Teenager Magazine Blog
A place for our readers to share what they find interesting
When Lightning Strikes
Sep 4th
About 200 years ago, Ben Franklin tried a very dangerous experiment. He flew a silk kite in a summer thunderstorm. He did not do this dangerous trick for fun. He thought he knew what lightning is, and he was testing his idea, for Franklin was a scientist as well as one of the fathers of his country.
A metal key hung on a silk string near the end of his kite string. He kept touching the key with his bare band. Each time he touched it, he saw a spark and felt a shock. He was very lucky not to be killed! The sparks and shocks showed him that he had guessed right. Lightning is electricity in the air. The electricity makes a flash of light when it jumps from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth. Franklin was the first man to set a trap for the electricity and to make it go where he led it. He used a kite because he had seen that lightning often strikes objects high above ground.
After you see a big flash of lightning, you often hear thunder. A bolt of lightning pushes the air in its path so fast that it makes More >
Ants Protect Acacia Trees from Elephants
Sep 3rd
Acacia trees harboring ants escaped elephant appetites, apparently because elephants don’t like ants up their trunks.
We all know that elephants aren’t really scared of mice. But a new study shows that they’re really not crazy about something even smaller: ants. In fact, elephants dislike ants so much that they avoid acacia trees that harbor the tiny, six-legged nectar-suckers.
On the savanna, acacia trees growing in regions that get a lot of elephant traffic tend to get eaten. But researchers noticed that one species of acacia was not much bothered by elephants. And that the untouched acacia was a favorite ant habitat.
So the scientists stripped the ant-covered acacia of their bodyguard bugs, and sure enough, the elephants chowed down. In addition, when the insects were placed on previously ant-free acacias, the elephants took a pass.
But how can teeny, tiny ants repel a big old elephant, which is, after all, about a billion times more massive? The answer is in the trunk. Or rather, not in the trunk. Because, as you can probably relate, elephants really hate to have ants up their noses.
The research is published in the journal Current Biology. [Jacob Goheen and Todd Palmer, http://bit.ly/8ZSmpa which includes video] And it suggests More >
Strength
Sep 3rd
I seelk strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greater enemy…MYSELF!
Teenager Magazine Blog Widget
Aug 31st
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“The Masque of the Red Death” Edgar Allan Poe
Aug 30th
“The Masque of the Red Death” Origin: American Genre: Realistic Fiction Reading Level: 7 Language: English Theme: Death, denial, class
The “Red Death” had long devastated the country. No pestilence had ever been so fatal, or so hideous. Blood was its Avatar and its seal—the redness and the horror of blood. There were sharp pains, and sudden dizziness, and then profuse bleeding at the pores, with dissolution. The scarlet stains upon the body and especially upon the face of the victim, were the pest ban which shut him out from the aid and from the sympathy of his fellow-men. And the whole seizure, progress and termination of the disease, were the incidents of half an hour.
But the Prince Prospero was happy and dauntless and sagacious. When his dominions were half depopulated, he summoned to his presence a thousand hale and light-hearted friends from among the knights and dames of his court, and with these retired to the deep seclusion of one of his castellated abbeys. This was an extensive and magnificent structure, the creation of the prince’s own eccentric yet august taste. A strong and lofty wall girdled it in. This wall had gates of iron. The courtiers, having entered, brought More >
Water Before Meal Means Fewer Calories Consumed
Aug 30th
Drinking 16 ounces of water before meals helped a group of dieters lose more weight than other dieters who didn’t consume water first.
Americans, and American physicians, are concerned about ballooning waistlines and the accompanying health problems. Now, researchers have presented the first randomized trial of what they hail as a side-effect-free, prescription-free and simply free appetite control agent. That is, of course, water. Brenda Davy, lead researcher from Virginia Tech, presented the findings at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society.
Previous studies showed that middle-aged and older Americans who drank two cups of water before a meal ate about 75 to 90 fewer calories over the course of the meal. For this study, the scientists took 48 adults between 55 and 75. All ate a low-calorie diet for 12 weeks. Half of the group drank 16 ounces of water before meals. The other half didn’t.
