Author: Beth Anne Macaluso

After a year and a half of televised shouting matches and incessant attack ads, it’s easy to forget that a civilized political discourse is possible. Doing your best to rise above the fray? Nineteenth century etiquette experts were full of (surprisingly) timeless pieces of advice for discussing issues with friends, colleagues, and family members. Keep this list handy while you wait for the returns, and remember: Politics can get ugly, but the drawing room conversation doesn’t have to.

1. EDUCATE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH.

“It is very needful for one who desires to talk well, not only to be well acquainted with the current news, and modern and ancient literature of his language, but also with the historical events of the past and present of all countries. He must not have a confused idea of dates and history, but be able to give a clear account, not only of the chief events of the recent Rebellion, but also of those of the Revolutions of the past century, and of the period of the Roman Empire, its rise and fall, and of the various important events which have occurred in England, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Turkey, and Russia.”

— From Daisy Eyebright’s A Manual of Etiquette With Hints on Politeness and Good Breeding, 1873

2. KNOW WHERE YOU STAND …

“Retain, if you will, a fixed political opinion, yet do not parade it upon all occasions, and, above all, do not endeavor to force others to agree with you. Listen calmly to their ideas upon the same subjects, and if you cannot agree, differ politely, and while your opponent may set you down as a bad politician, let him be obliged to admit that you are a gentleman.”

— From Cecil B. Hartley’s A Gentleman’s Guide to Etiquette, 1875

3. … BUT DON’T BE A KNOW-IT-ALL.

“Never, when advancing an opinion, assert positively that a thing ‘is so,’ but give your opinion as an opinion. Say, ‘I think this is so,’ or, ‘these are my views,’ but remember that your companion may be better informed upon the subject under discussion, or, where it is a mere matter of taste or feeling, do not expect that all the world will feel exactly as you do.”

— From Florence Hartley’s The Ladies’ Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness, 1860

4. ESPECIALLY NOT AT PARTIES.

“A man is sure to show his good or bad breeding the instant he opens his mouth to talk in company … The ground is common to all, and no one has a right to monopolize any part of it for his own particular opinions, in politics or religion. No one is there to make proselytes, but every one has been invited, to be agreeable and to please.”

— From Arthur Martine’s Martine’s Hand-Book of Etiquette and Guide to True Politeness, 1866

5. KNOW WHEN TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT.

“Whenever the lady or gentleman with whom you are discussing a point, whether of love, war, science or politics, begins to sophisticate, drop the subject instantly. Your adversary either wants the ability to maintain his opinion … or he wants the still more useful ability to yield the point with unaffected grace and good humor; or what is also possible, his vanity is in some way engaged in defending views on which he may probably have acted, so that to demolish his opinions is perhaps to reprove his conduct, and no well-bred man goes into society for the purpose of sermonizing.”

— From Martine’s Hand-Book of Etiquette and Guide to True Politeness

6. KEEP YOUR COOL, TOO.

“Even if convinced that your opponent is utterly wrong, yield gracefully, decline further discussion, or dexterously turn the conversation, but do not obstinately defend your own opinion until you become angry … Many there are who, giving their opinion, not as an opinion but as a law, will defend their position by such phrases, as: ‘Well, if I were president or governor, I would,’ — and while by the warmth of their argument they prove that they are utterly unable to govern their own temper, they will endeavor to persuade you that they are perfectly competent to take charge of the government of the nation.”

— From A Gentleman’s Guide to Etiquette

7. AND DEFINITELY DON’T TAKE SIDES.

“In a dispute, if you cannot reconcile the parties, withdraw from them. You will surely make one enemy, perhaps two, by taking either side, in an argument when the speakers have lost their temper.”

— From A Gentleman’s Guide to Etiquette

8. TRY NOT TO CRITICIZE POLITICIANS … IF THERE ARE POLITICIANS PRESENT.

“It is bad manners to satirize lawyers in the presence of lawyers, or doctors in the presence of one of that calling, and so of all the professions. Nor should you rail against bribery and corruption in the presence of politicians … or members of Congress, as they will have good reason to suppose that you are hinting at them.”

— From Martine’s Hand-Book of Etiquette and Guide to True Politeness

Do you like beer? How about fun facts? If you answered “yes!” to either of those questions, we have some good news: mental_floss is now on Untappd. We’ll be using it to share trivia about the history and science of your favorite stouts, lagers, IPAs, and more.

For example: Did you know that Cenosillicaphobia is the fear of an empty glass? Or that the victor in Finland’s Wife Carrying World Championship wins his spouse’s weight in beer?

Add us as a friend here (we promise we’ll accept!) to learn more about what we’re sampling this afternoon. Not yet an Untappd member? Consider signing up here. Cheers!

Whether you savor the extra sunlight in the summer or dread the jarring time jump, Daylight Saving Time is inevitable (at least in most parts of the country). Here are 10 things you should know before making the biannual change.

1. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN WAS HALF JOKING WHEN HE SUGGESTED IT.

More than a century before Daylight Saving Time (DST) was adopted by any major country, Benjamin Franklin proposed a similar concept in a satirical essay. In the piece, published in 1784, he argued:

All the difficulty will be in the first two or three days; after which the reformation will be as natural and easy as the present irregularity […] Oblige a man to rise at four in the morning, and it is more than probable he will go willingly to bed at eight in the evening; and, having had eight hours sleep, he will rise more willingly at four in the morning following.

