Pandipedia is the world's first encyclopaedia of machine generated content approved by humans. You can contribute by simply searching and clicking/tapping on "Add To Pandipedia" in the answer you like. Learn More
Expand the world's knowledge as you search and help others. Go you!
Marking dangerous reefs and leading mariners safely into port were formerly the work of Christian charity[1]. Bells on rocks, marks on shoals and sands, and beacon lights used to be maintained by the great monasteries, or by their various offshoots, in this country[1]. It confiscated the property from the profits of which such lights had been maintained[1].
After the religious changes, those engaged in navigation, no longer able to get what was needed as charity, seemed, after awhile, to have suggested paying for it[1]. One of the earliest post-reformation lighthouses suggested was that at Winterton, for which proposals were heard in 1585[1].
Let's look at alternatives:
In recent years, the popularity of video games (VGs) has surged, significantly impacting social interactions, especially among children and adolescents. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, pushing many to rely on digital entertainment as a primary source of social engagement. As traditional in-person activities diminished, online gaming emerged as a crucial outlet for maintaining social connectivity, alongside fostering new types of interaction through multiplayer environments[3].
Excessive gameplay has raised concerns about its potential negative impacts on mental and physical health, particularly among younger individuals. However, gaming also facilitates connections within a community[1]. Many gamers engage with others through social media and gaming platforms, which enhances their sense of belonging. Players often form groups or 'guilds' in multiplayer settings, creating opportunities for teamwork, strategy building, and camaraderie, which are essential for social interaction. These bonds formed through shared gaming experiences can sometimes lead to robust offline friendships.
Research indicates that playing video games can lead to improved cognitive functions such as visual attention, working memory, and quick decision-making, which may also enhance social interactions by improving players' abilities to cooperate and communicate effectively during games[2][4]. Action-based games, in particular, require players to develop teamwork and strategic communication skills, thereby potentially translating these abilities into their real-life interactions[2].
However, the correlation between gaming and social skills development is complex. While many gamers report positive experiences of socialization through gaming, others can experience isolation if gaming becomes an escape from reality rather than a social activity. The difficulty often lies in balancing gaming with other life activities, leading to situations where excessive gaming replaces physical social interactions, thereby reducing opportunities for face-to-face engagement[3][1].
The ongoing debate around video gaming often highlights the potential for addictive behaviors. The concept of 'video game addiction,' particularly in relation to its social implications, remains contentious. While gaming can foster social skills and community, individuals with gaming disorder might withdraw from real-life relationships, leading to a decrease in social interactions outside of the gaming world[2]. This withdrawal can compound mental health issues, as the absence of offline social support systems might exacerbate feelings of loneliness and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle[3].
The COVID-19 pandemic created an environment that forced many to seek solace in gaming, amid restrictions on social interactions. Reports showed a significant increase in gaming engagement, with platforms like Twitch experiencing a dramatic rise in viewership. This shift highlighted how gaming not only provided entertainment but also served as a pivotal social connection during isolation[3]. For instance, competitive and recreational gamers reported increased gaming hours, which opened avenues for virtual interactions that replaced physical gatherings[3].
As individuals adjusted to lockdown measures, many found that video games allowed them to maintain social interactions, albeit in a virtual format. This adaptation suggests that gaming environments can effectively create new social dynamics and support networks even when traditional social settings are unavailable. However, the study indicated that while gaming time increased significantly, it also correlated with declines in physical activity and sleep durations, potentially aggravating health concerns and further complicating social interactions post-pandemic[3].
Interestingly, some video games encourage prosocial behaviors among players. Research indicates that playing games with cooperative elements enhances empathy and encourages players to assist one another, fostering a collaborative environment[2]. Prosocial gaming content is linked to increased feelings of connection and social responsibility, suggesting a positive avenue for social interaction through gaming[2].
