Fascinating Facts About Blinds & Curtains

Today, there are plenty of window furnishings property owners can invest in to boost the functionality and beauty of their property. Curtains and blinds are among the best investments. It is quite interesting to learn some great facts about them.

Curtains And Blinds Facts

Did you know how the first Roman Blinds were born? The Romans became tired of all the debris and dust blowing into their homes. Hanging damp pieces of cloth over their doors and windows was their ingenious solution. And this became the first Roman Blinds and the first air-con system.

Venetian blinds did not come from Venice. It was actually the Persians who first engineered the popular slatted design known today as Venetian blinds.

Shower Curtain was once named as the Bath Curtain. Since many bath tubs were used to be free standing, they were outfitted with a pole attached to a circular rod, which holds a curtain in order to allow the bather some privacy.

The earliest known blinds were derived from evidence of the ancient Chinese. The blinds then were made of bamboo bonded together and hanged in windows and doorways in order to create privacy. The Ancient Egyptians, on the other hand, were likewise doing something reeds.

Did you know who first patented the tilt mechanism found in almost all hanging blinds today? It was John Hampson, an American inventor.

The Rose Window is one of the world’s largest windows. This is found at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. It has a diameter of 13.1 meters and a circumference of 41.1 meters.

Trivia Info Resource: qldblindsandsecurity.com.au

Well-Known Historical Trade Routes

Important trade routes in the past have helped define economic and cultural history. These routes have provided abundant wealth and cultural exchange. However, they have also caused war and subjugation.

Below are some of the key historical trading routes of relationships that stemmed from the ancient times:

The Silk Road. Considered the most famous of all the trade routes, the Silk Road lasted for hundreds of years. It was only during the ascendancy of the Ottoman Empire which culminated in the storming of Constantinople in 1453 that effectively closed the route.  The Silk Road connected China with India, the Middle East, and Europe all through Central Asia. The route paved the way for the exchange of valuable goods such Chinese silk to the Roman Empire. It also allowed the spread of religions and technologies from East to West, including Islam and Buddhism and gunpowder from China to Europe, through the Arab world.

British – Indian Spice Trade. The English East India Company leased the Bombay Island in 1640, which was part of the dowry in the marriage of Catherine of Braganza to Charles II of England. This island, including other settlements, marked the start of the Company’s eventual domination of India. The Company started exporting silks, cottons, and indigo dye to Europe. It was also able to import India’s spices and over time India became a captive market for British manufactured goods. Soon, the Company turned into a government in its own right, collecting taxes and fighting wars, and eventually dominating the whole of India.

The Incense Route. This is an ancient trade route that linked early Mediterranean civilisations with incense, spices, and valuable stones from what it is now known as Southern Arabia. The specific products that were traded included frankincense - a milky sap derived from the Boswellia tree, a key ingredient in perfumes. The scents were sought after in Ancient Egypt since they helped hide the stench of the open sewage and filth. Boswellia trees only grew in Eastern Africa and what is now known at Yemen, making the product very hard to obtain. The Egyptians soon built cities and forts in the Arabian Peninsula to help protect the trade which used both land and sea routes.

Info source: www.business.hsbc.com

The Best Ways To Get Rid Of Acne Naturally

One of the most common skin problems that most young people and even adults have today is acne. Most people find it hard to get rid of this type of skin problem especially if the type of skin they have is prone to having acne. And so, some resort to invasive treatment solutions while others opt for commercial acne treatment creams. However, there are actually natural ways to get rid of acne. Check out the following.

- Wash face with water and massage honey into it. Honey has a component that is very effective in getting rid of acne, pimples and even blackheads. Gently cleanse face with water and honey to soothe skin and fight back bacteria which causes acne.

- Mix mint, yogurt and oatmeal in a blender and put concoction into the face and neck. Leave it for about 10 minutes before rising it off with water.

- Use aspirin to treat acne. Aspirin has salicylic acid which is a very effective component to treat acne. It can dry up pimples and reduce inflammation. Simply mash aspirin and mix it with a little amount of water to make a paste and put it into the affected part.

Trivia Info Resource: www.medicalvillage.ae

Interesting Psychology Facts About Human Feelings

Do you know what nomophobia means? This is a term referring to the fear of being without a mobile device. It is an abbreviation for “no-mobile-phone phobia” that was coiled during a 2010 study by the UK Post Office.

How about emotional contagion, do you know what it means? Research described this as being deeply affected by moods of other people. This is actually a process that pre-wired the brain through mirror-neurons that allow you to sense and reflect the emotions of other people.

Do you know what mirror-neurons are? These are the brain’s hardware to help individuals harmonize with their environment. They allow you to grasp the mind of others through direct stimulation. It is because of your mirror neurons that you blush if you see someone else humiliated, can’t resist the urge to laugh is you see a group struck with giggles, or flinch if someone else is struck. These neurons likewise give you the ability for empathy.

Other Interesting Facts You Must Know

When people hug, the chemical that the brain releases is the oxytocin. This is a hormone known for its role in social attachment and facilitations of social interactions. This is also important in the formation of trust.

Did you know that chocolate is the love drug? Chocolates have been widely known staple for showing love. It has tryptophan, which is a chemical in the brain used to produce serotonin. This is a feel-good brain chemical playing a major role in emotional healthy, positive mood, balance appetite, and proper sleep.

There are 6 facial expressions that correspond to distinct universal emotions. These include happiness, sadness, disgust, surprise, anger, and fear.