In one prophetic passage, he pitched the idea as a money-saver (though at the time people would have been conserving candle wax rather than electricity). To enforce the out-there plan Franklin suggested taxing shutters, rationing candles, banning non-emergency coach travel after dark, and firing cannons at sunrise to rouse late-sleepers. While his essay clearly brought up some practical points, Franklin may have originally written it as an excuse to poke fun at the French for being lazy. He wrote that the amount of sunlight that goes wasted each morning would likely come as a shock to readers who “have never seen any signs of sunshine before noon.”

2. OFFICIAL CREDIT FOR THE IDEA GOES TO A BUG COLLECTOR.

The first serious case for DST came from a peculiar place. While working at a post office by day, an etymologist who did most of his bug hunting at night soon became frustrated by how early the sun set during the summer months. He reasoned that springing the clocks forward would allow more daylight for bug collecting—along with other evening activities. The clocks could be switched back in the winter when people (and bugs) were less likely to be found outdoors.

When the idea was proposed to a scientific society in New Zealand in 1895 it was panned for being pointless and overly complicated. Just two decades later, Daylight Saving Time would begin its spread across the developed world.

3. WWI PUSHED DAYLIGHT SAVING INTO LAW.

In 1916, Germany became the first country to officially adopt Daylight Saving Time. It was born out of an effort to conserve coal during World War I, and Britain, along with many other European nations, was quick to follow the Germans’ lead. It wasn’t until 1918 that the time change spread to the U.S. A year after entering the war, America began practicing DST as an electricity-saving measure. Most countries, including the U.S., ceased official observation of the switch following wartime. Until, that is …

4. IT GAINED RENEWED POPULARITY DURING THE ENERGY CRISIS.

The U.S. reconsidered DST in the 1970s, when, once again, the argument pivoted back to energy conservation. The oil embargo of 1973 had kicked off a nationwide energy crisis and the government was looking for ways to reduce public consumption. Daylight Saving Time was imposed in the beginning of 1974 to save energy in the winter months. Not everyone was enthusiastic about the change: Some of the harshest critics were parents suddenly forced to send their children to school before sunrise.

5. IT MAY ACTUALLY BE AN ENERGY WASTER.

Despite Daylight Saving Time’s origins as an energy saving strategy, research suggests it might actually be hurting the cause. One 2008 study conducted in Indiana found that the statewide implementation of DST two years earlier had boosted overall energy consumption by one percent. While it’s true that changing the clocks can save residents money on lighting, the cost of heating and air conditioning tends to go up. That extra hour of daylight is only beneficial when people are willing to go outside to enjoy it.

6. IT’S ALSO A HEALTH HAZARD.

Even if DST was good for your energy bill, that wouldn’t negate the adverse impact it can have on human health. Numerous studies show that the extra hour of sleep we lose by springing ahead can affect us in dangerous ways. An increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and susceptibility to illness have all been linked to the time change.

7. BUT THERE ARE SOME BENEFITS.

Though people love to complain about it, Daylight Saving Time isn’t all bad news. One notable benefit of the change is a decrease in crime. According to one study published in 2015, daily incidents of robbery dropped by seven percent following the start of DST in the spring. This number was heavily skewed by a 27 percent dip in robberies during the well-lit evening hours.

8. IT’S NOT OBSERVED NATIONWIDE.

DST has been widely accepted across the country, but it’s still not mandated by federal law. U.S. residents resistant to springing forward and falling back each year might consider moving to Arizona. The state isn’t exactly desperate for extra sunlight, so every spring they skip they time jump. This leaves the Navajo Nation, which does observe the change, in a peculiar situation. The reservation is fully located within Arizona, and the smaller Hopi reservation is fully located within the Navajo Nation. The Hopi ignores DST like the rest of Arizona, making the Navajo Nation a Daylight Saving donut of sorts suspended one hour in the future for half the year.

9. IT STARTS AT 2 A.M. FOR A REASON.

Daylight Saving Time doesn’t begin at the stroke of midnight like you might expect it to. Rather, the time change is delayed until most people (hopefully) aren’t awake to notice it. By waiting until two in the morning to give or take an hour, the idea is that most workers with early shifts will still be in bed and most bars and restaurants will already be closed.

10. THE CANDY INDUSTRY LOBBIED FOR AN EXTENSION.

Until recently, losing an hour of daylight in the fall presented a problem for the candy industry. That’s because Daylight Saving Time traditionally ended on the last Sunday in October, a.k.a. before Halloween night. Intense lobbying to push back the date went on for decades. According to one report, candy lobbyists even went so far as to place tiny candy pumpkins on the seats of everyone in the senate in 1986. A law extending DST into November finally went into effect in 2007.

As the history of Daylight Saving shows, light matters—a lot. You might not be able to control what’s happening outside, but you can harness the power of light inside. Click here to see how reveal’s clean, beautiful light can transform every room of your home.

On St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, and Water Island, every coast is a museum—and every tanning session can double as a history lesson. From Cinnamon Bay to Honeymoon Beach, read on for the backstories of some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful stretches of sand.

1. CINNAMON BAY BEACH (ST. JOHN)

In the days before European settlers arrived, the U.S. Virgin Islands were occupied by two (often warring) groups known as the Caribs and the Taínos. A wealth of information about the latter has been discovered beneath the sands of Cinnamon Bay Beach on St. John. Here, archaeologists have unearthed what they believe was a Taíno temple, built at some point between 1020 and 1490 CE. Since 1998, the scenic coastline has also yielded hordes of Taíno artifacts with religious connotations, such as tiny sculptures of various deities. Other recovered objects include pots, beads, and golden discs.

