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The Most Common English and American Surnames

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Surely you have ever wondered what the most common English surnames are, either out of curiosity or to use it in some type of work that requires giving Anglophone names to different people. And surely, before looking for it, you have come to mind a few “Williams” ?  “Most Common US Surnames” ?  “Taylor” ?

Well yes, those three surnames are among the most used today in English-speaking countries, but none of them is the most common of all. That honor goes to someone else who you were probably about to say: “Smith . ”

And it is that according to some of the latest studies carried out in the 6 main countries of Anglophone tradition – England, Ireland, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand- the surname “Smith” is the only one that appears within the TOP-10 of each and every one of them.

Although in fact, if it were not for the exception of Ireland, this plenary session would be repeated in the case of “Wilson” . And if in addition to Ireland, we discount Canada (where we remember French is also the official language) we have two other surnames that are among the most used in both England and the United States and on the two oceanic islands; “Jones” and “Williams” . Curious no?

Well, despite being the most used surname in English-speaking countries, “Smith” is only eighth in terms of the world ranking, behind Hispanic surnames such as ” Hernández” “González” or “García” and far of the Asians “Whang” “Zhang” or “Li”, which counting all its variants, has the honor of being the most common surname in the world. But beware, not only in eastern countries, and because of the large amount of historical immigration, it also takes the first place on the list in  Canada!

And where does “Smith” come from ? Well, the commonly accepted theory says that its origin is in the way of referring to a metal worker, that is, a blacksmith. And in turn, this would be a derivation of the old English term ” smitan “, which would come to mean in Castilian “hurt, hit.” Its correct pronunciation is like this:

The truth is that it is very common to see Anglo-Saxon surnames that come from some trade. In this video we can see some of them:

Also curious is the case of Ireland, where despite the fact that the most frequent surname of all continues to be “Murphy” , we also find “O Kelly” “O Sullivan” “O Brien” “O Connor ”“ O Ryan ” or “ O Neill ” . This “Ó” (converted into “O ” in English where there are no accents) comes from Gaelic and means “grandson or descendant of”. Also very widespread in Ireland, although less than in Scotland, would be the “Mac” and its abbreviated version “Mc”(they are exactly the same word) which would come to mean “son of”. In fact there is a curious anecdote that speaks of a group of Scots with the surname “Mac Donald” (“son of the chief”) who settled in Spain in the Middle Ages and gave rise to the Castilianized “Maldonado” .

In the same way, a very similar origin have surnames of the type “Wilson” (they are of William) “Anderson” (they are of Andrew) “Jackson” (they are of Jack) etc. But then what happens to women’s surnames?

The answer to this is found in the tradition spread throughout the Anglo-Saxon world in which the wife takes the husband’s surname at the time of marrying him (or adds it to hers) and the child receives only the father’s. What you probably did not know is that the exception to this practice can be found in Wales, where the descendant receives only the maternal surname.

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Alles rund um E-Bikes

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E-Bikes ähneln herkömmlichen Fahrrädern, verfügen jedoch über einen zusätzlichen Motor, der Sie beim Treten unterstützt. Dies ermöglicht größere Entfernungen und höhere Geschwindigkeiten, ohne sich ganz so anstrengend anzufühlen.

Elektrofahrräder sind zu einer beliebten Alternative zum Auto geworden, insbesondere bei Stadtbewohnern, die Autofahrten reduzieren möchten. Nicht nur das, sondern sie eignen sich auch hervorragend, um Fracht und Kinder durch die Stadt zu transportieren, Parkprobleme und Staus zu vermeiden und gleichzeitig der Umwelt zu helfen.

Sie sind hier, um zu bleiben

Citi Bike, ein Bike-Sharing-Programm in New York City, hat 20 Prozent seiner Flotte mit Pedalunterstützung und 35 Prozent verwenden batteriebetriebene E-Bikes.

Der Grund ist einfach: E-Bikes sind eine effektive Form der Bewegung. Studien haben gezeigt, dass sie die kardiovaskuläre Gesundheit verbessern, die Ergebnisse von Fitnesstests verbessern und sogar das psychische Wohlbefinden fördern.

Sie sind komfortabler als herkömmliche Treträder, und der Motor nimmt Berganstiege ab, so dass Sie eine längere Fahrt ohne Beschwerden genießen können.

Während e bike immer noch mit einer Prämie verbunden sind, sinken ihre Kosten stetig. Darüber hinaus sind diese Fahrräder jetzt mit besseren Materialien als Standard-Pedalräder ausgestattet, um für eine längere Nutzung zu halten und eine höhere Zuverlässigkeit zu bieten.

Sie sind einfach zu fahren

Elektrofahrräder sind benutzerfreundlich, egal ob Sie zum ersten Mal oder erfahrener Fahrer sind. In der Regel mit glatten Reifen, verstellbaren Sitzen und reaktionsschnellen Bremsen ausgestattet, die das Fahren angenehmer und weniger anstrengend für Körper und Geist machen.