Trivia Info Resource: www.mylifepsychologists.com.au

Most Common Bacteria Found In Water

For many people, ensuring clean and safe water is very important. However, most people do not really know that there are a lot of different types of bacteria that can be found in water that are not that visible. Know these most common bacteria found in water and how they can affect your health.

- Legionella. This type of bacteria thrives in warm waters. This is also found naturally in the environment and is very harmful when aerosolized. Legionella can be a very dangerous type of bacteria and can cause a very serious sickness called Legionnaires disease. This is a type of pneumonia that can be acquired when you have drunk or inhaled Legionella through your tap, shower or air conditioning system.

- Enteroviruses. These are small viruses living in the intestines of infected humans or animals. Some of the most common enteroviruses are polioviruses, coxsackieviruses and echoviruses. These viruses are very common and can cause or put you in risk of gastroenteritis and meningitis.

Trivia Info Resource: www.aquacert.co.uk

Most Common Features Offered By A Luxury Hotel

Staying in a luxury hotel is one of the best things you can experience while on a vacation. Many people really dream of staying even just for a few days in a luxury hotel to experience luxury living. Some even have to save money for months just for this experience. Indeed, luxury hotels offer the best things. Know the most common features offered by a luxury hotel below:

- Huge rooms. This is one of the most common differences you will notice between a regular hotel and a luxury hotel. The rooms are huge and the designs are classic, sophisticated and with high-quality furnishings.

- Sophisticated bathrooms. The tiles of luxury hotel bathrooms are usually lavished with mosaic tiles. They should have prestige toiletries and the best bathroom essentials.

- Excellent customer service. The hotel staff is very welcoming and quick to attend to your personal needs and requests. Luxury hotel staff is trained to be very warm in welcoming guests yet maintaining professionalism.

- Great dining experience. Most luxury hotels offers 24/7 room service. Their restaurants are staffed with great chefs and servicemen offering the best menus.

- World-class amenities. The most common luxury hotel amenities are a fitness gym, pool, social lobby area, laundry service, babysitting and petsitting services.

Trivia Info Research: www.palazzoversace.ae

The Most Common Types Of Cranes

Cranes are among the most important and useful equipment in a construction project. There are a wide variety of brands, sizes and uses of cranes that you should know about. Get to know the most common types of cranes and their uses below:

- Mobile crane. This type of crane is used for building and maintaining highways, pipelines and bridges. This can lift hundreds of pounds and has a maximum height of 400 feet.

- Tower crane. This is also known as hammerhead or derrick crane. You can see this type of crane in most major construction sites for lifting concrete, large tools, steel and other building materials.

- Marine crane. This is most often seen on the shore line or attached to an ocean vessel. This is used to lift boats from the shore to the water. This type of crane has at least three jib options namely, foldable knuckle boom, stiff boom crane and telescopic.

- Straddle crane. This type of crane is used in port terminals and intermodal yards. It is used for stacking and moving containers.

Trivia Info Resource: www.activecranehire.com.au

Some Of The Most Well-Known And Influential Psychologists Of All Time

Psychologists study human behaviour and various mental processes by observing, interpreting, and recording how people and animals (during research and experiments) relate to one another and the environment. Psychologists undergo years of education and training so that they can be experts in looking for patterns that will help them understand and predict behaviour using scientific methods, principles, or procedures.

Over the years, various psychologists have been influential in the growth of this particular field of science. Below are some of the most popular and prominent psychologists of all time:

Sigmund Freud – Regarded as the father of psychoanalysis, Freud first qualified as a doctor of medicine at the University of Vienna. He went on to work in cerebral anatomy and his interest with the brain developed from there. Many of Freud’s theories provide the basis for and are incorporated in modern clinical psychology.

Ivan Pavlov – Pavlov was educated in natural sciences in St. Petersburg, Russia. He is the man behind the concept of Pavlovian conditioning which has a number of real-life applications which include treatment of phobias and for aversion therapy.

Jean Piaget – Piaget is one of the most influential development psychologists of the 20th century. He is known for advocating the theory of cognitive development. He has also influenced the works of future generations of renowned psychologists studying not just human behaviour but those of non-human species such as primates as well.

Karen Horney – Horney is known for her work on neurosis and feminine psychology. She is also credited with the theory of neurosis which stipulates that there are ten types of neuroses and they are used to cope with anxieties caused by interpersonal relations - a theory that remains prominent even today.

Info source: lifeandmind.com.au    

Some Weird Facts About Breastfeeding

Lactation is very fascinating. It is quite interesting to learn about how and why women make milk for their babies. Here are some strange breastfeeding facts you might want to know.

Strange Breastfeeding Facts

More milk is produced by the right breast than the left breast. This is not related to which breast they usually offer first if baby nurses or even to which hand the parent writes with. In fact, no one still was able to discover why this happens.

Babies ingest the same amount of milk every day from the time they are 4-6 weeks old to the time they reach 6 months and start eating solid foods. However, the composition of breastmilk changes from each feeding in order to meet the needs of the baby. Around 25 ounces of breastmilk per day is what a breastfeed baby always needs.

The little bumps on your areolae- montgomery glands secrete oil that smells like amniotic fluid. This scent can help newborn to find the nipple after he is born since they are attracted to this familiar scent.

Babies do not suck the milk out of the breast. The babies lift their tongue in order to create a vacuum as they massage the milk out of the breast and into their mouth. To help move the milk out of the milk ducts, the muscles of the tongue will roll from front to back.

Trivia Info Resource: https://www.peachymama.com.au