The impact of gaming on social interactions is multifaceted. While it can be a source of social connection, enhancing cognitive skills and opportunities for teamwork, it also presents challenges, particularly concerning addictive behaviors and the replacement of real-life interactions with virtual ones. The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated these dynamics by increasing reliance on online interactions, which can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on gamers' social lives. As society continues to navigate these challenges, finding a balance between gaming and real-world interactions will be crucial for fostering healthy social connections among individuals, particularly the younger generations. Combining evidence from varying studies can help guide parents and educators in managing gaming behaviors to promote beneficial social outcomes while mitigating risks associated with excessive gaming and dependency.
Let's look at alternatives:
Get more accurate answers with Super Search, upload files, personalised discovery feed, save searches and contribute to the PandiPedia.
The Winter Arc Challenge is a 90-day initiative that encourages individuals to focus on personal development, health, and fitness goals during the last three months of the year, running from October 1st to January 1st. It aims to establish healthy habits before the New Year, making resolutions feel more manageable when January arrives. The challenge has gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, where participants share their goals, which can range from fitness-related objectives to mental health improvement and self-care practices[1][2][3].
Participants create a list of ten daily activities that promote well-being and commit to completing them consistently throughout the challenge. These activities may include regular workouts, improved nutrition, journaling, or other self-improvement tasks[6]. The Winter Arc is particularly appealing as it provides a structured approach to goal-setting at a time when many people may feel inclined to relax or hibernate due to the colder weather[3][5].
The challenge promotes the idea of utilizing this period for intentional personal growth, helping individuals build confidence and progress towards their goals[2][4] and emphasizes the benefits of community support and accountability in achieving these objectives[6].
Let's look at alternatives:
Daily affirmations are significant as they can help individuals overcome self-doubt and negative thinking, promoting a positive self-image and improving overall mental health. These positive statements can facilitate a shift in mindset, reinforce self-worth, and foster resilience in the face of stress. Regularly practicing affirmations can lead to the formation of new neural pathways, enhancing self-belief and reducing the impact of negative thoughts. However, it's important to ensure that affirmations are meaningful and reflect core personal values to be effective.
Let's look at alternatives:
Let's look at alternatives:
Google’s revenue-sharing agreement with Apple for the Safari browser has long been a cornerstone of the strategic alliance between the two tech giants. At its core, this arrangement enables Google to maintain its position as the default search engine on Apple devices, which is critical to driving search traffic and ad revenue. This partnership is built on a complex foundation of longstanding negotiations and mutual financial incentives. Historically, Google has paid billions to Apple, a move that not only secures its prominence in the search market but also leverages Apple’s extensive user base to maximize revenue generation[1][3].
The negotiations have been marked by intense discussions over revenue share, term length, and the structure of the deal. In discussions as far back as 2016 and through subsequent renewals, senior executives from both companies, including Google’s Sundar Pichai and Apple’s Eddy Cue, have been central figures. Pichai highlighted that while the deal had historically been mutually beneficial, the negotiations always centered on maintaining Google’s default status and securing an optimal revenue share[1]. Apple's negotiating position has not been without challenges, as it has sought to augment its revenue share even as the strategic objectives for both parties remain intertwined. Additionally, pressures from external competitors have sometimes influenced these dynamics, with pressure points emerging when other companies, such as Microsoft, attempted to renegotiate terms or offer alternative search solutions[6][2].
Both Google and Apple have clearly articulated objectives in this agreement, which revolve around financial incentives and user experience priorities. For Google, maintaining its default placement in Safari is not just about ad revenue—it is also essential for the optimal collection of user data and maintaining the quality of its search results. Google leverages a range of user signals and log data to refine its ranking algorithms, while also ensuring that the default status continues to generate substantial traffic[5]. Conversely, Apple emphasizes a high-quality user experience and wishes to secure a financial reward that justifies its role in promoting Google’s service. This balance of ensuring enhanced usage on one side and revenue maximization on the other has led to careful wording in the agreements. A particular area of focus for Google has been the necessity of including language that requires Apple to continue implementing the default search option in a manner substantially similar to the existing arrangement. This precaution addresses concerns over the possibility of Apple diverting search queries to alternative vertical providers, which could have disrupted the revenue stream and deteriorated the quality of user experience[1][3].
