Catalogue

1. Birth and Background: James Naismith was born in Canada in 1861.

2. Move to the USA: He relocated to the United States at the age of 30.

3. Employment: Naismith worked at the Springfield Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in Massachusetts.

4. Invention Context: In winter 1891, he was tasked with creating an indoor activity suitable for a gym.

5. Initial Ideas: He considered adapting popular sports like rugby, baseball, and soccer but found them unsuitable for indoor play.

6. Creation of Basketball: In December 1891, he invented basketball by using a football and two fruit baskets.

7. First Game: The inaugural game took place on 21 December 1891, featuring two teams of nine players and two halves of 15 minutes each.

8. Rules Development: Naismith wrote 13 rules for the game, which were displayed on a noticeboard.

9. Game Evolution: Initially, players couldn't dribble; later, the rules evolved, including cutting holes in the baskets and reducing team sizes to five players.

10. Growth of the Sport: Basketball quickly gained popularity, leading to the formation of leagues and university teams, including the first at the University of Texas by 1899.

11. Naismith's Legacy: Although he believed wrestling and gymnastics offered better physical education, he remained proud of basketball.

12. Lifelong Commitment: Naismith continued to work in education and did not profit from basketball.

13. Olympic Recognition: He witnessed basketball's inclusion as an official sport in the 1936 Olympic Games before his death in 1939.

1. Big Mac Index: An economic tool comparing the price of a Big Mac in different countries to assess living costs.

2. Cost of Living: The amount of money needed to maintain a certain standard of living in various locations.

3. Currency Value: The worth of one currency compared to another, influenced by purchasing power.

4. Economics: The study of how goods, services, and resources are produced, distributed, and consumed.

5. International Comparison: Evaluating economic conditions across different nations.

6. Daniel Ng Yat Chiu: The individual who introduced the Big Mac Index and McDonald's to Hong Kong.

7. Purchasing Power: The ability of a currency to buy goods and services in a specific country.

8. Globalisation: The process of businesses and economies becoming interconnected on a worldwide scale.

9. Academic Studies: Research conducted to analyse and validate economic theories, including the Big Mac Index.

10. Burgernomics: A light-hearted term used to describe the economic analysis based on the Big Mac Index.

1. Definition:
- The Beijing National Stadium, also known as the "Bird’s Nest," is a famous architectural structure.

2. Location:
- Situated in the heart of Beijing, China.

3. Purpose:
- Built to host the 2008 Summer Olympics.

4. Design:
- Created by Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron; resembles a bird's nest with a complex pattern of steel beams.

5. Construction Timeline:
- Construction began in 2003 and was completed in 2008.

6. Capacity:
- Can accommodate around 80,000 spectators.

7. Multi-purpose Venue:
- Designed to host various events beyond the Olympics, including sports, concerts, and cultural activities.

8. Historic Events:
- Hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics and the 2015 World Athletics Championships.

9. Tourist Attraction:
- Attracts visitors for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere, especially when illuminated at night.

10. Cultural Significance:
- Represents China’s modernisation and growing influence on the world stage.

11. Symbol of Unity:
- Reflects both China's history and future, symbolising progress and unity in a changing world.

1. BBC: The British Broadcasting Corporation, a major broadcasting organisation known worldwide.

2. History: The establishment of the BBC in 1922 and its evolution over the years.

3. Origins: The BBC began as the British Broadcasting Company, created by wireless manufacturers to provide public radio services.

4. Radio Broadcasting: The initial focus on radio programming, offering news, music, and drama.

5. Television Development: The launch of television broadcasting in 1936, becoming the first television service globally.

6. Global Expansion: The BBC's growth beyond the UK, including the start of its overseas service in 1939.

7. Digital Adaptation: The transition to digital technology, including the launch of BBC Online and iPlayer.

8. Quality Broadcasting: The BBC's reputation for high-quality, impartial content.

9. Public Service: The BBC's role in informing the public, celebrating culture, and promoting education.

10. Innovation: The commitment to adapt to changing media landscapes and audience needs.

1. Location: The Bayon Temple is situated in Angkor Thom, Cambodia.

2. Historical Period: Constructed in the late 12th to early 13th century during King Jayavarman VII's reign.

3. Architectural Features: Known for its stunning architecture and large stone faces adorning the towers.

4. Symbolism: The faces are believed to represent Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion in Buddhism.

5. Promotion of Buddhism: Built to promote Mahayana Buddhism and unify the people under a common religion.

6. Artistic Detail: Intricate carvings and sculptures depict daily life, mythology, and historical events, showcasing Khmer artistic skill.

7. Challenges Over Time: The temple faced disrepair after the fall of the Khmer Empire and was largely forgotten until rediscovered in the 19th century.

8. Restoration Efforts: Ongoing restoration has helped preserve the temple, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

9. Cultural Importance: Holds great significance in Cambodian culture and religion, symbolizing the heritage of the Khmer Empire.

10. Tourism Impact: Attracts millions of visitors annually, supporting the local economy and promoting the preservation of cultural sites.

11. Artistic Achievement: Represents a remarkable example of Cambodia's architectural and artistic accomplishments.

1. Barber's Pole: A striped symbol outside barber shops, representing barbers' historical role.

2. Historical Role: Barbers were once healthcare providers, not just hairstylists.

3. Bloodletting: A medical practice where blood was drawn to treat ailments.

4. Leeches: Creatures used in bloodletting, known for their ability to drain blood.

5. Medical Care: Services provided by barbers, including basic healthcare.

6. Symbolism: The meaning behind the colours of the barber's pole—red for blood and white for bandages.

7. Cultural Significance: The barber's pole as a global symbol found in many countries.

8. Community Role: Barbers' impact on local health and wellness in historical contexts.

9. Modern Barbers: The shift from medical practices to grooming and haircuts today.

10. Historical Practices: The evolution of barbering from healthcare to personal grooming.

- Avocado Popularity: The rise of the avocado as a superfood, known for its health benefits and culinary versatility.

