Catalogue

1. Historical Significance: Xi’an is one of China's oldest cities and the starting point of the Silk Road.

2. Cultural Melting Pot: The city has welcomed visitors for centuries, bringing diverse cultures and traditions.

3. Muslim Population: Xi’an was the first Chinese city to be introduced to Islam, with a significant Muslim community.

4. Muslim Street: This area is home to many of Xi’an’s 50,000 Muslims and features a vibrant food scene.

5. Culinary Diversity: The street is filled with restaurants and street food vendors offering a variety of dishes.

6. Flatbread Mutton Soup: Known as yángròu pàomó, this popular dish involves tearing flatbread into mutton broth and is often served with pickled garlic.

7. Sensory Experience: The culinary journey in Muslim Street engages both sight and smell, enhancing the overall experience.

8. Cultural Exchange: The food reflects the integration of various cultures throughout Xi’an's history.

9. Tourist Attractions: Visiting the Terracotta Warriors and sampling local cuisine makes for a perfect day in Xi’an.

10. Culinary Adventure: The diverse flavors and dishes available in Muslim Street offer an exciting exploration of Xi’an’s rich heritage.

1. Music's Role: Music is typically expected to be enjoyable and enhance experiences, especially in movies.

2. Horror Soundscapes: In horror films, music takes on a different role, often designed to evoke fear and tension.

3. Mark Korven: A composer known for creating music for films, particularly horror, including "The Witch."

4. Director's Vision: Robert Eggers, director of "The Witch," requested a more natural sound, avoiding electronic music.

5. Natural Sounds: Korven sought to explore how organic sounds could enhance future horror films.

6. The Apprehension Engine: A unique instrument created by musician Tony Duggan-Smith, designed to produce disturbing sounds.

7. Design and Function: The instrument resembles a mechanic's workshop table, with each section producing unsettling noises.

8. Performance Impact: Korven demonstrated the instrument's capabilities in a memorable performance in a cemetery, aimed at eliciting strong reactions from the audience.

9. Emotional Response: The Apprehension Engine stirs emotions that are often disturbing rather than pleasurable.

10. Musical Classification: The instrument challenges traditional definitions of music, as it evokes fear instead of happiness or relaxation.

1. Mushroom Diversity: There are over 10,000 types of mushrooms, each with unique flavours.

2. Seasonal Activity: Mushroom picking is a popular activity at the end of summer.

3. Danger of Poisonous Mushrooms: Up to 60 people die each year in America from eating poisonous mushrooms.

4. Historical Context: People have enjoyed wild mushrooms for thousands of years, but some have deadly consequences.

5. Identification Challenges: Many poisonous mushrooms look similar to edible ones, making identification difficult.

6. Notable Incidents: The article highlights cases like Nicholas Evans, who became seriously ill after eating poisonous mushrooms.

7. Common Poisonous Varieties: Names like Destroying Angel, Poison Pie, and Death Caps indicate the dangers of certain mushrooms.

8. Health Risks: The article discusses the serious health risks associated with consuming poisonous mushrooms.

9. Additional Dangers: Mushroom picking can also pose physical dangers, such as falling while foraging.

10. Safety Reminder: The importance of not picking mushrooms without proper knowledge is emphasized.

1. Museum of Bad Art (MOBA): A unique institution in Boston dedicated to the collection and exhibition of art deemed "bad."

2. Celebration of Imperfection: MOBA embraces unconventional and subpar art, highlighting the beauty in artistic struggles.

3. Diverse Collection: The museum houses over 600 pieces of questionable artwork, showcasing a variety of styles and techniques.

4. High Submission Rate: MOBA receives up to 20 new submissions each month, with only a few selected for display.

5. Public Interest: Contrary to expectations, the museum attracts around 8,000 visitors annually, proving the appeal of unconventional art.

6. Humor and Charm: The art at MOBA often features bewildering subjects and unintentional humor, creating a unique viewing experience.

7. Cultural Commentary: MOBA raises questions about the value of art, challenging notions of technical skill and aesthetic beauty.

