Hannah Hall Archives - Page 2 of 3

Is Your Home Ugly? Ask Hannah.

January 20, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org 4 Comments

For the final “Aesthetic” post, Blogger Hannah Hall takes a page out of HGTV’s book and looks to the home. She describes her favorite (and not-so-favorite) household aesthetics in her iconic list format!

By Hannah Hall

There comes a time in one’s life when you get to have your own place. And, when it comes, it’s accompanied by the inevitable task and challenging decision of decoration. What to choose???? There are practically endless possibilities. But, fear not. It all starts with an aesthetic. In previous posts the word has been defined, so in short I will describe it as a theme of sorts. In this post, I will be ranking and discussing my top three household aesthetics—BUT, stay till the end to hear me absolutely roast my least favorite aesthetic.

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern is not only functional but very pleasing to the eye. It consists of contrasting materials/textures, pops of color, and sleek design. The reason it is at the top of my list is because of its minimalism through its straightforward geometric designs and lack of clutter. It is also a design aesthetic very prevalent in the desert.

Industrial

An Industrial Design is full of raw and unfinished materials such as wood, brick, and metal. The color palette is usually on the darker side, but it is always neutral. Most of the color probably comes from the bricks. In a weird way I like this design because it makes me feel grounded. The natural elements involved give me a rough vibe of, frankly, dirt—in a good way of course!

Scandinavian

In Scandinavian Design everywhere you turn is extremely fresh and clean. It basically only consists of three elements: white, light wood, and plants. The simplicity of the design is very elegant and airy. I put this at #3 because of its crispness and sterile vibe. Makes me want to meditate or something.

*Nautical . . . ewww

And finally. My least favorite design, Nautical. Just something about it feels so inauthentic and fake. It consists of beachy, sailor-esque elements, and of course a lot of blue. But tell me this, why do you need a starfish on the wall? Tell me….I just don’t understand. I just think unless you live at the beach the Nautical Design has no place in the home. But, if I have to be lenient, it’s semi-acceptable in the bathroom.

Do you have any favorite design aesthetics? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. I would love to hear your opinions whether we agree or not.

Source:

Interior Design Styles: Guide to Top Decor Types in 2023

Aesthetic Editor: Elizabeth Shay

Rats in the Kitchen??!!

January 6, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

Hannah is not grateful, actually, for rats in the kitchen. She is grateful for cooking. The kitchen is her happy place. Here, she shares one of her favorite recipes (that might, or might not, include rats).

by Hannah Hall

One thing I am grateful for is the ability to cook. I find myself in the kitchen almost all the time, not because I am hungry, but because it is my happy place. This is because whether I am making food for myself or others, it always brings a smile to somebody’s face.

And, recently, since I have been hearing the word “ratatouille” thrown around a lot, thanks to the internet extravaganza that is Ratatouille: the TikTok Musical, I have been pondering about this iconic French stewed vegetable dish. This inspired me to dig up an old Cheesy Ratatouille Casserole recipe and share it with the blog. This ratatouille recipe, however, is seriously the farthest thing from traditional (as you can tell by the Americanized name). It is just a fun meal I got from a magazine when I was a youngin’.

Usually, I like to serve it with some rice, butter, n’ chicken, but if you’re feeling something else, try it on some dough as a flatbread, or instead with some pappardelle for a pasta dish! So together, let’s grab our utensils, and get to cooking!