2. COLUMBUS LANDING BEACH (ST. CROIX)

Thanks to the rhyme every kid learns in elementary school, the fact that Christopher Columbus supposedly “discovered” the New World in 1492 is common knowledge. But there aren’t many poems out there about the man’s three return trips. In September 1493, with 17 Spanish ships at his command, Columbus embarked upon a second expedition into the western hemisphere. This time, he came across a Caribbean island that the natives called “Ayay.” Columbus rechristened it “Santa Cruz,” though you might know this landmass better by its current name: St. Croix.

The famous explorer himself never went ashore. Instead, he sent a group of scouts to investigate the terrain. These sailors landed on a beach on the western side of Salt River Bay. In doing so, they became the only participants in one of Columbus’s voyages to ever set foot on what is now U.S. soil. Unfortunately, things quickly went downhill for the adventurous seamen. The party encountered several Taínos who’d been taken prisoner by some nearby Caribs. Columbus’s men decided to bring the natives back to the waiting ships, but en route, the Spaniards were attacked by a contingent of Caribs. Some historians maintain that this was the first documented confrontation between Europeans and Native Americans.

3. HONEYMOON BEACH (WATER ISLAND)

The United States bought St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas from Denmark in 1917. Then, in 1944, America took nearby Water Island off the Danish government’s hands for the modest price of $10,000. It was subsequently leased out by the Department of the Interior to a private developer in 1950. A terraforming visionary, the developer more or less built the landmass’ most popular attraction: Honeymoon Beach. Originally, this was a rocky patch of coastline that stretched just 50 feet in length. But under his direction, the beach was massively expanded—a process that involved removing some 200 truckloads’ worth of debris.

In 1996, Water Island was handed over to the territorial government. Today, the radically transformed land is a magnet for scuba divers, sandcastle-builders, and, yes, newlyweds.

4. THE CANEEL BAY BEACHES (ST. JOHN)

A grandson of industrialist John D. Rockefeller first laid eye on this tropical paradise in 1952. Utterly spellbound, he proceeded to purchase most of St. John and set up a resort on Caneel Bay. He couldn’t have picked a better location for this vacation spot, as the facility is surrounded by no less than seven beaches which continue to delight its guests today.

In 1956, the wealthy philanthropist gave some 5000 acres worth of land on St. John to the United States’ National Park Service (NPS). By accepting this gift, the government agreed to honor two key provisos. As per his wishes, the plot was converted into a brand new National Park—which now covers a grand total of 12,909 acres and spans multiple islands. The Caneel Bay resort, which hosts movie stars and dignitaries, is open for ten months each year.

5. LINDBERGH BAY BEACH (ST. THOMAS)

What does Charles Lindbergh have to do with the Virgin Islands, you ask? In 1927, he made history by becoming the first pilot to ever complete a solo, non-stop, transatlantic flight. Less than a year later, Lindbergh celebrated the feat by flying across Latin America, South America, and the Caribbean in an epic victory tour. On January 31, 1928, he touched down in St. Thomas, at the invitation of the then-governor. The aviator’s landing site was a golf course located on a part of the island known as Mosquito Bay. After his departure, this whole area was renamed Lindbergh Bay. Accordingly, its long, palm tree-dotted beach came to be known as the Lindbergh Bay Beach. 

6. MAGENS BAY (ST. THOMAS)

One of the most oft-visited beaches on the Virgin Islands, Magens Bay is another hotspot for Taíno artifacts. Flutes, pottery fragments, and even sculptures have all been found in the area. Presidential history buffs might also be interested to learn that John and Jackie Kennedy once went for a swim there on December 16, 1958.

7. GIBNEY BEACH (ST. JOHN)

Located on the Denis Bay peninsula, this white-sanded seashore was once the favorite vacation spot of a man who helped split the atom. In 1957, a veteran of the Manhattan Project bought two acres of nearby land and built a modest beach house for his family. Before the physicist’s untimely death in 1967, he could often be seen sailing offshore with his wife and their daughter. Sadly, his home away from home was eventually destroyed by a hurricane. At present, a government-run community center—complete with a front porch and kitchen—sits in its place.

What better way to explore the U.S. Virgin Islands’ rich history than in the Islands themselves? Learn more about the upcoming Centennial at VisitUSVI.com.

World-famous for their physical beauty, the U.S. Virgin Islands deserve equal recognition as a historian’s paradise. On this scenic corner of the globe, you’ll find everything from pre-Columbian artwork, to mighty fortresses, to a 220 year-old synagogue. Grab some sunscreen and join us on a virtual tour of the islands, their landmarks, and their truly remarkable past.

1. THE REEF BAY AND PETROGLYPH TRAILS (ST. JOHN)

With its white-sand beaches and vibrant forests, Virgin Islands National Park is a must-see for anyone who loves the outdoors. The park began as a 5000-acre plot on the island of St. John, which was donated to the US government by esteemed philanthropist, Laurance Rockefeller, in 1956. Since then, it’s expanded to encompass around 60 percent of St. John and almost all of neighboring Hassel Island. Snorkelers gravitate towards the immaculate coastlines while hikers can enjoy more than twenty wonderful trails.