After the 12 weeks were over, the water drinkers lost on average 15.5 pounds, while the ones who weren’t prescribed water lost about 11 pounds. Davy says that this phenomenon could occur because water is filling and has, of course, zero calories. It could also be displacing other, sweeter drinks that the dieters might consume. More >
Do you know that…
Aug 30th
*In just over three years (Aug 24, 2007-Aug 24, 2010), iTunes U downloads have topped 300 million — making it one of the world’s most popular online educational catalogs. A dedicated area within the iTunes Store, iTunes U offers users public access to university courses, lab demonstrations, special lectures, and more from world class institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Cambridge, Oxford, University of Melbourne, and Université de Montréal.
*Snails can sleep for three days.
*Chicago boast the highest Polish population of any city in the world, outside of Warsaw.
*US government spending per household (over $30,000 USD in 2010 ) is up about 40% over the last 10 years.
*The highest-flying insect was captured at 3.6 miles (about 5.8 km) up in the sky – it was a termite.
*Brazil has the largest Japanese population outside of Japan.
*Broadband Internet access is a legal right in Finland.
*Wemon blink twice as often as men.
*China currently exports in six hours what it exported in all of 1978.
*Disneyland cast members point whit 2 fingers or their whole hand; pointing whit 1 finger is considered rude.
*10% of US electricity is generated whit enriched uranium from Russian bombs.
*The sun makes up about 99% of the total mass in our solar system.
*A More >
Reflections
Aug 28th
1. Why repeat the old errors, if there are so many new errors to commit?~Bertrand Russel~
2. Never walk on the traveled path, because it only leads you where the others have been. ~Graham Bell~
3. Always there is a drop of madness in love, yet always there is a drop of reason in madness. ~Nietzsche~
4. Time is very slow for those who wait, very fast for those who are scared, very long for those who lament, very short for those who celebrate, but, for those who love, time is eternity. ~William Shakespeare~
5. Many people lose the small joys, in hope for the big happiness. ~Pearl Buck~
6. Life can be understood only looking behind, but can be lived only looking ahead. ~Soren Kierkegaard~
7. If I could return to youth, I would commit all those errors again, but a bit earlier. ~Tallulah Bankhead~
8. The true philosophy is to learn again to see the world. ~Merleau-Ponty~
9. Love is the best music in the score of life. Without it, one would forever be out of tune in the immense choir of humanity. ~Roque Schneider~
10. Love me when I less deserve it, because it’s then when I need it most. ~Chinese Proverb~
11. I made an agreement of peaceful coexistence with time: neither he pursues me, nor I More >
The Mystery of Thinking
Aug 26th
Some psychologists maintain that mental acts such as thinking are not performed in the brain alone, but that one’s muscles also participate. It may be said that we think with our muscles in somewhat the same way that we listen to music with our bodies.
You surely are not surprised to be told that you usually listen to music not only with your ears but with your whole body. Few people can listen to music that is more or less familiar without moving their body or, more specifically, some part of their body. Often when one listens to a symphonic concert on the radio, he is tempted to direct the orchestra even though he knows there is a competent conductor on the job.
Strange as this behavior may be, there is a very good reason for it. One cannot derive all possible enjoyment from music unless he participates, so to speak, in its performance.
The muscles of the body actually participate in the mental process of thinking in the same way, but this participation is less obvious because it is less pronounced.
ABC of Friendship
Aug 24th
Accepts you as you are.
Believes in you.
Calls you just to say “hi”.
Doesn’t give up on you.
Envisions the whole of you. (even the unfinished parts)
Forgives your mistakes.
Gives unconditionally.
Helps you.
Invites you over.
Just “be” with you.
Keeps you close at heart.
Loves you for who you are.
Makes a difference in your life.
Never judges.
Offers support.
Picks you up.
Quiets your fear.
Raises your spirits.
Says nice things about you.
Tells you the truth when you need to hear it.
Understands you.
Values you.
Walks beside you.
X-plain things you don’t understand.
Yells when you won’t listen.
Zaps you back to reality.
