Biggest Scandals in Sports History

In order for sports to be entertaining and to make sense at all, we need to have rules and to play fair. Additionally, we need to respect the athletes and appreciate them as people, since they are often viewed as role models. However that’s not always the case, and since there is a lot of money involved in sports, a lot of teams or players opt for cheating. Victory becomes everything, and you lose track of what’s important and why you were inspired to be an athlete. 

That being said, it’s hard to keep these things a secret and the media finds out about them sooner or later. So, let’s see what are some of the biggest scandals throughout sports history that we all still remember. 

2000 Paralympic Basketball

It’s always disgraceful to cheat, but somehow if you do it in the Paralympics it’s significantly more disgusting.

Australian Paralympic Committee, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Unfortunately, it’s happening more frequently than we would like to think, and one of the most notable instances was the basketball tournament in the year 2000.

At that time the Spanish team won the gold medal, but it was later discovered that the Spanish team didn’t get the full check-up. A Spanish journalist brought this to the attention of the tournament managers, which led to an investigation. It turned out that 10 out of 12 players on that team did not suffer from any mental disabilities. In other words, Spain desperately wanted a gold medal and went to these lengths to pull it off.

Of course, the reward was stripped away from them. 

Baseball Players on Steroids 

From 1998 to 2003 baseball games were really crazy, and nobody wanted to admit just how ridiculous the players looked. It wasn’t immediately apparent, but then it was too obvious, and it seems that everyone liked living in denial. This was the time that is referred to as the Steroid Era in baseball, and even if we still have athletes who are trying to use steroids today, nothing can compare to this period.

Luckily, the regulations are tighter nowadays.  

Tiger Woods

Although Tiger Woods did not cheat during his golf matches, the same cannot be said for his marriage.

In 2009, Woods was not home for Thanksgiving, because his wife chased him outside of the house. People first thought he had a car accident, but it was later discovered that his wife smashed the car with the golf clubs. She discovered text messages that led her to believe Woods was having an affair. Later on, 12 women admitted to having sexual relations with Tiger Woods, so he was really unfaithful and it is one of the scandals people talk about to this day. 

O.J Simpson 

Finally, we have the case of O.J Simpson that is shocking today, just as much as it was shocking back in 1994. There was a whole car chase that everyone in the US was watching, and O.J eventually gave up. However, the shocking part was when he didn’t get charged with murder, in spite of mounting evidence that says otherwise.  

Most Unusual Foods Around the World

Travelling around the world is something that a lot of people enjoy. Some do it to unwind and sunbathe on tropical beaches, some love to simply meet and experience different cultures, or because they are thrill-seekers. But it’s also worth mentioning that one of the great joys of travelling lies in trying out different cuisines. So if you fancy yourself a gourmet traveller stick around, we will be going over some of the most unusual meals around the world.   

Pig’s Blood Cake

This is a popular street food sold in Taiwan, and according to some experts, it can help our lungs heal smog damage. It’s sold like ice cream on a stick and it’s made from rice and of course pig blood.

It looks delicious, like a cake on a stick, so it was probably more helpful not to tell you what exactly it is. 

Pigeon

Many regard pigeons as rats with wings, as this is a really dirty street animal. But in France, it is an expensive dish, served at most exquisite restaurants and supposedly delicious. This really makes you wonder, how come everyone is not preparing this dish since there is no shortage of filthy pigeons in Europe. 

Grasshopper

Grasshoppers are pretty much standard food in Uganda, and they are even eaten raw. They are caught during the rainy season, and you can buy ones with and without wings, and cook them. It’s really hard to imagine eating a raw grasshopper and finding it delicious unless you are Bear Grylls or a big fan of the Lion King. Hakuna Matata, right? 

Donkey

Donkey meat is pretty standard in Italy, and you can order it in any bar. It’s sliced and served similar to prosciutto, and it does have a unique taste. You probably wouldn’t guess that it’s donkey meat when you try it. 