One such pathway offers us a glimpse at a bygone age. Near the Reef Bay trail on St. John lies a crystal-clear pool that’s surrounded by basalt boulders, many of which are dotted with man-made etchings known as petroglyphs. These were carved by the indigenous Taino people, who once occupied Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Florida, and—of course—the Virgin Islands. The so-called Reef Bay petroglyphs were most likely created sometime between 1000 and 1490 CE, although the very oldest may date all the way back to 500 CE. The historic markings are mainly located just above the water’s surface. As such, their reflections are clearly visible in the pool, which was probably a place of great spiritual significance. Those interested in checking out the site can reach it by taking Petroglyph trail—a short, 0.3-mile offshoot of the larger Reef Bay trail.

2. THE COLUMBUS LANDING SITE (ST. CROIX)

During his second expedition to the New World, Christopher Columbus and his 17-ship fleet dropped anchor at an island that he named “Santa Cruz” (now called St. Croix) on November 14, 1493. Upon his arrival, the explorer sent a landing party ashore to investigate. Navigating down the Salt River, Columbus’s men made their way to a practically vacant village. Here, they discovered a number of Taino prisoners who’d been captured by a neighboring people known as the Carib. The Spanish rounded up these detainees and started rowing them back to their fleet when a canoe filled with Caribs crossed their path. A violent clash then broke out; in the melee, one Spaniard was fatally wounded by an arrow.

This whole incident is noteworthy for two reasons. To begin with, it is said to be the first documented skirmish between Europeans and Native Americans. Also, it represents the only occasion in which any members of a Christopher Columbus-led voyage actually walked on what is now regarded as U.S. territory. The beach that they landed upon was designated as a national landmark in 1960. Located in northern St. Croix, the site is currently a part of the Salt River Bay National Park and Ecological Preserve.

3. FORT CHRISTIAN (ST. THOMAS)

The oldest extant structure on the U.S. Virgin Islands, Fort Christian was built between 1672 and 1680. Named after Denmark’s King Christian V, its original purpose was to protect the Danish settlers on the island of St. Thomas from marauders. But this was only the first of many roles that Fort Christian would play. Over time, the establishment has been repurposed as an administrative office, a church, and, more recently, the designated prison of Charlotte Amalie, the town in which it stands. In 1976, this grand facility was converted into a museum, with an exhibit hall opening up in the former dungeon. For the past 12 years, Fort Christian has been closed to the public due to extensive renovations. However, that certainly hasn’t stopped passersby from marveling at the iconic, red, brick-walled landmark.

4. CHRISTIANSTED NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE (ST. CROIX)

By 1754, Denmark had acquired the whole of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. Together, these three landmasses formed the bulk of the Danish West Indies, a territory that was later renamed the U.S. Virgin Islands when Uncle Sam bought it in the 20th century.

Denmark’s influence is still on full display throughout Christiansted—the largest city in St. Croix. On the waterfront lies a seven-acre complex maintained by the National Parks Service. Called the Christiansted National Historic Site, it boasts five of the area’s most historic Danish structures. Let’s begin with Fort Christiansvaern. Finished in 1749, this stronghold was used to keep pirates at bay and to put down potential slave rebellions. Like Fort Christian on St. Thomas, it was eventually demilitarized; in 1878, the building was transformed into a police station and courthouse. At one point, Alexander Hamilton’s mother, Rachel Faucette Buck, was imprisoned there when her first husband accused the woman of infidelity.

Once you’ve explored the fortress, head on over to the Danish West India & Guinea Company warehouse. Chartered by the royal government in Copenhagen, this organization monopolized trade in Denmark’s Caribbean colonies from 1671 to 1755. The company was headquartered at the St. Croix warehouse, which doubled as its main storage space.

Also on-site are a wooden weighing house (wherein imports were measured), the old Danish custom house, and the Steeple Building, which was the first St. Croix church to ever be constructed by the Danes.

5. ST. THOMAS SYNAGOGUE

This is one of the oldest continuously-running synagogues on U.S. soil and the second-oldest in the western hemisphere. During the Charlotte Amalie-based Synagogue’s first seven years, its membership increased from nine to 22 families—with the majority being of Spanish descent. Over the centuries, the St. Thomas congregation has met in several different buildings. Their current venue dates back to 1833 and, although it was restored in 2000, this facility still retains its original interior woodwork. On the very same city block, you can explore 300 years of local Jewish history at the Weibel Museum. Both are open to the general public on every day but Sunday.

6. SHIPLEY’S BATTERY (HASSEL ISLAND)

Denmark’s authority in the West Indies wasn’t uncontested. When the Napoleonic Wars broke out, the Danes allied themselves with France. Naturally, this drew the ire of Great Britain. In retaliation, the UK dispatched 4000 men to occupy all of the Caribbean islands under Danish control. Overwhelmed by these forces, Denmark surrendered St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John in March 1801.

Britain reigned supreme over the West Indies for a ten-month period. A visible reminder of this brief but influential era can be found on Hassel Island. To defend St. Thomas, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Shipley oversaw the construction of a guardhouse on Hassel’s highest point. Nicknamed “Shipley’s Battery,” the structure was a C-shaped stone wall designed to house as many as five seaward-facing cannons. Its remains can still be seen in their original location today.

