Welcome to this page, full of fun (some useful) facts and web addresses. We hope the information will be user friendly and amusing.
Fun Facts
A person cannot taste food unless it is mixed with saliva. For example, if strong-tasting substance like salt is placed on a dry tongue, the taste buds will not be able to taste it. As soon as a drop of saliva is added and the salt is dissolved, however, a definite taste sensation results. This is true for all foods. Try it!
The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.
It's possible to lead a cow upstairs...but not downstairs.
The ant can lift 50 times its own weight, can pull 30 times its own weight and always falls over on its right side when intoxicated. (most humans just fall over in a heap!)
The fingerprints of koala bears are virtually indistinguishable from those of humans, so much so that they could be confused at a crime scene. (The bear did it!)
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades - King David; Clubs - Alexander the Great; Hearts - Charlemagne; and Diamonds - Julius Caesar.
Cost of raising a medium-sized dog to the age of 11: £4000 (still cheaper than a child!)
Web Sites
http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/ HOPE not hate is Searchlight's campaign to counter racism and fascism in elections and beyond. Over the past few years the British National Party has seriously contested council elections all over the country but still only has 57 councillors. The two BNP MEPs elected in June 2009 have brought the party financial benefit in the form of their salaries and staffing and expenses allowances, as well as an opportunity for Nick Griffin, the BNP leader, further to develop his links with other European fascist parties and strut around on an international stage. However without the HOPE not hate campaign, the BNP would undoubtedly have had more MEPs and many more local councillors elected. Now the BNP is threatening to gain a majority on Barking and Dagenham council, in east London, and Griffin is trying to become MP for Barking. The party is also faced with defending 30 of its council seats in 2010, which gives anti-fascists an opportunity to oust them. At Searchlight we want to make sure that people know the full story about who the BNP are and what they really stand for.
The HOPE not hate website aims to do just that, serving the anti-fascist movement and providing up to date news, good practice and analysis.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/raw/ Welcome to BBC raw, the place where you can develop your skills for everyday life.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/
Improve your English and maths with Skillswise. Factsheets, worksheets, quizzes and games to help improve your skills.
http://quickreads.moonfruit.com/#/about-the-books/4517884627 From best-selling writers to emergent readers... a major new initiative.
Quick Reads are exciting, short, fast-paced books by leading, bestselling authors, specifically written for emergent readers and adult learners.
This is a major new initiative from leading publishers, booksellers and writers, one of the most exciting adult learning developments for years.
http://www.wonderhowto.com WonderHowTo hand-selects and curates the best instructional videos from over 1,700 websites. Explore the largest collection of free how-to videos.
WonderHowTo is your one-stop shop to browse, search, or network your way through the world of free video tutorials.
http://www.walkit.com/
Great site to get walking directions to places or between stations etc.
www.writetothem.com A really quick and easy way to write to your local councillor, MP or MEP etc. You don't need to know their names or addresses as this all available via the site. You type your letter in the form provided on the site (including spelling checks) and email your letter directly to your chosen public servant.
http://www.gwydir.demon.co.uk/uklocalgov/makeup.htm
The link attached is very useful and may be something you keep for back up information. It lists the make up of all local authorities and then a link to their website where you can then get the names and contact details of any Councillors you may wish to contact.
www.howtocleananything.com
Spring cleaning tips and tricks all the year round. You'll find gems like using soap and vinegar to clean wood, and a simple way to brighten up gold - a dab of handwashing soap on a toothbrush. There's a list of cleaning providers, and a discussion forum.
www.planningportal.gov.uk
Find out what's being built in your area, learn about planning permission applications and see what plans your local council has up its sleeve. Search by postcode, area or place of interest in England and Wales.
Need to find your way around, then try one of these websites?
The GMB London Region does not endorse any service or provider listed above. The information is provided by other sites and users should make their own enquiries as to reliability and performance.