8. Souvenir Shop: The museum's on-site shop offers memorabilia, allowing visitors to take home a piece of "bad" art.

9. Embracing Eccentricity: MOBA advocates for the acceptance of quirky and unconventional art in society.

10. Artistic Reflection: The museum encourages viewers to reflect on their own creative journeys and the nature of artistic expression.

1. Agatha Christie: Renowned as the "Queen of Crime," Christie is the best-selling novelist of all time, with over two billion copies sold.

2. Early Education: Christie was educated at home and taught herself to read at a young age.

3. Literary Impact: She wrote 66 detective novels, many of which have been adapted into films.

4. Murder on the Orient Express: This iconic novel features the famous detective Hercule Poirot and is set to open in cinemas.

5. Plot Overview: Poirot travels from Istanbul to London on a train that becomes stranded due to snow, leading to a murder.

6. Diverse Suspects: Thirteen characters, including a governess, an outspoken American woman, and a Russian princess, become suspects.

7. Mystery Elements: The murder involves complex clues, such as the victim being stabbed with a knife requiring a right and left-handed assailant.

8. Identity Concealment: Some suspects are traveling under false names, adding to the intrigue.

9. Detective Skills: Poirot's reputation for solving intricate mysteries is put to the test in this challenging case.

10. Suspense and Resolution: The story raises questions about whether Poirot can identify the true murderer among the diverse group of suspects.

1. Definition of Murals: Large-scale paintings or artworks applied directly to walls or ceilings.

2. Artistic Expression: Murals reflect cultural, social, and political themes, serving as a medium for communication and beautification.

3. Historical Significance: Murals date back to prehistoric times, with early examples like cave paintings in Lascaux.

4. Ancient Civilizations: Civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used murals to depict stories, deities, and historical events.

5. Renaissance: The art of mural painting reached new heights during the Renaissance, with famous works by artists like Michelangelo and Raphael.

6. 20th Century Evolution: Murals became tools for social and political commentary, particularly in Mexico, addressing issues like class and identity.

7. Contemporary Resurgence: Urban areas have seen a revival of murals, with street art transforming cityscapes and reflecting local culture.

8. Social Commentary: Modern murals often address social justice, environmental concerns, and identity, making art accessible to the public.

9. Festivals: Events like the Mural Festival in Montreal showcase the work of diverse artists and celebrate mural art.

10. Commercial Use: Businesses increasingly commission murals for advertising, blending art with commerce and enhancing urban environments.

1. Multitasking: The ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as using a computer while talking on the phone.

2. Student Behaviour: Many students claim they can multitask effectively, often using it as an excuse for not completing homework.

3. Research Study: Two high school students conducted a study to test the effectiveness of multitasking during homework.

4. Test Conditions: Students took two tests—one with distractions (music, phones, emails) and one without.

5. Results: Most students performed better on the test without distractions, with only 15% doing better while multitasking.

6. Distraction Impact: The study suggests that multitasking negatively affects homework performance.

7. Alternative Excuses: Students who struggle with multitasking may need to find new reasons for not completing their work.

1. River Thames: A tidal river running through London, with a history of human habitation.

2. Foreshore: The muddy banks exposed at low tide, where mudlarks search for items.

3. Historical Context: Mud larking dates back to the 18th century, often done by the poor seeking valuable items.

4. Mudlarks: Typically young children or the elderly who scavenged for items to sell or trade for food.

5. Working Conditions: Mudlarks faced harsh conditions, including freezing temperatures and polluted waters.

6. Permits Required: Today, mud larkers must obtain a permit to search the foreshore, ensuring regulation.

7. Preservation: The thick mud under the Thames preserves items for centuries, allowing for remarkable finds.

8. Notable Finds: Common discoveries include old clay pipes and historical artifacts, which can be reported to museums.

9. Recent Discovery: A mudlark found a 5,600-year-old human skull, highlighting the river's archaeological significance.

10. Cultural Heritage: Mud larking connects people to London’s history and the stories buried beneath the river.

1. Weight Struggles: Andrew Taylor has faced ongoing challenges with his weight, peaking at 146 kilos by age 35.

2. Diet Attempts: He frequently tried various diets but struggled to maintain them for long periods.

3. Radical Decision: In late 2015, Andrew committed to a year-long diet consisting solely of potatoes.

4. Scepticism: Many people doubted his ability to stick to this restrictive diet and questioned its viability.

5. Cooking Methods: Andrew prepared potatoes in various ways, using herbs, spices, and tomato sauce, but no oil.

6. Initial Weight Loss: Despite not exercising in January, he lost 10 kilos during the first month.

7. Increased Activity: From February onwards, Andrew began training for 90 minutes daily, leading to further weight loss.