7. EMANCIPATION GARDEN (ST. THOMAS)

Slavery was formally abolished in the Danish West Indies on July 3, 1848, several years before it was abolished in the continental U.S. To honor the 150^th anniversary of that historic day, a commemorative garden opened in downtown Charlotte Amalie in 1998. Visitors are greeted with a Liberty Bell replica and a bronze sculpture that depicts a former slave triumphantly blowing upon a conch shell as he celebrates his newfound freedom.

There’s more to the U.S. Virgin Islands than gorgeous beaches (although they’ve got plenty of those, as well). Rich culture, delicious food, and incredible history await you, too. Click over at VisitUSVI.com for more info about the Islands’ upcoming Centennial Commemoration.

Thinking about bringing home a furry friend? While pet stores and breeders do brisk business homing dogs, there are plenty of reasons to opt for an animal that’s been rescued instead. Such as:

1. YOU’LL SAVE A LIFE.

Dogs currently housed in shelters are often faced with an unfortunate future. If they don’t find a home, they might get shuttled to another, less humane shelter—or worse. By adopting a dog, you’re ensuring he or she stands a chance at enjoying their life to the fullest.

2. THEY’VE GOT SOME TRAINING.

An animal that was once part of a family or has spent time around shelter volunteers has probably been taught some basic facts about life with people, including sitting, staying put, and where to deposit their business. By adopting a slightly older dog, you’ll be saving yourself plenty of puppy-promoted trouble.

3. THEY’RE HEALTHY.

Dogs who have been through the shelter system need to be up to date on their shots and have likely already been spayed or neutered. It doesn’t mean your dog will never have issues, but you’re more likely to be starting with a clean slate.

4. YOU CAN STILL BE PICKY.

While pet shops and breeders seem to have a wide variety of animals to choose from, so do shelters—many of which can let you search their population by age or size. 

5. THEY’RE OFTEN MORE MATURE.

Older dogs who have already expended their puppy energy are much less likely to tear into furniture or put wear on carpets. By adopting a mature animal, you’re helping preserve your living space.  

6. THERE ARE NO SURPRISES.

A new puppy—especially one from a pet store where the owners don’t know the dog’s parents—can get bigger, more (or less) personable, and might develop a personality that’s not compatible with your household. On the other hand, by rescuing an adolescent or adult animal from a shelter, its attitude will be on display from the moment you meet.

7. THEY MIGHT COME MICRO-CHIPPED.

Dogs in shelters have often been fitted for a microchip in the event they wander or become lost, which can save you both money—and grief—in the long run. One study showed that just 22 percent of lost animals without microchips were returned to their owners, while more than 52 percent of microchipped animals were.

8. YOU CAN RELAX WITH ONE.

A slightly more mature dog that isn’t bursting with energy is one that’s more likely to enjoy lazy days outside or in front of the television—which is a huge plus if you’re someone who doesn’t always have the time, or the energy, to keep up with a puppy’s activity level.

9. YOU CAN GET A PUREBRED.

It’s a common misconception that rescue shelters are the exclusive home of mixed-breed dogs. If you have your heart set on a particular type, you can find breed-specific adoption centers or take a look at a general population center: roughly 30 percent of all dogs up for adoption are purebreds.

10. YOU CAN TRY ONE OUT.

Once you accept ownership of a pet at a pet shop or breeder, it’s generally yours for life. Many shelters, however, go the extra mile to find the best fit for their animals and prospective owners and will allow you to take a dog home for a weekend to see how he or she integrates into your lifestyle. If you’d like to try something longer-term, but aren’t quite ready to adopt, consider fostering an animal from a local shelter.

11. THEY CAN HELP YOU RELAX.

Numerous studies have shown that having a canine companion can lead to increased happiness. If you’re suffering from any kind of condition requiring therapy, you might want to inquire about whether a dog could be a beneficial addition. Researchers believe that bonding with a dog can increase levels of oxytocin, a “feel good” hormone. 

12. YOU CAN ALWAYS TEACH THEM NEW TRICKS.

You don’t need a puppy in order to reinforce good habits or teach some cool party tricks. Older dogs actually have a better attention span than younger ones, making it simple to teach them behaviors that will help them better relax in your household.

13. THEY’RE GREAT WITH KIDS.

The youthful exuberance of puppies can be stimulated even further by hyperactive kids, resulting in a small tornado of energy tearing through your home. Opting for an older dog, however, means they’ve probably already gotten used to having little people around and won’t be influenced—or annoyed—by enthusiastic human playmates.

14. THEY CAN BE GRATEFUL.

Okay, so we have no hard science to back this up. But after spending weeks, months, or even years in a cramped cage, a dog that’s brought home to an open living space and a yard is probably going to experience some post-shelter euphoria.

15. YOU’LL BE A SOCIAL MEDIA HERO.

Selfies with your rescue dog: priceless.

Looking for an insurance company as loyal as your canine companion? Consider switching to GEICO. Their agents are available 24/7 via the GEICO app. You may even be able to save by switching.

As hot summer temperatures give way to cooler air and falling leaves, people around the world celebrate the arrival of fall. Thinking about supplementing your apple picking- and pumpkin carving-routine? Here are 15 international fall traditions you’ll want to adopt.

1. CELEBRATE YOUR ANCESTORS …

During Chuseok, a harvest festival, Koreans spend three days reuniting with family, playing games, and eating songpyeon, rice cakes with a sweet filling. Chuseok generally falls in either late September or early October, and Koreans give thanks to their ancestors by visiting their graves and offering food to their forefathers’ spirits. There are plenty of opportunities to let loose, too: people attend traditional wrestling matches, dances, and, of course, feasts.