Cheesy Ratatouille Casserole

Ingredients:

1 small yellow onion (more or less)
2 garlic cloves
2 medium zucchinis
1 bell pepper
4 baby bella mushrooms
1 eggplant
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tbsp balsamic vinegar (as much or as little as you like)
Salt and pepper
2 cans crushed tomatoes (~28oz)
**1 cup red beans (not kidney beans) OPTIONAL**
1 tsp thyme
½ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp fennel seeds
⅛ tsp ground coriander (you can replace this and the 4 spices above with 1 tbsp of Italian seasoning if you don’t wanna find all the spices)
1 bay leaf
½ tsp red pepper flakes
**1-2 cup your choice of mixed shredded cheeses (eg. parmesan/mozzarella/provolone/gruyere/asiago…etc)**
Fresh basil

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350F.
Finely chop onion and garlic. Roughly chop zucchini, pepper, eggplant, and mushrooms.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pot. Cook onion and garlic for 3 mins.
Add salt, pepper, veggies, balsamic and extra oil. Cook for 7 minutes, or until golden colored.
Add tomatoes, beans, and spices. Cover and simmer for 30 mins. Stir occasionally.
Check if it is at the thickness you want, and, if it is, move on to step 7.
Transfer all of it into the casserole dish, and top with the cheese.
Place in the oven uncovered for 30 mins or until the cheese is melted and browned.
Serve and top with fresh basil!

As Gusteau says, “Anyone can cook!” (even if you don’t have a rat under your hat). Enjoy.

What-are-you-Grateful-For Editor: Evan Spry

the world is dying…part 2

December 8, 2020 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

by Hannah Hall

As Erik prompted the Blog Staff to write the theme “Apocalypse,” Hannah inferred that ours is soon to come. Read on as Hannah continues her climate change saga and discusses the devastating effects of climate change.

As mentioned in my previous post the world is dying, climate change is something that should be taken seriously and dealt with accordingly. Our world can only handle so much more.

To help publicize and emphasize the issue, an organization called “Climate Clock” has set up clocks in three cities around the world. The clocks tick away, indicating the end of our carbon budget. That means it projects the amount of years we have left until we peak the CO2 threshold our atmosphere can take before our temperature raises roughly 35F above pre-industrial levels. This is our “deadline.” The website climateclock.world also shows our “lifeline.” This lifeline is the percent of the world’s energy that is sourced renewably; we need this lifeline to reach 100% before the other line hits 0. As of this moment, our deadline is just under eight years, and our lifeline is almost reaching 28%. This organization uses science to back their clock, which is sourced directly from multiple organizations: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on Global Warming, Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change, and “Tipping elements in the Earth’s climate system” from the national Academy of Sciences (climateclock.world).

The Climate Clock located in Berlin, Germany

But, in the case we meet our carbon threshold, and global warming is irreversible, this is what will happen to our world:

More irregular weather patterns will be prevalent. The evaporation of water caused by global warming increases rainfall. Excess rain in the polar and subpolar regions, and other unlikely regions, can wipe out organisms that can’t adapt to those conditions or migrate out of them. On the contrary, global warming also causes droughts, which can lead to major water crises and heat waves. This is especially damaging to plants and will cause a shortage of food. This shortage could lead to anything from war to starvation to inflation.

There will be differences in the lengths of seasons. The change in seasons could be anything from seasons starting later or lasting longer. Nevertheless, this change could disrupt the natural food chain because of certain animals migrating either too soon or too late. This could lead to extinction of certain species.

Ice caps will melt. When they melt, sea levels will rise. If sea levels rise to just 1.8 ft higher, that will impact 1 billion people, including Americans in our eastern coastal cities—and by 2100, the levels are predicted to rise roughly 10 ft higher!

Ocean water and air temperatures will rise. This will lead to more frequent and stronger hurricanes. Along with hurricanes, rising water temperature will lead to coral bleaching. When reefs become affected, ecosystems once flourishing will be diminished.

Natural disasters will become more regular. Rising global temperatures, caused by rising greenhouse gas levels, will have dire consequences. The added carbon dioxide in the air will lead to stronger and longer wildfires that risk the lives of humans and wildlife. The death toll from natural disasters is predicted to wipe out 75% of our population. Not to mention the people who survive will have to endure the spread of water-borne illnesses and the destruction of our world-wide electrical infrastructure.***

***all info sourced from conserve-energy-future.com and natgeo.com***

As I close out my climate change special, I want to remind everybody once again: The fight isn’t anywhere near being over. But, hopefully this article shocks you, and makes you understand that climate change is real and nearly irreversible. And, with that, I will end with a quote from the Dalai Lama, “It is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live.”