Beyond the bilateral negotiations, the competitive dynamics between Android and Apple also serve as a backdrop for these discussions. Google must consider the interplay between its various products and operating systems. While the default position in Safari generates significant search traffic, Google’s Android ecosystem also relies on robust search features that need to be competitive. This balancing act becomes particularly crucial when considering that Apple aims to position its devices with a consistently high-quality user interface, potentially threatening Google’s dominance on other platforms if the terms of the agreement shift unfavorably[2][3]. Furthermore, external players such as Microsoft have at times sought to disrupt the existing status quo by offering aggressive bids or exploring privacy-focused search alternatives. These external pressures, including bidding dynamics and the risk of alternative default partnerships, add additional layers to the negotiation process[6].
Financially, the deal has substantial implications for both companies. Google’s payment for the default search status is a strategic investment that has consistently generated returns through increased ad impressions and click-through rates. This revenue-sharing model is not only pivotal in sustaining the overall ad ecosystem but also in reinforcing the value of default search placements that have been in place since at least 2005[1]. Detailed discussions around revenue sharing have revealed that while Apple has often pushed for an increased share, Google’s focus remains on the long-term benefits derived from enhanced user engagement and data signals. The financial stakes are significant; even slight modifications in the agreement could have a cascading impact on query volumes, data logging, and overall search quality, which in turn affect both ad revenue and market dynamics[3][5].
Looking ahead, the sustainability of the revenue-sharing agreement will depend on multiple factors, including evolving market dynamics, technological advancements, and regulatory considerations. Both companies must continue to innovate their offerings to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship. For Google, this means not only reinforcing the advantages of its search algorithms with advanced machine-learning models that rely on comprehensive user data but also defending its position against both competitive incursions and potential diversions in query routing by Apple[5][2]. Meanwhile, Apple is likely to remain focused on optimizing user experience while leveraging the financial benefits derived from the arrangement. Changes in the competitive landscape, particularly between Android and Apple’s iOS, as well as external pressures from players like Microsoft, mandate a flexible yet robust approach to future negotiations. The agreement, therefore, remains a critical pivot around which both companies will need to base their strategic planning in an increasingly interconnected and competitive tech ecosystem[1][6][3].
Let's look at alternatives:
Get more accurate answers with Super Search, upload files, personalised discovery feed, save searches and contribute to the PandiPedia.
- Tió de Nadal: In Catalonia, families beat a hollow log while singing to make it 'defecate' gifts. - Caganer: Catalan nativity scenes often include a figurine of a person defecating, symbolizing fertility. - Befana: In Italy, a witch named Befana delivers gifts to children on January 5, leaving treats for the good. - Krampus: Austria celebrates Krampus, a demon-like figure who punishes naughty children during Christmas. - Yule Goat: In Sweden, giant straw goats are constructed, often attracting vandalism to burn them down. - KFC for Christmas: In Japan, it is a tradition to eat Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas dinner thanks to a 1970s marketing campaign. - Yule Cat: In Iceland, a giant cat eats children without new clothes during Christmas, promoting gift-giving. - Roller-skating Mass: Venezuelans roller-skate to church for Christmas Mass in a popular festive tradition. - Spider Web Decorations: In Ukraine, Christmas trees are decorated with spider webs, symbolizing good fortune from a folk tale. - Shoe Toss: In the Czech Republic, single women throw shoes over their shoulders to predict marriage. - La Quema del Diablo: Guatemalans burn piles of trash topped with a devil effigy to cleanse evil spirits. - Night of the Radishes: In Oaxaca, Mexico, locals carve intricate designs into radishes to celebrate. - Last-Minute Guests: In Portugal, families set extra places for deceased relatives at Christmas dinner, honoring them. - Donald Duck Special: Swedes gather around the TV at 3 PM on Christmas Eve to watch a classic Disney special. - Mummering: In Newfoundland, Canada, people disguise themselves and go from house to house performing. - Candle Lighting: In Colombia, Little Candles' Day on December 7 marks the beginning of Christmas by lighting candles. - Christmas Pickle: In Germany, families hide a pickle ornament in the Christmas tree, rewarding the finder. - Sauna Tradition: In Finland, it’s customary to have sauna gatherings on Christmas Eve to purify before celebrations. - Kallikantzaros: In Greece, mischievous goblins known as Kallikantzaros come out during the Christmas season causing mayhem. - Mari Lwyd: In Wales, people dress as a horse and visit homes for food and drink, performing songs.