2. … OR PRECIOUS WORKS OF ART

El Senor de los Milagros, or the Lord of Miracles, is an annual festival in which Peruvians honor a mural, Lord of Miracles. This mural of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion miraculously survived a 1687 earthquake that destroyed the rest of Lima, Peru. To this day, a huge crowd gathers to carry the mural in the streets as a way of honoring the artwork’s religious and symbolic power over destruction. Peruvians also wear purple—to honor nuns who wore purple robes—and feast on skewers of grilled meat, pastries, and pumpkin fritters.

3. HOST A BONFIRE

In 1605, a group of Catholics conspired to assassinate England’s Protestant monarch, King James I, and install a Cathlolic monarch. Guy Fawkes was a Catholic soldier participating in this conspiracy (called the Gunpowder Plot) to blow up British Parliament and kill the king. But in early November, Fawkes was caught and arrested while guarding a stockpile of gunpowder, and the plot was foiled. So every November 5, thousands of British people celebrate Guy Fawkes Night by lighting bonfires, burning effigies of Fawkes, and watching fireworks.

4. SNACK ON MOONCAKES

For thousands of years, Chinese people have celebrated the full moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival. On the 15th day of the 8th lunar month—usually sometime in September or October—people all over China light incense sticks, spend time with family, and give each other mooncakes (sweet round pastries filled with red bean or lotus seed paste). If you’re not in China but want to celebrate, look for mooncakes at your local Asian bakery.

5. SNAG A PRETZEL (OR SOME ‘WURST)

Oktoberfest is about more than drinking beer. Started in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration for a Bavarian prince and his princess, Oktoberfest has grown into an international fall festival, with events taking place every September to October in cities around the world. In Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest partiers hop between beer tents, watch parades, listen to music, play games, and munch on pretzels and authentic German sausages. No need to book a trip to Germany to get in on the action: you can probably find a smaller event in a city near you. Even vegans in Southern California can join in the revelry at a vegan Oktoberfest in Los Angeles, proving that no matter where you live (or what you eat), there’s an Oktoberfest celebration for you.

6. ATTEND A REGATTA

Every fall, Cambodians spend three days celebrating the seasonal movement of the Tonle Sap River in Phnom Penh. After heavy rains back up the river, winds cause the flow of the river to reverse, making the river flood with fish and sediment. The holiday, which usually occurs in early November, brings hundreds of thousands of people together to watch traditional boat races, dance, and set off fireworks.

7. LOAD UP ON GARLIC

On November 30, Scots pay homage to Saint Andrew, the Catholic patron saint of Scotland by eating, drinking, watching live music and dance shows, marching in parades, and attending special events at museums and parks. Because Saint Andrew is also the patron saint of other countries, such as Barbados and a handful of Eastern European nations, St. Andrew’s Day celebrations aren’t limited to the land of haggis and bagpipes. According to Romanian tradition, the night before St. Andrew’s Day should be spent downing a garlic-heavy feast; the seasoning was said to protect the eater from evil spirits.

8. GROW A MUSTACHE

In 2003, two friends in Melbourne, Australia, came up with the idea for Movember over beers. They convinced 30 friends to grow their moustaches out for the month of November to raise money for charity. The next year, almost 500 Australians participated, raising around AU$54,000 for an Aussie prostate cancer organization. Movember then spread to other countries including New Zealand, Canada, and the U.S.; to date, millions of people around the world have participated. Today, the resulting foundation raises money for men’s health issues, focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health initiatives.

9. ROAST CHESTNUTS

Don’t wait ‘til December 24 to break out the chestnuts. In Provence’s town of Collobrières, the so-called Chestnut Capital of the World, locals and visitors alike celebrate the annual chestnut harvest every October with a festival devoted to all things chestnut (think: pies, preserves, and marron glacés, or candied chestnuts). What to pair with all those nuts? A glass of the year’s newly-produced wine, of course.

10. HOLD A PROCESSION

Every November 11, Germans celebrate St. Martin’s Day, named after St. Martin of Tours, a bishop and Catholic saint who lived in the 300s CE. On this holiday, which honors St. Martin’s work with the poor, children hold handmade paper lanterns and walk down the street singing songs about the saint. After the lantern procession, both children and adults eat Weckmänner, a German pastry shaped like a gingerbread man.

11. BREAK OUT THE SKULLS

In Mexico (as well as parts of Central and South America), people honor their dead friends and relatives on the first two days of November. Although at first glance, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) may seem macabre, the festival is actually a fun (and colorful) celebration of life. Mexicans wear bright costumes, dance in parades, and decorate their homes with painted skull figurines. People also pay visits to the graves of long-gone family members, setting up altars and leaving flowers, plates of food, and trinkets as a tribute.

12. BOB FOR APPLES

Every November 1, the Welsh marked Calan Gaeaf, traditionally considered the first day of winter. The night before, however, was devoted to celebrating Nos Calan Gaeaf, or Winter’s Eve. According to legend, this was a night for the restless spirit of a tailless black sow to roam the countryside, seeking out stragglers who had yet to make it home. Before everyone tucked in for the night, however, revelers gathered around bonfires, feasted, and bobbed for apples. Unmarried women would divvy up a porridge made from nine ingredients, with a wedding ring hidden in the pot. Whoever found the ring in her bowl was said to be the next to marry.

