Showing results by author "iMinds" in All Categories

Continue the journey of discovery with Smarty, Volume 4 by iMindsJNR. In this compilation of six diverse topics across our six junior categories, you will learn about: the life and rule of Henry VIII; the story of Roman myths; the geography and importance of Antarctica; the history of the French Revolution; the science of volcanoes and the importance of divil rights.

Hidden for centuries in the vast Peruvian jungle lies the ancient city of Machu Picchu. It is one of the finest examples of Incan architecture on the continent, preserved and unplundered by the Spanish when they invaded in the sixteenth century. It eluded the Spanish and although it has long been rediscovered, its essence is still shrouded in mystery.

The story behind D-Day begins in 1939 when Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, attacked Poland and ignited World War Two. The following year, the Germans occupied France and Western Europe and launched a vicious air war against Britain. In 1941, they invaded the Soviet Union. Seemingly unstoppable, the Nazis now held virtually all of Europe. However, by 1943, the tide had begun to turn in favor of the Allies, the forces opposed to Germany.

Learn about arbitrage with iMinds Money's insightful fast knowledge series. Arbitrage is defined as attempting to profit by exploiting price differences of identical or similar financial instruments between two or more markets. The difference between the two market prices is the profit or spread. The term is usually used to describe transaction involving financial instruments such as stock, bonds, commodities, currencies and derivatives.

When Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928, it was a lucky accident. He didn't realize at the time that penicillin would dramatically change the face of medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. Fleming was a researcher studying the natural antibacterial substances produced by the body. He had been working with the bacteria that caused boils. To study the bacteria he grew colonies of it on plates.

Learn about the Eurozone with iMinds Money's insightful fast knowledge series. The Eurozone, known officially as the Euro-area and sometimes as Euroland, is a collection of countries that have adopted the Euro as their national currency. As of 2010, 16 countries replaced their national currency with the Euro. As members of the European Union and the European Monetary Union, they have ceded control of their monetary systems to Central European Bank.

Learn about the theory of Evolution with iMindsJNR audio learning series for younger minds. Evolution is a theory which explains how life on earth developed. At its heart, it proposes that all species, including human beings, are formed by way of a gradual process of mutation from other species. According to this theory, humans are related to gorillas and reptiles because they share common ancestors.

Trade embargoes are a form of economic sanction that can be used against another nation. A trade embargo restricts trade with a nation. This may involve banning the import and export of only a few goods, such as armaments, or may encompass a wider range of goods. Embargoes are usually employed to apply pressure to a nation that has or will engage in actions undesirable to the body applying the sanction.

There's nothing like a good comeback. It's witty, snappy and completely devastating to your verbal sparring partner. But how many times have you gone completely blank when arguing with someone, only to think of the perfect comeback an hour later? More than anything, you wish you could wind back time and deliver your riposte at the perfect moment. That's l'esprit de l'escalier.

Learn about Antitrust Laws with iMinds Money's insightful fast knowledge series. Competition is an essential part of the free market. The competition between participants in the market promotes efficiency. This occurs as the supply of a product is improved to provide more attractive prices than a competitor can offer. Competition also drives innovation, as producers develop superior products and services to gain the favour of buyers.

Learn about the history of the Louvre in Paris with iMinds Travel's insightful audio-knowledge series. The Louvre is situated in the centre of France's capital city, Paris, on the northern banks of the river Seine. Although it is based in France, it contains masterpieces from most time periods and cultures throughout the world. In fact, the building that houses this incredible collection of art has an interesting history all of its own.

Christmas Day is a time of celebration for many people all around the world. Those who celebrate it see it as a joyous time. But Christmas is celebrated in many different ways in different countries. One country has a feast known as "reveillon". In another country people like to go to the beach on Christmas Day! Can you guess which countries these are?

Learn about the feeling of déjà vu with iMinds insightful audio knowledge series. When Charles Dickens wrote in his 1850 novel David Copperfield about "a feeling, that comes over us occasionally, of what we are saying and doing having been said and done before", he may well have been referring to the experience of déjà vu.

The Spanish Steps are one of the most visited destinations in the Eternal City of Rome. This graceful staircase sits like the tiers to a great amphitheatre. But rather than a stage to watch, those seated here can watch the drama and intrigue of Italian life from the safe distance of an inconspicuous spectator. People-watching is a great Italian pastime and these steps form the prime place for it in the buzzing capital of Rome.

Central Park is a haven for New Yorkers and a tourist’s paradise. Nestled among some of the tallest buildings in one of the most densely populated cities in the world, Central Park stretches out, taking up 840 acres of prime real estate. It is first and foremost an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Some may think the city was built around the park, but it is entirely man-made, a tribute to modern architecture and landscaping. And it might not exist today had the people of New York not fought for it for over 150 years.

Bondi Beach is an icon of Australian culture. This one kilometre, or 1090 yard, strip of golden sand lures thousands of tourists and locals every day with its promise of sun, sand, and exposed skin. It is Australia’s see-and-be seen spot. Here, the world sheds its clothes, waves crash, and cultures collide. Located only seven kilometres, or just over four miles, from Sydney’s business district, Bondi is known as the beach with a city built around it.

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?

Learn about the history of Buckingham Palace in London with iMinds Travel's insightful audio-knowledge series. Walking through Buckingham Gate is like stepping into an entirely different London. This is a London far removed from the hustle and bustle of the long and crowded public streets, such as Piccadilly and Regent. Hemmed in by large parks, the area surrounding this world famous palace seems almost unnaturally hushed....

Learn about your world with iMinds Specialist Series. Have a particular interest? Recognize gaps in your knowledge? iMinds Specialist works across each of our 12 categories bringing you targeted information to broaden your mind. Mystery & Conspiracy, Volume 1 covers a range of unexplained phenomena and conspiracy theories, including crop circles, the Loch Ness Monster, the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, the Dropa Stones, the curse of the Hope diamond and UFOs.

Learn about your world with iMinds Specialist Series. Have a particular interest? Recognize gaps in your knowledge? iMinds Specialist works across each of our 12 categories bringing you targeted information to broaden your mind. History Volume 1 looks at the history of the whaling industry; the context of the Boston Tea Party; the role of the Rosetta Stone in understanding language; the terror of the Barbary Pirates; the importance of the signing of the Magna Carta and more.