(Thank You For Being Such A Good Friend)
Brain Damaging Habits
Aug 19th
1. No Breakfast People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level. This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration. 2. Overeating It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power. 3. Smoking It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease. 4. High Sugar consumption Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development. 5. Air Pollution The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency. 6. Sleep Deprivation Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells. 7. Head covered while sleeping Sleeping with the head covered, increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects. 8. Working your brain during illness Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain. 9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage. 10. Talking Rarely Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain.
More >British election
Aug 9th
Useful Vocabulary in British election
Things you might see around election time
ballot paper(s)
leaflet(s) / pamphlet(s)
party political broadcast
politician(s)
poll card(s)
poster(s)
postal vote(s)
vote(s)
voting booth(s)
Main Political Parties in the UK – from left to right. Their Colours and Logos
Labour – Red – Rose
Liberal Democrats – Gold – Bird
Conservatives – Blue – Tree
Words you might see or hear during an election
block vote
A way of voting in which your vote represents other members of your organization, especially at trade union meetings.
by-election
A special election, held between regular elections, when an area votes. A by-election can be ‘called’ if an existing M.P. dies or retires.
campaign (n)
In an election a campaign is a political campaign is an organized effort which seeks to win the vote of the electorate. Often called a ‘political campaign’ or an ‘election campaign’.
campaign (v)
The things a candidate does to be elected. (KIssing babies, shaking hands, giving speeches to the WI etc.)
candidate (n)
The person who is running in an election.
coalition (n)
If there’s no outright winner in an election a government can be formed in which several parties cooperate.
constituent (n)
A citizen who is represented in a government by officials for whom he or she votes.
constituency (n)
Each of the electoral areas or divisions in the UK which elect one or More >
Tummy tuck surgery in Houston: need of the hour!
Aug 8th
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, can help correct a protruding abdomen or sagging skin around the abdomen. While not considered a viable substitute for weight loss through regular diet and exercise, a tummy tuck can help remove excessive localized fat that may not respond to diet and exercise or under extenuating circumstances, such as multiple pregnancies or aging.
Days where we walked several miles to reach a place, where we climbed high mountains in search of food, where we cultivated crops working throughout the day tirelessly are gone now. Our past century can be marked as one of the important turning points for the human race where we crossed the boundaries of earth giving birth to the famous words “ the sky is the limit “.
Industrial revolution paved the way for the invention of new machines and then the computers came to limelight. Computer, from being a huge machine has almost evolved to substitute humans in many fields. The human labor gradually declined leaving most of us who were healthy, with large bellies.
However, most of us consider fitness to be the primary factor to lead a happy life, even though we do not have enough time or lazy enough to More >
The Rose Within
Aug 8th
A man planted a rose and watered it faithfully and before it blossomed, he examined it.
He saw the bud that would soon blossom, but noticed thorns upon the stem and he thought, How can any beautiful flower come from a plant burdened with so many sharp thorns? Saddened by this thought, he neglected to water the rose, and just before it was ready to bloom… it died.
So it is with many people. Within every soul there is a rose. Many of us look at ourselves and see only the thorns, the defects and neglect to water the rose within us, and eventually it dies without realizing its potential.
Some people do not see the rose within themselves; someone else must show it to them. One of the greatest gifts a person can possess is to be able to reach past the thorns of another, and find the rose within them. Help others to realize they can overcome their faults. If we show them the rose within themselves, they will conquer their thorns. Only then will they blossom many times over…
Old Woman and God
Aug 8th
A 54 year old woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital.
While on the operating table she had a near death experience. Seeing God she asked “Is my time up?”
God said, “No, you have another 43 years, 2 months and 8 days to live.”
Upon recovery, the woman decided to stay in the hospital and have a face-lift, liposuction and a tummy tuck. She even had someone come in and change her hair color and brighten her teeth! Since she had so much more time to live, she figured she might as well make the most of it.
After her last operation, she was released from the hospital. While crossing the street on her way home, she was killed by an ambulance.
Arriving in front of God, she demanded, “I thought you said I had another 43 years? Why didn’t you pull me from out of the path of the ambulance?”
God replied: “I didn’t recognize you.”