Anagoria, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Live Octopus

Unlike calamari or squid that is a common, delicious and most importantly dead, live octopus is served while it’s still alive and wiggling. It’s also not one of those meals that you can savour and enjoy by taking your time, as chefs in South Korea suggest that you need to eat it quickly. This is by far the most unusual thing, not because octopi are tasty but because you have to kill it yourself while eating it. The whole idea behind restaurants and supermarkets is that people don’t have to kill the animals themselves. 

Ostrich 

Ostrich meat is becoming increasingly popular, as it has lower cholesterol and is healthier compared to other meat. You can use it to make burgers, or use the eggs for an omelette. It’s very common in South Africa and you’ll see it pop up on menus frequently. 

5 Reasons You Should Get a Fitbit

Fitbits are health and fitness trackers that you wear while performing daily activities. Connecting a Fitbit to your smartphone is done via Bluetooth while connecting to your computer is done via USB. Users usually wear Fitbit all day long – some of them even when showering. If you are serious about your fitness in 2022, you should definitely invest in a FitBit. The following highlights top reasons why it might be a good idea to get one! Take a look!

Accountability with FitBit

Setting up your fitness goals is part of getting a FitBit. The goals can be changed at any time. With the Fitbit, you’ll be notified when you’re reaching certain goals for the day. Behavioural psychology plays a role in this. When people leave things incomplete, they feel bad about it. This is why progress bars are popular. We enjoy checking off items on lists. Fitbit displays graphs and progress bars in bright colours, and as you approach a goal, the colour of the progress bar will change, until it reaches bright green.

Support Your Friends

In the app, there are a lot of features, but the friends function feels very rewarding to most users. You can cheer on your friends or taunt them through the mobile app. The thrill of cheering others is equal to that of checking your phone to see if you’ve been cheered on. Even though you may think that’s ridiculous, it’s an important part of keeping up motivation.

It Will Get You Going

Whenever you have a goal, you tend to take extra steps to make sure you reach it. Most users reported that it inspired them to complete chores differently, and take extra steps while doing them. Some of them even started taking a daily mile walk since they got the device. You can track your activities whether you are walking, running, exercising or hiking. Once you start, make sure to log in, so the app can calculate your calorie burn. Exercise days are marked by a blue checkmark on the calendar in the exercise view. 

It Promotes Healthy Eating Habits

Counting calories is not for everyone. It can be tedious, especially for those who don’t like to measure their ingredients. Rather than counting calories, people use the Fitbit as a food journal, so while some don’t use it to count calories, they use it as a measuring device. It is important to keep a log of what you eat and what time of day you eat it. Everything prepackaged or purchased at a mainstream restaurant is picked from the extensive list. This will help you to lose weight and eat healthier. For most people, it’s difficult to remember exactly what they eat without writing it down.

Encourages You to Drink More Water

Health experts cannot emphasize enough how important it is to drink enough water every day. Drinking enough water has always been a struggle for many people, even though they know they should. It is more challenging to avoid drinking water with the Fitbit because it has a waterlog. It is fun to watch the progress bar fill up. You have to monitor your water intake if you are serious about drinking more water. When you are aware of how much water you are consuming, you can increase it quickly.

The Essentials Every Hiker Needs

If you are planning to hike, even if it is only for a day, it is a good habit to pack all the essentials. It’s true you might use only a few of them or none at all during a routine trip. But, if something goes wrong, you’ll really appreciate having them with you. Let’s take a look at all the things you should carry with you when going on a hike.

Food and Water

If your trip is going to belong, you should pack food for at least one extra day. If you’re figuring out how much water you’ll need to carry, consider that most people need about half a litre of water per hour while performing moderately strenuous activities. You should pack items that do not need to be cooked or that have a long shelf life like bars, and nuts.

First Aid Kit

It is extremely important to carry a first-aid kit and know how to use its contents. Buying pre-assembled first-aid kits saves you the time and hassle of assembling them yourself, but many people like to customize them to meet their particular needs. There should be treatments for blisters, bandages of various sizes, tape, disinfectants, pain medications, and pens and papers in any kit.

Navigation Devices

In order to navigate the backcountry these days, you will need a compass, a map, or a GPS device and a personal locator beacon. Even if you are going on a really short hike in a familiar area these are some of the navigation equipment you should always have with you.

