Krampus – The ‘Anti-Santa Claus’
Dec06

Krampus – The ‘Anti-Santa Claus’

Meet a new and disturbing character to add to the pantheon of Christmas mythical beings … Krampus!

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Sinterklaas – A very Dutch tradition
Dec02

Sinterklaas – A very Dutch tradition

Sinterklaas is quintessentially Dutch. You might be tempted to think he’s just a Dutch version of Santa Claus … but he’s definitely not. He doesn’t even live at the North Pole !

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Thanksgiving – An American Tradition
Nov25

Thanksgiving – An American Tradition

Thanksgiving is a traditional feature of North American life. We explain the history and origins

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The Origin of the Yard, Meter and Kilo
Sep30

The Origin of the Yard, Meter and Kilo

How many of us have a foot a foot long ?
What are the origins of some of the measurements we use today.

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Coca Cola – Who invented it and how did it grow to be so Ubiquitous?
Sep23

Coca Cola – Who invented it and how did it grow to be so Ubiquitous?

Coca Cola is a ubiquitous and iconic symbol of the U.S. but when & who came up with it?

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What is the difference between Ale and Lager
Sep02

What is the difference between Ale and Lager

There are 2 basic categories of beer : Lagers and Ales. But what is it that makes them so different ?

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Who Invented Spectacles?
Aug19

Who Invented Spectacles?

Spectacles … fashion item and indispensable ‘modern’ aid … but they’re far older than you think. Here we look at the origins of specs.

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Flags of the World
Jul08

Flags of the World

I’ve always been interested in flags. Fascinated in how they embody identity, nationality, pride, a sense of belonging. People can love them, hate them and even die for them. I like to collect the flags of the numerous countries that I’ve visited. Here are a few and their origins and symbolisms… Australia The Australian flag has a dark royal blue base with a depiction of the British Union Jack in the upper left...

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How To … Make a Fire Without Matches
Jun17

How To … Make a Fire Without Matches

How to start a fire without the use of matches.
… “things eveyone used to know how to do.”

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Origin of Some Popular English Idioms
Jun10

Origin of Some Popular English Idioms

The origins of a selection of some popular English expressions and sayings.

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How Is the Date of Easter Calculated?
Apr29

How Is the Date of Easter Calculated?

Easter is a moveable feast, which means that it does not occur on the same date every year. But how is it calculated ?

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Couch to 5K in 9 weeks
Apr08

Couch to 5K in 9 weeks

An exercise programme to get you running 5Km in 9 weeks.

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What is the origin of April Fools Day ?
Apr01

What is the origin of April Fools Day ?

When & how did April Fools day come about ?

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