13. RELEASE A LANTERN

Each November, Thai people celebrate Loi Krathong, a festival of light in which people release candles on small floating vessels (called krathongs) onto the water. To honor the goddess of water, Thai people offer the krathongs to rivers, lakes, ponds, and even swimming pools, in celebration of hope and light. In Bangkok, you can buy krathongs made of banana leaves, flowers, coconuts, or styrofoam, and fireworks, music, and dance performances give the annual event a festive feeling. People in northern Thailand celebrate Yi Peng, a similar event in which they release floating lanterns into the sky instead of onto the water.

14. SEEK OUT A MIRACLE

In mid-October, millions of Brazilians gather at Belém to honor a statue of Our Lady of Nazareth. The statue, which allegedly performed miracles in medieval Europe, is the center of attention at the festival, and huge crowds try to get as close as possible to it. Hoping to be blessed by the statue’s religious power, Brazilians even try to touch the rope around the statue. They ride in floats to parade the statue between cities and over a river, finally bringing Our Lady of Nazareth to a cathedral. Brazilians also celebrate with fireworks, music, and dancing.

15. LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

As India’s festival of lights, Diwali is a celebration of abundance and light over darkness. For five days in October or November, Hindu Indians (as well as Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists) light oil lamps and candles around their houses, set off colorful fireworks, design vibrant patterns of sand, and shop for gifts. They also pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, hoping for good luck and abundance in the year ahead.

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Scientists say that the Yeti is just a legend—but that hasn’t stopped adventurous cryptozoologists from jetting off to the Himalayan Mountain region in search of the beast, which has been described as a gigantic humanoid covered in shaggy fur. If you’re looking to join them, here’s some equipment you will need to stash in your rucksack before booking a plane ticket to Asia.

1. A TORCH

The Yeti is reportedly unafraid of weapons, but a torch will keep him at bay. (Plus, many people believe the creature to be peaceful, so you want to avoid hurting him unless proven otherwise.) It’s also handy to have an additional light source on hand during an outdoor expedition—especially one that keeps you warm while hiking the snowy peaks bordering Nepal, India, and Tibet.

2. A CAMERA TRAP

The Sherpa people say that the Yeti will only show itself to those who believe in its existence. If you’re still on the fence (or simply want to capture it lumbering unaware through its natural habitat), bring along a camera trap—a remotely activated camera that’s activated by infrared sensor when it detects body heat or movement. Scientists hide them in remote areas to obtain videos and pictures of rare species. Simply leave the camera trap outside, wait a few days (or even weeks), and review the footage. If you spot a muscular, 6-foot-tall creature covered in dark grey or reddish-brown hair, congratulations! You’ve spotted the Yeti—or discovered a new bear species.

3. FOOD (FOR BOTH YOU AND THE YETI)

The Nepalese believe that Yetis eat yaks or sheep, so the creature might be lured to your campsite if you leave out some meat. And since you’ll be burning plenty of calories while trekking through the snow, make sure to pack hearty nonperishables like energy bars, trail mix, dried fruit, nuts, and cheese. And don’t forget sports drinks, which will replenish your energy levels with minerals and electrolytes.

4. MEASURING TAPE

Throughout the decades, several explorers claim to have spotted mysterious sets of footprints that appeared to have been made by an ape-like creature. If you encounter any tracks in the snow, whip out a measuring tape and record their size. If they’re anywhere between 12 and 14 inches long, they could be the Yeti’s.

5. SPELUNKING GEAR

Many people believe that the Yeti spends time in mountain caves. If you’re going to engage in an impromptu spelunking adventure, be sure to stay safe by packing a helmet with a headlamp, along with other forms of protection.

6. A TENT

According to Nepalese folklore, the Yeti is nocturnal, which means you’re not going to spot him sitting top of a mountain, basking in a sunbeam mid-day. Your best bet is to camp out and search for him at night. Pack a mountaineering tent (also known as a”4-season tent”) to shield you from altitude chill, as well as a zero-degree down sleeping bag, as temperatures can dip well below zero after dark.

7. AN OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PERMIT

The rules may be slightly different today, but during the late 1950s, American diplomats in Kathmandu took rumors about the Yeti seriously enough to issue official regulations for its capture. (They were likely also looking to make easy money off hunters.) If you wanted to pursue the mythical beast, you had to pay the Nepalese government $77 for a permit. You were also prohibited from killing any Yetis (although exceptions were made for instances of self defense). Photographs were fine, but all images—and captured ape-men—had to be handed over to Nepali officials. Finally, you were not allowed to alert the media about your discovery. So before you go off searching for the Yeti, make sure to check in with national government figures to see if you need to buy a license or fill out any permission-granting paperwork.

Join the search for the Yeti with host Josh Gates on Expedition Unknown: Hunt for the Yeti, tonight at 9/8c only on Travel Channel.

Stories of the Yeti have fascinated people for centuries. A ravaging creature similar to Bigfoot, the Yeti remains one of world culture’s most enduring legends. You might not believe the bipedal monster exists, but a few eyewitness accounts could sway your opinion. Here are a few of the places the creature has been spotted.

