The Leaflet 4.29.16 | Vol. 2 Issue 9
Oh the stories we were told...
STORIES ISSUE When we were young, parents would often share their wisdom with us. Through the exchange of their knowledge, us kids took their words very seriously considering the power they had over us. After all, why would parents tell us something that was not true? Here we are, years later, and we can recollect the lessons they taught us and we are able to identify that most of their advice was made up. They were merely just ploys in attempt to protect
us, make us happy, or keep us from doing certain things. In this issue, we have gathered up all the tales that our parents shared with us and tried to explain the idea behind what each of everyone of them actual mean. These are the wives tales that seemed most prominent when looking back on our childhoods. We figured it was about time to get down to business and see which of these are accurate.
staff members
Sarah Abraham Jordan Baker Allyson Bonhaus Natalie Brinkman Caroline Bruns Emily Chien Adhiti Chundur Taylor Close William Coleman Amy Deng Meghan DiGiovanna Jake Englander
Hannah Frey Max Fritzhand Yasmine Guedira Rujula Kapoor Alex Karev Stephanie Kidd Eshika Kohi Claire Lefton Hannah Loftspring Christine Macke Anne Marsh Maddie Marsh Hannah May
Leaflet Editors-in-Chief Zoe and Orion Schlosser Executive Editor in Chief Caroline Gao Executive Managing Editor Anna Zhou Print Co-Editors Brooke Landrum, Elizabeth Rickert, Elijah Zawatsky Web Co-Editors-in-Chief Caroline Bruns, Harsimran Makkad
Hajime Minoguchi Calliope Osborn Joshua Patterson Sam Ruskin Madeline Schramm Lauren Shassere Max Torem Caroline Veraldo Kamaria Walton Sydney Weiss Abhilash Yarlagadda Nathan Zhang
Associate Editors Jenna Bao, Lauren Kurtzer Managing Editor Sydney Evans Business Manager David Wertheim Social Media Director Ben Ruskin Broadcast Editor-in-Chief Sarah Horne
Orion and Zoe schlosser
This issue p2: Carrots improve eyesight p4: Gum stays in stomach p5: An apple a day p9: Finding a four leaf clover p12: crossing you eyes p13: Bad luck to open an umbrella p18: Crickets bring good luck p21: Wishing on a shooting star The Leaflet, the official web newsmagazine of Sycamore High School, serves as an educational tool in the training of student journalists. We provide information and editorial leadership concerning school, national and world issues. We also provide a public forum for the exchange of ideas and viewpoints and give coverage to newsworthy events directly related to our diverse school population. These viewpoints are purely from the staff of The Leaflet, and not the administration.
Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242
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CARROTS IMPROVE EYESIGHT The truth is... Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, which is important for healthy eyesight, skin, growth, and resisting infection, but they do not improve eyesight like we have been told time and time again.
But wait...
FUN CARROT FACTS
Beta-carotene, which is found in carrots, may help reduce the risk of cataract degeneration.
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ORIGIN OF CARROT CLAIM During WWII, Britain’s air ministry spread the word that a diet of certain vegetables helped pilots see Nazi bombers attacking at night. This was a lie intended to cover the real matter of what was underpinning Air Force success: Airborne Interception Radar (Al). This secret new system pinpointed some enemy bombers before they reached the English Channel. British Intelligence did not want Germans to find out about the superior new technology helping protect the nation, so they created a rumor to afford a somewhat plausible-sounding explanation for the sudden increase in bombers being shot down. The disinformation was so persuasive that the English public took to eating carrots to help them find their way during blackouts.
The carrot is usually orange but it can also be purple, red, white, and yellow.
The Make-Up of A Carrot
water sugar protein fiber
Design by Orion Schlosser Information by Orion Schlosser
fat
It is true that eating massive amounts of carrots can sometimes cause a person's skin to turn yellowish orange. This is most noticeable on the palms or soles of feet and is called carotenemia. But don't worry it requires a high amount of carrot consumption and is completely fixable just by reducing carrot intake.
www.snopes.com/food/ingredient/carrots.asp
WAIT TO SWIM THIRTY MINUTES AFTER EATING...
TRUE or FALSE?
The common belief that the blood going to your digestive tract after eating steals the blood needed to keep your arms and legs pumping during swimming is not true. The body supplies extra blood to aid in digestion, but not enough to keep your arm and leg muscles from properly functioning. The biggest danger related to eating and swimming is a minor cramp.