- Major Producer: Mexico is the leading global producer, supplying about 30% of the world’s avocados, primarily from Michoacán.

- Export Growth: Significant increase in avocado exports, from $60 million in 2003 to $3.5 billion in 2024.

- Environmental Impact: Expansion of avocado farms leading to deforestation of pine forests, threatening local ecosystems and wildlife.

- Chemical Use: Intensive farming practices involving chemicals that may contribute to health issues among nearby residents.

- Health Concerns: Rise in health complaints, particularly respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, among populations living near avocado farms.

- Wildlife Threats: Habitat loss affecting species such as the Monarch butterfly, leading to declining populations.

- Economic vs. Environmental Balance: Tension between economic benefits from avocado farming and the need for sustainable practices.

- Regulatory Challenges: Difficulties faced by the Mexican government in regulating farm development due to the high financial stakes involved.

- Non-Native Species: Sheep are not native to Australia, having been introduced by European settlers.

- Colonisation: The arrival of sheep coincided with the colonisation efforts initiated by the First Fleet in 1788.

- Early Settlers: The initial importation of sheep came from England, with breeds like the Merino becoming dominant.

- Adaptation: Sheep thrived in Australia’s climate and terrain, contributing to the growth of the sheep farming industry.

- Economic Impact: By the mid-19th century, sheep farming became a cornerstone of Australia's agricultural economy.

- Wool Production: Australia emerged as a leading producer of wool, making it a key agricultural export.

- Ecological Influence: The introduction of sheep affected native flora and fauna, leading to competition for resources and ecosystem damage.

- Cultural Significance: Despite being newcomers, sheep have become emblematic of the Australian bush and rural life.

- Sustainability Concerns: Ongoing discussions about the environmental impact of sheep farming and its effects on biodiversity.

- Art and War: The intersection of artistic expression and the realities of conflict during the First World War.

- Historical Context: The emergence of a new art style coinciding with the centenary of the war.

- Impact of Industrialisation: The First World War as the first 'industrial war,' utilising modern machinery and weaponry.

- Censorship: Initial reactions to graphic depictions of war, including efforts to censor disturbing imagery.

- Artist Commissioning: A small group of artists was employed to document the war and reveal its horrors to the public.

- Emotional Response: Many artists were horrified by the battlefield's realities, aiming to evoke a strong emotional response through their work.

- Notable Works: Key paintings such as "Paths of Glory," "Youth Mourning," "Oppy Wood," and "Gassed" illustrate the war's impact on soldiers and landscapes.

- Gas Warfare: The introduction of mustard gas and its devastating effects on soldiers, highlighting the war's brutality.

- Public Awareness: The role of art in informing and shaping public perception of the war's consequences.

1. Topiary: The art of trimming and shaping plants into ornamental forms.

2. Garden Design: A method of creating visually appealing outdoor spaces, often using structured plant shapes.

3. Tools: Sharp instruments like pruning shears and scissors used for shaping plants.

4. Common Plants: Evergreen shrubs and trees such as boxwood, yew, holly, and privet, ideal for topiary.

5. Historical Significance: Topiary has roots in ancient Rome and Greece, gaining popularity during the Renaissance.

6. Famous Examples: Notable topiary gardens include those at Versailles and various stately homes in the UK.

7. Maintenance: Regular care is required to keep topiary plants in desired shapes, making it a challenging art form.

8. Versatility: Topiary can enhance garden aesthetics and serve practical purposes, like creating privacy screens.

- Climate Adaptation: The challenge of finding suitable sports in extremely hot climates.

- Falconry Tradition: A 2,000-year-old practice where falcons were used for hunting.

- Cultural Shift: The decline of traditional practices due to urbanisation and the discovery of oil.

- Renewed Interest: A resurgence in falconry, driven by royal families in the UAE.

- Falcon Racing: A modern sport showcasing the speed of trained falcons, reaching up to 300 km/h.

- Economic Aspect: The high costs associated with falcon ownership and training, with some birds priced over HK$1.5 million.

- Training Bond: The close relationship developed between falcon trainers and their birds during intensive training.

- Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival: An annual event celebrating falconry and other sports, blending tradition with modernity.

- Speed and Grace: The remarkable abilities of falcons, enthrall audiences and highlighting their beauty.

1. Snake Charming: The practice of using music to influence the behaviour of snakes, making them appear to dance.

2. Cultural Tradition: The historical significance of snake charming in cultures, particularly in Africa and Asia.

3. History: The origins of snake charming, dating back to ancient Egypt and its role in communities.

4. Musical Instruments: The use of the pungi, a traditional instrument, in performing snake charming.

5. Animal Behaviour: How snakes respond to music through vibrations and movement rather than being "charmed."

6. Curiosity of Snakes: Snakes' natural curiosity leading them to respond to sounds and movements.

7. Animal Rights Issues: Criticism of snake charming practices concerning the welfare of snakes.

8. Modern Adaptations: The use of non-venomous or toy snakes by some charmers to avoid harm.

9. Legal Regulations: The impact of laws banning snake charming in some countries.

10. Tourism: The appeal of snake charming as a tourist attraction in countries like India, Morocco, and Egypt.