The AnswerBank Articles

Beginning Your Family History: Part 1

Beginning Your Family History:  Part 1. The desire to delve into the History of your family can be triggered by various events, a marriage and the joining of 2 families, a new baby bringing a new generation and new grandparents, retirement and the need to fill your leisure time, or the more challenging discoveries...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

10 Per Cent 'Think Money Is Safest Under The Mattress'

One in ten people in Britain believe that their money would be safest stowed under their mattress, according to new research. A high street building society has found that this is up almost 300 per cent in light of the recent credit crunch, reaching a high of 15 per cent in the midlands and Wales. Confidence in banks...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Pet Owners 'Confused About Insurance'

Animal owners are often unaware that there are three different types of pet insurance available, it has been claimed. A veterinary practitioner has said there is a lot of confusion surrounding the cover available. He stated: "Ringing around isn't always the best way to find the cheapest policy and clients very of...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Holiday To US State Of Georgia Could Be Top Trip For Twitchers

Many of us simply want two weeks on the beach but some would like more interest on their annual holiday. Many travel companies are now looking at incorporating wildlife into their packages. One of the most popular is a bird watching holiday; although the UK has some amazing and varied birdlife some of us want to see mo...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Tell me about the yucca plant, please

The yucca is a succulent, tree-like plant native to southern North America, Mexico and parts of the Caribbean - in other words, the hot bits! It thrives in drought and blossoms with creamy clusters01:00 Tue 23rd Jul 2002

What s the difference between a German Shepherd dog and an Alsatian

A. Parikrama asked this question recently. As incitatus and ravenhair point out, there is no difference. Q. Why does the same dog have two different names A. Basically the breed originally01:00 Mon 11th Feb 2002

How can I stop cats fouling my garden

A. apfoster has been having problems with cats using his garden as a local convenience and has been looking for suggestions on how to deter them. Thanks to andy hughes for his own insight into the01:00 Mon 24th Dec 2001

What happens to you if you are struck by lightning

asks Bronski:A. Chances are you'll survive. About 20% of all people hit by lightning will die. Men are struck four times more than women. However, this may be because they are more likely to be01:00 Mon 03rd Sep 2001

I have a very bloated tummy. What can I do to stop it

asks Stephanie: A. There are many reasons why you could have a bloated tummy. For example, it could be a symptom of a condition, such as an ovarian cyst or fibroids (growths in the uterus) both of01:00 Mon 27th Aug 2001

What is SWIFT payment

A. As with many technological terms, SWIFT is an acronym. It stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications. SWIFT is an industry-owned co-operative that supplies secure01:00 Mon 13th Aug 2001

Where is Hitler buried

A. Can't give you a definitive answer on this. There are so many contradictions and counter-claims that it's difficult to say with any certainty. However, the most probable answer is Magdeburg in01:00 Mon 30th Jul 2001

Is there any way to get rid of thread veins

asks modge: A. Thread veins - or spider veins - are tiny veins which are usually invisible in the skin. When they expand, they appear red and spidery, usually on the nose, cheeks and legs. They are01:00 Mon 16th Jul 2001

What exactly is Modernism in literature

A. It would be hard to give a precise and succinct definition of the term Modernism, as there was, unlike movements such as the Surrealists or the Futurists, no organised group and no manifesto. 01:00 Mon 25th Jun 2001

Why are magpies bad luck

A. Good question there from Nooti - and one that opens a real can of worms. This startling black and white bird is subject of many superstitions and rhymes. Q. Such as A. The 'one for sorrow'01:00 Mon 25th Jun 2001

What is the best way to kill flies in the house

A. Fly sprays are generally pretty lethal, but the pungent chemical aroma, plus the fact that many contain organo-phosphates, which have been linked to health problems, make them increasingly01:00 Tue 19th Jun 2001

How much do soap stars earn

A. Big name soap stars can earn up to 170,000 a year. Many stars can boost their earnings with guest appearances or after-dinner speaking, and most channels pay their stars while on holiday and a01:00 Mon 18th Jun 2001

How do I get rid of a spotty back and what causes it

asks Ginapons: A. A spotty back is caused by inflammation of the sebaceous glands (the glands that produce oil). Q. What triggers it A. Experts believe that there are a few triggers, including01:00 Mon 11th Jun 2001

What is the best time to visit Mauritius

Asks katiek A. The busiest time to visit is at Christmas and New Year when tourists from colder climates descend upon this island in the Indian Ocean. January-April is the hottest time of year, and01:00 Mon 30th Apr 2001

Q. Why do Australians call the British "Poms"

asks Sue:A. Whether it's Pom, Pommy or Pommie, this is a term Australians and New Zealanders use for the English, sometimes affectionately and sometimes not. It's most evident when it comes to cricket01:00 Mon 09th Apr 2001

Why don't penguins' feet freeze

This is an intriguing question posed by Henryn. Read The Answerbank's in depth discussion below or click here to see Homer's answer. Q. What adaptations have penguins made to keep their feet from01:00 Mon 26th Mar 2001