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Hormel Foods’ Unique Terminology: Unwanted Emails over Spam

Employees at Hormel Foods, the company known for producing canned SPAM, are encouraged to call spam emails “unwanted emails.”

Back in the 1930s, who would’ve thought that the name of a canned meat product could stir up such a fuss in the realm of the internet? Hormel Foods, famous for creating SPAM, got a raw deal during the internet surge of the 90s. The term “spam” unfortunately took on a whole new meaning – spam emails.

But, get this: the naming of these annoying, unsolicited emails didn’t emerge from the internet era. It actually comes from a 1970 Monty Python sketch. Yes, you heard it right! This sketch, which features a couple struggling to order a SPAM-free breakfast from a SPAM-saturated menu, unwittingly gave birth to the term. The relentless repetition of the word in the sketch echoed the irritating repetition of unwanted messages online.

It’s totally understandable, then, that Hormel Foods isn’t thrilled about their product’s name being synonymous with the aggravating emails that flood our inboxes. Not exactly the best kind of publicity, right?

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Unmasking the Monster: Five Facts About Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster

The Cookie Monster, a beloved figure of the popular children’s program Sesame Street, is much more than just a blue furry Muppet with a sweet tooth. Here are five intriguing facts about this iconic character that might surprise even the most dedicated fans.

1. A Sweet Illusion

Believe it or not, the cookies you see Cookie Monster indulging in aren’t cookies at all – they’re painted rice cakes. Real cookies contain grease that would damage the puppet, necessitating this clever, albeit less decadent, substitution.

2. From Munchos to Cookies

Before he found fame on Sesame Street, Cookie Monster made his debut in a different role. He appeared in three commercials for Lay’s Munchos Potato Crisps in 1969 under the name “Arnold, the Munching Monster”. Little did we know then, his munching days were far from over!

3. A Blast from the Past

Cookie Monster’s voracious appetite for cookies didn’t define him from the beginning. In a 2004 Sesame Street episode, he revealed that his original name was Sid, before he developed his infamous cookie obsession.

4. Meet Zobi, Nigeria’s Yam Monster

Sesame Street’s global influence has led to unique adaptations around the world. In Nigeria, they have their version of Cookie Monster named Zobi the Yam Monster. Since many Nigerian children don’t have access to cookies, producers gave Zobi a taste for a local staple: yams. His catchphrase? “Me eat yam!”

5. From Screen to Cyberspace

Cookie Monster’s influence extended beyond television and into the realm of cyber security. In the 1995 film Hackers, a virus named “Cookie Monster” made an appearance. This was a nod to a real-life malware program that would only halt its activities when the user typed “Oreo”.

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Memorial Day Remembered: Six Facts About This Honorable Day

Memorial Day, an American holiday dedicated to honoring the country’s fallen military personnel, carries with it a rich and poignant history. The following fascinating facts shed light on the depth and significance of this solemn day.

1. Waterloo: The Birthplace of Memorial Day

The tranquil town of Waterloo, New York is acknowledged as the origin of the Memorial Day tradition. On May 5, 1866, local businesses shuttered their doors and townsfolk gathered to adorn the resting places of soldiers with decorations. This marked the first formal observance of what would become an enduring national tradition.

2. Manila American Cemetery: The Largest Collection of American World War II Graves

The Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines holds the record for containing the greatest number of graves for U.S. personnel who lost their lives during World War II. The cemetery is the final resting place of 17,206 individuals, with 16,636 of these belonging to U.S. personnel.

3. The Dutch Tradition at the Margraten American Cemetery

Memorial Day in the Netherlands carries its own unique tradition at the American military cemetery in Margraten. Every Memorial Day, Dutch families participate in a solemn “adoption” ritual, with each family choosing a grave to honor with flowers. This touching tribute ensures that every grave in the cemetery receives a personal commemoration.

4. The Inception of Memorial Day and its Deep Roots in Civil War History

The very first Memorial Day was conceived in the wake of the American Civil War. Freed slaves, in an act of gratitude and respect, held a commemorative funeral for the Union soldiers who had fought for their liberation in 1865.

