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Coral Reefs: Aesthetics and Fragility of Marine Ecosystems

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  Under the dazzling veneer of tropical oceans lies one of nature's finest works coral reefs.  Rated by some as the "rainforests of the sea," coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse and productive ecosystems on the face of the earth.  They are breathtakingly beautiful, teeming with life, and essential to the well-being of the planet.  Yet despite all their beauty, coral reefs are some of the most fragile ecosystems, imperiled by the actions of mankind and climate change more than ever in history. This article presents the wonder of coral reefs, their biological importance, and the need to maintain these treasures of the sea for generations to come. The Formation and Structure of Coral Reefs: Coral reefs consist not of rocks, but of living organisms small animals known as coral polyps.  The polyps are soft-bodied creatures that are more closely related to jellyfish and sea anemones.  Coral polyps excrete calcium carbonate to create their dwelling...

African Cuisine: Flavors as Exotic as the Continent Itself

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  The second-largest continent in the world, Africa, is inhabited by more than 1.4 billion people and comprises over 50 nations, each with its own unique cultural heritage, languages, and cuisines.  African cuisine is as diverse as its landscapes from the aromatic spices of North Africa to pungent, earthy stews of West Africa and the grilled meats and maize dishes of Southern Africa.  Together, these regional flavors form a culinary tapestry telling stories of history, migration, trade, and tradition.  A Continent of Culinary Diversity: There is no one flavor profile to describe African cuisine.  It's a mixture of native ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and the impact of trade routes and colonization.  The continent's huge geography deserts, rainforests, mountains, and coastlines ensures that the availability of food and the way it's prepared differs greatly from region to region. In order to understand African cuisine, it is best to look at it ...

Top 10 Mistakes New Entrepreneurs Make and How to Avoid Them

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  Entrepreneurship is one of the most exciting and challenging experiences that anyone can undertake.  The idea of creating something from scratch, being your own boss, and possibly achieving financial freedom is extremely enticing.  Entrepreneurship, however, is not for the faint of heart.  Most startups fail within their first few years, not for a lack of potential, but because of avoidable mistakes. Whether you are opening a tech startup, cafĂ©, or internet-based business, being aware of the most common pitfalls can help save you time, money, and frustration.  Following are the top 10 mistakes new entrepreneurs make and how you can avoid them. #1 Skipping Market Research: Jumping blindly into a business idea without validating it is one of the biggest mistakes rookie entrepreneurs tend to make.  Most people have a tendency to think that if they think their idea is cool, others will too.  Unfortunately, this notion can lead to loss and disillusionment...

Cooking with Herbs and Spices: Unleashing the Best in Every Dish

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  Cooking is equal parts science and art.  Beyond ingredients and process, what actually brings a dish from the mundane to the sublime is brilliant use of herbs and spices.  These natural seasonings have been cherished for millennia not merely because they have the potential to deepen the flavor, but also for their health-bestowing qualities, cultural connotations, and penetrative aroma.  Whether preparing a simple soup, roast chicken, or spicy curry, being able to use herbs and spices can unlock a world of cooking creativity. The Difference Between Herbs and Spices: Prior to examining their applications, note the distinction between herbs and spices. Herbs are derived from the leafy green portions of plants basil, parsley, mint, thyme, and cilantro, for example. Herbs are usually consumed fresh, although many are also found in dehydrated form. Spices, on the other hand, are obtained from other plant parts such as roots, bark, seeds, or fruits. Cinnamon (bark), cumin...

Underdog Stories: Sporting Stars Who Defied the Odds

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  In the world of sports, glory typically rests with the strongest, the fastest, and the naturally gifted sports heroes.  But some of the most memorable moments in the history of sports have been the underdog's the athlete who was told that they weren't good enough, weren't strong enough, or weren't gifted enough to succeed.  These athletes defied the odds, shattered massive walls, and proved that determination, heart, and grit can be more powerful than God-given ability. Underdog stories remind us why we love sports because you have no idea what's going to take place when the human spirit never gives up.  From overcoming poverty and physical challenges to fighting discrimination and doubt, these sports legends have written some of the greatest pages in sports history. #1 Michael Jordan: From Rejection to Greatness Now Michael Jordan is the one that springs to mind every time basketball excellence is discussed, but it wasn't easy for him.  Growing up, Jordan fam...

Sustainable Fashion: Creating an Environmentally Friendly Wardrobe

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  Sustainability is no longer a catchword but a lifestyle that guides the way we live, eat, travel, and even what we wear.  The fashion industry, previously appreciated only for its craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal, is now chastised for its environmental footprint.  From textile waste and water pollution to exploitative labor, fast fashion has branded its mark of environmental damage and social detriment.  Yet, there is a movement under way for change sustainable fashion a transition towards garments that are beneficial to the planet, beneficial to those who produce them, and beneficial to those who wear them. Creating a sustainable wardrobe is not about sacrificing style or spending money.  It is about being mindful, spending money on quality, and thinking about what each item does.  In this article, we explore what sustainable fashion actually is, why it's important, and how you can gradually shift your wardrobe to one with ethical and environmental pri...