Fire and Firestarter

The supplies you need to start and maintain a fire during an emergency need to be readily available to you. Most people use a disposable butane lighter for this purpose, but matches can also be used if they are waterproof or stored in an airtight container. In wet conditions, firestarters are crucial to jump-start a fire. Firestarters should ignite quickly and sustain heat for more than a few seconds.

Light Source

Having a light source with you during the night is essential to finding your way through the wilderness. Travellers prefer to use a headlamp because it keeps their hands free so they can cook dinner or hold trekking poles. Make sure you keep spare batteries on hand or charge your light source prior to your hike.

Sun Protection

You should always take sunglasses, sunscreen and sun-protective clothing with you. In the short term, it can cause sunburn and/or snow blindness and in the long run, premature skin ageing, skin cancer, and cataracts. Make sure to pack up some lotions with SPF, hats and long-sleeved clothes in your backpack even if you are hiking during a cloudy or rainy day.

Blade

Knives are important for gear repair, food preparation, first aid, kindling, and other emergency needs. Multitools and knives with multiple functions have things like a can opener, a flathead screwdriver, and/or scissors that fold up. More options in your knife or tool are necessary if your needs are complex.

Shelter for Emergencies

If you become stranded along the trail or become injured, carry an emergency shelter to keep you dry and protected from wind and rain. An ultralight tarp, an emergency space blanket, a large plastic bag or a bivy sack are all possible options. Tents are only an efficient emergency shelter if they’re always carried.

Interesting Indonesian Traditions

Every culture around the world has some fascinating traditions. We often take our customs for granted, as we follow them every year. However, when we look at a different culture on the other side of the world, we are amazed by how different they are. 

If you’re planning to visit Indonesia, prepare to witness some exciting and unique traditions. Each of them is memorable in its way. Here’s what you can come across.

Debus

Many cultures express their belief in God in different ways. Different traditions symbolise the degree of faith people have. Debus is one of such traditions, but it’s on the extreme side. People pierce their mouths, stab themselves, chew glass and walk through fire to prove that their faith in God keeps them safe.

Therefore, don’t get alarmed if you come across people with pierced cheeks walking down the road. It’s a part of the local tradition throughout Indonesia.

Tourism office of Banten province, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ma’Nene

Many people will find this annual tradition in Tana Toraja more than interesting. During the ceremony, the deceased are symbolically brought back to life. They are taken out from their graves for a walk. According to the local tradition, the deceased never stop living. So every year, close family members take their bodies home, where they bathe and dress them before a walk throughout the village.

Once the ceremony is complete, the deceased are taken back to their graves until the next exhumation.

Metatah

An old Bali tradition Metatah is a right of passage ceremony that that Hindu Balinese undertake. It’s a teeth-cutting process. While it sounds crazy, it’s only a two-millimetre cut that doesn’t hurt. The cut teeth are part of an offering during a prayer. The participant also takes spicy, salty, sweet, bitter, sour and astringent.

The tasting of these tastes is symbolic, as they represent anger, obedience, wisdom, happiness, and toughness.

Burning of the Last Ship

The tradition of burning the last ship is a part of the Bakar Tongkang Festival. It celebrates the bravery of Chinese immigrants who burned down their ship after leaving the Fujian province. The act of burning the last ship showed their resolve to never return to their hometown.

The replica of the ship weighs hundreds of pounds, and the burning ceremony is the highlight of the whole festival. The ceremony is an important reminder for modern generations to respect the determination of their ancestors.

Agustinuselwan, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kebo-Keboan

Paying respect to deities is common in every culture around the world. The rituals differ significantly, but the goal is the same — showing respect towards gods. Whenever Javanese have a Suro or Muharram month, their men smear themselves in oil and charcoal to imitate the water buffalos.

They roam the streets to call down the rain, so the next season brings more crops for the local residents.

Fahombo

Fahombo is a physically demanding ritual performed on Sumatra Island. The origin of the ritual goes back to the aggressive tribal wars dating back centuries. Even though there are no conflicts now, the act of leaping over the enemies’ defence fort has become an annual tradition. It represents maturity in men as they reach adulthood.

