Free Republic

BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom — As winter arrives, hot tea and cocoa naturally become popular drink choices with a lot of people. A new study finds drinking cocoa is not just the popular choice, it may also be the “smart” choice as well. Researchers at the University of Birmingham say consuming flavanol-rich products, such as cocoa, increases one’s mental performance. Flavanols are a group of molecules which occur naturally in fruits and vegetables. They’re a member of the plant flavonoid family and are common in cocoa, grapes, apples, tea, berries, and even wine. While previous studies reveal these molecules can improve...

A family in the US state of Idaho had quite a shock when they awoke to find a moose had fallen into their home. The animal tumbled through an unlatched window into the basement of the property in the community of Hailey, in the state of Idaho. According to the Idaho Mountain Express, the female moose spent about three hours in the house after the mishap early on Sunday morning. Wildlife officials sedated the animal before releasing it unharmed. Homeowner Julie Emerick told the Mountain Express: "She was absolutely the most polite, gracious beast that you could have in your...