1. THE HIMALAYAS

Many Yeti tales originate in the Himalayas, the snow-capped mountains near India. In 1925, a photographer was hiking as part of a British expedition when he saw an unusual figure more than 300 yards away. Naked, it disappeared before the man could snap a picture. Heading down, he noticed five-toed footprints in the snow—indicating a conspicuous lack of footwear considering the elements. The photographer later declared he believed what he had seen was the Yeti.

2. SIBERIA

In 2011, a team of Yeti explorers combing Siberian terrain announced they had made a startling discovery: some strands of hair and footprints they believed belonged to the creature. The hairs were found in a cave—possibly the elusive prey’s home—along with a makeshift bed. Despite a lack of conclusive evidence, tourism to the cave in the Kemerovo region soared after the announcement.

3. NEPAL

An American television program, featuring Expedition Unknown’s Josh Gates, was filming in 2007 when the production staff came across intriguing footprints near the Manju River in the Khumbu region: all were oversized. The team captured molds of the prints, and one cast now resides at a popular theme park.

4. MOUNT EVEREST

In 1951, a group of mountaineers looking to reach the summit of Mount Everest spotted a series of strange footprints in the snow more than 16,000 feet up. The prints were said to be twice as wide as a normal human’s. Using ice picks and boots to identify their scale, the crew took some of the highest-quality photographs ever released of what could be the Yeti’s tracks. The originals fetched more than $8000 during a 2014 auction.

5. SOVIET CENTRAL ASIA

In 1988, Ukrainian researchers paid a visit to the Pamir Mountains near the Afghanistan border. While there, they insisted they were roughly 100 feet away from a genuine Yeti. The creature emerged after the team had set up a camp for the night, lurking in the background before wandering away. 

6. WESTERN SIBERIA

In what remains one of the most intimate encounters with the creature reported to date, a Soviet scientist claimed in 1988 that she came face-to-face with the Yeti during a Siberian expedition. The researcher and her companions had settled into a cabin overnight when they heard a commotion. Stepping outside, they described seeing a six-foot, seven-inch creature covered in fur and sporting red eyes. Standing just 16 feet away, the beast was scared off when her dog began barking and chasing after it. 

Join the search for the Yeti with host Josh Gates on Expedition Unknown: Hunt for the Yeti, all new tonight at 9/8c only on Travel Channel.

Whether they’re said to trod through snow or skulk in swamps, stories of mysterious ape men are a common theme throughout the world. Hairy humanoid cryptids go by dozens of monikers—many have remained local legends (Skunk Ape, Yowie, Moehau aren’t exactly household names) while others have incited curiosity far beyond their supposed territories. A few mythical creatures that should sound familiar to skeptics and believers alike are the Yeti, Bigfoot, and the Abominable Snowman. While these beasts share plenty of similarities, each has a unique origin story.

Let’s start with the Yeti, the oldest legend of the bunch. Lore of a man-like beast in the Himalayas has its roots in pre-Buddhist religion. The Lepcha people recognized a supernatural “Glacier Being” as one of their hunting gods and the ruler of all the forest’s creatures. It wasn’t until later that an early version of the term “Yeti” emerged. Most experts believe it derives from a Sherpa word, possibly yeh-teh meaning “small, man-like animal” or meti meaning “bear.” The Yeti starred as the antagonist of many cautionary folk tales shared by the Sherpa people. In their legends, the creature was depicted as an apelike man who left large tracks in the snow.

The phrase Abominable Snowman appeared relatively recently, and was born out of a messy mistranslation. In 1921, a contributor to an Indian English-language newspaper interviewed explorers returning from the British Mount Everest Reconnaissance Expedition. They spoke of seeing large footprints on the mountain their guides attributed to Metoh-Kangmi. Kangmi translates to “Snowman” and Metoh to “Man-Bear”— the writer got the half of that equation right but misinterpreted metoh as “filthy.” Instead of writing “Filthy Snowman” he decided he liked the sound of “Abominable” better and the nickname stuck

“Abominable Snowman” and “Yeti” are basically different names for the same legend, but Bigfoot is a different beast altogether. Like the Yeti, Sasquatch, later dubbed “Bigfoot,” is believed to be a large, shaggy primate that walks upright like a man. The main difference between the two mythical animals is their location. While the Yeti belongs to Asia, Bigfoot is thought to be native to North America, specifically the Pacific Northwest. Tales of ape-like wild men inhabiting that region can be traced back to indigenous communities—“Sasquatch” is derived from sésquac, a Halkomelem word meaning “wild man”—but the name “Bigfoot” is a 20th century original invention.

Once again we have a creative journalist to thank for the popular title. In 1958, a man discovered large, unidentifiable footprints left near his bulldozer in Bluff Creek, California. He made a cast of the prints and got himself featured in the local paper. By this time people in the community were referring to the mysterious owner of the massive tracks as “Big Foot.” The writer of the article spelled it “Bigfoot” and the rest was history.

Despite originating thousands of miles apart, some modern-day believers suspect that the creatures belong to one species. One popular theory is that Bigfoot and the Abominable Snowman/Yeti are both Gigantopithecus, a polar bear-sized ape native to southern Asia believed to have gone extinct 300,000 years ago. While chances are slim that the species migrated to North America with its homo sapiens relatives, that hasn’t stopped many cryptozoology enthusiasts from wanting to believe.

Join the search for the Yeti with host Josh Gates on Expedition Unknown: Hunt for the Yeti, this Wednesday at 9/8c only on Travel Channel.