The participant runs towards the two-metre stone wall and leaps over it. This tradition is significant as it symbolises the maturity of the participant.

Hiking vs Trekking: What’s the Difference?

Are you planning to start hiking, but you see people mentioning trekking? These two might sound similar, but there are a couple of crucial differences to consider. While both activities are walking in the wilderness, some core differences make hiking more beginner-friendly. Let’s dive into more details and pay closer attention to distinctions.

Hiking

Hiking is a leisurely activity that often follows a path. In most cases, the trail is man-made and easy to follow. That automatically means that you don’t have to get professional equipment. You can use your everyday clothes and shoes for short trails in summertime.

However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t need any equipment at all. There are hiking trails that’ll require specific shoewear for better stability and ankle injury prevention. That specifically applies to winter months when the terrain is slippery.

Additionally, hiking is, in the majority of cases, a single-day activity. There are times when people attend multi-day hiking adventures, but they usually take a couple of hours. If you’re planning a multi-day hike, you’ll need to plan your food supplies and clothing for several days. While it will be a relaxing activity, you should prepare better as it takes more time.

Hiking is more of a relaxing walk in nature, and paths usually take you through beautiful scenery that put a smile on your face. It’s a great starting point for anyone who enjoys exploring nature, but as you make progress and visit all the more accessible trails, you’ll slowly step into the trekking territory.

Trekking

Trekking is a more challenging walk in nature. After spending some time hiking with your friends, you can move on to trekking if you have enough equipment. Trekking adventures usually last for multiple days and don’t follow a man-made path. There’s much more liberty with trekking as the participants get to go off the beaten path and explore untouched nature.

During the multi-day journey, trekking adventurers change their bases. Their route takes them to a particular destination, and they take rest in different places. Hikers return to the base or go back home once they finish the hike. That’s a big difference, especially when you consider that some trekking journeys offer no accommodation. In those cases, the participants build a camp where they spend the night.

Therefore, you’ll need plenty of equipment to go through the whole journey without any hiccups.

Overall, trekking can be much more physically demanding. It’s not just about the movement speed but the sheer length of a trek and its environment. An excellent example of how demanding a trek can be is the Nort Pole one that takes over 40 days to complete.

Therefore, starting with hiking is the perfect introduction to trekking.

Which One is Right for You?

As you can tell, the differences come down to the length of the journey, its difficulty and equipment requirements. If you’re thinking about which way to go, hiking is a better option that’ll ease you in the trekking world. After exploring various hiking trails for a couple of months, or even a year, you’ll have a much better idea of what to expect on your first trek.

The difficulty doesn’t stop with trekking. As you start exploring more challenging terrains, you can always move to mountaineering—the most demanding type of nature exploration.

How To Choose the Right Sport for You

Anyone who practices some kind of sport knows that there no matter how much you like the activity, there are good days and then, there are bad days. The truth is, that whichever sport you like if you want to do it right then you should expect that there will be days when it will be very energy-demanding. 

However, not all people know what sport is the right one for them. They decide that they want to increase the level of physical activity in their life, but they are not sure what they need to start practising. So, if you are one of those people, and you are having a hard time picking the right sports discipline for your daily schedule, then read the tips below that might guide you to the solution you need.

Are You A Team Player

One of the first questions that you need to answer when choosing the right sport for you is whether or not you are a team player.

Some people deliver better results when they know that there are others that they can rely on. On the other hand, there are some people who thrive when they are on their own. Therefore, depending on which of these two types you are you can choose between individual or team sports. If you like playing by yourself (with just an opponent on the other side) you can opt for tennis or boxing. But if you prefer team activities, then you can consider basketball, soccer, or even hockey. 

Do You Like Outdoor Activities

Another thing that you can take into consideration is if you prefer outdoor or indoor activities. Luckily, there are some sports that can be practised in both outdoor courts or fields, or in an indoor arena. Fans of outdoor activities can always think about taking up cycling or hiking. What is more, they can practice these activities during most part of the year, and use special equipment like a home bike or stepper when weather conditions are poor. Additionally, if you enjoy indoor activities more, you can look for a nearby club or sports centre and see which sports you can practise. It’s very likely that you will find a place where you can practice sports like basketball, volleyball, boxing, or even fencing and mini soccer.

