Category: Entertainment

Spiders to a majority of people except arachnid lovers, are not only scary but also creepy and their webs irritating. It is very okay feeling this way because some spider species are vicious and deadly. There are about 40,000 different spider species in the world and more than half this number have a fatal bite enough to kill a human. Here is my list of spiders that make my stomach turn.

Brazilian Wandering Spider

Also known as the banana spider, the Brazilian spider belongs to the genus Phoneutria which is Greek for “murderess.” Its has been ranked in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most venomous spider in the world. The banana spider has a body stretching as long as 48mm and leg length of 15cm. It has a brownish color with black spots on its belly. Its name comes from the fact that the spider does not built webs but rather wanders off during the night to look for prey and during the day it hides under rocks, fallen logs, termite mounds and banana plants.

When it feels threatened the spider lifts its body upwards raising its two front legs in a defensive position revealing its red haired fangs. Men particularly need to stay off this arachnid because its bite causes a painful four hour erection then death if untreated. In 1996 fourteen people died from the banana spider bite before an antidote was found. The venom causes loss of muscle control which leads to paralysis and finally asphyxiation. The venom also increases blood-flow because of a chemical called nitric oxide and some pharmacists have considered using the venom as an erectile dysfunction drug.

The wandering spider is widely found in Brazil, Costa Rica, Argentina, Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru and Paraguay. These are mostly the South American, Central American and Amazon areas. There are however reports of the spider spreading into other areas like Britain and United States through banana imports from Brazil. In my books, this is the world’s scariest spider but there are however other hair raising spider species that we might encounter and they are;

Black Widow

It’s shiny black with an hourglass shaped body and a red spot on the abdomen. They are called black widows because females are known for eating the males after mating. A black widow’s bite can also be fatal. They are found in any continent of the world except Antarctica.

Funnel Web Spider

The Australian Funnel spider may look small but its bite can be deadly especially to children. It’s black or brown with a shiny spot on its abdomen. They love humid conditions hence make burrows under rocks, rotting logs or in rough barked trees.

So much is said about wines everyday; when and how to take it, what to take it with, who to take it with etc. So much information and guidelines, some wrong, some right. Well, this article provides a clear distinction between the facts and myths revolving around wines.

Myths about wine

• Temperature of wine doesn’t matter

This is a common misconception when it comes to wine but fact is, white wines are better served chilled and red wines at room temperature. Cool temperatures allows the white wine to bring out their fruity taste while red wines contains components like tannins that accentuates the mouth feel of the wine. This can be best felt when the wine is warm to room temperature.

• Boxed wines are for lower class people

Don’t judge a wine by its cover rather than its content. Many people align themselves with the thought that boxed wines are cheap and 2nd rate. There are box wines like the white chardonnay that are of high quality and can be used to entertain guests especially during festive seasons. Other advantages include they last for longer as they can be used upto two weeks after opening, easily measurable when one wants to drink and due to the box aspect of it, chances of it been broken after getting knocked over and breaking are minimal.

• Champagne is enjoyed on special occasions only

In movies and most households, special occasions often prompt popping of champagne for celebration. This link has led to the limited use of champagne whereas there are numerous ways that one can use it on a regular basis. Hint* it is an excellent companion to finger foods like fish and chips.

• Price of wine and quality goes hand in hand

Reputation in the wines business plays a major role when pricing wines. Example, a well-established and reputable grower will have much higher pricing as compared to counterpart that isn’t well known no matter the quality of wine. Much less like the most known brands of mobile phones, you will find that a phone with similar specification from a much lesser known mobile phone brand will cost almost half of that of a well-known brand.

Now it’s clear that not everything you hear about wines is true so always look for the truth by doing your own research. Common myths disputed! Now here are fun facts about wine that you probably didn’t know about wine

i. People who fear small enclosed spaces with no room to escape have a fear known as claustrophobia same as people who fear wines, they have oenophobia.

ii. Type 2 diabetes and stroke can be avoided by taking red wine occasionally. It brings positive health benefits.

iii. The four largest producers of wine include France, Spain, Italy and California.

iv. A man was at liberty to kill his wife if he ever found her taking wine during the early roman times as it was forbidden for women to drink.

