Food favorites that may soon be extinct
For many of us, food is more than just sustenance. It's a window into a variety of cultures around the world, or an expression of love that comes from a parent, friend, or significant other. However, what happens when some of the key ingredients in our favorite dishes are no longer available for our use? Well, we may soon find out. Barley is one of many ingredients that are in jeopardy, and it’s all thanks to climate change. This means we will soon have to say goodbye to cool, refreshing beer. It’s being predicted that beer consumption around the world will decline by 16%, while prices for the refreshing beverage are likely to double. The really bad news is that isn't all. Tequila prices are likely to shoot up due to increased demand for the liquor in New York and Tokyo, specifically. While tequila itself might not go extinct, quality tequila may, as the increased pressure on production is not allowing the agave plants to develop to their full maturity. With numerous farmers using immature plants, how long will it be before we're all drinking from the bottom-shelf tequila bottle? And not even hummus is safe! Chickpeas are also facing difficulties in meeting their demand, as temperatures in countries like India (the world's lead exporter of chickpeas) have risen and droughts have become more numerous. These are just a few examples, but there are plenty of other foods that may very well be gone for good, and very soon at that. If you're a big fan of margaritas, hummus, or a nice, cold pint, you better click through this gallery to learn which items you'll need to start buying in bulk before they disappear… forever!
2023-07-21T08:53:28Z
The fascinating histories behind the world's favorite dog breeds
Dogs have been man's best friend for an estimated 29,000 years, ever since they were first domesticated from an ancient and extinct species of canine closely related to wolves. Since then, dogs have been put to work, worshipped as deities, relegated to lives as royal playthings, and have met all sorts of other fates. Eventually, humans began selectively breeding dogs to fit the needs of their time in history and place on Earth. Today, there are 360 officially recognized distinct breeds of dogs, of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. Want to learn the story of your favorite breed? Then read on!
2024-03-22T10:14:26Z
It's Official: We Found the 40 Prettiest Flowers in the World
How many of these breathtaking beauties do you recognize? As is often the case with beautiful things, we've given flowers meaning—so much so that even looking at one can make you feel more alive. A plain red rose has become a romantic expression of love and sunny daffodils represent the rebirth of the planet every spring. Of course, because they're plants, we also use them in more practical ways: Silky flower petals have been crushed and distilled into essential oils and perfumes for centuries, and we've figured out how to eat some of them and make tea with select leaves, stalks, and blooms. But to put it simply, the joy of admiring a gorgeous, colorful flower is unmatched. (Though we should note that some are best admired from afar because of toxicity.) Not to mention, no two flowers are exactly the same. Some rise out of the water to bloom while others sprout vines that go where they want…permanently decorating the side of your house. Even low bushes can produce incredible blossoms, like giant peonies, and if you've ever sat under a cherry blossom tree with a cool breeze blowing tiny petals around you, you know how magnificent flowering trees can be. A person who loves flowers is called an "anthophile," and if this describes you, you'll probably recognize most—if not all—of the flowers below. Rare or common, bright or soft, simple or complex, these beautiful flowers from around the world are certainly sights to behold.
2023-06-05T21:29:17Z