What Is Your Goal When It Comes to Physical Activities

The last question that you need to ask yourself is what are you trying to achieve with the sports activity that you want to practice. For some people, the sports activity is just a reason to hang out with their friends. Others want to relax and unwind in the great outdoors. And after answering all of these questions, you will find the perfect sport for you. 

Nutrition Facts: Are Carbs Really All That Bad for You?

Nutritional science is highly debated when it comes to carb intake. Just as fat was once blamed for causing weight gain, heart disease, and various other ills, carbs are now accused of causing the same. In truth, junk food tends to be very high in carbs, especially refined carbs, which is why a low-carb diet can be very beneficial, particularly for people with weight loss problems, diabetes, and other conditions. It should be noted that not all carb sources are the same. Below are some reasons why you should not fear carbs in general.

Carbohydrates Provide Energy 

There is a correlation between the ratio of beneficial to harmful gut bacteria and your risk for a wide range of physical and psychological illnesses. The beneficial bacteria in your gut need carbs for energy to grow. They feed mainly on soluble fibre, it turns out. Soluble fibre is found in legumes and oats, which both contain a high level of carbohydrates.

Carbs Do Not Make You Fat

Scientists once believed carbs were more likely to increase obesity risk than fat and protein. The primary cause of obesity, according to this hypothesis, is carbs. Carbs raise insulin levels, which in turn promote fat storage. Fat, carbohydrates, and protein – all nutrients that provide calories – are an effective recipes for weight gain and obesity. High-carb diets do not appear to be particularly fattening, however. A large number of studies indicate that high carb intake is not significantly related to obesity.

It’s more important what type of carbs you consume than how many carbs you consume.

Our Ancestors Preferred Carbs

It was learning to cook meat that led to early humans gaining more protein, fat, and calories. However, new research suggests that carb-rich foods like root vegetables, legumes, and even grains were also consumed by human ancestors. Hunter-gatherers would have preferred cooked carbs because they were not only more nutritious but also more appealing. Biological evidence suggests that the amylase gene was acquired by early humans as part of the process of digesting starchy carbohydrates. Interestingly, this change in DNA happened long before humans started farming. Because humans evolved into more efficient starch digesters, they can have up to 18 amylase genes copies. Additionally, the cells in your body run on glucose, which is a sugar that comes from carbohydrates. Despite its fat-adaptation, the brain needs at least 20% of its energy from carbs.

Carbohydrates Don’t Damage the Brain

It is claimed that carbs can cause brain inflammation. This claim, however, has no scientific foundation. Whole grains contain high levels of magnesium and fibre, both of which are linked with lower levels of inflammation. Whole grains, which are abundant in the Mediterranean diet, appear to slow age-related mental decline and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Added sugars and refined carbs, however, should be avoided. The poor quality of these ingredients contributes to poor quality of life, negatively affecting your health.

Gluten Intolerance Is Not That Common

Proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye are called glutens. When you cut out carbs from your diet, you also eliminate gluten. Those who suffer from celiac disease or other autoimmune diseases may need a gluten-free diet. In addition to celiac disease sufferers, gluten-free diets may also be beneficial for those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity or wheat intolerance. Studies, however, indicate that only a very small number of people report having gluten sensitivity at all. 

Smart Gadgets for Hikers and Campers

In this day and age, there’s an extensive selection of valuable products for any hobby that you can imagine. Hiking and camping are not an exception. In fact, given the range of activities it offers, you can find plenty of smart gadgets that are extremely useful in the wild.

Here’s a list of a couple of gadgets that will help you have an enjoyable, safe, and fun adventure on your hike.

Backpack With LED Lights

A good thing about LED lights is that they spend low energy. Plus, their flexibility makes it easier to implement them in all sorts of products. One of them is a LED-lit backpack. It’s the perfect addition to the equipment you’re already using. Whether you’re planning to hike during the night or not, you always have lights with you.