Apocalypse Editor: Erik Bearman

Sources:

https://climateclock.world/

https://climateclock.world/science

https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/our-planet-is-warming-here-s-what-s-at-stake-if-we-don-t-act-now

https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/globalwarmingeffects.php

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/global-warming-effects/

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/132851-it-is-our-collective-and-individual-responsibility-to-preserve-and

the world is dying…

December 4, 2020 by szachik@pvs.org 2 Comments

by Hannah Hall

As the new administration begins its transition, we see a new era in climate-change policy. Hannah lays it out for us.

We are headed towards an environmental meltdown. And I’m not even talking about the pandemic going on. I may be exaggerating, but our world is dying, and I know you know why….climate change. Our world can only handle so much more.

Unluckily for America, during President Trump’s four years in charge, he has majorly reversed our progress towards climate-change solutions. Just to name a few setbacks, he has pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement, ditched the requirements of The Clean Power Plan that would have cut our national carbon emissions by 32% by 2030, and removed climate change as a national security threat (nationalgeographic.com).

But, luckily for America, our President-Elect Joe Biden has plans for climate change. He publicly announced that “the number one issue facing humanity” is climate change, and if left “unchecked, it is going to actually bake this planet…[and] we have a moral obligation [to solve it]” (cnbc.com). Biden has three plans: the Tackle Climate Emergency plan, the Clean Energy Future plan, and the Secure Environmental Justice plan. So, to get the gist of these plans across, I have created a bullet list full of quick facts.

Joe Biden will…

work to turn the solutions for climate into opportunities for economic growth, thus creating jobs for middle-class Americans.
ensure America has a 100% clean economy with zero emissions by 2050.
attempt to ensure that our future is protected from the harmful effects of climate change.
re-enter the Paris Climate Agreement.
fund carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) technology.
partner with family farmers, ranchers, and landowners to provide more water and encourage the practice of better, decarbonized agriculture.
put climate change back on the list of national security priorities.
increase demand for and integration of more American non-carbon emitting vehicles.
cut energy bills and energy pollution by establishing the Energy Efficiency and Clean Electricity Standard (EECES).
create the Environmental and Climate Justice Division within the US Department of Justice, establish an Office of Climate Change and Health Equity within the US Department of Health and Human Services, and create the position of Climate Czar in the Cabinet.
improve public health in disadvantaged communities by prioritizing, identifying, and systemizing climate strategies to improve their air pollution. ***

***all bullets are sourced from joebiden.com***

So, as you can tell, when Joe Biden becomes our leader, our country has a lot of climate change advances to look forward to. Personally, I am looking forward to the days of our country being protected when these policies are enacted. I hope that now, you are too. But just because Joe Biden’s policies are quite progressive regarding climate change, it doesn’t mean the fight is over.

Future of Politics Editor: Jake Sonderman

Sources:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/02/15-ways-trump-administration-impacted-environment/

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/24/joe-biden-climate-change-is-number-one-issue-facing-humanity.html

https://joebiden.com/climate-plan/

https://joebiden.com/clean-energy/

https://joebiden.com/environmental-justice-plan/

I don’t care about National Parks

November 11, 2020 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

After months of quarantine, travel seems to be one of the things at the top of many people’s bucket lists. Blogger Hannah Hall only will go so far as to commit to travel via screen (but she does like the pictures).

By Hannah Hall

When Sara called upon us bloggers to write about our bucket lists, I was stumped. I hadn’t really thought about something that I am totally itching to do. And I honestly hadn’t cared. So, I’m not gonna sit here and boast about my complete, undying love for National Parks/Forests/Preserves/etc. But, I will share some nice pictures. Here, in my opinion, are the top 10 prettiest National Parks in our great nation. Maybe one day I will actually have the drive to go to these places, but, for now, I venture via the screen.

10) Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Alaska

Established: 1978 National Monument; 1980 National Preserve

Size: 2.7 million acres

Features: A peek into the ultimate walkway of the ancient nomads. Includes sights of animals migrating, hot springs, and granite—such as the gigantic rock pictured.

Fun Fact: The American Lion used to prowl here.

**********

9) Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Established: 2000

Size: 32,572 acres

Features: This national park has hundreds of trails which weave through the sights of waterfalls, hills, and ravines. It’s most popular sight is Brandywine Falls, which sits at an impressive 65-feet tall.

Fun Fact: The Lenapé Nation used to inhabit this land.

**********

8) Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Established: 1975

Size: 218,200 acres

Features: Here you can find many lakes. You may even find people exploring the water by kayaking in the summer and ice fishing in the winter. My personal favorite feature is the fantastic display of the Northern Lights—as pictured above.

Fun Fact: The island in this park is called Little American Island because George Davis discovered gold in the surrounding lake, which was dubbed a little American treasure.

**********

7) Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Established: 1978 National Monument; 1980 National Park and Preserve

Size: 13.2 million acres

Features: There are many glaciers, ice fields, and shield volcanoes to be found here. You may think ice and volcanoes do not belong in the same park, but these volcanoes are not the explosive kind.

Fun Fact: The Malaspina Glacier which can be found in this park is “North America’s largest piedmont glacier” (nps.gov).

**********

6) Glacier National Park, Montana

Established: 1910

Size: 1.1 million acres

Features: Here you may find unique mountains carved out by the glaciers of the past. You can also see animals like lynx, grizzly bears, and bison—but beware because there have been attacks from wildlife.

Fun Fact: You can visit this park online through its webcams on the National Park website (or you can click this link here).

**********

5) Biscayne National Park, Florida

Established: 1980

Size: 172,971 acres

Features: Swamps, coral reefs, and fishies are the main attractions here. Speaking of fish, there are other living sights that include manatees, cacti, and sea turtles.

Fun Fact: As you can see from the photo above, you can go snorkeling. When submerged, you may explore the “the Maritime Heritage Trail, the only underwater archaeological trail in the National Park Service system” (nps.gov).

**********

4) El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico

Established: 1903

Size: 28,434 acres

Features: This park is special because it is the only tropical rainforest in the entire system of national forests. In the forest you can see lush trees, green mountains, and rushing waterfalls.

Fun Fact: This is the largest public land chunk in all of Puerto Rico!

**********

3) Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

Established: 1996

Size:1 million acres

Features: This park is just larger than Delaware, and it includes many slot canyons adorned with beautiful stripes. In fact, the deepest and longest slot canyon in the US in this park; its name is the Buckskin Gulch.

Fun Fact: Many fossils of dinosaurs have been found in this park. Most notably a 30-foot long, 10-foot-tall Gryposaurus!

**********

2) Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Established: 1899

Size: 236,381 acres

Features: Mountains, wildflowers, and glaciers are the draw of this park. There are also many waterfalls and meadows surrounding the land that you can hike to visit as well.

Fun Fact (or, not so fun): One of the worst mountaineering accidents in American history happened here, where an avalanche tragically killed 10 climbers and their tour guide.

**********

1) Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawai’i

Established: 1916

Size: 1.1 million acres

Features: I think it pretty obvious that this park is just volcano galore. But other than eruptions, there are hiking trails that visitors can travel through as well.

Fun Fact: This national park is very strongly associated with Pele, the volcanic deity. “She is embodied by the lava and natural forces associated with volcanic eruptions” (nps.gov).

Bucket List Editor: Sara Habibipour

Sources Referenced:

https://www.nps.gov/bela/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/cuva/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/voya/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/wrst/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/bisc/index.htm

https://www.fs.usda.gov/elyunque/

https://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/escalante.htm

https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm

https://www.nps.gov/articles/pele.htm

Tasting Nostalgia

November 4, 2020 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

Editor Elizabeth prompted Blog Staff to write tantalizing posts about food and drink. Blogger Hannah was excited to apply her signature list format to write about some of her favorite restaurants back home in the Bay Area.

By Hannah Hall

I miss the Bay so much, and I am known for spouting about that all the time. One recurring theme in my Bay Area convos is actually the food. So when I heard that Elizabeth chose Food and Drink for the theme, I was like “This is my time.” I’m just going to tell you about my connection to some South Bay food places and why I recommend you try them. And beware, if there are some “childish” recommendations, it is because I went to these places in my childhood;…nevertheless, the food is still thebomb.com.

1) The Cats, Los Gatos

The Cats is a really unique place in Los Gatos because it’s at the bottom of an estate right on Highway 17. It’s a multi-story BBQ restaurant with live music. The building itself reminds me of a tavern, and I am pretty sure it’s because it actually was. My favorite item from this restaurant is tater tots.

2) Florentine Trattoria, Saratoga

This is a Saratoga classic. It’s a super homey Italian restaurant right downtown. Fun fact, the restaurant across the street called the Plumed Horse has Michelin Stars. The reason I am recommending this restaurant (instead of the Michelin-Starred one) is because of the beloved complimentary appetizer–bread with cheese spread. It’s adored by locals, and if you ever get the chance to go, you will feel the same admiration.

Florentine Trattoria’s bread with cheese spread

3) Purple Onion Cafe, Los Gatos

My mom used to take me for an afternoon of yoga, and then we’d head over to the Purple Onion right next door for a quick bite. This place is a quaint cafe with a casual vibe. There are nice large chalkboard menus, raw wood decorations, and broad glass displays that are always filled with fresh pastries. Personally, I like the grab-and-go options, though there is the option to dine in. I always go for the Thai Chicken Salad, which is a cold ramen salad with vegetables and chicken–so refreshing.

4) Blue Rock BBQ, Cambrian Park, San Jose

This place reminds me of a Chipotle, but for BBQ. And I don’t mean that in a generic chain way; I mean it in the way you slide down the counter and watch your masterpiece being created. The image of the vibrant blue plates and the homemade BBQ scent is ingrained in my memory forever. If I’m being honest, this is probably the only place I would recommend every single thing on the menu. But, if I had to choose one, it would be the mac and cheese. It is just so thick and creamy.

5) La Victoria Taqueria, Cambrian Park, San Jose

I love this place so much I have written an entire blog post about it. I will leave this to one sentence that explains it all: hard shell tacos + orange sauce = HEAVEN!

The orange sauce at La Victoria Taqueria

6) Mountain Mikes, Saratoga

This is my all-time favorite pizza delivery chain. It isn’t necessarily specific to the Bay, but I would say the majority of the establishments are in the general area. A lot of their pizzas are named after different mountains like “Veggiemore” or “McKinley,” and the largest pizza size is simply called “Mountain.” My favorite item from here is the pepperoni pizza. I know it sounds basic, but the pepperonis are just the perfect size and crisp. You can’t pass that up.

7) Willow Street Pizza, Willow Glen, San Jose

Now, this is my all time favorite sit-down pizza restaurant. With crayons for coloring and glasses clinking, Willow Street Pizza’s ambience is super family oriented and inviting. This place has the best wood-fired pizza and the most crispy charred crust. I would recommend any of their pizzas. In the case you don’t like charred crust, I recommend the creamy pesto pasta.

8) Nonno’s, Los Gatos

Surprise, it’s another pizza parlor. The story behind my love for this place stems from me practically being its neighbor. But, it wasn’t just the convenient location that kept me and my family coming back. First of all, there’s the pizza, duh; it’s thick, and it’s to die for. Second of all, there’s saran-wrapped baked goods on the counter and Marianne’s ice cream in the freezer right behind you (important because you always gotta satisfy that sweet tooth). And thirdly, there’s the special feature of a bocce ball court in the back! I miss it. Although I never got good at the game, I encourage you to go to Nonno’s and try it for yourself.

9) The Happy Hound, Los Gatos

This place is super nostalgic to me because my grandpa used to take my brother and me here whenever we had a moment to reminisce. It’s an actual shack, don’t get me wrong, but it is the most spectacular shack you can imagine. It’s, as they say, a place to get “old fashioned hot dogs and burgers.” So if you’re into that, make your way over. I recommend an order of onion rings on the side.

10) Main Street Burgers, Willow Glen, San Jose

Honestly, I just love a good burger. Main Street is that classic burger joint that the locals go to when they are craving that signature taste. I mean there’s not much to say when it comes to a burger joint because everybody gets the gist, but the one thing I will tell you, “Order the milkshake.”

Honorable Mentions for Bay Area eating:

–The Burger Pit, San Jose

–Pizza My Heart, Los Gatos

–The Cup and Saucer, San Jose

–Buca di Beppo, San Jose

–Mojo Burger, San Jose

Food & Drink Editor: Elizabeth Shay

Documented Debacles of the Ancients

October 27, 2020 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By Hannah Hall

Tasked with finding “Funny stories from history,” Hannah encountered a cornucopia of outrageous events that make history a little more interesting.–Editor Evan

People have always been ridiculously stupid at times–whether that be through their actions, obsessions, or legends. I’ve scoped out some of the funniest historical moments and made a list–which is kind of my thing. Enjoy these stories, and let me know what you think!

1) Allegedly, when Voltaire was near his death, he was told to renounce the devil. He instead replied, “This is no time to be making new enemies.” I mean, I would want to at least try to be on the good side of the devil before my death, too. (Hilarious Historical, factinate.com).

2) Charles Darwin is widely known for his theory of evolution and his famous trip to the Galapagos Islands. When Darwin arrived on the islands, he discovered giant tortoises and thought that it would be a good idea to try and ride them. (Hilarious Historical, factinate.com).

3) We all know Plato, right? Well, his name actually wasn’t even “Plato.” Historians believe that was just his nickname. Funny enough, his nickname means “broad” in Greek. So all these years, we are actually calling Plato a big hunky man, aaaoooooga! (Greek Philosophers, factinate.com).

4) Speaking of Plato, Diogenes sent him a hand-plucked chicken and “called it a man.” This was a not-so-subtle nod to Plato’s famous quote of man being nothing but a “featherless biped.” His stunt urged Plato to change his interpretation of man to include “with broad flat nails.” (Greek Philosophers, factinate.com).

5) Fidel Castro loved loved loved ice cream. So much so, he actually bred his own kind of cow, called Uber Blanca, that “stands up to heat” and produces “lots of milk.” He loved ice cream so much that he founded an ice cream shop that is still running to this day! Also, Castro was so passionate about his dairy that he would even debate with other global figures about it. (liveabout.com)

6) In Ancient Rome and China, they needed a torture method that didn’t leave a trace. They came up with a method where they would rub salt on the soles of the victim’s feet, then goats would lick it off! (Hilarious Historical, factincate.com)

7) Andrew Jackson had a parrot. Unfortunately, at Jackson’s funeral, guests found out this bird had quite the foul mouth. This bird cursed up such a storm that it not only interrupted the service but had to be removed from the venue completely. Polly wanna shut up? I’m just kidding. (Hilarious Historical, factinate.com)

8) Tycho Brahe, a nobleman who is known for his astronomy and alchemy-related observations, was very proud of his mathematical formulas. He has actually been recorded to have challenged another scientist to a duel who believed his formula was better! In this duel, Brahe’s nose was sliced clean off, resulting in Brahe wearing a prosthetic nose until his death. (liveabout.com)

9) One day, Greek philosopher Chrysippus was feeding figs to his pet donkey. Naturally, he thought that the donkey should wash the figs down with an alcoholic beverage. The donkey of course got drunk, and the sight was so incredible that Chrysippus died of laughing–literally. (Hilarious Historical, factinate.com)