Perception

In the past, playing online games was unpopular as it was viewed as a waste of time. However, today people fancy games as a means of unwinding after a long day at work or school. Thus, perception of people regarding games has transformed over time.

The Spirit of Competition

The world about us is full of the winning philosophy birthed by competition. Online games give players a chance to pass one level to another. The next level becomes more difficult than the previous one. Players enjoy the satisfaction that comes with winning and being promoted to the next level. Online games nurture a competitive spirit in most people.

Increased Accessibility

Today, about 80% of the world’s population has access to a mobile phone. Furthermore, more people have access to a computer and to the internet. Consequently, online games have become more accessible than they were years ago. Besides, games have been made even more accessible through applications such that people do not have to wait to get home to their personal computers to play games. They simply go to their mobile phone, tablets, or iPads apps to enjoy their games while on the bus, or waiting to be served in a restaurant or bank.

Fun and enjoyment

Most game players derive joy and happiness from the games which they play. Whenever they feel bored by an activity, they turn to playing online games to relieve their minds from stress.

Variety of games available

People have a wide variety of online games to choose from today than ever before. The reason for this is that the creators of games have become more creative and aggressive. There are so many categories games ranging from puzzle-type games, to mind teasers, to sports simulations, and word-based puzzles. The list is unimaginably long unlike in the past where there were very few games.

Interactivity

Another attractive feature of online games is its interactivity. Friends are able to sign up to games and play together while they enjoy chatting with each other. Players can interact with each other even though they live far apart. Subsequently, people make friends from across the globe due to their similar love for online games. Games have also provided platforms for providing feedback such as reviews and ratings. This functionality allows for improvement of the gaming experience.

Be sure to enjoy online games as an enjoyable means of relaxing after work or school!

Thinking about joining Yoga classes? Different people join Yoga for different reasons like releasing stress, maintaining good physical and mental health, or losing weight. Regardless of your specific need, it is in order to learn some few things that will make your yoga experience a fun. For beginners, here are 10 things you should know before your first Yoga class.

• The experience is all about you
  
  Even if there will be more than ten people in your class, utilize the entire time to discover your body and mind. Your performance never concerns your colleagues, make all the efforts to explore your inner strengths.
  
• Let your instructor know in case you need special attention
  
  There is no particular way of doing Yoga. At times, you may need special attention basically if you are pregnant, have an injury, have a terminal illness or any other condition that may be affected by what the yoga exercise involves. Always let your instructor know, so he can tell what suits you best.
  
• Follow instructions
  
  Some of the exercises and postures you will be required to undertake might be tough and challenging. Avoid modifying or twisting the postures since you will be risking getting an injury.
  
• It is addictive
  
  Before starting the Yoga classes, it is wise to be aware of its addictiveness. Unlike other exercises, Yoga is special since it will leave your body feeling incredible and yearning for more making it impossible to miss a session.
  
• Avoid full tummies
  
  While attending a Yoga class, go on an empty stomach. The exercises will require you to stretch into different postures which would be uncomfortable on a full stomach.
  
• Avoid competing
  
  Yoga classes should be sessions of fun not competitions. It will obviously take time to learn all the postures, therefore, take each posture at a time. This how to become a pro within no time.
  
• Wear comfortably
  
  Yoga exercises will require a fitting that will allow your body move freely without exposing your body parts. A comfortable dress will also allow you to complete the exercises effectively. Avoid wearing belts and jewelry as they can inconvenience you or cause injuries.
  
• Warm up before exercises
  
  Before starting on your normal yoga practice, engage your body into some gentle warmup. The warmup session is important to prepare loosen your body for the intended exercise ahead.
  
• Relax after the exercises
  
  After completing your yoga practices, it is advisable to avoid being in a hurry to start moving on with other tasks lined up for the day. If possible, lie down for some few minutes after the exercise to allow your body enough time to cool down and recharge.
  
• Track your progress record
  
  Yoga practices takes as long as a month or more if you need to learn more techniques. Before starting your classes, have a journal to record your progress. This will help in tracking the improvements you have made since you started your classes.
  
  Conclusion
  
  Yoga is for everyone. Whether you are young, slim, old, heavy, old, flexible or not, you do not need to feel discouraged. Even if you lack any notable sign of progress, keep practicing and make Yoga part of your daily routine. This is the only best method to discover what yoga has to offer.