Bewegung mit E-Bikes

Studien zeigen, dass bereits dreimal pro Woche für 40 Minuten E-Biken die kardiovaskuläre Fitness und den Blutzuckerspiegel verbessern können.

Sie sind eine großartige Alternative für diejenigen, die aufgrund körperlicher Probleme oder Verletzungen Schwierigkeiten haben, ihre traditionellen Fahrräder in die Pedale zu treten. Sie sind nicht nur bequem, sondern auch umweltfreundlich. Die Nutzung von Null-Emissionen und das Laden aus erneuerbaren Energiequellen macht sie zu saubereren Alternativen als Autos und öffentliche Verkehrsmittel.

Sie sind eine großartige Möglichkeit zum Pendeln

Unabhängig von Ihren Fahrfähigkeiten oder Ihrem Erfahrungsniveau kann ein E-Bike Zeit auf dem Weg zur Arbeit sparen. Je nachdem, welches Modell Sie wählen, können Sie mit einem E-Bike viel schneller beschleunigen als ohne Motor und sogar schneller Hügel erklimmen als herkömmliche Fahrräder.

Ein E-Bike für den Arbeitsweg kann eine großartige Möglichkeit sein, Bewegung in Ihr tägliches Leben zu integrieren. Da viele Amerikaner nicht jeden Tag die empfohlene Menge an körperlicher Aktivität bekommen, könnte ein E-Bike diesen zusätzlichen Schub geben, um gesund und stark zu bleiben.

Außerdem kann die Verwendung eines Elektrofahrrads für den Transport Geld sparen, da sie viel billiger zu fahren sind als Autos und kein Benzin benötigen. Darüber hinaus bieten viele Versicherungen mittlerweile Systeme für Menschen an, die mit einem E-Bike pendeln, was auf lange Sicht Einsparungen in Form von reduzierten Prämien bedeuten könnte. Deshalb steigen so viele Menschen für ihren Arbeitsweg vom Auto auf E-Bikes um.

Sie sind umweltfreundlich

E-Bikes sind ein umweltfreundliches Fortbewegungsmittel. Ihre Batterien werden mit erneuerbaren Energiequellen geladen, was bedeutet, dass sie keine Emissionen wie gasbetriebene Fahrzeuge produzieren.

Autos hingegen tragen zur Luftverschmutzung und zum Klimawandel bei, indem sie jährlich mehr als 4,6 Tonnen Kohlendioxid und andere Schadstoffe in die Atmosphäre ausstoßen.

Laut einer Studie sind Elektrofahrräder noch umweltfreundlicher als Gasautos, die aufgrund ihrer Batterieeffizienz 40 bis 140 Mal weniger Treibhausgase ausstoßen können als ihre 30-mpg-Äquivalente.

Darüber hinaus verbrauchen E-Bikes deutlich weniger Wasser für den Betrieb und sind leicht. Wenn mehr Menschen auf ein E-Bike umsteigen würden, würden wir der Umwelt einen großen Gefallen tun.

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10 Creative Uses for Adhesive Vinyl in Home Decor

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Adhesive vinyl is a versatile and popular material that is commonly used in DIY home decor projects. Thanks to its wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures, adhesive vinyl offers an easy and affordable way to add color, pattern, and style to any room in your home. 

As a result, Marketreasearch.com reports that the global self-adhesive vinyl films market has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the market being valued at US$ 4,285.99 million in 2020. The market is projected to continue growing and reach an estimated value of US$ 6,032.64 million by 2028.

One of the reasons for the popularity of adhesive vinyl in home decor is its versatility. Adhesive vinyl can be easily cut into different shapes and sizes to create custom designs, making it a popular choice for wall decals, furniture makeovers, and many more. 

Here are 10 creative uses for adhesive vinyl in home decor:

Wall Decals

Adhesive vinyl is a popular choice for creating wall decals as it can be easily cut into any shape or design. You can create custom designs using a cutting machine or purchase pre-made designs. Wall decals can be used to create a statement piece in a living room, bedroom, or nursery. They are also a great way to add a touch of personality to a rented space, as they can be easily removed without damaging the walls.

Furniture Makeovers

Adhesive vinyl is a great option for giving old furniture a fresh new look. You can use it to cover tabletops, chairs, and other furniture pieces. Solid-colored vinyl can be used to give the furniture a modern, sleek look, while patterned vinyl can add some visual interest. Adhesive vinyl is also a good choice for covering up scratches or other damage on furniture.

Window Clings

Looking to add a touch of creativity to your windows? Look no further than adhesive vinyl. Not only is it a versatile material that’s easy to cut and reposition, but it’s also the perfect choice for creating personalized window clings for any holiday or occasion. With adhesive vinyl window clings, you can showcase your unique style and add some fun and color to any room in your home or office.

 

With the ability to reduce heat gain by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows, window clings are a great option to keep your home cool and comfortable during the summer months. 

And they can also provide privacy, making them a versatile choice for any room in your home. And with modern materials like polyvinyl laminates that are water-repellent and resistant to mildew and fading, you can enjoy the benefits of window clings for years to come without the need for frequent replacements.

Faux Stained Glass

Adhesive vinyl can be used to create a faux stained glass effect on windows or glass doors. Simply cut the vinyl into small shapes and arrange them in a pattern on the glass. This is an easy and affordable way to add some color and visual interest to a room.

Backsplash

Adhesive vinyl can be used to create a temporary backsplash in a kitchen or bathroom. You can cut the vinyl into tiles and apply it to the wall. It is an excellent option for renters who want to update their kitchen or bathroom without making permanent changes. When you’re ready for a change, simply peel off the vinyl and replace it with a new design.

Floor Decals

Looking for an easy and affordable way to spice up your bathroom or kitchen floors without making a permanent change? Consider using adhesive vinyl to create temporary floor decals. It can be cut into any pattern or design you can dream up, and it offers a great way to add color and visual interest to a room.

Storage Containers

Adhesive vinyl can be used to label storage containers in a stylish and functional way. You can use vinyl lettering to label containers or create custom designs to match your home decor. This is a great option for those who want to stay organized while also adding some personal style to their home.

Picture Frames

Adhesive vinyl can be used to decorate picture frames. You can use it to create a border around a photo or to add a design to the frame itself. A plain picture frame can be easily spiced up with this easy technique.

Lampshades

Don’t let a dull lampshade cramp your style. You can easily spruce it up with a bit of adhesive vinyl magic. Get creative and design your own unique pattern, then apply it to a plain lampshade to give it a new lease on life. This is a clever way to refresh your decor without breaking the bank on a brand-new lamp.

Door Decals

Why settle for boring, unlabeled doors when you can make a statement with adhesive vinyl? With adhesive vinyl, you can create custom welcome signs or labels for your different rooms, making it easier for guests to navigate your space while also adding a unique touch to your decor.

In conclusion, adhesive vinyl is a versatile and affordable material that can be used in a wide range of DIY home decor projects. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of color to a blank wall, create a faux stained glass effect, or give old furniture a new look, adhesive vinyl is an excellent choice. With its endless possibilities and creative potential, adhesive vinyl is a must-have for any DIY home decorator.

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The Best Wildlife Encounters in Tanzania

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Tanzania is one of the most popular safari destinations in the world, with its vast and diverse wildlife populations drawing visitors from all corners of the globe. The country’s vast wilderness areas, including the world-famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, are home to an astonishing array of species, many of which can only be found in this part of Africa. If you’re planning a safari in Tanzania, here are some of the best wildlife encounters you won’t want to miss. If you are thinking about Tanzania visa then you can click here and get your problem solved within no time.

  • Witness the Great Migration

Every year, more than a million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, undertake the Great Migration across the Serengeti Plains in search of fresh grazing. This natural spectacle is one of the most incredible wildlife experiences on the planet, as the animals must navigate treacherous river crossings and evade predators along the way. The best time to see the migration in Tanzania is between December and July, when the animals are moving through the Serengeti and into the Masai Mara in neighboring Kenya.

  • Track Chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains

The Mahale Mountains National Park, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, is home to one of the largest populations of wild chimpanzees in the world. Visitors to the park can hike through the forest to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat, watching as they swing through the trees, groom each other, and communicate with a variety of vocalizations. The park is only accessible by boat or plane, adding to the feeling of remoteness and adventure.

  • See the Big Five in the Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, located just east of the Serengeti, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the most unique and breathtaking wildlife habitats on earth. The Ngorongoro Crater is a massive caldera formed by a collapsed volcano, and it now harbors a variety of wildlife, including all of the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and Cape buffalo. Visitors to the crater can take a guided tour and observe these iconic species up close and in their natural environment.

  • Observe the Tree-Climbing Lions of Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara National Park, located in northern Tanzania, is known for its diverse birdlife, including large flocks of flamingos, but it’s also home to a unique population of tree-climbing lions. These big cats have adapted to their environment by climbing up into the trees to escape the heat and avoid biting insects. Visitors to the park can watch these skilled predators perched high above the ground, looking out over the savanna below.

  • Encounter Endangered Black Rhinos in the Serengeti

The black rhinoceros is one of the most endangered species in Africa, and Tanzania is one of the few places where visitors can see them in the wild. The Serengeti National Park is home to a small population of black rhinos, which can be observed on game drives and guided walks through the bush. These magnificent animals are notoriously difficult to spot, making a sighting all the more special.

  • Explore the Selous Game Reserve by Boat

The Selous Game Reserve, located in southern Tanzania, is one of the largest protected areas in Africa, covering over 50,000 square kilometers. While many visitors to Tanzania focus on the northern parks, the Selous offers a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path safari experience, with game drives and boat safaris through the reserve’s vast wetlands. Visitors can see a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles. 

So, when planning a great holiday and looking for a good destination, Tanzania can be a good option to check out and go with. 

 

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