BE CAUTIOUS... Tips on Eating and Even though waiting 30 minutes after eating before swimming is a not true, the relationship between eating and exercise is important. Knowing when and what to eat can make a difference in how many calories you burn and how effective your workout is. Break your fast. If you exercise first thing in the morning, it is important to break your fast before exercising. When you eat before you workout, you fuel your workout and burn calories more effectively. If you can’t stomach a big meal, eat half a banana or a small apple to get your metabolism working. www.dukemedicine.org/blog/myth-or-fact-should-you-wait-swim-after-eating
Exercising:
Eat for energy. Two to three hours before exercise, eat a combination of carbs and protein. The carbs will give you energy and the protein will sustain that energy. Suggested meals or snacks include half a whole wheat bagel topped with peanut butter or a cup of yogurt with fruit. Hydrate properly. During your workout, you do not need to consume calories if you are exercising for less than an hour. If your workout is longer than an hour, drink a sports drink with calories or eat a piece of fruit to keep your blood sugar up. Avoid fruit juices and sodas that are high in sugar. Design by Orion Schlosser Information by Orion Schlosser
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facts that will stick Studies have shown that chewing gum actually helps people concentrate and may improve long-term and working memory. Chewing gum has also been shown to reduce muscle tension and increase alertness.
Chewing gum while cutting onions can help a person from producing tears.
GUM STAYS in your stomach FOR SEVEN YEARS It is true that your body is unable to digest the synthetic portion of chewing gym, but it does not stay in the stomach for an extended period of time because the stomach periodically empties into the small intestine. The gum then moves through the small intestine into the colon and is eventually passed in the stool.
There are many substances that the body cannot digest that still pass harmlessly through the system. Tougher things than gum will often pass through harmlessly within a few days. If you swallow something that is too large to fit through the various valves and tubes in your guts, it can cause intestinal obstruction. So if you swallow a large amount of gum in a relatively small amount of time it can theoretically clump up into a large mass of indigestible substance.
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Design by Orion Schlosser Information by Orion Schlosser
u.osu.edu/buckmdblog/2009/12/02/medical-mythbusters-does-gum-really-stay-in-your-stomach-for-7-years/
An apple a day keeps the doctor away Origin:
The earliest known saying was the February 1866 edition of Notes and Queries magazine that states, "A Pembrokeshire proverb. Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread."
The truth behind the story:
The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
The reality is:
Only eating apples cannot keep a person healthy. Both diet and exercise are important to the general well-being of people, and many times illness risk is increased due to genetics.
health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/human-nature/health-myths/an-apple-a-day.htm
Design by Rujula Kapoor Information by Rujula Kapoor
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BEE STORIES When a bee comes into someone’s house the person should expect a visitor. If you kill the bee the person will bring bad news.
Egyptian pharaohs thought bees were a symbol of royalty.
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Design by Hannah Frey Information by Hannah Frey
The Greeks believed that a baby whose lips were touched by a bee would be a poet or a speaker
If a bee lands on someone’s hand they shoud be getting money soon.
www. paganwiccan.about.com/od/beltanemayday/p/BeeFolklore.htm
WHEN A BELL RINGS AN ANGEL GETS ITS WINGS
ORIGIN: This story was made famous by the movie It’s a Wonderful Life.
THE TRUTH IS: When a bell rings an angle does not get its wings.
www.theopenscroll.com/bells.htm
Design by Hannah Frey Information by Hannah Frey
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COFFEE CAN STUNT GROWTH How to avoid effects of caffeine: Stay hydrated Make sure to have Vitamin c Eat food throughout the day Relaxation and breathing exercises to lower anxiety
The truth is... Caffeine does not stunt growth
Side effects of caffeine: Anxiety Abnormal sleep Dizziness Heartburn Upset stomach Muscle twitching Rapid heartbeat Thirst
Caffeine
Headaches
Design by Hannah Frey
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www.udel.edu/
LUCK ALL AROUND The clovers are known to bring good luck because of its rarity in nature. The chances of finding this type of clover is 1/10,000.
THE ORIGIN: The origin of the superstition began from the religion of Christianity. When Eve was cast out of the Garden of Eden. Then, she took a four leaf clover with her to remind her of paradise. Since then, it has been known as a symbol of good luck and fortune.
According to Irish beliefs, the superstition derives from Druid priests who used the shamrock for healing the sick, in worship rituals and to ward off evil.