Let's look at alternatives:
Bottling fruits is an excellent method to preserve seasonal produce for year-round enjoyment. This guide provides detailed instructions on choosing jars, preparing fruits, processing methods, and more, ensuring that your bottling experience is both successful and enjoyable.
Selecting proper jars is crucial in the bottling process. Always choose jars designed specifically for preserving. Ensure that lids are in good condition and that they fit tightly. If the lid is not sealed properly, fruits can spoil. According to the guide, 'before buying preserving jars, make sure that they are the right shape and size, as well as free from chips and cracks'[1].
Preparing the fruit correctly is vital for successful bottling. Fruits should be harvested at their peak ripeness. For instance, soft fruits should be handled with care to prevent bruising and must be processed right after picking. When preparing, it’s critical to wash the fruits thoroughly and cut them into suitable sizes. 'Fruit for bottling should be fully ripe, except gooseberries which are better when picked green'[1].
There are several methods for processing bottled fruits, including the Water Bath Method, Oven Method, and more. In the Water Bath Method, jars are processed in hot water to ensure effective sealing. 'To use this method, you need a pan deep enough to allow the jars to be completely covered with water'[1]. The Oven Method can also be effective, especially for certain types of fruits, with specific guidelines to follow to ensure safety and efficacy.
The Water Bath Method involves tightly packing the fruits in jars and placing them into boiling water. It is essential to ensure that the water is at a rolling boil and that the jars are not touching each other to allow for proper heat circulation. 'Stand the jars in the pan so that they do not touch one another or the sides of the pan'[1]. After processing, jars must be sealed properly to maintain preservation.
The Oven Method is another approach wherein jars are heated without external liquid. Especially useful for dry-pack fruits, this method requires careful attention to avoid overheating. 'Wash and drain the jars, then fill them tightly and place them in a preheated oven'[1]. This method engages thermal processing to ensure the fruits are sufficiently preserved.
Once processing is complete, it's crucial to ensure that the jars are sealed correctly. Leaving jars to cool on a countertop allows the seals to form correctly. Proper storage is also important: 'The filled jars should be stored in a cool, dark place'[1]. Labeling jars with the date of bottling is recommended for tracking freshness.
Bottling fruits is a rewarding process that requires attention to detail and proper techniques. By following the guidelines laid out in this guide, you can successfully preserve a variety of fruits, capturing their flavor and nutrition for future enjoyment. Always remember that practice leads to mastery, so continue refining your bottling techniques.
Let's look at alternatives:
Swimmers need to be aerodynamic because they are moving through water, which has a much higher density than air. This requires an optimized body position to reduce water resistance, as everything from head position to arm movement affects performance, leading to significant room for improvement in speed and efficiency[1]. The need to streamline their bodies is crucial, as increased surface area exposed to water results in greater resistance, hindering their forward propulsion[2]. In contrast, runners operate in air, where aerodynamic considerations are less critical, and they do not face the same pressures related to air resistance as swimmers do; thus, there is less emphasis on body position and movement optimization in running[1].
Let's look at alternatives:
Here's life to those we love, and death to those we hate—Vive L'Anarchie and the Outlaws of the Air!
Max Renault
Yes, I suppose might is right after all, in love as well as war and nineteenth century society.
Lea Cassilis
To Humanity perhaps—to Society, as you call it, no. We owe no duty to Society, and we will pay none.
Edward Adams
These people are not honourable adversaries; they are only vermin, and as vermin we must destroy them.
Mr. Austen
I will have blood for blood, according to the creed of my race, so help me God, and the Holy Virgin, by this sign!
René Berthauld
Let's look at alternatives: