Interacting with dogs has been shown to increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease the production of the stress hormone cortisol.

The first gas station in the United States is generally credited with having opened in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This pioneering service station began operating on December 1, 1913. It was owned by the Gulf Refining Company and located at the intersection of Baum Boulevard and St. Clair Street in Pittsburgh’s East End. This station sold gasoline and offered free air, water, crankcase service, and tyre and tube installation.

Johnny Appleseed was the nickname of John Chapman, an American pioneer nurseryman who introduced apple trees to large parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, as well as the northern counties of present-day West Virginia. He was born on September 26, 1774, in Leominster, Massachusetts, and became an American legend while still alive, due to his kind, generous ways, his leadership in conservation, and the symbolic importance he attributed to apples.

The tradition of birthday candles is associated with the Germans. During the Kinderfest (children's festival) in 18th-century Germany, a candle was placed on the cake to represent “the light of life.” Today, this could be seen as a precursor to the modern birthday candles. The candles were left burning all day and only blown out after dinner with the family, accompanied by making a wish, which was thought to be a silent prayer sent to God.

Stephanie Gilmore, the Australian surfer, has won multiple world championships and is known for her smooth, powerful style. Gilmore has been a dominant force in women's surfing, inspiring a generation of surfers with her prowess and competitive spirit. Kelly Slater is often considered the most significant American professional surfer. He is known for his record 11 World Surf League (WSL) titles and his ability to dominate in various surfing conditions. His impact on the sport, both in competitive success and in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in surfing, makes him a standout figure.

Cats' dislike of water is often attributed to several factors, including their evolution, personal experiences, and the nature of their fur:

1. **Evolutionary Background**: Domestic cats are descended from Middle Eastern wildcats, where their natural habitat is arid and dry regions. These ancestors rarely encountered large bodies of water, so there was little need for swimming.

2. **Coat Insulation**: Cats' fur is not particularly well-insulated against water compared to aquatic or semi-aquatic animals like dogs or otters. When a cat’s fur gets wet, it doesn't dry quickly and can become heavy, making them feel uncomfortable and chilly.

3. **Personal Experience**: Many cats are not exposed to water positively from a young age. Negative or forced experiences, such as baths, can lead to a lifelong aversion to water.

4. **Sensory Overload**: Cats are highly sensitive to sensory changes, and water may overload their acute senses.

These factors combined help explain why many cats tend to avoid water. However, this isn't universal—some breeds of cats, like the Turkish Van or Bengal, are known to be more fond of water.

During World War II, Allied forces dropped a significant amount of bombs on Germany. Estimates suggest that approximately 1.9 million tons of bombs were dropped by the Allies throughout the course of the conflict. This massive aerial bombardment was aimed at crippling German military, industrial, and civilian infrastructure to weaken the Nazi war effort.

Historically, figures like Albert Einstein are often mentioned anecdotally for having cluttered workspaces, which some interpret as a sign of genius at work. However, there's no definitive answer, and the concept of messiness can be seen differently depending on individual or societal standards of cleanliness and organization.

Many world leaders and politicians are frequently seen with briefcases. For example, the U.S. President's aide carries the "Nuclear Football," a specially outfitted briefcase that contains the codes and options needed to launch a nuclear attack.

Play Ball

One of Julia Child's most famous quotes about cooking is: "The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you've got to have a what-the-hell attitude." This quote encapsulates her approach to cooking: embracing mistakes as part of the learning process and having the courage to try new things in the kitchen. Julia Child's philosophy has inspired many to cook with more confidence and less fear of making errors.

The average American consumes approximately 20 pounds of pasta each year. This places pasta as one of the most popular foods in the country in terms of per capita consumption .

The biggest heist from a baggage system at an airport involved over C$20 million (approximately US$15 million) worth of gold and other high-value items. This theft occurred at Toronto Pearson International Airport on April 17, 2023. The stolen items included gold bars and foreign currency, which were taken from a container that had just been offloaded from an inbound aircraft.

As of the most recent data available, there are approximately 33,000 museums in the United States.

The current estimated population of lions worldwide is approximately 23,000 to 25,000 individuals. Average attendance Cincinnati Red 2023: 25,264. (Ball Park Digest)

The history of sardines in Portugal is deeply entwined with the country's cultural, economic, and culinary traditions, spanning several centuries.

**Historical Significance:**

Sardines have been a staple in the Portuguese diet since at least the Roman times, appreciated for their abundance and nutritional value. Fishing for sardines has historically been a major economic activity in coastal Portuguese communities, particularly in regions like Matosinhos, Peniche, and Setúbal, which are famous for their sardine catches.

**Canning Industry:**

The commercial canning of sardines in Portugal began in the 19th century, peaking in the early 20th century. This industry became one of the pillars of the Portuguese economy, with canned sardines being exported worldwide. Portuguese canned sardines were known for their quality and were often packed in olive oil, which helped preserve them and added to their flavor.

**Festivals and Culture:**

Sardines are also a central element in many Portuguese festivals. The most notable of these is the festival of St. Anthony in June, where grilled sardines become the culinary highlight. During the festivities, sardines are grilled on the streets, and their aroma fills the air, marking the onset of summer. This tradition showcases the deep cultural affinity the Portuguese have with sardines, symbolizing not only sustenance but also community and celebration.

**Decline and Conservation Efforts:**

In recent decades, there have been concerns over the decline in sardine populations in Portuguese waters due to overfishing and environmental changes. This has led to stricter regulations on sardine fishing to ensure sustainability. Quotas have been implemented to manage the number of sardines that can be caught, aiming to allow the population to regenerate.

**Current Status:**

Despite these challenges, sardines continue to play a significant role in Portuguese cuisine and culture. Efforts to sustain the sardine population are ongoing, involving cooperation between the government, fishing communities, and environmental organizations to balance economic interests with conservation needs.

In summary, sardines are much more than just a food item in Portugal; they are a cultural icon, reflecting the country's maritime heritage and its enduring connection to the sea.