Before the Druid priests, St. Patrick found the three leaf clover to be an extraordinary plant. From then, ancient Egypt originated a tradition for which when a couple got married, they would give them a four leaf clover to give a blessing of their union and representation of their unconditional love for each other. In 1620, Sir John Melton said, “If a man walking in the fields find any four-leaved grass, he shall in a small while after find some good thing.�
Four leaf clovers are rare because there are actually no clover plants that produce four leaves naturally. It is known that the fourth leaf comes from DNA, yet it very difficult to find the genomes that are responsible for it.
http://www.lucky-four-leaf-clover.com/what.html
Design by Eshika Kohli Information by Eshika Kohli
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A sight of spring If the first butterfly you see of the new year is white, you will have good luck! Stems from the idea of butterflies relating to the soul, specifically from the myth of Psyche Comes from the mystery of a butterfly’s life cycle and the idea of rebirth
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Design by Natalie Brinkman Information by Natalie Brinkman
www.insects.org/ced4/symbol_list3.html
Spilling Salt MYTH: In some cultures it is said that spilling salt will bring bad luck. More so than that it is said to let the devil in.
ORIGIN: Supposedly date back to ancient times when salt was used in early rituals and practices. In many cultures it was believed to be magical and hold special powers.
SOLUTION: Though spilling salt will not actually invite the devil, for those who are skeptics, there is another belief ascribed to this superstition. It is believed that good spirits reside on the right-hand side and the devil is seated at the lefthand side. This is the reason why it is important to throw salt with out right hand over our left shoulder to keep away evil.
www. psychiclibrary.com
Design by Zoe Schlosser Information by Zoe Schlosser
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“If you cross your eyes they will get stuck like that� This is not entirely true. In general, eyes are made to go in all directions and cannot freeze in certain places. There is a condition called esotropia that can permanently cross eyes due to lack of muscle coordination. Esotropia is usually evident at birth. Eyes will probably not become stuck due to crossing them. So what can damage eyes? Smoking, UV exposure, screens, and high blood pressure can all affect eyes detrimentally.
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Design by Sydney Weiss Information by Sydney Weiss
www.oddrandomthoughts.com/
“IT IS BAD LUCK TO OPEN AN UMBRELLA INSIDE THE HOUSE� Origin:
The superstition probably comes from the 18th century, when umbrellas were large and inconvenient. The force of an opening umbrella had the power to injure anybody nearby and for that reason may have become forbidden inside.
www. people.howstuffworks.com
Anything else?
It is also believed... Egyptian nobles used umbrellas as protection from the sun. The shade of feather in the umbrella was sacred and was only allowed to touch royalty. This stigma around umbrellas may have led to superstitions we know today.
Gifting umbrellas, dropping and picking them up, and setting them on beds or tables are all considered superstitions as well. The most common umbrella superstition is opening one indoors.
Design by Sydney Weiss Information by Sydney Weiss
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THROW THE FIRST FISH CAUGHT BACK TODAY: This is not widely used today because catch and release can be considered animal cruelty.
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Designed by Hannah Frey Information by Hannah Frey
ORIGIN: Fisherman thought that if they put the first fish back in the water the water gods would be happy. This would mean that they would catch more fish.
http://www.brownielocks.com/superstitions.html
IF YOU KEEP MAKING THAT FACE, IT MIGHT STAY LIKE THAT FOREVER.
SPASMODIC TORTICOLLIS Is when the muscles in the neck contract and force the head into an awkward position. This doesn’t just happen to anyone, it happens to individuals with this certain disease.
HOLD ON... There could be some truth into this well known phrase you might have heard as a child. Over a lifetime, habitually repeated expressions will etch themselves into your face.
www.castledental.com/our-blog/your-face-will-freeze-and-other-mom-isms
Sorry to break it to you, but your mother or any adult who told you your face could freeze lied to you. When we were younger, it wasn’t rare to hear the phrase, “If you keep making that face, it might stay like that forever.” Although we might have believed it at the time, this cannot actually happen. However, it may happen if you have a condition that causes this to occur. For example, there are a few instances where a neurological disorder could cause temporary paralysis of the face or head in certain positions.
WORLDWIDE FACIAL EXPRESSIONS happiness sadness fear
anger exhaustion focus
Designed by Orion Schlosser Information by Orion Schlosser
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DRINKING Milk Will Make Your Bones STRONGER For years doctors in the U.S. Department of Agriculture have recommended that everyone over
YEARS OLD
include
8 3 CUPS
of dairy in their diet everyday. One of the major ingredients for healthy bones is
calcium which is commonly found in milk.
