Showing results by author "iMinds" in All Categories

Learn about the history of the Roman Empire with iMindsJNR audio-learning series for younger minds. A powerful army, a developed system of government and great road building - this is how Rome achieved an empire! For the early part of its history Rome was ruled by kings, like most other places in the ancient world. But in 510 BC, the Romans decided they were sick of obeying powerful monarchs.

Learn about Whales with iMindsJNR audio learning series for younger minds. Whales may seem like the biggest fish in the ocean, but they're actually not fish at all. Whales and dolphins are actually mammals, just like us! In fact, we're more similar than you might think. Scientists believe that millions of years ago, whales lived on land and spent most of their time fishing in shallow water.

Learn about the evolution of Roman Myths with iMindsJNR audio learning series for younger minds. Romulus and Remus were twins who were raised by a wolf. In 753 BC they moved away from their home in Alba Longa to build a new city. But they fought over the site and name of the future city and Romulus slew Remus. Romulus then founded the city of Rome. So goes the myth which tells of the beginnings of ancient Roman culture.

Two thousand years ago the mighty Roman Empire spanned most of Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa. At its heart was the capital city of Rome, the city to which ‘all roads led’. Inside this city, the great ruins of the Colosseum are a lasting reminder of the majesty of this great empire. But the gigantic sports arena that is the Colosseum also reveals a dark side of ancient Rome. For the arena’s purpose was as a ground for gladiatorial combat. And in its wildly popular four-hundred-year history, the Colosseum would witness the deaths of thousands of humans and animals.

You may have asked yourself before now: if plants are alive, why don't they eat? The answer is they do eat, but not in the same way as humans and animals. Green plants, algae, and some bacteria are able to use energy from the sun as a kind of food that enables them to live and grow. The complicated process by which this happens is called photosynthesis.

Learn about the story of the infamous Guy Fawkes with iMinds insightful audio knowledge series. "Remember, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot." Guy Fawkes has been called the most famous terrorist in history for his involvement in the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. His influence is still felt today in United Kingdom where Guy Fawkes Night is still celebrated on November 5th.

Although a tiny city- state, the Vatican City boasts many cultural and religious gems in its small boundaries. It’s famous for being the smallest country in the world, at less than 50 hectares, or 120 acres. And its permanent population is less than 1000 people. But it is home to the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica, ten museums and many lush gardens! And as the world centre of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican is a place of enormous interest to pilgrims and art lovers the world over.

Learn about EBITDA with iMinds Money's insightful fast knowledge series. Traditionally, those looking to investigate the financial health and value of a company have focused on things such as net income, cash flow and revenue. In recent times, another form of financial analysis has become increasingly used by investors, debt holder and others interested in the worth of businesses. It is known as EBITDA.

Bubonic plague is widely regarded as being responsible for two of the most infamous plagues in recorded history - the Black Death in the mid-14th century and the great plague of London in 1665. The causative organism of modern-day plague was discovered independently in 1894 by two bacteriologists: the Swiss born Dr. Alexandre Yersin and Dr. Shibasaburo Kitasato from Japan.

Super robots to schoolgirls, Astroboy cute to violent realism, Pokemon to pornography. All of these different images, stories and types of entertainment, in cartoon form, can be called "anime". The term anime covers an enormous range of animation. The style is vast, steeped in history, and ever evolving.

Learn about the science of Forensics with iMinds insightful audio knowledge series. Forensics is the use of science to solve crimes. The word "forensics" comes from the Latin term "for ensis", which is closely related to the modern English word "forum". This close connection highlights the strong linkage between forensic evidence and courts - or forums - of law.

All good business ideas need some form of money in order to grow. Whether a business is brand new or still emerging, it is critical it has money to move forward. When a business starts out, money is generally invested by entrepreneurs themselves. Also, an entrepreneur’s family and friends often invest in the business. But what happens when more than the available money is needed to take a business to the next level? Who can the entrepreneur look to, to realise their dreams?

Which Roman building has been used as a military fortress, a Christian church, and a fish and vegetable market during the course of its long life? The answer is the Pantheon, whose majestic columns and magnificent dome ensure its place as one of Rome’s most impressive architectural feats. Its ability to be transformed to suit different religions and cultures has ensured it has lasted for millennia.

Learn about the history of the British Houses of Parliament in London with iMinds Travel's insightful audio knowledge series. They are one of the most iconic sights in London. Situated on the shore of the River Thames, they have become an international symbol of Britain and national systems of government. The Houses of Parliament are both a captivating building to behold and an important historical monument.

Learn about the history of Doomsday Cults with iMinds insightful knowledge series. A doomsday cult is a quasi-religious group that believe the end of the world is imminent. Doomsday cults are typically led by charismatic messiah-figures, who teach that their cult holds the secret to surviving the apocalypse. More recently the term has come to include cults who carry out acts of violence or terrorism in an attempt to bring about revolutionary change.

The Empire State Building towers above the midtown district of New York City. Its solitary spire now stands out on the city skyline, no longer matched by the twin towers of the World Trade Centre. It is once again the tallest building in the city. But it is no longer the tallest in the world, a title it held for an unmatched 40 years. Its quiet elegance reflects the functionality of its form as well as the distinctive Art Deco style. It is a symbol of American commercial ambition and it is a symbol of the American Dream.

Learn about the story of the Sundance Kid with iMinds insightful knowledge series. The last scene of George Ray Hill’s 1969 film, ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ depicts the two titular outlaws running out from a building surrounded by Bolivian officers, into a frenzied gun-battle in which they are drastically, and hopelessly, out-numbered. The final shot freezes on Sundance, played by Robert Redford, and Butch, played by Paul Newman, as they run, injured, but with their guns ready, into the fire.

In the heart of South America lies the Pantanal, the largest freshwater wetland system in the world. An area the size of France, most of the wetlands lie in the Mato Grosso region of Brazil. Often overshadowed by its more glamorous cousin The Amazon, the Pantanal actually has the greatest concentration of wildlife in the Americas. And environmentalists say it is in just as much ecological danger as any of the world’s rainforests.

Learn about the Twelve Days of Christmas with iMindsJNR audio-learning series for younger minds.

For many, Christmas is not just a time of year but a whole period of festivities. You may have heard someone say that there are twelve days of Christmas. But did you know that they refer to the days after Christmas and not the days leading up to it?

We can all be smarter - keep learning every day with iMinds Generalist Volume 6. A compilation of diverse topics across our 12 categories, in Generalist Volume 6 you will learn about the history of the Blues, the truth of the Spanish Inquisition, the phenomenon that is the Nazca Lines, the history of the Barbary Pirates, the story behind the concept of Murphy's Law, the science of REM Sleep, the mystery of the Dropa Stones, the amazing history of Route 66, the ins and outs of political lobbying, and more.