XML News and Views From Around South Africa

How to Qualify for Panama’s Golden Visa

So, you’ve been thinking about making a move to Panama, and the Golden Visa has caught your eye. Smart choice. This visa isn’t just another piece of paper it’s your express ticket to permanent residency in one of the world’s most attractive destinations. And guess what? If you’re a South African, you’re in a prime

How GPS Works & Why Some Devices Fail

The Global Positioning System (GPS) has become an integral part of our lives, guiding us on our journeys, assisting in precise timekeeping, and serving various industries. But how did this remarkable technology come into existence? In this article, we will unravel the fascinating history of GPS, from its humble beginnings to its widespread applications today.

Hidden Cell Phone Facts

Welcome, dear readers, to another captivating journey through the world of technology and communication. In this installment, we delve into the intriguing history, astounding facts, and curious myths surrounding our trusty companions, cell phones. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to be enlightened as we explore the evolution of these remarkable gadgets. Let’s begin

The Linguistic Tale of ‘Yicche’ and Chickenpox

Chicken Pox, often casually referred to as the Varicella Zoster Virus, may sound like a benign childhood illness with its whimsical name, but the reality is quite different. It’s a condition that, though rarely, can lead to serious complications and even fatalities, particularly in children. Before the introduction of the Varicella vaccine in May 1995,

Fighter Hand Registration Laws Unraveled

The notion that individuals skilled in hand-to-hand combat must register their hands as lethal weapons has lingered in the realm of pop culture and urban legends for years. You’ve probably heard it in movies, seen it in media sessions with professional fighters, or come across it in some obscure corner of the internet. But is

Origins and Green Beginnings of the ‘Duck’ Tape Saga

Originally dubbed “Duck tape,” this versatile adhesive wasn’t always the household staple we know today. Developed by the Permacel subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson during World War II, it emerged as a military necessity. The primary purpose was to waterproof ammo cases, hence its initial availability solely in army green. The nomenclature’s origin remains a

Why Skin Wrinkles in Water

The phenomenon of wrinkled fingers in water sparks curiosity. While vasoconstriction plays a role, recent studies suggest an evolutionary advantage, providing insights into the purpose of our dish-pan-hands in moist environments. The historical belief that osmosis causes finger wrinkling challenges common misconceptions. While osmosis may contribute, it’s not the sole factor. Dissecting the anatomy and

Tech-Savvy Alarm Tricks for Easier Mornings

Alarm clocks, a staple in most households, can sometimes be more of a nuisance than a help. But what if you could modify your alarm clock to suit your personal needs? That’s exactly what we’re exploring today: hacking an alarm clock to make your mornings more pleasant. This isn’t about snoozing longer but transforming your

Origins of “Mad As A Hatter”

The phrase “mad as a hatter,” contrary to popular association with Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland,” did not originate from the novel. Carroll described the Hatter as mad but never used the exact phrase. The earliest documented use of “mad as a hatter” was in the 1829 short story “Noctes Ambrocianæ” in Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine,

Ireland’s Elusive Isle Hy-Brasil and Its Legends

The allure of enchanting islands has captivated humanity for ages, giving rise to tales of otherworldly realms like Avalon and Atlantis. Among these legendary lands, Hy-Brasil has held a prominent place in Irish lore, painted in myth as a paradise of abundance and joy, ever elusive, lying somewhere west of Ireland’s shores. Hy-Brasil, with its