A common explanation of pruney digits has the outer layer of skin absorbing water. The outer layer swells, causing wrinkles. Another theory posits that wrinkling is caused by the narrowing of blood vessels: when exposed to water, nerve fibers shrink, and this causes the skin to prune. But to what purpose? One hypothesis suggests these… Continue Reading Why do fingers get pruney when wet?
In 1896, engineer Jesse W. Reno brought his patented “Endless Conveyor Elevator” (he called it the “inclined elevator”) to the Old Iron Pier at Coney Island. Reno’s invention stretched a mere seven feet angled at 25-degrees, and instead of steps, it used a conveyor-like belt. The Coney Island installation is said to have carried more… Continue Reading What amusement park ride can you enjoy any day for free?
UUCDC has a peer support group that provides a safe, welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ adults to find emotional, spiritual, and social support. Meetings are 6:30–7:30 pm on Zoom (1st Wednesdays), and in person (3rd Wednesdays) in the McClennon Room. There will also be a Zoom meeting on July 30. The focus this summer is on… Continue Reading LGBTQIA+ Peer Support Group
Play-Doh and Verizon: one you squeeze into shape and the other squeezes your wallet? Nope. They both have trademarked smells. Chances are you’d immediately recognize the scent of Play-Doh. In 2018, the patent office formalized their ownership of that aroma. But Verizon Wireless? They own Reg. No. 4,618,936 for the “flowery musk scent” that consumers… Continue Reading What do Play-Doh and Verizon Wireless have in common?
On a tour of the Vatican, they said that the Pontifical Swiss Guard, established in 1506 under Pope Julius II, is the oldest military unit in continuous operation. They have great uniforms, but they are not the oldest. The record goes to Infantry Regiment “Inmemorial del Rey” No. 1, which is part of the Spanish… Continue Reading What country has the world’s longest standing army?
Harry Styles wrote a song about making small changes in your life that will lead to your own personal happiness, and doing the same for others. It is about acceptance and treating others the way we would like to be treated regardless of our differences. You should always Treat People With Kindness.
The popular story is that 6-year-old prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote that little ditty. He wrote variations on it in the 1780s, which were probably exercises for his music students. They were described as being based on a French folk melody. It was popularized as a song about candy: Ah! Vous Dirai-Je, Maman. So who… Continue Reading Who wrote “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star?”
The Share the Plate recipient for July is the Media Food Bank. They help alleviate local food insecurity, and are committed to improving lives by collecting and distributing food and resources to support financially disadvantaged citizens in Delaware County. Located at the First United Methodist Church in Media, the Media Food Bank is the largest… Continue Reading Media Food Bank
In 1995, Pierre Omidyar wrote code for AuctionWeb as a personal project in a spare bedroom in his Silicon Valley town house. He had bought a $30 laser pointer for making flashy presentations, but ended up using it to make his cat chase the red dot. It broke after two weeks, so he listed it… Continue Reading What was the first item ever sold on eBay?