8. Health Benefits: He experienced improved sleep, increased energy, and relief from pains related to past injuries.

9. Nutritional Value: Potatoes, when cooked without high-calorie additions, are nutritious and contain essential vitamins and minerals.

10. Successful Outcome: At the end of the year, Andrew lost 55 kilos and achieved excellent health, challenging common dietary norms.

1. Casu Marzu: A traditional Sardinian cheese known for its unique characteristics and strong flavor.

2. Origin: The cheese comes from Sardinia, an Italian island famous for its beautiful beaches and culinary traditions.

3. Production Process: Made from sheep's milk, Casu Marzu undergoes a specific fermentation process that includes the involvement of cheese flies.

4. Cheese Flies: The larvae from cheese flies play a crucial role in developing the cheese's texture and flavor by consuming the rotting cheese.

5. Serving and Eating: The cheese is served with visible larvae, which can be eaten or removed. It is typically enjoyed on biscuits.

6. Flavor Profile: Casu Marzu has a strong, rich taste that some describe as similar to ammonia, with a lingering aftertaste.

7. Cultural Significance: The recipe for Casu Marzu is a closely guarded family secret, passed down through generations.

8. Eating Precautions: Diners should be cautious when eating it, as the live larvae can jump, and they must be alive to ensure safety.

9. Comparison to Other Foods: The article mentions stinky tofu as a similar adventurous food found in Hong Kong and Asia, though it lacks the live larvae.

1. Tourism Impact: The article reflects on how tourism was affected in 2020 and the ongoing efforts to attract visitors.

2. Historical Background: Doanne Robinson, a South Dakota historian, initiated the idea of creating a monument to attract tourists.

3. Location: Mount Rushmore is situated in the Black Hills of South Dakota, a region known for its beauty and history.

4. Sculptor: Gutzon Borglum was the sculptor chosen to lead the project after suggesting Mount Rushmore as a suitable site.

5. Presidential Figures: The monument features the faces of four U.S. presidents, symbolizing America's birth, growth, development, and preservation.

6. Construction Process: The project began in 1927, involving 400 workers who used dynamite and manual tools to carve the granite.

7. Safety and Conditions: Despite the dangerous working conditions, the project was completed over 14 years without serious injuries.

8. Cultural Significance: Mount Rushmore has become a symbol of American history and identity, attracting over three million visitors annually.

9. Legacy of Doanne Robinson: His vision for promoting South Dakota's history and beauty has been realized through the monument.

1. Highest Mountain: Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, standing at 8,848.86 metres above sea level.

2. Geographical Location: It is located in the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

3. Cultural Names: Known as "Sagarmatha" in Nepali and "Chomolungma" in Tibetan, reflecting local cultures.

4. Geological Formation: The mountain was formed millions of years ago through tectonic plate collisions, creating the Himalayas.

5. First Successful Ascent: Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first summited Everest on May 29, 1953, marking a historical moment in mountaineering.

6. Climbing Challenges: The ascent involves harsh weather, difficult terrain, and the "Death Zone," where oxygen levels are low.

7. Sherpa Community: Local Sherpas have rich cultural traditions and play crucial roles in supporting climbers during expeditions.

8. Environmental Concerns: Increasing climber traffic has led to issues with waste management and environmental preservation around Everest.

9. Cultural Biodiversity: The region around Everest is rich in culture and biodiversity, enhancing the experience for visitors.

10. Adventure and Ambition: Climbing Everest symbolizes both the thrill of adventure and the human spirit's desire to conquer challenges.