5. The Unchanging Symbol at the Vietnam Memorial Wall

The Vietnam Memorial Wall holds an indelible symbol of soldiers still missing in action (M.I.A.). Each M.I.A. soldier’s name is etched with a cross, a poignant promise that their loss is not forgotten. However, should a soldier be found, a circle is drawn around the existing cross. To this day, the memorial has no circles, a stark reminder of those yet to return.

6. A Sobering Fact about Vietnam War Casualties

During the Vietnam War, a staggering 61% of U.S troops who were killed were under 21 years of age. Many of these young men had been drafted, their lives abruptly transitioning from adolescence to the harsh realities of war.

These six facts offer just a glimpse into the depth and breadth of the history and significance of Memorial Day. As we remember those who have given their lives for our freedom, let these stories serve as a reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and youth of those we honor.

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Wealth, Education, and Federal Employment: A Snapshot of Washington D.C. and Its Suburbs

Five out of the ten richest counties in the United States are located in the suburbs of Washington D.C., within Maryland and Virginia. These counties boast a median income of approximately $134,000. Furthermore, when considering Washington D.C. alongside the fifty states, it holds the highest proportion of individuals with a college degree. Moreover, D.C. is a hub for a vast array of federal government and agency roles, inclusive of contractors. The jobs generally tend to pay well.

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Relocating for a New Job: The Dos and the Don’ts 

There are lots of dos and don’ts when it comes to moving house at any time, but if you happen to be moving house to start a new job, you might find you have a little extra stress on your plate than usual. This can make what is already a very troublesome task even harder, but by following some simple dos and don’ts, you should be able to avoid most of the pitfalls and rookie mistakes and arrive at your new job with your sanity intact. The dos: There are a lot of things you should be doing to make

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When Negligence Causes Injury: Understanding Your Legal Options

Brain injuries are, unavoidably, life-changing events. Severe injuries can amount from the most innocuous of places, with the simple act of falling running the risk of causing a traumatic injury. According to head injury charity Headway, around 350,000 people are admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury each year. A small fraction of these injuries has an unlikely cause, though: the medical professionals or practices themselves. How is this the case, and how might a patient seek legal recourse? Medical Negligence and Injury Medical negligence can occur in a number of different ways, with an extremely wide variety of

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Types of Work-Related Physical Accidents: Causes and Prevention

Whether you work in an office or on a construction site, work-related accidents can happen at any time. According to government statistics, over 500,000 workers sustained an injury at work in 2021/22, and 36.8 million days are lost due to work-related illness and accidents. This encompasses all manner of physical accidents, from falls to machinery mishaps. Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure employee safety within a work environment that meets safety requirements. Understanding work-related incidents can drastically reduce personal injuries and promote worker well-being.  Here are some of the most common causes of workplace accidents and how they can

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Investing in Reliability: Your Guide to Buying a Trusted, Long-lasting Car

Reliability is an essential quality to look for when considering a new car. If you spend a large chunk of your time talking to mechanics or waiting by the roadside for a recovery vehicle, then you’ll probably have made a bad decision. An unreliable vehicle can cause problems even when nothing has gone wrong – since you’ll spend quite a lot of your time worrying about when disaster is going to strike again. How to identify a reliable and long-lasting vehicle While there’s no foolproof way to secure a totally reliable vehicle, especially on the used market, there are a

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Uncovering the Facts About Cancun Weddings

Cancun and the Riviera Maya are both breathtakingly beautiful locations for your destination wedding. With its pristine beaches and turquoise waters, luxurious resorts and amenities, and rich cultural experiences, it’s no wonder more and more couples are choosing to tie the knot here. To learn more about these dream Cancun weddings, there are some important facts you need to know. The Allure of Riviera Cancun for Destination Weddings Pristine Beaches and Turquoise Waters The Caribbean Sea provides the perfect backdrop to your special day, with crystal-clear waters and soft white sandy beaches that will take your breath away. Imagine exchanging