.

Did They Really Find A Parallel Universe?

Although everyone is freaking out with headlines, don’t get too excited. NASA have cleared themselves, and assured that ”at no moment was there talk of a possible “parallel universe.” In fact, it was something that various media outlets misunderstood and magnified. What is certain though, is that a new type of particle could have been discovered that could revolutionize the way we understood physics.

However, there is still no definitive explanation for this phenomenon, which is clearly magnificent. Furthermore, it is a behavior never seen before. so, and in the words of one of the study authors, “It was as if the cosmic ray had come out of the ice itself.” So, for now, there is no parallel universe where time runs backwards.

The Truth Behind The New Discovery

The scientific community has set out to find a logical and reasonable explanation for this strange phenomenon. And, at the moment, the most reasonable is that it is a distortion in the measurements caused by the ice of Antarctica.

Furthermore, those responsible for the study have not suggested at any time is that their discovery implies the existence of a parallel universe. And even less of one where time goes in the opposite direction. That, for the moment, is nothing more than an idea for a science-fiction movie.

Photos: Pixabay.

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.