10) Willoughby Bertie had a thoroughbred–one of the most prestigious racehorses in the world. And, this thoroughbred had a unique name. When the horse was a colt, a stable boy was told the horse’s name was Potatoes and noted the name on paper. But he actually didn’t know how to spell “Potatoes.” So, the colt’s official name became “Potatoooooooos.” This name was shortened to “Pot8os” and surely left spectators amused. (liveabout.com)

Sources:

https://www.liveabout.com/hilarious-historical-facts-4154997

https://www.factinate.com/things/33-hilarious-historical-facts-brighten-next-history-lesson/

https://www.factinate.com/things/42-seriously-weird-facts-ancient-greek-philosophers/

Funny Stories from History Editor: Evan Spry

Randonautica

October 15, 2020 by szachik@pvs.org 2 Comments

By Hannah Hall

Have you ever heard of Randonautica? When Editor Erik said to the Blog Staff, “Find scary stories!” Hannah thought Randonautica was pretty darn scary.

Randonautica is an app that utilizes a quantum random number generator (QRNG) to create random coordinates. Users wander to and about these coordinates–bringing into play their own unique intentions. The app focuses around the quantum process of using thought and consciousness to influence your environment, thus filling it with synchronicities and coincidences.

To use the app, you start by entering your radius of desired movement and whether or not you want water points included in your coordinates, then you send in your location. After that, you tell the app what kind of quantum point you want generated. For this step, you are presented 3 options:

*Attractor (the center of the densest cluster of quantum dots),

*Void (the center of the least dense cluster of quantum dots),

*and Anomaly (the strongest of the two).

From there, you decide your own journey by setting an intention. Usually, it is a broad theme such as joy, peace, or love, but other times it is something specific such as spotting a rose bush. Then, the quantum point is generated by the QRNG of your choice; the app defaults to the Australian National University, which bases its points on the fluctuations of the magnetic field of virtual particles from a quantum laser in a vacuum! The other two QRNG’s are Temporal, which is based on processor time cycles, and Cam RNG, which is based on thermal noise in the photo-matrix detectors within your smartphone camera. Once the point is sent to you, it will come with all of its statistical info, including the z-score, power, and radius…basically the technical deets. Nevertheless, once you get it, you may embark on your amazing adventure with your handy dandy GPS (aka Google Maps).

But, sometimes Randonauting can be far from amazing. In June 2020, a group of Washington teens took all the steps to begin their quantum trip. Unfortunately, nothing could prepare them for what was to come. They set their intention and started trekking their way to their point. It sent them to the shore of Alki Beach in Seattle. Filming the experience, they crept down the rocky slope to their coordinates only to notice a black suitcase. The video they were filming had the accompanying caption, “…We found this black suitcase. We were joking that maybe the suitcase would have money. As SOON as [we] opened it, the smell was overwhelming.” Because the smell was so alarming, a girl from the group promptly called 911. The police came to the scene, and later notified the public that the content of the dreaded black suitcase was two dismembered bodies. Later, a man was arrested with connections to the remains.

This leads us to ask, What really were their intentions? What led this Randonauting group to that suitcase?

You, too, can go Randonauting (once the app re-opens in two weeks). I hope you do so without running into something gruesome. To be honest, when I did this with a friend, it sent me to the Staples parking lot in Palm Springs. And, all I found were cars and trash in the lot.

Sources Referenced:

https://www.randonautica.com

https://www.thecut.com/2020/07/what-is-randonautica-the-app-that-led-teens-to-a-dead-body.html

https://www.q13fox.com/news/man-arrested-in-case-of-human-remains-found-in-suitcase-on-west-seattle-beach

Scary Stories Editor: Erik Bearman

Sorry, but your memories are FAKE

October 1, 2020 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

Conspiracy? Or, faulty memory? Hannah explores The Mandela Effect.