If you get carried away on your walk throughout the wilderness, you can always turn on your soft backpack lights and light the way for you and your friends.

Aside from hiking, this product is also helpful for camping as a light source. Don’t forget to pack several batteries so you can recharge lights if necessary.

Smart Water Bottle

Every hiking adventure is exciting, and you can easily get carried away and forget to drink water. That can quickly lead to more tiredness as your body gets dehydrated. However, you can find smart water bottles in the market that are connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth. It measures your water consumption throughout the day and reminds you to drink it.

You can count on your little partner to remind you to drink water as you have fun on your adventures.

A USB Speaker

Are you looking for a way to bring more joy on your hiking trip? Get a USB speaker for more fun. You’ll find plenty of them specifically designed for hiking conditions. Look for those who are splash-proof, shock resistant, and have plenty of battery life. You’ll have more fun while you’re walking through beautiful landscapes with memorable scenery. If you’re camping with friends, a USB speaker is a must-have. It will create a relaxed atmosphere no matter where you are.

GPS Tracker

Hiking is fun, but always remember to be cautious. To remain visible to your family and friends back at home, but to those with you, get a couple of GPS trackers. All you have to do is spread them out among friends and keep them in the backpack. If you’re going by car, place one in it. With these at hand, it’s practically impossible to get lost.

Even if you split up with your friends, you can easily track them down and continue the adventure.

Portable Burning CampStove

Are you all out of batteries? No worries, this gadget is the perfect thing to keep all your devices powered up. The BioLite’s CampStove uses fire not only to help you cook or boil water but to charge your battery. The device comes with a removable battery that you can charge.

Whenever you need to top up your phone, you can count on this little gadget. Given that it weighs 2 lbs, it’s more suitable for camping than hiking.

However, if you have a big team, one of the friends can carry it while others carry other supplies.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting Asia

Asia is a remarkable part of the world that millions of travellers visit every year. The eastern culture is vibrant with numerous traditions. Whether we’re talking about China, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand or Vietnam, there’s plenty to see and experience. However, before you pack your bags, there are several important things to consider.

Health First

Many travellers focus on planning the trip and seeing which sites they’ll visit, but the first step should be your health and safety. Going to the other side of the world is a big change for your body. You need to take all the necessary measures to prepare yourself for the local conditions. While the locals are used to the presence of particular viruses and diseases, your body is not. That’s why it’s essential to get all the necessary shots before your start your journey.

Make sure that you begin the process months before you go to Asia. The local pharmacy will need to check the vaccine supplies, and it takes time for your body to develop the antibodies. Some of the shots you should get include:

  • Hepatitis A, B, Typhoid Vaccine
  • Tetanus, polio and diphtheria Vaccine
  • Rabies and Encephalitis Vaccine
  • Yellow Fever and Malaria Vaccine

Some of these are related to particular parts of Asia. If you’re not visiting them, you won’t need to take all of the abovementioned shots. Check the requirements with your local doctor.

Research and Plan

After learning which shots you’ll have to take, use the time to research your destinations. Create a detailed plan of sights you’re planning to visit. That will be the foundation of your travel plans. You can then book accommodation and plan how much time each of these destinations is going to take. After the essentials are out of the way, it’s time to research the following:

  • Travel visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Getting the local currency
  • Prepare a map

Once you figure out all these details, there’s more to learn about the countries. Head over to online publications that specialise in travel and understand more about the culture. Knowing some customs will keep you from accidentally offending someone. Additionally, you’ll find out which are the perfect places for eating out, what are the local scams to avoid and what are some other local attractions to explore.

Remember to always have cash on you, as some rural parts of Asia don’t have ATMs. Get ready to haggle, as the locals usually overcharge foreigners.

Check the Weather

The weather in Asia can be quite tricky. It’s best to run a thorough check for the period of your stay. Use separate weather sources to get the most realistic idea of what it’s going to look like. There’s an important rule to follow — avoid the monsoon season. It lasts from June to October. During this period, the weather quickly changes and can get wet and windy.

Travelling outside this period is better for all travellers, as the chance of bad weather is lower.