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In recent years, some researchers have argued that milk can actually cause the bones to lose calcium. It is said that digesting milk leaves behind acidic residues that causes the body to pull calcium from the bones. www.healthyeating.org/
If You Swallow Watermelon Seeds, A Watermelon Will Grow In Your Stomach... how it all started: During the summer days, young children enjoy indulging in a nice, juicy watermelon. Like they do with many other things, kids meticulously pick at and play with the seeds of a watermelon, intrigued by their minuscule size. While consuming these watermelons it is easy to accidentally swallow one of the many seeds. Immediately, this strikes panic in the child due to the mystery of the circumstance. In a ploy to prevent future hazards for the young child, parents decided to come up with the idea that if one was to swallow a watermelon seed, a watermelon would then grow in his or her stomach.
why this is false: In order for any kind of seed to grow there are certain elements that must be involved. Seeds require soil, and the nutrients that come with it. In addition, the soil must be hydrated and saturated with water and sunlight. Therefore, it is impossible for a watermelon to grow inside a stomach.
www. bioweb.uwlax.edu/
Design by Zoe Schlosser Information by Zoe Schlosser
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CRICKETS BRING GOOD LUCK ORIGIN: Crickets have been considered good luck for 2,000 years in Chinese culture. Crickets lay hundreds of eggs, so they are considered to be good luck because they are a sign of fertility.
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Designed by Hannah Frey Information by Hannah Frey
Crickets are also good luck because they are seen as to be protectors. When someone is approaching a house they will stop singing. Crickets are also a symbol of good luck in Native American tribes. Often times they will appear on Totem pools. They show joy and the power of belief. Also their ability to jump represents overcoming difficult situations.
If someone was to kill a cricket they would have bad luck. Crickets are kept as pets in households in Asia because they are thought to bring good luck. In Brazil the chirping of crickets is thought to mean rain is coming. It also represents that something good will happen with someone’s finances.
www.ehow.com/cultures/legends-folklore/folklore/
HOW TO DISPOSE OF FINGERNAILS ORIGIN: KEEP THEM
BURN THEM
Started in the city of Shulchan Aruch because it was believed that pregnant women could step on them and get hurt. Fingernails were thought to hurt pregnant women because they were dead matter and represented the mortality of people.
THE TRUTH: BURY THEM
www.aish.com/atr/Fingernails.html
The truth is that fingernails do not have to be disposed of in any certain way. If a pregnant person was to step on a fingernail they will not be hurt.
Designed by Hannah Frey Information by Hannah Frey
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BREAK A MIRROR AND GET SEVEN YEAR OF BAD LUCK ORIGIN: Mirrors and reflections represents a persons soul. When the mirror breaks it damages the soul of the person who broke it. The damaged soul is less likely to be able to protect the person from misfortune. When the soul is hurt it is more likely to attract bad luck because it is punishing the person for being careless. People with bad luck will have a cycle of problems for seven years until the soul heals.
HOW TO REVERSE BAD LUCK: Take the broken pieces and ground them into dust. When the shattered reflection is gotten rid of, there is no problem Bring the shards of glass and bury them under a tree o the night of a full moon. Collect the pieces and put them a river that flows in a southern direction.
by Hannah Frey 20 Design Information by Rujula Kapoor
www. wiseGREEK.com
If You Wish On A Shooting Star, Your Wish Will Come True ORIGIN: Legend has it, that wishing upon a shooting star makes the wish come true. This particular belief dates back to around 127-151 AD when the Greek astronomer Ptolemy wrote that occasionally, out of curiosity, the Gods peer down at the earth from between the spheres.
THE BELIEVERS: Swabians believed that seeing a shooting star predicted an entire year of good luck. However, if three were spotted in one night, that meant death. In Chile, if one sees a meteor it is crucial that person picks up a stone immediately for good luck. In the Philippines, if you see a shooting star, for good luck one must tie a knot in a handkerchief before the meteor stops falling. In Switzerland, a meteor was considered to possess the power of God.
HOW TO MAKE A WISH:
1. Close the eyes while wishing. 2. Repeat “Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight: I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight,� and then make wish. 3. The wish must be kept a secret or else it will not come true. 4. One must strongly believe in his or her wish for it to be real.
www. the-shooting-star.com
Design by Zoe Schlosser Information by Rujula Kapoor
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Never put a hat on the bed Origin: Some people
used to believe that evil spirits lived in the hair and could travel from the hat to the bed. So when you take off a hat, the static electricity produced was believed to of been the spirit in the hat.
African Americans and Jamaicans:
believed that putting a hat on the bed would prevent marriage
Another explanation is that it could spread head lice through the hat.
Actors:
believed that putting a hat on the bed would guarantee a poor performance
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Mobsters: rival mobsters
would hide their guns under their hats, so a hat on a bed was a bad sign
Cowboys:
believed that putting a hat on the bed would result in injury or death in a rodeo
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Design by Taylor Close Information by Taylor Close
www. english.stackexchange.com
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Design by Emily Chien Information by Emily Chien
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