Motive of the story: God loves you the way you are
Inventor of the aircraft “black box” dies at 85
Jul 21st
An Australian scientist who invented the flight data recorder famously known as the “black box” to help investigate aircraft accidents has died at the age of 85, defense officials said on Wednesday.
David Warren, whose own father was killed in a plane crash in 1934 in Australia, was a research scientist at the Aeronautical Research Laboratories in Melbourne.
He came up with the idea of a crash and fire-proof machine to record the crew’s voices and instrument readings after helping to investigate the mysterious crash of the world’s first jet airliner, the Comet, in 1953.
Warren designed and built the world’s first flight data record prototype in 1956 which became known as the “black box” but it took five years before the value and practicality of his invention was realized.
It took another five years until authorities ruled that the flight-data recorders should be fitted to cockpits in Australian aircraft.
“The modern-day equivalent of Dr Warren’s device, installed in passenger airlines around the world, is a testament to his pioneering work,” said a statement from the Australian Department of Defense.
“It is now also used in other forms of road transport to capture information in the lead-up to accidents. Dr Warren’s flight data recorder has made More >
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Jul 20th
In theaters: November 19th, 2010
Synopsis
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the seventh and final adventure in the Harry Potter film series, is a much-anticipated motion picture event to be told in two full-length parts. Part 1 begins as Harry, Ron and Hermione set out on their perilous mission to track down and destroy the secret to Voldemort’s immortality and destruction—the Horcruxes. On their own, without the guidance of their professors or the protection of Professor Dumbledore, the three friends must now rely on one another more than ever. But there are Dark Forces in their midst that threaten to tear them apart. Meanwhile, the wizarding world has become a dangerous place for all enemies of the Dark Lord. The long-feared war has begun and Voldemort’s Death Eaters seize control of the Ministry of Magic and even Hogwarts, terrorizing and arresting anyone who might oppose them. But the one prize they still seek is the one most valuable to Voldemort: Harry Potter. The Chosen One has become the hunted one as the Death Eaters search for Harry with orders to bring him to Voldemort…alive. Harry’s only hope is to find the Horcruxes before Voldemort finds him. But as he searches for More >
Reasons Why You Should Start Drinking Green Tea Now
Jul 15th
Green tea has increasingly become a very popular drink worldwide because of its immensely powerful health benefits. It is extraordinarily amazing what green tea can do for your health. And if you’re not drinking 3 to 4 cups of green tea today, you’re definitely NOT doing your health a big favor. Here Are The 25 Reasons Why You Should Start Drinking Green Tea Right Now:
1. Green Tea and Cancer
Green tea helps reduce the risk of cancer. The antioxidant in green tea is 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times better than vitamin E. This helps your body at protecting cells from damage believed to be linked to cancer.
2. Green Tea and Heart Disease Green tea helps prevent heart disease and stroke by lowering the level of cholesterol. Even after the heart attack, it prevents cell deaths and speeds up the recovery of heart cells.
3. Green Tea and Anti-Aging Green tea contains antioxidant known as polyphenols which fight against free radicals. What this means it helps you fight against aging and promotes longevity.
4. Green Tea and Weight Loss Green tea helps with your body weight loss. Green tea burns fat and boosts your metabolism rate naturally. It can More >
The story of the eagle…
Jul 11th
The eagle has the longest life-span of its’ species
It can live up to 70 years, But to reach this age, the eagle must make a hard decision
In its 40’s Its’ long and flexible talons can no longer grab prey which serves as food
Its’ long and sharp beak becomes bent
Its’ old-aged and heavy wings, due to their thick feathers, become stuck to its’ chest and make it difficult to fly
Then, the eagle is left with only two options: die or go through a painful process of change which lasts 150 days
The process requires that the eagle fly to a mountain top and sit on its’ nest
There the eagle knocks its’ beak against a rock until it plucks it out
After plucking it out, the eagle will wait for a new beak to grow back and then it will pluck out its’ talons
When its’ new talons grow back, the eagle starts plucking its’ old-aged feathers
And after five months, the eagle takes its’ famous flight of rebirth and lives for 30 more years
Why is change needed?
Many times, in order to survive we have to start a change process.
We sometimes need to get rid of old memories, habits and other past traditions.
Only freed from past burdens, can More >