By Hannah Hall

Remember in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back when Darth Vader says his iconic line, “Luke, I am your father”? If you said yes, then you would be subject to a phenomenon called “The Mandela Effect.” The Mandela Effect is when a large group of people all share a memory that is not 100% true, or that never really occurred at all. (And I’m sorry to break it to ya but Darth Vader never actually said “Luke” in that line.) This phenomenon was first accounted for with the death of the former South African President Nelson Mandela. Some remember him dying in prison during the 1980s, but in fact he passed much later in 2013. Since then, there have been many other instances of collective false memories. Lucky for you, I have compiled ten Mandela Effects with their respective realities.

Without further ado, here is the list, in no particular order.

The Fruit of the Loom Cornucopia

Mandela Effect: We think the logo for Fruit of the Loom is a fruit assortment inside of a cornucopia.

Reality: The logo is just a pretty pile of fruit, no cornucopia.

Risky Business

Mandela Effect: Tom Cruise slides into frame with a button-up shirt, socks, and sunglasses.

Reality: He isn’t actually wearing any sunglasses in this scene.

Monopoly Man Monocle

Mandela Effect: The Monopoly Man is wearing a dapper suit, with his cane, top hat, and monocle.

Reality: There is no monocle to be found!

Three Little Pigs

Mandela Effect: The big bad wolf says to the three little pigs, “Then I’ll huff, and I’ll puff, and I’ll blow your house down.”

Reality: He actually says, “Then I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house in.”

Oscar Meyer

Mandela Effect: “Oh, I wish I were an Oscar Meyer weiner.” That is how you spell Meyer, right?

Reality: Nope, the spelling of America’s beloved hot dog brand is Oscar Mayer, with an A.

Forrest Gump

Mandela Effect: Forrest says, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.”

Reality: The quote actually starts as “Life was like a box of chocolates…” not is.

Pikachu

Mandela Effect: Pikachu is bright yellow with black spots on his ears and tail.

Reality: Pikachu does not have any black marking on his tail.

Which Pokémon On Ash's Team Would You Actually Be? | Pokemon coloring, Pikachu, Pokemon

Flinstones

Mandela Effect: The stone-age family of 4, including pet Dino, is called the Flinstones.

Reality: They are actually called the Flintstones, with a T.

C-3PO

Mandela Effect: C-3PO has a body made of all gold.

Reality: Our fave droid actually has one silver piece on his leg.

Mandela Effect: ET says, “ET phone home.”

Reality: It is actually the other way around, the quote is “ET home phone.”

If you read all the way through, I hope you were stumped at least once. If not, comment on your own Mandela Effect that you have come across in your life.

Conspiracy Theories Editor: Jake Sonderman

Sources:

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/585887/mandela-effect-examples

44 Mandela Effect examples that are seriously mind-bending

View at Medium.com

Back in Business

September 3, 2020 by szachik@pvs.org 6 Comments

Dry, barren, and blank. The whole summer has gone by without a single article from The Bird on Fire. But, the good news is we’re back! Question is: Are you? I would hope you say, yes. This year our writers include returning staff me, Hannah Hall, and Quintus Ni, along with the new additions Jake Sonderman, Sara Habibipour, Elizabeth Shay, Erik Bearman, and Evan Spry. Since we are currently in Distance Learning, the Blog will be rolling out with alternating themes every two weeks. Coming back from this summer vacation, I thought that the first theme should be something quarantine related. Quarantine gave us so much time to self reflect, and with this reflection came new-found passions…or at least simple fascinations. So, officially, our first theme of the year is “Hobbies/Talents/Things Learned During Quarantine.” With that being said, keep your eyes peeled for new content; it’s coming VERY SOON! And, don’t be afraid to leave fun comments or opinions in the comment section; we love to hear what you have to say.

Catch ya on the flip side,

Hannah Hall

Editor Hobbies/Talents/Things Learned During Quarantine

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